Committee Updates
Stewardship:
As we try to be good stewards of the offerings received, we are trying
to trim down the mailing list of this newsletter. Currently all active
members and those, whom we have requested to receive it, make up
our readership. If you are receiving the newsletter and do not wish
to continue receiving it, please call or email us. Thank you so very
much! Thank you, too, for those of you who make contributions to
help defray expenses!
Worship and Music:
The Worship and Music Committee is asking for new volunteers for the
Altar Guild. This is a special privilege and duty to care for the
items we use in worship and to maintain our altar. Please call or
see Alice Anderson, 301-372-6725. Please consider joining this cadre
of dedicated volunteers.
Worship and Music Committee sets Goals for 2004!
- Continue to facilitate
and implement the fine tradition of liturgical worship at Augustana.
- Continue to support our wonderful program of music.
- Working with
Pastor Cox, develop an informational handbook about our service
and what it means.
- Encourage more training and guidelines for those
volunteers at worship activities.
- Replace certain furniture
items in the sanctuary.
- Facilitate a modest rehab on the sacristy.
If you are called
to
make these goals a reality at Augustana, contact Marilynn
Olson, Chair Worship
and Music Committee, 202-232-7798.
Evangelism:
Did you know we now have "Welcome" packets for all visitors
and new members to the community? If you know of someone new in your
neighborhood or building and tend to be the shy-type, or are not sure
how to invite someone to worship, why don't you pick up a packet as
part of a welcome to the neighborhood??? The packet is a plastic hanging
bag with Augustana's info printed on the outside. Inside is our flier,
a sample bulletin, a booklet on the reasons for joining a church, a
booklet on what Lutherans believe, the flier on our Accessibility and
Renovation plans, and a refrigerator magnet with Pastor Cox's card
info on it (includes web address, phone number, worship time), and
a welcoming
letter from Pastor. (While the government is urging us to keep track
of our neighbors' suspicious activities, this might be a healthier
alternative!)
Education:
During the Lenten season this year, Augustana's Adult Forum will
explore "Ignatian-style" meditation on each Sunday’s
Gospel lesson. During this exploration readers and hearers become participants
in the narrative. We will also consider ways in which everyday experiences,
even (or especially) annoying and frustrating events, can become guides
in our ongoing journey with God. Adult Forum meets in the library on
Sundays at 9:15 a.m., all are welcome!
The fall Sunday School curriculum has focused on understanding the
details involved with the Procession (participants, components, history)
and learning about the Narthex. The children were engaged in several
sessions to explore the specifics of each topic. Chuck Holmes gathered
the kids in a hands-on approach as they participated in learning about
the procession. Kelly Bowers planted questions and fielded questions
about all the visual and symbolic aspects of the Sanctuary. The Sunday
School sessions were animated and interactive and educational. Christian
Education is appreciative of the time Chuck and Kelly took to volunteer
as quest speakers in our ongoing series of sessions as we explore the
liturgy and our involvements in the church service. In keeping with
Augustana's long tradition, the children and youth of the congregation
participated in a festive Lucia Fest! Sweet little infants (with their
spirited dads) and toddlers set the tone as Tom tenisse followed by
rollicking star boys (voices and instruments) and a beautifully poised
Lucia court. Twenty-two children graced the church with Swedish songs
and smiles! Thanks to Tom Mitts for his wonderful musical compliments.
A lovely reception of delicious Swedish treats in a most magical looking
social hall followed! We are grateful to all the volunteers and to
the children and their parents.
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