Dear Ones,
 Recently, I have been asked by a handful of people – why does the church do _______ (fill in the blank)? Such questions have me reflecting this week on the origins of many of our church practices, liturgies and celebrations and the truth that, without context, the power and meaning of them are lost on many of us.
To that end, I’d like to offer a little history and context behind two timely church celebrations – Halloween or All Hallows Eve and Stewardship. It should not surprise anyone that, like all things of or celebrating God… they are connected.
The origin of Halloween lies in the practices of the early Celts. Long before Christianity made its way to the land of the Celts – the Brits, Welsh, Scots and Irish celebrated an autumn festival every year to celebrate the harvest, mark the coming of winter and ritualized the last day of the year as the time when the souls of the departed would return to reconnect with the living… including the less than benevolent deceased with bones to pick and axes to grind.The early Christians, who knew and respected those “thin places and times” when the living and the dead are closer than usual, incorporated the celtic festivals – making November 1st the Feast of All Hallows (All Saints) and the celebrations the night prior – All Hallows Eve. Thus Halloween kept the traditions of masks to fool the malevolent souls looking for trouble and leaving out meals and treats to hearten and appease the roaming dead, while adding the liturgies and prayers for all those who have died that connect us always with “all the company of heaven.”
Click here to continue reading the full reflection...
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Pumpkin Palooza is Tomorrow Night!
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Join us on Saturday, October 26 at 6 pm for dinner, pumpkin decorating and carving, crafts and the movie, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! There will also be a special appearance/performance of our very own “Phantom on the organ.” Bring a friend, a pumpkin and a side or dessert to share. All ages are welcome and those who come in costume instantly become the rector’s favorites! It will be a “boo”tiful night of fun, fellowship and learning about Allhallowtide, the three days of the liturgical calendar called the “time to remember.” See you there!
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The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
8:00 am
Holy Eucharist Rite I
9:45 am
Children's Chapel
(Parish House)
10:00 am
Holy Eucharist Rite II with Baptism
Sunday School
11:00 am
Coffee Hour
5:00 pm
Holy Eucharist Rite II
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Those Serving this Sunday
Acolyte (8 am)
Sarah Shapley
Altar Guild
Karen Beardsley
Chalicist (10 am)
Richard Southby
Flower Guild
Christine Parker
Lector (10 am)
TBA
Coffee Hour (10 am)
Jim and Karen Beardsley
Ushers (10 am)
John Rich
Dorothy McSweeny
Chet Speed
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Announcements, Events, and News
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As of Thursday, October 24 we have received 34 Pledge Cards totaling $176,156. Of the 34 pledges, 23 increased anywhere from 5-40%, 3 doubled, 5 renewed their 2019 pledge, and 3 were first time pledges. Thank you to those who have turned in their pledge cards! Every pledge helps us carry out the work God has called us to do here at Saint David’s. Consider pledging today. Pledge cards are available at both entrances to the church, outside the parish office, and online at www.stdavidsdc.org/20-for-2020. Questions? Contact us at 202-966-2093 or joel@stdavidsdc.org. Many thanks for your generosity to the life and ministry of Saint David’s!
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Middle School Interest Survey
We want to hear from our middle-schoolers and their parents as we work to develop our youth program. Please take this quick 3 question survey to help us.
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 Sunday School
Join us for Sunday School with our new Youth and Family Missioner Lizzie Polk. Children’s Chapel at 9:45 am followed by Sunday School at 10:00 am, on the first floor of the Parish house. Children ages Pre-K through 5th grade invited to participate. Questions? Contact Rev. Kristen at lizzie@stdavidsdc.org or call 202-966-2093.
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Jubilate & Cherub Choir Rehearsal
To avoid a Halloween conflict, this month’s Children's Choir rehearsal will be on Wednesday, October 30th at 6:00 pm, followed by a pizza party. All youth are invited to participate, even if you haven’t joined us before!
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 All Saints’ Sunday
We will celebrate the Feast of All Saints on Sunday, November 3rd. As part of our worship, we will read the names of all the faithful departed in the last year. If you have lost a loved one in the last year, please add their name to the list by calling or emailing Joel at joel@stdavidsdc.org, and we will add them to the prayers for next week.
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Loaves and Fishes
 The launch of St David’s participation in the food program “Loaves and Fishes” is almost upon us! Members of our congregation will join other churches in support of serving the poor and homeless of DC at St. Stephen and Incarnation Episcopal Church on Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 am to about I:00 pm. Work will be in the kitchen preparing and serving lunch so plan on wearing casual clothing and comfortable shoes. Children and youth are welcome, with accompanied adults. Deacon Harvey Bale (Harvey@stdavidsdc.org; 202-500-7278) will pick up anybody at St David’s at 8:30 am and transport folks over in his (brand new!) SUV. Contact Harvey if you have any questions.
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