May 2015

The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church One Chevy Chase Circle Washington, DC 20015

Inside the Gateway

Worship and Music Worship Schedule for May ....................................................................... 2 Sunday School Teachers Sought ............................................................ 2 Education Open Forum Schedule ................................................................................ 3

Community Legacy Sunday ............................................................................................... 4 Children’s Musical ....................................................................................... 4 The deadline to submit articles for the June Gateway is May 20th at 9:00 a.m.

Christ our Center Children our Blessing

Justice our Passion

My husband Paul and I are consulting the maps, checking the miles and looking at the calendar. How far west will we drive this summer? We made it to the Badlands a couple of years ago, and Yellowstone isn’t that much farther. If we do make the trek, there will be many times when we will consult the large maps posted on the walls at the rest areas. We will look for Yellow-stone and for DC, and at the red “You are here” arrow. When on a journey such as this, it helps to look back and see how far we’ve come. Two years ago CCPC began a journey.

In March of 2013 the Session formally

adopted a Strategic Plan to help us

realize our Vision: To be a congrega-

tion where God is the center of our

lives; we celebrate children and equip

them with faith to meet life’s challeng-

es; and we work for justice in local and

global communities. It’s time to look

back and see how far we have come

and what lies ahead.

With much hard work, we designed a

new Sunday Morning Schedule to al-

low more time between services for

adult education and fellowship. We

have increased our children’s partici-

pation and leadership in worship.

Children lead us in the call to worship

and present the communion elements.

Our youth groups created the Lenten/Easter cross. Christian Ed-

ucation, Youth, Worship and Music, and Mission all work togeth-

er on our Seasons of Justice. In addition to all of these accom-

plishments, we have created a Youth Committee, and Inviting

and Involving Teams. We have updated our investment

strategies and financial policies so that we are realizing

greater returns.

Another goal we have been working towards calling a new Asso-ciate Pastor. The position is designed to provide for more

integration of Youth and Mission. This person will also lead our Deacons and programs of pastoral care. For a year a half our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) has been hard at work reviewing 282 resumes, conducting phone interviews and hosting people for in-person interviews. This work has hap-pened very quietly and mostly behind the scenes as it is sup-posed to.

The APNC is now ready to present a can-didate. The Session has called a congre-gational meeting for May 31, 2015 imme-diately following the 10:00 a.m. worship service. On this day the candidate will preach the sermon and the congregation will vote to confirm (or not) the call. Until that time, details about the candidate are confi-dential. Members of the APNC are very excited to present this candidate whom they believe will greatly help us realize our vision. The members are Howard Davis, Christy Schmidt, Anna Hodgson, Carl Alexander, Bill Hoffman, Cathy Klase, and Emma Fudge. We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their constant faith and commitment during this difficult process.

I have had the opportunity to interview the candidate, and we have met to get to know each other as people and colleagues. I share the APNC’s enthusiasm and am eager for you

all to meet this person. It has been a long journey and we have come very far. The road

ahead is bright with new possibilities, promises and adventures.

Let us give thanks to God as we meet the future with confidence,

faith and joy.

God’s Blessings,

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Worship Schedule

May 3 Worship: Legacy Sunday Communion Served Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert will be preaching MUSIC: 9:15 — First Service Singers 11:15 — The Chancel Choir

May 10 Worship: Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert will be preaching MUSIC: 9:15 — First Service Singers 11:15 — The Chancel Choir

May 17 Worship: Hunger Offering Received Services at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Molly Blythe Teichert will be preaching MUSIC: 9:15 — Carol, Junior and Chapel Choir recognition 11:15 — The Chancel Choir May 24 Worship: Pentecost Sunday—WEAR RED Service at 10:00 a.m. *please note new time The Rev. Lynn Jostes will be preaching MUSIC: 10:00 — The Chancel Choir

May 31 Worship—MEET THE CANDIDATE FOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR Trinity Sunday Service at 10:00 a.m. *please note new time The Candidate for Associate Pastor will be preaching MUSIC: 10:00 — The Chancel Choir 11:00 — Congregational Meeting and Picnic to Meet the Candidate for Associate Pastor

Sunday May 10, 2015 4:00 p.m. The 44th Season of Chevy Chase Concerts pre-sents The Chancel Choir and Orchestra in “Classical Masterworks by Haydn, Mendelssohn and Schubert” After brunch or before dinner on Mother’s Day is the perfect time for a concert! The program will include: Hadyn, Missa brevis Sancti Joan-nis de Deo (The Little Organ Mass) and Mendelssohn, Hear My Prayer both featuring our wonderful Assistant Director of Music and acclaimed soprano soloist Joann Moorer. Charming part songs by Franz Schubert featuring our quartet of CCPC Soloists, Joann Moorer, Tanya Coyne, Carlos Feliciano, Robert D. Bishop, and additional solo works by alto, Tanya Coyne and tenor, Carlos Feliciano will delight your ears and speak to your heart. Final-ly, included on the program is Haydn’s Organ Concerto in C Major Hob. XVIII which will be performed by Julie Vidrick Evans. Please come and bring a friend! The con-certs as always are free and a reception will follow. Happy Spring!

Summer Sunday School Teachers Sought!! We Need Your Help!!

Summer Sunday School begins on May 31 and continues through Homecoming Sunday, September 13 during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Two to three classes for young children through second grade (completed) will be availa-ble, but only with your help. Teams of teachers are needed for each age group and a simple curriculum is provided to facilitate your teaching. Please check your calendar and see which Sunday you might be able to help! The sign-up poster is posted in Chadsey Hall during Sunday Brunch and Coffee Time for your convenience. You may also con-tact Kristen Riley (202//237-8336 or kriley8@msn.com) or Lynn Jostes at the church (202/363-2202 x 22 or lynn@chevychasepc.org) for more information or to sign up for this special opportunity to teach our youngest chil-dren. Thanks for your help!!

GO GREEN: Remember, you can save a tree and sign up to receive the Gateway electronically.

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Adult Education and Nurture at CCPC

Options for Growing in Faith and Community May 2015: Sunday Mornings, 10:20 – 11:05 a.m.

Faith Trek (Meets from 10:00 – 11:05 a.m. in the Conference Room second floor of the center building, alley side) Faith Trek is a small group of CCPC adults who are curious about their faith and the world and who want to explore in the company of a circle of friends. The circle expands easily, and we would be delighted to have you join us. The group is reading Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas. Check with Margaret Chan (301/656-5034) for more information.

Open Forum (Meets from 10:20 – 11:05 a.m. in Geneva Hall, second floor, Education Building, street side). Open Fo-rum offers a forum for sharing information and discussion of a variety of topics on the intersection of faith and life. May 3 = Commemorating the Armenian Genocide. Open Forum welcomes Jane Karakashian who will ex-plain the role of the PC(USA) General Assembly in the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide which we will acknowledge on May 3 in worship. She will also talk about the history of the Armenians, their religion, their language, the Genocide of 1915, and touch upon present-day Armenians and Armenia. Her four grand-parents survived the genocide. Jane is a geographer and the niece of CCPC members Jim and Dale Kasab. At a young age she became interested in researching her Armenian ancestry, and as a geographer, enjoys studying historical maps of the region. In 1991 she went to Armenia as a volunteer with the Land and Culture Organi-zation to see the land first-hand. Jane is a Deacon at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, and she will be one of the chaperons of the joint CCPC and Saint Mark's youth group this summer to Montreat. May 10 = Understanding Cuba. What is your image of Cuba: A forbidden island paradise? Cigars and rum? Fidel Castro? A decaying Communist stronghold? To what extent is that image shaped by reality and to what extent by myth and propaganda? Join us as we welcome CCPC Elder Bill Hoffman who, as Chief Counsel to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, helped draft, interpret and enforce measures toughening and relaxing Cuban sanctions, which morphed through many goals. He'll discuss what sanctions are still in place after President Obama's dramatic but partial lifting, and what it would take to end them. Join-ing him will be Betsy Merritt and Jim Bird who have extensive experience in Cuba through the Presbyterian-Reformed Church. The humanitarian concerns may certainly be clearer than the political realities, so please come and be informed of the complexities. May 17 = Looking Ahead for Open Forum. This Sunday is the final week of the program year and Open Forum until September. Your input and participation are critical to assuring that Open Forum continues to offer a variety of relevant, interesting and timely topics for consideration by those who want to explore the intersection of faith and life. Please join the Rev. Lynn Jostes for a planning and evaluation session to ensure that your ideas and interests are considered for the 2015-2016 program year. Bring your ideas and join us! May 24 = NO CLASS until September! Our summer worship schedule begins on this Memorial Day Sunday with one service at 10:00 a.m.

The Bible in Context Class (Meets from 10:20 – 11:05 a.m. in Room 350-B, third floor, Education Building) – through May 17, 2015 The Synoptic Gospels. The first three gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, are known as the Synoptic Gos-

pels because they share a common outline of events and report many of the same parables. These gospels are

our major sources of knowledge for the life of Christ. But there are some differences between them on some of

the incidents and parables. We’re going to look at one event or parable each week as it appears in two or all

three of these Gospels. Bring your Bible and join leaders John Weicher, Dottie Boerner, and Beth Nyhus in

exploring the unique history and audience of each Gospel as well as their audience and influence. All are wel-

come!

Wednesday Bible Study The Wednesday Morning Bible Study Group is now reading the Book of Exodus. We meet twice a month in Geneva Hall on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays from 10:00 – 12:00 noon. All are welcome to join us as we continue to explore the story of the people of Israel. Contact Grace Hyslop or study leader, Lynn Jostes, for more details or to purchase a study book.

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Transportation to and from the church will be provided, if needed, for our honorees. Contact the church office (202-363-2202) or the Rev. Lynn Jostes for more information.

Come to the Picnic!!

Sunday, May 31, 2015 in Chadsey Hall and on the church grounds

following 10:00 a.m. worship Plan to join us for traditional picnic fare and lots of

good fellowship with your church family. A donation of $7 per adult (age 12 and up),

$4.00 per child (age 4-11), children age 3 and under (free)

$20.00 max per family is requested. Reservations are appreciated but not required

(so we’ll know how much food to plan.) Go to the church website (www.chevychasepc.org)

or call the church office.

Children’s Musical Sunday, April 26, the Carol, Junior, and Chapel Choirs pre-sented the "Rescue in the Night: The Story of Daniel in the

Lion's Den."

Each year we take the opportunity to recognize those women and men who have been members

of the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church for 50 years or more.

We remember and give thanks for our roots and for each person’s service to this congregation

in so many ways over the years.

This year, our recognition will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2015 during Legacy Sunday worship at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. We encourage you to congratulate our honored members

(you’ll recognize them by the flower that they’ll be wearing.) during and after worship

at a special Brunch or during Soup, Salad, Sandwiches and Sweets in Chadsey Hall.

Come celebrate and share stories!!

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The 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

In the summer of 2014, the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to recognize the Armenian Genocide, directing church leadership to “call upon the United States Pres-ident and Congress to condemn the acts as genocide.” Further, the General Assembly has called on its congregations to commemorate the Armenian Genocide in worship. Armenians are an ancient Indo-European people who have lived in the lands that are now in East-ern Turkey and the Caucasus Mountains for more than 3,000 years. Present day Armenia is now a land locked country bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Iran. There are around 10 million Armenians living in the di-

aspora on five continents. In 301 AD, Armenians became the first nation to adopt Christianity. The Armenian Church is called the Armenian Apostolic Church because the apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew brought the Gospel to Armenia. The Armenian language is a distinct Indo-European language and has its own alphabet. Enduring invasions by many groups over the centuries, it was under the Ottoman Empire (present day Turkey) where Armenians, being a Christian minority in their own homeland, were subject to persecution culminating with the Armenian Genocide, between 1915 and 1923. It is estimated that

1.6 million Armenians perished during this systematic extermination. Among the Armenians, April 24th is remembered as Martyr’s Day. The forget-me-not flower has been adopted as the official emblem of the worldwide observance of the centenary of the Armenian Geno-cide. The flower expresses the theme of eternal remembrance and is also meant to symbolize the past, present and future of the Armenian people. To this day, Turkey denies the Armenian Genocide ever happened. On May 3, 2015, the Open Forum, led

by Jane Karakashian, will give our con-

gregation the opportunity to learn more

about Armenians, the Armenian Geno-

cide, and when the acknowledgment of

the genocide by the Presbyterian Church

is such a profoundly important event.

Middle East Lecture Series Welcomes Matthew Duss May 21, 2015, 7:30 p.m. in Geneva Hall at CCPC

Matthew Duss will be our speaker at the next Middle East Lecture Series on Thursday, May 21st at 7:30 p.m. We will meet in Geneva Hall. Mr. Duss is the president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace. Previously he was a policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, where his work focused on the Middle East and U.S. national security, and director of the Center’s Middle East Progress program. His writing has appeared in numerous publications, including the Washington Post, the Los An-geles Times, the Boston Globe, the Nation, Foreign Policy, Politico, the American Prospect, and Democ-racy. He appears regularly as a commentator on radio and television. He received an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies, and a B.A. in political science from the University of Washington.

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church Christ our Center. Children our Blessing. Justice our Passion.

New Sunday Schedule Here to Stay After a one-year trial period, the church’s new Sunday morning schedule has been made permanent by the Session. The decision was based in part on the results of a church-wide survey which showed the majority of those responding preferred the new schedule. The current 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. worship schedule, which began in fall 2014 as a pilot, was a change from the former 9:30 and 11 a.m. services. The main goals were to allow more time for people to attend Christian education classes and also extend opportunities for more fellowship time between services. To assess how well the pilot was working, the Christian Education and the Worship and Music Committees conducted a 24-question survey in both online and paper versions. A total of 172 people responded. The committees also reviewed attendance figures for worship services and adult education classes. Some of key findings were: --More than half the survey respondents preferred keeping the new schedule. Fewer than 25 percent pre-ferred going back to the old schedule. --Although there had been some concern that the earlier start time for the first service would have an ad-verse impact on attendance, average worship attendance was higher in fall 2014 than in fall 2013. --41 respondents said their attendance at CCPC’s adult education programs increased as a result of pro-gramming between services. --37 percent of respondents thought the pilot schedule had improved fellowship opportunities on Sunday. Only 13 percent thought the schedule had adversely impacted fellowship. The survey also had an open-ended question that asked: “Do you have any suggestions as to what CCPC can do to enhance or enrich the Sunday morning worship experience?” A total of 43 people provided valua-ble feedback that will help the committees in their future planning. The Session agreed to revisit the schedule in approximately two years to determine whether the schedule

continues to serve the vision and needs of the church.