News & Notes – July 15, 2018
TODAY….
Resources for Kids at Worship: We have many resources for kids at church during the summer. The “Sunday Papers” (in versions for older and younger kids) introduces the day’s Bible lessons. We also have reflective coloring pages based on texts from the Sunday readings. These are always available on the way into church and on the coloring table at the back of church. In addition, kids can pick up a “Big Blue Bible” on the way into church. A bookmark in the Bible will direct them to a version of one of the day’s Bible stories, in an illustrated version appropriate for an elementary-level reader.
THE WEEKS AHEAD….
Vestry Meeting, Wednesday, July 18th at 6:45pm: The Vestry is the elected leadership body of our parish. Any members are welcome to attend our meetings, to observe or raise questions or ideas.
Second Summer Bat Count, Friday, July 21, 8:30pm: If you enjoy counting bats and learning more about our little furry flying friends, come to church Friday night, July 21, for our mid-summer (post-volancy, that is, after baby bats) count. We count our bats as participants in statewide monitoring of the health of bat colonies. The bats will likely be emerging around 9pm; come by 8:30, we’ll have a fire going in the fire bowl. If you have favorite bug spray, you may want to bring it!
Criminal Justice Reform in Wisconsin, Wednesday, July 25th at 6:30 pm: A presentation and discussion of criminal justice reform and the work of MOSES (Madison Organizing in Strength, Equality, & Solidarity). We will welcome presenters Tom and Jan Gilbert, Middleton residents and members of MOSES, as they shine light on the many areas of our criminal justice system that need addressing and why it matters. The Gilberts spoke to the St. Dunstan’s Outreach committee earlier this year and we were so moved by their presentation that we want to share it with the whole congregation. We hope to see you there!
Sandbox Worship: We’ll plan to gather again on July 19 and 26, before taking a longer hiatus during Rev. Miranda’s sabbatical.
Open Office Hours with Rev. Miranda, Thursday, July 26, 3-5pm, and Sunday, July 29, 12-2pm: If you want to visit with Rev. Miranda before her sabbatical, to hear a little about her plans or just chat and check in, she has set aside some time to be available. If you want to talk with Rev. Miranda but can’t make these times, email or call 608-238-2781. Rev. Miranda will be back at St. Dunstan’s at the end of October.
STAFF NEWS…
Meet our New Office Coordinator, Ann! Ann McGrath has joined our staff as our new Office Coordinator. Ann lives in Lodi, Wisconsin, with her husband Brooks and two little girls. She has a small farmer’s market business selling homemade jams, jellies and pickles. She’s very excited to be here and looks forward to meeting everyone!
Rev. Miranda will be on sabbatical for August, September, and October. The Rev. Jonathan Melton, chaplain at St Francis House Episcopal Student Center and friend of St. Dunstan’s, and his family will be with us on Sundays during Miranda’s absence, while Father John Rasmus and Father Tom McAlpine will coordinate with staff and lay leadership to help keep the daily life of the parish running and be available to those who need special prayer or counsel. To arrange a visit with one of our clergy or to alert us that someone else may need a visit, please talk to Father Jonathan, Father Tom or Father John on a Sunday, or contact the church office at 238-2781 or . Prayer requests, as always, may be sent to .
SUMMER…
SaintFest 2018 will be August 5 – 9, 5:30 – 7:30pm! SaintFest is an all-ages festival of saints, skills and sharing! Everyone is invited. Look for more information soon. If you’d like to help out, talk to Sharon Henes.
Women’s Mini Week 2018, “Courageous Women of God!” August 9-12 at Camp Lakotah in Wautoma, WI: Spread the Word, Ladies! You are invited to Women’s Mini Week, beginning at Thursday dinner, August 9th through Sunday brunch, August 12th. For registration materials and to answer questions, go to the website: www.womensminiweek.org or email to .
School supplies needed 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 SUNDAY, AUGUST 12! THANK YOU!!!
PRAYERS
We pray for all people to be held in God’s unfailing care and love, especially Berr, Doris, Dirk, Maryanne, Clint, Robert, Natalie; Rose, Jerry and Brent; John, Sue, Charles, Tina, Jeni and Gene, Kim, Michael, Eliot, Terry, Ginny, Marie, Sagu (SAH-goo), Terri and Mike. Pray for all people of the world, and for these military personnel and their families: Diane, Nicholas, Brent, Eric, Alice, Danel (“dan-YELL”), Sam, Mia, Tim, Sam, Alyssa, Brian, Nawal, Josh, Nathan, and Ben, and their families.