There is a newspaper clipping on the bulletin board at church with a picture of our own Ryan Strade playing a teammate in a game of chess while other students are looking on. Ryan is in the paper because he is part of the National Chess Championship team at Northwest High School. Looking on at this image of Ryan and the others enjoying a friendly match reminds me of the challenges of learning such a game. I learned to play and enjoy the game of chess when I was younger, and I know a little bit about it, although I'm afraid I would embarrass myself if I were to play one of these high school champions. But it strikes me that there are some interesting parallels between the game of chess and the practice of faith. Consider the following:
In chess you enter a strange world of special terms and practices. Words like "check" and "checkmate," pieces like "pawns" and "knights" and "bishops," all take on a special meaning to be learned by players. In a similar way, people of faith enter what Karl Barth called "the strange, new world within the Bible." It's a world of special words like "salvation" and "sinner," and it includes such strange characters as "John the Baptist" and "Peter the wayward disciple" and "Paul the ardent missionary."
Another facet of chess is the importance of practical learning. Students of the game must learn by practice the rules and the moves which make the game possible. The "King" and "Knight" and "pawn" can only move in certain distinctive ways. Part of learning chess is the practical task of discovering and mastering the various moves allowed by the rules of the game. A good chess player understands that you can be creative, but you can't make up the rules and the moves as you go along. In a similar way, people of faith learn by practice what makes the life of faith possible and meaningful. We can't make up anything we want and call it faith, for there are certain patterns and guiding insights which shape the life of faith and make it possible. Just as trying to play chess without any rules would no longer be chess, so trying to live by faith without any guiding framework would not really be faith.
Another crucial part of any chess game is the importance of decision-making. Whether each player is timed or not, he or she must eventually decide where to make the next move and make it. A game held endlessly in limbo by players unwilling to make a decision about the next move would eventually lose its interest and grind to a halt. In a similar way, the life of faith is essentially connected to the importance of individual decision-making. In faith, as in chess, the decisions count, even the seemingly small ones. For just as a chess game is made up of the decisions enacted in it, so a life of faith is composed of the decisions made or not made by each one of us. In the game of chess, you "live or die" by the decisions you make. In a profound way, this is even more true in the journey of faith, because the character of our lives is revealed in our decisions.
Like chess, faith is a kind of practical skill to be learned. I'm no expert in chess, and I'm certainly no expert in faith, but in both there is a kind of joy in learning and in sharing with others as we do so. Join us on Sundays for worship as we sharpen our faith skills and seek to make a difference with the lives we've been given.
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Our Church Family
 Hilda Alpaugh, is recovering from a recent hysterectomy.
Ron Coleman, remains in critical health in a nursing home.
Marie Guy, is undergoing extensive dental surgeries due to a recent fall.
John Guy, will undergo shoulder surgery on May 10.
John Guy's son-in-law, has been diagnosed with ALS.
Lisa Haire, will be facing an upcoming heart procedure to repair a valve on May 7 at Washington Hospital Center.
Hank Hawksford's sister, Loretta,, continuing to receive care from hospice in her remaining days.
Selvin's father, Selvaraj Jacob, is receiving treatment for cancer in India.
Anne Laney, will be having extensive oral surgery on May 8.
Carroll Matthews,continues his regimen of chemotherapy treatment, as well as dealing with other health concerns.
Sean McQuade,one of theVirginia Tech students who is part of Julie Phifer's extended family, remains in critical care..
Evelyn Smith,is home recovering from recent hip replacement surgery.
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We want to express our appreciation and gratitude for the prayers, love and concern shown upon the death of Bill Henry, Lois's brother. The flowers, cards, calls and hugs were very special; just like you all, our TBC family. We are truly thankful for you all.
Lois and John Harris
I want to express my thanks to each of you for the many gestures of love and support for me and my family during my recent hip replacement. You are indeed a fellowship of the concerned! I am grateful for you all.
Evelyn Smith
Because of changes in Athelstan's job, he and Roopa and Joshua will be moving to Toronto. Their last Sunday with us will be May 6.
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Appreciation for Judy and Carroll
On May 12, our own Judy and Carroll Matthews will be recognized as Outstanding Foster Parents of the Year! They will be honored downtown at the COG and Freddie Mac Foundation Annual Work of Heart Regional Foster Parent Appreciation Gala, which is expected to draw more than 700 foster parents, social workers and public officials. Carroll and Judy became foster parents in 1974, and over the years, they have taken in more than 450 children. We give thanks for them and their ministry of care in such a needed area.
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Upcoming Events/Dates
MAY 6 - BABY DEDICATION FOR SELVIN AND SHARON SELVERAJ
You may have noticed the young face of Ethan with Selvin and Sharon at church the last few Sundays. Join us on May 6 as we joyfully dedicate Ethan during our worship service. Also, Selvin and Sharon and family will be hosting a special coffee hour after worship in the fellowship hall to celebrate the occasion.
MAY 8 - BOOK CLUB
The Book Club will meet this month at 10:00 am in the multi-purpose room. The book for discussion this month is "The Knitting Circle" by Anne Hood. Join us for a good time of discussion and sharing.
MAY 16 - HABITAT DINNER
Remember that our church dinner in support of the Habitat Mission Trip to Garrett County is coming up on Wed., May 16, at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. The Habitat team will be serving and Jade Chang will be preparing the delicious dinner. You can imagine that with Jade preparing it, this will be a 5-star meal! We are asking for reservations in advance (up to 100), and meal prices are suggested at $25 per person for adult, while young people and children are suggested at half the adult price. Of course, since it is a fundraiser, you may donate as much as you would like. You may reserve your place by filling out a reservation notice which will be in the worship bulletin the next few weeks, or by calling the church office by May 13. We look forward to a wonderful evening of fellowship and mission support.
MAY 19 - CMR GALA
The Gala to raise money for Community Ministries of Rockville will take place at the Bethesda Marriott on Sat. evening, May 19. Two years ago, our church had a larger proportion of membership attend than any other present. We hope to have good representation again this year for this fun and worthwhile event. This is one of the main income sources for CMR, thus enabling it to coordinate many ministries in our city. We hope that you will consider attending this year. Ticket prices are $95 each, and if you want an invitation to purchase tickets, please let the church office know. We have prepared a number of items for the auction-gift baskets, photo prints, vacation getaway. Thanks to all who have contributed in some way to this event.
MAY 27 - PENTECOST SUNDAY
Each year we celebrate the story of Pentecost and the birth of the church. Join us on this Sunday as we mark this day with several special emphases in our worship, including music from the Gospel tradition, the sharing of several different languages, and the gifted music leadership of Kevin Witcher, a talented colleague of Carla Ingram. Don't forget to wear red-the symbol of fire!
MAY 26-27 - TASTE OF ROCKVILLE
This year on Sat. and Sun. from 2:00-10:00pm each day, the Taste of Rockville will take place downtown, with food and entertainment for the whole family. A portion of the proceeds will go to CMR.
JUNE 2 - CMR CAR WASH
On Sat., June 2, from 9-3pm, the Housing Programs of CMR will be hosting a benefit car wash at Rockville United Methodist Church, 112 W. Montgomery Ave. Cars will be washed by the residents of Chase Partnership House.
JUNE 3 - SEMI-ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MTG
After worship on June 3, we will gather in the fellowship hall as a congregation to hear any council reports and consider any issues before the church. Join us for this important part of our church life.
JUNE 7 - EL MARIACHI RESTAURANT DAY
If you like the tasty cuisine of El Mariachi (765-C Rockville Pike-behind the IHOP) then consider eating there on Thurs., June 7. All day long a percentage of every meal purchased will go to CMR.
JUNE 10 - BABY DEDICATION FOR MIKE AND DAWN RUSS
We have enjoyed young Savannah as a weekly part of our worship service recently. Join us on June 10 as we join the Russ family in dedicating Savannah during our worship service. Mike and Dawn and the Russ family will also be hosting a special coffee hour after worship in the fellowship hall to celebrate this wonderful occasion.
OTHER UPCOMING JUNE DATES
June 10
There will be a shower held in the afternoon in anticipation of the wedding of Jonathan Matthews and Clarissa Leal. For more information, contact Judy Matthews.
June 14
this will be the evening of our Latino Outreach Graduation Program. The event is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm, followed by a reception with refreshments. This is a highlight of achievement and genuine pride for many of those who walk across the stage to receive their certificates. If you are interested in attending or supporting this event with refreshments, let Rabecca Gondwe or Gladys Donoghue know, or you may contact the church office.
June 17-23
Habitat Mission Trip to Garrett County! June 17 will feature a time for blessing the team in worship
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
In light of the recent Earth Day emphasis in worship (April 22) on stewardship of resources, four energy efficient light bulbs have been installed in the closets and bathroom off the small hallway next to the sanctuary. We are looking to do more both in our building and beyond. If you are interested in exploring environmental issues with a group of others, let the pastor know.
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Birthdays
MAY
6 Richard Htay
10 Carla Ingram
11 Gregg Freese, Cyrille Makembe
14 Marie Guy
15 John Guy
17 Don Reed
24 Pauline Bryan
26 Sandi Reed
28 Elaine Tiller
29 Daniel Shaver
31 Carol Lee
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JUNE
2 Amy Carter
4 Dick Alpaugh
7 Ken Phifer
15 Floyd Smith
21 Bill Ladany
22 Kip Ingram
30 Amy Freese
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Anniversaries
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MAY
26 Gail and Eric Leeds
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JUNE
5 Tanya and Martin Chang
11 Deirdre and John Alpaugh
12 Melanie and Jason Bradley
13 Ethel and Bill Ladany
22 Carla and Kip Ingram
24 Marge and John Haire
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