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LENT, AND THE POWER OF HABIT
Lent is here early this year, ready or not! As always, on this first Sunday in Lent, we read the story of Jesus' temptation by the devil in the wilderness, right after his triumphant baptism. If we let this story sink in, we can see how much it reflects our own lived experience. We are constantly tempted to take the easy way out, use our privilege to get around problems, and worship things other than our One True God.
This Lent, our parish focus is on
"Growing a Rule of Life" - that is, a pattern of practices and habits that reinforce our faith in God.
We have always known that practices and habits help us live faithfully. We think of daily prayer, scripture reading, works of mercy and compassion, exercise, worship, and generosity. And yet most of us struggle to maintain even the simplest spiritual practices over time - I know I do.
Jesus in the wilderness demonstrates the strength and power of habits: when the devil presents each temptation, Jesus draws on scripture and his relationship with God to refuse the temptation. These practices serve him well in the pinch!
Charles Duhigg in 2014 wrote a book about
The Power of Habit. He explores habits in business, personal life, and religion. One of his findings he calls "The Habit Loop." He explains that habitual behaviors occur when there is a
"cue" to prompt the behavior, and some sort of
"reward" following the behavior. For instance, I set an alarm on my phone to get on the treadmill in the evening. After I do my routine, I know I get to relax, read a fun book, or watch a murder mystery on TV.
Cue -> Routine -> Reward: the Habit Loop.
I believe we can use this thinking to help us establish and maintain spiritual practices - a "rule of life." It should be enticing and rewarding! Jesus seemed to be prepared when the devil came to visit; he had some spiritual practices ready. And I imagine that he felt a considerable reward afterwards, knowing he had stayed true to his Father-God.
In our own small ways, we can do likewise. JBM
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Upcoming Diocesan Event ...
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Diocesan Leadership Day
Saturday, February 27
9:00 -3:00 p.m.
This day will feature various workshops on many topics for those in leadership positions at the parish level. If you are on the vestry, serve as a committee chair or take on any parish wide ministry leadership, this day is for you. And the best news - this day will take place right on our own backyard at Washington Episcopal School! Jeff is encouraging all members of the vestry to attend, but anyone interested in being a better parish leader is encouraged to attend. If we register more than 8 people, we also receive a discount on the registration fees.
To register - please contact Kim. For more details about the workshops being offered on this day, please visit the diocesan website here.
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Special Lent Events and Resources
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It's Lent!
Whose Trail are you on?
The Painting Table with Roger Hutchison
Sunday, March 6
10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Roger will offer two workshops for all ages on how to express one's thoughts and relationship with God through the art of painting with one's hands. A simple soup lunch will be offered. Signup in Founders' Hall or on this online form for the session you will attend.
Roger's gift of prayer, painting, and presence were utilized in a workshop he designed for the grieving families of Newtown, Connecticut in the spring of 2013. Children and parents sat together, shared their stories, poured them out as paint on the canvas. In their grieving, healing began to take root.
Roger will share with us his story about painting and prayer and how this gift helped him to begin healing for many people around the country. Roger will read from his books and will do a book signing during the event.
Roger Hutchison is an artist, author, and the Director of Christian Formation and Parish Life at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. His first book,
The Painting Table: A Journal of Loss and Joy
, has been used by people of all ages in schools, churches, and community groups across the United States. His artwork has been exhibited throughout the world.
Praying for Others: Intercessory Prayer
Sunday, March 13
Adult Formation Offering
Sister Barbara Jean will return to St. Dunstan's to share her thoughts, wisdom and experience of praying for others. She will be our speaker for the adult formation class and will preach at the 10:45 liturgy.
Sr. BJ helped to found the
Anamchara Fellowship, an inclusive religious community
with a Celtic spirit which focuses on retreats and quiet days, pastoral care, intercessory prayer and spiritual direction.
Book Signing
Both of our Lenten speakers have recently authored books. Samples copies are on the table in Founders' Hall and there are signup sheets to order copies or fill out this form. Both Roger and Sr. BJ will be happy to sign your copies on the day they are here.
Take-home Resources
Three different take-home resources are offered this year.
Growing a Rule of Life
The word rule comes from the Latin word, regula, from which we get the words regular and regulate. This isn't about creating rules, but rather creating intention and purpose. Creating a rule is about making small steps, individually, to move one into a more meaningful and deeper relationship with God. We will outline the program on Sunday, February 14 at our adult formation time from 9:50-10:35 a.m. Workbooks are available to take home and use daily. The SSJE community provides daily emails and other resources for this program. Signup to receive these daily emails here.
Living Well through Lent
A daily reading and reflection booklet created by Living Compass. This non-profit organization develops resources and programs for personal, family and congregational wellness focusing on the words of the Great Commandment - heart, strength, mind and soul. This booklet includes a weekly reflection for Sundays and short reflection on a scripture text for the others days of each week.
Copies are on the table in Founders' Hall.
The Forty Days of Lent 
Pick up a Lenten poster with the art work of Roger Hutchison and a daily scripture text to reflect on throughout the day. A simple way for youth or adults to take a moment each day for reflection.
Online Resources
Visit these various websites to access online Lenten resources.
Lent Madness
Who will win the Golden Halo this year? Visit their website to read about the daily pairing of saints and vote for your favorite. This fun and creative competition between the saints is provided for your enjoyment, but also to help us learn about those who have preceded us in faith. This program was modeled after the tournaments of various college sports in March. A large bracket poster, which will be updated daily, is posted in the Parish Hall.
Smaller blank bracket posters have been printed for your convenience. Take one home.
Episcopal Relief and Development
offers a Lenten meditation booklet. Leaders from across the Anglican Communion were asked to reflect on scripture and other sources of spiritual wisdom as they consider their own work to strengthen communities and provide economic opportunities. If you want a focus on justice and global concerns this may be the Lenten meditation guide for you. It can be read online here.
Videos for your Soul
is the creation of Randall Curtis, the youth minister for the Diocese of Arkansas. These are particularly helpful for youth and young adults, but can be used by people of all ages. You may visit the site daily or just once, and subscribe to receive a daily email with the video of the day.
Journey to the Cross
is another resource specifically created for youth and young adults.
d365
is produced by Passport, Inc. and is sponsored by the youth offices of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and The Episcopal Church. This devotion site is available throughout the entire year and alters their focus for the seasons of Lent and Advent.
Christian Formation Coordinator
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Formation
... Sunday, February 14
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Adult & Youth Formation 
What are you doing for Lent this year?
Our Prayer book shares: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting.
O
n
Sunday, February 14
our adult formation gathering will look at various ways to observe and keep the season of Lent. This will include the first phase of the program, Growing a Rule of Life. Sue and Jeff will lead this forum for adults and youth. How will you walk the trail this Lent? Will you choose a way that will help you in more closely following Jesus?
This Sunday, February 14, the children will gather in the Choir Room with Michael and other adults to learn and sing and play instruments! This is a great formational time of learning about faith through song and providing a way for children to be leaders in our worship experiences.
During the formation time on February 21, the children will gather in the Youth Room for a special movie time, while parents are participating in the Annual Meeting. We will even break out the popcorn machine this week!
Christian Formation Coordinator
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 Choir Rehearsals
5:15 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal
5:45 p.m. Children's Choir Rehearsal
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal
Music News!
Thanks to a very gracious anonymous donor, we are very pleased to welcome two Choral Scholars from Whitman High School to the ranks of our Adult Choir. Please take time to meet them in the coming Sundays as they join to lead us in worship through music.
Katie Carroll
Hi,
my name is Katie Carroll. I'm currently a junior at Walt Whitman High School, and I sing in both their Women's Chorus and Chamber Choir. Outside of music, I enjoy competitive swimming and I volunteer at Sibley Hospital.
Callum Alden
Callum Alden is thrilled to be performing in the St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church Choir. He is a senior at Walt Whitman High School and has been a member of Walt Whitman High School's Chamber Choir for two years and their Men's Chorus for three. He is also an active theatre performer, and has performed in five Whitman Drama shows throughout high school. He recently played Sweeney Todd in the school's production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He has also performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival with Ophiuchus Rising and in Bel Cantanti Opera company's production of the Sound of Music as Rolf. Thanks to voice teacher Matthew Osifchin and everyone at St. Dunstan's and Whitman Music for this opportunity.
Michael Austin
Director of Music
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Anglican/ Episcopal Chapel ...
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Join us for the Anglican/Episcopal Chapel
and Dinner at American University
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
6:00-8:00 p.m.
Kaye Spiritual Life Center
(free parking at Katzen Art Center on Mass. Ave)
Talk to Jeff MacKnight if you are interested. We'll provide a dinner for 15 people.
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 Annual Meeting
Next Sunday,
February 21 at 9:50 a.m.
, St. Dunstan's will hold it's annual meeting in the parish hall. Please join us to review the last year and discuss new initiatives for 2016.
Walk- in funds Needed
The office is in need of cash to assist homeless persons who come into the church seeking assistance. If you would like to make a cash contribution to the walk-in fund, please bring small bills to the church office, or place it in the offering plate marked "walk-in contribution".
Kimberly Matthews
Parish Administrator
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Super Bowl Party ...
A great time was had by all - from the youngest to the oldest!
Thank you to the McCormick's for hosting.
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Hopes and Prayers on our Journey ...
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n Need of Healing:
Don Larrabee,
Infirm in nursing care
Mary Jane Owen,
Recovering from a fall
Curt Shively,
In nursing care
Donna Alvarez,
Recovering from surgery
Natalie Bray,
S
ister-in-law of Jackie Bray
Joan Henley
, Recovering from a fall
Shona Domeris, R
ecurrence of cancer
In Thanksgiving: Sara and George Bell,
for the birth of twins,
Ethan
and
Hunter
, and their continued growth and development.
We pray for St. Dunstan's Missionaries,
Cameron and Roberto Vivanco, who serve in Quito, Ecuador and the parish of Buen Pastor.
The 2016 Altar Flower Chart is on the bulletin board in the Front Hall. Sundays are available and need sponsors. The Flower Guild depends on your contributions to fund our beautiful arrangements each Sunday. 9 a.m. families are invited to support the flower offerings in our church. Donate flowers in memory of a loved one, to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, or just because. Sign up on the Flower Chart in any open spot. Sponsoring the flowers cost $60.00. Send a check to the office or put it in the offering plate on Sundays. Be sure to write "flowers" in the memo line, and include the wording of your dedication. Thank you!
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The First Sunday in Lent
February 14, 2016
9:00 a.m. Family Eucharist
9:50 a.m. Life-Long Christian Formation
10:45 a.m. Traditional Eucharist
The readings for this Sunday are:Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Psalm 91,
and Luke 4:1-13.
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Sunday Schedule of Ministries ...
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Serving this Sunday
Host Family: Cavaleri
Trail Guide:
Tom and Rosemarie Barrett
Liturgical Coordinator: Sue Newman
Eucharistic Ministers: Sue Carroll
and Carl Adams
Lector: Ray Donnelly
Prayer Minister: Rosi Sweeney
Altar Guild: Ann Stewart Boss
Flower Guild: Sue Newman
and Cathie Morton
Teller: Donna Alvarez
and Chuck Cash
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