SUNDAY….

The Rev. John Rasmus is our preacher on Sunday, October 18. Father John is a priest associate of this parish, having retired to Madison after serving in the Diocese of Eau Claire.

Words in Season Poetry Performance: Over coffee hour on Sunday, we’ll hear some poems performed by members of the parish. Watch for the next Words in Season event if you’d like to get involved next time!

THE HUNGER WEEKS: October 18^th is Bread for the World Sunday! This year the focus is on federal support of Child Nutrition, especially the WIC program. At 9:00 am, between services, further information about these nutritional programs will be presented in the Chapel, and there will also be a chance to discuss church groups’ work to influence public policy. Following the 10:00 am service, those wanting to write their Congressional representatives will meet in the Chapel to write their letters. Further information, writing materials and sample letters will be provided.

THE HUNGER WEEKS: CROP Walk for Hunger, Sunday, October 18: We have a great team gathered for this year’s CROP Walk! All money raised is used to fight hunger and a percentage of the money stays right here in Dane County being distributed to the food pantries. You can write a check to support our walkers, with CROP on the memo line, and put it in the offering plate. Thanks for all your support!

Sunday School, Sunday, October 18, 10am: Our 3-5 year old class will be learning about the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, while our 6 – 10 year old class will talk about finding greatness in serving others.

Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering, Sunday, October 18: As on every third Sunday, half the cast in our collection plate, and any designated checks, will go towards the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is way to quietly help people with direct financial needs, in the parish and the wider community. Please give generously.

Evening Eucharist (BCP), Sunday, October 18, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins. We use the Book of Common Prayer for this liturgy. Our seasonal worship books are based on the prayerbook, but if you miss holding the little red book, you may enjoy attending these bimonthly services.

Younger Adults Meet-up at the Vintage, Sunday, October 18, 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.

 St. Dunstan’s Finances At a Glance: As we approach our fall Giving Campaign, our church finances should be clear to all members. Take a look at our display in the Gathering Area. More detailed financial reports are available on request; speak with Rev. Miranda or a vestry member, or call the church office (238-2781).

THE WEEK AHEAD…

Vestry meeting, Wednesday, October 21, 6:45pm. Any members are welcome to attend.

Giving Campaign Kickoff & Fall Talent Show, Sunday, Oct. 25, 11:30 – 1pm: Our fall Giving Campaign starts with a Talent Show, at which members of St. Dunstan’s will share their skills. A light lunch will be served. If you’d like to contribute to the performances or gallery, sign up by Sunday, October 18!

Left Unsaid: Remembering our Beloved Dead at Sandbox Worship, Thursday, October 29, 5:30pm: Maybe there’s something you didn’t have a chance to say. Maybe you thought you’d said it all, but as the years pass, you’ve discovered more. Come for an evening framed in prayer, a space to speak the words you want to say to one of your loved ones who has gone on before, as we anticipate honoring our beloved dead on All Saints Day (Nov. 1). After worship, we’ll share a simple meal. All are welcome.

Makers’ Guild, FRIDAY, Oct. 30, 1 – 3pm: Everyone who enjoys working with their hands is invited. We will get acquainted with our church’s new-to-us digital cutter, and start preparing craft materials for our Black Friday Craft-In event (Nov. 27). You can also bring your own holiday crafting projects to show off and work on – or bring your holiday crafting dilemmas and we can brainstorm together! Friends are welcome too.

Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, October 30, 6pm: Join our monthly get-together as we dine at area restaurant and enjoy good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at the Freehouse Pub, 1902 Parmenter in Middleton.

All Saints’ Day, Sunday, Nov. 1, 10am: We will celebrate this holy day with an opportunity to remember the faithful departed; renewal of our baptismal vows; and, at our10am All-Ages Worship, with kids dressed as famous saints. Come at 9am for our Christian Formation hour: “Holy Dying: Advance Planning from a Christian Perspective,” a conversation about end-of-life issues from a spiritual and practical perspective.

THANKS to all our Grounds Helpers! Many hands helped with our Parish Work Day last Sunday, and with overseeing the Edgewood High School volunteers on Wednesday. We got nearly all our tasks completed, which is terrific! Thanks to all who planned, fed, directed, and worked.

THIS WEEKEND… 

Outreach Committee meeting, Saturday, October 10, 8-10:30am: 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.

THE HUNGER WEEKS: Outreach Hour, Sunday, October 11, 9am: Percy Brown of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District will talk with us about the face of poverty and hunger in Middleton.

Sunday School, Sunday, October 11, 10am: This week our 3-5 year old class will be learning about the Ten Best Ways, while our 6-10 year old class will dig into Jesus’ challenging conversation with a rich young man.

Spirituality of Parenting Lunch, Sunday, October 11, 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.

St. Dunstan’s Finances At a Glance: As we approach our fall Giving Campaign, our church finances should be clear to all members. Take a look at our display in the Gathering Area. More detailed financial reports are available on request.

Sign up for this year’s Parish Talent Show, Sunday, October 25! What will you share? A poem, a song, a dramatic monologue, a dance? A sample of art, craft, tinkering, building, study or science? Group acts are encouraged.

THE HUNGER WEEKS: Pledges Wanted for CROP Walk for Hunger, Sunday, October 18: We have a great team gathered for this year’s CROP Walk! All money raised is used to fight hunger and a percentage of the money stays right here in Dane County being distributed to the food pantries. You can write a check to support our walkers, with CROP on the memo line, and put it in the offering plate. Thanks for all your support!

THE WEEK AHEAD… 

Christian Formation Planning Meeting, Wednesday, October 14, 7pm, in the Godly Play classroom downstairs: At this meeting we’ll discuss and plan our formation programs – opportunities to learn and grow in faith and fellowship, for all ages – for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany (November through January). If you’d like to be part of the conversation or have an idea you’d like to run with, you are welcome to attend and participate!

Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, October 14, 7:15 – 9:00pm: A Julian Gathering is open to everyone. They are for all who want to deepen their life of faith through the practice of contemplative prayer, for beginners as well as those already practicing.

An Evening of Storytelling at St. Francis House, Friday, October 16, 7-8:30pm: All friends of the House, our Episcopal campus ministry at UW-Madison, are welcome. Speakers will share memories of St. Francis House over the years, including of our own Father Art Lloyd.

Words in Season, October 17/18: Dear performance and poetry loving members of St. Dunstan’s, join us for a seasonal celebration of words and the spirit. Daniel Hanson and Evy Gildrie-Voyles are gathering a group of all ages to perform poetry relevant to the seasons four times this year. The first will be in October. We will meet on Saturday October 17th at 10am at the Church for a brief rehearsal and perform Oct. 18th in the Gathering space after the 10 o’clock service (roughly 11:15am.) All ages are welcome. No memorizing is necessary.

Men’s Book Club, Saturday, October 17, 10am: This month’s book is “The Wright Brothers,” by David McCullough. On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two unknown brothers from Ohio changed history.

Diocesan Convention, Saturday, October 17, 8am – 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 a presentation focused on taking our Church into the wider community.  The afternoon session will be the ‘business’ session. Visitors are asked to register but there is no charge unless you want to have meals at the convention. To register, fill out and mail in the form located in the Gathering Area or you can register at the convention between 8 and 9am. Also of note, travel-size personal hygiene items will be collected at Convention, to be given out through hospitality ministries around the diocese. For more information on the convention, go to http://www.diomil.org/about-us/diocesan-convention/.

THIS MONTH AT ST. DUNSTAN’S… 

THE HUNGER WEEKS: Bread for the World Sunday, October 18: 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 child hunger, and especially ongoing funding of the WIC program. Letters will be gathered in next Sunday, October 25. Letters, emails and phone calls are all encouraged, so that a strong Christian voice for the hungry is heard in Washington! Come at 9am for a presentation on Bread’s work and a discussion of Christian advocacy in the public square.

Sunday School, Sunday, October 18, 10am: Next week our 3-5 year old class will be learning about the Tabernacle in the Wilderness, while our 6 – 10 year old class will talk about finding greatness in serving others.

Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering, Sunday, October 18: As on every third Sunday, half the cast in our collection plate, and any designated checks, will go towards the Rector’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is way to quietly help people with direct financial needs, in the parish and the wider community. Please give generously.

Evening Eucharist (BCP), Sunday, October 18, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins. We use the Book of Common Prayer for this liturgy. Our seasonal worship books are based on the prayerbook, but if you miss actually holding the little red book, you may enjoy attending one of these bimonthly services.

Younger Adults Meet-up at the Vintage, Sunday, October 18, 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.

Left Unsaid: Remembering our Beloved Dead at Sandbox Worship, Thursday, October 29, 5:30pm: Maybe there’s something you didn’t have a chance to say. Maybe you thought you’d said it all, but as the years pass, you’ve discovered more. Come for an evening framed in prayer, a space to speak the words you want to say to one of your loved ones who has gone on before, as we anticipate honoring our beloved dead on All Saints Day (Nov. 1).  After worship, we’ll share a simple meal. All are welcome. Questions? Talk with Rev. Miranda or Sharon Henes.

Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, October 30, 6pm: Join our monthly get-together as we dine at area restaurant and enjoy good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at the Freehouse Pub, 1902 Parmenter in Middleton.

Black Friday Craft-In, Friday, November 28, 1 – 4pm, St. Dunstan’s Church: Tired of the mall? Make stuff. Give it away. This year we’ll host our second annual Black Friday Craft-In, a free public crafting event. If you’ll be in town and would like to volunteer to help out, please sign up in the Gathering Area. We can use all kinds of volunteers – whether your skill is sewing, woodworking, stamping, paper crafting, smiling at people and saying “Welcome!”, setting up tables, or putting cookies on plates.

IN THE WIDER CHURCH & COMMUNITY… 

Purple Ribbons for Domestic Abuse Awareness Month: The purple ribbons on our altar this month remind us to hold in prayer victims, survivors, and perpetrators of domestic abuse.  To learn more & find out about events this month, explore the website of our local agency, DAIS: abuseintervention.org .

Alleviating Poverty: Who’s Responsible? Great Madison Poverty Forum, Sunday, October 11, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, High Point Church, Micah Center at 7702 Old Sauk Road in Madison: Come and join this two-hour highly interactive forum with diverse leaders from Madison’s faith community. The discussion will include: learning about poverty in Wisconsin, consideration of the theological role of the individual and collective responsibility for alleviating poverty and seeking common ground for solutions. Please RSVP by October 8 at: http://www.wichurches.org/madison-poverty-forum-registration/

Community Panel Discussion, Monday, October 12, 6:30pm, Archer Rooms, Middleton Public Library: In collaboration with UW-Madison’s Go Big Read selection, “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, the library will host a community discussion on racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Panelists include: Chuck Foulke, City of Middleton Chief of Police; Dr. Ruben Anthony, CEO of Urban League of Greater Madison; Percy Brown, Director of Equity, MCPASD; Dave Mahoney, Dane County Sheriff; Josann Reynolds, Dane County Judge; and a representative from Middleton High School’s Student Voice Union. All are welcome.

Opportunity to serve – Support our local refugee community:  The Recipe Club, sponsored by the Lutheran Social Services (LSS), is an opportunity for refugee women, mostly from Iraq and Afghanistan, to get out of the house and come together socially with other women, and share recipes of their native dishes. One of the biggest barriers to attendance is transportation. LSS is looking for volunteers who have time available between 9:30 and 11:30 on Friday mornings (just for about 6-8 weeks) that would be willing to pick these women up in their homes and bring them to The Recipe Club, then take them home afterwards. The volunteers would be welcome to stay for the club and learn about the different dishes and cooking techniques the women share, or they could also use the hour to do other things.

Sung Evensong at St. Andrew’s Church, Thursday, October 22, 7pm: St. Andrew invites their fellow Episcopalians to a liturgy of Choral Evensong. The lessons are those appointed for St. James of Jerusalem (Feast Day – October 23).  The chancel choir of St. Andrew’s augmented with friends of choir members will sing.  A small recorder ensemble will provide the prelude and postlude. Come experience the mystery and glories of this cherished Anglican service. A reception will follow the service giving all an opportunity for conversation and connection.

Fall Clean-Up,  Sunday, October 4, 11:30 – 2:00pm: After the 10am service, please stay 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 2pm, but you can leave anytime you’ve completed your tasks.

HUNGER WEEKS: Backpack Snack Pack Prep, Sunday, October 4, 11:30am: The kids and families of St. Dunstan’s are invited to prepare our “Backpack Snack Packs,” to help local school children from low-income households to have nutritious snacks available over the weekend. We’ll meet in the Gathering Area as we kick off the program.

Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 4,  4pm: Bring friends of any species to our Blessing of the Animals service!

First Sunday: Birthdays & Anniversaries are honored on the first Sunday of every month. In addition, one of our ministers will offer Healing Prayers for those who wish to receive prayers for themselves or on behalf of others. Finally, every first Sunday, we designate a portion of the cash in our offering plate (and any checks with MOM on the memo line) to Middleton Outreach Ministry, to support their food pantry and its good work fighting hunger in our community.

Evening Eucharist, Sunday, October 4, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins. All are welcome.

Edgewood in the Community, Wednesday, October 7, 10am-1:30pm: Edgewood High School will be sending 20 students to St. Dunstan’s this day to do yard work as part of their community service. If you would like to work with the students and help direct them, please contact the office at (608) 238-2781.

Diocese of Milwaukee Pre-Convention Gathering, Wednesday, October 7, 7:00pm, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the east side: Anyone who would like to learn more about the life of our Diocese and the larger church is welcome to attend. To read about Convention and the resolutions to be considered, use this link: http://www.diomil.org/about-us/diocesan-convention/

Outreach Committee meeting, Saturday, October 10, 8-10:30am: 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.

Sign up for this year’s Parish Talent Show, Sunday, October 25! What will you share? A poem, a song, a dramatic monologue, a dance? A sample of art, craft, tinkering, building, study or science? Group acts are encouraged.

THE HUNGER WEEKS, OCTOBER 4 – 18, 2015  In the first weeks of October we are invited to respond to the needs of our neighbors, locally and globally: by packing snacks for hungry kids (Backpack Snack Pack kickoff, October 4); learning more about poverty in Middleton (Outreach Hour, Sunday, October 11); writing letters to our legislators to urge budgeting and policies that address hunger and poverty (Bread for the World Sunday, October 18); and walking to raise money for food programs (CROP Walk, October 18). Participate and support these efforts as you feel moved, as we together strive to follow Jesus who promised to be bread for the world and urged us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Outreach Hour, Sunday, October 11, 9am: Percy Brown of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District will talk with us about the face of poverty and hunger in Middleton, and how we might help Middleton to be more fully the “Good Neighbor City.”

Bread for the World Sunday, October 18: 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 child hunger, and especially ongoing funding of the WIC program. Letters will be gathered in next Sunday, October 25. Letters, emails and phone calls are all encouraged, so that a strong Christian voice for the hungry is heard in Washington! Come at 9am for a presentation on Bread’s work and a discussion of Christian advocacy in the public square.

Walkers & Pledges Wanted for CROP Walk for Hunger, Sunday, October 18: This year’s CROP Walk starts at 12:45 at the First Congregational Church downtown. There are 2 routes – one fairly lengthy that goes over to Lake Mendota and one about a mile that goes around Camp Randall. All money raised is used to fight hunger and a percentage of the money stays right here in Dane County being distributed to the food pantries. Would you like to join our team of walkers and raise money to fight hunger? Sign up in the Gathering Area (remember to give us your T-shirt size!) and take a pledge envelope so you can gather pledges in the weeks ahead.

Helping Francine & Family: Thanks to everyone who’s expressed concern and support for Francine and her family, who were the subject of my sermon on September 20. I am very happy to report that Francine and the family are FINALLY in housing! They are optimistic and looking forward to getting settled. If you’d like to help out, you could pick up a Walmart gift card (Francine’s older daughter works there, so it’s convenient for them to shop there) so they can get some furnishings and household goods, and start making their new home feel like home. You can also make a donation to my Rector’s Discretionary Fund for me to use to help Francine as needed – or to help others who may come along down the road. And please, keep your ears open to the issue of affordable housing in Dane County – we need a LOT more of it. Thanks, everyone! – Rev. Miranda

Purple Ribbons for Domestic Abuse Awareness: The purple ribbons on our altar this month remind us to hold in prayer victims, survivors, and perpetrators of domestic abuse. To learn more, explore the website of our local agency, DAIS: abuseintervention.org

THIS WEEKEND…

Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, September 25, 6pm: Join our monthly get-together as we dine at area restaurants and enjoy good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at Dhaba Indian Bistro at 8333 Greenway Blvd. in Madison. 

“What Am I Doing Here?” A Class For Those New to the Episcopal Church, Sunday at 9am, September 27. An exploration of the parts and purpose of our pattern of worship. Questions? Talk with Rev. Miranda.

Last Sunday Worship, Sunday, September 27, 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. This Sunday we’ll receive the lively story of Queen Esther and how she saved her people. NOTE: Our 8am service always follows our regular order of worship.

Grace Shelter Dinner, Sunday, September 27, 7pm: Every fourth Sunday, a loyal groups 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.

Sign Up to help with our Fall Clean-Up, Sunday, October 4, 11:30 – 2:00pm: A list of tasks is posted in the Gathering Area; please sign up for any you’d like to claim! Note: many of these are small tasks, so you could sign up for several, and it’s fun to share work, so consider signing up with a friend, or a stranger who isn’t a friend yet. We will share our meal and our work with our neighbors at Foundry414 Church (formerly Madison Vineyard Church). Please help us beautify our buildings and Grounds and prepare for winter!

 Walkers & Pledges Wanted for CROP Walk for Hunger, Sunday, October 18: This year’s CROP Walk starts at 12:45 at the First Congregational Church downtown. There are 2 routes – one fairly lengthy that goes over to Lake Mendota and one about a mile that goes around Camp Randall. All money raised is used to fight hunger and a percentage of the money stays right here in Dane County being distributed to the food pantries. Would you like to join our team of walkers and raise money to fight hunger? Sign up in the Gathering Area (remember to give us your T-shirt size!) and take a pledge envelope so you can gather pledges in the weeks ahead.

This year’s Parish Talent Show will be Sunday, October 25! What will you share? A poem, a song, a dramatic monologue, a dance? A sample of art, craft, tinkering, building, study or science? Group acts are encouraged. Sign up in the Gathering Area as your ideas take shape!

Altar Flowers: October dates are 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).

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

THE HUNGER WEEKS: In the first weeks of October we are invited to respond to the needs of our neighbors, locally and globally: by packing snacks for hungry kids (Backpack Snack Pack kickoff, October 4); writing letters to our legislators to urge budgeting and policies that address hunger and poverty (Bread for the World Sunday, October 11); and walking to raise money for food programs (CROP Walk, October 18). Participate and support these efforts as you feel moved, as we together strive to follow Jesus who promised to be bread for the world and urged us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Outreach Hour, Sunday, October 4, 9am: Percy Brown of the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District will talk with us about the face of poverty and hunger in Middleton.

 Backpack Snack Pack Prep, Sunday, October 4, 11:30am: The kids and families of St. Dunstan’s are invited to prepare our “Backpack Snack Packs,” to help local school children from low-income households to have nutritious snacks available over the weekend. The project will be set up in the Gathering Area this Sunday as we kick off the program.

Fall Clean-Up, Sunday, October 4, 11:30 – 2:00pm: Wear your work clothes to church and stay after the 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 2pm, but you can leave anytime you’ve completed your tasks.

 Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 4, 4pm: Bring friends of any species to our Blessing of the Animals service! Please take a purple flyer with you and invite a (human) friend.

MOM Special Offering, Sunday, October 4: Next Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated checks will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry. Groceries are also welcome gifts. The top ten most needed items currently are: sugar, cooking oil, fruit cocktail, canned peaches, canned turkey or chicken, cereal, jelly, diapers sizes 4, 5 & 6, laundry detergent and toothbrushes & toothpaste. Quality bedding items such as comforters, sheets, blankets and towels are also always in need. Thank you for all your generous support!

Evening Eucharist, Sunday, October 4, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins. All are welcome.

Edgewood in the Community, Wednesday, October 7, 10am-1:30pm: Edgewood High School will be sending 20 students to St. Dunstan’s this day to do yard work as part of their community service.

Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, October 14, 7:15 – 9:00pm: A Julian Gathering is open to everyone and you are welcome at all times. These gatherings are initiated and supported by the Order of Julian of Norwich, www.orderofjulian.org and have the quintessentially Anglican writings of Bl. Mother Julian of Norwich at their core. They are for all who want to deepen their life of faith through the practice of contemplative prayer, for beginners as well as those already practicing. We meet the second Wednesday of each month from 7:15 to 9 PM.

Words in Season: Dear performance and poetry loving members of St. Dunstan’s, join us for a seasonal celebration of words and the spirit. Daniel Hanson and Evy Gildrie-Voyles are gathering a group of all ages to perform poetry relevant to the seasons four times this year. The first will be in October. We will meet on Saturday October 17th at 10am at the Church for a brief rehearsal and perform Oct. 18th in the Gathering space after the 10 o’clock service (roughly 11:15am.) All ages are welcome. No memorizing is necessary.

 Men’s Book Club, Saturday, October 17, 10am: This month’s book is “The Wright Brothers,” by David McCullough. On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two unknown brothers from Ohio changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe what had happened: the age of flight had begun, with the first heavier-than-air, powered machine carrying a pilot. Who were these men and how was it that they achieved what they did? Looks like a good read.

Honoring our Beloved Dead: This year at our All Saints celebration, on Sunday, November 1, we would like to carry flowers out to some of the places on our grounds that are connected with loved ones who have gone before – memorial trees, benches, and so on. Do you have a place that you visit, on our grounds, in connection with a departed loved one? In the weeks ahead, please talk with Rev. Miranda or call the church office and make arrangements to come by and show us the spot, if we don’t already know about it. We hope to have all our significant sites mapped and ready by mid-October.

IN THE WIDER CHURCH…

Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Saint Francis House! Friday, October 16, 7-8:30pm at SFH: All friends of the House, our Episcopal campus ministry at UW-Madison, are welcome to join the celebration. Tours of the newly renovated house will be available Friday. The formal program starts at 7pm. Those folks with a history of St. Francis House are especially welcome to share their memories and stories of the House. 

Diocesan Convention, Saturday, October 17, 8am – 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 a presentation focused on taking our Church into the wider community.  The afternoon session will be the ‘business’ session. Visitors are asked to register but there is no charge unless you want to have meals at the convention. To register, fill out and mail in the form located in the Gathering Area or you can register at the convention between 8 and 9am. Also of note, travel-size personal hygiene items will be collected at Convention, to be given out through hospitality ministries around the diocese. For more information on the convention, go to http://www.diomil.org/about-us/diocesan-convention/.

Sung Evensong at St. Andrew’s Church, Thursday, October 22, 7pm: St. Andrew invites their fellow Episcopalians to a liturgy of Choral Evensong. The lessons are those appointed for St. James of Jerusalem (Feast Day – October 23).  The chancel choir of St. Andrew’s augmented with friends of choir members will sing.  A small recorder ensemble will provide the prelude and postlude. Come experience the mystery and glories of this cherished Anglican service. A reception will follow the service giving all an opportunity for conversation and connection.

SUNDAY…

What Am I Doing Here?” A Class For Those New to the Episcopal Church, Sundays at 9am, Sept. 20, and 27. Join us for an exploration of the parts and purpose of our pattern of worship. Please pick up a copy of the book (“What Am I Doing Here?” – it’s small and blue) in the Gathering Area. Questions? Talk with Rev. Miranda at (608)238-2781.

 Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering: 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 one way to serve our neighbors, in the parish and the wider community. Please give generously.

Christian Formation meeting, 11:45am: Our Christian Formation Committee will meet to review and plan programs, with a special focus on Vacation Bible School. All interested folks are welcome.

Younger Adults Meet-up at the Vintage, 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.

Evening Eucharist, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins. All are welcome.

Sign Up to help with our Fall Clean-Up, Sunday, October 4, 11:30 – 2:00pm: Wear your work clothes to church and stay after the 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 2pm. A list of tasks is posted in the Gathering Area; please sign up for any you’d like to claim! Note: many of these are small tasks, so you could sign up for several, and it’s fun to share work, so consider signing up with a friend, or a stranger who isn’t a friend yet. We will share our meal and our work with our neighbors at Foundry414 Church. Please help us beautify our buildings and Grounds and prepare for winter!

Walkers & Pledges Wanted for CROP Walk for Hunger, Sunday, October 18: This year’s CROP Walk starts at 12:45 at the First Congregational Church downtown. There are 2 routes – one fairly lengthy that goes over to Lake Mendota and one about a mile that goes around Camp Randall. All money raised is used to fight hunger and a percentage of the money stays right here in Dane County being distributed to the food pantries. Would you like to join our team of walkers and raise money to fight hunger? Sign up in the Gathering Area (remember to give us your T-shirt size!) and take a pledge envelope so you can gather pledges in the weeks ahead.

Readers Needed! On Sunday, September 27, the lectionary offers us the gift of the Scriptural story of Esther. We need readers to bring some of the characters to life in a dramatic reading: Esther, the King, Mordechai, Haman, and others. A sign-up sheet will be circulated this Sunday, and scripts are available for pickup or by email. Talk with Rev. Miranda with any questions.

Coffee Hour hosts needed for the weeks ahead!  Please consider being a coffee host. Sign-up sheets for upcoming months can be found in the Gathering Area.Thanks for lending a hand!

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Last Sunday Worship, Sunday, September 27, 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. This Sunday we’ll receive the lively story of Queen Esther and how she saved her people. NOTE: Our 8am service always follows our regular order of worship.

 Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, September 25, 6pm: Join our monthly get-together as we dine at area restaurants and enjoy good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at Dhaba Indian Bistro at 8333 Greenway Blvd. in Madison.

Grace Shelter Dinner, Sunday, September 27, 7pm: Every fourth Sunday, a loyal groups 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. 

Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 4, 4pm: Bring friends of any species to our Blessing of the Animals service! Please take a purple flyer with you and invite a (human) friend.

Altar Flowers: September & October dates are 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).

This year’s Parish Talent Show will be Sunday, October 25! What will you share? A poem, a song, a dramatic monologue, a dance? A sample of art, craft, tinkering, building, study or science? Group acts are encouraged. Chat with your friends this summer and begin to plan and practice!

SUNDAY…

Lammastide Festival of Bread, Sunday, September 6: Lammastide is an ancient harvest festival that became a church festival in our mother church, the Church of England. It’s an opportunity to offer the fruits of the growing season thankfully to God. The word means “loaf mass”; it was originally held at the time of year when the first grain ripened enough to be made into fresh loaves of bread. We will celebrate the end of summer together with a Lammastide procession; themes of bread, food, welcome, and justice in our music, Scriptures, and sermon; and a festive bread-themed Coffee Hour. If you are a baker, you are invited to bring a loaf of bread – any kind! If you are a gardener or a farmer’s market shopper, you are invited to bring something beautiful from God’s Creation to contribute to our decorations – a handsome squash, an ear of decorative corn, flowers, colorful chard. You are welcome to reclaim your produce after worship.

Birthdays & Anniversaries will be honored this Sunday, September 6, as is our custom on the first Sunday of every month. Come forward after the Announcements to receive a blessing and the community’s prayers.

Healing Prayer, Sunday, September 6:  Sunday, one of our ministers will offer healing prayers for those who wish to receive prayers for themselves or on behalf of others.

MOM Special Offering, Sunday, September 6: This Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated checks will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry. Groceries are welcome gifts too. Here are the current top ten items needed: sugar, cooking oil, fruit cocktail, canned peaches, canned turkey or chicken, cereal, jelly, diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6, laundry detergent, toothbrushes/toothpaste. They are always in need of quality bedding items such as comforters, sheets, blankets and towels, too. Thank you for your generosity.

Evening Eucharist, Sunday, September 6, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the new week.

Altar Flowers: September & October dates are 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).

Coffee Hour hosts needed for the weeks ahead!  Please consider being a coffee host. Sign-up sheets for upcoming months can be found in the Gathering Area.  Thanks for lending a hand!

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, September 9, 7:15-9:00pm: Julian of Norwich: 14th Century feminist? 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.

Men’s Book Club, Saturday, September 12, 10am at St. Dunstan’s: This month the book is a mystery, The Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig. The action takes place in a bar called the Medicine Lodge in northern Montana, run by Tom Harry and his son, Rusty. Enter a woman from the past and her daughter and things begin to happen.

Sunday School, Sunday, September 13, 10am: A new year of Sunday school classes begins! Our Sunday school meets on the second and third Sundays of most months. Next week, our 3-5 year old class will be learning about the Circle of the Church Year, while our 6 – 10 year old class will dig into Sunday’s Gospel story about Jesus’s mission.

Funeral Service for Rev. Art Lloyd, Saturday, September 19, 10:30am at St. Dunstan’s: We anticipate that this service will be well-attended. If you would like to assist with the reception, you can contact the parish office at (608) 238-2781 or email Pamela at . We really need food; salads and desserts to feed about 150 people. There will be alternate parking available at Asbury Church on University Avenue. The Lloyd family asks that in lieu of flowers, people make gifts in Art’s memory to St. Dunstan’s Church, to be used for Outreach, or to the Episcopal Network for Economic Justice. Checks should be made payable to ENEJ and mailed to: ENEJ c/o Michael Maloney, 5829 Wyatt Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45213.

Middle School Youth Group Begins, Friday, September 18, 5:30pm: Our Middle School (grades 4 to 8) youth will begin meeting regularly this fall. We ask your prayers for these young people and their adult leaders as we get this new program underway!

 “What Am I Doing Here?” A Class For Those New to the Episcopal Church, Sundays at 9am, Sept. 13, 20, and 27. Join us for an exploration of the parts and purpose of our pattern of worship. Please pick up a copy of the book (“What Am I Doing Here?” – it’s small and blue) in the Gathering Area, and if possible, read Chapters 1 & 2 before our first session on Sept. 13. It’s an easy read and it has cartoons! Questions? Talk with Rev. Miranda or email her at  .

SUNDAY…

Last Sunday Worship & Blessing of Backpacks, 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. This Sunday we’ll explore a word that is both big and small: Love. Bring your backpack (or, for older students, your briefcase or laptop or …) and we will bless them as we begin a new academic year. Note: Our 8am service always follows our regular order of worship.

Coffee Hour hosts needed for the weeks ahead!  Please consider being a coffee host. Sign-up sheets for upcoming months can be found in the Gathering Area. Thanks for lending a hand!

We are mapping our congregation! Knowing who else from the St. Dunstan’s community lives or works nearby might make it easier to: 1) provide care when someone’s going through a hard time, 2) meet up for fellowship or study, 3) engage together with issues in our neighborhoods. We hope everyone will participate, even if you’re new or don’t attend regularly. “And the Word of God became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Lammastide Festival of Bread, Sunday, September 6: Lammastide is an ancient harvest festival that became a church festival in our mother church, the Church of England. It’s an opportunity to offer the fruits of the growing season thankfully to God. The word means “loaf mass”; it was originally held at the time of year when the first grain ripened enough to be made into fresh loaves of bread. We will celebrate the end of summer together with a Lammastide procession; themes of bread, food, welcome, and justice in our music, Scriptures, and sermon; and a festive bread-themed Coffee Hour. If you are a baker, you are invited to bring a loaf of bread – any kind! If you are a gardener or a farmer’s market shopper, you are invited to bring something beautiful from God’s Creation to contribute to our decorations – a handsome squash, an ear of decorative corn, flowers, colorful chard. You are welcome to reclaim your produce after worship.

Birthdays & Anniversaries will be honored next Sunday, September 6, as is our custom on the first Sunday of every month. Come forward after the Announcements to receive a blessing and the community’s prayers.

Healing Prayer, Sunday, September 6: Next Sunday, one of our ministers will offer healing prayers for those who wish to receive prayers for themselves or on behalf of others.

MOM Special Offering, Sunday, September 6: Next Sunday, half the cash in our offering plate and any designated checks will be given to Middleton Outreach Ministry’s food pantry. Groceries are welcome gifts too. Here are the current top ten items needed: sugar, cooking oil, fruit cocktail, canned peaches, canned turkey or chicken, cereal, jelly, diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6, laundry detergent, toothbrushes/toothpaste. They are always in need of quality bedding items such as comforters, sheets, blankets and towels, too. Thank you for your generosity.

Evening Eucharist, Sunday, September 6, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins.

 Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, September 9, 7:15-9:00pm: Julian of Norwich: 14th Century feminist? 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. 

Men’s Book Club, Saturday, September 12, 10am at St. Dunstan’s: This month the book is a mystery, The Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig. The action takes place in a bar called the Medicine Lodge in northern Montana, run by Tom Harry and his son, Rusty. Enter a woman from the past and her daughter and things begin to happen.

Education for Ministry Grads Invited Back!! The new EfM curriculum was put into use in 2013, and EfM participants are enthusiastic about the scholarship, relevance, and scope of the new program. We are offering a scholarship of $100 off the yearly regular price of $350 to EfM grads who would be interested in repeating any year with the new materials. There are two scholarships available at this time.

“What Am I Doing Here?” A Class For Those New to the Episcopal Church, Sundays at 9am, Sept. 13, 20, and 27. Join us for an exploration of the parts and purpose of our pattern of worship. Please pick up a copy of the book (“What Am I Doing Here?” – it’s small and blue) in the Gathering Area, and if possible, read Chapters 1 & 2 before our first session on Sept. 13. It’s an easy read and it has cartoons! Questions? Talk with Rev. Miranda or email her at  .

LOOKING AHEAD….

Diocesan Convention, Saturday, October 17, 8am – 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 a presentation focused on taking our Church into the wider community.  The afternoon session will be the ‘business’ session. Visitors are asked to register but there is no charge unless you want to have meals at the convention. To register, fill out and mail in the form located in the Gathering Area or you can register at the convention between 8 and 9am. Also of note, travel-size personal hygiene items will be collected at Convention, to be given out through hospitality ministries around the diocese. For more information on the convention, go to http://www.diomil.org/about-us/diocesan-convention/.

 Mark your calendar! Crop Walk 2015, Sunday, October 18: St. Dunstan’s will send a team of walkers; watch for a signup soon. CROP Walk 2014 funds have been distributed to 36 pantries across Dane County through Second Harvest. About $40,000 was raised, $10,000 of that stayed in our communities and the remaining helped to alleviate hunger world-wide.

SUNDAY AND THE WEEK AHEAD…

Evening Eucharist, 6pm: Join us for a simple service before the week begins. All are welcome.

Grace Shelter Dinner, 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 at (608) 836-1028.

We are mapping our congregation! Knowing who else from the St. Dunstan’s community lives or works nearby might make it easier to: 1) provide care when someone’s going through a hard time, 2) meet up for fellowship or study, 3) engage together with issues in our neighborhoods. We hope everyone will participate, even if you’re new or don’t attend regularly. “And the Word of God became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.” John 1:14

Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, August 28, 6pm: Join our monthly get-together as we dine at area restaurants and enjoy good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at Claddagh, 1611 Aspen Commons in Middleton.

Outreach Meeting, August 29, 8-10:30am: 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 Worship & Blessing of Backpacks, Sunday, August 30, 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. This Sunday we’ll explore a word that is both big and small: Love. Bring your backpack (or, for older students, your briefcase or laptop or …) and we will bless them as we begin a new academic year. Note: Our 8am service always follows our regular order of worship.

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Education for Ministry Grads Invited Back!! The new EfM curriculum was put into use in 2013, and EfM participants are enthusiastic about the scholarship, relevance, and scope of the new program. We are offering a scholarship of $100 off the yearly regular price of $350 to EfM grads who would be interested in repeating any year with the new materials. There are two scholarships available at this time.

Lammastide Festival of Bread, Sunday, September 6: Lammastide is an ancient harvest festival that became a church festival in our mother church, the Church of England. It’s an opportunity to offer the fruits of the growing season thankfully to God. The word means “loaf mass”; it was originally held at the time of year when the first grain ripened enough to be made into fresh loaves of bread. We will celebrate the end of summer together with a Lammastide procession; themes of bread, food, welcome, and justice in our music, Scriptures, and sermon; and a festive bread-themed Coffee Hour. If you are a baker, you are invited to bring a loaf of bread – any kind! If you are a gardener or a farmer’s market shopper, you are invited to bring something beautiful from God’s Creation to contribute to our decorations – a handsome squash, an ear of decorative corn, flowers, colorful chard. You are welcome to reclaim your produce after worship.

Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, September 9, 7:15-9:00pm: Julian of Norwich: 14th Century feminist? 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.

Men’s Book Club, Saturday, September 12, 10am at St. Dunstan’s: This month the book is a mystery, The Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig. The action takes place in a bar called the Medicine Lodge in northern Montana, run by Tom Harry and his son, Rusty. Enter a woman from the past and her daughter and things begin to happen.

“What Am I Doing Here?” A Class For Those New to the Episcopal Church, Sundays at 9am, Sept. 13, 20, and 27. Join us for an exploration of the parts and purpose of our pattern of worship. Please pick up a copy of the book (“What Am I Doing Here?” – it’s small and blue) in the Gathering Area, and if possible, read Chapters 1 & 2 before our first session on Sept. 13. It’s an easy read and it has cartoons! Questions? Talk with Rev. Miranda at (608) 238-2781.

LOOKING AHEAD….

Diocesan Convention, Saturday, October 17: This year’s Diocesan Convention will be held at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI. A number of resolutions inviting our Diocese into engagement with some of the big issues of our General Convention this summer will be addressed. Mark your calendar if you would like to attend.

This year’s Parish Talent Show will be Sunday, October 25! What will you share? A poem, a song, a dramatic monologue, a dance? A sample of art, craft, tinkering, building, study or science? Group acts are encouraged. Chat with your friends this summer and begin to plan and practice!

IN THE COMMUNITY…

Lotsa Loot Rummage & Bake Sale, Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 8am – 3pm both days at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 4011 Major Ave., Madison: Come enjoy reasonably priced goods in a broad selection of donated items and also two large book collections, one of mysteries and one of politics. Proceeds go to support such efforts as: Porchlight, Salvation ARMY, St. Stephen’s Food Pantry, a motorcycle for a Tanzanian priest, and a donation for rebuilding black churches burned by arson. Thanks so much for your support of St. Luke’s.

TODAY & THE WEEK AHEAD…

Rev. Miranda will be away from August 10 – 18. The Rev. Paul Goddard, one of our resident retired clergy, will preach and celebrate on Sunday, August 16. Father Paul and Father John Rasmus will be available if anyone urgently needs to speak with a priest during Rev. Miranda’s absence.

 Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering, Sunday, August 16: 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.

Information Sessions on Education for Ministry, Fall 2015 Enrollment, Sunday, August 16 at noon and Monday, August 17, 7-8pm at St. Dunstan’s: Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. EfM groups meet weekly from September through May with a trained mentor. Members sign up for one year at a time (a continuous four-year commitment is not required). Groups at St. Dunstan’s are tentatively scheduled to meet Monday evenings and Thursday mornings.

Evening Eucharist Dates in August: Our Sunday Evening Eucharist will NOT take place on Aug. 2 or 16. We WILL have an Evening Eucharist on Sunday, August 23, at 6pm. Sorry for any inconvenience!

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Education for Ministry Grads Invited Back!! The new EfM curriculum was put into use in 2013, and EfM participants are enthusiastic about the scholarship, relevance, and scope of the new program. We are offering a scholarship of $100 off the yearly regular price of $350 to EfM grads who would be interested in repeating any year with the new materials. There are two scholarships available at this time.

Vestry Meeting, Wednesday, August 19, 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.

Grace Shelter Dinner, Sunday, August 23, 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.

Ladies’ Night Out, Friday, August 28, 6pm: Join our monthly get-together as we dine at area restaurants and enjoy good conversation among women of all ages from St. Dunstan’s. This month we will meet at Claddagh, 1611 Aspen Commons in Middleton.

Outreach Meeting, August 29, 8-10:30am: All are welcome to join our conversations about how St. Dunstan’s can best serve the world with our resources and our hands. Optional potluck breakfast, 8am.

Lammastide Festival of Bread, Sunday, September 6: Lammastide is an ancient harvest festival that became a church festival in our mother church, the Church of England. It’s an opportunity to offer the fruits of the growing season thankfully to God. The word means “loaf mass”; it was originally held at the time of year when the first grain ripened enough to be made into fresh loaves of bread. We will celebrate the end of summer together with a Lammastide procession; themes of bread, food, welcome, and justice in our music, Scriptures, and sermon; and a festive bread-themed Coffee Hour. If you are a baker, you are invited to bring a loaf of bread – any kind! If you are a gardener or a farmer’s market shopper, you are invited to bring something beautiful from God’s Creation to contribute to our decorations – a handsome squash, an ear of decorative corn, flowers, colorful chard. You are welcome to reclaim your produce after worship.

Men’s Book Club, Saturday, September 12, 10am at St. Dunstan’s: This month the book is a mystery, The Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig. The action takes place in a bar called the Medicine Lodge in northern Montana, run by Tom Harry and his son, Rusty. Enter a woman from the past and her daughter and things begin to happen.

PARISH & COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES…

Lotsa Loot Rummage & Bake Sale, Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, 8am – 3pm both days at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 4011 Major Ave., Madison: Come enjoy reasonably priced goods in a broad selection of donated items and also two large book collections, one of mysteries and one of politics. Proceeds go to support such efforts as: Porchlight, Salvation ARMY, St. Stephen’s Food Pantry, a motorcycle for a Tanzanian priest, and a donation for rebuilding black churches burned by arson. Thanks so much for your support of St. Luke’s.

Diocesan Convention, Saturday, October 17: This year’s Diocesan Convention will be held at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI. A number of resolutions inviting our Diocese into engagement with some of the big issues of our General Convention this summer will be addressed. Mark your calendar if you would like to attend.

 Mark your calendar! Crop Walk 2015, Sunday, October 18: More information will be coming. CROP Walk 2014 funds have been distributed to 36 pantries across Dane County through Second Harvest. About $40,000 was raised, $10,000 of that stayed in our communities and the remaining helped to alleviate hunger world-wide.

This year’s Parish Talent Show will be Sunday, October 25! What will you share? A poem, a song, a dramatic monologue, a dance? A sample of art, craft, tinkering, building, study or science? Group acts are encouraged. Chat with your friends this summer and begin to plan and practice!

SUNDAY & THE WEEK AHEAD…

Last Between Church, Sunday, August 9, 9:15am: Come try out simple outdoor worship between our two regular services. We gather at the stone altar to sing, discuss a short piece of Scripture, and share blessings and concerns in prayer.

Donate to our Hoops for Housing Teams! Hoops for Housing will take place this Saturday, August 8. It is a friendly community basketball tournament, sponsored by St. Dunstan’s, to raise funds for Briarpatch, which serves homeless youth in the Madison area. Team pledge envelopes are available in the Gathering Area. Please make a pledge to support your St. Dunstan’s Hoops teams! We are also still seeking some volunteers for that day; see the signup in the Gathering Area!

MOM School Supply Drive: Although it may seem that summer has just begun, it’s never too early to start thinking about “back to school!” Once again, we will be collecting donations of school supplies to contribute to the more than 800 backpacks that Middleton Outreach will distribute in August. More information and lists of Most Urgently Need Items are available in the Gathering Space. Please plan to bring your donations by August 13. Thank you so much for your continued support of this very worthwhile community project!

Calling an “Oikos Team” to Help St. Dunstan’s Welcome Newcomers: The people of St. Dunstan’s talk a lot about feeling that St. Dunstan’s is their “church home,” with a strong and welcoming community. The word “oikos”, in the Greek New Testament, is the word for “household” – as in, “you are now members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). Would you like to help visitors and newcomers feel a sense of welcome and belonging in this “oikos,” this household of God? As a member of the Oikos Team, you’ll be matched with a person or household new to the church, to help them connect and get to know our parish. We’re not trying to manufacture friendship, but to be intentional about planting the seeds of community. You’d only be “matched” with one person or family at a time, and it won’t be a major time commitment. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, talk with Rev. Miranda at  238-2781. We hope to have all kinds of folks and families on our Oikos team.

THE WEEKS AHEAD…

Rev. Miranda will be away from August 10 – 18. The Rev. Paul Goddard, one of our resident retired clergy, will preach and celebrate on Sunday, August 16. Father Paul and Father John Rasmus will be available if anyone urgently needs to speak with a priest during Rev. Miranda’s absence.

Evening Eucharist Dates in August: Our Sunday Evening Eucharist will NOT take place on Aug. 2 or 19. We WILL have an Evening Eucharist on Sunday, August 23, at 6pm. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Rector’s Discretionary Fund Offering, Sunday, August 16: 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.

Madison-Area Julian Gathering, Wednesday, August 12, 7:15 – 9:00pm, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church: We welcome everyone who is interested in learning more about contemplative spirituality in the Christian tradition. We meet monthly for contemplative prayer for twenty-five minutes, after which we discuss a reading from Julian of Norwich, a 14th Century English mystic who has been called “a theologian for our time.” These gatherings are supported by the Order of Julian of Norwich, a contemplative monastic order in the Episcopal Church. We would love to have you join us.

Education for Ministry Begins Enrollment for Fall 2015: Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. EfM groups meet weekly from September through May with a trained mentor. Members sign up for one year at a time (a continuous four-year commitment is not required). Groups at St. Dunstan’s are tentatively scheduled to meet Monday evenings and Thursday mornings. Information sessions for those interested are being offered at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 16 at noon and Monday evening, August 17 from 7-8.

Education for Ministry Grads Invited Back!! The new EfM curriculum was put into use in 2013, and EfM participants are enthusiastic about the scholarship, relevance, and scope of the new program. We are offering a scholarship of $100 off the yearly regular price of $350 to EfM grads who would be interested in repeating any year with the new materials. There are two scholarships available at this time.

Vestry Meeting, Wednesday, August 19, 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.

Outreach Meeting, August 29, 8-10:30am: All are welcome to join our conversations about how St. Dunstan’s can best serve the world with our resources and hands. We begin with an optional potluck breakfast at 8am.

PARISH & COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES…

Diocesan Convention, Saturday, October 17: This year’s Diocesan Convention will be held at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, WI. A number of resolutions inviting our Diocese into engagement with some of the big issues of our General Convention this summer will be addressed. Mark your calendar if you would like to attend.