Dear Friend,
In this bulletin, we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi with a look at his ministries and the Blessings of the Animals coming up this weekend. The People of the Way book study on Joan Chittister's Following the Way continues this week. Read Bishop Mariann's blog as she reflects on a passage from the book then join us this Saturday for the first diocesan book discussion. Look for these highlights and more from the diocese and parishes below.
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 Another Way to Observe the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi
 At this time each year, and sometimes other times as well, I find myself reflecting upon the way that St. Francis of Assisi's lived faithfully as I try to learn how to live more faithfully myself. In past years, I found myself thinking about Francis's intentional material poverty; his ability to enjoy and recognize God's presence in the midst of natural beauty; and his life as a peacemaker. This year, my mind keeps focusing on his ministry to people afflicted with leprosy. He cared for them regularly, cleaning their wounds and tending to their needs. Read more... |
 Bishop's Blog
Plan B
"Failure is not failure unless we make it so." - Joan Chittister, Following the Way After a particularly devastating disappointment, when I was both grieving and at a loss as to what to do next, I came across a quote from the author Ann Lamott that I taped above my desk. Plan B: Breathe. Remember God is in charge. Do your inner work. Be of service. Breathe again. Give thanks. Read more...
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News from the Diocese
People of the Way: DIOCESAN BOOK STUDY SESSIONS
 Don't forget to join us, starting this Saturday, for open discussion sessions of Following The Path: The Search for a Life of Purpose, Passion, and Joy. These sessions are open to everyone, are facilitated, and are accompanied by coffee and donuts! Each session is stand-alone, and you don't need any background to participate. Bring a friend and enjoy a lively discussion.
Sat. 10/6, 9:30-noon, Christ Church, La Plata
Sat. 10/13, 9:30-noon, Ascension, Lexington Park
Sat. 11/3, 9:30-noon, St. Paul's K Street, DC
Sat. 11/10, 9:30-noon, Ascension, Gaithersburg
Church House will be closed on Monday, October 8 in observance of Columbus Day. |
Upcoming Diocesan Events
October 13: Bishops Bike Ride
 Join us for a short, intermediate, or expert ride ending at a BBQ in Georgetown. For children, enjoy activities and a "kiddie" ride to nearby Washington Episcopal School. Register now or for more info contact ride organizer Beth Schwinn.
October 14: Hunger Walks
 NEW LOCATION for the Hunger Walks this year! The Southern Maryland Hunger Walk will be held at Serenity Farm this year, hosted by Christ Church, Port Tobacco and Christ Church, Old Durham. The walk at Serenity Farm runs through a working farm that has been in existence since the founding of Benedict, Maryland in the late 17th century. It looks like a grand place for a walk! See the Hunger Fund website and the walk-specific page, for more details and downloadable forms. Hope to see you there!
October 15, 7 pm: Just Water
The National Cathedral's Environmental and Palestine/Israel Advocacy Groups co-host this evening with Friends of the Earth Middle East (FoEME). The Jordan River and the Dead Sea are in critical danger due to pollution and low water flow. FoEME is a coalition of Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian environmentalists working together to save these shared water resources. Join us in Perry Auditorium (7th Floor), National Cathedral for a presentation and discussion by Gidon Bromberg, one of the co-directors of the project. No reservations are required; open to all.
October 16, 7:00-8:30: Session 1 of 4- Promoting a Just Peace in the Holy Land
The Diocese of Washington's Companion Committee for Jerusalem presents a free, four-week course based on Steadfast Hope, a booklet and DVD from the Episcopal Peace Fellowship. The course will examine conflicting narratives and common misperceptions about the situation in Israel/Palestine. The class will help participants consider steps that they and their churches can take to promote a just and lasting peace for both the Palestinians and Israelis. Sessions will be held in the Cathedral library. To register, contact Ellen Spencer.
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 Clergy & Leadership Highlights
Safeguarding God's Children training dates for October, November, and December are available on the website. October 13: Journey to Adulthood Training at Epiphany, Forestville. Leader Resources, publisher of the acclaimed J2A ministry program used in parishes across the diocese, will lead an in-depth study of this compelling approach to spiritual formation and Confirmation. A must for parents, youth leaders, and mentors. To register, visit the website. |
Parish Events
October 4 3-8pm: Blood Drive at Transfiguration 5:30pm: Bishop Walker School Founders Evensong October 5 8am: St. Paul's, Piney hosts Roland L. Keech, Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament 8pm: St. Michael's and All Angels 60th Anniversary at La Fontaine Bleu in Lanham October 6 Historic Homes Tour as part of St. Bartholomew's 200th Anniversary Celebration October 7 9am: St. Timothy's Homecoming October 21 4pm: Cathedral Choral Society's opening concert The Glory of France
For more events, visit the diocesan calendar |
Blessings of the Animals
Saturday, October 6
10 am: St. Monica and St. James (at Lincoln Park) and St. George's, Glenn Dale
10:30 am: St. Paul's, Piney
2 pm: St. Paul's, K Street
2:30 pm: St. Timothy's
3 pm: All Souls, St. Mary's Foggy Bottom
4 pm: St. Augustine's
5:30 pm: St. James', Potomac
Sunday, October 7
9:15am: St. Dunstan's
10:15am: Transfiguration
2 pm: St. John's, Georgetown
2:30 pm: National Cathedral
Saturday, October 13
8:30am: Calvary, DC
Share your pet blessing photos with us! Send us photos from the service with Pet Blessing 2012 in the subject line. In the body, just include your parish name. You can attach a few photos to the email. Watch for a slideshow on the website and Facebook next week.
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Prayers and Visitations
October 7 - The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost Cycle of Prayer:  St. Francis Church, Potomac Parish - William Shand III, Rector; Philip C. Ellsworth, Jr., Assistant Rector; St. Philip's Parish, Laurel - Sheila McJilton, Rector; St. Philip's Church, Baden Parish - Vaughn P.L. Booker, Rector; St. Philip the Evangelist Church; St. Philip the Evangelist Parish - Dr. William B. Lewis, Rector; St. Philip Child Development Center, Washington; The Washington Animal Rescue League
Pray for the humane treatment of all of God's creatures, especially companion, rescue and service animals.
Prayer List
Michael Marrett's personal health, Peter Antoci's partner's person health (Donald), Geoff Price's personal health (in recovery from successful surgery), Lael Sorensen's personal health, Sheila McJilton's personal health, Charles (Chuck) Daugherty's personal health, Shell Kimble's brother's personal health (Jeremy), Bishop Nathan Baxter's personal health, Carol Jablonski's mother-in-law's health (Opal) and step-mother's health (Catherine), Martha Bonwitt's husband's personal health (Bill), Vaughan Booker's personal health, Arnold Taylor's personal health |
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Employment
Administrative Assistant- Good Shepherd Church, Silver Spring Development Director- Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington Parish Administrator for Programs and Facilities- St. Mark's Episcopal, Capitol Hill Director of Music Ministries- Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross, Dunn Loring, VA
P/T Youth Ministry Leader- St. James', Potomac
Spanish Teacher- The Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys Christian Education Director- St. Bartholomew's, Laytonsville
Full descriptions and clergy positions be found on the diocesan employment page |
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Video: How Dogs Help Veterans Cope with PTSD
Struggling with post-traumatic stress, veteran David Sharpe says he found a dog at a shelter that saved his life. Now, with a group called P2V, he pairs other vets with rescued pets. Have photos or a video to share? Please send an email with photos or videos that capture the worship or community life at a parish or of the wider church. |
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