Photo/art by MICHAEL PENDRY
From a press release:
“Washington National Cathedral will host a new art exhibit showcasing thousands of paper doves suspended from the Cathedral’s vaulted, 100-foot-high ceiling, beginning next week through May 2021. The “Les Colombes” exhibit is by German artist Michael Pendry, who has created similar works at Cathedrals around the world, and symbolizes the Biblical theme of hope and optimism heading into the new year after a very challenging 2020. (more…)
Photo by Brandon Kopp
From an email:
“Washington National Cathedral will toll its bells 300 times on Tuesday, Dec. 15 starting at 5 p.m. ET, in memory of the 300,000 Americans who have died of COVID-19.
The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, the Cathedral’s dean, also released this statement:
“We have reached the point in America where the death toll from COVID-19 for just one day was the equivalent of 16 fully loaded 737 jets falling from the sky. (more…)
Photo by Diane Krauthamer
From the Mayor’s Office:
“DC’s faith-based organizations are at the very heart of our community, giving us hope in the face of darkness. They embody our DC values of love and inclusivity. An attack on them is an attack on all of us. This weekend, we saw forces of hate seeking to use destruction and intimidation to tear us apart. We will not let that happen, and continue to stand together strong and United to Love. The Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs and the Metropolitan Police Department are engaging the impacted houses of worship today, and anyone with information or video in the area of the houses of worship should call 202-727-9099 or text 50411.”
MPD seeks suspects in a Destruction of Property offense that occurred on 12/12/20 in the 900 blk of 11th St, NW. MPD is investigating this offense as potentially being motivated by hate or bias. Have info? Call (202) 727-9099/text 50411 @FBIWFOhttps://t.co/5b8xfeu3AG pic.twitter.com/y2uP0XurE4
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) December 14, 2020
From the National Cathedral: (more…)
Photo by Eric P.
“Dear PoPville,
We just moved to Kingman Park and sometimes hear bells ringing over here. Just a couple minutes ago (Sunday morning, shortly before 10:30 am), we heard some hymn from somewhere northwest of us. Any idea which church that is coming from? Just heard them again over lunch. It reminds me of growing up right next to a church and during a time when I can’t visit home, hearing these bells makes me so happy.
Cheers from Kingman Park!”
13th and Florida Ave, NE
Thanks to Eren for sending:
“The Yahweh Church at 13th and Florida NE has signs that went up saying it will be on the market soon. It is a big lot so I’d imagine someone will try to put up another condo building like the others nearby.”
The Listing, currently for $1,700,000, says:
“LOT/ Property for SALE !! (more…)
1226 Vermont Avenue NW
Chelsey passes on the sad scene earlier today from Luther Place Memorial Church: “Lamenting this act of vandalism and lifting up the names and legacies of Dorothy Day and MLK Jr. this morning.”
Pastor Karen Brau writes: “As I walked in this early morning, this vandalism greeted me @LutherPlace #DorothyDay and #MLKingJr teach us about revolutions of the heart and systems. On the ground and in the air, these saints remain in place and on the move.” (more…)
1525 H Street, NW
Thanks to a reader for passing on from St. John’s Church:
“Dear Parishioners,
In its 200-plus year existence, our beloved church has witnessed history, in its many forms, from our corner of Lafayette Square. That holds true today with the protests associated with the murder of George Floyd and other innocent Black citizens across our country.
We as a parish support the protesters’ fight for an end to systemic racism. As is often the case in these situations, we have also been faced with significant challenges. Our historic buildings have been damaged by fire and graffiti. Individuals have built encampments on the church grounds, pitching tents, cooking on open fires in close proximity to the buildings, and relieving themselves in inappropriate places, resulting in a risk to the health and safety of protesters and others. At times, our staff have not felt safe traveling to and from work, or in their offices.
At its meeting last week, the Vestry discussed the tension between support of the Black Lives Matter movement and keeping our staff and property safe. As a result of that discussion, we met with City leaders last Friday. The meeting was productive, and we came away with a plan to peacefully relocate the individuals camping on our grounds that was based on engaging the protesters in conversation. We did not have the opportunity to finish executing that plan because on Monday the police began clearing H Street, NW. We were not aware they would do this.
After renewed violence on Monday evening, the City contacted us on Tuesday and offered to provide fencing around our buildings. After a thorough discussion, and in consultation with Bishop Mariann, we reluctantly agreed to the fencing. (more…)
1525 H Street, NW
Thanks to Mike for sending: “It seems there’s now a fence around St. John’s church…this seems to me to be all kinds of wrong…” (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
The messaging is self-explanatory. I ran in to this Friday afternoon, it brought tears to my eyes, but is so powerful too. The participants silently stood along the curb, some with signs, and took a knee as the bells began to chime, and cars passing honked horns in support.” (more…)
