A Voice in the Wilderness

2020-05-06

Reaching out

One of the things I miss most on Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings is that time after the service when we hang around, chat, and catch up with each other. I miss grabbing a cup of tea or coffee and finding out what folks have been up to.

Our connection with others is so important—especially now. Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. In Genesis 2:18 God says that it is not good for us to be alone. We are hard-wired for community. There are blessings (given and received) in our life shared together.

I hold on to hope that one day soon we will be able to gather in person, and we will talk after the service, make coffee or lunch plans, and encourage one another. But in the meantime, here are some practical ways to stay connected:

• Hang around for a while after the service online this Sunday and visit.
• Start a video call (via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.) with someone you would normally chat with after a service (or even someone you have not talked to as often!).
• Pick up the phone and call someone who was not in church and find out how they are doing.
• Join us on Wednesday mornings at 10: 30 for Coffee and Conversation (more about that later in this newsletter).

If you need some conversation prompts, here are a few to help you get started:

• What is giving you hope right now?
• What is the most generous act you have seen recently?
• How do you want this experience to change you? How do you think it will?
• What do you hope we all learn or take away from this experience?
• What are you grateful for lately?
• What new hobbies have you started?
• What are you reading or listening to?
• How can I pray for you?

So…reach out to someone, start a conversation, check in on each other. Who might you bless today?

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Blessings,

Matthew+

Coming up...

Join us for Worship this Week

Saturday: Evening Prayer at 5:00 PM 

Time: May 2, 2020 05:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

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Meeting ID: 974 290 452
Password: 161595
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Sunday: Morning Prayer at 9:30 AM 

Time: May 3, 2020 09:30 AM Mountain Time 

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You can find a PDF copy for both services by clicking the buttons below.

The Gospel according to Matthew

Fr. Matthew is offering a study on the Gospel of Matthew on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. Grab your bible and bring your questions as we open the scriptures together.

On Sundays, our study uses our morning prayer ZOOM link.

Coffee and Conversation

Join us at 10:30 on Wednesdays for a Virtual Coffee and Conversation. Grab a cup of coffee or tea and join us for some informal conversation.

Join the Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 560 422 458
Password: 703727
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The Labyrinth is Open!

Snow is gone! New mulch lining the path!

So, what is a ‘labyrinth’??

Throughout history labyrinths have been places that were considered special, holy places. They have taken a number of different shapes but they all have one thing in common, they are meant to deliver us, in this tiny pilgrimage, to a different place within, to a place that helps us discover the sense of the holy, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They were used in the medieval church as a safe substitute for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, much in the same way that the Stations of the Cross were started by St Francis of Assisi. The most famous, in Notre Dame de Chartres is a huge labyrinth of twelve circuits.

Our labyrinth is a series of circular paths. Taking your time to walk through, meditating as you go, it takes about 40 minutes. Gary and I invite you to come and have some quiet, prayerful time. Please call ahead so we can let you know where it is located on our property.

One day, when this time of social distancing is over we would love to ask you to come inside and join us for a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Until then, feel free to walk it on your own.

Kaye and Gary Piper
719-660-0322

A word about giving

We recognize that there are a lot of folks who have been hit hard during this crisis and are grateful to the generosity of this community.

Some of you have asked what to do with your regular pledge and offering while we are not gathering together on Saturdays and Sundays. You may mail them to the church (we are picking up the mail every day) and we will put them in the offering plate and bless them during the service. You might also consider using bill-pay through you local bank if they offer that service.

This Sunday's Readings

The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:

• Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

• 1 Peter 2:2-10

• John 14:1-14

You can read them online here.

Church Directory

Now more that ever we want to make sure our church directory is up to date. If you have moved or changed phone numbers in the past year, please click here to fill out your current information.

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