The Feast of Christ the King
The Feast of Christ the King
On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, Christians worldwide celebrate The Feast of Christ the King. This relatively recent addition to the Church calendar, established in the early 20th century (on the heels of WWI), holds a profound purpose—to acknowledge the dominion of our king, Jesus Christ, over all of creation and every aspect of our lives.
We understand the kingship of Christ to mean that Jesus has authority over all creation. This authority is based on his identity as the Son of God and in his work of redemption. He is a king who serves, sacrifices, and redeems—a ruler who establishes a kingdom not by military might but by love, justice, and the ultimate sacrifice of himself on the cross. His resurrection is the vindication of his kingship and his ascension as his enthronement.
The church calendar perfectly positions this Feast on the last Sunday of the liturgical year before Advent begins. We end the year triumphantly proclaiming Christ as King and start the new liturgical year earnestly waiting and praying for the ultimate triumph of Christ at the end of time.
I look forward to celebrating this Feast with you Sunday.
Christ is All,
Steve+
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
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 in the lobby).
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 unwrapped items you purchase to church by Sunday, December 8, along with the tag. The Salvation Army sorts and distributes them in mid-December.
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’oeuvre” and wine reception.
Holy Communion—Christmas morning, 11:00AM.
Evening Prayer—beginning Wednesday, January 8 and continuing weekly, we will gather in our Sanctuary for Evening Prayer, 7-8PM.
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 before Thursday, December 5 at: emailthomashere@gmail.com
Image credit: St. Joseph’s Church, Tipperary, Ireland, by William Earley (1872–1956). Photo by Andreas F. Borchert
