Can I Pet Your Dog?
In a couple of weeks we are starting a three week sermon and worship series on Christian Hospitality. On the same Sunday, October 3rd, we will celebrate St. Francis of Assisi with a Blessing of the Animals service. These two events fit beautifully together. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to talk to people about their pets?
My family has always had pets. Dogs, cats, hamsters and fish, you name it. One of the true pleasures of dog ownership is walking the dog. I used to walk our dog early every morning. I noticed that with the dog I often would meet and speak with people while out walking. Without the dog, on the same walk, people often would not even respond to an offered greeting. A dog gives us permission to speak with one another. Sure, the topic of conversation is rarely more interesting than the dog, but at least we are talking. I remember the same sort of interactions when I would take my children out in the stroller when they were infants.
It is easy to show affection for a cute dog or a cute baby. Affection and appreciation open doors for conversations and connections. Can we learn from this to grow in our ability to extend Christian Hospitality?
I suspect that there is a deeper theological meaning to be found here, but we can also just have fun with this. I remember years ago when my brother-in-law asked if he could take our two-year-old daughter to the mall. When we asked him why he said, “Because a baby is a total chick magnet.” (We did not lend him our baby so he could meet women.)
What can we do to create opportunities for affection and appreciation as we welcome people to St. Dunstan's Church? Well, on October 3rd, we can use our pets. That will be fun. Invite your neighbors, co-workers and friends to come see your dog/cat/marmoset blessed in this joyful service. Or, they could bring their own beast.
A cute dog on a leash helps start conversation, but maybe affection and appreciation alone are enough. Maybe, as we meet people, especially strangers, we can look for something to appreciate about that person. The cute dog trick might just work without the dog.
Your brother in Christ,
The Rev. David Marshall
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Community Engagement
Donate Pet Food, Towels and Blankets - The Youth Group and Sunday School will be sponsoring a food and towel drive for the Seattle Humane Society. We would like you to bring in bags or cans of dog and cat food, and also clean used towels and blankets for the animals. These items can be brought in any time before the Blessing of the Animals or on October 3rd with your pet!!!! THANKS for the support!
Ann-Patrice and Sandy
Our annual school supply drive for homeless students continues until Sunday, September 26. If you have not had a chance to make a donation of supplies or money, please plan to bring your donation on Sunday. If you have already made a donation, thank you!
Donations continue for the Greenwood Food Bank of non-perishable items. These can be left in the big wooden box to the right of the entrance to the Narthex. Please keep in mind that many of these persons do not have microwaves, ovens, stoves, or refrigerators to prepare and store food items. If you have any questions, please contact Warren Broderick @ 206-362-3217 or Al Bahlkow @ 206-282-4431.
Upcoming Events in our Congreational Life
Eucharistic Minister and Acolyte training session will be held after the service this Sunday, September 26. Any persons interested in getting involved in these worship ministries please plan to attend. For questions, please contact Mary O. Pacher @ 425-271-6179 or Frederica O’Connor @ 425-771-0955.
OKTOBERFEST TICKETS will go on sale after the service this Sunday, September 26 in the Narthex. Single Adult tickets are $12, and Family Packages for 2 adults and children under 12 are $30, or one adult and children under 12 are $18. Reservations are required to be paid by October 19.
Parish Roster Updates need to be made on the printed roster by the Prayer List on the table in the Vestibule by this Sunday. Please indicate any updates necessary or you may contact the church office (206-363-4319) or office@sdchp.org with your changes.
God In Real Life Bible Study Group meets Wednesday mornings from 11:00am to noon and is exploring the ways we encounter God, receive God’s blessings, and how we respond to God in our every day lives. Please plan to join us as we study one of the minor prophets, Micah. Just as we discovered with our in-depth look at Jonah, expect to discover new challenges and beautiful rewards as we open ourselves to God’s will.
Gal's Needlework Night Out will be on Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 PM in the Narthex. Women of all ages invited. Let's share our knowledge, show-off our talent and encourage and support needlework arts here at St. Dunstan's. Contact Diana
Rall: 206-660-9156 or dtoshiba@comcast.net
WANTED: Good used stereo amplifier. Contact our Music Director Tim Drewes @ 503-473-4587 or music@sdchp.org.
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