Grace Episcopal Church Washington, DC

Ramadan Celebration

2010-08-24T21:00:00.000-07:00

This year Ramadan runs from August 11 through September 9. This is a time when most Muslims fast from dawn until dusk, saying to shed away their sins through acts of restraint. They believe this is a time of purification accomplished through good deeds and self control. Obama recently had a dinner to break the fast at dusk and show respect for the Muslim faith

See Article

Grace Church is also making an effort to show respect and learn about this tradition. The Georgetown University Muslim Chaplain, Imam Yahya Hendi, will be at Grace at 6pm on September 2, before the "Anita's Jazz Hat" performance at 7pm on the Grace Church Lawn. He'll join the us for a picnic supper on the lawn (weather permitting) and a discussion about Ramadan and Lent. Bring friends, a picnic and a blanket. Come out and enjoy!

RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=120850304632436&ref=mf

Is the way to happiness less stuff?

2010-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

It is easy to get caught up in the routine of work, family, groceries, errands and all the STUFF we need to do, buy, or get. An article I recently read discussed how freeing it can be to get rid of these material possessions and get back to what matters. It is nice to think of a simpler life with less to worry about and more time for being with those we love. Check out the article and see how others improved their lives by getting rid of stuff. - Hillary Liebtag
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/08consume.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

We have a new Facebook page!

2010-08-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

We now have a Facebook fan page! Please make sure to "like" Grace Church's new Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Washington-DC/Grace-Episcopal-Church-DC/118880124828344?ref=ts&__a=35& so that you can share photos, post comments, RSVP for events and stay in touch with you Grace friends!

Also, don't miss our first ever 20s/30s/40s Girls Happy Hour at Veritas Wine Bar next Monday from 6-8pm. RSVP on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109467952441178&ref=mf or email Elizabeth Hill at gracechurchdc@gmail.com.

Music recap for Sunday, January 24

2010-01-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

From Organist/ Choirmaster Francine Mate

The Grace choir sang the anthem, Lead me Lord, by Samuel Wesley. The text comes from Psalms 5:8 and 4:8. Wesley lived from 1810 to 1876, and lived his entire life in England. He was organist at 4 Cathedrals including Winchester and Glouchester Cathedrals.

Our final hymn this Sunday was A Mighty Fortress is our God. The text and melody of this hymn are by Martin Luther and the harmonization by JS Bach. As most organists, I try to plan my solo organ music as much as possible around the texts and hymns of the day. So, all my organ music on Sunday was by German composer, Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706). I played 2 short postludes following our signing of A Mighty Fortress, the first of which was based on the melody of that hymn.

Samuel Wesley, by John Jackson

Are catastrophes moral tests?

2010-01-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

From the Reverend John Graham

We shrink from talking about personal morality in the face of great affliction. We're afraid we'll sound like Pat Robertson.

But personal morality matters a lot to people who are suffering. From the writers of the Biblical psalms to the Haitians signing prayers and hymns in parks and public squares, people see catasrophes as moral tests. They plead with God to help them maintain their personal integrity, even purity, when the anguish of the moment tempts them to forsake it. Should we tell them this is irrelevant? That it distracts them from doing more pressing matters?

They'd wonder what in heaven's name we were talking about. And if they followed our advice, this tragedy might have no meaning at all for them.

First ever 20s/30s/40s Bible Study January 25

2010-01-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Grace's 20s/30s/40s Bible Study will officially launch January 25! The Bible Study will take place monthly and focus on topics particularly relevant to our age group. This month's topic: "What Does God Expect of Us as Adults?" will focus on what responsibilities we have as Christians, when we move from child to adulthood.

Future topics:
How Does Faith Guide our Careers?
Child-Parent Relations: From Caretaker to CareGiver
Transitioning Friendships: When our Friends Begin to Get Married and Have Kids

The details:
7-8:30pm in the Rose Room at Grace Church
Wine will be served
Please contact gracechurchdc@gmail.com with questions

Life's Blessings

2010-01-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

From the Rev. John Graham:

Our cat, Sam, has dementia. He's confused, gets lost, and yowls a lot. But the vet says as long as he's interested in food and the people who give him food, life is good.

Sounds like us, right? God gives us things to care about. Because of this, we sometimes feel hopeful, sometimes worried, sometimes affectionate, sometimes angry. They're all blessings. They mean we're interested in something, and when we're interested, life is good.

He gets on my last nerve when he does it, but it's reassuring when Sam pesters me till I give him his food.

2009-12-25T01:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Rev. John Graham!

W.H. Auden, in "For the Time Being: A Christmas Oratorio" writes, "The Word who uttered (the world) out of nothing loves (the world) against her will." Christmas tells the story of God coming uninvited into a world we consider ours, loving us against our will, to save us from ourselves. This unbidden, even unwelcome intrusion gives us the only real hope we have.

Gabriel's Unexpected Visit

2009-12-24T09:43:00.000-08:00

The first Blog post from Rev. John Graham

Mary wasn't expecting Gabriel's visit, and probably didn't welcome it. The Bible says her heart was troubled. Her life was hard, but she knew how to manage it. Gabriel brought a new, and overwhelming, possibility.

We all like to dream of something different, but sometimes we're happiest if it stays a dream. Momemnts when possibility moves toward reality frighten us. Is this new thing trustworthy? Can I trust the promise I'm hearing, or think I'm hearing? Mary said "yes", but not without doubt. What should I say?

As we prepare for Christmas, we remember Gabriel's visit to Mary, and her response. They have lots to teach us, even after two millennia have passed.

The meaning of Advent

2009-12-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

From guest writer, Mary Carolyn Voght

For the past month, I have been meaning to sit down and write a spiritual reflection about Advent. I thought I would write about taking time to pray and meditate on the coming of Christ rather than succumbing to the frenetic commercialism of the holiday season. But the more I thought about it, that message is already quite evident to most practicing Christians. From bumperstickers that proclaim “Jesus is the Reason for the Season” to the various Advent programs offered by many churches, taking a stand against the secular materialism of Christmas has become the common cause of many within the religious community.

The Episcopal Church, in particular, tends to stress the fact that Advent is a time of reflection and waiting. This year I happened to attend a small rural Episcopal Church in Tyro, Virginia, on the first Sunday of Advent where I heard an eloquent sermon express this exact point and I remember having heard similar such sermons each year in December growing up. This past week I thought about this sermon and others I’ve heard, mulling the messages over in my brain and wondering if I had any new insight to offer about the meaning of Advent.

I continued to think about these things as the first week of Advent raced by, waiting for a block of free time to be able to sit down to start writing. And then the irony of the situation hit me. How could I write a piece about the importance of prayer and reflection during Advent when I couldn’t even manage to carve out enough time to get my thoughts on the subject down on paper?

The idea of setting aside time for peace, quiet, and self-reflection during the holiday season is quite appealing to me, as I assume it is to many others, but unfortunately it is also not easy to do. And like most of my friends and family, the reason for my limited time is not because I’m getting up at four in the morning to line up outside of Target or because I’m spending countless hours shopping at the mall. Instead, my time is taken up with holiday social commitments and charitable projects, along with the usual business of life.

Although Christmas has become synonymous with commercialism for some, it is still a time for giving and good works, and for family and friends, to many. Spending time in prayer and quiet reflection almost seems self-indulgent when there is so much work to be done helping those less fortunate than ourselves or devoting time to nurturing meaningful relationships with friends and loved ones. Taking time to meditate on the meaning of Advent is worthwhile, however, because it reminds us why we give so much of our time, talent, and resources to others during the holiday season. We give to show gratitude for God’s gift of his Son to us, and to help share God’s unconditional love with others.

Remembering all of God's angels at Christmas

2009-12-10T10:49:00.000-08:00

From our Seminarian, Katie Nakamura

Did you do your Black Friday Sale shopping? I took a walk through the mall the day after Thanksgiving and had to admire the holiday transformation: the smell of gingerbread wafted out from Barnie’s Coffee Shop, huge wreaths with millions of white lights hung from every column, all the mannequins were decked out in Santa hats and red sweaters, and songs like “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” swept soothingly through the airspace of every store.

The only hint that perhaps not everything this Christmas is wonderful was a small tree, over to the side, decorated with hand-cut construction paper angels. Written on each angel were the Christmas wishes of a young child who will have one or both parents in prison this holiday season. As I looked at the tree, I thought of the incarcerated women I work with once a week at the Alexandria City Jail. Many of them have expressed how much they will miss their children this Christmas.

As we move into the joyful season of Christmas, let’s be sure to keep our eyes open for those small reminders that the “real” world doesn’t stop for the holidays. Need and loneliness go on, and this is the perfect time to extend our joy towards others. That might mean sponsoring an “angel,” buying gifts that support Episcopal Relief and Development, cooking for Grace’s Table, inviting someone into your home that might otherwise be alone this Christmas, or even just extending a smile or casual conversation to someone you wouldn’t ordinarily talk to.

After all, Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, not in spite of the need and loneliness we witness, but because the birth of Jesus has given us the grace to strive to love all of God’s Angels.

For more information on AngelTree, visit http://www.angeltree.org/.

Christmas Pageant looking for young stars

2009-12-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Grace's annual Christmas Pageant is fast approaching. If your little star is interested in participating on Sunday, December 13, please contact the office at office@gracedc.org.
Sunday School update from Children's Coordinator: Jacqueline Waters
Sunday School is a little bit different! Every Sunday we start with a "circle up." During this time we learn songs and reflect on our week. Last week we learned a new song that reminded us to smile because Jesus loves each of us. We are looking forward to the Christmas Pageant and hope you will participate!

Bring your game face!

2009-11-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Join us for Grace’s first monthly Pub Quiz Night hosted by the 20s, 30s, 40s group on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m.! December’s Pub Quiz Night will be held at James Hoban’s (1 Dupont Circle NW). All ages are welcome, but you must be 21 to drink. Hoban's gives prizes to the winners! For more info., check out our events page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000424279911. Questions? Email gracechurchdc@gmail.com.

Happy Birthday Rev. John Graham!

2009-11-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

Wishing you another year of health and happiness! Thank you for all that you do for Grace.

Put the GIVE back in Thanksgiving!

2009-11-18T14:29:00.000-08:00

Why not start a new family tradition? Give back on Thanksgiving weekend. Our area has lots of charitable organizations that need your help!

Georgetown Ministry Center Help the Homeless Walk Nov. 21 - Join GMC at the Annual Fannie Mae walk on the national mall. Designate GMC as your donation recipient upon registration

SOME (So Others Might Eat) Trot for Hunger Nov. 24 - Mayor Adrian Fenty is the Honorary Chair of the 5K fun run and family walk that benefits programs for homeless women, children and men

Food and Friends Provides meals to support men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses

Capitol Area Food Bank Make a monetary donation or help the Brown Bag program deliver Thanksgiving food baskets to needy senior citizens

Bread for the City WHUR Day Nov. 19 - A food drive, cash drive, and telethon to benefit Bread for the City's Holiday Helpings Program, providing Thanksgiving meals to low-income families

Washington DC Jewish Community Center Everything But the Turkey Nov. 23 & 25 - Volunteers prepare the Thanksgiving meal for people in need in the Washington DC metropolitan area

Do you have more ideas? Please comment!

Friend Grace on Facebook!

2009-11-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

That's right... Grace Church is on Facebook! Friend us to get the latest info. on upcoming events, groups at Grace and connect with Reverend John Graham and other Grace Friends.

Can religion exist without lying?

2009-11-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Can religion exist without lying? Can hope exist in an objective world? How often are we able to ask for what we really want?

These are some of the questions raised (by the fire with hot cider) by the 20s30s40s group after watching "The Invention of Lying," a film about Mark (Ricky Gervais), the first man on earth to tell a lie. The theological bit comes in when Mark assures his dying mother that there is happiness and life beyond the grave - thus beginning a worldwide belief in "the big man in the sky." Though it obviously gives a somewhat cynical caricature of religion, the movie asks us some important questions about what it is we actually believe in and love.

Readers: What do you think? Is religion possible only in a world with lies? What other questions does this film raise?

Stay tuned for more from our Seminarian, Katie Nakamura

Taste: Perhaps the best of the five senses?

2009-10-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the 16th Annual Taste of Georgetown. From Paolo's butternut squash agnolotti to Chadwick's award-winning baby back ribs, your taste buds will not be disappointed! The Taste benefits the Georgetown Homeless Initiative, a project of the Georgetown Ministry Center. And who doesn't love eating for a good cause?

Taste of Georgetown:

Saturday, October 10, 2009, 11am-4pm
Wisconsin Avenue & M Street NW
Single Tasting: $5
Five Ticket Tasting Sampler: $20

A special thanks to Catherine Aselford for organizing Grace Church's volunteers!

Wisdom in 140 characters or less

2009-09-28T12:41:00.000-07:00

On Twitter you can follow GraceChurchDC, friends, organizations and of course... celebrities. If you're looking for quick spurts of inspiration, follow RevRunWisdom. Joseph Simmons went from crafting rhymes for the pioneering hip-hoppers, Run-D.M.C. to becoming a Reverend and star of the TV Show, Run's House.

Rev Run's tweets are short and sweet:

"Keep ur excitement & hope like a 'lil child waitin' on Christmas! Where hope flows, miracles blossom"

"NEVER wait for people to be friendly, show them how :)"

"Guard ur passion with all your might for out of it flows the issues of life- Proverbs 4:23..(If u got issues, it's a passion issue)"

"DON'T borrow 2morro! Never try 2 handle anymore than 1day at a time.."

OPEN 24/7: The Episcopal Café

2009-09-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

While you won't find hot coffee or a short stack of pancakes at Episcopal Cafe www.episcopalcafe.com, what you will discover is a collection of inspiring blogs with daily reflections, art, breaking news and commentary on the Episcopal Church. The site is a collaborative effort of writers and visual artists made possible by a partnership with the Diocese of Washington and Episcopal Church in the Visual Arts (ECVA).

Blog contributors include Bishop Steven Charleston, president of the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., Deirdre Good, professor of New Testament at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, the Very Rev. Samuel Candler, dean of St. Philip's Cathedral in Atlanta, and the Very Rev. Howard Anderson, dean of the Cathedral College at Washington National Cathedral. For more information, visit: www.edow.org/news.

In case you missed it…

2009-09-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the Larry Brown Jazz Quartet played at Grace's Tuesday night "Music on the Lawn." For video clips visit, www.larrybrownjazz.com.

Will your favorite restaurant be at the Taste of Georgetown?

2009-09-23T10:49:00.000-07:00

Find out! Visit www.tasteofgeorgetown.com

Grace Church is Blogging!

2009-09-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting the Grace Church DC blog! Look forward to up-to-date news, photos, events and more. If you have comments or ideas, please contact gracechurchdc@gmail.com.