September 2014

The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church One Chevy Chase Circle Washington, DC 20015 (202) 363-2202 www.chevychasepc.org

Inside the Gateway

I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!"

Psalm 122:1 We have just finished buying school supplies at my house. Binders, spiral notebooks, No. 2 pencils, a scientific calcula-tor, and among many other things, a combination lock. I remember being late to class because I couldn’t get the lock to work, or the kids who forgot their combinations and had to have their locks cut off with a huge bolt cutter. We had a drawer full of locks at my house whose combinations had all been forgot-ten. This year our Sunday morning has a new schedule – a new combina-tion of worship, fellowship and education. This combination is EASY to remember: 15-20-15. Beginning September 14, the first service will begin at 9:15. Sunday School for K-8 will be 9:30 – 10:15 concurrent with the first worship service. At 10:20 there will be opportunities for adult education and fellowship as well as an enrichment time (Trail Blaz-ers) for children. The second service will begin at 11:15. We are trying this new schedule for many reasons. As part of our visioning process we heard over and over that peo-ple were longing for a greater sense of community, a great-er sense of belonging to the family of faith. Folks who at-tend the different services wanted to have the opportunity to know those who attend the other service. People ex-pressed a desire for deeper fellowship and small group ex-

periences, a time to develop friendships and explore spirit-uality together on Sunday mornings. As your pastor, I look forward to praying with individual members of the congregation in between the worship ser-vices. I will be available for individual prayer in Johnson Chapel on the first Sunday of the month between 10:20 – 11:00. I also look forward to opportunities for teaching and just sitting and talking with folks in between services.

It takes time to adjust to a new schedule. The first day of school is always a shock to the system. We will experience our own surprises as we adjust to the new schedule. It is my prayer that as we open up the time between the services we allow ourselves a little more breathing room, a little more time for God’s Spirit to breathe among and through us. God’s Spirit is the

breath of life. I look forward to new life and vitality! Let the Spirit blow. Remember 9:15 – 10:20 – 11:15. It’s a great combination.

See you in church!

Worship and Music Worship Schedule for September........................................................... 2 Homecoming Sunday ................................................................................... 2

Education New Class Offerings ...................................................................................... 4-5 Weekday Nursery School ........................................................................... 5

Adult Education Schedule .......................................................................... 6 Community ESL: United Nations on the Third Floor ............................................... 7 Health-ercise 60+ ........................................................................................... 8

The deadline for the October Gateway is September 22 at 9:00 a.m.

Christ our Center Children our Blessing

Justice our Passion

Unlock Sunday Morning Worship

Welcome Back!

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Worship Schedule

September 7 Worship One Service at 10:00 The Rev. Molly Blythe-Teichert will be preaching Music: 10:00—Chancel Choir

September 14 Worship Two services at 9:15 and 11:15 The Rev. Molly Blythe-Teichert will be preaching Music: 9:15—First Service Singers 11:15— Chancel Choir

September 21 Worship Two services at 9:15 and 11:15 The Rev. Molly Blythe-Teichert will be preaching Music: 9:15— First Service Singers 11:15— Chancel Choir

September 28 Worship Two services at 9:15 and 11:15 The Rev. Jane Duffield will be preaching Music: 9:15—Revelations Guitar Group 11:15— Chancel Choir

Have Your Been

Paying Your

Pledges? If you

have been away

over the sum-

mer it is time to

catch up!

Upcoming Concerts at Chevy Chase

October 5: Woodwind Quintet featuring the First Chair Winds of the National Symphony Or-chestra October 19: Jazz Caravan December 7: CCPC Annual Christmas Concert January 18: 2015 Apollo Chamber Orchestra February 15: Gerdan Folk Ensember March 15: 38th Annual Bach Marathon May 10: CCPC Chancel Choir and Orchestra

TIME TO GO GREEN:

Remember, you can save a

tree and sign up to receive

the gateway electronically.

Join the Mariners for a Night Out at the Opera!

On Monday, Oct. 6, Opera Lafayette will present the modern staged premier of a new edition of “Les Fe te l’Hymen et de l’Amour ou Les Dieux d’Egypte” (The Celebrations of Marriage and Love, or the Gods of Egypt) by Jean-Philippe Rameau. This performance, in the Concert Hall of the Kennedy Center, is also the highlight of the 20th season of Opera Lafayette. Len Ralston is reserving a block of 20 seats at $60 each (normally $75). There is a very limited number of these seats and CCPC is getting a big chunk of them. Please let him know as soon as you can commit to the performance, so that he can arrange for addi-tional seats if needed. Those who are interested will meet for dinner at the Kennedy Center Cafe before the performance. Contact Len Ralston (301-469-8819 or lhralston@hotmail.com) for reservations or addi-tional information.

Seeking New Member Shepherds

Would you like to be a shepherd? CCPC’s Involving Team is working on ways to stay connected with new members dur-ing their first year. We’re continuing to add to our list of cur-rent members who are willing to sponsor a new member with an occasional friendly phone call, emails about upcoming church events or an occasional cup of coffee together. It’s up to you! If you’re interested, contact Nancy Horan to volunteer and for more ideas: nancy.horan@verizon.net or 202-237-2629. You could make a new friend at CCPC!

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Homecoming Sunday Sunday, September 7, 2014

Worship at 10:00 AM

Pizza Party at 11:00 AM

Our congregation celebrates Homecoming Sunday on Sunday, September 7th, with a single Worship Service at 10:00 a.m., fol-lowed by the annual All-Church Gathering at 11:00 a.m. This fes-tive Sunday kicks off our church program year, welcoming back church friends and family, and giving a chance to reconnect after the summer away. Homecoming Sunday is always a highlight of the church year. We’ll gather after worship for a Homecoming Pizza Party in Chad-sey Hall and enjoy a selection of pizzas, salad, chicken nuggets, salads, drinks, ice cream, watermelon plus a moon bounce and lots of time to visit with returning friends and meet new ones. A donation of $6.00 per adult (age 12 and up) and $4.00 per child (age 4-11) is requested to cover the cost of the food. (Children age 3 and younger eat free.) We look forward to seeing you there!

CCPC CHOIRS ARE RESUMING! THE CHANCEL CHOIR rehearsals will now be every THURSDAY from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., beginning on September 11. Our annual retreat at the Annapolis home of Janice and Larry Clark will be Saturday, September 6. FIRST SERVICE SINGERS rehearse prior to the worship service they are leading, with the exception of a bonus re-hearsal this fall: Monday, September 15, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.. The First Service Singers are scheduled to sing primarily at the 9:15 a.m. service about twice/month. THE CAROL CHOIR is open to Kindergarten through 2nd grade and returns to Sunday morning rehearsals on Sep-tember 14 from 8:45 to 9:10 a.m. THE JUNIOR CHOIR welcomes Grade 3-6 and returns to Sunday morning rehearsals on September 14 from 10:20 a.m.-11:05 a.m. A NEW CHOIR: THE CHAPEL CHOIR open to Grade 7-12, directed by Joann Moorer. Rehearsals will begin Septem-ber 14 and will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 in Room 300. CONTINUING THIS YEAR is Joann’s after-school handbell class in FUNDAMENTALS OF RINGING. This group is called the Westminister Ringers and is open to Grade 3 through adult, with rehearsals this semester on Thursdays, September 18 – October 16, 4:30-5:30. Rehearsal times TBD. for ADVANCED ENSEMBLE RINGING. A WOMEN’S CHORUS is forming to sing at both services on October 12. A commitment to three rehearsals is nec-essary: Thursday, October 2, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Thursday, October 9, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. CCPC’s music ensembles welcome your involvement! Please contact Julie@chevychasepc.org to discuss your participa-tion.

Opportunities to Serve Brunch:

As our church year starts, we are look-ing for volunteers to serve our congre-gation by providing brunch. Brunch is served at 10 a.m. following the early service and is a time when those who attend the early service and those who attend the later service come together in fellowship. Expenses can be reim-bursed. Additional details, as well as the list of open dates, are available at the sign-up sheet in Chadsey Hall. You will receive a reminder in advance. Ques-tions or to sign up, please con-tact Connie Rhind Robey at 240-381-7131 or c_rhind@yahoo.com. Thank you!

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Save the Date for CCPC’s 14th Annual Men’s Steak Cookout!

Saturday, September 20, from 4 p.m. till dusk at Bucks Pavilion in Seneca Creek Park. We look forward to this traditional fall fel-lowship event for the men of the church. Bring a friend and join us!

New Times! New procedures!

Church School Classes begin

September 14!

Church School classes will resume on September 14 dur-ing the 9:15 a.m. worship service! Children and youth are encouraged to attend worship with their families and then go directly to their classes after the Time with Children each week. Look for signs to direct you! At the conclusion of Sunday School (10:15) teachers of Age 3 and older will take their children to Westminster Hall on the first floor of the Education Building for pick-up, or to stay for Junior Choir or Trail Blazers, the new enrich-ment activity that will allow parents to attend Adult Edu-cation Class which begin at 10:20. Adults who are not staying for classes, please pick up your children in West-minster Hall. Parents: please plan to fill out a new registration form online or on Homecoming Sunday, September 7.

CCPC Trail Blazers Ready to Blaze!!

Trail Blazers is a new activity for children on Sunday mornings for children age 3 and up beginning September 14. This interest-based enrichment time will begin in Westminster Hall (on the first floor at the east end of the Education Building, alley side) at 10:20 and go until 11:05, during Adult Education classes, to facilitate participation by families in adult ed. Junior Choir, for children in grades 3-6, will meet in Room 308 at the same time. Trail Blazer activities will focus on active play, service projects, special group craft projects and Bible games. Snack/birthday cake will be served in the Rooms 170-180 when the group takes a break. Come get your passport to new learning and join the fun!!

In The Beginning…

The Wednesday Morning Bible Study Group invites you to join them as they begin a study of the Book of Genesis on Wednesday, Septem-ber 10. The group meets twice a month in Ge-neva Hall usually on the 2nd and 4th Wednes-days from 10:00 – 12:00 noon. More infor-mation is available from study leader, the Rev. Lynn Jostes or Grace Hyslop. Come join us as we explore the stories of the patriarchs and the essence of Old Testament faith. New faces and perspectives are always welcome. See you in class!

Sanctuary Flowers

Flowers add beauty to the worship service each Sunday thanks to the generous contributions of members and friends. The cost of giving flowers in memory, honor, or celebration of loved ones is $50 per Sunday. The following Sundays are availa-ble if you would like to contribute: August 31, September 28, October 12, 2014 and January 4, January 18, January 25, February 1, February 22, 2015. Contact Norm Stant at normstant@mac.com or 301-942-6468 to donate on one of these Sundays or any other Sunday of your choice.

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Welcome, Little Ones!

Childcare for infants and toddlers is available every Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Rooms 106/108 beginning on September 14. Our childcare attendants, Mala Sharpe, Beth Charcos, Wathsala Harischandra, and Diana Bagaipo, welcome our youngest members to their first church experi-ence. Ask Kristen Riley if you have any questions or suggestions or if you would like to help out. You may contact Kristen at 202/237-8336

(kriley8@msn.com).

Awww…Nuts!!

That is, NO nuts!! Due to the frequency and sometimes severity of allergies to nuts (and nut products like pea-nut butter) CCPC is committed to making our whole church building nut-sensitive. But this is no joke, many of our children have severe reactions if they eat nuts in cookies or foods, and others even have air-borne sensitivities. So we are asking that we not serve snacks or refreshments or foods which contain nuts anywhere in the building (Sunday brunch/refreshments, memorial gatherings, parties, etc.) so that

we can all be safe. If you have questions or would like to

see a list of off-limit items, please contact the Christian

Education Committee or Lynn Jostes. Symbols of God’s Love

Sacrament Education Planned

In preparation for Worldwide Communion Sunday on October 5 and to help our children to begin to under-stand the sacraments of our church, we will be offering a Sacrament Education opportunity especially for 2nd grad-ers and their parents on Sunday, September 28 during Enrichment Time from 10:20 – 11:30 p.m. in Room 380 of the Education Building. If you and your family plan to attend, if you have an older child who has not yet been through this process, or if you think your family would like to do it again, please contact Lynn Jostes in the church office (lynn@chevychasepc.org). Your reser-vations will help us know how much lunch to prepare. Hope to hear from you soon but not later than Septem-ber 15.

Inquirers’ Seminar Scheduled

The first Inquirers’ Seminar of the program year will be offered on Sunday, October 26 from 12:00 to 3:45 p.m. in Room 250 (Geneva Hall) at CCPC. This session is open not only to those persons who may have decided to be-come members, but also to persons who exploring their call to Christian discipleship as members of this congrega-tion. The format for the afternoon includes a brief over-view of the basic history, beliefs, and traditions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as well as an outline of specific opportunities for using your gifts with others in ministry at CCPC. If you are interested in participating in the semi-nar on October 26 (or know someone who may be inter-ested), please contact Lynn Jostes at lynn@chevychasepc.org to register for the seminar. Come join with the disciples of The Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church as we discover our gifts and answer our calling, and together serve our Lord.

GET READY to FOCUS!

This fall the Christian Education Committee invites you for a fourth year to FOCUS! on WEDNESDAY evenings (note the new night!) be-ginning October 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2014 and continuing with another series in the spring of 2015. FOCUS courses are open to all who are in-

terested. Classes are held from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. with din-ner available from 6:30 – 7:15 in Chadsey Hall ($8.00/adult; $3.00/children 3-10; children under 2 eat free; RESERVATIONS REQUIRED). Watch for a brochure in

the mail with full details of this fall’s classes. Topics

include: An Update from the PCUSA General Assem-

bly, The Life and Writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and

The Conundrum of Global Warming.

58 Years of WNS

CCPC’s Weekday Nursery School begins its 58th year on September 8th with the delightful chatter of more than 150 children. Twenty six dedicated teachers and assis-tant teachers care for these children promoting our phi-losophy of “Learning Through Play.” We have 14 classes of Toddlers to 5-year-olds using 7 classrooms. It’s great to be back together and to explore living green in the nursery school! Tours for prospective parents for the 2015-2016 school year will begin in October, so plan your visit now. For information, please call Director Cin-dy Walsh at 202-363-2209 or e-mail wns@chevychasepc.org.

Faith

Outreach

Community

Understanding

Spirituality

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Adult Education and Nurture at CCPC

NEW Time! NEW Options for Growing in Faith and Community

Sunday Mornings, 10:20 – 11:05 a.m.

September 2014

Faith Trek (**Meets from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the Second Floor Conference Room—**note the earlier time for those who have requested a class with an earlier start time.) – Beginning September 14

Faith Trek is a small group of CCPC adults who are curious about their faith and the world and who want to explore in the company of a circle of friends. The circle expands easily, and we would be delighted to have you join us. On September 14 the group will continue their discussion of Speaking Christian by Mar-cus Borg. Check with Margaret Chan (301/656-5034) for more information or to get copies of the chapters the group is discussing.

Open Forum (Meets from 10:20 – 11:05 a.m. in Geneva Hall, second floor, Education Building, street side) – Begin-ning September 14

Open Forum offers a forum for the discussion of a variety of topics on the intersection of faith and life. Join us in September for these discussions:

September 14 – Update on the Crisis in Ukraine — New CCPC member, Ali Chalupa, who has close ties to the Ukraine and has played an active role recently in communicating the severity of the humani-tarian concerns with the current administration, will share her perspective and insights into the crisis. September 21 – The Role of Religion in Public Life – Dr. Jessica Hamar Martinez from the Pew Re-search Center will discuss how the U.S. general public views the role of religion in public life and how different religious groups view a variety of political and social issues. September 28 – A September 28 – Congressional Update and Conversa-tion with Bill Parsons, Chief of Staff, Congressman Chris Van Hollen.

The Bible in Context Class (Meets from 10:20 – 11:05 a.m. in Room 350-B, third floor, Ed-ucation Building) – Beginning September 11th

The Synoptic Gospels. The first three gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, are known as the Synoptic Gospels because they share a common outline of events and report many of the same parables. But there are some differences between them on some of the incidents and parables. We’re going to look at one event or parable each week.

ParenTalk (Meets from 10:20 – 11:05 a.m. in Firesides, second floor, Education Building) – Beginning September 14

ParenTalk is a new class for parents, grandparents, and anyone who cares about children and youth and seeks to support and nurture their faith. Topics have been and will be drawn from the interests of the par-ticipants. Join coordinator the Rev. Lynn Jostes for these conversations in September:

September 14 – Fun with the Bible at Home. Pastor Lynn Jostes launches this new class with some fun activities for reading the Bible at home and anytime. Songs and games and activities are an exciting way to encourage faith development. September 21 –The Stages of Spiritual Development for Children and Youth. We welcome Ms. Catherine W. Maresca, founder and director of the Center for Theology and Children, as our leader. Many scholars have observed, and now recognize, that a child’s spiritual development can be marked by stages, which involve encounters with God including mutual love, joy, and deep insights into God who is personal and God who is just and merciful. September 28 – The Role of Parents in Nurturing Faith Development. Ms. Catherine Maresca re-turns with ideas for nurturing faith at home.

Create Your Own Small Group – An opportunity for groups of 10-12 to organize their own small group Bible study/group-

directed discussion experience on Sunday mornings. Dennis Leister will facilitate the organization of these groups. Sign up in

Chadsey Hall.

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ESL: United Nations on the Third Floor (Note: this is one in a series of articles answering the question “What difference does CCPC make?”)

By Barbara Mathias-Riegel On most Sunday afternoons, you can sight men and women of all ages and nationalities making their way into CCPC’s east entrance near the playground. They are not there to attend a church service. They are students in the ESL program held in the classrooms on the third floor from 12:30-2:30. They may be embassy staff, nannys, restaurant workers, yardmen or live-in housekeepers. Some may hold college degrees from their native countries, while others may be illit-erate in their native language. All of them have the same goal: To be able to speak English in order to improve their quality of life while living in America. ESL is far more than lessons in grammar and usage. As Gene De La Torre, the ESL coordinator points out: “In our ap-proach we include our country’s history and an understanding of community environment. This helps with assimilating into our culture.” That assimilation includes help in expressing needs for daily living, such as, seeking health care, shopping, studying for citizenship, or applying for a promotion. A prime example is Alexander, a political refugee from Honduras, who got a job in a Washington restaurant at the lowest level; after attending ESL for a year, he has moved up in his work with better pay. Recently, Alexander volunteered to list the words the class had discussed that day. His handwriting on the easel pad was impeccable, his answers correct. Clearly, the class took as much pride in his skills as they did in working togeth-er as a team. When the ESL classes first began over 35 years ago at CCPC, the students were mainly Hispanic. Now, the students rep-resent 18 countries and 10 different languages. “We have had people from Cambodia, Viet Nam, Iranians, any number of African countries and every country in Latin America,” says De La Torre. “I’m still waiting for my first Cuban to come in.” The success of ESL greatly depends on the tutors and their commitment to the program. Currently, there are six tutors, covering a rolling enrollment of 25-30 students. (Students are often at the mercy of their employment and can’t always make the class on a regular basis -- a frustration and challenge for the tutors.) Two of the tutors are members of CCPC, the rest come from outside our church. The age range of the tutors is from 20 to early 80s. Certification or training is not required. Mary Margaret Patterson, tutor, and former ESL coordinator, notes that traditionally ESL doesn’t advertise, but they are seeking new methods of spreading the word, such as with community list-serves. “Many in the Washington area cannot study English in a normal setting because they must work or do not have finances, or because they are never interacting with English speakers during the week. We need to alert members of CCPC and their friends and neighbors who hire or know of these non-English speaking people that we offer for free, a supportive, nonreligious, international environment. We are happy to be accepting more students when classes resume September 7.” For information on enrolling in ESL contact CCPC’s administrative office: 202-363-2202

Peace and Global Witness Offering

This year, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has embarked on A Season of Peace, from September 7 – October 5. It concludes on World Com-munion Sunday, when the Peace and Global Witness Offering will be collected. The Peace and Global Witness offering funds the Presbyteri-an Peacemaking Program. The local share of the Peacemaking Offering will go to the D.C. chapter of Playworks, the only nonprofit organization in the country bringing peace to playgrounds, schools, families, and communities through trained, full-time coaches focused on recess at hundreds of low-income schools in major urban areas. Look for more information in the next Gateway.

Monthly Prayer with

Pastor Molly

Prayer in the Chapel on the first Sunday of each month from 10:20 – 11:05.

Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church Christ our Center. Children our Blessing. Justice our Passion.

A New Way to Connect: Health-ercise 60+ The Connections Committee and members of Circle 11 invite CCPC men and women, neighbors and friends aged 60+ to join them for a six-week series of one-hour learning, stretching, and muscle strengthening classes beginning Monday, September 8 (through October 20, excluding October 13) at 2:00 pm in Chadsey Hall. The class will be taught by Will Yates, a certified Fit & Well Senior instructor, who has gained popularity teaching on Thursdays at the Chevy Chase Community Center, and captured the enthusiasm of Circle 11 during a demonstration at a recent meeting.

There are no floor exercises but participants should dress comfortably. The class is “Basic Training for your Body” including a combination of low impact exercises and lots of instruction on the basic movement of all muscles, how to breathe, sit, stand correctly, etc. Cost of the class is $10 per session or $40.00 for all six. To register, contact Nancy Wilson (nwilson@eversco.com or 202.966.5286,) register on the church website, or call the church office (202.363.2202.) This series is a pilot to see if there is sufficient interest in having Will offer the class regularly at CCPC.

ASP Begins 28th Year

The After-School Program, CCPC’s ministry to the children of our community who need a safe and welcoming place to be after school and on school holidays while their parents work, opens August 25th for its 28th year. A dedicated staff of 8 will welcome 71 elementary school-aged children to three classrooms on the third floor of the Education Wing, and provide homework assistance in Calvin Hall. During the school year, the children perform community service such as assembling sandwich-es for TAP clients and making Christmas stockings for the patients at Children’s Hospital, and enjoy recreation, crafts and focused activities. For information, call Director Tempe Thomas at 202-966-8385 or asp@chevychasepc.org.