Blessing Of The Bicycles This Sunday

Bicycling is one of my )Pastor Michael’s) favorite activities. The benefits to one’s physical health, mental health, and the environmental health of the planet are well documented, and for me, riding my bicycle also aids my spiritual health-giving me the opportunity to connect with creation and the people I meet along the way, which is not possible in my car.

Understanding that all good and healthy activities done in God’s name and presence is a form of prayer, my bicycle is my monastery on two wheels. Several local bicycling events happen in June. First, our congregation is hosting a Blessing of the Bicycles after worship on June 12th. Ride or bring your bicycles to church that Sunday and invite your friends to bring their bicycles to be blessed too. This is a wonderful incentive to get your bicycle set for the summer and start planning adventures. We will have refreshments and some prizes for those who bring their bikes.

June 22nd is Bike to Work Day in the Denver metro area. It is a fun event with thousands of riders commuting to work on their bicycles that day. The cities of Denver and Aurora provide refreshment stations and post-ride celebrations along major bicycle routes for the occasion. (There is a breakfast station at the Piney Creek Trailhead, Orchard Road and Ida Drive.) It is a great event and I recommend making the effort. Even if you cannot ride the entire way, you can drive to a trailhead and ride to work from there.

Enjoy the summer weather and ride and walk as you are able.

Blessings,
Pastor Michael

Family & Stephen Ministries Resources Available To All

If you or someone you know - big or small - is feeling overwhelmed by gun violence, perhaps some of these resources can be useful.

• This link takes you to the article, “Helping Children Process the School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas,” which was prepared by Group Publishing, our Sunday School Curriculum publisher:

• Have you seen the Saint Peter Shared Library in the Fellowship Hall? There is a children’s section with books about a number of topics including mindfulness, understanding big emotions, and listening to what others are saying, like in one of Miss Mary’s favorites, The Rabbit Listened, by Cori Doerrfeld.

• Here is a link to a topical list of picture books put together by Miss Mary. Many of the books listed are also in the StPLC library, which you are welcome to borrow anytime:

• Of course, Bible stories can also be very reassuring. Take a look at the story of Gideon receiving God’s protection in Judges 6 and Moses receiving help from God in Exodus 3 & 4.

• Don’t forget that Saint Peter is home to several Stephen Ministers who are ready to support you. If you are interested in learning more, contact Stephen Ministry Leader, Lynn Sherpe.

Last, both Miss Mary and Pastor Michael are available to support you and your household as well. Whether it’s a prayer request or a long conversation, this is an important topic to discuss with God and with one another, especially our little ones.

Pentecost Celebration

Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday and it was a BIG Sunday at Saint Peter. Miss Mary put together a “Pentecost-in-a-Bag” with some fun tools for the kids to use during worship. And the kids got to help in the processional, too. Of course, as is tradition, many of you wore RED in honor of Pentecost as well as ORANGE in honor of Gun Prevention Awareness Month. If you feel compelled, wear orange all month to continue to show your support.

Join FIA For A Viewing of ‘Gather’ On June 24th

The Faith In Action (FIA) team invites you to a series of documentary film showings on the fourth Friday of each month starting in June. Bethany Laurie is graciously hosting the events in her backyard beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The first film on Friday, June 24th is 'Gather', which is about the growing movement among Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty.

Worship Servant Sign-Up Open To All

Saint Peter Lutheran Church members are needed to make Worship Services flow. Please consider participating as an assisting minister, a lector (onsite or on Zoom) or as a host. All you have to do is fill in this Google doc to reserve your spot.

If you have questions, concerns or ideas, contact Allison Summerton.

Rainbow Trail Day Camp @ Saint Peter July 11-14

Calling all kids pre-school through soon-to-be 6th grade! Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp counselors are headed our way July 11-14 for a week of Bible study, singing and fun. Here’s what you need to know:

Times: Preschool, 9:00 am to noon and kindergarten through 6th, 9:00-3:00 p.m.

Cost: $25/child; $40 total for a household with more children

Registration: There are paper registration forms in the Connection Center in the Narthex for the taking. You can also download the PDF form here or complete the online registration form here.

Andy Mohrhaus is leading the Rainbow Trail Day Camp crew this year and would love to see as many kids as possible from Saint Peter and the community participate. Invite a friend!

Women’s Retreat Led By Pastor Vera November 17-19

It is with great enthusiasm that Contemplative Ministries at Saint Peter invites all women to our first, and hopefully annual, Women’s Retreat with Pastor Vera.

You don’t want to miss the opportunity to spend a couple of days with other ladies from Saint Peter at the beautiful Hideaway in Colorado Spring for a time of fellowship, faith and fun. The retreat will begin Thursday evening November 17th and run through Saturday afternoon November 19th.

Registration is open and spots are limited, so register early and get it on your calendar. The retreat cost is $190 and includes two nights in a double occupancy room, all meals and supplies. Payment options and scholarships are available.

• Registration link: https://bit.ly/3MQazl7

• Hideaway (retreat location) link: https://bit.ly/3w7N5kD

If you have any questions, please contact Jeanne Maloney.