THIS WEEKEND…
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!
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
Helpers Wanted for our Pie Brunch (November 19)! We’ll celebrate the conclusion of our fall Giving Campaign with a potluck pie brunch at 9am, between our two Sunday services. This is always delicious and fun! This year we are looking for a few new helpers who can assist with decorating, set-up and clean-up. If you’d like to help, sign up in the Gathering Area or contact Laura Bloomenkranz.
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. Signup sheet is in the Gathering Area.
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 WEEKS AHEAD…
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.
Sunday School, Sunday, October 15, 10am: Next Sunday, our 3 year olds to kindergarten class will learn about the Exodus, while our Elementary classes will explore the story of the Golden Calf.
Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering, Sunday, October 15: 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.
Spirituality of Parenting Lunch, Sunday, October 15, 11:30am: 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.
Young Adult Meetup at the Vintage, Sunday, October 15, 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.
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.
NOTE: If you cannot attend, but have a name you would like to have read at the liturgy, please email Rev. Miranda at .
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 .