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Not peace, but a sword.
We like to think of Jesus coming to bring peace to a troubled world, and peace is certainly Jesus' ultimate intent. But the path to that final state of peace is not smooth or easy, because the peace of God must include
justice.
It's not a peace that comes through appeasement of tyrants or compromise of our values. Jesus tells us that conflict will ensue, even between family members: "One's foes will be members of one's own household..." Ugh. We don't like that!
"Go along to get along"
was not part of Jesus' vocabulary. He was adamant about just a few things in the Gospels: chiefly, justice and compassion for the weakest members of society. Jesus wasn't that concerned with religious piety, personal morality (sex and the like), or even the laws of the Jewish sacrificial system. He looked around and saw most of his fellows in desperate poverty and existential misery. His heart went out to them, and he spoke out for justice.
Now, that mention of a sword doesn't mean Jesus is a warrior messiah, calling us to take up arms. In the Gospels he is anything but that. But he is willing to stand up for the values of God's Kingdom...even if his own life was endangered...and in the end, he got killed for it.
Jesus asks us not to take up a sword, but to take up the cross.
We are not to hurt and kill others (that would defeat our purpose), but we may get hurt ourselves. Real Christianity is a risky business. We've largely forgotten that in the U.S., but Christians are still getting shouted down, beaten up, and even killed for standing up against injustice, against bigotry, against tyrants.
- The kid who defends his gay friend in school might get beaten up himself.
- The police officer who won't stand by while fellow officers use excessive force isn't "a team player."
- The prosecutor who doesn't seek a vengeful sentence is not "tough on crime."
- The businesswoman who calls out other executives for sexual harassment...well, you know how that goes.
Not peace, but a sword.
I'm afraid that standing up for the right will always involve conflict, at least until Jesus comes again in glory. JBM
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Sandwich Making for Martha's Table ...
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TED Talk and Discussion ...
"The opposite of poverty isn't wealth. The opposite of poverty is justice. Each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done."
--Bryan Stevenson
Formation Hour on Sunday, July 16th
Join us at the Formation Hour to watch Bryan Stevenson's TED Talk and discuss issues of justice, race and mercy. Bryan Stevenson is the a
uthor of the New York Times
National Bestseller - Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption
.
Bishop Desmond Tutu has called Stevenson "America's young Nelson Mandela." Over 3.6 million people have watched this engaging TED Talk and TED has presented Stevenson with a 1million dollar grant for his Equal Justice Initiative.
To watch two brief interviews with Bryan Stevenson, click
here, and
here.
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Refugee Update ...
U.S. Refugee Policy - State Dept. Update 
Thursday, July 13, 7:30 p.m.
St. Dunstan's Church invites all concerned about refugees to hear a State Department update on Refugee Admissions now, and in the future. Presenting will be:
Kelly Gauger
Deputy Director, Refugee Admissions
* Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
* U.S. Department of State
Questions about U.S. policy and practice on this urgent issue will be addressed. Religious communities as well as concerned citizens are invited to attend at St. Dunstan's, 5450 Massachusetts Avenue, Bethesda 20886. Free parking is available.
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Book/Movie Group: The Handmaid's Tale? ...
This popular account of a dystopian future society set in New England has got people's attention. If you are interested in a group to discuss the book/
Hulu series, please let Jeff know or sign the sheet on the Welcome Table in Founders' Hall. If we have enough interest, we'll find a time to meet this summer. There are many issues touching on theology and ethics, along with biblical references to explore.
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Water Ministry ...
Costco members:
the Water Ministry needs your help!
We need a volunteer who can buy the ingredients for the lunches we provide at the water ministry every weekday except Wednesday. If you're a Costco member and are willing to shop for a week's worth of supplies and deliver them to the church, that would be great. We'll provide you with a list of what to buy, and the church will reimburse you.
We're in particular need of someone who can shop
July 7 (
July 5 or 6 would also be OK) for lunches to be prepared the week of
July 10. If you're not free
July 5-6-or-7, but could relieve one of our other shoppers on another day in July or August, that also would be helpful.
Julie Petersmeyer
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Summer Formation ...
Sunday, June 25
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Dinner followed by a movie
We are inviting all rising 3-5 graders and their parents from our three collaboration congregations for a summer movie night.
But no one will be checking ID's at the door - so really all are welcome. Just know that the movie selection will be for children who are primarily in this age category.
A simple dinner of hot-dogs with the fixings, drinks and of course fresh popcorn will be offered. Bring your pillow or sleeping bags or a blanket to sit on. Please sign up in Founders' Hall no later than Sunday morning, June 25 or use this simple
form.
Grow Christians
This is a new resource available through Forward Movement Inc. and I have found it to be a good read each day. The blog is written by various authors and gives practical and implementable ideas for parents to assist them in forming the faith of their children. You can read the latest posts at this link. If you find it helpful or something you might like to receive on a daily basis, just scroll the left side of the blog and sign up for a daily email.
Street Church at Church of the Epiphany DC
Tuesday, June 27
11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Rising 6-12 grade Youth
Calling all youth for a day in the city preparing food, worshiping God, and feeding the hungry! Earn some SSL hours for school next year! Have fun with other youth!
Get a real flavor of life on the streets of DC for those who do not have a place to live and rely on the generosity of others for food. Plan to arrive at Epiphany no later than 11:00 a.m. and leave no earlier than 2:30 p.m.
Sign up in Founders' Hall or on this form no later than Sunday, June 25.
L Sue von Rautenkranz
Children and Youth Formation Coordinator
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Fred Smoak's Bike Ride ...
Today we rode along the Avenue of Giants! These trees use to cover the entire area, but not most are in a few parks. Still what is left is impressive. My best to all of you.
Fred Smoak
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Parish Notice ...
Upcoming Office Closure
The church office will be closed on
Friday, June 30 thru Tuesday, June 4th in observation of the 4th of July. The office will reopen on Wednesday, July 5th.
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Hopes and Prayers on our Journey ...
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n Need of Healing:
Don Larrabee,
infirm in nursing care
Curt Shively,
husband of Susan Burkhalter,
in nursing care
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
Ray Bridson
, friend of the MacKnights, fighting cancer
DJ Crane
, family friend of Trudy Surut, fighting cancer
The flowers
are given to the glory of the risen Lord.
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.
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The Third Sunday after Pentecost
June 25, 2017
9:00 a.m. Family Service
9:50 a.m. Sandwich Making
10:45 a.m. Traditional Holy Eucharist
12:00 noon Fellowship
The readings for this Sunday are:
Jeremiah 20:7-13, Psalm 69:8-11, 18-20, and Matthew 10:24-39
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Sunday Schedule of Ministries ...
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Serving this Sunday
Trail Guild:
Rosemarie and Tom Barrett
Liturgical Coordinator:
Sue Newman
Eucharistic Ministers:
Carl Adams
and Rosi Sweeney
Lector: Rosi Sweeney
Prayer Minister: Sue Carroll
Altar Guild:
Rosi Sweeney
Flower Guild: Ann Boyd
Tellers:
Donna Alvarez and Chuck Cash
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