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From the Rector
Dear St. Patrick's, Grace and peace. A couple of weeks ago, I spent a week enjoying God's creation at Camp Wright in the Diocese of Easton. I hope to do it again next year, if they will have me back. Church camps have a faith component, but, at its core, camps are about being in fellowship, stretching to build new relationships, smelling the fragrance of nature, experiencing the gift and joy of Sabbath, and learning personal responsibility and independence. I witnessed hundreds of children encountering this experience during my week at camp. If you have camp-age children, I hope that you will consider sending them to camp next year. It is an experience that will last a lifetime. This past week, there was an opinion article published in the Wall Street Journal about the Episcopal Church. It was titled, "What Ails the Episcopalians." A journalist and self-described Episcopalian named Jay Akasie wrote it. I received email from several parishioners warning me or asking me to clarify his opinion. All I can say is that I am surprised that an opinion without corroborated support would be published by such an acclaimed and reputable source as the Wall Street Journal. Here are some good responses written by people who were actually at the General Convention: Arizona Bishop, Episcopal Cafe Early tomorrow morning, I leave for a short vacation to visit my family in Nebraska. I will return to the office a week from today. I am excited by the Rev. Andrea Martin's news. Please read her letter below. She and Chris will be in our prayers. Faithfully, 
kurt@stpatrickschurchdc.org @kurt_gerhard @stpatsparishdc Click here to read Sunday's sermon about lessons about leadership with David, Herod and Jesus. |
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Prayer List
We give thanks for the birthday of parishioner Nancy Gordon (who now lives in Charlottesville).
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 Summer of Renewal at St. Patrick's
Our Diocesan community encourages parishes to find simple ways to deepen our relationship with God this summer. Here at St. Patrick's, we will focus on three ancient Christian practices. Try one that works with your summer schedule.
SABBATH
- THIS SUNDAY, July 22, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Sabbath-Keeping with Your Family. Experience a mini-Sabbath meal and explore ways individuals and families can set aside special time for Sabbath rest. Young children are invited to participate in the first 10 minutes of this session, and then Iliana Gutierrez, our Nursery Supervisor, will take children to the playground.
- Also, send us photos of yourself and your family enjoying Sabbath rest and God's Creation! We'll post your summertime photos on our Facebook page.
PILGRIMAGE
COMMUNAL MEALS
Ice Cream Social for Families with Children, Sunday, September 2nd, after Church. Organized by Antoinette & Steve Rodocanachi.
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This Sunday, Children Continue The Abundant Life Garden Project. One more volunteer needed!
This July, children are invited to participate in The Abundant Life Garden Project. Sponsored by Episcopal Relief & Development, The Garden Project encourages children to become aware of the needs of the world and links the Gospel message to those needs. Over 4 weeks, children will explore 4 themes: water, seeds, soil, and animals. We will finish July by making casseroles for SOME.
Kurt and Andrea will lead this program, which will meet during the 10 am service. They need some extra hands, however.
We especially need an additional volunteer for this Sunday, July 22nd. If you can help, email Andrea, andrea@stpatrickschurchdc.org. |
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Music
 You are in for a real treat this Sunday! Concert pianist (and St. Patrick's parishioner) Louis Orphanos will play some wonderful Beethoven, Bach, Chopin and Rachmaninoff during our worship service this week. Adele will be out of town so Louis and JoLynne (she's your hymn and service music leader for the day) are taking over and bringing some terrific mid-summer music. Enjoy!
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Thursday Morning Bible Study Continues. All Welcome!
 | | King David |
This summer, the lectionary provides a hefty helping of 1st & 2nd Samuel, from which we'll hear portions every Sunday between now and August 12th. These two books of the Old Testament tell how Israel came to be ruled by kings, and we hear the trials and victories of Israel's first two kings: Saul & David. The intrigue and scandal rival anything we'd see in Washington today, and these scriptures call us to reflect on how we handle freedom and power. Join Kurt & Andrea for Bible Study and discussion of these passages:
Thursday, July 19, 9:30 - 11am, in the Church Library
July 26
Come as you can. All are welcome!
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Sunday Participants: July 22nd, Pentecost VIII
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8am Server:
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Jane Byerley
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10am Server:
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Peter Jobusch
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Altar Guild:
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Karen Melchar
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Flower Guild:
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Jane Battle, Carol Hylton
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Readers:
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Seth Garber, Ellen Teplitz
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Intercessor:
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Bill Pugh
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Psalmist:
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Leigh Zukaukus
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Greeters:
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Josh Firebaugh & Karin Hammer
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Refreshments:
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Janet & Tony Lee
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Lay Euch. Min.:
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Joi Grieg, Bill Pugh
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Ushers:
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Jeff Groh, Dennis O'Leary, Todd Purdum
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Vestry:
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Children's Chapel:
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Lalie Tongour + 1 More Parent NEEDED!
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Thanks to Horizons for Making 23 SOME Casseroles!
 Last Friday, the Horizons of Greater Washington kids made 23 chicken divan casseroles for our monthly contribution to lunch at SO Others Might Eat headquarters on O Street in Washington DC. This was a great time for the kids (age Kindergarten - Third Grade), and made for a big delivery on Monday!
Thanks also to Stephanie Lowe (pictured here with the casseroles loaded into the back of her car. Not pictured: 2 year old Kemper Lowe, riding along on this monthly delivery.)
Sunday School students will make casseroles at 9:45am on Sunday, July 29th for our August delivery. We also welcome casseroles made at home, and brought to church for storage in the freezers downstairs until delivery. Contact Karen in the Church Office for more details.
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A Note from the Associate Rector
Dear friends, I want to share the good news that I am pregnant. I am safely in the second trimester and feeling well, due in mid-December. Deciding to have a baby is always a leap of faith. Chris and I have been very happily married for almost 8 years, and we were not sure God was calling us to be parents. Nevertheless, after much prayer and conversation, we decided we did not want to let a window of opportunity close without being open to new life, and perhaps God's biggest gift to us. So here we are, on the threshold of new possibilities and challenges. Kurt, the Vestry Officers, and I are planning a 3-month maternity leave and good, priestly coverage while I am gone so that the people of St. Patrick's will be in good hands. As we prepare for the changes ahead, I invite your prayers, and I am glad to be part of this faithful and loving community.
Andrea+
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Quick Links...
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