Dear friends,
We’re in that season of the year when time seems to speed up. There are only two Sundays left in this liturgical year. The Church begins a new year on November 29, the First Sunday of Advent. There is a lot happening here in this lead up to the holiday season.
For the next two Sundays the Rev. Bill Deneke, well known to St. Dunstan’s, will be leading Sunday School. He has entitled the two classes “Language Shapes Believing.” Here is the description:
From ancient cosmology to current debates about religion, metaphors have described God. How have these images and descriptions shaped our understanding of Jesus? Examples include the good shepherd, warrior God, sacrificial lamb, bread of life, judge of the living and the dead. The class will examine how historical metaphors have defined faith and which ones, old or new, speak to us today. Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Founders’ Room for what should be a thought-provoking presentation and discussion.
This year we are once again providing bags of ingredients for Thanksgiving side dishes for the Emmaus House neighborhood. Those who have signed up to help should have their bags of ingredients here by Sunday.
Thank you to everyone who has turned in their 2027 pledge cards. There are still a number of pledges still out. Please return yours by the end of the month. If you did not receive a card or have misplaced yours you can get another in a basket by the bell in the narthex.
There will be a memorial service for longtime parishioner Margaret Michaelides on Sunday, November 29, at 3 p.m. Margaret and her husband Kyriakos moved full-time to Cyprus several years ago, but made frequent trips back to visit family and friends. Margaret died in September 2025. There was a funeral for her then at the Anglican Cathedral in Cyprus, where she was senior warden. Kyriakos is back in this country for an extended visit now. This will be an opportunity for their many friends to see him and remember our beloved parishioner.
Below is a link to an article I think you will find interesting. The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia held a service to remember and honor those who were enslaved in that area. The remains of three former slaves were interred in a powerful service. This fits right in with our Sunday School discussions this fall about the ongoing repercussions of slavery. Also attached is my sermon from Sunday, which several of you have requested.
Finally, a prayer for Veteran’s Day tomorrow.
O God of peace, we remember before you with grateful hearts the women and men of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. We commend to your gracious care all veterans and those who serve or have served in the armed forces, asking that you shield them with your love, strengthen them in times of trial, and grant them healing of body, mind, and spirit. Give us, we pray, the courage to pursue peace, the wisdom to honor all who serve, and the grace to care for those who bear the scars of conflict. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
With love,
Tricia
Episcopal News Service: Southern Virginia diocese, descendants honor enslaved Africans as their remains are permanently laid to rest
