Heavenly Space

Release Date: Tuesday, January 31st 2012

The SAMs were more angelic than normal at the January SAM of the Month meeting held at the historic Church of the Epiphany (1317 G Street). Lay Associate Susan Walker welcomed them into the newly renovated place of worship, which offers lunchtime service and a popular Tuesday Concert Series.

Church of the Epiphany Lay Associate Susan Walker bestows a December SAM of the Month Award on Maintenance Team Member Jessie Marlow

Special care is also extended to the homeless at this church, established in 1844 and noted for its inclusive community and social outreach. A must see: Epiphany’s gorgeous new labyrinth, which is imprinted into the floor of its enlarged pulpit, also doubling as a stage.

In fact, the church rents space to chamber musicians and is available for business meetings and theater performances. No wonder: it can seat 500 to 600 patrons! Looking for respite from the workday? Limited outdoor seating in a small courtyard offers Downtown workers, who enjoy reading or eating lunch there, a miniature oasis.

Class of 2011 Safety and Hospitality Team Member Marquez Clifford displays her award with pride

In addition to the Tuesday Concert Series, Epiphany also offers a Welcome Table, weekly Sunday breakfasts for the homeless, and Street Church, Tuesday lunches for the homeless, through its Ministry Fund. Interested in helping the church continue its courageous ministry?

During the meeting, SAM Maintenance Team Member Jessie Marlow and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Marquez Clifford were saluted as the December SAMs of the Month.

Jessie, recognized once or twice before for his strong work ethic, is a veteran member of the SAM team, nearing his 13th year on the job. The native Washingtonian has seen Downtown transition from a wasteland to a model urban gathering place. Or, as he likes to say, “It’s changed 6,000 times since then. If I had gone away and come back, I would be lost.” When he’s not working, the father of eight girls and one boy spends time acting and singing, performing at hospitals, churches and the Arc Theater. If you see him driving around in the SAM truck (or even see him acting on stage), say hello; he’ll holler back.

Marquez is a newcomer, having joined the SAM Program a year ago. The former loss prevention agent for the Gap clothing store had been in retail for 16 years, including at the now-defunct Filene’s Basement and Bar Louie (701 7th Street). Despite that long history, Marquez prefers donning the SAM uniform and distributing directions, advice and her considerable expertise to Downtown workers, residents and visitors. “There’s more freedom, less stress. I don’t have to meet quotas, and I get to meet a lot of different people every day,” she says. In addition, the native Washingtonian acknowledges that while she’s been in DC all of her life, “I had never seen or been into some of the places that the SAMs have an opportunity to visit.” All of the busyness, however, takes it toll. In her spare time, Marquez enjoys sleeping and tending to her cat, Stormy.

Congratulations, Jessie and Marquez!