THIS WEEKEND…
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering, Sunday, September 17: 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.
Sunday School, Sunday, September 17, 10am: This Sunday, our 3 year olds to kindergarten class will explore the story of the Flood and the Ark, while our Elementary classes will continue exploring God’s grace present in Creation.
Spirituality of Parenting Lunch, Sunday, September 17, 11:45am: All who seek meaning in the journey of parenthood (at any age or stage) are welcome to come for food and conversation. Child care and a simple meal provided.
Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee Haiti Project Fundraiser, Verona, Sunday, September 17, 1-4pm: Come to the Wisconsin Brewing Company at 1079 American Way in Verona to enjoy live music, shop for Haitian art and jewelry, and to help support our diocesan partnership with St. Mark’s School in Haiti. Suggested donation of $20 includes one free beverage ticket. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute, go to https://haitiproject.org/donate/
Evening Eucharist, Sunday, September 17, 6pm: Join us for a simple service as the week begins. All are welcome.
Big Blue Bibles: We are trying out a new way for kids to follow along in worship. Take a Blue Bible from the pile on the way into church. Each Bible has a bookmark that indicates where you can find a storybook version of one of the day’s assigned readings. Kids can read along at their own pace. Rev. Miranda welcomes feedback or further ideas!
This year’s Parish Talent Show will be 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.
THE WEEK AHEAD & BEYOND…
Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, September 22, 6pm: Come join us for good food and good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at Nani’s, 518 Grand Canyon Drive in Madison. For more information, please contact Kathy Whitt or Debra Martinez.
Outreach Committee Meeting, Saturday 23, 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.
Last Sunday All-Ages Worship, Sunday, September 24, 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.
Young Adult Meetup at the Vintage, Sunday, September 24, 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 and partners welcome too.
Grace Shelter Dinner, Sunday, September 24, 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.
Men’s Book Club, Saturday, September 30, 10am-12pm: Since the election of Scott Walker, Wisconsin has been ground zero for debates about the appropriate role of government in the wake of the Great Recession. With The Politics of Resentment, Katherine J. Cramer uncovers an oft-overlooked piece of the puzzle: rural political consciousness and the resentment of the “liberal elite.” Rural voters are distrustful that politicians will respect the distinct values of the communities and allocate a fair share of resources. What can look like disagreements about basic political principles are therefore actually 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.
Blessing of the Animals Service, Sunday, October 1, 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!
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.
IN THE COMMUNITY…
PFLAG Madison meeting, Sunday, September 17, 2-4pm at Friends Meeting House at 1704 Roberts Court in Madison: Parents, families, friends and allies with LGBTQ people are welcome to attend the monthly meeting (every 3rd Sunday of the month). This month Andrea Johnson from American Family Insurance will speak to their LGBTQ policies. For more information, go to http://www.pflag-madison.org.