Announcements, September 28

THIS WEEKEND…

Men’s Book Club, Saturday, September 30, 10am-12pm: The Politics of Resentment by Katherine J. Cramer uncovers an oft-overlooked piece of the political puzzle: rural political consciousness and the resentment of the “liberal elite.” What can look like disagreements about basic political principles are rooted in something even more fundamental: who we are as people and how closely a candidate’s social identity matches our own. Have a good read.

Birthday and Anniversary blessings and Healing Prayers will be given this Sunday, October 1, as is our custom on the first Sunday of the month.

New Members’ Forum, Sunday, October 1, 9am: If you’ve started attending St. Dunstan’s recently and would like to ask questions or just chat and get connected,  come to the Meeting Room (all the way to the right, once you come in the main doors to the building) to visit with Rev. Miranda between our 8am and 10am liturgies.

Evening Eucharist, Sunday, October 1, 6pm: Join us for a simple service as the week begins. All are welcome.

MOM Special Offer, Sunday, October 1: Next Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated checks will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry. Here are some current most needed items: canned chicken, pork (meat other than fish); boxed meals or soup; toilet paper; baking supplies all types; sugar and honey. Thank you for your generous support!

Fall Clean-up Sunday, October 1, 11:30-1pm: Wear your work clothes to church and stay after with 10am service for a simple lunch (with an overview of tasks to complete while we’re eating), followed by time to work on our grounds. We’ll wrap up by 1:30pm, but you can leave any time you’ve completed your tasks.

Youth Group Fundraising for GSAFE: Our Middle School Youth are creating a team to walk in the GSAFE Trick or Trot 5K on Sunday, October 15. GSAFE is an organization committed to support and leadership development for GLBTQ+ kids and allies, training educators, and other educational and advocacy work to ensure that GLBTQ+ kids are safe and supported. Our youth group hopes to raise $500 as a team. You can contribute by putting cash or a check in the envelope in the Gathering Area, or online here: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/34896/Groups/407541

Sign up now for our Parish Talent Show on Sunday, October 22! The Talent Show follows the 10am liturgy; lunch is included. What will you share? A poem, a song, a dramatic monologue, a unique skill, a dance? A sample of art, craft, tinkering, building, study or science? Group acts are encouraged. Start planning now, and look for a signup in late September!

Sanctuary Task Force: Hospitality towards others is one of the clearest mandates in Scripture. Rev. Miranda is gathering a small group to discern together about how that call speaks to us in this time, by learning more about the new Dane Sanctuary network. If you’re interested, contact Rev. Miranda at 238-2781.

Altar Flowers: fall dates available! We are back to our regular Altar Flower process: flowers will be ordered from the church’s florist. Honor a loved one or a special event with altar flowers. Reserve your special date by writing your dedication on the sign-up sheet. Suggested donation is $35. Write “flowers” on the memo line of your check or on envelope containing cash, or donate online at donate.stdunstans.com.

Coffee Hosts Needed for October and Beyond! Join the fun of helping to make people feel welcome and contact Janet Bybee for more information.

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Sunday School Special Guest, Heidi Ropa, Sunday, October 8, 10am: Heidi is the chair of the Haiti Project, a partnership between the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee and the church and school of St. Marc’s in Jeannette, Haiti. Heidi will visit our elementary Sunday school classes to tell them about St. Marc’s School, then greet the conversation at Announcements during the 10am service. Learn more about the Haiti Project at haitiproject.org. Our Godly Play class will meet as usual. Their story will be the Great Family.

Falk Friends Pantry Prep, Sunday, October 8, 11:30am: Our partner school, Falk Elementary School on the southwest side of Madison, now has its own food pantry which is serving families well! However, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items are still in need, as in most pantries. This year we’ll partner with Falk by providing toilet paper, feminine hygiene items, detergent, and other similar items for their pantry. Helpers of all ages are welcome to help pack our Falk Friends Pantry bags after the 10am liturgy!

Blessing of the Animals Service, Sunday, October 8, 3pm: People and creatures are invited to a short service of song, story, and prayer.  Animals should be on a leash or in a carrier. Stuffed animals are welcome as well. Spread the word and invite a friend!

Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, October 11, 1:00 – 2:45pm: Little is known about Julian’s life, but she wrote a book, as far as we know the first in English written by a woman, about a series of revelations which opened her to the depths of God’s unconditional love for us in Jesus Christ. Nearly forgotten for 600 years, Julian’s insights and gentle wisdom are becoming ever more widely known and appreciated. Each Julian Gathering meeting includes time for contemplative prayer, fellowship, and reading/discussion of Julian’s book.  We meet the second Wednesday of each month.  For additional information, contact Susan Fiore.

Just Mercy – A Conversation, Wednesday, October 11, 7pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 4011 Major Avenue, Madison: A great opportunity at our sister parish on the east side, to learn more about systemic racism and criminal justice. A representative of MOSES and a special guest, Cecelia Klingele, UW Law professor and lawyer, will also be present to add their perspectives. Our Bishop has invited the people of this diocese to read and discuss the book Just Mercy, as part of a church-wide commitment to anti-racist learning and action. But you don’t have to read the book to attend this event!

Diocesan Convention, Saturday, October 14, 9am – 4:30pm at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin:  All are welcome to attend all or part of the convention! The morning will be devoted to worship and book discussion based on “Just Mercy.” The afternoon session will be the ‘business’ session. Visitors are asked to register. To learn more and register, go to http://www.diomil.org/about-us/diocesan-convention/. There will be a Pre-Convention informational meeting at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the East side, on Wednesday, October 4, at 7:30pm.

Bread for the World Sunday, October 15: We are invited to participate in Bread for the Word’s annual Offering of Letters, to advocate to our politicians for programs that will reduce hunger in the United States and around the world. This year’s legislative focus is our national budget.

Candle-Lighting Service to Honor Infertility, Pregnancy & Infant Loss, Sunday, October 15, 6pm: October 15 is widely observed as Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day. We will hold a simple liturgy, with Eucharist and candle-lighting, to mark the day. All are welcome; feel free to invite a friend.

LECTURE SERIES: The Legacies of the Reformation— The Continuing Relevance of the Protestant Reformation for Contemporary Christianity & Culture, 4pm, Grace Church: In this year when we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, traditionally dated as beginning with Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517, Grace Church is sponsoring a lecture series at 4pm on Oct. 1, 8, and 29 reflecting on the continuing relevance of the Protestant Reformation for contemporary Christianity and culture. The lectures will be held in the Cornelia Vilas Guild Hall at Grace Church, and the series will conclude with a Choral Evensong at 5pm on Nov. 5 in the church. For more information, contact Peggy Frain at .