This Week at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church

St. Patrick's Episcopal Church
Washington, DC
August 25, 2010

From the Rector

Dear St. Patrick's,

Grace and peace. When I first met with your wonderful church staff in April, they told me of the "summer list," the elusive and time-consuming activities unattainable during the fall, winter or spring. Summer arrived and now is nearly over. DC Schools resumed classes this week, Montgomery County next week, and St. Patrick's and other private schools start after Labor Day. I hope that you will take this opportunity to evaluate your life and make a commitment to grow spiritually.

We dedicate a Sunday to begin our fall program. We call this day, "Kick-off Sunday." This is a football metaphor for the start of a new game, but really it is not a new game. St. Patrick's is ninety-nine years old this coming October. Our "Kick-off" is more like coming out from the locker room after halftime to, begin our ministry again, with a revised strategy. I hope that you will join us on "Kick-Off" Sunday on September 12, as we introduce a new Sunday School program (Register Now!), the beginning of a new Journey to Adulthood (J2A) group (grades 7-9), a Nova Lux group (grades 10-12), a caregivers support group, a ministry for young adults and college students, acolyte training, choirs for all ages, continued outreach to the social concerns of our world, the "Tell It Like It Is" education series, and a deeply rich liturgy.

St. Patrick's is a great place to invest yourself in the effort of growing in your relationship with God. It is a community that provides the needed help and support along the way. Try St. Patrick's again, for the first time.

Faithfully,
Kurt's Signature

The Rev. Dr. Kurt Gerhard
Rector
kurt@stpatrickschurchdc.org, 202-342-2828
www.stpatrickschurchdc.org

The Rev. Jerry Anderson & The Rev. Kurt Gerhard

PS. The Rev. Jerry Anderson, St. Patrick's Associate Rector from 1979-1986, visited on Monday, August 23, 2010. Father Anderson is currently Chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles.

Prayer List

We pray for Harry Teter who just had successful hip surgery, and for those who care for him, especially his wife, Kathleen.

We pray for Sandy Chamblee-Head, as she cares for her father Roland Chamblee.

We pray for all those traveling back to Washington this week after summer vacations.

We pray for those who start school this week in our area.

Kick Off Sunday is September 12

Kick Off Sunday and the Blessing of the Backpacks (bring yours to church!) is on September 12th. Celebrate the beginning of our fall programs after the 10:00am Eucharist, with our traditional cookout and moonbounce for the kids!

Last Names: A-K please bring desserts
L-Z please bring side dish/salads

We're looking for volunteers for the Costco shopping beforehand, and the clean-up crew, so contact Karen Melchar (churchoffice@stpatrickschurchdc.org or 202 342-2800).

This is a great event to bring neighbors and friends for a friendly and fun introduction to St. Patrick's. Dress casually and plan to stay for food, fun and fellowship with your St. Patrick's family.

Music

Suzanne Carter is our proud mom and substitute this week as she and son Cory take over music leading. Cory Jake Carter is going into 6th grade in Bull Run's GT Center in Centreville, VA and he has studied Alto Saxophone for almost 3 years. This past year he was in his school's advanced band and FairfaxCounty's after school Honors Band. At present, he is attending summer band camp where he plays Tenor Saxophone.

This fall, Cory plans on playing with the The Youth Orchestras of Prince William in the Wind Symphony. He loves playing saxophone and his most recent "gig" was in the Palisades July 4th Parade marching as a "one man band" playing military tunes for The Lab School of Washington.

Adele Lynch (202-342-2823 or adele@stpatrickschurchdc.org)

Sunday School Open House!

Parents of Young Children (Pre-K - 6th Grade):

Help Make Sunday School Irresistible!

Come to a Sunday School Open House.

--Hear about the new curriculum we will try this year
--How it takes seriously the spiritual development of our children
--How it engages the imaginations of children and adult volunteers
--How it divides volunteer jobs into manageable parts
--Learn how you can help make Sunday School a fun and inviting place.

St. Patrick's can't do it without you! Choose (one) Open House that Works Best for You:

Monday, August 30th, 7-8:30 pm, or
Wednesday, September 15th, 9:30 - 11am

For more info, or to RSVP, contact The Rev. Andrea Martin, andrea@stpatrickschurch.org or 202-342-2822

Fall Sunday School begins September 19.

Register now by clicking here to go to the St. Patrick's Church website!

Calling All Acolytes:

Sign up to Serve in the Fall AND Get Ready for a Trip to Six Flags!

Young people in the 3rd-12th grades are eligible to serve as acolytes, assisting the priests and the congregation on Sunday mornings. If your child would like to serve as an acolyte in the 2010-2011 academic year, please visit our website to learn more about exciting plans for this year:s Acolyting at St. Patrick's

Welcome GWU Students!

Bring Items for Student Care Packages!

This week, 500 students have moved into the George Washington University dorms across the street from St. Patrick's. The Mount Vernon Campus (or "The Vern" as students call it) is a satellite campus to the main Foggy Bottom location.

In anticipation of students joining us this fall, please bring items that we can tuck into gift bags which we will give them when they visit:

Rolls of quarters for coin-op laundry

Study snacks: peanut butter crackers, popcorn, candy, etc.

Metro Smart Cards

Safeway cards

New pens / pencils

D.C. postcards and stamps

Look for the collection bin outside the Nave.

This Sunday's Participants: Pentecost XIV August 29th

8:00am Server: Mary Grace Corey
Altar Guild: Karen Melchar
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Shannon Small, Nancy White
Ushers: Benno Schmidt, Tony Lee, Tucker Battle
Greeters: Ele & Chapin Carpenter
Readers: Cheryl & Gabriella Squitieri
Intercessor: Craig Small
Psalmist: Tricia Duncan
Server: Phoebe Schmidt
Crucifer: Needed!
Flowers: Carol Hylton
Refreshments: Marilyn Nowalk & Steve Kirk
Vestry Person of the Day: Marilyn Nowalk, Carrie Anderson

Join us on FaceBook and read the Blog!

Keep up with St. Patrick's with the following:

www.stpatrickschurchdc.org (newly updated)