Going green: congregations use Roof Top Gardening to Fight Global Warming and Feed the Poor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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