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AUMC WITNESSOur Mission: Love God, Love Neighbor, Serve the World

We are a Stephen Ministry Church Vol. 8 No. 6

Annandale United Methodist Church6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003P: (703)256-8330 F: (703)914-8896

Ministers: Rev. Clarence R. Brown

Associate Pastor: Eduardo CarrilloRev. Cynthia Johnson-Oliver

Dr. Paul Y. ShinMarch 15, 2011

The “Re-Sacralization” of the City Grace and peace in the name of our Savior! As many of you know, I have re-engaged the academic pursuit I began some years ago but interrupted due to limita-tions of time and energy. With a change in ministerial venue and new challenges for the work of ministry with you, I have with some relish returned to the class room. A recent class was of great interest. Entitled “Redeem-ing the City in Scripture and Theology,” our class pondered some classic literature: Plato’s Republic; Augustine’s City of God; Sir Thomas More’s Utopia; Lewis Mumford’s The City in History; P.W.L. Walker’s Jesus and the Holy City. Perhaps most provocative among them was one of the most recently written: Harvey Cox’ The Secular City. How so? Glad you asked! In The Secular City, written in the mid 1960’s, Cox opines on the twin processes of urbanization and that which he propounds as its by product, secularization. Urbanization, which he does not quite define apart from the notion that its arrival has changed in substantial ways how human beings live together, and secularization which is defined as “…(hu-man beings) turning… (their) attention away from worlds beyond and toward this world and time.” Cox then proceeds to articulate his case for seculariza-tion, offering that it is good in that it liberates us from obei-sance to an obsolete caste of tradition and pre-critical under-standings. We are free, therefore, to pursue a more robustly mature apprehension of both God and the world we live in. While I find several predictive notes in Cox’s tracing of the contours of a post modern faith for a book written in the 1960’s (and probably prayed over a long time before that), I also think that Ray Charles could have seen some of what he points to coming (think about it). One of the big things that has come to pass is Cox propels us into a world where the underlying presupposition asserts that no one has claim to an ultimate truth or controlling narrative. Yet at several turns Cox appeals to Biblical sanction and to God as the ground of being. At any event, Cox moves forward and points to estab-lished Biblical understandings as a staging platform for the

secularization process, which he entitles disenchantment, desacralization and deconsecreation. These processes, he as-serts, divide us from one another, and delegitimizes the sense of the holy in all things. While he later presses for the de-velopment of a theology that would envelop the dynamics of urbanization, he also searches for a replacement for the institutional religion he feels constricting for the times. While we in the 21st century look around ourselves and see that urbanization has proceeded beyond anything Cox may have imagined; and while the process of secularization has indeed taken root in many ways that we lament, I am gladdened by more than a few developments. Modern peo-ple have discovered that their souls are not lifted by technol-ogy. While helpful and entertaining at several turns, what feeds us is not contained in a “tweet.” Moreover, to entertain a thought from Augustine, our souls are indeed restless for more satisfying connections. And while many in the secular world are searching through new fangled, “new age” trinkets and thought, there is an opportunity for us to bring to the world the thing that satisfies beyond all else: a relationship with God in Christ. And what’s more, an opportunity to point to the gracious presence of God in all things. In short, a “re-sacralization” of the world in which we live. The begin-ning of this movement is to reclaim our story, the controlling narrative of God’s great love for us. During this season, I encourage each of us to delve deeply into study, prayer and reflection so that we might be God bearing souls that take back the city.

Yours for a Vital Witness to Christ,

Clarence

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A blowhole is a cave formation on the coast line which works with every wave coming in to the coast. The air gets trapped and when the pressure cannot be further trapped in the walls of the cave then an outburst of water comes out and gets all the spectators soaking wet. But the amazing thing is not the water burst-ing out, is not the pressure, it is the sound.

But you have to be very quiet to enjoy the sound of the burst of pressured water. This past week, I woke up early one morning and there was a silence as I have never experienced before. I took a look at my cell phone to check the time and it was 4 a.m., not even close to my usual wake up time. As I was turning and toss-ing in bed, I started having a conversation with God. And in this conversation we talked about the house and what needs to be done, the different bills that need attention and the gas prices. Not even summer and it has already gone up. Anyhow, I realized the conversation had turned from what needed to be done to asking and demanding explanation. Yes, I tried to give time for God to answer, but I had more thoughts in my head and I kept going about what I need, and what needs to be done. In the quietness of that morning another thought came to my head about Jesus’ habits and I had an “oops” mo-ment: I realized that sometimes I get so tangled with what needs to be done that instead of taking advantage of enjoying God in the silence, I bombard God with questions – asking God to make the day longer and to freeze the gas prices. Have you ever felt that way? If you are like me, I invite you to come to the arms of our loving God, those arms that are always open. But just as we are eager to tell God about our needs and our worries, sometimes we need to stop and enjoy the majesty and the glory of God in our lives. Sometimes, just like standing by a blowhole, we need to stand still, wait patiently and listen.

Gracias y Paz

MISSION TEAM TO BRAZIL

We will be taking a team to Boa Vista, Brazil (north of the Amazon) from (approx) August 13-27 to work with the Shade and Fresh Water Project. The team will be building classrooms in a small church and have an opportunity to work with the local children. If you are interested in participating, you have the choice of one week ($1800) or two weeks ($2200). A deposit of $100 is due by April 15.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Erin McKenney at 703-403-1742 or by email at hoopsfan1@verizon.net.

TrusteesWORK DAYS:

The Trustees are planning some Work Days in 2011 for some interior painting, yard clean-up at the parsonage, and to address other needs. If you would like to be on the Trustees “call list” to help with these activities, please contact Alice Snitzer at 703-941-3962.

Thank you in advance for your service.

ESL TEACHERS NEEDED. If you are interested in serving the world right here in Annandale by teaching ESL please contact Michael Hoefer at 703-845-7751 (or 202-406-0927). We have openings for a lead teacher in our advanced class and for assistants/substitutes for other levels during the winter/spring semester.

ATTENTION MEN April 8-10 we will once again descend on the beautiful Blue Ridge Shadows Resort for our Annual Men’s Retreat. The weekend will kick off Friday with a Golf Tournament followed by a terrific barbeque on the patio. Come along and join us for a fun weekend of food and fellowship as we study "The Measure of a Man" by Gene Getz. Contact Gary FitzGibbon at 703-963-8707 or garyfitzgibbon@aol.com

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familyour church

Our Gratitude

HAPPY WANDERERS • Thursday, March 17 •

“Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef” A recent discovery of geometry in coral reefs is looked at through crochet in order to honor an ecosystem harmed by pollution and climate change. Also on display will be 500 va-rieties of orchids. Call Hilda, 703-532-3016 for reservations.

PARENTING TEENS WITH LOVE & LOGIC Jaie BrownSundays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. April 3 - May 15 (No class Apr 24, May 8)

Many parents want their teens to be well prepared for life but often fail to hold them accountable because they don’t want to be “mean.” This class teaches parents how to hold teens accountable with empathy, love, and understanding. When done regularly, teens develop an internal voice that helps them make good decisions both inside and outside the home. Jaie Brown has degrees in Social Work, teaches AUMC youth Sunday school, and has years of experience working with families. She and Rev. Clarence Brown have two adult sons and two grandchildren.

Cost $25/person; $35/couple Register at www.annandale-umc.org.

Click “Academy of Discipleship”

CHRISTMAS IN APRIL

SATURDAY, APRIL 30Need Volunteers for Half a Day/Entire Day

AUMC does Christmas in April for the 12th straight year on April 30th with the Annandale Youth Group and Young Adult Group leading the way again. We will be teaming with 10 volunteers from St Barnabas Episcopal to paint and do minor/not so minor repairs to a home selected by Rebuilding Together. This project is sponsored by our Missions Committee. This is a Great Opportunity for Anybody Who Needs Community Service Hours. Anybody interested in joining our youth or “fixing a treat for the workers” call John Clarke, 703 642-3836.

(Rebuilding Together)Dear Friends Our hearts are filled with thanks, appreciation and love. Your many prayers, concerns and support have sustained us through this trying time of Stan's surgery and blessed recovery. We still have a ways to go but with your continued prayers and God's grace we will make it. Love & Blessings,

Stan & Roberta

I would like to thank the congregation for extending such a warm welcome to Claudia and Eduardo Maia, the missionaries who came to visit on February 20. And I would also like to thank you for your warm outpouring of support for them! Claudia said she and Eduardo have both been truly blessed, and that she would like the incredible offering of love we collected to be sent to help continue the work she began at the Center of Hope. We are sending over 1,000 dollars (!) to the Center of Hope, Advance number 15031A! Thank you all for your great outpouring of love and support! God Bless You All!

Molly Wilmarth

Please thank all the people who so kindly sent Victor cards and flowers during his illness, particularly Don and DeEtte Johnson who brought flowers to our home and to the hospital. Rev. Brown visited him and conducted a beautiful service. I appreciate all of the caring and love the church family has showed.

Sincerly,

Ruth Skiles

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AUMC WEEKDAY CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

AUMC Witness

Send address changes to:Annandale United Methodist Church6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003-3458

Published biweekly. Periodicals Postage Paid atAnnandale, VA 22003

(USPS 046-900)

WEEKLY VOLUNTEERS

LECTIONARY TEXTSMarch 20, 2011, Second Sunday in Lent: Genesis 12:1-4a, Psalm 121 (UMH 844), Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, John 3:1-17 March 27, 2011, Third Sunday in Lent: Exodus 17:1-7, Psalm 95 (UMH 814), Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42

Sunday, March 20Outreach Greeters: (8:30) J. Vance/ D. Abdulle (9:30) A. Witkowski (10:30) L. Conville, E. MossGreeters: Witness/ MissionsFellowship Hour Hosts: UMMWelcome Center: (8:30) A. Snitzer, P. Snitzer (9:25) J. Guidi, V. Guidi (10:30) F. Hill, G. HillAcolytes: (8:30) J. Cannon (11:00) R. Jones, E. JonesCrucifers: (8:30) M. McCarthy (11:00) B.J. OdomUshers: (8:30) B. Brown, A. Burris, R. Roberts (C) K. Sabo (11:00) E. Ramsey, B. Summerson, R. Witkowski (C) P. Adams

Sunday, March 27Outreach Greeters: (8:30) E. Wilson, C. Cox (9:30) M. Pearson (10:30) D. JohnsonGreeters: SPRCFellowship Hour Hosts: Communion StewardsWelcome Center: (8:30) P. Sherfey, G. Sherfey (9:30) B. Cumby, J. Oliver (10:30) D. Johnson, D. JohnsonAcolytes: (8:30) T. Maddox (11:00) J. SouzaCrucifers: (8:30) D. Beyer (11:00) T. SouzaUshers: (8:30) S. Chase, C. Clarke, T. Lank (C) S. Nkesi (11:00) D. King, C. Perdue, G. Rothman, R. Smith (C) P. Shockley

NEXTDEADLINE

March 18 is the deadline for the March 29Witness which covers April 3 & 10

MINISTRY MEETINGS

Tues. March 15 7:30 p.m. Church Council Room 111 Wed. March 16 7:30 p.m. Stephen Ministries Room 300Tues. March 22 6:00 p.m. SPRC Room 210Tues. March 22 7:30 p.m. Education Committee Room 302 THE AUMC Weekday Children’s

Programs will be hosting a:

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR

March 15, 16, & 17featuring...

FAMILY FUN NIGHTWed., March 16 at 5:30 p.m.

• Games • Prizes • Activities • Characters

• Photo-Ops • Foodand more!

We will also use this opportunity to raise money to buy books for local children’s charities.

FIRST ANNUAL

“Giving Back”AUMC CAMP OUT!

May 20-22, 2011

Camp Highroad • Middleburg, VA

We’ll spend Friday and Saturday evenings in a group lodge with kitchen and bathroom facilities. In between campfires, singing and fellowship, we will assist Camp Highroad by helping to mulch trails, paint cabins, and build a pavilion…whatever we can do to help!

THE WHOLE FAMILY IS WELCOMED!

The price is $15 per person for inside lodging or $10 for tent space.

(The Missions Committee will cover transportation, food, and

all project costs (paint, mulch, pavilion material)

CONTACT MARK BRADLEY AT Bradleyfam@aol.com

TO MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY!