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From the Rector
Dear St. Patrick's, Grace and peace and Happy New Year. After the festive celebration of Christmas, it might seem that this is a time to just sit back. That is not the case. Spiritual discipline and practice is a full-time endeavor. In order to grow in Spirit, we have to practice regularly and learn from each other. A church is the intentional community that allows that to take place using the teaching and techniques passed down by faithful ancestors. Although there are new mediums, spiritual practice, unlike other fields, relies heavily on tried and true methods like prayer, music, liturgy, silence, study, and reflection. To some, that seems so yesterday. As a result, they check out of church in favor of other things. I have discovered that those who make spiritual development in community a priority find great strength in a world that is often overwhelming. As we begin this New Year, please remember to prioritize your spiritual practice and consider St. Patrick's as a place to make that happen.
Faithfully, 
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This Sunday - Sermon Discussion & Bible Study
At 11:30 am this Sunday - before The Rev. Don Bitsberger resumes his weekly Bible Study - join Andrea Martin in the Library to discuss the 10 am sermon and study the Gospel appointed for the day.
This Sunday we commemorate the Baptism of Our Lord and will hear Mark's account of Jesus' baptism: Mark 1: 4-11. No advance preparation is necessary, though participants might read the Gospel and recall the baptisms they have witnessed.
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Music at St. Patrick's
Did you try the Pumpkin Soup? Jean-Luc and Arleen Princivil made special Haitian Pumpkin Soup in honor of Haiti's Independence Day (Jan. 1) and brought some to share with us last Sunday. Here is some information about this Haitian tradition: Haitian Pumpkin Soup (Soup Joumou) Unity among the Haitian people is celebrated on Haitian Independence Day, January 1st, and through the entire week by eating the rich and delicious Haitian pumpkin soup. On that day, Haitians reconnect with friends, family and neighbors, by visiting each other and by preparing a large feast. The most anticipated part of the day is the tradition of preparing and sharing a bowl of pumpkin soup first thing in the morning. Eating the soup early in the morning brings good fortune and represents the importance of community and family among the Haitian people. Pumpkin Soup & Independence In the 1700's the French took control of Haiti from Spain and continued the barbaric tradition of slavery where they enlisted the slaves to cultivate sugarcane, cocoa as well as other staples. The French would eat the delicious pumpkin soup prepared by the slaves but the slaves themselves were not allowed to consume it. The slaves rose up against the French colonists and in 1804 overthrew them, creating the first Independent African-American nation in the new world. The slaves celebrated their independence that day by preparing, eating and sharing the forbidden pumpkin soup with each other as a symbol of what they could achieve when they worked together. We are especially thinking of Jean-Luc and our Haitian neighbors this week as they mark the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake which happened on Jan. 12, 2010. |
| Haiti Outreach
You should have received an newsletter update last week on how things are going with St. Etienne's and Christ Redempteur School in Haiti, and information on how to donate through St. Patrick's so we can continue to provide teacher salaries and other help. Click here to donate online, or drop a check made out to St. Patrick's with "Haiti" in the memo line in the plate on Sunday.
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Sunday Participants: January 8th, Epiphany Sunday
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8am Server:
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Mark Mave
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10am Server:
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Peter Jobusch
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Altar Guild:
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Jean Bolan
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Flower Guild:
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Crucifer:
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Torches:
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Readers:
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Rick Donnell, Patrick Steel
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Intercessor:
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Sandy Chamblee-Head
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Psalmist:
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Josh Firebaugh
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Greeters:
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Debbie & Elaine Fickenscher
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Refreshments:
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Karen Melchar & Benno Schmidt
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Lay Euch. Min.:
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Paul Geffert
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Ushers:
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Owen Donley, Kankunda Klingenberg, Bob Brookhiser
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Vestry:
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Tricia Duncan
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Martin Luther King Work Day on January 16th
St. Patrick's has been invited by the Washington Hebrew Congregation to assist in this work day at their Macomb Street, NW main building. The work day will include cooking, crafts, and sorting food and clothing to prepare for distribution to those in need. If you are interested in taking part in this event, please contact the Church Office. |
2012  Sunday School Begins Sunday, January 22nd
Sunday School for children in Nursery School through Grade 6 resumes Sunday, January 22nd. Workshop leaders and homeroom teachers are needed for the Winter term (January 22nd - March 13). If you can help, please contact Andrea Martin, andrea@stpatrickschurchdc.org. Our curriculum makes learning about God fun for students and teachers alike, and most volunteer commitments are only 4-weeks long.
In the mean time, children in Nursery School - Grade 2 are invited to:
January 8 - Hear the story of Jesus' Baptism & Jesus'
Healing Miracles. Make tea breads
and get well cards for the sick.
January 15 - Make casseroles for S.O.M.E (So
Others Might Eat).
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Working on your 2012 Calendar?
Here are some 2012 dates you may want to add to your calendar now!
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January 16
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Service Day at Washington Hebrew Congregation
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February 4
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Youth Winter Music Tea
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Feb. 10-11
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Cathedral Lock-In for Youth
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February 21
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
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February 22
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Ash Wednesday
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March 17
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St. Patrick's Day (celebrated at St. Pat's on Sunday, March 18)
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April 1-7
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Holy Week
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April 8
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Easter
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April 15
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Episcopal School Sunday
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April 27-29
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Diocese Middle School Retreat
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May 13
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Mother's Day GALA
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May 27
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Pentecost (Baptisms at St. Patrick's)
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June 7
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St. Patrick's Day School Grade 6 Graduation
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June 8
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St. Patrick's Day School Grade 8 Graduation
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June 23-29
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St. Patrick's Youth at Camp Wright
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July 4
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The Palisades 4th of July Parade
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September 9
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Kick-Off Sunday
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November 1
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All Saints' Day (Baptisms at St. Patrick's)
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December 2
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First Sunday of Advent
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| St. Patrick's Day School: Save the Date!
Tuesday, January 24 St. Patrick's will Host Children of Uganda's Tour of Light
7-8 pm Concert in the Gymnasium and Performing Arts Center
On Tuesday, January 24, 2012, the Tour of Light music and dance troupe consisting of 20 students currently enrolled in the Children of Uganda education program will be at St. Patrick's. We will host the group in the afternoon with our students and in the evening there will be a concert open to the public. Although these children and teens have experienced many hardships in their young lives, their message is one of hope and their dances are joyful. They will share with our students how music, dance and a good education can help you overcome any adversity.
The mission of Children of Uganda is to support and empower hundreds of orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda to lead successful and productive lives. Their vision is that all children in Uganda receive an education to become healthy, productive members of their community who assume leadership roles and positively impact Ugandan society. Each week we will highlight in the Church Bulletin some of the programs sponsored through the Children of Uganda.
Children of Uganda supports the Sabina Primary Boarding School in the Rakai district where sponsored elementary-aged orphans and vulnerable children attend school. In addition, local community students can attend Sabina on partial scholarship. Due to the school's high standard of education, a third category of private students from across Uganda pay full price to attend this school. When sponsored children complete primary school, they are granted access to quality secondary education and vocational training through area partnerships. A select group of students continue on to university. Philip's House in Mukono district is an important aspect of Children of Uganda's education program that was established in 2002 to provide basic living requirements, health services, physiotherapy and education to young adults with varied mental and physical disabilities. At Philip's House, these individuals receive the psychological support and physical care they need to achieve their full potential and feel accepted by society.
Children of Uganda was founded in 1995. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the United States and a registered non-profit organization in Uganda, Children of Uganda has central offices in both countries and works in conjunction with local organizations in Uganda to provide education and support to hundreds of children in need. Donations are welcome; all proceeds to benefit the Children of Uganda.
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Quick Links...
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