News Archive
Missed something on the latest news page? Here's an archive of St. Alban's happenings.
Meet the Episcopal Church’s Director of Reconciliation, Justice & Creation Care on Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day)
From SXSW in Austin to the St. Alban’s 2023 Memorial Lecture Program – “Faith and Food: A Christian Ethical Response to Food Injustice” – Saturday, April 22, 2023, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
Adult Forum "Growing Young at St. Alban's"
Lenten All-Parish Suppers and Conversations about the Cross - Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 22 & 29 - Supper from 6 to 7 p.m. in Trenbath Assembly, Discussion to Follow
St. Alban’s Directory Update
It is noteworthy that if we haven’t heard from you by April 2nd (Palm Sunday), we’ll assume that the contact information we have on file is accurate. You’ll be automatically opted-in to our digital directory.
Right now, we’re looking for volunteers to help us with this task after our 8 am, 9 am, and 11:15 am services. If you are interested, feel free to sign up here: https://bit.ly/STADirectoryUpdate. If you have any questions, please get in touch with our Director of Operations, Charles Porter, at , or our Communications Manager, Mery Montenegro, at .
For more information about Realm and our Directory update process click here.
Let’s Help Those in Need in Turkey and Syria
Reception for Jim Quigley
2023 Parish Elections - Final Results
Congratulations as well to the parishioners who have been elected to three-year terms of Vestry membership: Gloria Manzo, Anton Vanterpool, Melanie Williams, and Katie Wilson. The exceptionally strong slate of Vestry candidates recommended by the Nominating Committee also included Dustin Schade, Armis Sadri, and Amie Vandersluis. We are grateful to all the candidates for offering themselves in service to the parish.
Thanks also to everyone who participated in the Annual Meeting, whether in person or via the internet. The bilingual service that followed the meeting was an inspiring way to mark the beginning of a new year in our common life. God blesses our parish greatly through those who give faithfully and generously of their talents, energies, and resources. We all benefit from their efforts, and we are all invited to join in the work of our parish in a spirit of joyful service to God, to one another, and to the broader community.
Ted Swett - Senior Warden
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Please, signup on Sundays at the Narthex if you are interested in supporting this event. If you have any questions, please, email the Rev’d Yoimel Gonzalez Hernandez
Ash Wednesday is on February 22
We will have a service at Noon, an All Ages service at 6:00 p.m., and two services at 7:30 p.m. (one in English in the Nave and one in Spanish in Nourse Hall.) Our 6:00 p.m. All Ages service – shortened for younger attention spans, featuring more simplified language and music leadership by our Choristers – as well as the 7:30 p.m. Spanish service will be live-streamed.
Growing Young Assessment
Before completing, please keep in mind the following:
1. Take the assessment as soon as possible.
2 It is designed to be completed in 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Your responses will be incorporated into a larger report and will remain confidential.
You can complete the assessment using this link: https://bit.ly/GrowingYoungAssesment
Thanks for your support. If you have questions, you can email the Rev'd Yoimel González Hernández.
Four-Part Pre-Lenten Forum on “Loving our Neighbors: The Intersection of Faith, Human Wellbeing, and Our Relationships with Animals” – 10:15-11:00 am on Sundays, February 5, 12, 19, and 26
2023 Vestry Election Candidate Forum - Sunday, January 15, 10:15am
On Sunday, January 15, commencing at 10:15 a.m., we will hold a forum where each candidate will make a brief statement. The forum will take place in person in Nourse Hall and will also be live-streamed on our Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/2023CandidatesForum
We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to see and hear the folks who are offering themselves for service at this crucial time in our common life at St. Alban’s.
Important Reminder: If you believe that you are eligible to vote (guidelines can be found here in English and here in Spanish), don't forget to check the corrected eligible voter list, available here, to make certain that your name appears. If your name does not appear, email Charles Porter. Also, look to make certain that "NO EMAIL ON FILE" does not appear next to your name. If it does, email Charles Porter or call him at 202-363-8286, ext. 207, with an email address for you or to let us know that you do not use email, in which case, we will explore an alternate means for you to vote.
Vestry News - December 2022
The Treasurer’s monthly report revealed that pledge income fell sharply below budget for the month of November and is running 5% below budget for the year to date. On the other hand, operating expenses for the first 11 months of 2022 have come in 4% below budget. It is hoped that December pledge income will be strong, in keeping with the historical pattern. At November 30, the endowment stood at $5.25 million, having recovered modestly in line with the market from this year’s low point.
Work proceeds on the 2023 operating budget, a task that necessarily continues into January and sometimes beyond. After accepting the Treasurer’s report as submitted, the Vestry passed a resolution extending authorization for continued spending at levels approved for operations in 2022 until the 2023 budget has been finalized and approved. The Vestry also approved housing allowances elected by the Associate Rectors so as to make available to them tax benefits provided by the Internal Revenue Code.
Matt Cunningham, Co-Chair of the annual stewardship campaign, reported that as of December 14 we had raised $953,438 in 173 pledges for 2023, including 11 from first-time pledgers. These numbers compare to our goals of reaching $1,350,000 with 260 pledges and 20 new pledging households. It will take a robust response from parishioners in the closing days of the campaign to reach these goals. To that end, Vestry members were assigned parishioners to contact again from a list of past pledgers who have not yet responded to the current canvass.
The Nominating Committee, led by Rachel Colson and Lisa Garnett, recommended Katie Wilson and Anton Vanterpool be nominated to run for Vestry membership in the January 29, 2023 election along with those previously recommended – Gloria Manzo, Armis Sadri, Dustin Shade, Melanie Williams, and Amie Vandersluis. The Vestry unanimously approved these nominations and complemented the committee on the strength of the slate it has mustered. Also on the committee’s recommendation, the Vestry formalized the addition of Amanda Gilman to the Memorial Lecture Committee.
Gloria Manzo presented a written report that she and Yoimel González Hernández prepared on our Latino ministry. The Latino group within our parish includes members from many different Latin American countries. This community benefits from formation classes offered in Spanish during particular seasons of the year and has enjoyed volunteering for parish events such as the farewell celebration for Geoffrey Hoare and the Thanksgiving community dinner. Leaders of the Latino congregation are considering potential strategies for increasing the number of its participants.
Ted Cage reported on preliminary efforts undertaken by the working group charged by the Buildings and Grounds Committee with thinking through alternatives for rehabilitating the Rectory. In addition to Ted, the working group includes Stephanie Curcuru, Bob Pinkard, and Lucy Cage. The possibilities include rededicating the building for occupancy by a rector or offering it for rent to other institutions on the Close so as to generate an income stream for servicing a mortgage and funding maintenance costs. The next step is to formulate a proposed budget for the Vestry’s consideration to fund the initial professional consultations and research that would be necessary to scope out design alternatives and estimate a range of construction costs accordingly. As Ted wrote, “The committee believes that prudently spending relatively modest amounts, especially during the preconstruction phase, will allow for more informed and smarter decision-making throughout the process, will ultimately be the most cost-effective approach, and will save money in the long run.” The Vestry was favorably impressed by the report and awaits the proposed budget for planning expenses. This complex project will proceed step by step with careful deliberation and oversight at every stage.
Our Associate Rectors each updated the Vestry on their respective areas of primary responsibility. Especially notable was Jim Quigley’s observation that in this season of Advent, emotions of happiness and loneliness are both intensified and that, as a corollary, the church’s phones and emails “are filled with messages from happy people who want to volunteer and sad people seeking help.” Many pastoral visits are underway, the staff responds to emergency calls virtually every day (nearly always from non-parishioners), the WeCare network is busy serving parishioners in need, and our Stephen’s Ministry is being bolstered by three new lay ministers who have completed training, namely, Amanda Gilman, Virginia Schofield and Linda Vitella. The reopened OpShop is doing brisk business under manager Courtney Cunningham, a most welcome addition to the church staff.
In my own monthly report, I reminded Vestry members that the January 2023 Vestry and Junior Warden election will be conducted digitally. It is important, therefore, to let Charles Porter, Mery Montenegro, or me know of any parishioners who lack computer access or do not use email, so that we can make alternative arrangements for such persons to vote.
I noted that, in the course of the work upgrading the HVAC system in Satterlee Hall, it became clear several months ago that work outside of the approved budget for capital projects needed to be undertaken (1) to address mold and other damage from past water infiltration, and also certain lighting issues, in the Satterlee basement, and (2) to install new wiring and lighting fixtures in the OpShop so as to put that space in good condition for reopening. With qualified contractors already on the scene for the HVAC work, and given the need to resume OpShop operations as soon as possible, management considered the circumstances exigent and decided to issue change orders for the work and request Vestry ratification in arrears. Upon motion of the Executive Committee, the Vestry ratified the spending of $16,134 for the first of the above-mentioned categories of work and $13,889 for the second category. The Vestry also authorized charging the sum total of these expenses to the Reserve Fund, but directed the Treasurer to discuss with the president of Workers of St. Alban’s (WSA) and other representatives of WSA and clergy, as appropriate, the question of whether the Reserve Fund should recoup the amounts spent for improvements to the OpShop out of future profits of that operation.
Respectfully submitted,
Ted Swett
Senior Warden
Join Us for Christmas Services
December Grace Notes
Thanks to each of you and thanks to the many other volunteers who support the work of Parish Life at St. Alban’s.
Congratulations Anton!
Vestry News - August 2022
The monthly financial report reflected that pledge income for the first seven months of the year exceeded both the budgeted amount and results for the same period last year, despite a marked slowdown in recent months. Operating expenses for the period were in line with budget but up 4% over last year, due principally to increases in employee compensation and health insurance premiums. The endowment stood at $5.3 million at the end of July, down 16% from year-end, reflecting both the downturn in capital markets and a transfer of $214,513 to the operating account. That transfer was made pursuant to the vestry’s authorization to cover the bulk of the $300,000 gap between the projected costs of $2.3 million for the HVAC upgrade and other capital projects and the $2 million raised for those purposes in our recent capital campaign. The vestry has also approved on a one-time basis an annual draw of 6% on the endowment, if needed, compared to the normative 4%.
Geoffrey Hoare’s report touched on various gatherings and events held during the summer and on the coffee hour, his last, which will take place on September 20. Geoffrey gave thanks for the many expressions of condolence he has received upon the recent death of his mother, whom he was blessed to see in England just before her passing.
With great joy, the vestry welcomed Emily Griffin back from her sabbatical, which she described as “fabulous.” She was thankful for the welcome-home party given her by participants in the Spanish service after worship on August 14. Emily reported that through the good work of Candice Brown, Francoise LeGall, Lucy Cage and others, Godly Play/Sunday School is fully staffed for the fall season. Much work will be done to get the school and nursery spaces in shape for an Open House on September 11, which will be followed by the grand reopening of Satterlee Hall on September 16.
Yoimel González Hernández presented a letter from María Griselda Delgado del Carpio, the Bishop of Cuba, thanking St. Alban’s for monies raised in a Mustard Seed offering. Yoimel delivered those funds in person during his recent trip to visit his family on the island. He informed the vestry that preparations are underway for a previously postponed Senior Youth Group trip to the south of France next June and for a J2A pilgrimage next August. There has been a steady stream of visitors to the Spanish service, some of whom have returned. Clergy are attempting to recruit Spanish-speaking parishioners for our Roundtable leadership development program.
Senior Warden Ted Swett reported that a reception with food to honor and bid farewell to Geoffrey Hoare and his family will be held between the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services on September 25, their last Sunday at St. Alban’s. Under the guiding hands of Megan King and other parishioners experienced in pulling together parish gatherings, we hope to invite folks new to this ministry to take part in organizing and provisioning this event. Sunday School will be held as usual on September 25 so as not to disrupt participation in the early days of the program year. Ted also reported on what he hopes will be an ongoing conversation with Emily Griffin, vestry member Gloria Manzo, and others about concrete ways of supporting the Spanish service, starting with the acquisition of a cross for the worship space in Nourse Hall. Discussion of the rector search was deferred for executive session following the regular vestry meeting. The rector-search page on St. Alban’s website is being updated to report on the progress of the search.
Stephanie Curcuru, our Junior Warden, summarized various efforts and projects pertaining to buildings and grounds. Among other notable works: The property committee has turned to the question of what to do about adding space for interments and memorials, given that few niches remain available for purchase in the Columbarium. Vestry member Ted Cage is assembling a team to address the renovation of the Rectory. Much has been done to outfit refurbished Satterlee Hall to accommodate activities formerly carried out in the Rectory; new furniture and decorations are being installed through the efforts of Charles Porter and Amy Vanderslius.
Ted Swett
Senior Warden
August 24, 2022
Welcome the Strangers
Transition Planning
As the vestry carries out a careful search for our next rector, we are blessed indeed to have in place two seasoned and devoted priests to lead us with energy and purpose into the new program year and toward the next phase of our collective life together. Jim and Emily have been there before! St. Alban’s will remain in very good hands throughout.
Ted Swett, Senior Warden
Stephanie Curcuru, Junior Warden
Youth Program Kick Off
Two Forums on Systems Theory
Our Regular Worship Schedule Resumes September 11
Fall is around the corner, so it's almost time to return to our regular worship hours. In case you had forgotten, here's what our schedule will look like after Labor Day Weekend:
- 8:00 am (English) in the Church
- 9:00 am (English) in the Church, with Children's Chapel in Nourse Hall
- 11:15 am (English) in the Church
- 11:15 am (Spanish) in Nourse Hall
Rector Search Update From Our Vestry
By way of publicizing the opportunity, we have added a listing on the website of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, complementing our posting in the jobs database of the national church and our running advertisement in the Episcopal News Service. Given these resources and especially our informal network, we have determined that it will not be necessary or cost-effective to use LinkedIn as a source of referrals.
The vestry is turning now to the work of evaluating paper applications on a rolling basis, determining which candidates to interview, and preparing for those sessions. It is a busy summer, but we trust the work will bear excellent fruit.
Please direct any questions about the search to .
May God bless St. Alban’s and prosper the search for our next leader!
Ted Swett
Senior Warden
Sacred Ground
About 40 parishioners have participated in a Sacred Ground Circle at St. Alban's. In a Sacred Ground Circle, small groups gather to discuss the history of race and racism in a North American context. As our Sacred Ground Alumni discuss the next steps for them (and us), and as we continue our journey of grappling with racism, we are wondering if there are many of you who would like to begin your own journey by joining a Sacred Ground Circle this fall. If interested, please email the Rev'd Jim Quigley at You can learn more about Sacred Ground here: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground/
Rector Search - Focus Groups Update
Rector Search Focus Groups
As tools for reflection, the focus-group discussions and the survey are employing “signs” delineated by the Episcopal Diocese of Washington for ascertaining the parish’s strengths as well as areas where improvement and development seem desirable. Here are links to the Diocese’s explanation of these “Seven Signs of Parish Vitality in English and in Spanish: bit.ly/VitalSignsParishHealth.
The remaining in-person focus groups for English-speakers are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, and Sunday, May 8. They will take place in Trenbath Hall. To register for one of these in-person sessions, please visit the sign-up desk, which will be located in the narthex between the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services this Sunday.
An in-person focus group for Spanish-speakers will be held in Nourse Hall on May 15, immediately after the Spanish service.
A final focus group conducted in English will meet via Zoom at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 2. To register for the Zoom session, please send an email to , giving your name, email address, and phone number.
The Vestry strongly encourages you to participate in one of the focus groups, which allow for rich discussion. If you are unable to do so, please consider responding to the written survey, which you can access by clicking on the following link or copying and pasting this address into your browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X5NPBXZ. If you would like to complete the survey but do not use the internet, please speak to a Vestry representative at the sign-up table between the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services this Sunday, May 1.
The Common Cup: An Update from the Rector
Our Bishop has allowed us to return to offering the common cup or chalice as part of Communion, and we plan to do so beginning on Maundy Thursday (April 14) when we have a bilingual service commemorating the Institution of the Eucharist. No one needs to drink from the cup when offered, as full communion is found in either or both the bread and wine. What is not permitted is the practice of intinction, or dipping bread in the wine before consuming it. Experts say that this practice is far less healthy than drinking from a chalice that is wiped or buffed between every sip, as there are fewer germs on our lips than on our hands. I recognize that for many this will be a change to longstanding practice, but it is a prohibition that I doubt will be relaxed. I will choose to drink from the common cup as an important reminder to myself that we are all interconnected in ways we don’t realize. That said, choosing not to partake of the chalice is a perfectly legitimate decision. Your clergy respect and support you in either choice.
Vestry News - March 16, 2022
After an opening prayer recited by the Rector and a lovely meditation delivered by Carol Aschenbrener about Bishop Steven Charleston’s book The Four Vision Quests of Jesus, the Vestry’s meeting of March 16 turned to financial business. Upon motions by the Budget & Finance Committee, the Vestry first approved a budget for 2022 and then allocated an extraordinary gift among several non-recurring uses outside of the budget. The Vestry then turned to an in-depth discussion of the pros and cons of moving away under current circumstances from mandatory mask-wearing in worship and commissioned a working group to plan parish events for the near term with the goal of reinvigorating our common life.
The budget calls for $2,095,518 in revenue and an equal amount in expenses, continuing our healthy practice of balancing our annual budgets. That figure represents a significant increase over last year’s actual revenues and expenses of $1,712,172 for 2021. The increases contemplate the reopening of Satterlee Hall as we approach the fall as well as realistic cost-of-living increases in staff salaries, aligning associate rectors’ compensation with diocesan guidelines, funding the recently created position of Communications Director, covering expenses connected with our search for a new rector, and paying for necessary upgrades to computer equipment. The budget also maintains our outreach expenses at $247,000, divided in equal amounts, as has been our custom, between Christian Social Ministries and Anglican Episcopal Institutions (notably including the Bishop Walker School), on the one hand, and support for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, on the other hand. To meet all these needs, the Budget & Finance Committee recommended as prudent, and the Vestry approved, that we make a 6% draw on the Endowment this year, on a one-time basis, up from our normative 4%.
An extraordinary gift of $75,000 came in gratitude for St. Alban’s online services from a couple who no longer live in the Washington area. As recommended by the Budget & Finance Committee, the Vestry allocated this generous donation as follows: $10,000 to support Emily Griffin’s upcoming sabbatical; up to $17,500 for a study of the possibility of adding a sprinkler system to the existing fire-protection system in Satterlee Hall; $30,000 to equip Satterlee Hall with furniture for accommodating parish activities we are moving there from the Rectory; and $17,500 to provide for potential staffing needs. The Vestry also authorized our Director of Operations to enter into a contract for the sprinkler study once the Executive Committee is satisfied with the documentation of the agreement and to compensate Gary Baker at a reasonable hourly rate for his services in procuring the contract.
The discussion of our policy on masks was a lively one. Carol Ashenbrener, who is a retired physician and follows the news about the Covid pandemic very closely, summarized the currently low incidence and mortality rates associated with the virus in Washington, emerging evidence of its potential long-term health effects, and the risk that our region will experience a new surge in the disease like those now occurring in Europe and in China. It was noted that the Washington National Cathedral has recently made mask optional for services there. Almost all Vestry members as well as our Youth Representative then offered comments. What emerged was a strong consensus that the parish should adopt a mask-optional approach at this stage. The consensus, however, emphasized the need for each of us to be considerate and nonjudgmental towards those whose choice differs from our own. The Vestry also recognized that we may have to revert quickly to a mask mandate if conditions deteriorate and recommended that parishioners be forewarned of this possibility when the mandate under which we have been operating is suspended.
Vestry member Megan King has kindly agreed to head a working group tasked with coming up with a recommended set of parish gatherings aimed at revitalizing the parish’s sense of community – and fun! This planning group should include a mix of Vestry persons and other parishioners. It will need to work quickly so as to get some activities on the calendar for this spring and summer that will channel toward our church a goodly portion of the energy and enthusiasm that many people are feeling after months of being hunkered down in the pandemic. If you are interested in joining in this effort, please get in touch with Megan or with me.
Ted Swett
Senior Warden
Regarding Face Masks At St. Alban's
In line with the relaxation of CDC, city, and Diocesan guidelines, as of Sunday, March 20, face masks are now optional at St. Alban’s. Please continue to exercise good judgment and sensitivity during your time here; do not ask those who continue to wear masks why this is the case; read body language and social cues carefully and respect any wish for distance. KN95 masks will continue to be available upon request.
We know that current trends could change. Please know that we will continue to monitor both international and local metrics in COVID transmissions, hospitalizations, and deaths and will revise our policies as needed.
"Choosing Judgment or Joy: Helping People of Faith Move from Anger to Love"
The 2022 St. Alban's Endowed Memorial Lecture, Saturday, March 26
This year’s program will present renowned Roman Catholic theologian James Alison, responding to the challenge of "Choosing Judgment or Joy: Helping People of Faith Move from Anger to Love" through Scripture, reason, and our faith traditions. Join us—in person or via online streaming from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. —to explore strategies for discovering our equality of heart with potentially inconvenient others, whether one-on-one or in an increasingly divisive culture and polity. Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available for all of our Spanish speakers parishioners.
Here are some testimonials from some of the members of our Parish: Laura Ingersoll, David Brown, and Ted Swett (in Spanish.)
Click here to see the program and schedule for the day.
Advance registration is not necessary for the event, but is for the luncheon; if interested to join us, register HERE.
In Memory of Them: Anamnesis for the Rest of Us: The General Theological Seminary 2022 Paddock Lecture Series featuring Diana Butler Bass. February 15 and 16, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m
Spring Adult Enquirer’s Class, Monday evenings March 28 - May 9, 7pm, Zoom+
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC RESPONSE
March 22, 2020
We are slowly adjusting to life in the age of coronavirus. Our vestry has met via Zoom, as have enquirers’ classes, GIFT and other groups. We are slowly becoming more adept at using technology, but we live aware that it can all come to a halt when one or more of your clergy and staff have to self-quarantine.
For this week we have added music to our English liturgy posted on the website and will be adding a platform--our YouTube channel--that might work better for those of you without strong WiFi connections. We are thinking ahead as to what we can offer for Holy Week, Easter and beyond. As you know, per the Bishop's instructions we are now closed until at least May 16 unless something changes.
We are looking at financial models for ensuring our continued ability to operate going forward, making sure that our giving continues and that our people are paid.
We encourage you to support organizations in which we have been engaged but cannot serve as volunteers. They welcome financial support and in-kind donations during this challenging in-between time:
As we all adjust to these extraordinary days, please do let us know of any needs you have which your parish community can meet. We have a team of healthy volunteers ready, able and willing to help.
HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE
It looks as if we will have the minimum 20 pilgrims necessary to make our journey to the Holy Land May 21 - June 1, 2020. The Rev'd Jim Quigley and the Rev'd Luis Leon will lead the trip.
Several of us will also participate in a pre-pilgrimage to Jordan, departing the U.S. on May 18th and visiting Petra, St. Savior's School in Zarka and the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf in Salt.
We can accommodate up to 35 pilgrims for the main pilgrimage and the deadline for registration with a $500.00 deposit is Thursday, January 30th. Non-members of St. Alban's are welcome.If you are interested in learning more contact the Rev'd Jim Quigley.
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS
Our annual celebration and community dinner was full of joy and beauty, from the faces of our guests and our many volunteers to the gorgeous flowers and uplifting music and inspiring preaching that filled the sanctuary. Thank you, thank you to all who played a part, and especially to dinner organizers Tricia Pinkard, Suzy Mink and Phoebe Jane Winthrop and to our flower guild.
A selection of photos is online here. If you have any additional photos to share, please send them to Deborah Potter and she'll make sure they are posted.
PONDERING MARY
Our Advent forum series, "Waiting with Mary," brought English and Spanish-speaking parishioners together for a wonderful potluck lunch. Parishioners brought a favorite image of Mary and shared why it is meaningful to them. The images included pictures and statues from various home countries represented in our parish as well as from classical art. We've posted photos in this gallery.
Many thanks to Karina Rodriguez and the Rev'd Emily Griffin for coordinating the event.
Recordings of the forum series, which looks at Mary in the Gospels, in music and in art, are posted here as they become available.
GENEROUS GIFTS
Did you volunteer at the Op Shop or buy something there or bring in donations this year? Look at the good you did!
In 2019, WSA awarded $209,200 from Op Shop proceeds to the following 35 agencies: A Wider Circle, Calvary Women’s Services, Charlie’s Place at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Cornerstone Community, Downtown Cluster of Congregations, Downtown Cluster's Geriatric Day Care Program, Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Five Talents USA, For Love of Children, Friendship Place (Aim Hire), Hope and a Home, Hope House, Housing Up, Hyacinth’s Place, Iona Senior Services (Active Wellness Program), Joseph’s House, Jubilee Jobs, Loaves and Fishes at St. Stephen and the Incarnation, Mary House, Miriam’s Kitchen, New Endeavors by Women, Nomis Youth Network, Pregnancy Aid Centers, Project Knitwell, Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington, Seabury Resources for Aging (Age In Place), St. Philip’s Childhood Development Center, Suited for Change, The Family Place, The Lorton Art Program, The Welcome Table at The Church of the Epiphany, Thrive DC, Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International, Transition Assistance Program at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, and Voices for a Second Chance.
Thank you for your continued support of our Op Shop.
THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVINGS
The annual Thanksgiving dinner was hosted by St. Alban's this year and it was a huge success. We had 50 to -75 more people than past years for a total of 240 or so diners (so I've been told). We had blessings in Spanish, Hebrew and English by the priests and rabbi. And our guests came from a wide range in our community: from homeless people to Muslim refugees, rich to poor, Latino to Anglo, elderly to young.
Even though the bigger numbers meant we ran out of turkey at the end, it also meant we strengthened the ties in our community among disparate populations. It was wonderful to see it all in action, and I feel lucky to have spent the day with all of these folks. My day was made when a homeless man gave me a hug and told me he felt spoiled by the warm meal and hospitality, as he walked out the door with leftovers. Success... at least for a day!
Your offerings of time, food, love and prayer made it all possible. This day was a gift to many and I thank you for being a part of it all.
WELCOME, YOIMEL
Our Vestry has unanimously affirmed the call of Yoimel Gonzalez Hernandez to serve his first appointment, often styled as a ‘curacy’, with us at St. Alban’s. Yoimel is a native of Cuba, where he was in youth ministry in the Presbyterian Church. He will be ordained a Priest of this Diocese on June 15 after completing his studies at Virginia Theological Seminary. He is sponsored by St. Stephen and the Incarnation and doing his field work at St. Patrick’s, DC.
Yoimel (pronounced ‘Joimel’) will begin his ministry with us on August 1, 2019. His primary role among us will be leading our youth ministries, in addition to being pastorally available to those of our parishioners who speak only Spanish. We have developed a plan for his first three years in which he will be introduced to all aspects of parish ministry, toward the end of which he will develop some additional areas of ministry such as working with our growing group of young adults. One quarter of his time for at least the next two years will be taken and reimbursed by our Diocese, who need him to be involved in developing materials and working in the Deacon’s School.
So far Yoimel, in addition to being present at our recent Vestry meeting, has met with interview teams of Ken Patterson, Lucy Fraser, Ted Swett, Tomas Montgomery, Veronica Quiguango and Lauri Fitz-Pegado. He has also met with the J2A youth twice and some of the parents once, although not in an ‘interview’ situation. His extensive list of references, both here and in Cuba, are universally positive. One of his earliest tasks will be to join the J2A pilgrimage to Greece this summer.
CONGRATULATIONS, JO TURNER
Seabury's annual celebration of service at the National Cathedral honored our own Jo Turner as "an older adult who has made a significant impact through service and leadership." Jo's citation notes her 25 years of active service at St. Alban's and her life of "compassion and care-giving." The full text along with information about other honorees is here.
Congratulations, Jo!
WHERE'S JIM?
Our associate rector Jim Quigley is on sabbatical until the end of May. He's spending time in the Holy Land and blogging about his journey, the people he's meeting and the places he's seen. He's also sharing beautiful photos on Facebook, like this one of the Church of the Transfiguration.
You can celebrate Jim's return on Sunday, June 2. Contact Deborah Potter to contribute to the reception. And hear all about his experiences at a forum on Sunday, June 9.
NEWS FROM HOPE AND RESURRECTION SCHOOL
One of the first women graduates of Hope and Resurrection School, which St. Alban's supports, is now the school's administrator. Deborah Awut Magok is featured in this interview marking International Women's Day.
MATTHEW STEYNOR TO BE MUSIC DIRECTOR
2018 CHRISTMAS THANKS
To our community Christmas dinner helpers: Thank you to all who planned, shopped, cooked, decorated, set up, welcomed, hosted, “kitchened,” served and, best of all angels, cleaned up. We served upwards of 150 meals and sent people home with over 50 clamshells of leftovers. While all is still fresh in memory, we would appreciate your feedback: what worked; what didn’t; what we needed more, or less, of; and any comments received or observations made – yours or others’. Email Phoebe Jane. We've posted more photos here. Click any image to start a slide show, and enjoy!
Thanks, as well, to our amazing flower guild for making sure St. Alban's looked its best inside and out during the Christmas season. Flowers on the altar, the font, the pulpit and lectern, and at St. John's chapel were gorgeous. Roping and bows throughout the sanctuary, wreaths on all of our red doors--all of it came together and lasted right up to Epiphany. Did you know you can see the flower guild at work and many of its arrangements in this photo gallery? If you're interested in joining the guild, contact Katie Wilson.
TUBMAN HOLIDAY SHOW
St. Alban's members who volunteer at Harriet Tubman Elementary School got a treat in December when the children performed their annual holiday show. Joy to the world!
Located just three miles from St. Alban's, Tubman serves children from three homeless shelters and two housing projects.
Learn more about our partnership with the school and contact Tom Jansen if you'd like to get involved.
EVENSONG @ ST. ALBAN'S
St. Alban's hosted the Washington National Cathedral's weekly Choral Evensong, on Tuesday, November 14. The service featured the sublime voices of the Cathedral's Boys Choir under the direction of Brian Glosh (a St. Alban's parishioner). Our Rector Geoffrey Hoare was the officiant. Choral evensong is an enduring spiritual element of the Anglican tradition, and offers respite, contemplation and inspiration in the midst of our busy modern lives.
ROWAN WILLIAMS VISITS
On a crisp autumn morning, November 8, over a hundred people hungry for faith-understanding gathered at St. Alban’s to hear former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams speak about Christian believing and discipleship and then address thought-provoking audience questions. Parishioners have been reading two of Bishop Williams’ recent books, Being Christian and Being Disciples – slim volumes aimed at helping us work out the essentials of our faith. Since serving for a decade as primate of the Anglican Communion (2002-2012), Williams has been Master of Magdalene College at Cambridge University (alma mater of our Rector, Geoffrey Hoare), and continues to be a leader in the contemporary church’s progressive thinking, ecumenism, and interfaith reconciliation work. Listen here:
BYLAWS APPROVED
WHAT HAPPENED TO "WATER INTO WINE?"
Parishioners who are used to putting non-perishable food or items collected for our Water-into-Wine initiatives into the brown bins near St. John’s Chapel in the Nave may have discovered that the bins are no longer there. While we will still occasionally ask for donations for Water-into-Wine initiatives we will no longer be using the bins. When collections are announced, drop-off locations will be provided. In the meantime, if you have been placing non-perishable food donations in the bins, thank you! From now on, please put them in the wicker basket located in the Narthex.
THANK YOU, HEATHER
Children's Chapel has a new grand piano, a generous gift from St. Alban's member Heather Hunt, who died in September. Heather was a long-time music leader in Children's Chapel, a much-loved and cheerful presence in the lives of our youngest parishioners. Phoebe Jane played Heather's piano for the first time on Sunday, October 7, and it sounds amazing. In memory of Heather, the children came forward to touch her piano and thank her for her gift.
CELEBRATION SUNDAY
It's official! Geoffrey was formally installed as our rector on Sunday, September 16, at a glorious afternoon service. Bishop Mariann commended the Vestry's choice and affirmed the call, asking the congregation, "Are you, the people of St. Alban’s, ready to continue in your ministry, with Geoffrey as your rector?" The people responded with a loud, "We are."
The service, which also celebrated all the ministries of St. Alban's, was followed by a festive reception. Thanks to Susan Morris, who organized the party, and to all who helped to set up, contributed food and drink, served, and cleaned up.
2018 YOUTH MISSION TRIP
Seven St. Albanites spent a week in Kentucky in June, repairing homes and getting to know some of the people of Estill County. If that area sounds familiar, it's because the county is named for the Estill family; native son Bob was our Rector at one time.
The trip was our first to that area but it won't be our last. St. Alban's has a new partnership with St. Timothy's Episcopal Outreach Center and will send another team there in 2019.
Read more about the trip and what the participants say they learned on the Alban Life blog.
CONGRATULATIONS, GORDON AVERY
Celebrating the service of a longtime St. Albanite, Seabury Resources for Aging honored our own Gordon Avery at its annual "Celebration of Service" event at the National Cathedral. Each year, Seabury recognizes the contributions of older adults for extraordinary service in their church and the broader community. Dr. Avery’s years as a vestry member, junior and senior warden, choir member, lay reader, and musician at our Washington Home Sunday services are extraordinary indeed. A neonatologist, his many years at Children’s Hospital resulted in countless healthy babies. Lunch in Satterlee Hall followed the festive service at the Cathedral. Congratulate Gordon when you see him!
LIGHTING ALERT
2018 GALA SUCCESS
St. Alban's has done it again! The 2018 Gala auction set a new fundraising record, according to preliminary results. The proceeds go to three beneficiaries: Harriet Tubman School, Hope and Resurrection School (South Sudan) and Saviour's School (Jordan).
Special thanks to auction organizers Dudley Winthrop and Abby Davis, to Ken Patterson for his stellar work at the live auction, and to Emily DiBari for transforming Trenbath.
Read more in the latest Alban Life.
LENTEN READING 2018
Similar to last year, we are offering six options for Lenten reading to be taken up either by individuals or reading groups. This year’s selections (Click on the titles to learn more) include:
Suggested for Groups
- Exclusion and Embrace (300 pp) by Miroslav Volf. This won’t be a walk through the park but a compelling read, especially as Miroslav will be our guest on Friday and Saturday, March 16 &17.
- Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City (300+ pp) by Matthew Desmond. Beginning in April, Evicted will be the focus of an immersive exhibit at the National Building Museum and readers will be invited to tour the show and meet with the show’s curator, Sarah Levitt. The Evicted website includes a faith-based study guide.
- Letters and Papers from Prison ( 417 pp.) by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. As a companion to Letters and Papers, readers may also be interested in Martin E. Marty’s Letters and Papers from Prison: A Biography. In it Marty traces the history of the book, how it came to being and how it was interpreted or appropriated in different ways by groups such as Evangelicals, liberal Protestants, Catholics and Socialists.
Suggested for Individuals:
- Hanging by a Thread (72 pp.) by Samuel Wells.
- Why Suffering (50 pp) by Ian Markham.
For both Individuals and Groups:
- The Good Book Club: Reading the Gospel of Luke and Acts through Lent and Easter.
How do the Reading Groups work?
The way the reading groups work is determined by the readers themselves. After choosing the book you’d like to read, e-mail The Rev’d. Jim Quigley indicating the book you are reading/group you’d like to join. Ideal sizes for the reading groups are a 3-6 members. One or more participants from each group will act as the facilitator for their group and members can decide together how they’d like their group to work.
Books will be available for sale at church during Sunday services beginning today and during church office hours for the remainder of Lent.
THANKS FROM ST. SAVIOUR'S
John Lent, acting executive director of The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, spoke at a Sunday forum in February and sent word that St. Alban's is making a difference in the lives of children and their families at Saviour's school in Jordan, through scholarships for students from families that struggle financially, the purchase of modern Braille machines and general support of the school. "You are changing the opportunities and life trajectories for children in Zarqa," he wrote.
Lent also sent a letter from one of the teachers at St. Saviour's, who also expressed deep thanks for the Braille machine provided by St. Alban's.
ANNUAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
by Laura Ingersoll, Senior Warden
At the 2018 Annual Meeting on January 28, Geoffrey Hoare reported on the state of the parish, noting that after a vigorous “scrub” of the parish rolls we have 1,316 baptized members (including children) who have expressed a commitment to St. Alban’s. He observed that only 450 are “confirmed members” and encouraged those who are not to join an Enquirers’ Class in preparation for confirmation or, if confirmed in another denomination, reception into the Episcopal Church. Geoffrey spoke of his vision for the parish’s near future, including the music and children/youth programs and the San Albano community.
Laura Ingersoll presented the Wardens’ Report, noting particularly that a first priority of the new Vestry would be discernment – together with Geoffrey and Bishop Mariann Budde – of a potential call to Geoffrey to serve as our Rector. She invited parishioners to convey to Vestry members their views on the matter. Treasurer Hollis McLoughlin reported on the solid state of the parish financial system, the strong performance of pledges for 2018 and our investments, and the balanced budget recently passed by the Vestry. These written annual reports are available on the parish website. Parishioner Paul Brewster, a Diocesan Council member, reported on the previous day’s Diocesan Convention, noting that its main features were diversity and unity. He joyfully announced that the Convention elected our parishioner Anton Vanterpool to serve on the Diocesan Standing Committee.
Geoffrey and Laura both expressed deep appreciation to the out-going elected leaders, and to the parishioners who had stood for election this year. Election results were announced the next day: Junior Warden: Diane Adams; Vestry: Walker Carter, Leo Coco, Glenn Davis, and Lucy Fraser (three-year terms), and Lara McCoy Roslof (one-year term); Diocesan Delegates: Barbara Manard and Heather Sondel; Amie Vandersluis (alternate).
Click here to read the Annual Reports.
There will be a called meeting of the new Vestry on February 7 at 7:15 p.m. for the purpose of meeting with Bishop Marianne regarding discernment of a potential Rector call to Geoffrey; it is expected that the meeting will largely be in Executive Session. The Vestry's first regular meeting will be on February 28.
COMBINED CHOIRS FOR ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
St. Alban's choirs sang excerpts from Gabriel Fauré's Requiem at the 9:00 and 11:15 services on November 5, marking All Saints Day. It was glorious. We'll be posting more videos soon on our YouTube channel. Please subscribe!
SOUTH SUDAN STUDENTS SEND THANKS
St. Alban’s scholarship students at Hope and Resurrection School in South Sudan have sent thank-you notes to the parish. Deborah Athiei Malith (pictured) writes, “for the support you gave me (I) am glad and I pray that the Lord will help you in whatever you are doing, so that you help others who are in need.”
Mary Aweil Maker says, “I . . . appreciate you for the tremendous work you are doing, particularly for the big finger of generosity you have lifted to me.”
Both girls add that their parents are grateful for the financial aid provided their daughters. Click here to see their letters.
St. Alban's also pays the salary of assistant headmaster Dovico Kyabanawandi, who sent this thank you video by way of Hope for Humanity, the nonprofit that launched the school.
SECRETS OF ST. ALBAN'S ORGAN
Organ builder Michael Hart spoke at the fall OWLs luncheon and described the challenges of designing and installing the instrument we're lucky enough to listen to every Sunday. Did you know the organ is suspended from the roof of the church? And that it weighs about as much as two Honda Accords?
Learn more "secrets" of our unique instrument after Lacey Gude's introduction:
PROPERTY UPDATE
A contractor has installed a French drain in the raised flowerbed on the Wisconsin Ave. side of Nourse Hall to try to eliminate the water that has been seeping through the wall and damaging the plaster inside. On a related note – doesn’t that flowerbed (as well as others around the church and Satterlee Hall) look wonderful! Many thanks to Lucy Fraser and all of the volunteers who continue to offer their time and TLC to beautify our grounds.
A major cleaning and refurbishment is underway on our organ. The builders, DiGenaro-Hart, are removing, cleaning, and repairing all of the thousands of pipes, replacing some of the electronic and mechanical controls, and moving some pieces around to provide more flexibility in range and tone for Justin’s inspired performances. But don’t worry – the work is being done in phases and we have been assured that we will always have sufficient organ for services. The work is scheduled to finish by the end of August so the organ will be ready in all its glory for the beginning of the program year.
SOME SENDS THANKS
So Others Might Eat has sent a letter thanking St. Alban's for our 33 years of service to this ministry. Many of us provide casseroles and fresh fruit to SOME one Sunday each month and it all adds up. "We could not address the hunger crisis in our city without your support," the letter says. "The lunch we receive monthly from Saint Alban's for the men, women and children who come to SOME enabled us to provide 230,741 meals in our dining room and 51,645 meals in our housing programs last year."
Special thanks to Marty and Faye Kerns, the coordinators of this ministry!
ASP MISSION TRIP
St. Alban's sent a team of 13--eight youth and five adults--on the annual mission trip to work with the Appalachia Service Project in June, 2017. We traveled as a group with other churches in the Diocese of Washington to St. Paul in Southwest Virginia, and worked on a variety of projects. At a forum on July 16, our missioners shared a video about their trip.
GLOBAL MISSION REPORT
St. Alban's works with people in need around the world and with people from around the world who face problems in our community. These efforts are coordinated by the Global Mission Committee, which has just issued its annual report. Their work focused on helping our partner schools in Jordan and South Sudan, assisting refugees and immigrants here at home, and maintaining interfaith contacts and dialogue.
WE'RE SOCIAL AT ST. ALBAN'S
St. Alban’s loves sharing and we’re doing it in lots of new ways. You can now find us on Instagram and YouTube. We have an active, public Facebook page, where you can find out what’s happening at St. Alban’s. There’s also a Facebook group you can join to have conversations with fellow parishioners. Sermons are available on our website and mobile site, and as a podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, GooglePlay or wherever you get your podcasts. Please follow or subscribe to all of our channels so you’ll know when new content is posted.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAY
Our first ever Strawberry Sunday on Memorial Day weekend 2017 was a huge hit. Thanks to all the volunteer berry slicers, whipped cream bringers, pie bakers and ice cream scoopers.
The weather couldn't have been better, so we all gathered on the columbarium patio. What a great way to celebrate our first-of-the-season 10 a.m. service.
Strawberry Sunday may just have to become an annual event!
THANKS, GARDEN GUILD
Thanks to all the volunteers who came out on Saturday, May 20, to help weed and add new plantings to the many gardens around our church buildings. Everything looks beautiful. If you weren't able to join us, here's a video glimpse of what you missed.
GALA SUCCESS
Our annual gala and auction dedicated to our Transforming the Lives of Children initiative was a smashing success. We raised more than last year for our three beneficiaries: Harriet Tubman School, Hope and Resurrection School (South Sudan) and St. Saviour's School (Jordan). Here are the details on how the money was used. Photos from the evening are posted here.
Thanks to everyone who attended, donated and bid on 2017 auction items, assisted with set-up, tending bar, serving and clean-up, and special thanks to the organizers: Julie Clements-Smith, Abby Davis, Dudley Winthrop, the auction guru, and Donna Palmer, who made the raffle possible.
WELCOME OUR NEW PRIEST-IN-CHARGE
St. Alban's welcomed the Rev'd Geoffrey Hoare with an Evensong service and reception on February 26, 2017. Under the priest-in-charge model, he and the Vestry have agreed to a three-year commitment. At about the halfway point – in 18 months – we will mutually discern whether he should become our rector. Read more about Geoffrey here. More photos of the event are online here.
MUSIC ADVISORY GROUP REPORT
A Music Advisory Group, formed during the interim period and tasked with seeking a comprehensive understanding of the music at St. Alban's, presented their final report to the Vestry on February 15. The report may be viewed here.
A CHRISTMAS TO CELEBRATE 2016
St. Alban's sanctuary was packed on Christmas Eve, especially for the 4 p.m. service featuring the children's pageant. This year's program, The World Sings Noel, was produced by Amie Vandersluis, with the help of angels, shepherds and friendly beasts of all shapes and sizes. Special thanks to our narrators, Annie and Matthew! More photos are available here.
On Christmas Day, Satterlee Hall was filled with joy as we served a delectable dinner to our neighbors. More than 175 guests, friends and parishioners feasted on turkey with all the trimmings and pies galore. An impromptu chorus joined our guest pianist in song. Santa came too! Many thanks to all who helped, including the Mattheis, who organized, and kitchen captain Phoebe Jane Winthrop. It was fabulous all around! View more photos here.
OP SHOP SETS A RECORD IN 2016
Congratulations to all who pitched in to help our Opportunity Shop set a sales record in 2016. The shop raised $298,000 for charitable donations. Thanks to Op Shop manager Laura Ferrara and the many volunteers who accept and price donations, staff the shop floor and ring up the sales. Thanks to the many members of St. Alban's who donate amazing clothes, housewares, books and other goods to make the Op Shop THE place to shop in Northwest DC. And thanks to everyone who shopped at the Op Shop in 2016. Come on back as often as you like. They're open Tuesday through Saturday!