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Foundry Forge July 2022


Strength Today, Hope Tomorrow
Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli
“Morning by morning, new mercies I see…
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”


There are unexpected moments when I realize God’s mercies anew, when I simply must pause and give thanks for God’s faithfulness, mercy, and love. “Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow” are what I need again and again — and I doubt I’m alone.

As the Rev. Dr. William Barber reminded us on Pentecost Sunday, we are in a great struggle for the heart and soul of our nation — and of the church. We see that playing out in the January 6 hearings, in the hateful actions of some who claim the name Christian, and in the greed of so many in power.

One of the mercies we receive as part of Foundry is that, amid all this, we are clear about our commitment to love God, to love our neighbor, and to grapple together with what that means in everyday life. And we commit to thoughtful, strategic action to change the world.

In this time when destructive, divisive forces are doing their worst, I’m reminded of how precious our life together is. Our core values, deep desire for justice and equity for all, and our efforts to live the more excellent way of faith, hope, and love without becoming the very thing we seek to resist — these are beautiful mercies we share as part of Foundry.

Life in community is messy. We don’t always live up to our hopes and dreams for ourselves and our congregation. But we try.

As I write, destructive forces in the United Methodist Church are talking about making a “gracious exit” and “parting with a blessing” all the while actively employing a “scorched earth” strategy that harms not only LGBTQIA+ siblings, but other marginalized members of our family. At such a time, I thank God for the mercy of serving among you who continue to boldly resist evil, injustice, and oppression and to honor the journeys of others, trusting that achieving “the more excellent way” of perfect love is ultimately the work of Spirit.

Thanks be for God’s faithfulness and for the gift of all of you, dear Foundry family. Fueled by God’s grace, you give me and so many others “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.”

Onward in sacred resistance and in hope,

ginger+
doug and lynn smarte


InspirationalVisitors
Doug and Lynn Smarte
Recently a family visiting DC came to Foundry for several Sundays. We met them when Pastor K.C. brought them to the Parents Discussion group at 10 a.m., while their two children went to Sunday school. The family had recently sold their home in Texas and embarked on a one-year adventure traveling around the US while homeschooling. Before they left Texas, they’d asked their pastor to suggest a church in District, and he highly recommended Foundry.

Their participation in the parents’ discussions was enthusiastic and open, giving us insights into how their kids are learning during their travel adventure. And their fascination with the history, culture, nature, and other attractions of the greater metropolitan area made us realize how much we haven’t experienced yet and how easy it is to take what’s available to us for granted.

They attended the 9 a.m. service every Sunday as a family while they were in DC. The kids bonded with another family who had started coming to Foundry recently. On their last Sunday in District, the two families organized a bake sale, made and sold cookies and other treats along with “Love thy neighbor” hearts painted the Ukrainian colors. Their efforts raised $1,137 for UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
four children in masks attend a bake sale table
We were truly inspired by these visitors, their huge hearts, their enthusiasm experiencing all the culture, art, and history our area has to offer, and their whole-hearted engagement in our church.

In this case — the visiting family took the initiative to be engaged in worship, Sunday school, and even a service project. We’re so proud that Foundry folks made them feel welcome. We will remember them for a long time and are thinking about how we can make all visitors — including those who may only drop in for one service — feel seen, welcomed, and truly at home.

Lynn and Doug Smarte are life-long Methodists who came to Foundry in 2016, looking for a church with passion, enthusiasm, and warmth. At Foundry they are happy to have found all that, plus wonderful music, inspiring sermons, and caring people who inspire us to be better Christians.
Foundry Confirmands
Declare Where They Stand

Zachary Muehl, William Tucker and Nick von Hindenburg became Foundry’s youngest new members on Pentecost Sunday, June 5. Here is their statement to the congregation that day, declaring the values to which they are committed, over and above the vows of membership.
Foundry Confirmands Zachary Muehl, William Tucker, and Nick Von Hindenburg
Our class worked together and would like to make some additional commitments as a part of our Confirmation at Foundry.

First, we recognize the harm that has been caused in the United Methodist Church because of hate, division and exclusion. We condemn injustice everywhere, but especially the actions that have been taken to solidify division in our denomination based on race, gender identity, and who people love. We condemn denominational policies that result in the denial and refusal of clergy of color, women clergy, and LGBTQIA+ clergy persons at every level.

We commit to continuing the work for justice for indigenous peoples by amplifying indigenous voices, encouraging meaningful connection to resources, and acknowledging that the land on which we gather is not our own.

We commit to continuing the work of inclusion in the United Methodist Church to ensure that all people are welcomed into membership and leadership regardless of their immigration status, their gender identity, and whom they love.

We commit to working for change - even when the injustice doesn’t affect us personally.

We commit to showing up and offering our gifts of leadership to the youth group, at protests and public witness events, and in worship by reading Scripture and serving Communion.
Congratulations, Foundry Graduates!

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
  • Benjamin Bravo   Graduating from Jackson-Reed High School. Will be attending the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Naomi V. Johnson  Graduating from Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Will be attending Spelman College. of Pittsburgh.
  • Aminah Ann Martin  Graduating from St. John’s College High School. Will be attending Barnard College
  • William Robert Martin Jr.  Graduating from DeMatha Catholic High School. Will be attending Wesleyan University.
COLLEGE GRADUATES
  • Micah Kim — Graduated from Howard Community College with an Associates Degree in Nursing. She currently works as a nurse in a surgical unit at Virginia Hospital Center. There she takes care of patients before and after surgery.
  • Meaghan Marie Mullins  — Graduated from Dickinson College with a major in English. After graduation, she will return to the DC metro area and will be working as a teacher at the National Child Research Center in Cleveland Park.
  • Gaines Blasdel — Graduated from Brooklyn College, CUNY with a Bachelor's of Science. In July he will celebrate his 30th birthday by beginning attendance at the University of Michigan Medical School on full scholarship, continuing his commitment to patient-centered outcomes in trans medicine and his own path to urology to perform gender-affirming surgeries.
Foundry Forward
JULY 2022 ACTION ITEMS

Sunday, July 3
Living the Questions

As we continue our summer series, Living the Questions, today we explore — at both services — the question: Isn’t My River Better Than Theirs? Pastor Ginger Gaines-Cirelli will preach on that topic, using as her texts 2 Kings 5:1-14 and Luke 10:1-11. Holy Communion will be served at both services, and we will also welcome our new Associate Pastor and Director of Discipleship, Rev. Jonathan Brown. Join us after both services in the Community Commons for cake and fellowship.

Sunday, July 10
Who Is My Neighbor?

Today we consider texts from Psalm 82 and Luke 10:25-37, and together will embark on a search for the answer to the question Who Is My Neighbor? Our Guest Preacher today will be Rev. Bryant Oskvig, Chaplain at American University.

Sunday, July 17
Lord, Do You Not Care?

How many of us have thought, or spoken, this question over these last tumultuous years? Our sermon will draw on Psalm 52, and verses 38-42 of the tenth chapter of Luke, following last week’s text, at both services. Our Guest Preacher today will be Rev. Dr. Stacey Cole Wilson, Executive Minister of Beloved Community for the Baltimore Washington Conference of the UMC.

Wednesday, July 20
Prayer & Worship with Cassandra Lawrence

Join us on July 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Commons for a Prayer and Worship Service led by Cassandra Lawrence as she preaches in preparation toward becoming a provisional deacon in the United Methodist Church.

Sunday, July 24
How Much More Will God Give?

Do you wonder about this? So do many of us. Today Pastor Ginger Gaines-Cirelli will help us look for the answer, using as texts Psalm 85 and Luke 11:1-13.

Monday–Friday, July 25–29
Youth Local Mission 2022

This week, Foundry’s Youth Local Mission gives our young people the opportunity to explore the intersections of faith, service, and politics by learning from local and national leaders, serving with community partners, immersing themselves in the city, and creating an initiative together. During the week, the youth and their volunteer leaders spend their nights together at Foundry. Learn more and register at foundryumc.org/ylm.

Tuesday, July 26
Foundry Board Meeting

The Foundry Board will meet at 7 p.m. for its regular monthly meeting. Members of the congregation interested in observing the meeting can attend via Zoom at foundryumc.org/june-board-meeting using the passcode 624308.

Sunday, July 31
Can You Take Your Possessions with You?

Today we will welcome new members into the Foundry community and conclude our sermon series on Living the Questions. Pastor Ginger will preach on the question Can You Take Your Possessions with You? Her texts are Psalm 107:1-9, and Luke 12: 13-21.


For more information on the events above and other future Foundry events, go to foundryumc.org/events.
 
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