Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Volume 45, Issue 13
ContactDecember 2016
North Bethesda
United Methodist Church
Bravo, Shadowlands!
Shadowlands, directed by Janet Van Albert Replogle, was a delightful and touching true story of the relationship between C.S. Lewis, the famous
author of “The Chronicles of Narnia” book series, and Joy Gresham, an American writer. Told through Lewis’ memory over nine years, from the
time Joy travels to England from America with her son to visit C.S. Lewis to the time of her death from bone cancer.
Mike Replogle’s performance as C.S. Lewis was expertly done, portraying the author’s keen intellect, spirituality, and realization of his
true affection and love for Joy. Dayna Fellows’ portrayal of Joy, who came into Lewis’ life as an avid
fan of his writings and correspondence and returned to England following her divorce to start again, only to fall
in love with Lewis was equally moving. Joy’s keen
sense of humor and Lewis’ sharp wit brought humour even during the darkest moments.
The brotherly love and affection between C. S. Lewis and Warnie Lewis, played by Jim
Todhunter, felt genuine. John Allnutt also gave a strong performance as Professor Christopher Riley, one of Lewis’ fellow Oxford friends and who does not share Lewis’
affection for Joy. The supporting cast, who often played multiple roles with great effect, further enhanced the overall production.
The set was composed of several areas, with the main stage area turned into the very realistic English cottage home shared by Lewis and
his brother. Ed Swanson’s light design allowed the change in venues to shift effortlessly, and the story to flow smoothly. The special lighting
effects around the scenes with Joy’s son, Douglas, played by Bryant Holdren, gave added meaning to the events.
We were privileged to witness a powerful story.
Natalie McManus
Page 2 December 2016 Contact
North Bethesda United Methodist Church
10100 Old Georgetown Road
Bethesda MD 20814
Phone: (301) 530–4342
E–mail: [email protected]
Website: www.NorthBethesdaUMC.org
Office Manager: Chris Lee
Office Hours: Tuesday -Thursday 8:30AM– 3:00PM
Pastor: Pastor Jeff Jones cell: (240) 994-1505
Minister of Visitation: Linda Thompson
Music Director: Tony Ashur
Coordinator of Education: Vicki Morrison
Contact Newsletter Editor: Valerie Blane
Contact Newsletter Publisher: Chris Lee
2 Sean Love
5 Penny Clark
13 Lois Gawler
14 Mark Aehle
15 Denise Carter-Blank
15 Sara Sheppard
16 Ulric Gibson
16 Dick Getzinger
16 Ludwig van Beethoven
18 Kevin Wynkoop
22 Nathalie Duncan
24 Vera Jennings
24 Marion Tigert
25 Sue Enders
25 Sequoia Santoro
26 Margaret Crowson
27 Michael Stepita
28 Kimberly Thorpe
31 Karina Mobley
If you have corrections or addi-
tions, you can contact Diane Tabatabai at 301-983-6878 or
SPRC Collecting for Christmas
gifts
for our Wonderful Staff
The SPRC will be collecting donations for our
staff's annual Christmas bonus on November
27, December 4, and December 11. If you
would like to show our hard working staff
members how much we appreciate them and
all they do for our church, please bring your
monetary gifts to the church on these
Sundays and place in the collection plate or
drop them off at the church office by the
11th. The bonus checks will then be
presented to the staff on Sunday the 18, just
in time for the holiday. Let us all give a little
extra thanks to our staff, Tripitaka Verma,
Vicki Morrison, Tony Asher, Chris Lee, Linda
Thompson, and Pastor Jeff!
Carol Cooper, SPRC chair
Volume 45, Issue 13 Page 3
December is such a powerful time in our lives with so much going on. My family had a variety of Christmas experiences. One year in the Congo, the road into town was flooded during the rainy season, and we could not get a Christmas tree. Instead, we had a silver tinsel style tree. It didn’t seem
like Christmas, but in the Congo, you learn to make do. Like Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, it wasn’t the guest house of the inn, but the barn.
Another year in the Congo, bullets constantly hit the house. We slept on the hall floor, the only safe place. On Dec. 9, we were evacuated to Zambia, leaving all our Christmas presents in the house. We had Christmas in a small donated student housing at the University, waiting for the war in Katanga to end. A very different Christmas, but not unlike Mary and Joseph leaving Nazareth to travel to Bethlehem as the baby was due.
We try to find a special ornament each year that highlights the year or
places we have been, but in some years, that special annual ornament gets put on the tree quickly in order to get to the next special ornament. Wouldn’t it be great if we could slow down and remember each place and moment in our lives rather than rush to the next one?
This year, try to slow down. Try to take in the moments leading to Christmas. Plan events that will nurture and bless you rather than hitting everything you can
think of to say that you did it.
May the Peace of God which passes all understanding keep your heart and mind in the Spirit of Christmas.
Pastor Jeff
Preacher Feature
Page 4 December 2016 Contact
Worship Themes
Worship in December is special. The decorations, the Advent Wreath, and singing are all a part of preparation to celebrate peace on earth and good will to men and women,
which we so desperately need. In worship, we can condition our hearts to welcome the
one who makes all the difference in the world. Advent makes us aware of God’s gift of love coming to earth.
Each of these Sunday and Special services will give you a glimpse of God’s gift.
12/4 2nd in Advent Holy Communion Joel 2: 12-13,28-29 & Luke 11:13. God sends the Holy Spirit to us, to energize us for living a life following the pattern of Jesus.
12/11 3rd in Advent Lessons & Carols by Choir. Enjoy the special music and the story told through scripture and songs.
12/18 4th in Advent Luke 1: 26-49 Jesus birth announced. The Angel Gabriel comes
to let Mary know she has been chosen by God for a
special blessing.
12/21 Traveler’s Christmas Eve & Holy Communion Guest Harpist Aimee Raechal
Traditional Candlelight and the opportunity to share in Holy Communion and lighting the candles to remember
light overcomes darkness, for those leaving town. Christmas Visitor.
12/24 Children’s Service 4:30
12/24 Christmas Eve 8, 9 or 10?
Traditional Candlelight service and Christmas Visitor
12/25 Christmas Morning at Faith UMC 10 a
1/1 New Year’s Day Holy Communion Luke 2:21-38
Simeon & Anna’s blessings
John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal Service
The Lectionary December 4th
Isa. 11:1-10
Ps.72:1-7,18-19 or UMH 795
Rom. 15:4-13
Matt. 3:1-12
December 11th
Isa. 35:1-10
Luke 1:47-55 or UMH 199
Jas. 5:7-10
Matt 11:2-11
December 18th
Isa. 7:10-16
Ps.80:1-7, 17-19 or UMH 801
Rom. 1:1-7
Matt. 1:18-25
December 25th
Isa. 52-7-10
Ps.98 or UMH 818
Heb. 1:1-4(5-12)
John 1:1-14
Advent Study Advent this year will feature C. S. Lewis’ reflections on lessons that
will prepare us for Christmas. Peace, Hope & Light is a collection of relevant passages taken from the many books of C. S. Lewis to
help prepare us for the great gift of God’s love.
Sign up for your copy on the bulletin board next to Benedict Parlor.
Join Pastor Jeff’s class for a discussion and reflection on the study following coffee hour on Dec. 4, 11, and 18 in the Sanctuary.
Pastor Jeff
Volume 45, Issue 13 Page 5
Christmas Day Worship Every six or seven years, Christmas falls on a Sunday, making it hard for families to
decide what to do, especially if you are traveling or visiting family.
This year our Rockville Cluster will offer Christmas morning service at 10 am at Faith UMC in Rockville. The church is located just off of 270 at 6810 Montrose Road. This will
allow us to worship Christmas morning together with other United Methodists in this
area.
Pastor Jeff
Traveler’s Christmas Service
Don’t miss a traditional candle-lighting Christmas Eve service because you have to leave town or be away from your church. Come Wednesday night, Dec. 21 at 7 pm and
join us for a Harp Christmas celebration, communion, choir’s singing, and visitor from Bethlehem.
Schedules and travel days are hectic. We offer a night of peace and good will to men and women. Please invite your neighbors to this special service!
Pastor Jeff
Family Christmas Service 6:30 pm Service on Christmas Eve will feature
the talented children and young adults of NBUMC.
10:00 pm Service on Christmas Eve will be a
traditional candlelight service including a special
Christmas visitor.
Pastor Jeff
Page 6 December 2016 Contact
Fun With Words:
I was chuffed to sit in the inglenook and watch the pullulating street from my
window.
chuffed – delighted, pleased (Thanks to my Australian friends who taught me this.)
inglenook – corner by a fireplace (And you thought it was wine!)
pullulating – very crowded or lively (Wonder if it originated with chickens?)
Valerie Blane
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
Dec. 11 - 10:00 - Ceremony of Lessons and Carols
What is the Ceremony of Lessons and Carols???
The ceremony of lessons and carols is a service that our church does every year, recounting the story of the fall of humanity, the prophecy of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus. The story is told in a series of nine readings from the Book of Genesis, the prophet Isaiah, and from the four
Gospels. The readings or "lessons," are interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols,
hymns and anthems.
Why are Christmas songs called "carols," and not hymns?
The word "carol" comes from the Greek word, "koros:” a circle of dancers and singers in Greek Dramas. Carols were originally pagan dances which is one of the reasons the early church
frowned upon their use. It wasn't until an Italian monk by the name of Francis from a small Italian village called Assisi, that carols would become accepted by the church. Francis set up a living nativity scene, complete with animals. Instead of using the plainchant, commonly used in
the church, he wanted to use something more joyous. He chose the Christmas carols. The nativities became so popular, that the medieval church finally gave in and let Christmas carols
be sung in church.
By the beginning of the fifteenth century, carol singing had become an integral element of seasonal worship. During the Puritan regime of Oliver Cromwell in England, carols, and the
celebration of Christmas itself, were banned in England. By the seventeenth century, carols saw a resurgence in the New World, and were eventually restored as a tradition in England. It is in
England that the ceremony of lessons and carols took form.
Now that you know where carols came from, why are they called "carols" and not "hymns" if they are both religious songs?
While the terms "carol" and "hymn" overlap, the two genres are different. Hymn texts tend to be more didactic, reflecting precise Biblical references or theology. The carol's purpose is more narrative. Carols were meant to appeal to the uneducated people of the middle ages. While
stained glass windows illustrated the Bible stories, the carol depicted the momentous events of
Christ's birth.
Why should I come to NBUMC's Lessons and Carols?
Because it is a wonderful way to celebrate what is really important about this season. Leave the malls and the wrapping behind and come and hear the reason we celebrate Christmas in the
first place.
Come hear our wonderful choir and brass quartet play music of the season! Come hear the wondrous stories from scripture!
Come with your family and friends! Come pray and sing for about an hour of your time on Dec. 11!
O Come all ye faithful!
Volume 45, Issue 13 Page 7
The Story Behind “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
This lovely song comes from Middle Ages. Sung by monks during
Christmas Vespers in Latin (Veni, Veni, Emmanuel) from Dec. 17
– 23, these Great Antiphons begin with the word O O Sapentia
(Wisdom), O Adonai (Hebrew word for God), O radix Jesse (stem
or root of Jesse), O clavis David (key of David), O Oriens (dayspring), O Rex genitium
(King of the Gentiles), O Emmanuel. They were also used by the English poet
Cynewulf in a poem written around 800 AD. Cynewulf was one of the few poets
whose name we know and some of whose works are still viable.
The text first appeared in France in the 15th century. The hymn was published by
Johannes Herringsdorf in 1610 and used in Jesuit schools in Germany. The text then
appeared in the hymnal, Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, in 1710, as part of
German church music. That hymnal was a major force in the history of German
church music.
The music that we use dates to 1851 in Hymnal Noted and revised in 1861 by
Thomas Helmore, using John M. Neale’s English translation. (A note about Neale: He
didn’t like Isaac Watts and music of that ilk and wished to return to a more liturgical,
high Anglican style.) There was disagreement about the music itself. The mystery
was solved in 1966 by Mary Berry who discovered a 15th century manuscript with the
melody, while searching through the National Library of France. This was basically
the same music that Helmore used.
The first letter of the second word of each antiphon reads SARCORE. If read
backwards, the letters form a two-word acrostic “Ero cras” meaning “I will be present
tomorrow.”
The “O Emmanuel” antiphon was traditionally sung on the night before Christmas
Eve, revealing the meaning of the liturgical riddle through the completion of the
acrostic.
This hymn has more fascinating history. I encourage you all to google it.
Valerie Blane
Presents for Jesus’ Birthday You will be receiving a special letter and envelope in the mail soon
for our Annual Christmas Gift to Jesus for his birthday.
The ministry of North Bethesda UMC depends on the support of members and friends. This is one way you can help us to keep
blessing our children, reaching our community, encouraging our
spiritual journey.
Gifts to Jesus will enable us to keep our services to him fully engaged and helpful to all. This is a chance to make a tax deductible contribution before the year runs out.
Remember it’s Jesus’ birthday celebration. Let’s give him a present for that.
Pastor Jeff
Page 8 December 2016 Contact
Christmas Customs Around the World
Australians sometimes decorate their houses with Christmas Bush, a native tree that has green leaves and white flowers. In
the summer (December in the southern hemisphere), the flowers turn red, especially around Christmas.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, children put out their shoes on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas’ Day, and hope for treats. They also put
out food for the reindeer.
In Croatia, people start celebrating on Nov. 25, St. Catherine’s Day. They have an
Advent wreath of straw or evergreen branches into which four candles are placed. Croatians decorate their trees with fruit shaped ornaments. They used to use real fruit
that had been covered with gold.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, churches have huge musical evenings with many choirs and a nativity play, beginning with Genesis and ending with Herod killing
the baby boys. The woman chosen for Mary is usually in labor at the time, with hopes that the baby will be born around midnight. Actors play the shepherds and kings follow
the birth. Sometimes the play ends there; sometimes people sing until dawn.
Ethiopia uses the Orthodox Calendar, meaning that Christmas is usually January 7. The
celebration is called Ganna. On Christmas Eve, people fast. At dawn on Christmas day, people dress in white and go to church, which usually starts around 4 AM.
In Finland, it is tradition to eat rice porridge and plum juice for breakfast. At noon, the mayor of Turku in south Finland broadcasts the peace of Christmas
Because there are no trees in Greenland, people have to import trees. People decorate the trees with candles, bright ornaments, and little pants made of sealskin. They also
put stars in their windows, which helps in this land of very little winter sunshine.
Riga, Latvia, is the true home of the first documented Christmas tree in 1510. One of
the guilds brought a large evergreen to the second floor of their hall, decorated it, had
presents under the tree, and several days after Christmas, took it out and burned it. Valerie saw this guild hall. Before the children receive their presents, they have to say
a poem, play an instrument, or sing a song by heart.
In Lithuania, the Christmas meal (Kucios) is at the first sight of stars at night. On the
table, there is a plate of Christmas wafers, one for each person. Everyone is offered a wafer and Christmas greetings. The meal has 12 vegetarian dishes, one for each
disciple. Some of the foods include: pastries, a drink made from cranberries, beet soup with mushroom dumplings, salad, potatoes,
sauerkraut, and porridge with honey.
In Portugal, people gather for a large meal on Christmas Eve. Then
they go to Missa do Galo or Mass of the Rooster. During the service, an image of baby Jesus is brought forth and everyone lines up to kiss
it. The Jesus is put into the nativity scene.
What are your customs?
Valerie Blane
Volume 45, Issue 13 Page 9
Weather Alert! Our fall weather will soon turn into winter with possible snowy Sundays. If
there is a snow storm, Pastor Jeff will determine whether church will be held. Please remember to look at your computer to receive a message to
see if church will be held or cancelled. Those without computers will be notified by phone. Also if there is a change in your address, phone, etc.,
please notify the church. We are working hard to keep the information current. Just a reminder to please wear your name tags.
Joy Burt
Chair of M&E
Sign Language Corner – Christmas animal signs by Valerie Blane
Sheep: right V
hand “shears”
up left arm
Donkey: right thumb out B hand
at temple bends down twice.
Camel: right C hand
inscribes the humps in
front of shoulder area.
Cow: right Y hand
at temple bends
down once
Advent Box
We will have an Advent Box in the narthex to collect
items for the Greentree Women’s shelter. Please be
generous. The idea behind this is for children, rather
than receiving a gift every day before Christmas, to donate an item every day.
It doesn’t have to be big. Greentree shelter houses homeless women and their
families.
Thanks and blessings!
Thanks to the Sunday School kids who decorated the box!
Valerie Blane
Page 10 December 2016 Contact
60 GIFTS OF SERVICE
On October 29, NBUMC held a workday to
shape up the church grounds: trimming dead
branches and suckers from the cherry trees,
ripping off vines taking over the azaleas and up
into trees at the cross in the north yard,
weeding everywhere, edging the sidewalks
from grass overgrowth, and painting the yellow
curbing in the parking lot. This was a BIG project as there has
been only one, possibly two, workdays since Rev. Deb left.
For our 60th anniversary, we had signage inviting
ALL to our celebrations (not just NBUMC people.) I
had spoken to a gentleman, Alan Cook, a year
earlier when he stopped by, and I met him in the
parking lot. He is the leader of “Neighborhood
Outreach” for the Potomac Ward of The Church of
Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) on Falls Road. He attended one of our
Sunday celebrations and then set about organizing a group from his
Ward to GIVE US A GIFT OF 60 ACTS OF SERVICE!
Mr. Cook dealt with our Trustees Chair, Raj Ghaman, and then brought 40
plus/minus workers - PLUS their landscaper - to help with our workday –
2-3 hours. I know of at least five (5) NBUMC workers who were working.
I don’t remember there being any prior announcements or signage
regarding workday so maybe there could have been a bigger NBUMC
turnout??! On October 30, Bob and I left for Minnesota due to a death in
his family, so I do not know if there was any recognition of this wonderful
gift; if we had hired it out, it would have cost $300-500!
Please, look around as you come and go and observe our church grounds and see
how very nice everything looks, from our parking lot perspective or Lone Oak or
Old Georgetown Road! It is really ASTOUNDING!!! If you know anyone who is a
Mormon, please take the time to tell them of this sensational gift from the Potomac
Ward.
If you care to thank Alan Cook and his Ward members, you can mail
me your letters or cards, give them to me at church, or e-mail me, and
I will get them to Mr. Cook. I would be thrilled to inundate him with
thanks. (Do not send to their church as they do not have a church
office staffed as we do, so there is no mail delivery.) I e-mailed my
manager about this gift, she gave a copy to the Ward Bishop, and he
read it from the pulpit on Sunday, October 30!!! BUT,
I believe you can never say “thank you” too much.
Lois Gawler [email protected] apt. 1110,
7420 Westlake Terrace, Bethesda 20817
Page 12 December 2016 Contact
Some Thoughts on the State of Our Church
It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve our church
family as Lay Leader for the past year. NBUMC is blessed with a wonderfully diverse and talented congregation which offers a
warm welcome to all newcomers and visitors. During the past
year, we have seen new faces at most services. We have gained new members who have become increasingly involved in church
activities, adding greater social and spiritual depth to our worship and outreach activities. We also celebrated our 60th Anniversary in September,
and we thank Joy Burt and her Membership and Evangelism Work Area for their superb organization of the event embracing three Sundays of worship, welcoming past
members and pastors.
Under the leadership of Pastor Jeff, our worship has taken on a new format with the introduction of the screen in the front of the sanctuary. Screens have featured in church
services locally, and indeed worldwide, for years, and it is clear that they have greater
appeal to the younger generation. To me, the presence of the screen has led to more active and open participation of the congregation in worship services, particularly in the
singing of hymns, with most members looking up toward the altar with a greater feeling of communal singing. I feel that this aspect, combined with Pastor Jeff’s personal style
of preaching and his uplifting prayers, have greatly enhanced the spiritual atmosphere of our worship. We are further blessed in having Tony Ashur and our gifted choir, as
well as many talented young musicians, who constantly enrich our worship. I am encouraged by the number and diversity of youngsters participating in Pastor Jeff’s
Brown Bag moments, which I feel augurs well for our future youth programs.
Another change has been the adoption by Church Council of the 10 a.m. service year
round. As with the introduction of the screen, this change has a significant bearing on our worship in that it is more geared to the schedules of young families. I am optimistic
that over time these two factors will lead to the attendance of more active, young members who are essential to the growth and survival of our church. While I
understand the concerns and unhappiness of some of our members about one or both of these moves, I sincerely feel that they are to the ultimate benefit of NBUMC in the
long run, and I hope and pray that those NBUMC members who are unhappy about these changes will reconcile themselves to accepting them as essential for the long
term benefit of our beloved church. I also applaud Pastor Jeff’s introduction of a midweek service (Alternate Worship Experience/AWE) catering to those members of our
community who cannot regularly attend on Sunday or want a different style of worship. It is his focus on exploring better ways to attract new members which is crucial to the
growth of our church.
We are also blessed with exceptional artistic talent. I congratulate Janet Replogle and
her terrific support team on the superb production of Shadowlands, which featured our own Michael Replogle and Dayna Fellows in the starring roles. The serving of an English
Tea by the Arts Committee after one of the shows added further Oxford authenticity to what was truly a memorable, professional production. In 2017, we can also look
forward to a music series, entitled “The Glory of Music,” featuring performances by our
Volume 45, Issue 13 Page 13
own gifted musicians, as well as prominent invited artists. These will center on the
acquisition of a new state-of-art Allen Bravura digital hybrid organ capable of covering a broad range of music from classic to contemporary. This series will be the center of a
major outreach program promoting the vitality and vision of our church to the local community.
On All Saints Sunday, we celebrated the lives and contributions of several members
who have passed on and who devoted so much of their lives and talents to serving our church. Since we continue to have members in need of medical and spiritual care, we
especially thank our Minister of Visitation, Linda Thompson, for her constant and untiring care for the homebound and elderly members of our church family and for
organizing the Card Ministry.
The church sanctuary looks splendid after the refurbishing with new carpets and seat
cushions, as well as refinished altar flooring and new custom-made altar paraments. The rest of our facilities have also benefited from repainting and renovation. With
ageing facilities, new challenges arise, and we are now faced with extensive upgrading of the fire alarm system. The landscaping also received a splendid sprucing up from a
wonderful group of local Mormon friends who recently devoted several hours performing “60 Acts of Service” in honor of the 60th anniversary of our church.
None of the progress outlined above would be possible without the dedicated service of our outstanding staff (Pastor Jeff, Tony Ashur, Chris Lee, Vicki Morrison, and Linda
Thompson), and the commitment and service of volunteer members, including young adults, serving on the various church committees: Staff Parish Relations/SPRC, Finance,
Trustees, Altar Guild, Fine Arts, Library, Membership and Evangelism, Missions, Worship, as well as ushers and counters, and the Contact.
All committee meetings, except that of the SPRC, are open for attendance by any
church member wishing to find out about events, decisions, and items acquired, etc.,
and their questions and input would be welcome. Verbal or written reports on committees (except SPRC) are presented at Church Council meetings which are held
bimonthly. All matters pertaining to the running of our church are discussed and approved by Church Council, and these meetings are open to all church
members, who are welcome to give their input. Copies of the minutes of Church Council meetings are now being made available on the table near Benedict Parlor, and a
copy of the monthly Financial Statement is posted on the bulletin board to the left of the office door. Check them for important information, and also check church bulletin
inserts and the Contact calendar for upcoming meetings. Take note that open invitations to upcoming Church Council meetings are announced by the chair, Amy
Duroska, at appropriate worship services.
I feel that there is no reason for anyone to feel excluded and uninformed about our
church. It is up to interested members to make the effort to attend at least the bimonthly Church Council meetings, or to consult the minutes and posted financial
statements. I regret that lack of space precludes me from listing our volunteers, but suffice it to say, we all owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their service to our
church. Please, come and join us in improving our church vision and worship, and in caring for the facilities. Just let me know where you would like to serve!
God bless NBUMC!
Gordon Cragg
Page 14 December 2016 Contact
SERVING THE INTERFAITH WORKS WOMEN’S HOMELESS
SHELTER
Over 40 compassionate and committed NBUMC volunteers
provided and served dinners and lunches to the 36 ladies of the
Interfaith Works (IW) Homeless Shelter on Wilkins Avenue during
the week of October 30 to November 5. As always, the delicious
dinners were a special treat for the ladies! And, as Theresa Ford,
Coordinator of IW Shelter volunteers, commented in a message,
“It is always a pleasure to see you both and all the folks from
NBUMC”.
This was a special week since it is the last time that we will serve
at the Wilkins Avenue Facility. In January, the shelter will move to
newly renovated facilities at 2 Taft Court off East Gude Drive.
These facilities will have greatly improved sleeping, kitchen and
dining quarters. Medical and dental clinics and social services will
also be housed in the same building, providing much needed on-
site care for the shelter residents. This will be a huge improvement
and blessing, saving the ladies having to trek around the region to
get medical and dental treatment and social counseling. Beds and
other furnishings are being provided by the County, but donations
of bedding, pillows and towels will be welcome. Interfaith Works
sent the following message:
“The new facility dorms, four in total, will be furnished with 70 new
beds for our residents. We would like to ask anyone interested in
“adopting a bed” to visit our registry by clicking on the
link: Shelter Registry. The shelter registry will allow you to
purchase: sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels for our new space.
It would be helpful to receive donations no later than mid-
December 2016. You may deliver your donation in person or have
it shipped to our current shelter address: 12250 Wilkins Ave.
Rockville, MD 20852.”
If you feel you can help, please check the Shelter Registry link.
Prices are very reasonable.
In 2017, we look forward to continuing our mission of caring and
compassion at the new facility on Taft Court during our usual
weeks in July and November.
THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR
GENEROUS COMPASSION!
Gordon and Jacqui
![01. Shadowlands [Terra Das Sombras]](https://img.pdfslide.net/doc/110x75/563dba2a550346aa9aa340bf/01-shadowlands-terra-das-sombras.jpg)
