ejoice February 2016 R 118 N. Washington St. ✠ Alexandria, VA 22314 www.HistoricChristChurch.org ✠ 703-549-1450

Sharing the Spirit in By Paul Currer

he Episcopal Church Thas a long history of service in Haiti, having been there for more than 150 years. In 1861, the Rev. James Theodore Holly traveled from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, New Haven, Connecticut, to Port-au-Prince with 110 emigrants. In 1863, Holly “The Ascension”, by Castera Bazile New Holy Trinity Cathedral (as planned) and his group founded Holy Holy Trinity Cathedral, Port-au-Prince Trinity Parish, Port-au-Prince, which later became Holy Trinity Cathedral. orchestra, and with the Haitian Art Most are for primary education and In 1874, the Rev. Holly was ordained Museum at St. Peter’s School in Port- are located in mountainous areas. as the first bishop of Haiti and the au-Prince, the Episcopal Church in They also include high schools, a Episcopal Church’s first black bishop. Haiti has witnessed the Gospel of Je- seminary, the Episcopal University At its annual convention in 1875, sus Christ to the world, with anchor- of Haiti’s main campus in Port-au- the Diocese of Haiti consisted of one age points in Haitian culture. Prince, its nursing school in Léogâne, bishop, 10 priests, four deacons, 1,000 Holy Trinity Cathedral, destroyed and its business and technology baptized members, and 18 missions. in the January 2010 earthquake, was school in Les Cayes. Since then, the Episcopal Diocese a cultural icon, celebrated for its fres- The Episcopal Church is planning of Haiti has become the largest in the coes painted in the 1950s by some its next Haiti Episcopal Connection Episcopal Church, with more than of the best-known Haitian artists of Conference in Pétionville, a suburb of 83,700 members and more than 100 the period. Episcopal Church Cen- Port-au-Prince, on April 6-8, 2016. congregations. ter in New York, with support from The conference will foster network- Communion services in Haiti use parishes across the United States and ing between Episcopalians from the Rite II of the 1979 Book of Common beyond, is working with the Diocese Diocese of Haiti, Episcopal Church Prayer in French. The Gospel, ser- of Haiti to rebuild Holy Trinity. A Center, and from dioceses and par- mons, communion hymns, and an- temporary structure is in place, and ishes throughout the United States. nouncements are in Haitian Creole. groundbreaking for a new cathedral is Preconference trips are being planned In a 2014 article published in the planned for this spring. The Smith- to Les Cayes, the Central Plateau, Haitian newspaper Le Nouvelliste, sonian Institution is attempting to and Cap Haïtian. Diocese of Haiti Suffragan Bishop restore some of the frescoes. The conference will be a great way Ogé Beauvoir noted that the Episco- The Episcopal Church of Haiti has to see Haiti and learn about The pal Church quickly learned that the a preference for the country’s rural Episcopal Church’s work there. If best pastoral care in Haiti had to be places, where it provides access to you’d like to know more or wish to done in and through the country’s basic education, primary health care, attend, please contact Paul Currer culture. Through Holy Trinity Cathe- and other community services. It cur- ([email protected] or dral’s frescoes, its music school and rently runs 250 schools across Haiti. 703-525-2870).

continued on page 3 continued on page 7 Ashes to Go Rejoice is the official By the Rev. Heather VanDeventer Rites of monthly publication of Christ Church, Alexandria, Associate Rector Virginia, an Episcopal nce again this year, a few Passage church in the Diocese of Baptisms Virginia. Opeople will gather at the King • Anabel Mae Jones The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston Street Metro main entrance to of- Thirteenth Bishop of Virginia fer Ashes to Go for morning com- • Logan Regina Spellacy The Rt. Rev. Susan Ellyn Goff muters from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. on • Emery Taylor Trabandt Bishop Suffragan February 10. This will be the 4th • Samuel Xander Manchester The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. (Ted) Gulick, Jr. year that Christ Church has offered • Nicolas Bernard Manchester Assistant Bishop of Virginia this spiritual outreach to the com- Vestry Deaths munity. For those we meet at the Janet Osborn, Senior Warden • Kitzi Rosch Abigail Arms, Junior Warden Metro, we offer a simple prayer of Emily Bryan, Susan Davis confession, impose ashes with the • Henry Bausili Geoffrey Giovanetti, Susan Hahn • Doris Allin Jim Lafley, Betsy Powell traditional words, and end with a Dave Riggs, Brian Shannon bidding of peace. We also invite • Vince Corcoran Anne Shine, Janet Zavrel those who pass us by to join us for • Janet Backstrom Tykie Tobin, Treasurer Ash Wednesday service that noon • Betty Hart Andrew Baird, Assistant Treasurer and evening, as well as to join us • Celeste George Clergy for worship and spiritual enrich- The Rev. John Hood Branson, Weddings Interim Rector ment at other times.Ashes to Go is • Molly LeBlanc & K.C. The Rev. Ann Gillespie, not meant to be a full sacramental O’Malley Senior Associate Rector experience, but a taste. Again, from • Karri Cook & William Low The Rev. Heather VanDeventer, Ashes to Go, “God meets us not just Associate Rector in worship, but in the midst of life, The Rev. Dr. Richard Jones and we offer the opportunity to Parish Visitor Join in the Parade remember our faith to those whose The Rev. Dr. Diane Murphy, he George Washington Birthday schedules make it hard to stop and Priest Associate TParade, that is, held on Monday, The Rev. Chris Hamby, pray with others on a busy Wednes- February 15! We will gather at Jef- Ministry Resident day.” Ashes to Go is a reminder that ferson Court, near the intersection Director of Music God is present in all places, even at of Wilkes and Pitt streets. Fellowship M. Jason Abel the Metro on a busy morning. from 11:00–12:30 p.m. Parade line- Christ Church embodies God’s For more information, visit up at 12:30 and it begins at 1:00 p.m. unbounded love by embracing, liberating, and empowering people, whoever you Ashestogo.org. Children, youth, and kids at heart of are and wherever you find yourself all ages are invited and en- on your journey of faith. couraged to participate. Let The Rejoice deadline is the third of the us know that you want to month preceding publication. march by emailing the Rev. Please email proposed articles to [email protected]. Heather VanDeventer, Those accepted are subject to editing for [email protected], length and content. Susan Hahn edits Re- or Jenny Considine, joice while Craig Keith provides design and layout. Carol Donlan gives her time and [email protected]. talent as an advisor. Meredith Bracco is the See you at the parade! staff liaison.

George Washington’s family Bible will be on display in the church @historiccc February 14 and 15 HEILJU NOMMIK PHOTO

Page 2 ✠ Rejoice ✠ February 2016 Epiphany Reflections of Discovery, Illumination and Understanding By The Rev. John H. ence passed along by candidates applying for the position Branson, word of mouth regard- of rector of Christ Church while me- Interim Rector ing something the morials to prominent members of the O star of wonder, Bishop said about congregation remain in place. We are glad for the wisdom and perspective star of night, star with the search for the next rector of Christ of the Bishop and delightedly em- royal beauty bright; Church, In his sermon, brace his experience in South Africa westward leading, still the Bishop spoke of as a witness to our own struggle here proceeding, guide us to an endeavor we are in Alexandria and throughout the thy perfect light! undertaking at Christ United States in the effort to disman- Church regarding our tle racism and the long-term effects of his refrain of the legacy as a more than slavery in the United States. We do Tfamiliar Epiphany two hundred year believe, however, that there will be hymn, “We three old church, a legacy no difficulty for potential candidates Kings” reminds us of the long journey highlighted by well-known and mis- who might submit their materials to of the Magi searching for the “new- understood members such as George the Search Committee to be in any born King”. That search, coming to Washington and Robert E. Lee. way deterred by the history or stories fruition in the stable of Bethlehem, Aided by the research of Julia Randle, related to Christ Church. We believe foretells a similar journey Christ historian for both Christ Church and that an open, transparent, honest Church now takes in its search for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, we telling of the stories, experiences as the next rector of this historic com- have intended that during Lent and well as hopes and dreams of all mem- munity of faith. Soon, Christ Church continuing till the summer to offer a bers of Christ Church in regards to will find and be found by your next series of Forums on Sunday mornings the questions of race, expression of rector. Though without messianic at Christ Church to investigate and faith, and understanding of the past dimensions, your next rector and explore our history. In the same way as well as hope for the future will her or his family will very much seek that South Africans have deepened serve this congregation well in the the support, affirmation and love of their understanding of history, both years to come. For this reason, we this congregation. You, in turn will the painful and the harsh, as well as hope all persons will attend this series be supported, affirmed and loved by the joys and resurrections that have which will commence on February 28 them. In preparation for this new, and occurred during this process of dis- and continue well into the spring what we pray will be a deep and long- mantling apartheid, we, too, at Christ here at Christ Church. lasting relationship, may I offer these Church have hoped to explore our few thoughts. history as an Episcopal Church in the Those of you in church on Janu- Diocese of Virginia whose members ary 17 on the occasion of the visit of were divided by the War that divided Bishop Peter John Lee, the Bishop our nation. of the Diocese of Christ the King, There are many stories about Christ Johannesburg, South Africa heard the Church arising from those days of Bishop speak of personal experiences hardship and struggle when whole of trials, tribulations as well as great families, as well as churches were di- joy as the nation of South Africa vided by issues surrounding the War. “dismantled” apartheid. Leading the We hope to explore some of those way in this process was the church, stories; stories about the communion especially guided by the grace and vessels of the church, stories about wisdom of Desmond Tutu, the one- the way the cemetery around the time Archbishop of the Province who church was used and who was buried has also been a preacher at Christ here, stories about memorials and me- Church. Those of you who were not mentos that remain to this day. present for Bishop Lee’s sermon may In his sermon, the Bishop spoke likely have heard an oblique refer- of a concern about the prospect of

Rejoice ✠ February 2016 ✠ Page 3 Lenten Small Group Offerings Lenten Book Groups ing a legacy letter. Please bring a jour- such an encounter. Our day of reflec- The Small Groups committee has se- nal or notebook to write in and your tion will be focused upon how we can lected Marilynne Robinson’s Pulitzer own lunch. It is possible to do both a make ourselves available to the same Prize-winning novel, Gilead, for our book group and the writing workshop. Spirit who bore down upon Jesus at Lenten book groups. Set in rural Iowa To register, contact Alesha Jordan at his baptism, and then led him out in the 1950’s, a Congregationalist [email protected] with your name, into the wilderness for a season of minister, John Ames, is dying and he email address, and phone number at testing and self-knowledge. writes a legacy letter to his six-year- [email protected] or 703.549.1450 Bishop Griswold’s book, Praying old son. This letter speaks of his own x.118. Deadline is February 7. Our Days (not required reading) is tales of doing ministry in his small For questions, contact the Rev. available in the Gift Shop. town, of the effects of the two World Ann Gillespie at [email protected]. A light lunch will be provided. Wars and even the Civil War on his To register, contact Pat Henkel at life and small town. A deeply moving Lenten Sampler—Parents, Coffee, [email protected]. Click here for and theologically complex experi- and Conversation more information. ence, it raises themes of forgiveness, Three Sundays February 14, 28, http://www.historicchristchurch.org/ download_file/view/1971/ salvation, and the limitations of the and March 6, Teen Center, 9:00– human heart. Books available in DIOCESE OF VIRGINIA PHOTO 9:45 a.m. the Gift Shop and on Amazon. To A sampling of some of our evening The Theology of Harry Potter join a group contact Alesha Jordan formation series—Prayer 101 and Region 4 Ecumenical Series with your desired location, name, Covenant Class— for our church Our 2016 Ecumenical Lenten Series email address, and phone number at school parents and any one else who in Alexandria is exploring the theo- [email protected] or 703-549-1450 logical themes embedded in J. K. wants to join. x118. Deadline is February 7. Rowlings’ Harry Potter books. Held February 14—Q and A about the on Wednesday evenings in Lent at Legacy Letters: A Lenten Writing BCP (Book of Common Prayer) different Alexandria churches, each Workshop with the Rev. Ann Gillespie. evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a A special Writing Workshop with the February 28—Our Role as Parents short worship service, a simple supper Rev. Ann Gillespie in Outreach and Mission with at 7:00 p.m., and the program by the Three Sundays, February 14, 21, 28 Melanie Gray. Rev. Deacon Tricia Lyons from 7:30 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. McMurray March 6—Contemplative Prayer to 8:30 p.m. It is not required to have Commons with Lynn Turner. any previous Harry Potter knowledge. In Marilynne Robinson’s book, Questions, contact Emily Bryan at We hope that you will attend simply Gilead, Congregationalist minister [email protected] or the Rev. because these enormously popular John Ames is dying and he writes a Ann Gillespie at [email protected] books have formed a whole genera- letter to his six-year-old son so he tion of readers and offer a way for us to engage that generation on theo- will know his father through his own Led by the Spirit logical topics. March 2 is at Christ words. How do you want your family Lenten Quiet Day with the Most Church. Here’s a link for more info: and friends to know you after you’ve Reverend Frank Griswold, Retired http://www.historicchristchurch.org/ gone? Presiding Bishop download_file/view/1972/ Using Robinson’s book as our inspi- February13 Meade Room 9:30 a.m.– ration, we will meet over the course 3:00 p.m. of three Sundays in Lent to engage “God is more intimate to us than in writing exercises designed to con- we are to our own selves,” declared struct a legacy letter. St. Augustine of Hippo many centu- There will be less discussion of the ries ago. It is not easy in our busy ever book and more emphasis on reflec- “online” lives to be permeable to that tive writing. John Ames says, “For me dimension deep within us where God writing has always felt like praying.” is most intensely present. For Jesus, Join us as we pray our way into writ- the desert provided the context for

Page 4 ✠ Rejoice ✠ February 2016 State of the Church Properties By Barry Stauffer, minor repairs and internal sump pumps. However, this Chair, Property Committee should be repaired by digging down along the exterior ith the completion of the HVAC installation and then treating the wall—a project estimated in the Wand testing we were able to shift our focus to rou- range of $50,000. The Fowler House basement class- tine maintenance of the church properties: the historic rooms are in good shape but do need some carpet repair church, Parish House and the Ross Store/Fowler House. or replacement, especially in the McMurray Commons As one may suspect, we always have more needs than the area. The passenger elevator has been problematic and budget allows, so we focused on outside painting and re- should be slated for replacement in the future. The inte- rior classroom area has not been painted since construc- pairs. tion should be added to the five-year plan for repainting. For a 230-year old building, the church is in good shape. Other facility needs include the upgrade of our current The original church roof was replaced in the late 1980’s. security system to reduce the dependency of our anti- Unfortunately, we had a slate shingle fall down in the quated key system and a plan to replace the current lights recent snow storm. We will repair this and examine the with LED lighting to reduce electrical costs. whole roof and repair the rain gutter when the weather Last fall we were approached by an Eagle Scout can- warms. The external brickwork is quite sound but requires didate who needed a project for his scout requirements. periodic maintenance. The church external wood work We offered the idea of a sitting area for the Wilkes Street is the greatest challenge, requiring frequent painting and cemetery. The Eagle Scout Candidate, Nicholas Hunter, maintenance. Much of the woodwork was painted in the then set about preparing a plan, determining the mate- last few years and all the window glazing has recently rials and tools needed and organizing the labor. After been repaired. Unfortunately, the recent tower paint- two long Saturdays in December, the scouts finished the ing showed that we will need a large repair project on work. the tower exterior in five years. We need to plan now to have the funds for this in our budget. The fire sprinkler heads in the church attic are also quite old and should be replaced. The interior of the church is well maintained by our staff and the volunteer annual summer clean-up. However, the interior has not been repainted since 1989. The funds for this painting should be included in the five-year plan. Other pressing items in the church are to replace the pew cushions and kneelers, and the upstairs red carpet. We have wanted to do this for some time but have not had the necessary funds (about $ 45,000) to do so. The church chancel floor should be sanded and refin- ished. The most significant issue for the Parish House is the roof. Although a complete roof replacement would be desirable, this is a large currently unbudgeted cost. This spring we will complete external painting so the outside should be fine for another 5–7 years. Our longer range planning includes remodeling of the Meade Room and auditorium kitchen to better suit our current needs. In ad- dition, we would like to add a restroom at the auditorium level and replace the elevator. The Ross building/Fowler House also needed some re- pairs. Even with recent repairs, the entire roof must be replaced within 3–4 years. This urgent project is expected to cost approximately $500,000. The exterior of the build- ing was repainted in 2015, so it is good for 4–5 years. We have managed the leaks along the southern wall with Boy Scouts working on the sitting area: Before (top) After (bottom)

Rejoice ✠ February 2016 ✠ Page 5 A Word-Feast of Justice: MLK Day of Readings By the Rev. Heather VanDeventer our scientific genius we’ve made of the freedom, and I believe we are going to Associate Rector world a neighborhood, but through get there because however much she hrist Church hosted a Day of our moral and spiritual genius we’ve strays away from it, the goal of Amer- CReadings from the works of failed to make of it a brotherhood.” We ica is freedom. Abused and scorned Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the are much more instantly connected to though we may be as a people, our MLK holiday. Some of the passages each other and with people halfway destiny is tied up in the destiny of were familiar, such as the “I Have a around the world today than we were America.” The Church today is re- Dream” speech from the March on in King’s day, yet still struggle to main- minded that this goal is not yet met. Washington in August 1963. Most of tain our sense of neighborhood and a In our work, our giving, our service to the works read, however, were from Gospel sense of who are our neighbors. others, and our prayer, we still have speeches and sermons that are not The Day of Readings ended with further to go to make the vision of the quoted annually in the news. King’s last sermon, preached at the Na- Beloved Community realized for all. Being steeped in his words over tional Cathedral on March 31. 1968. King ends his sermon with a prayer the course of the afternoon, so many He used the theme of staying away of hope and blessing, one which still of his writings could have been writ- through a great revolution. He chal- stands for us today, “God grant that ten in today’s world, not the 1950’s lenges the congregation on issues not we will be participants in this newness and 60’s. The day began with read- far from our news cycle today – the di- and this magnificent development. If ing a sermon delivered in vide between the haves and the have- we will but do it, we will bring about in 1954 with the title and theme, nots, the perils of getting entrenched a new day of justice and brotherhood Rediscovering Lost Values. One sen- in war, and avoiding the politic of de- and peace. And that day the morning tence written by Dr. King was this: spair. He reminds the congregation of stars will sing together and the [chil- “The real problem is that through the prize, “I say to you that our goal is dren] of God will shout for joy.”

World Mission Sunday—Guest Preacher Noah Hillerbrand By Tom Linthicum, Sudan, which also is a mission part- Chair Mission Committee ner of our parish. e will celebrate World Mission With the support of Chicago’s WSunday at Christ Church on Bishop Jeffery Lee and his home February 7. This is a time to celebrate parish, Noah started the BE-Renk our long history of mission projects project with the intention of spend- and to hear young speakers from our ing six months with Bishop Joseph own church and elsewhere share their Garang Atem in Renk. His goal was experiences in this vital ministry. to practice the ministry of presence Noah Hillerbrand, a sophomore and demonstrate a faith-based mis- studying Healthcare Studies and sion model that focuses less on doing Biology at the University of Rich- and surgery. At Richmond, he is a and more on long-term mutually ben- mond, who has done mission work in Bonner Scholar and volunteers at a eficial relationships. Additionally, he this country and in Africa, will preach free health clinic. He is also a member worked to help create and fund an ag- at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. ser- of the men’s rugby club, Greek life ricultural project that would support vices. and Best Buddies, a program that pairs the diocese’s primary schools. Follow- At the 9:00 a.m. forum, Christ special needs individuals with buddies ing the outbreak of the South Sudan Church youth who made a mission who attend the university. civil war, Noah was active in a num- trip to Vermont last summer will talk Noah was a member of Christ ber of projects in Tanzania and Kenya about their journey and its effect on Church (Episcopal) in Winnetka, Ill. including grass roots community orga- their faith. As part of the Diocese of Chicago, nizing in Nairobi neighborhoods. See Noah is pre-med and plans to at- Christ Church Winnetka participates his South Sudan experiences on this tend medical school after graduating, in the diocese’s companion relation- Facebook page: https://www.facebook. with interests in emergency medicine ship with the Diocese of Renk, South com/BERenkSSudan/

Page 6 ✠ Rejoice ✠ February 2016 A Tribute to Sunny and Barney Nolan, The Best of Christ Church

Lazarus Food Pantry Recap for 2015 By Cheri Meulendyk, Lazarus Food Pantry Coordinator he Lazarus Ministry has been an important part of Some are neighbors who have come regularly for years. We Tthe parish, reaching out a caring hand to help our see professionals and working people who find themselves Alexandria neighbors. We have between contract jobs or laid off for been providing food to those in longer than they can sustain; reli- need in the community for more gious refugees newly settled in Alex- than twenty years. Our pantry andria; people with health conditions has evolved greatly. What started that limit or preclude employment; in an old closet that contained a people with mental health issues that random assortment of cans, where interfere with steady employment each person could select just a few, and daily life, elderly whose benefits has grown to be a full scale shop- and retirement don’t cover food ex- ping experience. Each Thursday penses, and the homeless. we have 40-75 people come to The parishioners of Christ Church shop for food. In 2015, a total of support the pantry with financial 2,167 people shopped, feeding contributions, food donations, spe- 6,242 people. We helped glean cial donations of eggs, and unique 7,300 pounds of produce from the targeted financial gifts. Some words Alexandria Farmers’ Market, and of gratitude from our guest shoppers: are the only pantry in Alexandria “I do the best I can, but without you we that offers fresh produce, frozen couldn’t make it. Thank you.” and “I meat, eggs and cheese on a weekly thank God for you and how you help basis. me. I couldn’t do it otherwise.” The people who come to us for It takes 17–20 volunteers to bring food vary greatly. Some come for the pantry together and delightfully a few weeks or months and then we have parishioners who volunteer no longer need our support. Some in several capacities. We have five are new residents trying to make Donated food from Trader Joe’s shoppers, and approximately 15 vol- their new life in Alexandria work. unteers working on Thursday who es- cort shoppers through the pantry, box all the unused non- perishable items and help move them to storage. We drive any extra perishable food to Christ House or The Alexan- dria Boy’s and Girl’s Club. Other parishioners glean pro- duce from the farmer’s market, pickup donated food from Trader Joe’s and Panera, drive to the Lorton Capital Area Food Bank warehouse early Thursday morning to pick up food we have ordered, and purchase supplies we need. This past year we received a grant for a new industrial re- frigerator to store gleaned produce, eggs, cheese and extra food bank produce. I am grateful to be a part of this mission and honor the rightness of the decision this parish made long ago to offer fellow Alexandrians with needed food. I thank God you all commit year after year to keep it going and strong. You are always welcome to come on a Thursday morning from 9:00 –10:30 a.m. and join us to see all that goes on. My contact SUSAN HAHN PHOTO is [email protected]. This is something to be very glad Farmer’s market gleaning about. Thank you all!

Rejoice ✠ February 2016 ✠ Page 7 HEATHER CABLE HEATHER All parish annual meeting 2016 BINGHAM POWELL KATE BALLARD KATE 8:00 a.m. service on January 24 BILL ROBERTS HEATHER CABLE HEATHER

Ordination of seminarian Joe Wood BALLARD KATE Many thanks to our Facility Assistants for working so hard to clear the snow from January’s storm

Page 8 ✠ Rejoice ✠ February 2016