Trail Notes 

Thy Kingdom Come

This weekend, our Church calendar draws to a close with the observance of the Feast of Christ the King. Advent begins on December 1st, and soon our attention will turn to preparing for the coming of Christ. But before we focus our gaze on the manger, we pause first to acknowledge and celebrate the ultimate Kingship of Jesus. The Feast of Christ the King originated in Roman Catholicism, instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925. Europe was still reeling from war, economic uncertainty abounded, and fascism was on the rise. People were turning to human saviors and political parties that promised to rescue them, living like Jesus was altogether irrelevant. (Sound familiar?) The Feast of Christ the King was intended to remind them that no earthly ruler - no matter how ostensibly powerful - is Lord. It proclaimed Jesus Christ as royalty above all people, communities, nations, and governments.

I recognize that, to our 21st-century American sensibilities, language about "kingship" may sound foreign, anachronistic, and perhaps to some, offensive. This is yet another example of why context is so important. Two thousand years ago, the land of Jesus was controlled and occupied by the Roman Empire: Tiberius Caesar was Emperor, Herod was King of Judea, and Pontius Pilate was Governor. While Rome made some official concessions to the faith and culture of the Jews, in practice Jesus's people were subject to punishing taxes and restrictions on their ability to worship. Moreover, as we read in the Gospels, King Herod was power-hungry and ruthless, and he would stop at nothing to defeat his enemies (perceived or real) and consolidate his own influence.

Set against this backdrop, the kingship of Jesus is altogether different. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from humility and service, not tyrannical abuse. He demonstrates in His life and in His death that forgiveness, compassion, and love are the currency of God's reign. Jesus announces, "My kingdom is not from this world" (John 18:36), pointing beyond the brokenness of the here and now. And so we pray, week in and week out: Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.
 
The great 20th-century Christian apologist C.S. Lewis, whom the Episcopal Church remembers this week, wrote that, "Jesus Christ did not say 'Go into all the world and tell the world that it is quite right.' The Gospel is something completely different. In fact, it is directly opposed to the world." [1] Christ's Kingdom is often directly opposed to that which the world holds dear - and for that we may rejoice.

I encourage you to consider what it means to you to say that Christ is your King. Take that question to prayer. What difference, if any, does it make? Let's talk about it. I look forward to the conversation!

Your Sister in Christ,
Patty+

[1] C.S. Lewis, "Cross Examination" in God in the Dock (1963).

     An Update on Our Sound System

Sound System Update
As you may have noticed, we have some technical difficulties in our sanctuary's sound system. We want you to know that we are working hard to fix the problem! This past month we learned that our wireless microphones use a high frequency bandwidth re-purposed by the FCC for television stations, emergency responders, and cell phone companies. The FCC has set a July 2020 deadline for switching off this frequency, and we will need to replace our wireless microphones by then. In the meantime we are trying to maximize our current system's functionality, and we appreciate your patience!

Joseph Arkfeld
Minister of Music and Organist

     Outreach and Interfaith Understanding

Saturday, November 23: "I Will Not Hate" at St. John's, Norwood



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Due SUNDAY, November 24: Thanksgiving Baskets for the National Center for Children and Families
Once again St. Dunstan's is helping to provide Thanksgiving baskets for families served by the National Center for Children and Families here in Bethesda. Thank you to the many parishioners who already have picked up a white basket from Founders' Hall and have begun (or finished) shopping! If you would like to participate in this year's Thanksgiving drive but have not yet had an opportunity to get your basket, fear not: there are still a few available, and we are eager for every one to be claimed. Please stop by during office hours  this week to collect a basket and  shopping list. If you've already filled a basket, feel free to come get another one! In order for the baskets to reach families in time for Thanksgiving, we need them to be returned to the church  no later than Sunday, November 24th. Thank you, in advance, for your generosity!

 

     Stewardship 2020- Thank you for "Planting Seeds"! 

Thank you so much to all of the St. Dunstan's parishioners and friends who have indicated their support of the parish in the coming year with a financial pledge. Consecration Sunday was a joyous day in the life of this parish, because of your generosity. I am very grateful!
 
If you have not yet returned your pledge card, I encourage you to do so prayerfully in the coming days; the online form may be found here . As your Vestry and I prepare the parish budget for 2020 in the next few weeks, we will do so based on the pledge intentions that we have in hand at that time. My fervent hope is to be able to expand our offerings - particularly for children and youth - next year, and to do that we will need to know that we have the financial means to underwrite programming. Can you imagine what God might do here, with our help? I can! Together, let's discern and live out God's vision for the whole family of God in this place.
 
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns.
 
~ Patty+

     Upcoming Youth Event!

Christmas Caroling at the Oasis

We had a very exciting outing to the Cathedral this past Sunday exploring the Cathedral grounds! (See photos, below) Some of the highlights included going up to the 7th floor and taking in the amazing views of the city; seeing the Chapel of Joseph of Arimathea, where the ashes of Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan, and Matthew Shepard are interred; and finding some unique gargoyles. 
 
Our next outing will take place on Sunday, December 15th. We will be caroling at the Oasis, a dementia community, in the Grand Oaks Assisted Living community. The community is located in Sibley Hospital, 5901 MacArthur Boulevard NW, Washington, DC 20016. We will meet at 2:45 p.m. at the entrance on the ground floor. As always, there will be snacks provided! Keeping with the Christmas spirit, youth will have the opportunity to participate in a white elephant gift exchange. Please, no gifts over five dollars. This will be a fun way to kick off the Christmas season! I encourage parents to stay and participate in the fun. You can sign up here . Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this outing. 
 
                            Yours i n Christ,
Yaa Addison, P.R.A.Y. Coordinator

 
 

     Christian Formation 

Formation Hour this Sunday: Making a Spiritual Retreat
Did you know that we have a beautiful retreat center just up the road from us in Adamstown, Maryland? The Claggett Center sits on 268 acres of God's country in Frederick County and offers a variety of programming for adults and young people alike. Please plan to stay after worship this Sunday, November 24, as Rita Yoe, Programs Coordinator at Claggett, gives us an overview of their upcoming offerings.
 
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Help Form a Formation Gift!
During the Formation time on Sunday, December 1st, we will be crafting a gift for the Celebration of New Ministry, to be given on behalf of those who need "forming" - in other words: all of us!  We'll be decorating a poster with colorful hand-prints, children and adults alike.  It should be fun, and we'll do our best to keep the mess to a minimum.

If you can't be there on the 1st but would like yourself or your children to be represented on the poster, contact   Sue Carroll or Robin Reed and we'll figure something out.
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Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Our midweek Bible Study takes place on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., and you are warmly welcomed! No preparation or previous knowledge is required: just bring an "inquiring and discerning heart" and a willingness to engage the Word. We are studying the Gospel of John, and we would be better for your presence. Bring a Bible if you have one, but if not, one will be provided. Infants and young children are welcomed, too!


    Celebration of New Ministry -RSVP by December 1st!




     Mid Week Eucharist with Prayers for Healing 

Join us in the church on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. for this quiet, casual service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II, followed by (optional) prayers for healing. Come for Bible Study and stay, or just pop in for worship...You will be exactly "on time," whenever you arrive. (Please bring infants and young children, too!)


     Small Groups 


Men's Group 
Join us for men's group! We will gather in the Parlor on  Saturday, December 7 , 2019 @ 9:00 a.m ., and continue with our schedule of meeting every first Saturday of the month, same time, same place. Some of our topics for this season are how the Men's Group can help support our new rector and expand the "Men's" ministry at St. Dunstan's.  Join us, bring friends, share in the fellowship. If you have questions, please contact,  John Wyss.


Soul Sisters
The Soul Sisters (St. Dunstan's women's discussion group) will meet this  Saturday, December 14, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the parlor.   This group & our conversations are very fluid and anyone is welcome to come.  If you have any questions, please contact  Sue Carroll .

     Tech Tuesdays- Location Change

LFV TECH TUESDAYS, One session / extended time: 10:30-12:30. The classes are held in the Little Falls Village office, 4701 Sangamore Road, S-232. Unlock the capabilities of your smart phone! Will organize into "mini groups" depending on levels. Topics vary. Individual help during each session. Bring laptops & iPads in addition to iPhones, if you can. Please note there is no class on Dec 24 or Dec 31.


     Parish Notice 

Photos Wanted
Do you have fabulous photos from any of this season's Sundays or events? If so, please share them with the parish. Send all photos to the parish administrator at admin@stdunstansbethesda.org.


Kimberly Matthews
Parish Administrator

     Whitman Crew Wreath Sales 

Hello!  My name is Emily Olin I am a senior on the Whitman Crew team and I live in the neighborhood on Marlyn Drive.  We are selling balsam fir wreaths and white pine garlands to support Whitman Crew. These beautiful wreaths and garlands are from Holloway's of Pennsylvania and are of the highest quality.  If you make a purchase I will deliver your items to the Church or your home the week of November 25. 

Please let me know if you would like to order. I can collect cash or checks at a convenient time, or you can order items or make donations online by clicking on:  http://www.whitmancrew.org.

Holiday Items
Plain wreath with bow $29.00 
Boxed wreath w/ bow, pinecones, berries $39.00 
10 yd. (30 ft.) Garland $30.00 
25 yd. (75 ft) Garland $43.00 

Thank you!!!

Hopes and Prayers on our Journey 

I
n Need of Healing:

Curt Shively , in nursing care husband of Susan Burkhalter
Ken Farnsworth , at home 
Pam Plaisance , fighting cancer, cousin of Sue von
DJ Crane , fighting cancer, family friend of Trudy Surut
Samantha Barnes, ill,  sister of Muriel Croston
Eleanor London , ill, mother of Ellen McCormick
Warren Green , ill, son-in-law of Trudy Surut
Katie Hemmer , ill, mother of Sidney Clark-Lequrique
Nene De Roos , ill, family friend of Joseph Arkfeld
David Greco , ill, son-in-law of Ann Johnson
Joe Alexander, ill, father-in-law of The Rev. Patricia Alexander
Sydney Betz,  ill, sister of Bob Betz
Nathan Linman , ill
Deacon Julie Petersmeyer , ill
Hilda Cruz , grieving, friend of  Trudy Surut
Marty Kunz, ill, brother in law of Rosi Sweeney

The flowers  are given to the glory of the Lord by Trudy Surut in loving memory of her mother Alice H. Tulley on her birthday.

Recently Departed: Judy Griffin, grandmother of Sam Leitermann-Long.

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 Last  Sunday after Pentecost
The Feast of Christ the King

November 24, 2019

10:00 a.m. Eucharist  for All
11:30 a.m. Christian Formation

The readings for this Sunday are:
Jeremiah 23:1-6, Psalm 46,
and Luke 23:33-43

Sunday Schedule of Ministries ...

Serving this Sunday
 
Trail Guide: Mark MacCarthy
Liturgical Coordinator:  Rosi Sweeney
Eucharistic Ministers: Robin Reed
and Rosi Sweeney
Lector: Mark MacCarthy
Prayer Minister:  Robin Reed
Crucifer:  Rosi Sweeney
Flower Guild:   Sue Newman
Altar Guild:   Ann Johnson
Tellers: Donna Alvarez  and Tom Barrett