THIS WEEKEND…
Celebration of Life for Virginia DeGolier, November 2, 10:30am: All are welcome to attend the memorial service for Ginny and the luncheon to follow. If you would like to help with the lunch, please contact Connie Ott.
Men’s Book Club, November 3rd, 10:00am: Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary with the Bard – Shakespeare professor and prison volunteer Laura Bates thought she had seen it all. That is, until she decided to teach Shakespeare in a place the bard had never been before ― supermax solitary confinement. In this unwelcoming place, surrounded by inmates known as the worst of the worst, is Larry Newton. A convicted murderer with several escape attempts under his belt and a brilliantly agile mind on his shoulders, Larry was trying to break out of prison at the same time Laura was fighting to get her program started behind bars.
Annual Giving Campaign: We are currently collecting pledge cards from members, to help us plan our church’s 2019 budget. These pledges are for our regular staff, building, and program expenses, not the Open Door renovation project. If your household has not yet picked up a pledge packet or received one in the mail, pick up a blank packet at church or contact the office (608-238-2781, ). We hope to have all pledges gathered by Sunday, November 18! Need to check last year’s pledge? As you consider your pledge for 2019, if it would help you to know what you pledged last year, contact the office (see above) and Ann will get back to you!
Birthday and Anniversary blessings and Healing Prayers will be given on Sunday, November 4, as is our custom on the first Sunday of the month.
MOM Special Offering, Sunday, November 4: This Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated checks will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry. Here are a few current most-needed items: toilet paper; ketchup and mayonnaise; baking soda & powder, salt & vanilla. Thank you for your generous support!
Evening Eucharist, Sunday, November 4, 6pm: Join us for a simple service as the week begins. All are welcome.
Military and College Student Care Packages: The Youth Group is collecting donations during November to be included in care packages for military personnel and college students. There is a list of suggested items by the donation box. If you have a college student or service member who you would like a care package sent to, please provide name and address to Sharon Henes. The youth will be assembling and mailing the care packages the first week of December. Thank you for your support!
THE WEEKS AHEAD…
Ice Cream Social, November 11th, 3:00 – 5:00pm: Let’s share an intergenerational event (and stories) with the Hassetts and discover what Miranda (and family) did while she was on sabbatical. You are encouraged to bring a favorite ice cream topping to share.
Madison-Area Julian Gathering Wednesday, November 14th, 1:00 – 2:45 PM: We welcome everyone who is interested in learning more about contemplative spirituality in the Christian tradition. We meet the second Wednesday of the month for a period of contemplative prayer, after which we discuss a reading from Julian of Norwich, a 14th Century English mystic who has been called “a theologian for our time.” We would love to have you join us. If you have questions, contact Susan Fiore, ObJN.
Piece Be with You! Fall Giving Campaign Celebration Pie Brunch, November 18th, 9:00am: Please join us for a festive, all-parish potluck brunch celebrating the ingathering of pledges for our prayers, hopes, and financial pledges for our parish life in the coming year. We will enjoy fellowship, delicious pies, quiches, and other offerings. Please sign up in the Gathering area to bring your favorite pie or quiche. (Precut pies with labeled pie servers appreciated!) Thank you!
Our annual Black Friday Craft-In, a free all-ages crafting and gift-making event that we open to the wider community, will be Friday, November 23, from 1 – 4pm. If you’d like to help out, with a craft station of your own, or as a helper at somebody else’s station, sign up in the Gathering Area or email Rev. Miranda !
Looking for Greeters: Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It’s off to work we go! Well it’s really not work, more like fun. We’re looking for some of you who might be interested in Greeting on Sunday mornings at the 10am service. If you are interested, talk to Bernice Mason.
Looking for Coffee Hosts for November 2018! Consider being a coffee host and talk with Janet Bybee.
Altar Flowers: November dates available! 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.
MINISTRY UPDATES…
How’s the Open Door Project Going? The Open Door Project is moving forward! In September, we sent a Request for Proposals to five general contracting companies. Our interview committee met with our top three choices later that month. The committee strongly recommended moving forward with Findorff and the vestry passed that motion on October 1st. We are currently working with Findorff and Engberg Anderson (our architects) to finalize the construction contracts and begin planning for a kickoff next spring! If you have any questions about the Open Door Project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Celia Fine, John Laedlein or Krissy Mayer.
Outreach Gift to Honor Those Killed in Pittsburgh: The Outreach Committee has voted to send $1500 (most of their remaining annual funds) to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), a national nonprofit committed to helping refugees rebuild their lives in safety and dignity. Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh was targeted for violence last weekend because of their support for HIAS.