TONIGHT…
The Book of Jonah Dinner Theater, Thursday, August 3, 5:30pm: As the concluding evening of our Bible, Arts & Science Camp, parents of campers and members of the parish are invited to come share a simple supper, watch our Jonah drama, and learn from our campers about what they’ve done all week. All are welcome! You can bring a side dish or sweet to contribute to dinner if you’d like but it’s not required. This is our Sandbox Worship this week.
THIS WEEKEND…
Birthday and Anniversary blessings and Healing Prayers will be given this Sunday, August 6, as is our custom on the first Sunday of the month.
“Good Books” Book Group Meeting, Sunday, August 6, 9am: We’ll have donuts, coffee, juice, and conversation about our two middle-grade chapter books, “Return to Sender” and “A Door in the Wall.” Come chat even if you didn’t read them; you might get interested!
MOM Special Offering, Sunday, August 6: This Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated checks will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry. Here are the current top-ten most needed items: dried, freeze-dried, and canned fruit; shelf-stable dairy/non-dairy beverages; toilet paper and paper towels; mayonnaise and ketchup; herbs, spices, and salt; spaghetti and pizza sauce; whole grains: rice, quinoa, gluten free pastas; quick-cook prepared sides EX: Knorr’s (veggies/pasta), Zatarain’s (beans/rice); heart-healthy oil (olive, coconut); nut butter, other than peanut (allergies). Thank you for your generous support!
Evening Eucharist, Sunday, August 6, 6pm: Join us for a simple service as the week begins. All are welcome.
Youth Group T-Shirts Available: Our Middle School Youth Group is about to start their third season! If you’d like to show your support for the group, we have a limited number of T-shirts available, for a suggested donation of $5. The logo is inspired by the game Betrayal at the House on the Hill, a favorite of the group. Donations can be made by cash, check with “Youth T” on the memo line, or a General Donation with a memo at donate.stdunstans.com.
School Supplies for Middleton Outreach Ministry: Although we still have plenty of summer left to enjoy, the ads are encouraging us to think about “Back to School!” And, that means it is time to think about school supply donations for the MOM Backpack program. You are always so generous with your contributions, giving students the chance to have the needed items to succeed in school! Please check the Gathering Space for the collection box and lists of most needed items. Deadline for contributions is NEXT SUNDAY, AUGUST 13! THANK YOU!!!
Bat Count Update: The bat count last Friday went well. Our count doubled from earlier in the year with 82 bats to date, and the numbers statewide are also on the rise. Yeah bats, keep eating those mosquitos!
THE WEEK AHEAD & BEYOND…
Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, August 9, 1:00 – 2:45 PM: St. Julian’s era was one of turmoil and crisis. Yet in the midst of it all, Julian came to believe unshakably that “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” Please join us for contemplative prayer and discussion of Julian’s optimistic theology! For more information, contact Susan Fiore. (Julian Gatherings are initiated and supported by the Order of Julian of Norwich, a contemplative monastic order in the Episcopal Church: www.orderofjulian.org).
The Book of Jonah, Sunday August 13, 9 am: Jonah: three parts burlesque, one part parable-with-teeth. Many approaches to the book that are productive; we’ll watch how God-talk and Divine patience/humility intersect. Read the book ahead of time; it’s only four chapters long, and will take you twenty minutes. Fr. Tom McAlpine will facilitate.
41st Annual Women’s Mini Week: Courageous Women of God! August 10 – 13, 2017, Camp Lakotah, Wautoma, Wisconsin: This is your time to retreat from your everyday routines, to allow discoveries and friendships to refresh you, to find comfortable activity or blissful quiet. Registration forms are in the Gathering Area. For further information please contact Rose Mueller, Ellen Rishel or Robin Ertl. Others who can share info are Joan Knudson, Shirley Laedlein, Kathy Whitt, Connie Ott, and Dianne McCoy.
Outreach Meeting, Saturday, August 26, 8-10am: All are welcome to join our conversations about how St. Dunstan’s can best serve the world with our resources and our hands. We begin with an optional potluck breakfast at 8am.
Men’s Book Club, Saturday, August 26, 10am: The book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door. He is a curmudgeon, the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars, caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him the bitter neighbor from hell. A fun read and well written.
Camp-Out Night at St. Dunstan’s, Friday, September 1, 5:30pm: For those who have been meaning to camp out all summer – or want to give it a try in an easy setting (with flush toilets available!) – or who camp all the time and can share tips with the rest of us! We’ll share a simple potluck supper (hot dogs and marshmallows, etc., provided), fellowship around the fire pit, singing, and Compline prayers at dusk. You can spend the night, or just come for the evening and then go home to your nice warm bed. Friends welcome!