The Diocese of Washington is holding its second annual "Word to the City" revival at Washington National Cathedral on October 19-20. The revival features lively preaching, prayer, Scripture readings and music in a less formal style than typical Episcopal services. Last year's revival drew 500 people each night, and more are expected this year. The featured preacher is Rev. Jeremiah Wright of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ. Other denominations will participate to encourage an inclusive experience renewing attendees spiritually.

1. Going green: congregations lead the way
Al Gore’s movie spurs faith groups to Light, a nonprofit that helps
congregations and individuals
signed up to
show the
audience members
will be able to see
take action to fight global warming take steps to reduce their contri-
bution to global warming, has
movie.
And as part
two movies: "The
Great Warming,"
By Lucy Chumbley tion involving extreme weather, taken up the cause. of this effort, and "An
floods, droughts, epidemics and The national organization will Greater Inconvenient
"Humanity is sitting on a tick- killer heat waves beyond any- be showing "An Inconvenient Washington Truth." GWIPL
ing time bomb," proclaims a thing we have ever experi- Truth" at partner congregations Interfaith representatives
trailer on the Web site of
the recent film, "An
SEE ALSO: enced." up call, to
It's a wake
across the country during a Power and also will be on
weeklong event, "Spotlight on Light is hand to pass out
Inconvenient Truth," fea- Review be sure, and leaving Global Warming," set for Oct. sponsoring a educational mate-
turing former vice presi- the theater after the 1-8. double fea- rial and offer
dent Al Gore (climatecri-
Page 12 credits roll, audience At press time six parishes in the ture matinee some suggestions
sis.org). "If the vast members moved by the Diocese of Washington - Christ, from 1-4 about what can be
majority of the world's scientists movie's message can choose to Georgetown, Ascension, Silver p.m. Sept. done.
are right, we have just 10 years ignore its warning or to act. Spring, St. Thomas', D.C., St. 30 at In addition, the
to avert a major catastrophe that But for those who choose John's, Lafayette Square, St. Washington Rev. Samuel T.
could send our entire planet action: where to begin? Mark's, Capitol Hill and St. National Cathedral. Lloyd, dean of Washington
into a tailspin of epic destruc- Now Interfaith Power and Dunstan's, Bethesda - had For a suggested donation of $8, see CLIMATE CRISIS, page 16
Rooftop garden
No space for a garden? Epiphany’s
parishioners find room on the roof
By Lucy Chumbley In time, the five-member team
hopes the garden will bear both
Up on the roof of the down- literal and spiritual fruit, pro-
town Church of the Epiphany, ducing vegetables for
green things are taking root. Epiphany's meal program and
In two round garden plots enabling parishioners from all
fashioned from plastic wading walks of life to till the soil
pools cucumbers and carrots, together.
tomatoes and potatoes, zucchi- Additional benefits - and there
ni, radishes and beans are ripen- are many - include countering
ing in the hot sun. the urban heat island effect - an
While it's off to a small start, increase in temperature of up to
there are big plans for the bud- 8 degrees Fahrenheit caused by
ding rooftop garden, a pilot dark roofs and lack of vegeta-
project of the church's tion - lowering levels of carbon
Environmental Ministry monoxide, reducing the chemi-
Stewardship Team, said James cal runoff into local rivers, serv-
Rogers, who chairs the group ing as additional insulation for
Photo by Anne-Marie Jeffery
with fellow parishioner Jennifer the building and reducing ener-
McCarthy. see ROOFTOP on page 6
Epiphany’s parishioners enjoy their new rooftop garden after church on a recent Sunday.
inTHEwindow
RENEWAL AFRICAN MUSIC LIVING
OF FAITH: PARTNERS: CAMP: WATERS:
Page 3 Page 5 Page 10 Page 18
Diocese’s second African Anglicans How can they A water aerobics
annual revival set for work to combat keep from class becomes a
Oct. 19-20 poverty, AIDS singing? route to renewal

2. 2 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
Reflections on the 75th General Convention
The 75th General Convention was moving forward and would my opinion, was a vote that was
of the Episcopal Church in win the election-which she did, unexpected and affirmed our
“
Columbus, Ohio, is now early on the fifth ballot. theology that the Holy Spirit is
summer history, yet I wanted to The reaction in the House of clearly involved in the election I believe with all my heart
share some personal reflections Bishops was probably less ani- of anyone called to serve Christ
about the experience. mated than was the reaction in in Holy Orders. What I will that episcopal elections are
This was a convention that was the House of Deputies. The lack never forget was the response of
charged with the election of a of wild animation had nothing the female bishops when the nurtured and blessed by the
”
new Presiding Bishop for the voting was announced. There
Episcopal Church. Such an elec-
tion occurs every nine years,
was great joy and much weep-
ing. Many said they never
gift of the Holy Spirit.
and so for me it was a new and thought that such an event
exciting experience. would occur in their lifetime,
Prior to the convention, during and it was for them a reaffir-
was drafted the night before the purpose of bishops with juris-
a meeting of the House of mation of their episcopacy that
final session of General diction consenting to the elec-
Bishops in North Carolina, each has been denied them for too
Convention and was an attempt tion of other bishops is to con-
nominee was given the opportu- long. How did I vote? I voted
to respond in a positive manner firm that the proper electoral
nity to address the assembled for Katharine on the first bal-
to the request of the Windsor and canonical procedures have
bishops by answering questions lot and on every ballot there-
Report. It was presented in a been followed and that the bish-
authored by their colleagues. In after.
joint session of both houses, op so elected is qualified, as
each case, the nominees did a The rest of the convention
with the bishops then retiring to defined by the canons of the
fine job of responding. It was was highlighted by the passing
their chamber to discuss and Episcopal Church. The canons
interesting, though, that there of a resolution calling on the
then vote on the measure. were not written to be used as a
seemed no effort within the churches of the dioceses of the
Regrettably, there was little time litmus test for second guessing a
House to twist arms of bishops Episcopal Church to move
(30 minutes) for the debate diocese's theology or for chal-
for votes or for that matter to toward a cumulative giving of
even engage in the "backroom" Bishop John .07 percent of all financial
needed to address the resolu- lenging the personal life and
tion. However, it was clear from sexual orientation of the bishop
politics that too often go hand Bryson Chane resources to achieving the
statements made by our elected.
in hand with episcopal elec- Millennium Development
Presiding Bishop and Presiding Finally, a great disappointment
tions. Things in North Carolina to do with disappointment or Goals that have been raised up
Bishop-Elect that they believed for me was that because the
were pretty quiet. for that matter disagreement, in the One Campaign (one.org).
the convention needed to convention was shortened by
On the Sunday of the election, but rather it was clear that we The resolution also called upon
approve the resolution for the one day, and because we spent
the bishops were whisked away had experienced, in our com- the Episcopal Church to extend
good of our relationships with too much time on issues involv-
after the morning Eucharist to munity, the breath of the Holy its giving, which is currently at
the larger communion and to ing human sexuality and the
Trinity Episcopal Church in Spirit. Most were elated, some .07 percent, to an additional .07
keep us at the table for further Windsor Report, many resolu-
downtown Columbus, where we were disappointed; but in truth percent over the next three
discussions and healing. tions centered on public policy -
were to be quartered until such the bishops' vote was truly years.
Regrettably, in my view, the dealing with vulnerable women,
time as we had elected a new inspired by the Spirit. There is Other resolutions can be found
phrase "any candidate to the children, health care, the elderly,
Presiding Bishop and that elec- no other way for me to describe online at http://episco-
episcopate whose manner of life addictions, poverty, violence
tion was ratified by the House it. It was not a politically moti- palchurch.org/documents/Sum
presents a challenge to the wider and domestic policies defined
of Deputies. It was a long day. vated vote, nor was it a vote maryofActions_v2.pdf. I recom-
church and will lead to further by the Federal Budget - were
It was clear, I think, to most of taken to send a message to the mend that you study this docu-
strains on communion" was a never passed, thus leaving these
the bishops that by the third rest of the Anglican ment. It contains information
euphemistic way of saying "gay important issues on the back
ballot Katharine Jefferts Schori Communion. What it was, in on some very important resolu-
and lesbian persons." Gays and burner. For me, the call of Jesus
tions. There were many other
lesbians are already used as to care for the least among us
important resolutions that did
scapegoats by some provinces in and to feed and clothe the poor
not pass or never made it to a
our communion, and they are and be reconcilers and peace-
final vote because we ran out of
not fully supported in their makers was lost in the ongoing
time.
Christian vocation by our own hysteria about human sexuality.
Perhaps the most controversial
church. We "talk the talk," but When will all end? When will
and highly publicized resolution
we fail to "walk the walk." For we as an Episcopal Church
Volume 75, No. 9, September 2006 was B-033, which calls for bish-
this reason, I didn't vote for the finally have the courage to move
Newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington ops with jurisdiction and
resolution. beyond theological backbiting
(formerly Washington Diocese) ISSN 1545-1348 Standing Committees to exer-
I believe with all my heart that and reaffirm that all persons are
cise restraint by not consenting
episcopal elections are nurtured created in the image of God,
Bishop John Bryson Chane to the consecration of any can-
and blessed by the gift of the and that all are equal in the eyes
didate to the episcopate whose
Director of communications, Jim Naughton Holy Spirit. Therefore, I will, as of God? When will we treat
manner of life presents a chal-
Editor, Lucy Chumbley the Bishop of Washington, con- those who have been rejected by
lenge to the wider church and
Assistant editor, Amy Elliott sent to the election of any bish- the church with as much love as
will lead to further strains in the
op duly elected by any we seem to have love for our-
communion. This resolution
POSTMASTER Episcopal diocese. The broad selves and our own agendas?
Washington Diocese Church House Permit # 99291
Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional
mailing offices. Send address changes to Washington Window,
Episcopal Church House, Mount Saint Alban, Washington, BISHOP’S
D.C. 20016-5094 visitations
To correct an address, send previous and current address to
Bishop John B. Chane:
newspaper@edow.org or to the above address.
Sept. 10 – Christ Church, Capitol Hill
Advertising rates available at www.edow.org Sept. 17 – Trinity, Hughesville (a.m.); Christ Church, Accokeek (p.m.)
Calendar submissions due Sept. 15. Call 202/537-6560 or Sept. 24 – Washington National Cathedral (Cathedral Day)
e-mail lchumbley@edow.org with story ideas.

3. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 3
Diocese gears up for a second fall revival
‘Word to the City’ revival set for 20.
The Rev. Donald Robinson,
Oct. 19-20 at National Cathedral assistant pastor of the First
Baptist Church on Randolph
By Paul Donnelly congregations from other Street NW, said revivals are an
denominations," she added. essential part of the Christian
On the evenings of Oct. 19-20, "We'll have good preaching and journey.
Washington National Cathedral prayer and Scripture and good "Sometimes we've worked so
will host the second annual music." hard, we're confronted with so
'Word to the City' revival. Like This year's featured preacher is many challenges, we feel over-
the revival last November, it the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., whelmed," said Robinson, who
promises to be considerably live- of Trinity United Church of will help lead the devotions on
lier than the style of worship Christ in Chicago. After a six- Oct. 20. "That's when we need
that is typically, and perhaps year military career, Wright revival, literally. It renews us;
unfairly, associated with became pastor of Trinity in that's what the word means. It
Episcopalians. 1972 when the church had just restores our energies, resets our
"It's just a different experience 87 adult members and was near- spiritual dynamics and gives us
for people, especially ly broke. Today the community the reason to press on.
Episcopalians," said the Rt. Rev. exceeds 8,000, runs a federally- "So I'm going to help revive
Barbara C. Harris, the diocese's backed credit union, a day care people, and be revived, myself."
assisting bishop, who coordi- center and two senior housing Robinson praised the Cathedral
nates the annual services. "It is facilities. It contributed nearly for its openness to a variety of
less formal. People are free to half a million dollars to hurri- styles of worship. "What we're
express themselves in song and cane relief after Katrina. dealing with is an Episcopal
testimony and prayer. You're Among its more prominent body that is open and inclu-
not bound to a prayer book." members is Sen. Barack Obama sive," he said. "And part of that
Last year's two-night revival (D-Ill.), who thanked Wright openness and inclusion is that
drew an average of 500 people and his fellow parishioners in God is speaking relevantly to a
each evening, and Harris expects his 2004 victory speech. lot of different people at differ-
a larger crowd this year. "It is The revival also will feature ent times in different ways."
certainly a way for people who music by St. Augustine's Roman To which Bishop Harris offered
don't normally attend services at Catholic Church Gospel Choir her Amen: "We are learning that
the National Cathedral to come and the Rev. Christine Wiley of to do evangelism, we sometimes
to worship here," she said. Covenant Baptist Church on vary our usual form of worship
"We not only invite churches of Oct. 19, and PAUL (Performing and incorporate other forms -
the diocese but we also invite Artists Under the Lord) on Oct. and this is one of them." Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.
African-American story closer to being told
By Lucy Chumbley sor the Rev. Carleton Hayden Episcopal Church," Hayden out." John's, Lafayette Square, who
that he be engaged as the pro- said. "We're one of the only To bring things back into the made a presentation to council
The story of the African ject's principal researcher and denominations that doesn't, so I black, he suggested that dioce- members.
American experience in the author. see this as being very publish- san staff continue to manage Appointed the following peo-
Diocese of Washington is a step When the group began to dis- able and very readable. expenses, while council mem- ple to the new task Force on
closer to being set down, the cuss the project, Hayden said, "I see it really as a missionary bers promote the annual Affordable Housing, which is
Diocesan Council heard at its "there were two broad streams document that tells the story of Bishop's Appeal and follow up chaired by council member
July 11 meeting. of thought; one, a book that the church; people who have with parishes that are late with Janice Booker: council members
In his address to the 2006 would have a logical coherence formed and shaped and loved their pledge. John Miers, Anthony Moore
Diocesan Convention, Bishop as a book, written to be accessi- the church." In addition, he said, Bishop and Michael Whitson; John
John B. Chane asked that the ble with photographs and pic- At present, the diocese does Chane has asked that council More of St. John's, Lafayette
history of the diocese's black tures, and two, a study guide on not have the money to fund the members serve as a model for Square; Carol Graves of St.
congregants to be told. In CD with pictures for use in proposed research work, the rest of the diocese by mak- Luke's, D.C.; Lynn Kneedler of
response, the African American Christian Formation." Cooney said. ing a contribution to the St. Mark's, D.C.; the Rev.
History Project was formed in "One of the things we were But council members expressed Bishop's Appeal. He asked that Jennifer McKenzie of St.
February, with Susan Stonesifer interested in was that it would their enthusiasm for the project, the amount pledged by council David's, D.C.; Joe Howell of
as the convener. be a usable document that and voted to approve it in prin- members be made available at All Soul's, D.C.; Linda Artman
"It immediately became clear would be useful to congrega- ciple, with plans for funding to the September meeting. of St. Columba's; Tom Cooke
to me what a vast undertaking tions," said the Rev. Canon Nan be discussed at a future date. "We might find as a council of St. John's, Georgetown;
this could be," Paul Cooney, Peete, who also serves on the Funding for new projects and we're going to spend a lot more Doug Ryan of St. Dunstan's,
canon to the ordinary, said. He steering committee. initiatives is scarce, Finance time on the fundraising side," Edith Bartley of St. Barnabas',
asked the group to come up But what form this work Committee chairman John Welch said. Leeland; Bob Zdenek of St.
with "not a proposal, but some- would take is still not entirely Welch said, reporting that the In other matters the council: Dunstan's, the Rev. Emily
thing more than a nebulous idea clear, group members said, diocese is currently facing a fis- Voted to grant the Diocesan Guthrie and the Rev. Kay
of what shape the project might explaining that the material cal shortfall. Retreat Committee full commit- Johnson.
take." could be presented in pamphlet "Right now we're looking at a tee status. To avoid potential conflicts of
Members of the group's steer- form or as a study guide, online deficit," he said. "If we expect "We have the mission, the interests, "we have used people
ing committee presented their or on a compact disc, or in any to continue the same number of vision, the money and many connected but not employed by
thoughts, along with a $67,000 combination of those mediums. services and we keep adding prepared to serve," said Beth affordable housing institutions,”
proposal from council member "We don't really have a good projects on, we're going in the Frank, the committee's chair- Cooney said.
and Howard University profes- history of blacks in the wrong direction. We're tapped woman and a parishioner of St.

4. 4 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
Body Christ OF
Body of Christ aims to introduce readers WW: How did you come to be vicar only to St. Barnabas'. The thing to take istry. There's a great need at this time
to a different parish in the church fami- of St. Barnabas'? note of is that not all deaf persons want for more priests to serve deaf congrega-
ly of the Diocese of Washington each ALLEN: I was a nurse for 30 years a signed service; some want an inter- tions. As far as we know, there are no
month. This month, writer Diane Ney and a certified sign language interpreter preted ministry, which means it goes deaf people in seminary right now or
speaks with the Rev. Barbara Allen, from 1974, before being ordained a from the priest to the interpreter to the hearing persons interested in deaf min-
rector of St. Barnabas’ Church of the priest in 2001. I was serving as a hos- congregation. This is an individual istry. We are very concerned that both
Deaf, to learn more about the life, his- pice chaplain when I met the then vicar choice. And this is another thing to deaf and hearing persons seek to discern
tory, plans and character of that congre- of St. Barnabas' at an Episcopal remember: You cannot lump all deaf their call to ministry with deaf people.
gation. Conference of the Deaf Convention. people together, anymore than you can WW: Well, I guess to be called to that
WW: I understand St. Barnabas' his- When she became ill, I was invited to lump all hearing people together. There ministry means you have to have a real
tory is associated with Gallaudet are so many different kinds of needs in understanding of the deaf community.
University? the deaf community. There are people ALLEN: And you need to understand
ALLEN: The Rev. Thomas Gallaudet, who have been deaf since birth; those that deaf people have a culture all their
the son of the Rev. Thomas Hopkins who are hard of hearing; those who own. They are truly an ethnic group
Gallaudet, a Congregational minister, became deaf through an illness or an with a language and culture. You can't
came to Washington in 1859 to hold injury and those who experience 'age assume that the deaf culture is just like
the first service for deaf people here. onset' deafness. the hearing culture.
The service was held at St. John's, WW: There are so many variables WW: What kind of programs do you
Lafayette Square, with six deaf persons determining what's needed in your con- have planned for St. Barnabas'?
attending among the hearing congrega- gregation. ALLEN: We tried something in
tion. That service was interpreted by ALLEN: And that's a major part of March that was very successful.
Gallaudet. He later held services and my ministry - determining those needs Montgomery Hospice was offering
Bible studies, signing them himself. In and finding ways to fulfill them. We're information on hospice, so we arranged
1909 the group was given the name St. very lucky in that we have a bishop who with the bishop that they would make
Barnabas' Mission to the Deaf. In 2004, is tremendously aware of and responsive their presentations during our four
Diocesan Council approved changing St. Barnabas’ Episcopal to the deaf ministry in this diocese. Lenten services, and we had a very posi-
the name from mission to church Church of the Deaf Bishop Chane's interest has opened a tive response to that. Hospice is some-
because St. Barnabas' is a diocesan-sup- 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, lot of doors. And I'm really gratified thing deaf people need to understand as
Chevy Chase, Md., 20815
ported congregation. with the responsiveness from the much as hearing people, but it's always
Phone/fax: 301/907-9740
WW: And at some point St. Barnabas' Web site: www.stbarnabasdeaf.edow.org Cathedral and the Cathedral College. a question of whether they'll be able to
began having its services at St. John's, Established 1859; 50 members For instance, both are working on pro- communicate with the staff, whether
Norwood? The Rev. Barbara Allen, Vicar viding more interpreters and making the service will be adequate, things like
ALLEN: St. Barnabas' has been host- (pictured) more events accessible for deaf people, that. (And that's an example of how the
ed by several parishes in the diocese. In including the fall Nave lectures. And needs of deaf people can be similar and
1978 it moved to St. John's, Norwood I've asked them to start now to get at the same time different from those of
from St. Mark's, Capitol Hill. We have supply for a Sunday and I felt immedi- ready for the Presiding Bishop's installa- hearing people.) We are planning a pro-
a service every Sunday morning at 10. ately that I belonged here. And the fol- tion in November. gram in the fall that will present the
We also have office space in the base- lowing Wednesday they decided to call WW: Are you still involved with the PBS program Three Faiths, One God
ment. me as their vicar. Episcopal Conference for the Deaf? over a period of several Sundays. We are
WW: Now, you yourself are not deaf. WW: St. Barnabas' is the only church ALLEN: Yes, I'm the first vice presi- still in the planning stage. We will use
ALLEN: No, I'm not. I voice with my for deaf people in this diocese, isn't it? dent of the ECD, which has about 200 the DVD and teaching resource sent
signing at the service, if there are people ALLEN: I'm happy to say there is an members nationwide. It's a very active out by the diocese. (We are so pleased
attending who do not know sign lan- interpreted deaf ministry at St. organization. We publish a quarterly that the DVD is closed captioned.) The
guage. I sign at all of our services and George's, Glenn Dale, which means newsletter, The Deaf Episcopalian, and leader will be a retired Gallaudet profes-
any events that we have, and we do hire deaf people in the diocese have a provide a strong network for deaf peo- sor of U.S. History, Dr. Mary
interpreters on occasion. choice. They're not limited to coming ple and for those involved in deaf min- Malzkihn.
Senior send-off at St. Columba’s
Photo by Jessie Murray
Twenty graduating
seniors from St.
Columba’s were honored
during a special service at
the church on May 21.
After the sermon, they
were called forward and
prayed for as their parents
stood beside them, said
Emily Gowdy Canady,
director of youth ministry.
“It’s a sending off -- a
reminder of where they
came from,” she said. The
seniors also were present-
ed with an annotated
Bible.

5. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 5
African Anglicans fight AIDS and poverty
By Lucy Chumbley
The church provides prevention education, food and ahead. … They are moving to
action."
An ocean stands between the
Episcopal Diocese of
care to patients and orphans, often on a shoestring The churches are deeply
involved in the welfare of their
Washington and the Anglican communities, the Browns said,
Province of Southern Africa, but they are carrying a heavy
and the six time zone-difference burden and are in need of both
means morning in Maryland is solidarity and support.
afternoon in Africa. "When we spoke to the clergy,
But time and tide are just the they weren't responsible for one
most obvious obstacles faced by church," Annie Brown said,
the two entities, who entered explaining that in addition to
into partnership at the diocese's running their own programs,
2004 convention, as they most parishes also support three
attempt to deepen their rela- or four outstations in surround-
tionship. ing communities. In addition to
To strengthen the connection, offering worship, these outsta-
Annie and Bob Brown, parish- tions provide a range of services,
ioners at Ascension, Silver from meals to medical care,
Spring, recently spent two-and- orphanages and education.
a-half months visiting churches, Despite their meager resources,
colleges, hospices and orphan- both church communities and
ages in South Africa and individuals in Swaziland manage
Swaziland. Annie, a member of to keep giving to those in need,
the diocese's Southern Africa she said, often at great personal
Partnership Committee, was on sacrifice.
a working sabbatical. An associ- There is the Rev. Patrick
ate professor at the Howard Mphatha, for example - retired
University School of Social headmaster and rector of St.
Work, she is researching the Augustine's, Mpaka, who used
Anglican Church's response to his retirement package to start
the AIDS crisis in Africa. Photos courtesy of Annie and Bob Brown
the Mpaka Orphan Care
"I teach family and child wel- Project, which is staffed entirely
fare and with AIDS comes the The Rev. Nancy Tshabalala, rector of Holy Trinity Church, Mblango, Swaziland, visits by volunteers. The home
whole issue of welfare," she said. Ascension Church, one of her parish's three outstations. Mphatha had planned to build
So she set out to learn "How are for himself upon his retirement
She'll be sharing her insights at inspire some new parishes to churches who might be interest-
people responding? How is the stands unfinished in a field near
a special meeting of the enter into partnerships with ed in partnership is that people
church responding?" and to the church, his money and ener-
Southern Africa Partnership churches in Southern Africa. are not sitting and waiting,"
begin to answer the question, gy diverted.
Committee at St. Columba's on "I guess the thing that I really Annie Brown said. "They might
"What's going on?" see AFRICA on page 6
Sept. 18, which she hopes will want to get across to our be praying, but they are moving
Swaziland churches in need of
partnerships, Ndungane says
As the third anniversary of the sider partnering with churches So sometimes, Brown said, it's
diocese's partnership with the in Swaziland, a country where best to just go.
Anglican Church of Southern poverty is rife and more than 33 He and his wife Annie recently
Africa approaches, the diocese is percent of the adult population made a return trip to South
focusing renewed energy on are living with AIDS. Africa. "You go back and it was
establishing companion parish Members of the diocese can as if you were there yesterday,"
relationships, and encouraging learn more about partnerships Annie Brown said. "There's
Washingtonians to visit Africa. and pilgrimages at a 7 p.m Sept. singing, and there's a celebra-
Educational
"I think what's most impor- 18 meeting at St. Columba's tion and a special lunch that
posters
tant-it's not just signing a with Bishop John Bryson Chane you're brought into."
about AIDS
check-it's building relation- and the Southern Africa While some of the diocese's
ships," said Archbishop Partnership Committee. larger parishes are actively are
Njongonkulu Ndungane, pri- Bob Brown of Ascension, Silver involved in partnerships with omnipresent in
mate of the Church of Southern Spring, says visiting Africa is parishes in Southern Africa, Anglican
Africa, during a July visit to essential in establishing a rela- there are plenty of opportunities churches
Washington, D.C., to attend tionship. "The average person for smaller congregations and throughout the
the Interfaith Summit on Africa. [in Africa] doesn't have every- even individuals to get involved Province of
"People benefit more from pro- day access to e-mail - even the and make a difference, Annie Southern
grams of exchange. When peo- average parish. And they don't Brown said. Africa. “We
ple visit they learn what the culturally write letters the way "I don't want them to be put never heard a
needs are and learn how they we did before e-mail, and the off by thinking they have to sermon where
could better meet those needs." mail itself takes so long, and it's have a lot of money and a large AIDS wasn’t
Archbishop Ndungane has par- so much more expensive for budget," she said. "They can mentioned,”
ticularly asked that churches in them to call us than it is for us have a small relationship." Annie Brown
the Diocese of Washington con- to call them." -- Lucy Chumbley said.

6. 6 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
AFRICA from page 5
Facing adversity with amandala
And there is the Rev. Orma "The medicine is toxic, like Photos courtesy of Bob and Annie Brown
Mavimbela, rector of St. chemotherapy," Bob Brown
Ascension, Silver Spring parishioner Annie
Margaret's, Manzini, and its two said. "So if you don't have good
outstations, who also gave up nutrition, you could die from Brown (left) spent two-and-a-half months in Southern
her retirement to start a pro- taking the medicine." Africa this spring studying the Anglican Church’s efforts
gram for 70 AIDS orphans. In "We never heard a sermon to combat AIDS. She and her husband, Bob, traveled
addition to this, she is currently where AIDS wasn't mentioned," extensively, visiting churches, hospices and schools.
preparing to build another out- Annie Brown said. And dis- Below, children take part in an AIDS support group.
station in an isolated communi- played prominently on the walls
ty. of every church, poster after
And then there is the Rev. poster silently answered her
Nancy Tshabalala, rector of question: "Are Anglican church-
Holy Trinity Church, Mblango, es educating people about
who travels for miles on erratic AIDS?"
public transport and on foot to The Browns say they came
visit her church's three outsta- back from Africa with a
tions, carrying food packages. renewed sense of amandala - a
Holy Trinity's own foundations Swahili concept that means "the
are crumbling, yet its parish- power of people."
ioners dig deep to give to oth- "People from the churches that
ers, often tithing tangible goods have gone see what people are
like bags of corn. trying to do," she said. "People
"To me, this is faith," Annie there can see that you are stand-
Brown said. ing in solidarity with them. I
Everywhere they went, the think it's good to go over and
Browns noted the emphasis on see them and share in the wor-
providing food. Most churches ship and feel the power."
have kitchen gardens, they said, Money is always needed, she
growing cabbages, carrots and said, but it is the sharing of time
beets that are cooked by volun- that really brings the partner-
teers and distributed to AIDS ship between north and south,
patients and orphans. east and west to life.
ROOFTOP from page 1 of Agriculture, she says she is not an been very positive."
experienced gardener. To get some prac- The parish children have especially
gy costs. er, to water the plants each day, and has
tice, she has planted a wading pool plot enjoyed their trips to the roof, she said.
The genesis of the garden was a conver- since rigged up an irrigation system - a
in her own backyard, and is experiment- While the team hopes that the new
sation Rogers and McCarthy had after a hose pipe on a timer.
ing with eggplants. parish roof will eventually support a full
sermon on environmental stewardship at The first harvest - "tiny little zucchinis"
McCarthy usually checks on the rooftop rooftop garden, there's still room for the
Epiphany's Creation Sunday last - came in July, followed by lots of green
garden during the coffee hour after the current garden to expand, McCarthy
October. beans. The carrots were less successful
Sunday service, and often takes a curious said.
"Obviously, we don't have any room for "we had neglected to thin them out,"
parishioner or two up with her. But for She thinks the current roof could sup-
a community garden at Epiphany," Rogers said, and the tomatoes got off to
port six to eight more wading pool plots,
McCarthy said. "But we have a roof. We
and hopes to get some more accom-
thought, wouldn't it be great if when we
plished gardeners involved with the proj-
renovated the parish house we could
ect.
have a garden on the roof?"
"With all the [environmental] problems
The current roof is not strong enough
that are facing us it's important to be
to support a whole garden or safe enough
really inventive," Rogers said. "What we
to allow unmonitored access, Rogers
do we have going for us? What are we
said, but the church recently engaged an
called to do and how do we respond to
architect to discuss renovations which
that? It's going to take a lot of very clever
will eventually include a green roof.
people a lot of thinking and a lot of time
While this prospect is several years off,
to find solutions to the problems we
the team decided to create a demonstra-
face. That's what we're trying to start
tion garden right away to develop its
doing."
green fingers and get a sense of the possi-
Environmental stewardship aside,
bilities.
McCarthy sees the rooftop garden prima-
Fellow parishioners were skeptical at
rily as a place where the church's com-
first, but the team persevered and pushed
munity can grow and flourish.
forward with its plan.
"I see it as really people from all walks
Team members purchased two wading Photo by Lucy Chumbley
of life working side by side, digging in
pools for $11 each, punched holes in
The Rev. Anne-Marie Jeffery waters Epiphany’s new rooftop plot in mid-June. the soil, watching things grow," she said.
them and hauled them up to the roof,
"I think it's empowering - it really gives
along with topsoil and coconut fiber - a slow start, but everyone involved has
those who don't want to make the climb, people a sense of connection to the earth
more environmentally friendly than peat been gratified by the plot's progress.
updates are posted on a bulletin board in and to each other and to God. I think it
moss, which is not a renewable resource. "This is really trial and error for all of
the parish hall. just fits so many goals that we as a
"I just got seeds from the local hardware us," Rogers said. "We're sort of watching
"Most of the time when people see it, church and we as Christians should
store," McCarthy said. it unfold."
even if there's skepticism at first, it's just have."
The team recruited the Rev. Anne- While McCarthy works as a natural
so interesting and cool," McCarthy said. For more information about green roofs,
Marie Jeffery, the parish's urban mission- resources specialist with the Department
"The reactions I've been getting have visit www.greenroofs.net

7. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 7
APPRECIATION:
Edgar Romig remembered
By Frederick Quinn Leigh was at the next table. part of his pastoral gift. Romig's with a hymn or two, always months earlier, he required
Romig called himself a verbal interventions were mini- including "Epiphany" which he around-the-clock hospice care.
Each Good Friday, the Rev. "Protestant, evangelical, liberal," mal, never invasive and always wrote in the great tradition of "I feel fine but I could go at any
Edgar Romig stood for three each word distinctly pro- gently encouraging, leaving the leading clergy leaving a signa- minute," he said, matter-of-fact-
hours in the pulpit of nounced as it was carefully door open for a hopeful next ture hymn as part of their lega- ly. "I like living, of course I do,
Washington's historic Church of defined for him. He was deeply step. Clergy often came to him cy. but if I go on living like this I
the Epiphany, where he was rec- influenced by Jürgen Moltman's with tricky pastoral problems Shortly after he had left will exhaust my life's savings in
tor from 1964 to 1992 and The Crucified God. The and Epiphany in Romig's era Massachusetts for Epiphany, two years. I will have nothing to
preached seven different ser- Atonement was the concept he was known as a "clergy church," Washington's downtown went leave my sister," a 75-year-old
mons on the Seven Last Words spoke of most often as influenc- where clerics with a Sunday off up in flames during the 1968 widow.
of Christ. Tall, with a strong, ing his own religious life. came to hear a thoughtful ser- riots. Epiphany was never the
clear voice and minimal ges- "God's willingness to suffer for mon and to interact with col- same. A core of older WASP His voice became the reflective
tures, his 20-minute (that was humanity makes all else possi- leagues. parishioners stayed on, and a pastor's: "I do not fear death,"
the gold standard) sermons were ble," he remarked when I visited Humor was essential to his dis- small number of middle class each word was pronounced
hand-lettered on long, thick him shortly before his death. course: David Booth Beers, African Americans added to the thoughtfully, "but I wonder
sheets of manuscript paper with "How else could you allow for longtime diocesan chancellor core membership, but its critical what comes next." His remarks
a careful balance of expository the senseless death of children?" and friend, recalled leading a mass was no longer there, and drifted in and out like sound
material and illustrations. A redoubtable intellectual, he conference with Romig at a des- the parish drew deeply on its bites from a distant radio sta-
Romig, who died in also was a caring pastor, and olate, threadbare church center. once-substantial endowment for tion. "What was I saying?" he
Washington in June, was a for- since few of his church's mem- On the way home Romig said survival. asked intently.
midable figure, even in his bers lived within Epiphany's the place resembled "an Albany, Romig's leadership remained "About what comes after
youth. He left college to serve in parish bounds, he was constant- N.Y. men's club after they had constant. He was both a moral death," I reminded him. Romig
Europe during World War II, ly on the road with one good sold off the good stuff." voice in the city and a major tossed his head back, laughing.
and was severely wounded in eye and one fully functioning Perhaps the most hospitable of contributor to diocesan life. He "The Atonement is the key to
the leg during heavy fighting in leg, visiting and revisiting hospi- Washington's cardinal rectors, was always a few years ahead of everything," he mused again, "It
France. A highly-decorated tals, nursing homes, and the Romig entertained frequently other voices as an outspoken makes the rest possible." Then,
combat veteran, he earned three elderly in the District of and well. At one end of the advocate for racial equality, in a voice filled with tenderness,
silver stars, a bronze star and a Columbia, Virginia and heavy wooden Romig family women's ordination, and the "Jesus was special."
Purple Heart. While thanking Maryland. During one of his dining room table was a silver full inclusion of gays and les- It was time to leave. I squeezed
the soldier who hauled him to several bouts with cancer he vat of Bishop Dun's lethal bians in the church's life and his gnarled hand. "Stay with
safety he sensed an affinity, and asked me to take Easter com- punch surrounded by crystal ministry. me," he said, "And I will stay
said, "I'm Princeton." "I'm munions to shut ins; despite a punch cups and rows of elegant Shortly before his death, I visit- with you."
Dartmouth," came the tank dri- clear map it took much of the china plates beside which were ed Romig. In shorts and a by- The Rev. Frederick Quinn was a
ver's reply. An earlier wartime day to drive through traffic, find cards lettered in Romig's dis- now too large white shirt, he sat clergy associate at the Church of
assignment had taken him to parking, etc. to complete a few tinctive script "Baltic caviar, in his usual chair, telephone the Epiphany in Romig's time,
Cairo where he invited friends visits. cheap stuff!" "Please place olive with large keyboard nearby. and is the author of numerous
for a birthday sundowner on the Intuitive empathy with all sorts pits here," and "Middle East Since commencing daily radia- books on law, history, and reli-
roof of Shepherd's Hotel. Vivian and conditions of people was dish. Hot!" Gatherings ended tion treatments for cancer a few gion.
REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES 2006
Region 1: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 28 at St. Matthew's, Bethesda Region 6: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 14 at Christ, LaPlata
Hyattsville Region 4: 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Christ, Election schedule for each region and information on sub-
Region 2: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at St. Luke's, Kensington mitting nominations and resolutions can be found at
Bethesda Region 5: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 28 at St. Matthew's, www.edow.org or by contacting Ann Talty at
Region 3: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at St. Luke's, Hyattsville atalty@edow.org or 202/537-6548.
SCHEDULE OF ELECTIONS AND NOMINATIONS:
(Note: elections at Regional Assemblies term (2010) Trial Court, 5 year term (2012) Region 3: Patricia Snowden, 5145
are for regional representatives. Ballotting Region 6: Clerical Representative to Note: For At-Large member of Westbard Ave, Bethesda, MD 20816-
will also be done to select the region’s Diocesan Council - 3 year term (2010) Diocesan Council only, you may nomi- 1413, or at postscript2@comcast.net,
nominations for elections held at the Clergy, wardens and convention delegates nate across regions. All other nomina- or by phone at (301) 229-2170 by
Diocesan Convention. All terms of office are entitled to vote and should plan to tions must be from within your region. Sept. 27, 2006.
begin after the convention and end with come. Other parishioners are encouraged Region 4: The Rev. Kathy Corbett-
the convention of the year listed.) to come as well to participate in discus- Submit nominations and Welch, PO Box 131, Brookeville, MD
sions. resolutions to: 20833-0131, or at frkec@aol.com, or
Elections: Region 1: D'Oniece Dillard, 5437 phone at (301)570-3834 by September
Region 1: Clerical Representative to Nominations by each region: Connecticut Ave NW Apt 506, 22, 2006.
Diocesan Council - 3 year term (2010) (elect nominees to run at Convention) Washington, DC 20015-2710, or at Region 5: The Rev. Noreen Seiler-
Region 2: Regional Convener - 3 year 1 clerical and 1 lay nominee for dodillard@cathedral.com or by phone Dubay, 5901 36th Ave, Hyattsville,
term (2010) Member of Standing Committee, 2- at (202)537-6385 by Sept. 27, 2006. MD 20782-2925, or at
Region 3: Lay Representative to year term (2009) Region 2: Martha Jenkins, 601 revnoreen@aol.com, or by phone at
Diocesan Council - 3 year term (2010) 1 clerical and 1 lay nominee for At- Pennsylvania Ave NW Apt 412, (301)559-8686 by Sept. 27, 2006.
Region 4: Lay Representative to Large Member of Diocesan Council, 3- Washington, DC 20004-2610, or at Region 6: The Rev. Jessee Neat, PO
Diocesan Council - 3 year term (2010) year term (2010) mjenkins108@aol.com, or by phone at Box 8, Chaptico, MD 20621-0008, or
Region 5: Regional Convener - 3 year 1 Clerical nominee for Ecclesiastical (202)249-9438 by Sept. 27, 2006. at fatherjessee@aol.com, or by phone at
(301) 884-3451 by Sept. 18, 2006.

8. 8 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org

9. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 9
Corrections:
In a story in the July/August
issue of the Window titled,
"Church passes $152 million 3-
year budget," the name of Anna
Julia Haywood Cooper was mis-
spelled. Cooper, an educator, was
approved for commemoration in
Laborers in the Harvest the Calendar of the Church Year
by the 75th General Convention
The Episcopal Diocese of Washington's Location: Saint Paul's, Rock Creek Register online at edow.org/youth. of the Episcopal Church.
Youth Leader Training Retreat Dates: Sept. 29 - 30 Registration Deadline: Sept. 15
Cost: The Rev. Paul Abernathy's sab-
An outstanding training opportunity for Friday night only: $30 For more information: batical dates were incorrectly listed
anyone who works with 6th - 12th graders Saturday only: $55 Contact Paul Canady, Deputy for Youth
in the July/August issue of the
- lay and ordained, paid and volunteer, Friday & Saturday together: $70 Ministry at
youth group leaders and Sunday School Register for the whole weekend, save $15! (202)537-6524; pcanady@edow.org. Window: Abernathy will be away
teachers! on sabbatical from Aug. 1 through
Jan. 31 2007.

10. 10 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
Sing a song of summer
Campers at the Bethesda Church of the Redeemer learn
to express themselves using instruments and their voices
By Lucy Chumbley After leading the group dren.
through a series of vocal warm- And they do.
I
t's the last day of up exercises, Smith strikes the The Friday morning session is
Summer Music Camp at keys and the children burst into a dress rehearsal for the after-
the Church of the "How Can I Keep From noon's main event - a concert
Redeemer, Bethesda, and Singing?" in two-part harmony. for the parents featuring
the 18 campers - ages 6 Next comes a song called singing, drumming, xylophone
though 13 - are eager to get "Inscription of Hope" with and tambourine playing. not good stage presence for church's after-school tutoring
started. upbeat lyrics to match: "I "All I ask is that you do your when our parents are here." program, the camp has been
They pound up the wooden believe in the sun/Even when it best," Smith says. "That when The camp, which also included especially beneficial.
stairs from the parish hall, past isn't shining/And I believe in you do it for your parents you activities like water balloon toss- Redeemer offered these chil-
the quilted wall hanging of the God/Even when he is silent." give it 100 percent." es, making and floating boats dren from the District of
three wise men arriving in "Ooo Ooo Woo Ooo" the chil- Just a week ago many of the fashioned from egg cartons and Columbia a full scholarship, and
Bethlehem, and into the pine- dren sing, with increasing assur- children had never sung at all, a hike in Glen Echo Park, is the parishioners picked them up
smelling nave. ance. "Ooo Ooo Ooo Ooo." he says. "But now they're first of its kind at Redeemer, and drove them home again at
"Let's start singing," says "I liked where you placed the singing in two parts." says Smith, who is already plan- the end of each session.
Redeemer's music director, Tom emphasis on that last note," They're also making remarks to ning another, longer camp for While they have had less for-
Smith, from behind the piano as Smith says. "That sounded like each other like, "This room has next year. mal musical training than the
the children bound into the a college-level choir. Now let's great acoustics," and learning While all the campers have others, these children quickly
pews. "Lots of energy. I need sound like a big adult profes- about concepts such as stage gained confidence from the dis- caught up, Smith says, and have
you to sing very confidently, sit- sional choir." presence: "Let's not play with cipline of making music, he relished the opportunity to
ting up straight." "We'll try," chorus the chil- our [percussion] tubes; that's says, for six scholars from the express themselves.
Photos by Lucy Chumbley
Four drummers in
Jenna Dugan’s
group practice their
rhythm before the
music camp’s final
concert, (above),
while John Barnes’
group runs through
a number on the
xylophones (right
and above).

11. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 11
Campers begin each day with vocal warm up exercises and
singing in the church’s nave (bottom right, with music director Tom
Smith at the piano), before separating into smaller groups to work
on rhythm using instruments like xylophones and plastic pipes
(below, with instructor John Barnes).
"I really noticed it in the times, keeping their instruments
drumming and the work with silent when they aren't playing,
xylophones," he says. "The chil- remembering to smile and pro-
dren expressed themselves in a viding dramatic flourishes where
way they are not often able to required.
do." After a near-flawless perform-
After the morning singing and ance, Barnes has one final
warm up, the children spilt into announcement to make.
two groups to work on rhythm "At the end of the day, when
using a variety of percussive you leave the stage, take your
instruments with John Barnes drums with you," he says.
and Jenna Dugan, both former "They're going to be yours."
classmates of Smith's who are Two of the campers exchange
now music teachers in the D.C. high-fives, while others express
area. One group remains in the disbelief and delight.
nave with Barnes to work on the "We can take them home?"
xylophones, while others head "They're going to be ours?"
downstairs with Dugan to form For the six campers from the
an African drum circle. tutoring program, there was an
"At first they had to work on a additional treat: One of the
structure, a rhythmic pattern," parishioners had bought them
Smith says. Once they mastered the instrument of their choice -
that, some were encouraged to one chose a saxophone, another
improvise while others provided a drum set, a third, a guitar -
a steady backbeat. and Smith is setting them up
"The outcome was just amaz- with private tutors.
ing," he says. "It was literally a "It's my hope that we can add
symphony orchestra of different a musical component to the
sounds. I really had never seen tutoring program at Redeemer
that - to see all those children so some aspects of the music
together playing different camp can be carried out all year
instruments. I couldn't believe round," he says. "We're building
they had achieved that level of this music program - that's why
musicianship in such a short I was hired - and this, along
space of time." with our concert series, is a
Coming together again for a form of outreach for us.
final rehearsal before the per- "We're trying to create a music
formance, the children run program that's not just for us."
through their repertoire several
Redeemer’s concert series will run from October to May. For
details, visit www.redeemerbethesda.org

12. 12 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
WINDOWonFILM
An Inconvenient Truth
(Rated PG) Photos courtesy of Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures,
Paramount Classics and Participant Productions
Forget the summer block-
busters; this is the film people It’s serious business at
are still talking about. The devas- the movies as former vice
tating storms, the searing heat; president Al Gore warns of
doesn't it make you wonder? a climate crisis in An
This fascinating documentary Inconvenient Truth (left),
wakes us up to the real danger of and the harrowing story of
global warning. After suffering Sept. 11 comes to the big
colossal disappointment (early in screen in The World Trade
the film Al Gore quips, "I used Center (below). For an
to be the next President of the angst-free night out, try
United States,") Gore returned taking the kids to see The
to his passion, saving the world. Ant Bully (bottom left).
He takes his global warming
show on the road; it's essentially
a sophisticated slide show about
how we got to this point - and
where we're headed. Sound dull
as dishwater? It's not, and when
the film threatens to bog down
in details, director Davis
Guggenheim wisely weaves in
Gore's compelling personal story,
the car accident that almost
claimed his young son's life, the
death of his sister from lung can-
cer and the troubling legacy of
his family's tobacco farm. In his
convincing presentations, Gore
himself shows a range of emo-
tions that many voters longed to
see during the 2000 campaign.
Whatever your feelings about the
man and your politics, see the
film; this is a moral issue that
calls for a collective response; the
situation is dire but not hopeless.
The Ant Bully (Rated PG) ed, kids laughed at the broad develops under the protective eye orders. Stone takes us into their
John Davis directs this animat- humor and adults chuckled of Brenda, (a terrific Toni private hell as they lie helpless
ed tale of anthropomorphized occasionally; it's a pleasant diver- Collette) the social worker, who and trapped fighting grievous
ants based on the picture book sion minus the wit and whimsy has recently adopted him. But, injuries to stay alive, sometimes
by John Nickle. It's a respectable in other recently-released kids' in this carefully-contrived story, calling on Jesus, sometimes call-
but uninspired addition to the films. doubt grows about whether Peter ing on G. I. Jane to sustain them
genre of upbeat child-message really exists and Noone sets out throughout their ordeal, all the
movies. Our hero, Lucas Nickle The Night Listener to discover the "truth." Like in while uncertain as to whether
(Zach Tyler Eisen) is new in (Rated R) "Capote," sometimes the desire they'll be rescued. Just as the
town and the target of the neigh- Patrick Stettner directed this (and obsession) to sniff out a claustrophobia pushes us to our
borhood bully. As victims often film based on the novel by good story spins out of control. limit, we emerge into the light.
do, he passes on the cruelty to Armistead Maupin, who also was Although the skies are blue, the
the colony of ants living below one of the screenwriters. The The World Trade Center anguish continues as their fami-
his house; ants that are no mere result is an atmospheric creepfest (Rated PG-13) lies and wives (Maria Bello and
drones but sophisticated insects loosely based on a relationship Like the other 9/11 movie this Maggie Gyllenhaal, both excel-
capable of creating magic between Maupin and a teenage year, United 93, this film is an lent) cope with the uncertainty
potions to shrink "destroyers" boy that started in 1993. Robin emotional experience from start about their loved ones' fate (and
(antspeak for all humans) to Williams is sublime as Gabriel to finish: Take tissues. But, an appalling lack of informa-
their size. Lucas slips down the Noone, a storyteller, broadcast unlike the gut-wrenching United tion). As expected, the film is
Features
ant hill into the colony where over the late-night airwaves. One 93, Oliver Stone's tribute to the about heroism, and the extraor-
two of their finest, the maternal day, his boss (Joe Morton) gives brave men and woman who per- dinary lengths we'll go to save
Hova (Julia Roberts) and the him a manuscript to read, and formed heroically that day has a our own. But, what lingers with
crotchety wizard, Zoc (Nicolas the mopey Noone, depressed "happy" ending. Based on true me is the incredible journey
Cage), teach our young sprout after a painful break-up with his events, two Port Authority cops, Stone takes us on to show that
their ways. This preachy little long-time partner (Bobby John McCloughlin and William when life is pared down to its
film imparts life lessons about Cannavale) is hooked. It's a raw Jimeno (Nicolas Cage and essentials - what matters is love.
putting the good of the collec- memoir of a horrific childhood Michael Pena) lie buried deep Lambdin is a freelance writer who
tive before your own selfish that has left Peter Logand (Rory beneath the rubble of the World reviews movies every other month
interests, honoring your parents Culkin), now 14, dying of Trade Center Concourse after in Washington Window. She wel-
and of course, standing up to AIDS. Peter contacts Gabriel the towers imploded as they comes your comments at lambd-
bullies. In the screening I attend- and a close phone friendship attempted to carry out rescue inb@tontologic.com.

13. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 13
Features
FAMILY MATTERS:
How men handle hanging up their hats
I
t was Labor Day, circa 1985, respond differently, and set out to resulted in the development of an n't made any mistakes. I decided
when a neighbor ran out of find some creative retirees who Eastern European business, but to let things grow and developed
her front door tearing her would share their stories. I dis- he also was intrigued by adult five different activities so that I
hair. Alarmed, several of us covered a group of men, happy in religious education. He became didn't have to do one all of the
friends shooting the breeze in my their retirement, who had three more grounded in the church time but could do all some of the
front yard hurried to assist. She characteristics in common: through Bible study, moved to time, leaving space to be with my
wept, "He only retired on Friday, 1) They were risk-takers, able to courses at Virginia Theological grandchildren who live just across
and already I can't stand it!" see, feel and think of themselves Seminary and earned his master's the street." Two days each week
Historically, the concept of in different life situations, capable degree in Theological Studies. He he volunteers with homeless min-
retirement is a by-product of the of trying out new roles, new pro- continues to teach and now istries, the third is date day with
industrial revolution, when grams, new goals and of perceiv- works at the Center for Global his wife, the fourth, visiting peo-
human labor had to be related to ing life as an adventure. Justice of the National Cathedral, ple who need visiting and the
productivity. In 2) Each was a which involves his international fifth, a prayer day to do things
The Wealth of man of faith with political and economic experience spiritual in nature. He goes to
Nations, Adam an active prayer and theological skills. He said, "I Maine for the summer months to
Smith (1723- life who believed have learned that prayer is about take a big deep breath and have a
1790) writes that retirement listening to what God is going to retirement from retirement.
that wealth is was a work in tell me, not what I'm going to A young retiree, said, "For
the power to progress in an tell God." me, work was nothing more than
produce goods, unfinished story - Another who also faced a vehicle to enable my retirement.
and when a "God is not done mandatory retirement at 65 said, I worked to live: I never lived to
human being with us!" "I've been working since I was 14 work, though I did work
can no longer be 3) They had been and I'm not a hobby person. extremely hard (50-70 hours per
productive, the Margaret M. Treadwell financially respon- Rather than abstinence from week for the past 10 years). I've
notion of retire- sible men whose work, I decided to volunteer part been planning retirement at age
ment logically follows. During careful planning with pensions of the time, and spend the rest 40 ever since I was 17 (the year
the economic depression of the and other resources allowed them with my wife whom I dearly love. my father died at age 50). I never
1930s, older people were actively to give back to the community, There's no shortage of things to strayed from that goal, although
removed from the work force. thinking beyond financial fears do and people in need. A friend it took me two extra years. I'm
Retirement as a specific life event and self focus to do something wanted me to move to Hilton now 42. It is never too soon to
is a synthetic, utilitarian concept bigger in retirement and life. Head Island, S.C., but when I retire if you have the means to do
in the industrial nations, rather Here are their vignettes: visited I saw men running around so and the cost to your wellbeing
than a biological, natural unfold- "The statutory clocks of the in funny-colored shorts drinking is greater than the financial bene-
ing of a human being's terrestrial Foreign Service matched my spir- too much at 5 p.m. I'd rather be fits of your job. This is a huge
journey. itual need when I'd done all the in public service than whacking world, with endless possibilities
In my June column, a group of interesting, creative, upwardly the hell out of a little white ball." which are greater if you are
women responded to the ques- mobile things I was going to do," Said one who had given 14 younger."
tion, "How do you know when one said. "I had no specific plan, years of heart and soul to his lat- Margaret M. "Peggy" Treadwell is
the time is right to retire, the but let myself be led along in est work, "The time was right for a family psychotherapist and direc-
moment when you are neither what was possible through net- me to leave when I wasn't feeling tor of The Counseling Center at St.
overstaying nor leaving your pro- working, volunteering, allowing it so open or hospitable to the peo- Columba's. To make an appoint-
fessional work too soon?" to evolve and unfold as I kept my ple I was serving. I wanted to ment, call 202/363-9779 or visit
I wondered if men would eyes and ears open." This first leave on a high note when I had- www.columba.org.

14. 14 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
VIEWPOINT: the Rev. George Clifford
Three Anglican predictions
H
ans Christian Andersen's themselves from those with whom Progressives will retain a loose fed- unity.
much beloved children's they disagree. This includes the eration based on common prayer Although the ecumenical move-
story, "The Emperor's Episcopal Church, several other and communion with the ments of the 20th century seemed
New Clothes," depicts an emperor provinces and the Archbishop of Archbishop of Canterbury. Debate to achieve little, exciting moves to
going naked because nobody is Canterbury. The Church of will persist for centuries over strengthen the relational and
willing to tell him the truth. The England with its largely liberal which group faithfully and truth- structural bonds between some
Episcopal Church and the constituency and clergy already fully represents Anglican identity branches of the church have
Anglican Communion are in that has dioceses that allow the bless- and heritage. occurred. Examples include inter-
same situation today. Nobody ing of same-sex relationships; at The time has come for honesty. communion between various
wants to speak what are becoming least one high profile cleric, the Progressives must acknowledge Anglican provinces and Lutheran
three increasingly obvious truths Dean of St. Alban's, openly lives what conservatives already know: churches and recent progress
about the Communion's future. in a state recognized same-sex division is inevitable. Rather than towards the reunification of the
First, the Anglican Communion's union. The Archbishop of Nigeria making futile efforts to placate Church of England and British
center of gravity and de facto lead- has made it clear that the those for whom beliefs about sex- Methodists.
ership has shifted towards the Archbishop of Canterbury must ual ethics have become a litmus Paul counseled the Corinthians
Archbishop of Nigeria, Peter repudiate same-sex relationships as test of Christian identity, progres- not to settle their disputes in the
Akinola, and his conservative un-Christian to remain an ortho- sives should invest their time and law courts. Those who choose to
allies. The adjective conservative is dox Christian. energy in living the gospel man- leave and those who remain with-
especially apt as their avowed goal The Lambeth Conference in dates as they hear those mandates. in the Episcopal Church will do
is to conserve or sustain unchang- 2008, rather than being a vehicle The time has come for hopeful well to heed that advice. No mat-
ing fidelity to a form of for reconciliation, is
Christianity that emerged in the much more likely to
4th century and was finalized in be the catalyst for for-
the middle of the last millennium.
Today, many Anglicans find that
expression of Christianity incom-
patible with scientific discoveries
malizing this division.
Archbishop Akinola
has already redefined
the conference's agen-
“ The time has come for honesty.
Progressives must acknowledge what
as well as insights from contempo-
rary biblical, historical and theo-
da. Rowan Williams,
the Archbishop of
conservatives already know: division is
logical studies. These Anglicans,
aptly labeled progressives because
they believe that knowledge of
God and Scripture can increase
over time, want a big tent
Canterbury, had
intended the agenda
to center around the
training and educa-
inevitable.
tion of bishops. Instead, the con-
”
trust. When the prodigal son ter who ends up owning the prop-
Anglicanism with room for all, ference will now focus on the cur- requested his inheritance, his erty or other resources, good stew-
where issues involving sex are not rent controversies within the father surely anticipated what the ardship demands that the
litmus tests for admission. The Anglican Communion. Yet con- son would do after leaving home. resources support the work of
growing numerical majority of servative bishops threaten not to Yet the father let his son go, hope- Christ's church rather than
Anglicans residing in the largely attend if progressives are invited, ful in trusting that years of love expended in costly litigation.
conservative Global South with making dialogue and reconcilia- would one day bear fruit and that The time has come to clothe the
their vociferous, unrelenting and tion impossible. Anglicans who the prodigal would return home. emperor and to be about our
intransigent leaders continue to refuse to pray with one another The Episcopal Church should Father's business. We live in a
drive this shift in Anglicanism's and to talk with one another are send those who choose to leave on world where people die each day
center of gravity. already, de facto, out of commun- their way with God's blessing, because they have no bread, no
Second, that shift will soon cause ion with one another. expectantly hopeful that they will water, no healing touch. Christ
structural division within the Third, two very different expres- some day return. has called us to go, to make disci-
Anglican Communion. sions of the Anglican Legal battles to retain property or ples, to love our neighbor in his
Conservatives who reject the Communion will shortly there- other assets bring no credit to name, to set the captive free and
blessing of same-sex relationships after emerge. Conservatives will Christ, Christianity or the to proclaim the acceptable year of
and refuse to accept as a bishop a create a structure with centralized Episcopal Church. The church has the Lord. If we do this, then in
person who openly lives in such a authority, ensuring that all mem- always recognized that it is one the fullness of time we and those
relationship will move to distance ber churches adhere to orthodoxy. branch among many in the who choose to walk apart will dis-
Christian church. New cover ourselves feasting at the
branches represent same banquet.
structural breaks but George Clifford is a writer and
retain relational unity, Episcopal priest who lives in
regardless of whether a Raleigh, N.C.
Opinion
branch admits that
Any day now…
the diocese will launch its expanded Web site at
edow.org. The site will include new sections on
Christian Formation and diocesan ministries includ-
ing environmental, Latino, senior and urban min-
istries. Keep an eye out for it! And while you are on
the Web, be sure to visit the diocesan blog,
dailyepiscopalian.com to keep up with news on the
Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

15. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 15
VIEWPOINT: the Rev. James Hunter
Taking the good news to prisoners
Opinion
“LOCK IN! LOCK IN!” The and pastoral attention, while facil- of involvement with the criminal The bonus is that the county
clear, authoritative command itating other religious faiths with- justice system. One program mak- does not pay a cent for this serv-
came over the detention center’s in the guidelines established by ing an impact on these numbers is ice. GNJ&PM receives no tax dol-
public address system. law and the individual correction- the Good News Life Learning lars for its support. Financing
Immediately inmates moved al facility. Program. This program is comes from the churches, individ-
toward their cells and within If that sounds like a mission/pur- designed to teach men and uals, businesses and foundations
moments the cell doors closed pose statement, it is. GNJ&PM is women how to address life issues that see the value of the ministry,
with an echoing clang. I was talk- a nondenominational, nonprofit from a biblical perspective. as well as four special events to
ing with an inmate and distribut- ministry. Founded in 1961 by the Inmates are housed, ideally, in a raise money.
ing materials when I found myself Rev. William L. Simmer in separate housing section and stay In January 2003, an Aftercare
standing alone in the day room Fairfax, Va., this prayer-driven in the program for at least 90 Program for women opened at the
wondering how long I was going ministry is focused on people, not days. Along with the Gospel, sub- St. Charles Church of the
to be kept there. Fortunately I was just programs. As the chaplain, I jects include money management, Nazarene in Waldorf. Women
let out of the section so I could am responsible for preaching, finding employment, parental come to find Christ’s love, encour-
return to the office. counseling, teaching and adminis- responsibility, conflict resolution, agement and resources to help
The cause of the lock in was a tering the religious programs as changing dysfunctional thinking them make choices that will keep
fight in Isolation 2. It could have well as the Good News Bible patterns and others. As best we them out of jail. This program,
been a medical emergency, a tor- Correspondence Course to incar- can determine, the recidivism rate run by volunteers, draws heavily
nado, a security breach or a dis- cerated men and women. I also drops from 80 percent to 16 per- on the Aftercare Program devel-
turbance of any kind. It is part of act as a liaison with pastors cent for those inmates who gradu- oped at St. James', Potomac for its
what to expect as a prison chap- throughout Southern Maryland. I ate from the Life Learning organization and content. Another
lain. advise the detention center’s Program. That is an astounding Aftercare Program opened in 2004
I have been an Episcopal priest administration on religious mat- 84 percent success rate. One of for men at Grace Lutheran
for 21 years, serving in parishes ters. I have had the privilege of my goals is to bring this program Church in La Plata. The vision is
from New Jersey to South counseling some of the detention to Charles County. to have an Aftercare Program
Carolina. Today, I happen to be center staff and solemnizing one With reduced recidivism comes every night of the week at differ-
the only Episcopal priest working marriage. I also train and work reduction in crime, a safer and ent locations in the county to give
with Good News Jail & Prison closely with lay people who volun- more stable community, a larger former inmates the support they
Ministry. The facility I serve is the teer in the facility. tax base as former inmates become need to succeed in life.
Charles County Detention Center At the Charles County Detention employed, healthier families and Good News Jail & Prison
in La Plata. Since October 2000, I Center in 2005, 69 individuals more men and women who, hav- Ministry provides more than 390
have been this facility’s first full- professed their faith in Christ. ing found Christ, are attending staff chaplains, serving 319 insti-
time chaplain. I also serve as There were 292 worship services church. The average cost per day tutions in 22 states, 19 foreign
priest-in-charge of All Faith, conducted, 380 Bible classes, 928 to keep a person in jail in Charles countries and one U.S. territory. I
Charlotte Hall, part-time. correspondence lessons completed, County in 2005 was $35. With an invite you to support this ministry
Good News Jail & Prison and 491 one-on-one counseling average census of 428 inmates on through prayer, volunteering in
Ministry exists to provide spiritu- sessions. This was accomplished any given day, the annual cost to Montgomery, Prince George’s or
ally mature, equipped and moti- with the help of 48 volunteers. Charles County in 2005 was Charles counties in Maryland,
vated men and women to serve as Lives are being changed through $5,467,700. My expenses in where there are Good News chap-
Christian chaplains in correctional the Gospel of Christ. Statistically, Charles County are budgeted at lains, or by making a contribu-
facilities nationally and interna- we know that 95 percent of all $75,222 for 2006. When one tion. Visit the Good News Web
tionally. Our purpose is to meet inmates will be released into our chaplain can dramatically reduce site at www.goodnewsjail.org for
the spiritual needs of both inmates communities. Within three years, the recidivism rate, the amount of more information.
and staff through ministry that approximately 80 percent of those savings to the taxpayers dwarfs the
includes evangelism, discipleship released will return to some level expense of the chaplain.
letters to the
editor
On choosing and being of marriage with a person of the My main point is, however, homo- Tocqueville: America is great
To the editor: opposite sex. The revelation of their sexuals do not choose to be homo- because it is good, etc. These words
I am responding to and comment- orientation may in itself be very sexual. They just "are," as heterosex- do not appear in de Tocqueville's
ing on a letter to you printed in the painful. To "come out of the closet" uals just "are." Democracy in America or in any
July/August issue of Washington may be an even more traumatic The Rev. George P. Timberlake, other of his writings. They were
Window, from Mr. Al Bader. I quote event for both the homosexual, and St. Columba’s, D.C. "quoted" by Bill Clinton, which is
from his letter, "Have we forgotten those closest to him/her such as par- probably where His Grace found
that the Almighty, who created us ents and siblings. It is not a De Tocqueville misquoted them. See John A. Pitney, Jr., The
has given us 'free choice' to be "choice" in the sense as that of To the editor: de Tocqueville Fraud, The Weekly
whatever we want to be?" being a drug addict, a prostitute, a In his baccalaureate address Standard, Nov. 13, 1995.
I feel very certain that Mr. Bader criminal or murderer, to use Mr. reprinted in the recent Window, Walter Berns
did not choose to be heterosexual. Bader's illustrations. Homosexuals Bishop Chane quotes a statement St. Columba's, D.C.
Like the rest of us heterosexuals, at are, like Mr. Bader, made in the he attributes to Alexis de
about the age of 12 or 13 he "dis- image of God. God has made us,
covered" the opposite sex had some not only for procreation, but as the
remarkably attractive qualities. He
did not choose to be heterosexual.
Marriage Rite says, but also for
"mutual joy; for the help and com-
LETTERSwelcome
In like manner, the homosexual fort given one another in prosperity
Letters must include the sender’s full name, parish and a contact
does not choose to be homosexual. and adversity; and when it is God's
phone number. Send correspondence to newspaper@edow.org or to
They "discover" they are, and that will, for the procreation of children
Washington Window, Episcopal Church House, Mount St. Alban,
may come after years of posturing and their nurture in the knowledge
Washington, D.C., 20016.
to be heterosexual, even to the point and love of the Lord."

16. 16 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
Monthly Meditation
“Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind
so that God's works might be revealed in him.’”- John 9:3
W hy is there pain and suffering in the world? As a parish priest, I am often called upon to be present with individuals and families who are
experiencing all manner of pain and loss and grief. Even as my heart breaks for them, I can offer no easy explanations. The people of
Jesus' time believed that suffering was punishment for sins, sent by God. But what of this man, who had been born blind? Surely the newborn
had not sinned. Had God punished the baby for the sins of the parents?
Jesus dismisses the received wisdom of his religion, although it had the sanction of Holy Scriptures. No, he said; this condition was not pun-
ishment for wrongdoing, but out of this condition, God's mercy might be revealed.
The question of why God allows suffering is called theodicy (from the Greek for "justification of God") and is as old as the dawn of rational
thought. The Book of Job is a magnificent poetic expression of mankind's questioning of the justice of God. Many of the Psalms cry out that
the faithful suffer and the unrighteous prosper.
Why suffering? Clearly, some suffering, intentional or unintentional, is the result of human activity. But there are other forms of suffering,
such as illness and natural disasters, which beg the question, Why?
God does not give a child cancer in order to draw the parents closer to him. God does not decide that a certain number of children are going
to have muscular dystrophy and then decide into which family he will place them.
Who could love such a God, or trust him? One might well fear him, but love? Probably not. Every human being has intrinsic value and is to
be treated as an end in himself or herself, not to be used as a means to some other end. If a human parent inflicted pain on one child as a cau-
tionary lesson for another child, that parent would be prosecuted for child abuse. Surely our image of a righteous and loving God exceeds the
standards we expect of human beings.
Can good come out of suffering? Yes, of course it can. Can we learn from witnessing the suffering of others? Certainly. But does God send
suffering in such fashion and for such reasons? I think not, and I cite John 9:3 as my scriptural authority for that belief.
I have no easy answers as to why suffering exists in the world. I believe it to be real and to be terrible. I believe that God is with us in our suf-
fering and, with Jesus, I believe he is always working to bring good out of evil. Most often, he does that through human beings. As Christians,
we are commanded to carry on the healing, reconciling work of Jesus in the world: "We must work the works of him who sent me while it is
day; night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4).
The Rev. Elizabeth Carpenter,
Rector, St. Anne's, Damascus
CLIMATE CRISIS from page 1 Earth's New Blood
National Cathedral, will deliver a one of four areas: integrating envi- tions. Once the trees grew green
sermon on the environment on ronmental themes into worship; Sutton delivered this message as and the succulent vines of the
Oct. 1. And a newly created task pursuing energy efficiency poli- the faith community's sole repre- earth
force, Greening the Cathedral, is cies; purchasing renewable energy sentative at a July 20 hearing on showered the landscape
in the early stages of determining and providing education on envi- The Global Warming Pollution with beauty and peace.
how the cathedral can become ronmental issues. Reduction Act, legislation spon- But that was long ago.
more environmentally friendly "In effect, by wanting to show sored by Sens. Jim Jeffords (I-VT) Now the earth
and serve as an example to other the movie, [congregations] are and Barbara Boxer (D-CA). blessed by God
congregations. wanting to partner," he said. "I During its 75th General is once again
"I think it's a terrific thing," said think that it's an opportunity for Convention in Columbus, Ohio, soaked in blood.
the Rev. Steve Huber, the cathe- dialogue. …This is a deeply moral the Episcopal Church passed simi- The sacred footsteps
dral's vicar, of the new group. "I and ethical issue - global warming lar legislation, Detchon said, of our ancestors
support the formation of this - and I think we need to take it drafted by GWIPL and sponsored no longer walk upright
committee. I'm excited about it, on in our spiritual lives." by the Diocese of Washington. but weep in bent despair.
because I saw first-hand the Environmental stewardship is The resolution, C108, encourages Instead of mystic stars
results of this sort of thing at St. more than just a moral issue, members, parishes, dioceses and which inspire the soul -
Columba's." according to the Rev. Eugene other church institutions to "con- the heavens are dominated
St. Columba's, a GWIPL partner Sutton, the cathedral's canon pas- sider prayerfully whether to part- by falling bombs -
parish where Huber served as tor and a leader in the initiative to ner with Interfaith Power and which strike
Spiritual life
priest-in-charge until July, has "green" the cathedral: It's a reli- Light by incorporating respect at the very heart of God.
been using 100 percent renewable gious issue, and it's about love. and care for Creation into pro- O holy land!
energy for the last three years. "We've been hearing a lot over grams of worship and education, Why oh why
In addition to the diocese's effort, the last several years about moral by reducing energy use through must divided hearts
local congregations of many values and this has caused a lot of conservation and increased effi- alienate and disperse
denominations and faiths also will contention - whose values?" ciency, and by replacing consump- the offspring of the most high
be showing the movie. Sutton said. "But there's one value tion of fossil fuels with energy into foreign lands
"In the D.C. area, 50 congrega- on which all the religious groups from renewable resources." where neither hope
tions have signed up [to show the agree: To be good stewards of cre- "We think the way to combat nor resolution resides?
movie] so far, and the goal is to ation, of what we've been given. global warming is by raising There is not one
have 100," said Reid Detchon, "It's a moral issue because our awareness," Detchon said. "I of us who is left untouched
who serves on GWIPL's steering scriptures say so, but it's also a think it's that kind of reflection by the new blood
committee, the vestry at St. moral issue because of love - we on these issues in our spiritual which this holy earth emits.
Columba's and also chairs the have been commanded as lives that gets people motivated to While buildings crumble -
diocese's Environment Christians to love." act." so do our spirits crush
Committee. Loving our neighbors means not And action, he believes, one per- beneath what is -
In order to sign up, congrega- raising our standard of living at son and one parish at a time, is the fear of revelation unveiled
tions must become GWIPL part- the expense of theirs, he said, and the only way to turn back the tide before our astounded
ners, Detchon said. This involves it means preserving the world we on the pending climate crisis. and helpless eyes.
making a commitment in at least have been given for future genera- -- Joan E. Beilstein

17. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 17
Spiritual life
a saint for
september
Saint Vincent de Paul
Saint day: September 27
Patron of: charitable societies, workers, horses, hospitals, lepers, lost articles,
prisoners and volunteers.
Time and place: Born 1581 in southwest France (town is now known as Saint-
Vincent-de-Paul); died 1660 in Paris.
Representation: Cleric performing an act of charity, carrying an infant or sur-
rounded by the Sisters of Charity. Cannon-ball and swords
Story in brief: Vincent was born to a peasant family, and was educated by
Franciscan friars. He began divinity studies in 1596 at the University of
Toulouse, and was ordained at age 20. He was taken captive by Turkish pirates
and brought to Tunis, where he was sold into slavery. He was freed in 1607 when
he converted one of his owners to Christianity. Returning to France, he served as
parish priest near Paris, where he started organizations to help the poor, nursed
the sick and found jobs for the unemployed. He served as chaplain at the court
of Henry IV. With Louise de Marillac, he founded the Congregation of the
Daughters of Charity, and instituted the Congregation of Priests of the Mission
(Lazarists). Vincent worked always for the poor, the enslaved, the abandoned, the
ignored and the pariahs. He was beatified on Aug. 21, 1729, by Pope Benedict
XIII; canonized June 16, 1737 by Pope Clement XII.
BEARINGS:
In the midst of life we are in death
F
inally, after three years of am imagining my partner and avoid imagining in detail how I Christ's company, reckon with
foot-dragging, I am draw- friends taking in the doctor's ver- want my surviving friends to cele- the reality that 4th St. SW is, like
ing up an entirely new will. dict that would set in motion the brate my own passing from this every other address, situated in
Sometimes money is the only decision to withhold further life. Now as I get down to think- "the valley of the shadow of
thing that talks to my obstinate treatment and nutrition. I am ing about the final disposal of my death." And if tears came to my
soul and eventually the only way trying to feel my way own body eyes as I hummed the tunes of
I could stop procrastinating was into sensing the and the ritu- the much-loved hymns with
to actually pay a lawyer the first emotional burden als that will which I want my friends to bid
half of the fee to force myself to that they will have to surround it, me farewell, I could always take a
get on with the paperwork. Now bear if they have to the reality of quick dip to wash them away.
I find I have taken the plunge enact the decisions I my own Every great spiritual tradition
into an intense spiritual exercise am now binding mortality is proposes meditation on one's
which proves once more how true them to take. hitting own death as a necessity if one is
the saying is that God is in the Then there is the home. Before to mature, and some of them pre-
details. It is all very well thinking question of legacies. I could final- scribe specific and detailed spiri-
in vague generalities about the Am I stipulating cer- ly commit tual exercises designed to chal-
end of one's life and the disposal tain legacies because Martin L. Smith the binding lenge our natural fear and aver-
of assets. But true spirituality is I really want some of decision for sion. In a culture like ours that
not a matter of abstractions. True my money to help cremation to conspires to protect us from con-
spirituality generates the impetus fuel movements I care about after paper I had to present to my templating our own banal mortal-
to deal practically with what is I am dead? Am I tempted to mind's eye the picture of my own ity, while morbidly entertaining
concrete and real. I am having to include some causes merely corpse being slid into the furnace, us with shows that sensationalize
picture to myself in meditation because I don't want to be as I had seen happen to others'. I violent death, the sober disci-
actual scenarios of my death, and thought of as uncaring? Who or had to picture the gray powder to plines of thoughtfully preparing
even my dreams are playing their what do I want to recognize in which I will be reduced. I even our last will and testament, living
part in the process. gratitude? I thought it was going found that a particular image of wills and funeral arrangements
Filling in the questionnaires and to be easier than this. I am having the container I wanted for my might be the nearest equivalent to
lists I have been given are any- trouble weighing the sincerity of ashes came to my mind, and I those traditional spiritual exercis-
thing but a simple matter of tick- my values and need more time to realized that I could act on this es. They are healthful spiritual
ing the boxes corresponding to think about particular people and choice now and ask a friend who tasks, to be done trusting that
obvious choices. Even though the communities to which my per- is a potter to make it for me in Christ is close by looking suppor-
questions about powers of attor- sonal debt of gratitude is pro- readiness. And I have sat by the tively over our shoulders. All the
ney, living wills and health prox- found. swimming pool at my apartment issues they make us explore are
ies seem technical and formal, And what about my funeral? I this summer, with pencil and core themes for prayer.
they are having a powerful effect have taken the funerals of about paper, the Book of Common Martin L. Smith is a well-known
on my imagination. For example, 150 people in more than 36 years Prayer, and the hymnal, to choose spiritual writer and priest. He
I have made myself picture my of ministry, from those of com- the prayers and hymns I would serves on the staff of St. Columba's,
comatose body stretched out in plete strangers to my own grand- like for the service. It seemed to D.C. as theologian-in-residence.
the hospital bed after a calamity mother and my father. I suspect I me that this familiar setting
that has brought about the 'vege- have been retreating behind a cer- would do just fine as the "still
tative state' that we all dread. I tain professional familiarity to waters" beside which I could, in

18. 18 WASHINGTON WINDOW September 2006 www.edow.org
FINDING FAITH:
The unexpected revelations of
Living Waters
Alicia Cordell and Betty MacDonald: “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said,
streams of living waters will flow from within...” (John 7:38)
W
orking out in the David MacDonald, rector of Christ,
water is good for the Nanjemoy.) I had become like the STORY AND PICTURES BY ANNE CARSON
body and the soul. It Psalmist David who lamented, "I
can be like a return am poured out like water; all my
to the womb, when one is wounded. bones are out of joint; my heart
I was in need of water workouts to within my breast is melting wax."
wash away anxiety and grief during The semester wore on, and my
a time in my life when personal pain floundering continued. But I began
had become a constant companion. to notice a beautiful young woman
Wrestling with a faith grown hard- sitting quietly in her wheelchair in a
edged and defensive, I had signed corner of the pool area while our
up for a Water Aerobics class taught class was in session. Her confident
by Betty MacDonald at the College pose with head back and hands fold-
of Southern Maryland in La Plata. ed spoke of perseverance and
Betty's water workouts began get- courage. A colleague told me she
ting my heart rate up, but I couldn't was Alicia Cordell, an opera singer
get my rhythm back. My step was who had traveled throughout
out of pace. Life had lost its luster, Europe winning awards and acclaim.
and our instructor's seemingly inde- But a rare, congenital anomaly of
Spiritual life
fatigable smile added to my angst. the spinal cord, discovered after the
"What is she so consistently joyful birth of her third child, had left her
about?" I puzzled with some resent- paralyzed from the waist down.
ment. (At the time, I did not know I knew that Alicia took a water
she was a fellow Episcopalian, the therapy class with Betty before our
vibrantly active wife of the Rev. class and then waited to take anoth-
“ I couldn’t get my rhythm back.
My step was out of pace. Life had
lost its luster, and our instructor’s
seemingly indefatigable smile
”
Betty MacDonald massages and stimulates Alicia Cordell’s
added to my angst. leg muscles during a water therapy session at the College of
Southern Maryland in La Plata.

19. www.edow.org September 2006 WASHINGTON WINDOW 19
Spiritual life
Letting go of
Betty
MacDonald’s
hands, Alicia
Cordell takes
her first unas-
sisted stand in
the water.
er therapy class after the lunch camaraderie of faith, their friend- tions moved to a higher level. We the practice of gratitude.
period. I also was aware that ship and laughter, that I wanted spoke of the abiding comfort of When Alicia and Betty invited
Betty sacrificed her lunch break, to know more. I asked Betty the Holy Spirit through tremen- me to come to Namjemoy to join
which was our lap swim time, to about her ministry and drew dous trials such as Alicia's hospi- in the fellowship and to hear
work with Alicia. Her oblation renewal from her ceaseless spring talization and subsequent separa- Alicia sing, I could not resist.
became sweet sacrament for me. I of spiritual resilience. I became tion from a newborn child, her Mother's Day seemed the perfect
would swim a few laps, then better acquainted with Alicia in five painful surgeries and her last time to talk my husband into the
watch them: Alicia squeezing the dressing room, noting the three years spent caring for three long journey from our home near
Betty's hands tightly as she brave- Solomons Island to the luxuriant,
ly attempted walking in the untamed countryside of
water. Later, Betty would massage Nanjemoy and the historic
and stimulate Alicia's feet and leg church of Christ, Durham.
muscles and manipulate her legs Betty's welcoming embrace and
in exercises. Their closeness her husband's powerful hand
washed over me like waves from a shake warmed us before the serv-
baptismal font. ice began. During the Eucharist,
With the beginning of the spring Alicia sang the operatic version of
semester, Alicia blossomed with Ave Maria from "Desdemona's
new-found strength, making Prayer," from Othello by Verdi,
bolder efforts at moving inde- and my spirit soared in harmony
pendently in the water each day. with her offering, so mellifluous
She had lost weight, and the and sacred that I felt Mary, the
muscles in her legs were showing mother of Jesus, must be smiling.
tone. Her demeanor had bright- During the last week of my water
ened; instead of sitting quietly in aerobics class, Alicia told me she
the corner of the pool while our no longer needed a brace on her
class was in session, Alicia would right leg; that her doctors were
read her Bible near Betty's work astonished at her improvement.
station. Watching the sun falling Then I witnessed Alicia taking
across her shoulders onto the her first unassisted stand in the
open pages of Scripture sparked water and letting go of Betty's
my resolve. I returned to my for- hands. Their joy together flowed
mer discipline of rising early to over me like a fountain. It was
read the Scripture and recite the time to let go of all that was
psalms. During lap swim, the holding me back and to trust, as
words of the psalms began to Alicia was, in the unexpected rev-
pulse in my mind with the elations of living waters and in
rhythm of the strokes. I began to the miracle of grace.
notice the light sparkling on the Anne Carson is a freelance writer
waves, the sun's rays breaking and photographer living on the
into my immersion, as I made a Western Shore of the Chesapeake
turn. I rehearsed from Psalm 42, Bay, where she and her husband
Philippians 4:13
as I watched bubbles rise from attend St. Peter's Episcopal Church
my back stroke kick: "As the deer on Solomons Island. For the last 12
longs for the water brooks, so time it took for her to shower young daughters from a wheel- years, she has traveled widely with
longs my soul for you, O God." and dry her hair in her wheel- chair. I realized how fortunate I Habitat for Humanity
I became so drawn to Betty and chair - simple actions I was tak- was to be swimming laps, walk- International as a photojournalist.
Alicia, to the glow from their ing for granted. Our conversa- ing and breathing. I returned to

20. Green fingers
Washington Window
Episcopal Church House
Mount Saint Alban
Washington, D.C. 20016-5094
The newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington
September 2006, Vol. 75, No. 9 ISSN 1545-1348
POSTMASTER (Permit #99291) Send address changes to Washington Window,
Episcopal Church House, Mount Saint Alban, Washington, D.C., 20016-5094
they know and care for
activities&
events
Close Up Tour:
in their personal lives
and the ministries in
which they serve.
Information/register:
Autumn Light edow.org/prevention
1:30 - 3 p.m. Sept. 9 at Washington Docent information
National Cathedral 1:30 p.m. to: 3:00 session
p.m. Introduction to the cathedral's 9:30 a.m. to noon
stained glass windows and the tales they Sept. 12 at the
tell. $5. No reservations; tour meets at Cathedral. Learn about Photo by Anne-Marie Jeffery
docent station just inside main doors. volunteering as a FIRST FRUITS: Christian Clough, music director at Epiphany, D.C., inspects the first green beans in
Info: tours@cathedral.org. docent, school guide, the church’s new rooftop garden. See story page 1.
U2charist & Open House and greeter. Contact
4-8 p.m. Sept. 4 at the UMD Episcopal 202/537-8990 or vol-
Student Center (4508 College Avenue, unteer@cathedral.org
College Park). Labor Day picnic and a to register. Chase) ALPHA. First program is at 7 Marlboro (14519 Church St.) Ham &
celebratory U2charist to open the new Bird Walk in Olmsted Woods p.m. Sept. 20 in the Great Hall with din- oyster dinner, country style menu.
center. 8:30 a.m. Sept. 14. Join experienced ner. Information: 301/654-2488 or all- Adults, $15; seniors-65+/$13; Children
Holy Land pilgrimage birder Sheila Cochran at the George saintschurch.net. under 12, $7; no charge for children
Sept. 4-16. Led by the Rev. Canon John Washington Statue on the cathedral Family Saturday: under age 5. Antiques/collectibles; fall
Peterson, director of the Cathedral close. Wear sturdy shoes; bring binocu- A World of Wood plants; games. Call 301/627-2636.
Center for Global Justice and
arts&
music
lars! Call 202/537-2319. 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Sept. 23 at the
Reconciliation, with the Rev. Canon VTS forum with Cathedral. Two sessions, 10 a.m. &
Eugene Sutton, director of the Cathedral Madeleine Albright noon. Look for carved flowers, animals
Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. 7 to 10 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Virginia and little green men. Then craft a wood-
Pilgrims will experience biblical places
Tuesday Concert Series
Theological Seminary. Public forum with en sculpture to take home. Ages 4-8. 12:10 - 1 p.m. Sept. 5 at Epiphany, D.C.
first hand. Contact 202/537-2373 or former Secretary of State Madeleine Reservations: 202/537-2934.
jsicking@cathedral.org. James Rogers, baritone. $5 donation.
Albright, who will discuss her book, Gargoyle Tour: (Performers are paid only what the audi-
Episcopal Peace Fellowship "The Mighty and the Almighty: American Gargoyles ence contributes).
7 p.m. Sept. 6 meeting at St. Alban's rec- Reflections on God, America and World 2-4 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Cathedral's
tory. Contact Helma Lanyi at 202/364-
Jazz Brunch
Affairs". Dessert reception and book Perry Auditorium. Slide show followed Sept. 10 Grace, Georgetown's
0546 or olivebranch@rcn.com. All signing will follow. by outdoor tour. Ages 10+. Binoculars
parishes are welcome. 20s/30s/40s group is hosting a Jazz
Latino Ministries Celebration recommended. $5. tours@cathedral.org. Brunch in the church courtyard. Contact
Rummage Sale 6-9 p.m. Sept. 16 at Our Saviour, Silver Potomac Country Stacy Notaras Murphy 202/460-2667
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sept. 8 and 9 a.m. to 2 Spring. Bishop John B. Chane will pre- House Tour snmurphy@verizon.net.
p.m. Sept. 9 at Good Shepherd, Silver side at the Eucharist; a meal will be Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, noon to 5 p.m.
Spring (818 University Blvd. W.)
Accordion Concert
served afterward. Contact the Rev. Annual Potomac Country House Tour 6-8 p.m. Sept. 30 at Christ, Capitol Hill
Clothing, toys, household goods, furni- Simón Bautista at sbautista@edow.org or will open four exquisite homes. Tour is
ture, books. Call 301/593-3282 (620 G Street SE). Accordion Master
202/294-4256. sponsored by St. Francis', Potomac. Dale Wise will perform both old and
Safeguarding God's Children SAPC meeting Proceeds benefit outreach ministry. new jazz, spirituals, waltzes and patriotic
training 7 - 8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at St. Columba's. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 on tour favorites. Doors open at 5 p.m. as do
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at St. Meet with Bishop Chane and the days. Call 301/365-2055 or visit stfran- concessions. Tickets: $15. Contact Sid
Mark's, D.C. and 9:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. Southern Africa Partnership Committee. cispotomac.org Neely 202/544-0656 or Joyce Palmer
Sept. 23 at Trinity, St. Mary's City. ALPHA Fall Festvial - 202/543-3860.
Provides participants with the informa- Sept. 20 - Dec. 6 at All Saints, Chevy Ham/Oyster Dinner
tion they need to protect the children Chase (3 Chevy Chase Circle, Chevy 2-7 p.m. Sept. 30 at Trinity, Upper
Visit the Diocese of Washington online at www.edow.org