Metropolitan Weekly Newsletter - Week of April 20, 2025
- Evan Taylor
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Worship for Resurrection Sunday, starts tomorrow at 10 am in the sanctuary and via live stream on Facebook and YouTube.
We encourage your presence this week in Church school on Sundays at 8:30am; Morning Meditations with Metropolitan at 7 am Monday through Friday; and the Men's Prayer Call at 7:30 am on Monday, Comfort, Care, Lament and Share at 7pm on Thursday. Noon Day and Pastor's Study is on break.
Engage in ministry with us this Spring - Financial Literacy Month (April); Sign up for the Truth and Action RoundUp from Sojourners; Volunteer to Support Youth and Families Ministry; Apply for Ifill, McZier, and McClain Scholarships (Feb 15-May 1); Download the Lent 2025 guide & Participate in the Journey (March 5-April 20); Sign up for Girls Who Code Session (March 29-May 17); Church School 'Symbols of Easter' Program (April 20); Resurrection Sunday Worship (April 20); Washington Annual Conference (April 22-25); RSVP to Attend Radical Rest (April 27); RSVP for Seminar 2: Short-Term Activities (April 29); Complete the CDC Financial Wellness Survey (April 30); Metropolitan Teen Lockdown (May 2); Heritage of Heroes: Celebrating Black Military Service and Patriotism (May 3); Register for Blues, Roots, & Rhythm: Using the Spoken Word (May 10); Veteran's Council Meeting (May 14); Save the Date for the CDC's Financial Wellness event (June 22);.
April is Financial Literacy Month! In celebration, the Daniel Alexander Payne Community Development Corporation invites you to Save the Date for a in-person financial wellness event on June 22, 2025 at Metropolitan AME Church.
We want to know what topics YOU want to hear about...Whether it’s career resets; contracting opportunities; home ownership; growing and protecting your assets; or gaining some peace of mind during some volatile times. Please complete the Financial Wellness Survey by April 30, 2025 for a chance to win a laptop, gift certificate, or electronic device.
Need to join via phone? You can dial in for an audio-only livestream at 1-929-205-6099, 975804722.
Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel and you'll be notified every time we are live. You can subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/metropolitaname.
In 2025, we will introduce a weekly Sankofa moment. Sankofa comes from the Adinkra cultural system and means, "It is not taboo to return and fetch it when you forget." Each Sunday, as part of our Sankofa practice, we will "fetch" the wisdom, words, faith, and lessons learned from our ancestors. At Metropolitan AME Church, we are dedicated to honoring the legacies of our past while actively working toward our future. This weekly Sankofa moment is not just a one-time event, but a commitment to our cultural heritage that we will uphold continuously. Ashe and Amen.
Are you interested in deepening your connection with God, self, and community during this Lenten season? If so, join us for a 40-day Lenten spiritual journey. In this 6-week communal practice we invite you to explore themes around fasting, embodiment, resistance, and Spirit work through a community prayer wall; playlists for lament, reflection, hope; our recommended booklist, resources for spiritual practices this season.
Join Us as we journey to the cross. Tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday, join us in the sanctuary for Sunrise service at 6 am; Church School's Symbols of Easter program at 8:30 am in Douglass Hall; and our Easter Cantata at 10 am in the sanctuary.
From Bishop Reginald T. Jackson - February 24, 2025- To the Second Episcopal District
The Boycott will begin on Wednesday, March 5th, Ash Wednesday and will go until Saturday, April 19th, the close of the Lenten Season. The Boycott is in response to Target’s elimination of its Diversity Programs. This is at the behest of the Trump Administration. We should not spend our dollars with stores that do not support our efforts to advance and for which we are qualified. We do not seek tokenism but a level playing field. We also do not want to hurt Black vendors at Target, so we encourage you to shop online to support them. Please support this Boycott to stand up for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
From the Council of Bishops - Christian Recorder
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church encourages all members to support a boycott of Target Stores across the United States beginning Wednesday, March 5th, Ash Wednesday, and continuing through Saturday, April 19th, the 40 days of Lent.
This action is in response to Target terminating its Diversity Program to support the efforts of the Trump Administration to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across the United States. It makes no sense for Blacks to spend our dollars at companies that do not support providing opportunities to qualified Blacks and other minorities at their businesses. Terminating diversity efforts infers that Blacks and people of color who get promoted are beneficiaries of tokenism and not merit. This is false and a stigma that the Trump Administration and many conservatives want to project.
Some are concerned that this boycott will hurt minority vendors. This does not have to be so. If you must patronize Target, buy only products labeled "Black-owned." Also, visit https://www.targetfast.org/ for more information.
The Lent Guide for 2025 is now available. You can access it on the Metropolitan website and via Issuu using the button below.
We are pleased to announce that transportation services resumed on January 5, 2025, after a long hiatus. Starting in January, transportation will be available on the first and third Sundays of each month. Services may be expanded to other Sundays based on the demand. If you are interested in transportation to and from the church, please contact Ellen and Tyrone Fizer at 301-579-2482. We look forward to serving you and helping you get to church with ease!
Are you experiencing grief, anxiety, depression, or anger over any type of loss? Given the current environment in which we are living, we are all experiencing some sense of loss of a loved one, a familiar way of life, a friend, a home, relationship, job, pet, and so many other losses that supported and sustained us. We invite you to join our grief support group under its new name, “Comfort, Care, Lament, and Share” every Thursday evening at 7PM via Zoom. Please email Bro. Brandon Cox at brandon.carlton.cox@gmail.com to receive the weekly link.
Join Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism & Communications for the State of the Media: A Public Discussion Forum on Wednesday, April 23, at 4:30 PM ET in Ogden Hall. This forum will bring together professional and aspiring journalists and media companies to discuss the evolving state of journalism and what it means for the next generation of storytellers. The conversation will be moderated by Nyla Cross, a Hampton University student journalist, and Harvard Du Bois Scholar.
Panelists include:
Rashida Jones (‘02, ’24) – Former President of MSNBC
Maurice Jones – Vice President of News, WHRO Public Media
Angilee Shah – CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Charlottesville Tomorrow
Karima Haynes – Director of Reporting Fellows Program, Pulitzer Center
Melinda Coleau (Woolbright) – WRC NBC 4/ WZDC Telemundo 44 Planning Manager
Jeffrey Reece – Director of Content, Virginian-Pilot
More information can be found here and use this link to RSVP to join in person or virtually.
The Immigration Ministry is grateful to our Metropolitan family for your prayers for the success of our discernment process. We invite you to continue to journey with us in community for our second webinar on Tuesday, April 29 at 7:30pm. We will discuss interventions for the climate of fear and fragmentation, because the face of the migrant is the face of God. This session will move us into our second phase of discernment where we will explore how we can co-create, communicate and embody messages of welcome and cohesion. RSVP here
Please join us this week, Monday-Friday, from 7 am-7:15 am for “Meditations with Metropolitan.” To sign up to offer a meditation or share your prayer requests, email the Morning Meditations team at prayer.metro1518@gmail.com.
The Men's Prayer Call is a sacred space where brothers can share and explore their relationship with God in Christ Jesus. All brothers are encouraged to join. The call will be every Monday Morning from 7:30 am – 7:45 am on Zoom.
Meeting ID: 767 5679 7276
Passcode: y28Ma2
Train up your child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it. Church School meets each Sunday morning at 8:30 am, and concludes at 10am in Douglass Hall. There are classes available for EVERYONE! We will be excited to see you in attendance!
Please join the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church School family in celebrating Resurrection Sunday. The program will be held on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM in Douglass Hall. The theme is “Symbols of Easter” and the scripture references are John 3:16 and Matthew 28:6.
There will be singing, liturgical dancing, reflections of Easter and light refreshments. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Metropolitan AME Veterans Council is a ministry that supports military service members, veterans, and their families by providing information and prayerful support. All service members, veterans, and family members are invited to attend. Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm. For more information, please contact Dr. Bryon L. Garner at bryongarner@gmail.com.
The Youth and Family Ministry is in need of amazing people like you to serve for upcoming events and other additional projects. Please scan the QR Code and or fill out the Microsoft form to share your interest and availability.
The Metropolitan A.M.E. Church Scholarship Endowment Payne-Tanner Memorial’s mission of awarding scholarships to students who demonstrate scholastic achievement and financial need continues. The scholarship application will be available from February 15, 2025 - April 15, 2025. Applications can be downloaded or can be requested and delivered via email from mamecscholarship@gmail.com.
The deadline for submitting applications and all supporting documents is April 15, 2025.
All materials must be mailed to The Scholarship Committee at P.O. Box 19322, Washington, DC 20036. Applications and supporting documents that are not mailed to the Scholarship Committee’s post office address or are not timely received by April 15, 2025, will not be considered. The modifications to application requirements that were applied during the pandemic are no longer applicable. Please contact Pamela Moore at plfmoore@yahoo.com with any questions.
The 2025 Ifill, McZier and McClain scholarship applications are now available. All completed applications are due by May 1, 2025. Completed applications should be submitted via email to scholarships@metropolitanamec.org on or before May 1, 2025.
Registration is now open for GWC Club 58425's Spring 2025 Session! Join us for an 8-week virtual program designed to empower and inspire. Sessions are held Saturdays, March 29 – May 17, 2025, from 11 AM – 12 PM via Zoom. Best of all, it's FREE, sponsored by the Daniel Alexander Payne CDC! For more information or to register, email cprimas@msn.com. Don’t miss out!
Youth and Family Ministry is partnering with the Black Health Research Lab to provide a space for our Metropolitan families to learn how to use rest as resistance and discuss wellness strategies as we navigate unprecedented issues in our society. Join us by registering with the QR Code or Eventbrite link.
Students in 9th - 12th grade are welcome to join us for our Teen Lock In scheduled for May 2nd. Register at: https://bit.ly/4ld3c9d or scan the QR Code in the flyer.
Email youthministry@metropolitanamec.org for more information
Join the Lorraine Gillian Health Commission for our Nutrition & Cooking Classes starting Sunday, May 4th in Frederick Douglass Hall after service! Learn to make delicious, plant-based meals that support weight management, heart health, and more. Enjoy catered meals, cooking demos, and expert nutrition tips. Classes meet May 4th, May 18th, June 1st, and June 15th—don’t miss out! Register now at http://www.rooteddish.com/mamec. Let’s embrace Food for Life together!
Stay Informed and Inspired: Sign Up for the Truth and Action Round Up!
In the wake of the 2024 election, it's important to stay connected to truth and action, without being bombarded by the 24-hr news cycle. Sojourners’ Truth and Action Round Up is a source of news, actionable steps, and uplifting inspiration—shared three times of week. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead and work toward justice and hope. Sign up today.
Save the Date for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. Metropolitan AME Veterans Council will partner with Ebenezer AME and Greater Mt. Nebo AME to host "Heritage of Heroes: Celebrating Black Military Service and Patriotism" in collaboration with the VA Center for Faith-based Initiatives for veterans and their dependents. The event will take place during military appreciation month in May.
For more information and to reserve a spot visit the event listing on Eventbrite.
The Music and Creative Arts Ministry and the Youth and Family Ministry are partnering to host Blues, Roots, and Rhythm: Using the Spoken Word, a free intergenerational workshop focused on African American music, exploring the history and influence of the Blues on R & B, Hip Hop and Gospel. The workshop will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 12 noon to 3 pm in Douglass Hall. Lunch will be served. You can register by scanning the QR code in the flyer or using this link - bit.ly/4ir62FZ
Have something to share with the congregation? Please send ALL announcement information to announcements@metropolitanamec.org. Blurbs should be no longer than 75 words. Announcements can be submitted by Tuesday for the following week OR by the 4th Sunday for the next month.
Do you have Instagram or Tik Tok? Be sure to follow our Youth and Family Ministry at @yafmamec to stay in the know!
We hope you can stand with us by investing in the Community Justice Fund and purchasing a limited edition commemorative t-shirt. In these unprecedented times, we are called to continue doing the work of Jesus in the church, the community, and the world. Every contribution will make a difference as we counter the radical ideology and rhetoric that is flowing from the leaders of our Nation while eroding and eliminating civil rights and societal strides that have been made by the sacrifices of our elders and ancestors.
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1838. From its founding, Metropolitan AME Church, has and continues to do what other churches will not. We are known locally, nationally, and internationally, to be deeply spiritual and deeply engaged in the world. From anti-slavery leadership in the mid-19th century, in the harboring of runaway slaves, to organizing power, people and money toward the flourishing of all people in the District of Columbia today. Metropolitan has been not just a significant center of worship, but also an institution in the forefront of the civic, cultural, and intellectual life among African Americans and others. Today, Metropolitan is focused on theologically sound teaching and preaching in worship; combatting food insecurity through our Food Bank; addressing ecological devastation by addressing heat islands in metropolitan cities with Smart Surfaces Coalition; equipping parents and families with culturally responsive and biblically grounded teaching through the Sankofa project; and building Black Equity and Wealth through Homeownership, prioritizing community safety and holding political leaders accountable with Washington Interfaith Network.
-Pastor William H. Lamar IV
We're grateful for your generosity.
There are several ways to give:
via check mailed to Metropolitan AME Church, 1518 M Street NW, Washington, DC. 20005;
via Credit card: on our website and via Realm;
via Text: To text to give, text “metro1518” to 73256;
via Venmo: using the handle @Metro1518
“Truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Let us continue to lift each other in prayer - please pray for those experiencing grief or in need of health, strength, and healing. Lord, hear the prayers of your people.
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