THIS WEEK….
Birthday and Anniversary blessings and Healing Prayers will be given this Sunday, October 6, as is our custom on the first Sunday of the month.
MOM Special Offering, Sunday, October 6: Next Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated checks will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry. Thank you for your generous support!
Green Idea Fair, Sunday, October 6: Over the summer we invited one another to try out some new Green Habits, to reduce the environmental impact of our households and our daily lives. The Green Fair is an opportunity to share what has worked for you! We’ll have some tables set out where you can create some form of simple “show and tell” about what you did. We’ll also give out our Green Habit Challenge badges to those who completed 5 tasks from our list, between July and September. If you have something to share at the Fair but can’t attend, talk to Rev. Miranda; we’ll figure it out. Sign up in the Gathering Area to participate!
Blessing of the Animals Service, Sunday, October 6, 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!
Practicing Holy Living, Fall 2019: A few years ago, St. Dunstan’s identified seven core practices by which we live out our faith in daily life: Welcoming, Abiding, Wondering, Proclaiming, Turning, Reconciling, and Making. (Read more by picking up a leaflet in the Gathering Area!) This autumn, we’re meeting some saints – those who loved and fought, lived and died for the Lord they loved and knew – who embodied each of these practices. We’ll continue on October 6 with Francis of Assisi and the practice of Reconciling. Come at 9am to talk about the practice of Reconciling in our lives!
Madison-Area Julian Gathering Wednesday, October 9, 1:00 – 2:45 PM: St. Julian of Norwich: 14th Century heretic? No, although a reader might at first think so. 14th Century psychologist? Sort of . . . she understood the human heart and, through her sixteen revelations of Jesus, she understood the heart of God. Thomas Merton called her “the greatest theologian for our time.” Come to one of our monthly meetings and find out why — and learn about contemplative prayer. We meet the second Wednesday of each month. We’d love to see you. For more information, contact Susan Fiore, ObJN.
Celebration of Life for Rich Roe, Saturday, Oct. 12, 1PM: The St. Dunstan’s family is invited by the Roe family to celebrate the life of Richard Roe at St. Dunstan’s Church on Saturday, Oct. 12, beginning at 1 p.m. A reading of Rich’s poems will follow at 2 p.m. Members of the parish who would like to contribute to a light reception should contact Connie Ott.
THE WEEKS AHEAD…
Cookie Church Resumes October 13, 6 – 7pm on Sunday Nights: Cookie Church is simple bedtime church. It is child-centered but not just for kids; we find that youth and grownups like it too! We will share singing, story, Eucharist, and a snack. (Yes, there will be cookies.) We end with bedtime prayers and it’s OK to come in your pajamas! Cookie Church is planned for Sundays in October and November, starting October 13. Sign up in the Gathering Area if you’d like to make a batch of cookies for us one week. We ask for at least 20 cookies, and it’s OK to drop them off Sunday morning (clearly labeled!).
Annual Giving Campaign Kickoff will be Sunday, October 20! At Announcement time, we’ll share a little about our draft budget and hopes for 2020 and beyond, and everyone can pick up a pledge packet. (If you’re not at church, pledge packets will be mailed out on Monday.) We hope to gather all pledges by Dedication Sunday on November 17, and to celebrate together on November 24 (the Sunday before Thanksgiving). Our big goal this year is to collect 90 pledges of financial support to St. Dunstan’s for 2020!
Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, August 23, 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 Los Gemelos Restaurant at 6713 Odana Road, Madison. On Odana, turn into the parking area immediately west of the paint store, in the area with the Indian restaurant with the blue awning. Then, drive to the back of the building where the sign says Los Gemelos grocery and restaurant. It sounds complicated, but it really isn’t! For more information, please contact Kathy Whitt.
Saturday Book Club, November 16, 2019 at 10 am: This month’s book is Manhattan Beach by Jenifer Egan. Getting a hard copy of the book: The Madison Central Library (next door to the Overture Center) has a Book Club section – located on the western end of the second floor. This section contains multiple copies of selected books. The next meeting’s book – Manhattan Beach – is available in this section. If you check it out at the main desk and say it is a Book Club book, they can also give you an extended time to read it.
Looking for Coffee Hosts! Since our kitchen is getting close to completion, there are signup sheets out for coffee hour beginning on October 20th. Consider being a coffee host and talk with Janet Bybee.
Altar Flowers: Fall dates available – sign up at church or by email! Honor a loved one or a special event with altar flowers on a special date! At church, sign up on the clipboard under the big calendar in the Gathering Area, and place a check or cash in an envelope labeled “Flowers” in the offering plate. From home, email with your preferred date and dedication, and make your gift online at donate.stdunstans.com. Thank you for beautifying our worship space!
DIOCESAN CONVENTION VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Our diocese will hold its annual convention on Saturday, October 19, at the Madison Marriott West Hotel (over in Greenway Station). We need a few volunteers able to help with registration (7:30am – 11am) or counting ballots for our votes (8am – 3pm). Breakfast will be provided. People can do both things if you’re available and willing! Barb Klauber in the diocesan office promises to treat volunteers like royalty! If you can help out, contact Barb at or (414) 272-3028 / ext. 111. Thank you!