A New World
The author of Ecclesiastes is well-known for his aphorism, “all is vanity.” All is passing away, from dust to dust. We live in a transitional world, a world of “things that can be shaken,” as the author of Hebrews puts it.
The transitions from the old world to the new are not always smooth. Jesus uses the metaphor of the prophets before him to describe the movements of God upon the world as the pains a woman experiences in labor. There are moments in God’s unfolding plan of redemption when the institutions fall, when the cities are conquered, when the powers are caste down and judged.
And while those labor pains contract upon the world, what of those who live in these times? The burden of change is not easy to bear. This world is all we know. All we love is here. What will become of our bodies, our relationships, our labors, our memories?
It turns out that not all that we love is here. This world is not just ending. It is giving way to a new world where, as the author of Hebrews puts it, “those things that are not shaken will remain.”
Jesus’ disciples sensed that they were about to be engulfed in such times. They wanted to know what to do, where to turn, who to trust. They were not left without help. Jesus told them what they needed to know.
I look forward to pondering the strange teaching of Jesus in Mark 13 and discovering words that will challenge and comfort us with the Gospel.
Peace,
+Steve E
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Maryland State Boychoir—This Sunday, November 19, 4PM. Redeemer will host an exceptional free concert of secular and sacred music in a variety of styles by Maryland’s Goodwill Ambassadors, The Maryland State Boychoir whose members have traveled to forty-seven states and sixteen countries, singing in venues such as historic cathedrals and tiny chapels, sports stadiums and events, festivals and conferences, public spaces and private parties, and famous concert halls, including the Kennedy Center.
Christmas Giving Opportunities—Redeemer is partnering with our neighbors at The Salvation Army Annapolis Corps (church) for two of their annual initiatives:
The whole year of services that The Salvation Army provides to our community is funded by their Red Kettle Campaign. The funds raised locally stay here. You can help by giving a little time—and having a lot of fun—as a volunteer bell ringer. Sign up at registertoring.com with your family or friends. It’s a great way to spread some Christmas cheer and fund services that are provided in Jesus’ name to our neighbors in need. Paid bell-ringing opportunities are also available (grab a flyer this Sunday).
You can help make a child’s Christmas wishes a reality by picking up a tag from the Angel Tree outside the sanctuary this Sunday and shopping for the gifts listed on it yourself, with your family, or together with another family. Needy families in our area have been interviewed by The Salvation Army and a wish list and tag created for each of their children. Please bring the items you purchase to church by Sunday, December 8, along with the tag. The Salvation Army sorts and distributes them in mid-December.
The Feast of Christ the King—Sunday, November 24 (the final Sunday of the Church year). We’ll be hosting a special celebration in the Parish Hall that day.
Redeemer Annual Meeting—Sunday, December 8 following worship and a light brunch.
Lessons and Carols—Tuesday, December 24, 5PM followed by a favorite hors d’oeuvres and wine reception.
Holy Communion—Christmas morning, 11:00AM.
5th Sunday Potluck—Sunday, December 29 following worship.
2025 VESTRY NOMINEES
Erin Ball grew up in Joplin, Missouri, and has landed in Maryland these past 16 years after also living in Hungary, Missouri (again), and Alabama. She and Kevin have been married for 22 years and enjoy their three amazing and entertaining children, Doran, a junior at University of Tennessee Knoxville; Marilla, a senior at Annapolis Area Christian School; and Betsy, a sophomore at AACS.
Erin’s undergrad from University of Missouri is in agricultural economics, which eventually led to a professional life in food econ. Presently, Erin leads two related DC-based non-profits, one public relations-focused, and one nutrition science-focused, both existing to support the grain foods industry.
She also holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. She and Kevin have ministered together to college students (in Hungary) and to children, youth, and adults in churches in St. Louis, MO; Marion, AL; as well as here in MD.
In her free time, Erin is her kids’ fiercest supporter in their variety of activities, chases physical fitness alongside Kevin, reads as much as she can, and enjoys cooking for family and friends.
Stuart Caton was born in Kansas City, MO and quickly moved to Crystal Lake, IL. In 1967 his family moved to Annapolis where he has lived since. Stuart completed his undergraduate degree in 1980 at Western Maryland College (now McDaniel) and began leading his family’s business. In 2001 he joined Verint Systems where he has sold surveillance applications to the U.S. banking industry. He plans to retire from Verint at the end of January 2025.
After becoming a follower of Christ in his late 20’s Stuart married Joyce and they attended Bay Area Community Church and Annapolis EP Church (PCA) with their family before joining Redeemer Anglican in 2022.
After 35 years of marriage Stuart and Joyce treasure their three daughters, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren. Stuart served on the Board of Rockbridge Academy for 15 years while his daughters attended. The Catons were drawn to Anglicanism believing there must be more to church life and after experiencing its deeply historical tradition and the formative power of liturgical worship found Redeemer and now cherish the fellowship they have come to know. Stuart grew up sailing, loves studying and discussing theology and the Word and whenever possible visiting his daughters and their families in St. Louis, Dallas, and Seattle.
If you have questions or disqualifying concerns about either nominee, please contact Thomas Pfenson, Redeemer’s Senior Warden by email here.
Photo credit: Greg Rasoky/Unsplash
