An
Invitation
The Order of the Daughters of the King
Do you recognize this cross? Do you have one tucked away somewhere? If your answer is ‘yes,’ then we want to hear from you--because this means you are already a Daughter. But if you’re not a Daughter and are a woman feeling called to a deeper spiritual life, we invite you to consider this opportunity.
Begun during a women’s Bible study in 1885 on New York’s Upper East Side, the Order has grown to an international body of women within the Anglican tradition, the Roman Catholic Church, or any church in communion with the See of Canterbury. The re-instituted chapter at Bethesda joins the nearly 6,000 chapters worldwide in its dedication to a deeper spiritual commitment for faithful, prayerful women.
It is in this spirit of love and service that we are re-establishing our chapter at Bethesda to continue this mission of faithful women. This is an amazing opportunity for women to continue to explore their personal spiritual journey while enjoying the spiritual companionship with other women on the same path.
The community of Daughters is a
Christian
order
rather than an organization because Daughters commit to a religious Rule of Life. This Rule of Life includes a commitment to daily prayer, to service, and to evangelism, and each Daughter and Chapter prayerfully considers how each of those is fulfilled.
With joyful hearts we invite all baptized and confirmed women of Bethesda to prayerfully consider becoming a Daughter. An informational gathering will occur during the Sunday Forum on February 3
rd
. Following this first meeting, we will gather for five Sundays at forum time for training and preparation to take vows on March 17
th
.
We invite you to learn more about the Daughters by visiting the Order’s website at
www.doknational.org
or by contacting Debbie Schram or Georgie Skover by email at
dokbbts@gmail.com.
We look forward to hearing from professed Daughters as well as all those interested in knowing more.
Debbie Shram
Georgie Skover
Suzanne Crawford
The Rev. Dr. Cecily Titcomb, Chaplain
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Vestry Nominations
All those who wish to volunteer for service or nominate someone for the Vestry must complete two forms in the packet before noon on Monday, November 26, 2017. The information packets are available on our parish website (
click here
). Printed copies of the packet are also obtainable from Ayana in the church office, (561) 655-4554.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18
8:00, 9:00, & 11:00 a.m.
Preacher:
The Rector
*8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
8:15 a.m. Fellowship Breakfast, Parish Hall West
*9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Healing
9:50 a.m. Adult Forum, Parish Hall East
10:00 a.m. Fellowship Finger Food, Parish Hall West
10:00 a.m. 3 & 4 Year Old Sunday School, Sunday School Hall
10:00 a.m. K - 2nd Grade Sunday School, Sunday School Hall
10:00 a.m. 3rd - 5th Grade Sunday School, Sunday School Hall
10:00 a.m. 6th & 7th Grade Pre-Confirmation Class, Library
10:00 a.m. 8th Grade Confirmation Group, ECW Room
10:00 a.m. 9th - 12th Grade Pilgrimage Group, Youth Room
*#11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist and Healing
Fellowship Breakfast | 8:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. | Parish Hall West
We serve a full hot meal cooked on site, with a rotating menu, for $5 per person. After 10:00 a.m., a simpler fare, fellowship finger foods, will be provided until 1:00 p.m. with no cost to our parishioners.
This week's menu: scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, savory sausage, home style breakfast potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, cheese tray, fruit and vegetable tray.
Adult Forum: Civil Discourse, Tenets for Civil Discourse | 9:50 a.m | Parish Hall East
Developed by the The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations, the Civil Discourse Curriculum was created as a resource to help Episcopalians understand and practice civil discourse, particularly as it relates to discussion about politics, policy, and legislation, and why it is so important to living out our Gospel call and solving the problems facing our communities, country, and the world. Join us for this second in a five-part series as we learn how to engage our sisters, brothers, and the general world in civil discourse in an age when such an act seems so difficult.
PARKING: Persons attending Sunday services will be allowed to park on ALL of Barton Avenue and the south side of Pendleton Avenue without receiving a ticket from
7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
* nursery care for infants through age 2 is available from 7:45 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Click here
to view the service leaflet for this Sunday.
Click here
to view this week's Bethesda Happenings.
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 21 | 6:30 p.m. | St. Edward Roman Catholic Church
Worship with us at a 6:30 p.m. Interfaith Service at St. Edward Roman Catholic Church located at 144 North County Road in Palm Beach.
Thanksgiving Eucharist
Thursday, November 22 | 8:00 a.m. | Church
Our office is closed on Thursday, November 22, and Friday, November 23.
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Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 2 | 4:00 p.m. | Church
The First Sunday of Advent is celebrated with our annual Service of Advent
Lessons and Carols. Sixteen years after introducing the now-famous Festival of
Nine Lessons and Carols to King’s College, Cambridge, the Dean of King’s College created this service for Advent. He stated that the purpose of the service was “not to celebrate Christmas, but to expect it.” The Bethesda Choir leads the service and offers Advent carols and anthems. Some of the greatest hymns of the church year are in the Advent section of our hymnal, and the congregation sings many of them in this service. There is no recital preceding the service, but Prelude music begins at approximately 3:50 p.m. Please come and bring your friends.
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Help Share Christmas Joy With Those In Need
Since God created us with hearts to help those in need, will you give something to make a child’s Christmas brighter? This Christmas season we are gathering gifts for children of the Boys & Girls Clubs. We need 100 gifts, which will be distributed to these children. Gifts should not exceed $25 in value.
The Angel Tree will be in the Narthex on Sunday, December 2 and 9. Please take an Angel from the tree for a deserving child and
return your gift to the Narthex (gift-wrapped and with the angel tag attached) on Sunday, December 16
, so we can delivery the gifts by Christmas Day. On behalf of these children, thank you!
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Evangelism for Episcopalians--Surely You Jest!
Actually, it is possible, and Canon to the Presiding Bishop Stephanie Spellers is going to show us how.
Saturday, December 15, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Bethesda hosts the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's very own Canon for Evangelism and Reconciliation.
Join us as we seek, name, and celebrate Jesus' loving presence in the stories of all people and learn how to articulate the power of faith in our own lives to tell our own stories. Lunch will be provided. Donations are accepted.
To find out more and to register for this event,
click here
.
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Invitation for Altar Flowers
We invite you to make a contribution in memory of (deceased), in honor of (living), or in thanksgiving for (celebration) your loved ones. Your contribution provides for flowers, plants, and altar adornments necessary for worship services throughout the year. Suggested contribution is $100 per name to be printed in the service leaflet for a desired Sunday.
In order for names to be printed in the Sunday service leaflet, they must be received two weeks prior to the desired Sunday--
click here.
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Caregivers Support Group | Tuesday, November 27 | 5:30 p.m. | Library
Elayne Forgie, Founder, President, and CEO of Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center, Inc. will facilitate this group. Whether your caregiving is a result of illness, age, disability, death, divorce, or anything else, if you are now or have past experience caring for a friend or loved one, this may be the place for you to find information and support. For more information, contact Amy Warfield at (561) 655-4555 x117 or e-mail her at
amy@bbts.org
.
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Middle Way Returns Wednesday, November 28
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6:00 to 6:30 p.m. (serving starts at 5:45 p.m.) Community Supper | Parish Hall
The cost is $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12; $25 family max (payable at the door).
This week's menu: veggie spring rolls, pork egg rolls, Mongolian beef, orange chicken, ginger broccoli shrimp, white rice, and fried rice.
Kindly RSVP
here
or call Ayana at (561) 655-4554.
*In order to properly plan and prepare the supper, we need your reservations by noon on Monday.
FEATURED CLASSES
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. |
Ethics in Our Time
| Guild Room
Does it seem to you like there are no ethical standards anymore? Do we live in a world of ethical relativism guided only by individualism, having forgotten the concept of a greater good? Are you troubled yourself when facing life decisions you never dreamed of in prior years? This week we welcome Kimberly Mitchell, Executive Director of the Everglades Trust as she speaks about Environmental Ethics. Join us as we look at the world around us, from ethical decision-making in public service, the bio-medical community, the environment, business, and the application of those standards to our personal perspectives and the maintenance of an ethical culture.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. |
Walk in Love; an Enquirers Class
| Library
If you’ve ever wondered about confirmation, that mysterious sacrament offered by the bishop when he comes twice a year, and what it gets you, now is the time to find out! This eight-week study of the Episcopal Church is your opportunity to develop your faith and discover what makes our tradition unique.
RECURRING CLASSES
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Bethesda Youth Group | Youth Room
The Bethesda Youth Group is open to all youth in 6th through 12th grade. Each week we offer fun activities and lively discussions. Youth members also participate in monthly special events including our annual lock-in, service day, and camping trip to Peanut Island.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Bible Study | ECW Room
The Path: A Journey Through the Bible
… praised by biblical scholars,
The Path
is the story of the Bible, excerpted from the New Revised Standard Version so that it is clear and easy to read. Follow the path of God’s love all the way from the beginning to the end, from Adam’s creation to John’s revelation. This book stands alone as a fantastic resource for engaging and learning more about the Bible. Discover what “trails” through God’s grace you want to spend more time on and get to know as your own special way to the heart of God’s Love.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Little Way | Sunday School Hall
For all K - 5th grade kids with a curiosity for what we do at Bethesda and why. Crafts, cooking, learning games, and playful fellowship will help your little ones learn about Bethesda's traditions and have a little fun along the way.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Theology in Film - Bethesda Film Club | Choir Room
This inter-generational group will explore how the religious life is revealed through popular art. This week we look at
King Kong
(1933). If you are able, please watch the movie on your own and come ready to discuss.
6:30 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. | Yoga | Parish Hall West
Physical therapist and yoga therapist Emily Large invites all adults for an evening of holistic worship through Christian yoga practice. Physical postures, relaxation, breath techniques, and mental focus create a holistic approach for worship as we will reflect on the themes associated with the liturgical calendar. A donation of $10 per class is requested (payable at the door).
CLOSING PRAYER
7:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. | Compline | Church
An ancient, brief, and contemplative liturgy of the Christian tradition, compline offers an opportunity to give God thanks for the day behind us and pray for rest and safety in the night ahead. A fitting end to the day, compline offers a peaceful and meditative sacred time in the middle of our often frenetic weeks, as well as a beautiful conclusion to our Wednesday evenings together.
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We pray for...
Angel, Angela, Ann, Arie, Barbara, Brenda, Charles, Chill Family, Chris, Christian, Connor, David, Donna, Dorothy, Edna, Ellen, Emily, Ernest, Evan, Gail, Gary, Holly, Hugh, Jack, Janice, Joey, John, Kaleb, Kelley, Lewis, Family, Linda, Lynn, Maldonado Family, Marcia, Mary, Mary Ann, Matthew, Melanie, Michael, Mylai, Nancy, Nikki, Pat, Paul, Peggy, Phyllis, Reysean, Richard, Ricky, Robbie, Robert, Sally, Sandra, Sara, Sean, Sharon, Stephen, Stern Family, Susan, Sylvia, Tamara, Taryn, Thomas, Virginia, Ward,
and those serving our country..
.Alex, Benjamin, Clara, Eric, Harold, Herbert, John, Lorne, Luster Michael, and Tommy.
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This Sunday's Readings in Context
Parishioner Tom O'Brien, a Canon and Examining Chaplain for Scripture of this diocese, writes brief background descriptions of the Sunday readings. We thank Tom for sharing his learning and love of Scripture with us in this way.
Below is Scripture discusses
the exceptional circumstances of Samuel's conception and birth, the apocalyptic ideas in the Book of Daniel, and the concluding portion of the Letter to the Hebrews describing Jesus as the "last and final" high priest.
In some denominations, two different readings from the Hebrew Bible are available, and one is chosen to be read.
Track 1 – 1 Samuel 1:4-20
The Book of Samuel is part of the “Deuteronomic History” that includes the books of Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings. These books emphasized that God controls history, and when the people (and their kings) worshipped YHWH properly, good things happened to them. When they worshipped false gods, however, bad events overtook them.
At the end of the Book of Judges, Israel was in political and moral disarray. Today’s reading begins to introduce Samuel, one of the most important persons in the Hebrew Bible. Samuel was a transitional figure – the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. The circumstances of his birth were extraordinary – his mother, Hannah, was barren until the priest Eli told her that God heard her petition. Samuel was a kingmaker – he anointed the first king, Saul, and even when Saul was still king, he found David in Bethlehem and anointed him as king.
Hannah designated Samuel as a nazirite – a person consecrated to God who did not drink alcohol, did not cut his hair and refrained from actions that would make him ritually unclean such as touching a dead body. The other named nazirite in the Hebrew Bible was Samson (who did not fulfill his vows). In the Christian Scriptures, John the Baptist is presented in Luke 1:15 as a nazirite.
Track 2 – Daniel 12:1-3
The Book of Daniel has two distinct parts. Chapters 1 to 6 are stories of Daniel in the Court of the Babylonian Kings and the Persian Kings just before, during and just after the Babylonian Exile (587-539 BCE). Because the kings in the stories were presented as ignorant (but not malevolent), scholars date these six chapters to the 4
th
Century BCE when Judea was under the generally benevolent rule of the Persians (539-333 BCE) and the Greeks (333 to 281 BCE). Chapters 2 to 7 of the Book were written in Aramaic rather than in Hebrew.
Chapters 7 to 12 were written later – during the oppression of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BCE) whose desecration of the Temple led to the Maccabean Revolt in 167 BCE.
These later chapters present an apocalyptic vision – a situation so dire that an external intervention (such as by God) was needed to put things right. Like other apocalyptic writings, the Book of Daniel used images to describe the conflict between good and evil.
In today’s reading, at the time of the final victory over evil forces, Michael is presented as the great prince who will battle on behalf of Judea and God. The reading refers to a “book” in which human deeds are recorded, and is the first explicit reference in Scripture to the ideas of Resurrection, final judgment and afterlife.
Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25
Although the Letter to the Hebrews is sometimes attributed to Paul, most scholars agree that it was written sometime after Paul’s death in 62 CE, but before 100 CE. The letter introduced a number of important theological themes.
The letter emphasized that Jesus (as high priest) is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because he (as a human) had been tested as we are. The presentation of Jesus as high priest in the Letter to the Hebrews is unique in the Christian Scriptures and reflects the continuing process in early Christianity of developing images to describe who and what Jesus of Nazareth was (and is).
Today’s reading concluded the theme of Jesus of Nazareth as the great high priest and the once-and-for-all sacrifice. The humanity of Jesus is the means for approaching God, and the author encouraged hearers of the letter to maintain their hope (undergirded by their faith) as they await the Second Coming (the “Day”).
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