March 2006 Contents
Every year, the season of Lent begins with clergy offering this invitation, found in the Ash Wednesday service. “I invite you, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy Word.” This sentence sums up the essence of Lent, a time set apart for self reflection and study, a time intended to bring us closer to God, a time to prepare us for the joy of the resurrection that is to come. Many people “give up” something for the 40 days of Lent, and that exercise of self-denial can certainly be a helpful way to mark the season. But it can be equally helpful to “take on” something, perhaps setting aside even a few minutes a day for prayer or reading, attending a class or midweek Eucharist, or volunteering to help someone in need. At St. Dunstan’s, we have a variety of offerings to help all of us engage in a holy Lent. In the name of the Church, we invite you to participate. Worship in Lent
Adult Christian Formation in Lent
Lenten ResourcesCheck the narthex and the parish hall for Lenten materials from the national church, including Seeking God’s Perspective, daily meditations for Lent; materials for children in Lent; and “Hope Chests,” boxes (also known as “mite” boxes) to collect offerings for our brothers and sisters in need.
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Table of Contents | Return to top Within Our WallsMosquito Nets for LentOne of my most vivid memories of my time in the Peace Corps in Thailand is sleeping under a mosquito net. Walking into my room and seeing the net hanging from the ceiling above my bed was one of those moments when, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I knew I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. But I soon realized that what seemed exotic to me was a vital necessity in Thailand . In the open air houses of tropical climates the nets serve a vital function, keeping people from becoming feeding grounds for blood-thirsty mosquitoes. In many parts of the world, mosquito nets offer more than comfort. In areas infested with malaria, they can be life saving. In a recent adult Christian Ed class we discussed public health issues in Africa , where malaria causes up to 3 million deaths a year. Health officials estimate that the use of mosquito nets alone could cut the number of deaths by up to 50 percent. Yet in Tanzania , one of the areas where malaria is most prevalent, only 2 percent of people sleep under mosquito nets. The reason? They don’t have the $4 the nets cost. When we look at the problems facing the world they often seem so overwhelming that we simply turn away, knowing there is nothing we can do to make a difference. But we can make a difference here. Buying a simple mosquito net may potentially save a life. During Lent, we are asking families to take a “mite box” and fill it with coins. At Easter we will collect the boxes and designate the money to go to buy mosquito nets in Tanzania . The Anglican diocese there is our companion diocese, meaning we have a special relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ there. Let’s use Lent as a time when we can make a difference in their lives. Shrove Tuesday Thanks ~ Nancy Knight Latimore
Table of Contents | Return to top Christian Formation Update This Sunday, March 5, we will have a meeting after church of all parents and any other adults interested in our children and youth programs. We will be discussing Sunday School, Children’s Church, Vacation Bible School, and other topics of interest. Please come!
Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday(April 9, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. ) – We begin the service outdoors (weather permitting) and process into church waving palm fronds, as we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem . At the gospel, the mood of the service changes dramatically, as we read the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion. No Sunday School this day. Maundy Thursday(April 13, 6 p.m. ) – We will begin at 6 p.m. in the parish hall with a simple supper, provided by the church. After supper we will go into church at 7:00 p.m. for the Maundy Thursday liturgy. In this moving service, we are all invited to participate in washing one another’s feet, as Jesus did for his disciples the last night of his life. The service continues with the Eucharist, and ends as we sit in silence during the stripping of the altar. Please don’t let hesitancy about the foot washing keep you from this service. That part of the liturgy is voluntary, not mandatory. Good Friday(April 14, Noon –3 p.m. ) – The service for this most somber day of the Christian year begins at noon with the Good Friday liturgy. After the liturgy is over, the service continues until 3 p.m. with meditations on the Stations of the Cross. Please feel free to come to any or all of the service, as you are able. Easter Vigil(April 15, 7 p.m. ) – This dramatic service begins with the lighting of the new fire, from which the Paschal candle is lit. The first part of the service is held in darkness, as we hear scripture stories of God’s acts of salvation throughout history, beginning with creation. Midway through the service we turn on the lights, and ring bells as we joyously proclaim that Lent is over and Christ has risen. In the early church, the Easter Vigil was traditionally the time when new converts to the faith were baptized. Keeping with that tradition, baptism will also be part of this service. Easter Sunday(April 16, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. ) – Come celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on this most festive day of the Christian year. An Easter egg hunt will be held for children after the 10:30 service. No Sunday School this day. Passages
From the Organist and Choirmaster Upcoming Music Events at
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The Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper was fun and well attended. It was nice to see some new faces, and it was especially fun to see the children and young ones having such a good time. The maple syrup and powdered sugar flowed freely! I am, once again, amazed at how generously so many of you gave of your time. Special thanks go to Chefs Bill Riddell, Bill Hancock, Bob Cooper, and Paul Ruhmkorff for cooking the delicious pancakes and sausage – they were an outstanding team! There were so many tireless worker bees that helped with set up and clean up that I can’t possibly name them all. The drawback in attempting to thank everyone is the risk of overlooking someone, so please forgive me if I have. Thank you Jane Lamkin, Antoinette Watts, Lori Asbury, Tricia Templeton, Jeanne Taylor , Priscilla Davis. All of you are wonderful!
I talk to everyone – everywhere – and in my life adventure I met Carolyn Higgins who works for the 
Wayne Lord—Senior Warden |
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Bruce Lafitte—Junior Warden |
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Beverly Booth |
Susan Elliott |
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Susan Hauser |
Tonia Hopkins |
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Nancy Knight Latimore |
Richard Stansbury |
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Matt Taylor |
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Our Staff
The Rev. Patricia Templeton, Rector
The Rev. Maggie Harney, Priest Associate
Stephen L. Furches, Organist-Choirmaster
Kim Branch, Parish Administrator
Daria Jones, Treasurer
