St. John's at the Crossroads
March 20, 2020 
Parish News
Rector's Corner: Sunday's Virtual Worship Service RectorsCorner
A Message about St. John's First Virtual Worship Service


There are several ways that you can participate in worship this Sunday:
  1. Join the Zoom service at https://zoom.us/j/225419824. To access this service from a tablet or cell phone, you will need to download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app (Android Play Store | Apple Store)
  2. Call 1-301-715-8592 and use meeting ID 225-419-824. You can follow along with the service using the leaflet available on Sunday's event on our featured events calendar.
  3. Follow along in the live stream on our YouTube page.

If you would like a chance to practice logging into a Zoom call before Sunday, Alex Duncan will host a practice meeting Saturday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 am. You can access it at  https://zoom.us/j/200054458 or by calling  1-301-715-8592 and use meeting ID 200-054-458.
Table of Contents
Please click on any of the following event or article headlines to be taken to that section of the newsletter.
Parish News (Continued) ParishNew
Green Home Energy SolarEnergy
by Thomas Kerr, Eco-Action Team Member

As you're reading this article, pay attention to the sounds around you in your home. Do you hear the furnace running, as I do right now? Perhaps you just started a load of clothes and can hear the washer churning in the background. Or you may hear a "ping" from your smartphone or tablet plugged into a nearby socket as a new text message comes in.

Our lives are made more convenient and comfortable by our gadgets; we couldn't live without them. At the same time, home energy use is a large contributor to climate change in the U.S. - contributing around 1/5 of greenhouse gas emissions. Here's a simple calculation to break this down. Given that many of us get our power from Pepco, I checked their website and found that the mix of fuels used to generate power in the DMV area is about 30% coal, 29% natural gas, 35% nuclear, and just 6% renewable energy (mostly wind and hydroelectric). On average, our home energy use leads to the emission of around 30,000 pounds of carbon pollution each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 225 trees would need to be planted to offset these emissions.

How can we reduce the impact of our home energy use on the planet? There are great energy-saving options, including buying more efficient LED light bulbs and Energy STAR appliances. We can also use our purchasing power to encourage utilities to source their power from renewable resources like solar and wind.

One great option for green home energy is c ommunity solar, which allows multiple people to benefit from a single, shared solar array that can be installed off-site. Costs associated with purchasing and installing a solar energy system are divided among all of the participants, each of which are able to buy into the shared system at a level that best fits their budget. This is a great option for folks who live in apartment complexes or whose roof is not suitable for solar panels. To learn more, read this interview with parishioners Joe and Pat Cascio, who recently joined a community solar effort:

What was your motivation to go solar? 
Pat and I believe that climate change is humanity's challenge of the 21st century and we wanted to do our part in the collective effort it will require. While the critical factors in that effort include new policies and massive infusions of new technologies and energy transformations, the concerted actions of individuals can be a considerable contributor to them and helps also to create the societal consensus that spurs and supports the advances required.
  
What were the key questions you asked?
We were less skeptical than worried about introducing complexities in our electricity bills. For example, we now pay the solar company and we also pay some amount to Pepco- would they coordinate accurately and reliably, we wondered? Does the solar company have the well-tuned administrative system that has to work consistently and reliably day after day, month after month? Would it be strong enough financially to assure continuity? We eventually decided to have faith that the complexities would be worked out. So far, things have gone very smoothly.
 
How did you go about switching? Were there helpful websites or other places that you went to for information?
We contacted "Neighborhood Sun," Pepco's provider. They made it easy and we were among the first cohort of subscribers.
 
What was the final result? Did you save money or have to pay more? 
We expected, as advertised, to receive a 5% discount on 80% of our monthly electric bill including the distribution charges. Surprisingly, our total monthly payments have actually been lower by at least 5% of what they would have been from our normal Pepco bills. We are surprised by this because hardly anything you buy ever seems to be as good as was advertised, but this time it was exactly as promised. The cost reduction was not the main motivator for us but it certainly has not hurt, and has actually been a pleasant experience.
 
How do you feel now about the switch?
So far, we feel very good about the switch, particularly knowing that we are contributing to the changeover from fossil to renewable energy. We are now advocates for the community approach to adoption of solar energy. Some buildings are able to take advantage of installing solar panels, but for ours and many others it is too costly and may create vulnerabilities of one type or another. Community solar is safe, painless, and cost effective.  
 
For more information
To learn about energy-efficient lights and appliances, visit www.energySTAR.gov .
To learn more about community solar options in your neighborhood, visit www.solarunitedneighbors.org .
Another good option to "go green" with your electricity use is CleanChoice Energy, which allows you to keep Pepco as your current provider but switch to 100% renewable energy - all for about the same cost as fossil-based power. Visit www.cleanchoiceenergy.com to find out about the options for your area.

Sightlines: Spirituality of Aging in Review Sightlines
by Tina Conroy, Serving Seniors Ministry Coordinator

For six Sundays between February 2nd and March 8th, the Serving Seniors Ministry hosted Sightlines, a six week Spirituality of Aging Course developed by the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and Seabury Resources for Aging. 

Through the faithful and devoted leadership of St. John's parishioners Toni Hartman and Cathy O'Donnell, participants focused on: contemplative prayer, gratitude and resilience, shifting from doing to being, passion and purpose, and looking at the world and our own lives through different perspectives as we grow older. The success of the course was largely due to Toni and Cathy's leadership and the personal insights that they shared each week. We were grateful for the outstanding participation of our attendees who were thoughtful and generous in sharing their own insights and opinions on all the range of subjects presented from the very beginning of the course.  

A big thank you also for the exceptional logistical support provided by parishioner Edie Bishop. Many thanks also to Justin Plocki, Dora & Jesus Antayhua, Anne Derse, Karen Berry, and Alex Duncan for their contributions to support Sightlines.

Apply for a Norwood Parish Fund Grant NPF 
From March 13th through March 31st, the Norwood Parish Fund (NPF) Board will accept grant applications for Spring 2020.
 
Grants are available to organizations or parishioners for:
  • St. John's capital needs,
  • Outreach ministries,
  • Seed money for new ministries and special one-time projects, and
  • Other highly meritorious purposes that are similar to, but do not precisely fit, the three categories above and that fulfill St. John's mission to develop its ministries or may be a catalyst for projects that are beyond what it is possible to fund through annual operating funds.
Dozens of grants have been funded since the creation of the NPF in 2002. In the past, NPF funds have contributed to significant initiatives in the life of the parish, including establishing the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) program and the Come As You Are 5:00 pm service. NPF funds have likewise funded: major outreach and property projects, refurbishing the kneelers, updating the St. John's web site, and most recently, our new lawn sign on Wisconsin Avenue.  
 
 
How do I apply?
 
Complete the online application here: NPF Spring 2020 Grant Application
 
Completed grant applications must be submitted via the google form. If you have trouble using the Google form application, please contact the NPF chair at NPF@stjohnsnorwood.org .
 
 
What happens next?
 
Grant money is available for distribution through a competitive review by the NPF Board, with final award approval made by the Vestry. Applications submitted after March 31, 2020 will not be considered for this round of funding. The next opportunity will be in the fall of 2020.
 
 
Questions?
 
Please contact the NPF Chair via email: NPF@stjohnsnorwood.org .
 
Members of the NPF Board: Johnna Story, Chair; Earle O'Donnell, Co-Chair for Planned Giving; Alice Consolvo; Susan Hebert; Wan Kim; John Stewart, Senior Warden; and Sari Ateek, Rector.

Worship Worship
Morning and Evening Prayer Prayers
Episcopal tradition holds that the church is not the building we gather in, but the people that gather. While we are prevented from physically gathering together, St. John's will offer morning prayers on Tuesdays at 10:00 am and evening prayers on Thursdays at 7:00 pm.

Prayer services will be conducted in Zoom Video Conferencing. You are welcome to join the meeting in Zoom (information below) or follow along in the live stream our YouTube channel. Service leaflets for each prayer service will be available on the event page found on our featured events calendarTo access this service from a tablet or cell phone, you will need to download the Zoom Cloud Meetings app ( Android Play Store  |   Apple Store ).

Morning prayer can be accessed at  https://zoom.us/j/875981639, or by calling 1- 301-715-8592 and using meeting ID 875-981-639.

Evening prayer can be accessed at https://zoom.us/j/296537350, or by calling 1-301-715-8592 and using meeting ID 296-537-350.

If you are interested in leading one of these prayer services (on an individual or on-going basis) or have difficulty accessing them, please let us know at office@stjohnsnorwood.org

Make a DifferenceMakeADifference
St. John's Coronavirus Community Survey COVID19
Do you need assistance getting needed supplies or transportation to appointments during the social distancing measures? Could you use some help with the technology aspects of quarantined life? Or, are you are available to help those in need? If so, please fill out this survey.

St. John's staff and volunteers are actively working to connect our parishioners and make sure everyone is cared for during the novel coronavirus crisis and will reach out to respondents soon.

Outreach Sunday: March 22 OutreachSunday
This Sunday is Outreach Sunday to benefit Housing Up. Housing Up, a nonprofit organization long supported by the St. John's Outreach committee, builds thriving communities in Washington, D.C. by developing affordable housing and offering comprehensive support services to homeless and low-income families. Housing Up believes that people who have safe, affordable housing and genuine opportunities are empowered to transform their lives.

Housing Up's mission is to provide homeless and at-risk families with opportunities to transform their lives. This excellent organization will greatly benefit from your donations, especially during these trying and uncertain times.

There are three options for donating to Outreach Sunday:
  1. Donate through our online Breeze portal. Select "to Outreach Sunday" in the fund drop-down menu.
  2. Text "outreach" to (301) 685-7608. If this is your first time making a text donation, you will be directed to an online form to set up text donation information in Breeze.
  3. Mail us a check. Checks should be made payable to St. John's Norwood Episcopal Church with "Housing Up" on the memo line. Our mailing address is 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
Support Bethesda Cares Food Pantry BethesdaCares
Our most vulnerable populations will be the most impacted by the ongoing pandemic, COVID 19. Bethesda Cares continues its great work serving those experiencing homelessness - reaching out and providing takeaway meals, water, and snacks. 

St.John's dedicated volunteers continue to supply breakfast and snacks - thanks to you all for continuing this great ministry! But Bethesda Cares is now also short on non-perishable staples and water for its meal service.  All food items are appreciated at this time, but the following items are particularly needed:
  • Rice
  • Beans
  • Canned corn
  • Green beans
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Fruit Juice
  • Sugar packets
  • Water bottles
  • Salad dressing
  • Fresh fruit
  • Soup cans
  • Canned sausage
  • Portable snacks
You can help in four ways:  
  1. Donate requested goods at Bethesda Cares collection points at Giant, starting now
  2. Order goods for delivery to Bethesda Cares at 7728 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda 20814, from Instacart, Peapod, Amazon or other delivery services
  3. Drop off goods (observing social distancing!) at Bethesda Cares
  4. Make a monetary donation to Bethesda Cares at bethesdacares.org
Thank you for helping us care for our community!
Join the Lenten Eco-Action Pledge JoinPledge


St. John's is embarking on a Lenten journey of spiritual growth through our Eco-Pledge Program. There are many different ways that you can join this pledge and commit to creation care by making specific changes in food, transportation, home energy use and consumption. You can learn more or join the Lenten Eco-Pledge here.

Stephen Ministers: Christ Caring for People Through PeopleStephenMinisters
That's the motto of Stephen Ministry. The Stephen Minister's role is to bring God's love into the lives of people who are going through a difficult time or experiencing a crisis. 

What do Stephen Ministers do? They listen, care, support, encourage, and pray with and for a person who is hurting. And in the midst of this confidential, one-to-one, caring relationship, God's healing love comes pouring through.

If someone you know is facing a crisis-large or small-and could benefit from the caring presence of a Stephen Minister, talk to one of our Stephen Leaders:  Penny Winder, John Mertens, Rob Hartmann, or Toni Hartman (stephenministers@stjohnsnorwood.org)Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!

Refugee Town Hall Postponed RefugeeTownHall
The Refugee Town Hall has been postponed until further notice. 
 
Questions? Email John Murphy at advocacy@lssnca.org.
 
Build Community BuildCommunity
Social Distancing Doesn't Mean Social Isolation Neighbor
by the Neighbor-2-Neighbor Team (Barbara Pace, Barbara Ordway, Denise Galbo, & Liz Mullikin)

As we follow CDC guidelines and rules from the governor, hunkering down to prevent community spread of COVID-19, we run the risk of becoming socially isolated without our usual work routines, volunteer activities, clubs, gym visits, and church services. 

Fortunately, at St. John's we have the benefit of our electronic directory, Breeze, and Neighbor-2-Neighbor to ward off feelings of isolation! Rev. Sari suggested that to feel connected and to feel that we are caring for one another, we can call people we are thinking about, those "God puts on our hearts." In addition to the printed parish directory, we would like to explain these parish resources.

With a few clicks in the Breeze database, you can find parishioners, some possibly within walking distance of your home. Your St. John's neighbors might be interested in a walk through the neighborhood or a telephone chat. Offers to visit the grocery store or to share a favorite book may be welcome, too. A friendly wave from the sidewalk could result in smiles and appreciation from those living alone or managing a house full of family.

How do you use Breeze to find your friends or neighbors? First or last name in the search bar will help you locate a fellow parishioner. Also, our parish community is aggregated into neighborhoods, so you can easily find members of St. John's family who are your near neighbors. Choose "Tags," then "Fence Breakers (Neighborhood groups)." The names of neighborhoods will appear. Clicking on a neighborhood will produce a list of parishioners in that area. 

The Neighbor-2-Neighbor team used Google maps to name the groups and identify parish families by neighborhood. Feel free to look around at other neighborhoods or choose a ministry in which you participate to find someone you know.

Don't have a Breeze account? Contact  office@stjohnsnorwood.org to get one set up . If you lack a neighborhood tag, we can help with that too. Contact Barbara Ordway ( ordwaybp@gmail.com ) or Barbara Pace ( bfp43@comcast.net ).

Don't worry if you haven't introduced yourself to a neighbor before since our parish family is connected through the loving ministries of St. John's. Are you missing the collegiality of shared face-to-face worship? Breeze can help! Click into Breeze to look at photos of your fellow parishioners to offer the person who usually sits in the pew in front of you a telephone or email sign of peace. Add your photo, if you have not done so yet, under "My profile."

We can keep our sense of community and feel that we are caring for one another, as Sari encouraged us to do.
 
Prayer ListPassages
We join in prayer this week for:

All those whose health, finances, and well-being are impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Those newly in need of prayer**: Matthew Ayerdi-Hilton*, Ed Bauman*, Anne & Aurelia Buckingham, Charlie Corrado, Louise Dibenedetto, Herman Dillard, Kathleen Eichler, Pat & Andy McGrath, Sooz Mitchell*, David Maginnes*, Chelle Parsky, Antonio San Nicolas, Judy Woods-Curran, Monica Zoll*

Those in continuing special need of prayer: Owen Baynard, Mo Bland, Brian Briggs, Jim Campbell*, C.T. Clark, Andy Connolly, David Dantzler, Arthur Gardiner, Rene Griffith*, Betsy Hendrickson, Jane Hendrickson*, David Horton, Nancy Hurd, Patricia & Steve Kennedy, Susan Little*, Sue Mitchell, Jessie Nienhouse, Geoffrey Patton, Ted Pewett*, Vickie Risse, John Ross*, Margaret & Greg Russell, Betty & Susie Schmitt, Meg Smith, Susan Symons*, Caroline Tapley, Elisabeth Tapley, Gary Tavener, Thomas Welch Gross, Theolyn Wilson*, Ann Wild*, Timmy Wright, Carole & Hugh Stephen Ministers and their care receivers, the people of St. Luke's Hospital, Nablus, West Bank
Parishioners at home, unable to attend services:Sally Cassidy, Mark Estes, Connie Houghton, Anne Hynes, Birney Saunders, Ann & Bill Stahr, Nancy Wiecking, David Wilson

Parishioners celebrating a birthday this past week or today: Kendall Storm, Patrick Moffitt, William Snyder, Pat Cascio, Mark Moran Henry Schmandt, Gracie Borkowski, Priscilla Tapley, Barbara Frink, James Krauland, Susan Glynn, Nicholas Jarvis, Stephen Ecton, Christopher Blake Burns, Emily Aronson

Those serving in the military, including: Col. Robert Hunter, USMC (son of Martha Jones); Jonathan Hackett and Dr. Anthony Hackett (nephews of Liz & Jim Mullikin); all our Wounded Warriors; all our POW/MIA soldiers

Those who have died: Peter Buckingham (brother-in-law of Roxy Wolfe)

Those in the Anglican Communion: Pray for the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui

Those in the Diocese: Chapel of the Annunciation, Church House; The Annunciation (March 25)

Those in Companion Dioceses: Diocese of the Province of Southern Africa; Diocese of Honduras, Central America

Please share prayer requests - including transitions and thanksgivings - by emailing the Church Office at office@stjohnsnorwood.org.

*Denotes St. John's parishioner. Bolded names under those newly in need of prayer are names added this week.
**Unless the Office is asked to remove or move them to the "continuing" prayer list, all "new" names will be listed for four weeks.

Upcoming EventsUpcomingEvents
Click on the bolded blue text below to be linked to the article in this newsletter or relevant website for that event.
March 22, 2020

Outreach Sunday for Housing Up



March 24, 2020



March 26, 2020



March 29, 2020

March 31, 2020

Norwood Parish Fund grant applications are due

Weekly Schedule WeeklySchedule
All services and meetings will be held remotely through May 16, 2020. If you have questions about how to access these events, email office@stjohnsnorwood.org.

Sunday, March 22
The Fourth Sunday in Lent 
Outreach Sunday
Deadline for newsletter submissions
10:00 - 11:00 am
Worship Service

Tuesday, March 24
10:00 - 10:30 am Morning Prayer

Thursday, March 26
7:00 - 7:30 pm Evening Prayer


Sunday, March 29 
The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Deadline for newsletter submissions
10:00 - 11:00 am
Worship Service
Submitting Articles to This Newsletter
  • When: Articles are due the Sunday prior to the Friday publication date. 
  • How: Insert the text of the article into the body of an email, and send to publicity[AT]stjohnsnorwood.org.
The church staff reserves the right to determine the content of this newsletter and edit for grammar or length requirements.