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.
A DAY OF GRATITUDE
“What would it be to awaken to a day devoted to gratitude, a day of thankfulness for what was and yet will be?” (Stephen Levine)
Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love how the trees celebrate the conclusion and beginning of seasons. I’m invigorated by how the air signals to all living creatures, “Be still and in awe while preparing for what comes next, both the expected and the mystery.” St. Peter, be still in the blessing of wonder all around you and be invigorated with the Spirit as you prepare for what is ahead, both the expected and the mystery.
Peace,
Interim Pastor Michael TeKrony
Who are we, and where are we going? One of the tasks of the Transition Team is to help craft an introductory "resume" for Saint Peter Lutheran Church (the Ministry Site Profile). It is an opportunity to share more about the people, worship and work of this place with prospective pastoral candidates. Therefore it is important to understand the current pulse and direction of the church, our mission and vision: who are we (mission), and where are we going (vision)? And what core values guide us to answer these questions?
In 2022, the congregation identified these core values of StPLC: service, welcoming, and worship. Our mission and vision statement center on those values. Based on the Transition Reflections conversations so far, these core values still hold true. During our exercise to reveal and explore our individual and collective gifts, the most robust categories - how we truly see ourselves - were service, faith, and hospitality.
Now imagine you're in an interview, and you put those three qualities on your resume. And the employer asks, "Tell me about a time when you showed welcome to somebody." Or, "What steps might you take to ensure that your welcome is authentic and powerful?" Perhaps they ask you, "Describe what service opportunities you currently engage in, and tell me about your plans for enhancing your commitment to the community."
Our mission and vision are born from our strengths, virtues and values. On October 27 after worship, learn how we currently live out these values as we walk our mission to welcome all into God's love and live as a reflection of Christ. Furthermore, come share aspirations for how we can lean forward into our vision of hospitably welcoming all, creating supportive relationships, worshiping vibrantly and transforming faith into action. Come ready with questions, curiosity and creativity!
RAINBOW TRAIL REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 1!
Registration for youth camps, summer family camps, and Labor Day Family Weekend opens November 1st. Registrations will be received on a first come, first served basis.
GUNS TO GARDENS - SAFE SURRENDER OCTOBER 19
Montview Presbyterian and Temple Micah will co-host a safe-surrender program at Montview (1980 Dahlia Street in Denver) from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, in which gun owners may voluntarily surrender their firearms to be repurposed. Pieces from decommissioned firearms will be forged into life-giving tools: garden tools, jewelry and art objects. Guns to Gardens is a community of faith working to reduce gun violence in the Denver Metro area. Mike Martin, a minister-turned-blacksmith who created the Guns to Gardens concept, will be on site to ensure a safe and successful event. Please contact Jeanne Dallman (jeannedallman@gmail.com) with any questions.
BROWN BAG: OCTOBER 16
Brown Bag continues a study of "Sacred Earth Sacred Soul" by author John Philip Newell. Mary Pratt shares her thoughts: "[This book] is a gift of calm and peace to readers. It is also a call to action, as we discover ways to lead our lives with love. The book ... provided me with a ... pathway to recognizing and honoring God's generous gifts to all of creation."
You are invited to join in the conversation live or on Zoom at noon!
SAVE YOUR POP TOPS
The Ronald McDonald House serves as a "home away from home" for many folks with hospitalized children. The Pop Tab Recycling Program is an easy way to support this valuable resource. Simply pull off your beverage can tabs or soup tops (anything with a pull tab!) and bring them to church! We will collect them in a large jar in the narthex for delivery and recycling.
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.