News and Announcements

Metropolitan stands on the brink of yet another transformation. This won’t be the physical transformation of a decaying building into a beautiful edifice. God has already helped us achieve that miracle.

This will be transformation of our members – old, new and future — and our church. This transformation will be the glorious change God will work in our lives and our church when we become a tithing congregation.

Tithing is Transforming! Transformation begins next Sunday, May 6.

The Married Couples Ministry will meet on Saturday, April 28, 3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. In addition to devotions and a business meeting, Pharmacist Pamela D. Waring has been invited to discuss “Just How Do Those Little Pills Know What to Do and Where to Go.”

The Women’s Season Core Committee, Public Relations Commission, and Church School of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church invite you to an enjoyable dining and documentary event on Sunday, May 6, 2012.  Following the 11:00 a.m. service, the exciting programs of Metropolitan’s Women’s Season 2012 will continue with a “Taste of the Met” smorgasbord, featuring the culinary skills and delectable delights of the women of Metropolitan.  The smorgasbord will be highlighted with a special screening of the film, “Daisy Bates:  First Lady of Little Rock.”  Following the film’s presentation, the director and producer, Sharon La Cruise, will share a “behind-the-scenes” look at the film, which tells the inspiring story of the legendary woman who fought for the right of nine black students to attend the segregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Metropolitan’s own Ernie Green of the Little Rock Nine and Ellen Fizer, who has historic ties to the Little Rock Nine, will join Ms. La Cruise in a discussion, moderated by Metropolitan’s award-winning journalist, Dorothy Gilliam.  Tickets for the event are $10 and will be available from members of the three sponsoring organizations.

Seven Last Words of Christ

with Rev. Jonathan V. Newton

Metropolitan A.M.E. Church  Celebrates Women’s Day 2012
with Guest Ministers,  Rev. Nancy T. Lee and Rev. Jerri D. Edmonds

Two dynamic women of God whose words will bless your spirits and strengthen your faith will be the guest preachers on Sunday, April 15, 2012, during Metropolitan’s Women’s Day worship services. The Women’s Day theme, “I Am My Sister’s Keeper,” will be presented through the powerful and personal sermons of Reverend Dr. Nancy T. Lee during the 7:45 a.m. service and Reverend Jerri D. Edmonds at the 11 a.m. service. The call to serve as “your sister’s keeper” will be reinforced and you will leave praising the Lord for creating you in His image! The women of Metropolitan invite you to join us for both services to hear the anointed messages of these two great ministers.

Rev. Dr. Nancy T. Lee wraps her lifelong care for humankind in her professional study as a nurse and in her call to the ministry. She earned her nursing degree from Bellevue School of Nursing in New York City, a Masters degree in Religious Studies (with honors), and a Doctorate degree, both from Howard University. Rev. Lee’s doctoral research focused on “Caring for the African American Caregiver.” Rev. Lee’s expertise has garnered her nominations for awards through several civic and nursing associations. In 2011 she received the Religious Leader of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

Rev. Lee is a native Washingtonian who currently serves as the Executive Minister of Community of Hope A.M.E. Church, Temple Hills, MD, under the pastorate of her son, Rev. Tony Lee, Senior Pastor. She resides in Fort Washington, MD with her husband of 44 years, Orlando W. E. Lee, and is the proud mother of two sons, Rev. Tony Lee and Rev. Bill Lee. In everything she gives God the glory and declares Philippians 4:13 her personal testimony (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”).

Rev. Jerri D. Edmonds acknowledged her call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in September 1997 and preached her trial sermon in June 1998. She was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in April 2002. Rev. Edmonds is married to Rev. Raymond F. Edmonds, Jr., and they are the proud parents of two teenagers, Raymond, III and Cierra. In October 1995, the ministers began the Gethsemane Ministry, which is now the Gethsemane A.M.E. Church. Rev. Edmonds presently serves as an Associate Minister at Falls Road A.M.E. Church where her husband is the pastor.

Rev. Edmonds has a passion for empowering our young people to become all God has called them to be through the Word of God and is committed to edifying the body of Christ by any means necessary. At Falls Road she serves as the Ministerial Liaison to the Music and Fine Arts Ministries, Director of the Harvest Evangelism Ministry, Director of the Youth and Young Adult Choir, and Director of the Fellowship Choir.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Rev. Edmonds is the second of three children of Garfield and Ruth Hudson. She received her early education in the Baltimore City Public School System. She received a B.A. in Information Science and Systems, and a Masters of Business Administration from Morgan State University. Serving the State of Maryland for over 26 years, Rev. Edmonds is currently employed at Morgan State University as a programmer analyst.

Rev. Edmonds cites as her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” She loves the Lord and prays that she will always be a vessel that He can use for His glory.

Support Women’s Season 2012.

“…Intreat me not to leave thee…for whither thou goest, I will go…” Ruth 1:16-18

March 29, 2012

Dear Women of Metropolitan:

A new and infectious spirit abounds at our beloved Metropolitan, and you can feel it everywhere!

Women’s Day is Sunday April 15, 2012. It promises to be an extraordinary day when believers will be called anew to witness God’s love, mercy, grace, goodness and faithfulness to us.  We can all show our commitment to our theme “I Am My Sister’s Keeper” by wearing purple and white on this special day.

The co-chairs for Women’s Season, Sisters Jo Jewel Butler (dbutle64@aol.com  703-768-2093), Selena Fizer (self11678@aol.com 301-633-0611) and Linda Jefferson (Lhjeferson@aol.com  202-285-5502) welcome all women of Metropolitan to join the 80 women already planning many exciting activities – your time, talent and treasure are needed.

The many demands to serve our community require our financial support more than ever.  Each Metropolitan woman is asked to make a special contribution of $200 by Women’s Day and men $100. Metropolitan youth are also encouraged to participate as they can.  Contributions may be made in single or multiple payments and Sisters Janet Huggins, Gail Primus or Harriett Harper will be available after each Sunday service to accept them and answer questions.

A Women’s Day souvenir program book, “I Am My Sister’s Keeper,” is being created for our special day. It will comprise tributes to special women in our lives, and there are many options for you to participate by purchasing an ad as well as selling ads to the Metropolitan family, colleagues, neighbors or anyone looking for a unique way to express themselves.  Sisters Dina Curtis (dinacurtis@gmail.com) or Cynthia Morris (cslm79@aol.com) will be happy to provide any information you need, and an online ad form is available by clicking here.

While Women’s Season seeks to address some of the financial needs of Metropolitan, it is also meant to provide multiple opportunities to connect to our church community and to reach out to others, inviting them to join us in our mission to serve the greater Metropolitan Washington, DC community.  This series of activities began in early March with a prayer breakfast that was attended by more than 100 women (and men!) who enjoyed interactive discussions on health, employment, education and family life as they prayed for each other and our greater community.  Many additional events and activities are planned, and we hope you will be a part of them:

Join the 100 voices of Metropolitan women, dressed in white for the Women’s Day service, joyfully praising God through song.  Come out to meet and fellowship with these special women at our rehearsals Saturday mornings at 10 am. Contact Sisters Anita Drayton (antald@aol.com), Susan Edwards (sue.edwards@frms.treas.gov) or Jocelyn Harris (Jocelyn.Harris@cosoa.gov) to join this dynamic group!

Join our outreach effort to serve the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center in Washington, D.C. and the St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home in Hyattsville, Maryland led by Sisters Lorraine Gillian (Babymker@aol.com) and Josie Woodley-Jones (josiewj@aol.com).

“A Taste of The Met” smorgasbord featuring the culinary skills of the women of Metropolitan to be held after the 11:00 service on Sunday May 6, 2012 in Douglass Hall.  Your $10 contribution will provide a wonderful meal and a special screening of the film “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock.”

“A Women of All Seasons” program will recognize “Strong African American Women of Metropolitan AME Church Making Strong Contributions” on Saturday June 2, 2012 from Noon to 5:00 pm in Douglass Hall.  Please contact Sister Carolyn McClain at Carolyn.McClain@hud.gov to make a nomination or get more information about the program.

In these challenging times for so many, our church and our community are looking to you to make a difference.  I implore you to join us and to stay informed about these and other special activities through our church bulletin and on the Metropolitan website www.metroplitanamec.org.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our Lord and Savior and to the Metropolitan family.

In His Service,

Ronald E. Braxton

YARD SALE:  The Married Couples Ministry and Mighty Men of Metropolitan will  host a bargain hunter’s extravaganza on Saturday, May 19, at the Flower Avenue Market in Silver Spring/Takoma Park. We promise a fantastic shopping experience for family, friends, and neighbors. Join us for deep discounts on merchandise and fun in the sun. Contact Carlos/Marsha Turner Botts, Jerome/Janet Oakley Huggins, or Isiah Dupree for additional information.

Metropolitan’s community outreach arm, the Daniel Alexander Payne Community Development Corporation (CDC), and the Church’s Health Ministry, are collaborating with the American Chemical Society, the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, Howard University, Howard University Hospital and Metropolitan, to host the second STEM event of the Percy L. Julian Institute.  The “Dr. Charles Drew Morning of Discovery” will take place on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Metropolitan AME Church, 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Dr. Drew (l904-l950), native of Washington, DC, was the first of his race to be selected for membership on the American Board of Surgery.

All DC, VA and MD area middle school students, parents, teachers and friends are invited to attend the event for an in depth look at all areas of the medical field. Learn what is required to enter, major and succeed in the medical professions.

The Women’s Day and Season Steering Committee is announcing the colors of purple (royalty and spirituality) and white (peace and purity) for our Day and Season. Be sure to parade your purple and white on Sunday April 15 and display a touch of our colors each Sunday leading to our special day. Men can sport their support too!

Our Committee has fully launched and is implementing a variety of spiritual activities to engage your spirit, bless your heart and strengthen your desire to serve as your Sister’s Keeper. Please join us…our arms are open for you.

Imagine, a 100-voice Women’s Day Choir all dressed in white on April 15th—a pinnacle of our Women’s Day celebration; you can help make it happen! Participate and enjoy the fellowship during rehearsals and let yours be one of 100 voices singing to God’s glory. See bulletin for schedule or contact sisters Susan Edward Todd, Anita Drayton or Jocelyn Harris. Special assessment for Women’s Day is $200 for women and $100 for men.
Our Outreach Committee is planning an activity that will reach beyond Metropolitan’s walls. We are finalizing the logistics to provide a life enhancing opportunity to serve as our sisters’ keepers at Capitol Hill Teen Pregnancy Center in Washington, DC and St. Ann’s Orphanage in Hyattsville, MD —stay tuned for additional details from the Outreach Committee or contact Josie Woodley Jones josiewj@aol.com .

We are developing a souvenir program book in recognition of our 2012 Women’s Day and Season theme, “I Am My Sister’s Keeper.” In this endeavor, we’re requesting the help of all Metropolitan members and friends by purchasing space in the program book to offer a tribute to the special women in your life. Contact Dina Curtis at dinacurtis@gmail.com, or Cynthia Morris cslm79@aol.com and (301) 765-1067, or any member of the Women’s Day committee to purchase your space by April 8. Certainly, you will want to be included in this very special historical piece!

A “Taste of the Met” is coming! Want to sample healthy and delectable entrees, salads, and desserts? Don’t miss out on the culinary talents of the Sisters of Metropolitan! We’re serving up the best of our best after the 11:00 A.M. service on May 6! A $10.00 contribution will leave you joyfully satisfied.

All proceeds will help to ensure that Metropolitan AME Church continues to be a present help in the time of need.
To God Be the Glory!

Tri-Chairs,

Jo Jewel Butler (dbutle64@aol.com ) 703-768-2093
Selena Fizer, (self11678@aol.com ) 301-633-0611
Linda Jefferson (Lhjeferson@aol.com) 202-285-5502