The content of this post (which is automatically delivered to email subscribers) includes a summary of the latest issue of Saint Peter’s Our Life Together (weekly newsletter). You can find a link to the latest issue by clicking here.

DID YOU MAKE ANY RESOLUTIONS?

Estimates vary as to what percentage of us actually stick to a resolution (some sources say 80% get a bit wobbly after a month, others state that about 40% of folks remember their resolve at 6 months). The odds are a bit grim: while our drive to fulfill goals is high the first week of January, that starts to fizzle by February, and is likely burned out a few months in.

It’s counter-intuitive, because folks set goals that are generally good or good for them. Maybe it’s some sort of healthy-living plan, or a resolve to save money for retirement, make new friends, add more fruits and vegetables, or be a more courteous driver. So why is it so hard to stick with it?

A goal is a what. It might be a concrete thing, place, accomplishment, or characteristic. And it’s typically not where you are right now. Oftentimes, though we mean well, we set a goal from a place of lack or scarcity, and that doesn’t really feel good nor does it spur us to action. For instance: a goal to eat more fruit and vegetables might immediately spur the thought “...because my diet is low in nutrients.” It can get the I-haven’t-changed-so-far-so-I-likely-won’t-change-now ball rolling.

Try this out instead: make the goal the starting point. And rather than allow your brain to unravel the resolve by imagining obstacles, work backwards instead. If the goal is the what, can you find the why? The motivation? The drive to follow through? Can you start from an identity of abundance rather than lack?

If you set goals around your church life, for example, the train of thought might go something like this: “I will participate in a community outreach project this year because I want to explore my apostleship because I am an active servant of Christ.” Or maybe, “I will read a Bible passage each day because I want to deepen my understanding of the Word because I am a curious disciple.” Perhaps, “I will pray before dinner with my family because I want to create a spiritual habit because I am devoted to developing our relationship with each other and God.”

Give it a try this year! Can we make a goal together? Let’s make Saint Peter a welcoming place for all. In 2024, we will connect, grow, and serve God through serving others … because we are welcomed into God’s love and sent into the world as a reflection of Christ.

SUNDAY FUNDAY UPDATES

Sunday Funday is back in operation following our Christmas Break. We will learn all about Epiphany on Sunday, January 7! All 3-year-olds through 5th graders are welcome to attend and all 6th-8th graders are welcome to be team leaders!

Please email Ms. Mary (mpratt@stplc.org) if you and your family participated in the 12 Days of Christmas spiritual practices on any of the days from Christmas to Epiphany! She would love to know if this was helpful and/or enjoyable. You can always let her know when you see her at church also.

CAN YOU HELP UN-DECORATE THE CHURCH ON 1/7?

The D.E.S.I.G.N. Team needs help taking down the Christmas decorations! Please stay after church this Sunday if you can help reset the sacred space.

CHRIST IN THE CITY

Who: Anyone. Families. All ages. We will carpool from Saint Peter!
What: Help serve lunch, visit and play games with people who are unhoused.
Where: Benedict Fountain Park (401 E 20th Ave. Denver).
When: Saturday, January 13.
Let Ms. Mary (mpratt@stplc.org) know by January 10 if you are interested and available. If you have participated before, we'll meet you at Benedict Fountain Park at 12 noon. If this is your first time, we'll meet at the StPLC parking lot at 9:25 a.m. and depart by 9:30 a.m. The required orientation for first time participants is at 10 a.m.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Each group member needs to register at least two weeks in advance. Contact Brittany Hass (bbrjunebug@gmail.com or 602.684.3056) when you’ve signed up, or if you have any questions!

Upcoming Habitat builds:
Saturday, January 20 (8:50 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, February 24 (8:50 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

HELP SPREAD THE WORD WITH AN StPLC GOOGLE REVIEW!

If you haven’t already left a review online, please take a couple of minutes this week to share with the online world what you think is special about our South Denver church. It’s free to do and will only take you a couple of minutes. You can find instructions from Google here. You can find the Saint Peter listing here.