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God Talk
Today is one great metaphor - or really, a whole feast of metaphors. The Church celebrates the doctrine of the Trinity today - perhaps the granddaddy of all Christian metaphors! Through this talk of God being three-in-one, the Church has attempted to point to the greatness of God, the unfathomabilty of God, the mystery of God. Because we have no adequate language to describe God, we use metaphors. In fact, the attempt to take God language literally is futile, no fun, and a big mistake.
The word metaphor comes from two Greet roots,
meaning
to carry alongside of
. As a term for language, metaphor uses an image we know to illuminate another reality. We do this all the time:
"Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee, casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea...."
(Hymn 362, v. 2)
We don't really expect to see saints casting golden crowns around a sea of glass - this is exuberant, fantastical language pointing to the humble devotion of God's people. (The hymnwriter, Reginald Heber, drew this image from the book of Revelation 15:2.)
In Sunday's sermon, we'll explore God Talk, metaphor, and the experiences of two of God's people - the prophet Isaiah and the disciple Nicodemus - which illustrate the use of metaphor in biblical literature. JBM
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One Service ... starting June 3rd
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One Lord, One Faith, One Service!
Jeff MacKnight
As announced, we'll shift to one 10 a.m. service on summer Sundays, beginning June 3 - Picnic Day. Many of you have asked to combine services more often, to build a stronger sense of unity in our congregation...so here's your chance.
Our custom here has been two services, quite different - not in substance, but in style. Both are Eucharists in the Episcopal Church tradition. Both have all the necessary elements: music, scripture, preaching, prayer, and sacrament.
But there are real differences. Each congregation values different aspects. So we plan to incorporate those things from each service which are most precious.
From the late service
, we'll continue the solemnity of processions in and out, with joyful hymns and organ music. Candles will be lit at the high altar, and communion will be received at the altar rail. There will be an adult sermon, which I aim to be both thought-provoking and inspiring (and not too long). Of course, we'll offer the prayers of our community. And we'll have special music, or a hymn by request, at the offertory.
From the early service,
we'll include several praise songs with guitars, piano, and drum. These encourage singing by all, because they have repetitive elements. We'll have the children set the table at the small altar - a cherished custom from the 9 a.m. service. There will be a children's lesson, sitting on the floor. Many adults say they learn as much from these as from "adult" sermons! We'll use the video screens to provide texts, music, and images to support participation in the liturgy. We sing better when our heads are up.
As we all worship together, I hope you'll find your favorite features included. Please be open to worship in another style, too - others enjoy different aspects of the service than you do. Rejoice in the presence of children, and let them be kids who make noise and move around. To worship reverently together, we must compromise for the sake of community.
This is an experiment for the summer. We'll evaluate it in August. We'll welcome your reactions and suggestions, after you've attended several weeks.
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Christian Formation for Children and Youth ...
Thank you Children, Youth and Parents!
We have had a great program year of learning, community building, and fun for children's and youth formation here at St. Dunstan's. Thank you parents for being commited to bringing your children and youth and encouraging them to be present and engaged in becoming disciples of Jesus.
Be sure to come on Sunday, June 3 for our Church Picnic and bring your friends and neighbors. It's a great day to introduce them to St. Dunstan's. The service is at 10:00 a.m. and will be followed by food and fun. There will be a moonbounce and a magic show by Abracadabra Alex!
Our last P.R.A.Y. Event of this program year was held at Sandy Springs Adventure Park. One of the few sunny days this spring - thanks be to God!
A great time was had by all!
Two mission experiences are taking place in June - one to St. Etienne in Haiti and one to Wilmore, KY. Please pray for the young people and adults who will take part in these weeks of transformative service.
Stay tuned for information about
Summer at the Movies!
This year we will feature a movie for children and one for youth.
And of course we will be serving popcorn & other delights.
L Sue von Rautenkranz
Children and Youth Formation Coordinator
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Parish Notice ...
WWJT: What Would Jesus Think?
Our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, (Royal Wedding preacher!), insists that bigotry, discrimination, callousness toward poor people, and lying are NOT the way of Jesus. Do you agree?
A new statement by Bp. Curry and many other Protestant and Roman Catholic leaders asserts these thing publicly, and without apology:
- WE BELIEVE each human being is made in God's image and likeness (Genesis 1:26).... THEREFORE, WE REJECT the resurgence of white nationalism and racism in our nation on many fronts, including the highest levels of political leadership....
- WE BELIEVE we are one body. In Christ, there is to be no oppression based on race, gender, identity, or class (Galatians 3:28) .... THEREFORE, WE REJECT misogyny, the mistreatment, violent abuse, sexual harassment, and assault of women that has been further revealed in our culture and politics, including our churches, and the oppression of any other child of God....
- WE BELIEVE how we treat the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner is how we treat Christ himself. (Matthew 25: 31-46) .... THEREFORE, WE REJECT the language and policies of political leaders who would debase and abandon the most vulnerable children of God.
- WE BELIEVE that truth is morally central to our personal and public lives.... THEREFORE, WE REJECT the practice and pattern of lying that is invading our political and civil life....
I'd like to discuss this new statement at St. Dunstan's on
June 10,
after service at 11:15 a.m. in the Parish Hall. This topic of public faith and accountability could not be more timely for our nation. It's a very fitting discussion for our Pride Sunday observance. Please read the entire statement and come and join the discussion. Copies of the statement are available on the Welcome Table in Founders' Hall, or at
http://www.reclaimingjesus.org JBM
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Pride Sunday ... Save the Date!
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Hopes and Prayers on our Journey ...
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 I
n Need of Healing:
Curt Shively
,
husband of Susan Burkhalter
,
in nursing care
Ken Farnsworth
, at home in Westwood Towers
David Keegan
, friend of Tom and Rosemarie Barrett, fighting cancer
Pam Plaisance
, fighting 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
Jay Karlin
, in nursing care
John Wyss
, recovering from surgery
The flowers at the altar
are given to the glory of the risen Lord by Donald and Beatrice Hamilton and family in loving memory of their brother, uncle, and great uncle, William Blanshard Crowther Marke.
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 First Sunday after Pentecost
May 27, 2018
9:00 a.m. Family Eucharist
9:50 a.m. Sandwich Making
10:45 a.m. Traditional Family Eucharist
12:00 p.m. Fellowship
The readings for this Sunday are:
Isaiah 6:1-8, Psalm 29, John 3:1-17
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Sunday Schedule of Ministries ...
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Serving this Sunday
Liturgical Coordinator:
Sue Newman
Eucharistic Minister: Eugene Wright
and Carl Adams
Prayer Minister: Eugene Wright
Lector: Carl Adams
Altar Guild:
Ann Johnson
Flower Guild: Ann Boyd
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