THIS WEEKEND…

Rev. Miranda’s Upcoming Travel: Rev. Miranda is traveling for a family occasion this weekend. She will be out of the office from September 15 through 19th. The Rev. Jonathan Melton will celebrate and preach on Sunday morning, in her absence. The church office will be closed Friday, September 16.

Caregivers’ Support Group, Saturday, September 17, 9am: A caregivers’ support group will be starting in September. The sessions are planned for the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. This will be a safe space to share concerns with others who have similar situations and to offer support in return. For more information, contact John Rasmus, Bonnie Magnuson or Joseph Wermeling.

Men’s Book Club, Saturday, September 17, 10am: Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Ron Chernow, presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, scandalized, and shaped the newborn nation. He was a revolutionary war hero whose talents and advice Washington relied on heavily during the war and a man who literally shaped this country’s financial and trading system. It is particularly amazing to see how dirty and bruising politics were in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A good read.

Sunday School, Sunday, September 18, 10am: This Sunday, our 3 year olds to kindergarten class will be learning about the story of Creation, while our Elementary classes will continue to look at the first letter to Timothy and its context and meaning.

Nursery Care: St. Dunstan’s does not have a regularly-attended nursery during worship, because we have found that that service is rarely used. Instead, we have two Child Care Helpers during the 10am service, who attend the Peace Corner in the back of the Nave. If you would like your child to have nursery care during the service,  simply approach the Child Care Helpers in the Peace Corner (either at the beginning of worship, or when your child needs a break) and ask if one of them can take your child to the Nursery. This year we are using the Meeting Room, where we keep some toys, books, and art supplies, for our Nursery during worship. The downstairs room that used to serve as Nursery has become a Sunday school classroom.

Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering, Sunday September 18: Half the cash in our collection plate, and any designated checks, will go towards the Rector’s Discretionary Fund this day and on every third Sunday. This fund is a way to quietly help people with direct financial needs, in the parish and the wider community. Please give generously.

Christian Formation Committee Meeting, Sunday, September 18, 11:30am: Our Christian Formation Committee will meet to review and plan programs, especially our Advent and Christmas plans. All interest folks are welcome to attend and participate.

Evening Eucharist, Sunday, September 18, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins. All are welcome.

Younger Adult Meetup at the Vintage, Sunday, September 18, 7pm: The younger adults of St. Dunstan’s are invited to join us for conversation and the beverage of your choice, at the Vintage Brewpub on South Whitney Way. Friends & partners welcome too.

This year’s Parish Talent Show will be Sunday, October 23! 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. Sign up anytime, even if your act is still in the works!

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

The funeral for Frances Ver Hoeve will be on Saturday, September 24, at 2pm. Members of the parish who would like to contribute to a light reception following the service should contact Connie Ott.

Last Sunday All-Ages Worship, Sunday, September 25, 10am: Our last Sunday worship is intended especially to help kids (and grownups who are new to our pattern of worship) to engage and participate fully. NOTE: Our 8am service always follows our regular order of worship.

Take Out Church: Punch Card Rewards! Did you practice discipleship this summer? Bring in your punch card with at least three holes punched (like Jesus, we set the discipleship bar low! :-) on Sunday, Sept. 25 or beyond, and receive a prize! You still have time to try a few practices in the meantime.

Grace Shelter Dinner, Sunday, September 25, 7pm: Every fourth Sunday, a loyal group of St. Dunstan’s folk provides dinner for residents at the Grace Church shelter, and breakfast the next morning. See the signup sheet in the Gathering Area to help out. To learn more, talk with Rose Mueller.

Parents’ Meeting for Children’s Choir, Sunday, September 25, 11:30am: Households interested in our plans for a new Children’s Choir are invited to meet and talk with Martin Ganschow, our Organist & Choir Director. This will be a brief meeting for planning and input. Talk with Martin or Rev. Miranda to learn more.

Middle School Lunch & Learn, Sunday, September 25, 11:30am: Rev. Miranda invites the 10-and-up youth of the parish to meet with her for lunch after church once a month. We’ll dig into faith, Scripture, life, and our questions about all three. We’ll wrap up by 1pm, and we can arrange rides home for the kids if that helps the parents’ schedules.

Helpers Needed – Edgewood in the Community, Wednesday, September 28, 9:30am-2:30pm: Edgewood High School will be sending 20 students to St. Dunstan’s this day to do yard work as part of their community service. If you would like to work with a small group of students and help direct them, please contact George Ott. Wheelbarrows and pitchforks are still needed too. Thanks!

Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, September 30, 6pm: Join our monthly get-together as we dine at area restaurants and enjoy good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at Los Gemelos at 6713 Odana Road in Madison.

“What Am I Doing Here?” – An Introduction to the Episcopal Church, Sundays at 9am in October. Both new Episcopalians and long-time members are invited to join us for a friendly exploration of the parts and purpose of our pattern of worship and to the Episcopal church in general. This class will begin on Sunday, October 2.

Fall Clean-Up, Sunday, October 9, 11:30 – 1:30pm: Wear your work clothes to church and stay after the 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 anytime you’ve completed your tasks.

Mark your calendar! Crop Walk 2016, Sunday, October 16, 12:45pm: St. Dunstan’s will send a team of walkers; watch for a signup soon! Last year over $36,000 was raised to support the work of many local food pantries and international relief agencies. The goal for this year is $40,000. Come and make a difference.