Trail Notes ...
 
"I doubt it."

The Church can be ironic. One week after we have we proclaimed the resurrection of the dead through Jesus at Easter, we confront the inevitable reaction: doubt that such an amazing, miraculous thing could occur. St. Thomas has carried the heavy burden of "doubter in chief" for us for two thousand years, but most of us would acknowledge our own doubts about many Christian beliefs. They may come and go. 
 
Some doubts stick with us and complicate our life in the church. For some, it is hard to say the ancient creeds with integrity, with their arcane Fourth Century formulations of Christian doctrine. How is Jesus "only-begotten of the Father"? Can we in all honesty call ourselves Christians if we don't - or can't - see our way to believe all these things? 
 
The evils of the world are in constant tension with our belief in a good and loving God who is active in the world. We rightly celebrate signs of life, love, and hope. But we also wonder why the bad guys seem to be winning much of the time!
 
I submit that doubt is not the enemy of faith (nor is doubt the enemy of the faithful). It is in fact the flip-side of faith. Honest doubt is what makes faith real, and challenging. Just as darkness allows us to see and define light, so doubt provides the contours of thoughtful faith. The 10:45 a.m. sermon will explore Jesus' reaction to doubt, which may surprise us when we examine it.  JBM
 
     Back to the Bible! ...
 

This Sunday , adult formation at 9:50 a.m.  will return to our series on the five main movements in the scriptural story, with Jeff MacKnight leading. It started with Creation, then God's rescue of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. What's next?  Join us  Sunday  between services.

     Cabaret 2017 is Coming! ... April 29


Auction Update - This just in!

We're especially excited to have a week at a private beach house in Elie, Scotland (near St Andrews) any week of February or November!

For those of you dropping off items for the auction, feel free to come by the church during office hours between  9:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., or during our special evening window next  Thursday, April 27th, between  5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.  

Matt McNally


































    The Grounds Committee Needs You! ...
flowers.jpg


Spring is here! It is gloriously beautiful and a perfect time to revitalize our new garden.  Grounds Committee invites you to join us for a few hours of weeding,    re-planting, and mulching on Saturday morning,  May 6 , from  10-12:00 p.m.

We will have plenty of bottled water and snacks on hand, but you'll want to bring your gardening gloves, hat, sunscreen, and repellent, as well as your favorite shovel or trowel.

Weather is always a factor, so look for confirmation closer to  May 6 We look forward to seeing you, for a friendly, fun, and productive morning.


Sincerely,
Rosemarie Barrett
Sue Newman

     Water Ministry ...

Invitation to Collaborative Ministry with St. Columba's "Water Ministry"  

During Holy Week we  experienced Jesus washing the feet of the disciples and we also renewed our baptismal vows to serve seek and serve Christ in all persons. 

St. Dunstan's has received an invitation from St. Columba's to be a part of a collaborative ministry this summer serving the homeless and others.  St. Columba's offers hot lunch, showers and laundry services to homeless men and women four days a week (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) during September-June from 11:00-1:00 p.m.    The Water Ministry provides a community setting for homeless men and women in addition to the practical services of lunch, laundry and a shower.    Water ministry guests may be homeless, temporarily out of work or simply living on limited means.
 
For the first time since the Water Ministry started in 1990 - they are offering services over the summer months when men and women are in need of a cool place to gather in addition to the services.  They are seeking volunteers to serve on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between the hours of 10:30-1:30 pm (approximately).  
 
The tasks are simple but the ministry opportunity is deep and wide.  The tasks include grocery shopping, preparing lunch, loading the washing machine, serving food to guests, and assisting with meal clean-up.
 
This ministry opportunity is an invitation:
-to offer direct service to those in need across the divides of race, class, religion and circumstance
-to serve God's purposes in the larger community as a visible sign of the Body of Christ with St. Columba's and others
-for relationship building with other volunteers and with Water Ministry guests
 
The Water Ministry is well organized and each volunteer will have specific and necessary tasks. There is not a lot of slack in the system - your service will be highly valued.
 
As we each seek to live out our servanthood as was demonstrated by Jesus when he washed the feet of the disciples, let us prayerfully consider how God is calling us to serve.  
 
There is a sign up sheet in Founders' Hall. Please be in touch if you have any questions.  ( julie.petersmeyer@gmail.com)  

Julie Petersmeyer
Children's Formation ...

Resurrection Stories 

Over the next few weeks in church we will hear the stories of Jesus appearing to his followers after his resurrection. This Sunday, April 23, the children will hear many of these stories and create some art to depict their favorite story. These will include the women at the tomb, appearing to the disciples in the upper room, the road to Emmaus, and breakfast on the beach. Parents please ask your children to share their favorite story of Jesus appearing to his friends. Ask them why they connect to that story. And be sure to share your favorite resurrection story with them. 

L. Sue von Rautenkranz
Children and Youth Formation  Coordinato r
Youth Formation ...

Dunstan's Youth Group - Thursday, April 20

All 5th through 12th graders!
Program  7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

What about all those other religions?

Tonight we will take a look at the other major religions of the world and how they are similar to Christianity and what it is that makes our faith different. The diversity of our world is one of the great gifts that God has given us. Knowing and understanding another's beliefs is important for all as we live and learn along side our neighbors. 

P.R.A.Y. (Potomac River Anglican  [Area-Amazing-Awesome] Youth )

Explore Your Cathedral
Sunday, April 23
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Please contact Sue today so she can plan accordingly.

Plan to arrive at the cathedral by 2:00 and not leave before 5:00 p.m. We will gather as a community outside if the weather is good or meet in the conference room on the lower level of Church House (Diocesan office), the building just to the right as you look at the main entrance of the cathedral. The day will include a scavenger hunt into the many areas of the cathedral and the grounds and attending Evensong.

Fun and Sundaes - reprise
Sunday, May 21
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

St. Dunstan's will host this event and we will have a amazing afternoon of wild and crazy games and make a giant sundae. Imagine playing a giant game of Tic-Tac-Toe or Human Hungry Hippo? Or maybe a game of field hockey with pool noodles and beach balls or Giant Jenga? This is definitely a day to bring a friend to an event. A sign up will be available after our April event.

Friends are always welcome at any youth program!


L. Sue von Rautenkranz
Children and Youth Formation Coordinator
   Outreach ...
         

Open Mic Night at St. Dunstan's "Café"
 Saturday, May 13, 2017, 6:30 - 8:30 PM.
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church,
5450 Massachusetts Avenue, 
Bethesda MD 20816

Music: Acoustic/electric open "mic." All ages, styles and abilities. Open to the general public. Sign up sheet at the door, first come first to play 1-3 songs or 10 minutes per performer/group. A piano and drum kit will be available.




Suggested donations at the door for Samaritan Ministry's Empower the Homeless Campaign:
  • Gift cards
    • $25 gift cards to grocery stores like Giant and Safeway
    • $25 - $50 gift cards to Payless Shoe Store
    • $25 gift cards to Target
  • Metro SmarTrip cards for participants to get to job interviews or work for the first two weeks until they receive a paycheck
  • Granola bars, salmon or tuna packages, crackers, peanut butter, jelly, chili, beef stew, soups, canned fruits, pasta sauces, small bottles of watter
  • Reading glasses - all powers from +1 to +4, with case 
  • Small folding umbrellas 
  • Briefcases or portfolios for carrying papers 
  • White or blue men's and women's dress shirts in sizes L, XL, 1XL, or 2XL
  • New khaki pants and long sleeve dress shirts for interview wear
  • Black slacks for men and women - all sizes
  • Male and Female Toiletries: sanitary napkins, deodorant, hair conditioner, shaving cream, disposable razors, soap, body wash
Food/snacks and beverages will also be for sale. Proceeds to support Samaritan Minstry.  Website:  https://www.samaritanministry.org/
Questions:  Feel free to contact Clint Chamberlin at clint_22202@yahoo.com.

Clint Chamberlin

 Spring update from the Vivancos

Roberto, Liam, Cameron, Frances Margaret and Graham
Much has been happening in the lives of our missionaries in Ecuador. 

Cameron has gone through a significant shift in her position responsibilities with Youth World and of course the family is adjusting to a baby sister and growing boys. 

Education=Hope continues to provide scholarships for more children and that has brought a new director to manage the realities of an organization that now sponsors over 1000 children in five countries. 

Click here to read the Spring update from Cameron and Roberto.
Hopes and Prayers on our Journey ...

I
n Need of Healing:

Don Larrabee, infirm in nursing care
Curt Shively, husband of Susan Burkhalterin nursing care
John Riordan, father of Meghan Jarvis, ill
Ken Farnsworth , ill at home in Wheaton
David and Karen Keegan , friends of Tom and Rosemarie Barrett, fighting cancer
Pam Plaisance , diagnosed with cancer, cousin of Sue von
Samantha Barnes, ill,  sister of Muriel Croston
Virginia Jeffers, ill
Don Scellato , brother of Mimi Betz, fighting cancer
Warren Burton , father of Donna Alvarez, recovering from a stroke

The Easter flowers are given by the congregation to the glory of the risen Lord by Rosi Sweeney.

We pray for St. Dunstan's Missionaries, Cameron and Roberto Vivanco, who serve in Quito, Ecuador, and the parish of Buen Pastor.  

If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please complete our prayer request form by clicking here.

Trail Map ...

The Second Sunday of Easter

April 23, 2017

9:00 a.m. Family Service
9:50 a.m. Life Long Christian Formation
10:45 a.m. Traditional Holy Eucharist
12:00 noon Fellowship

The readings for this Sunday are:
1 Peter 1:3-9, Psalm 16,
 and John 20:19-31 







Sunday Schedule of Ministries ...

Serving this Sunday

Host Family: McCormick
Trail Guilds: Tony Bottrill
Greeters: Chuck Cash
and Jackie Jones
Liturgical Coordinator:  Julie Petersmeyer
Eucharistic Ministers: Carl Adams 
and Joanne Comstock
Lector: Julie Petersmeyer
Prayer Minister: Sue Newman
Altar Guild:  Jackie Karlin
Flower Guild: Trudy Surut
  Tellers: Donna Alvarez 
and Frank Johnson