Peoples Prodder. October, 2016 MINISTER S MESSAGE

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1 P e o p l e s C o n g r e g a ti o n a l U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s t 4704 Thirtee nth Stree t, NW Washington, D C Peoples Prodder WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. s 9:30 a.m. Adult Church Study 11:00 a.m. Church School Deacons Prayer Service at 12:30 p.m. Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m. Bible Study on Thursday 6:30-8:00 p.m. HOLY COMMUNION First at 11:00 a.m. Worship Second at 8:30 a.m. Worship Nursery available during 11:00 a.m. service Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Hopson Transitional Senior Minister Rev. Leslie Dowdell Cannon, Senior Associate Minister MINISTER S MESSAGE October, 2016 Church, last month I asked you to pray. Here's why. Prayer is practicing the presence of God. It is crucial that we have relationships with others. It is inevitable that we have a relationship with God, as God is the ground of all being. It is beneficial that we be conscious of our relationship with God. Augustine declared that the heart is restless, until it finds rest in God. The simple act of praying affirms the presence of God. To pray is to assert that the One who is our ground of being is listening. Prayer is rooted in the conviction of relationship, that God is present. It is to assert that we have a home in the world, we have a place, we are connected, we are a part of something larger which is holding us This is the mystery of prayer, the moment of at-one-ment, the presence of God. This is the victory over aloneness and despair. It is the assurance of God s presence, in whatever circumstance. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me In prayer, circumstances can not obscure the fact of God s concern and God s presence. It is out of the conviction of God s concern that we pray, and it is in the experience of God s presence that our prayer ends... Amen, and so it is. So it is that prayer is answered, every prayer is answered, by the presence of God. Clyde T. Parker, Minister of Music Follow us on

2 MISSION AND VISION OF THE CHURCH MISSION OF THE CHURCH The Mission of Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ is: To worship God and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to labor for peace and justice so that the world may become the kingdom of God on earth; To foster within its membership, by its teaching and its ministry, the spirit which was in Christ; To be to its membership and the community a source of spiritual refreshment, guidance, transformation, comfort and support; To impress upon its membership the need for mutual loyalty and charity; VISION OF THE CHURCH so we, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually we are members of one another. (Romans 12:5 NRSV) Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ is a progressive Christian community called by faith, led by hope, and united by love to build strong and committed disciples for Jesus Christ and to be a spiritual presence locally and globally in service to humanity. This vision is lived out through our focus on relationship with the Lord, which produces perspective; scholarship in study of the Scriptures, which produces focus; stewardship awareness in our giving and sharing which produces trust; and fellowship with our sisters and brothers in Christ, which produces unity. To teach its young people the noble traditions of its past; to point them to the possibilities of its future, and to give guidance in the building of Christian character; and To educate and develop its members for consecrated and sacrificial service. Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it, for there is a vision for the appointed time (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NRSV) 2

3 OCTOBER ANNOUNCEMENTS Know the Facts about Hepatitis Hepatitis C affects about 3.5 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES, most of whom are baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1965). Up to 75% of people with Hepatitis C are unaware that their LIVERS ARE BEING SLOWLY DAMAGED. A silent disease, Hepatitis C often has no noticeable symptoms for years or even decades. The number of Americans who die from Hepatitis C-related conditions IS INCREASING. These conditions can include cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Hepatitis C is the number one cause of LIVER CANCER in the US. Chronic Hepatitis C has recently eclipsed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection as a cause of death in the United States with a mortality rate of 4.58 per 100,000 people per year, and almost 75% of deaths occurring among adults aged 45 to 64 years. There appears to be no gender nor race/ethnicity independently associated with Hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a blood borne illness. It is spread through contact with infected blood. Any activity that exposes individuals to blood increases the risk of contracting Hepatitis C. Drug users sharing needles are at increased risk. It can also be contracted by sharing razors and getting a tattoo or body piercing with a tool that has not been thoroughly sterilized. Though not common, one can also be infected through sexual contact and intranasal cocaine use. Healthcare workers may contract Hepatitis C due to accidental needle prick with an infected needle. The US started screening donated blood for Hepatitis C in If you received a transfusion before 1992 there is a possibility you may have received blood containing the virus. Hep C does not spread by sharing eating utensils or glasses, kissing, coughing or sneezing. The virus affects the liver of an infected individual. Over time, Hepatitis C can cause significant damage to the liver as well as lead to the development of cancer. Many people who are infected with Hepatitis C don't experience any discernible signs or symptoms until their liver becomes damaged. TREATMENT: The goal in treatment of chronic Hep C is to slow damage to the liver and reduce levels of virus in the blood. Newer medications have been very successful in eliminating the virus from the liver. Treatment options depend on which of the (6) genotypes you have. The usual length of treatment is 12 weeks. The newer treatments are extremely expensive and some insurance plans are reluctant to pay, but with a great deal of effort and perseverance most insurances will approve the treatment.. ALCOHOL USE: A recent study published online describes an association between former and current excessive alcohol use and higher rates of infection, morbidity and mortality in patients with the Hepatitis C. Affected individuals are advised to avoid alcohol. Submitted by the Wellness Ministry bwellatpeoples@gmail.com 3

4 2016 MONTHLY MEMORY VERSES (FROM THE NEW REVISED STANDARD VERSION) January: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory of a father s only son. (John 1:14) February: I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19) March: I hereby command you: be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1: 9) April: The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord s doing ; it is marvelous in our eyes. (Psalm 118: 22-23) May: If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15: 7) June: So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9) July: So I say to you, ask and it will be given you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. (Luke 11:9) August: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) September: Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and for which you were made. (1 Timothy 12) October: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing to the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. (Psalm 66:1) November: Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) December: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness-on them the light has shined. (Isaiah 9:2a) OCTOBER 2016 LECTIONARY READINGS October 2 Twentieth after Pentecost Free to Grieve Old Testament: Lamentations 1:1-16 Gospel: Luke 17:5-10 Epistle: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 October 9 Twenty-first after Pentecost "Restore Us Old Testament: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Gospel: Luke 17:11-19 Epistle: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 October 16 Twenty-Second after Pentecost Ask Boldly, Live Justly Old Testament: Jeremiah 31:27-34 Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 October 23 Twenty-third after Pentecost Just Worship Old Testament: Jeremiah 14:7-10 Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 Epistle: 2 Timothy 4:6-8 October 30 Twenty-fourth after Pentecost Transforming Love Old Testament: Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 Epistle: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4,

5 GENERAL INFORMATION WEBSITE, FACEBOOK FAN PAGE, AND TWITTER NEWS: Our website address is l eschur chucc.org. webmaster4704@gmail.com if you have any questions. Follow us on The website is constantly updated, so click the refresh button when you visit. Our Twitter handle Follow us on Twitter! The Prodder, Website, Facebook Fan Page and Twitter exist to further the social connect with the membership of Peoples United Church of Christ and with the community to promote outreach and notices of important Church events. The social networking tools are designed for easy mass communication and media sharing. Through the Website, members and users can access the Online Giving page to donate to the General Fund and purchase tickets for Church events and fundraisers. Members/users can view the Events Calendar to participate in the life of the Church. Members can advertise Church events through the Website, Facebook Fan Page and Twitter. To advertise Church events and/or submit flyers for Church events, members can submit information to peopleswebsiteevents@gmail.com. The website is the New Front Door of the Church, and allows members/users to interact, communicate and connect to foster connectivity and community. Prodder Guidelines: All announcements and flyers must be submitted by the third Tuesday of the month by 12:00 Noon. Announcements and flyers can be ed to Ms. Valerie McCray, Administrative Assistant, at vmccray@peopleschurchucc.org or to the church account, info@peopleschurchucc.org, or faxed to Do not mail information. Announcements should be no more than 90 words and should be informational about Peoples Church events or members and their families. Announcements may be edited. If you would like a flyer inserted in the Prodder, please contact Ms. McCray for more information. NO PHOTOGRAPHS, VIDEO, OR AUDIO RE- CORDING: This policy has been adopted to protect the musicians and speakers who are a part of the worship services and special events at the Church. The cooperation of the congregation is essential to the observance of this policy by visitors and guests. Photographs and CD recordings of worship services and other events are available as produced by the designated Church photographers and the Sound Engineer. Please contact the Church office to request specific photographs and/or recordings. Thank you. MINISTER S ADDRESS: Please direct s for Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Hopson, Transitional Senior Minister to Valerie McCray at vmccray@peopleschurchucc.org Rev. Leslie Dowdell Cannon, Senior Associate Minister: ldcannon@peopleschurchucc.org CHURCH MODERATOR S ADDRESS: Robert Veiga, Church Moderator, onyxbob@verizon.net Facility Reservations: If you wish to reserve space for an event and/or activity, please contact Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, at the church office on (202) or yhunter@peopleschurchucc.org to complete a reservation contract. Facility reservations can also be made online through the church s website: Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis; however, religious events and funerals take precedence. Peoples Church is a multi-use venue so reservations are necessary to ensure competing needs are met efficiently and to specification. Member and non-member reservation fees apply. Floral Arrangements for the Altar: To order a designer floral arrangement to remember your loved one or recognize a special day, contact Vernandi Richardson (301) or Diane Miller (301) for additional information. Facilities Committee: Two (2) First Aid Kits have been placed in the Main Office and the Fellowship Hall/Kitchen area. Incident Reporting Forms are also available in the Main Office for completion. All incidents must be reported on the forms, regardless of how small the incident is. The completed forms should be given to Yvette Hunter, Operations Manager, any member of the office/volunteer staff, or the Facilities Chair, Esther Williams Yarborough. ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF (202) (202) Fax info@peopleschurchucc.org (National Setting) Ms. Yvette Hunter, Operations Specialist, yhunter@peopleschurchucc.org Ms. Valerie McCray, Administrative Assistant vmccray@peopleschurchucc.org Mr. George Porter, Maintenance Mr. Demetrick Wimberly, Maintenance 5

6 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION *Inactive at this time Church School Pre-K Adult Bible Class Men s Bible Study Youth Ministry GROW Ministry* Deacon s Prayer Meeting Deacon s Prayer Service Bible Study 2nd and 4th 4th Thursday 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Elmes Center Nursery Small Lounge Youth Lounge Room 203 A & B Voices of Peoples Fellowship Choir Rhythmic Choir Chancel Choir Men s Chorus CHOIR REHEARSAL Tuesday Thursday Saturday 6:45 p.m. 8:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. CHURCH BOARDS MONTHLY MEETING SCHEDULES Board of Christian Education Board of Trustees Christian Social Action Church Council Board of Deacons 2nd 2nd 2nd 3rd Saturday Before the 1st 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. PEOPLES NEIGHBORHOOD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Hours of Operation: : 10:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Tuesday: By Appointment Call Saturday: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 6

7 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL THANKS This year's Vacation Bible School and Camp, held August 1-5, was an exciting week, with lots of learning and fun! Close to 50 children participated in this year's activities. We owe sincere thanks to a variety of people. Thanks to Rev. Leslie Dowdell Cannon, Cheryl Randall, outgoing chair of the Board of Christian Education, and the church staff, Yvette Hunter, Valerie McCray, George Porter, and Reginald Tydings for their support. Thanks also to the amazing group of volunteers who worked to make this year's VBS a success (in alphabetical order): Stacie Banks, Robina Barlow, Helga Baskett-Tippett, Leslie Bowie, Gladys Boyd, Ray Bridgewater, Susan Burton, Orren Cohill, Elvira Doman, Cheryl Dunham, Shirley Eglen, Evon Ervin, Nina Faulk-Knight, Susie Fletcher, Linda Henderson, Thomas Henderson, Bea Hicks, Yvonne Hinkson, Judith Howell, Keith Jackson, June Jeffries, Gwen Jenifer, Mattie Jones, Norma Kelly, Linda Mack, Dennis McCall, Janet McCormick, Joe McCormick, Nathaniel Moore, Clyde Parker, Kenneth Parker, Agnes Powell, Sam Prather, Janice Reeves-Harper, Bessie Reynolds, Vernandi Richardson, Ellen Sistaire, Lise Stevens, Lois Sylver, Kea Taylor, Bradley Thomas, Pamela Tyson, Carrie Tyus, Bob Veiga, Carolyn Veiga, Diana Haines Walton, Gail Whitley, Isadora Wills, Ruthie Wynn, and Esther Williams Yarborough. Thanks also to this year's youth counselors/assistants: Najayah Belton, Kayla Brewer, Maya Burton, Maya Elbeck, Martica Harris, Brooklyn Macklin, and Jaelyn O'Meara. Thanks also to the following for their financial and/or material donations: Ernestine Blackwell, Michele Bonhomme, Patricia Ellis, the Evangelism and Outreach Committee, Helen and Thomas Flagg, Constance Harris, Bea Hicks, Vivian and Wilbur Jackson, Esther Pinder, Bernice Ramey, and Priscilla Wallace. Special thanks to our t-shirt sponsors: Malcolm Carpenter, Langley Park CARE Pharmacy, and Bessie Reynolds. As you can see, it takes a village to have Vacation Bible School! Please forgive me if I've omitted any name. Cynthia Prather, 2016 VBS Director 7