Reflection from your Co-Pastors - February 1, 2022

On Loss and Love

My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you... (2 Samuel 19: 1)

Today's readings present three grieving people. David is grieving the death of his son, Absalom. Even Absalom's treachery and betrayal cannot ease his father's anguish. Jairus is grieving the near death of his young daughter. (Mark 5:23) Anticipatory grief can be just as painful as any other grief. And the woman with the hemorrhage is grieving the loss of a life that for twelve long years was anything but normal. (Mark 5:25-29)

Grief underscores loss--whether that loss is a loved one, our health, normalcy, a home, a job, our independence or a cherished dream. But grief also underscores love. It confirms for us just how precious individuals can be. It reminds us of the beauty of the ordinary. It calls attention to daily blessings we so easily take for granted.

Creator God, may all my grieving give me a greater appreciation of the love, beauty and blessings of daily life.

Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D., Living Faith-Daily Catholic Devotions

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Grief and Loss Counseling offering

With our increased concern for everyone’s well-being, we are offering the availability of experienced grief counselors.

Grief and Loss are topics that are best expressed in a safe setting with experienced professionals, as well as within loving families.

The three counselors who are available to support our community are:

Michelle Schell, LSW, Certified Grief Counselor
Kathy Krohn, LCSW with 30 years’ experience in grief and loss, aging, and medical settings
Jen Phippen, LCSW, Certified grief counselor with 10 years’ experience. Owner, Transform the Nest (www.Transformthenest.com)

Pastor Jane personally and professionally knows these counselors and recommends them.

If you are interested in group or individual sessions, on zoom or in person, or just want to learn more about this, please email Pastor Jane or Mother Rosean at marymagdalafc@gmail.com or call our office at 970-493-9536.

Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay

This week at Mary of Magdala

Request for Birthday Wishes

Mary Detweiller is turning 90 years young next Wednesday, February 9th.

As a long-time member of Mary of Magdala, she is known by many. Mary has had many health challenges and recently had to move into a senior facility. But she is extremely happy that she can celebrate her 90th birthday.

We would like to invite all from our community in celebrating Mary's birthday by SHOWERING HER WITH CARDS! Please send a card or just a note to help her celebrate and lift her spirits about her recent move.

Mary's address is: MacKenzie Place, Rm A-302, 4750 Pleasant Oak Dr., Ft. Collins, CO 80525

Thank you, cheers, and God's joy be with you,

The Hospitality Ministry

Image by Jan White from Pixabay

ISAAC Reads - a Book Discussion on February 15 - The House of Broken Angels

ISAAC Reads would like to invite the 301 Partners to our first book group. We are trying to introduce books that will enlighten us all of the difficulties immigrants have when entering another country. The first book we are doing is "The House of Broken Angels" by Luis Alberto Urrea.

We will discuss the book

on February 15th from 7:00-8:30 via Zoom.

If you are interested we ask that you please RSVP by adding your via this link.

Click here to RSVP for the discussion group.

We plan to do this every 6 weeks so keep an eye out for our next read.

Stewardship - Pledging your Time Talent and Treasure

This past year has been a challenge for Mary of Magdala, ECC, to remain flexible and open to how best serve our community and fulfill our mission. We continue to focus on providing meaningful worship opportunities and adapting our social justice efforts based on changing needs.

The financial support we’ve received in 2021 has allowed us to continue with our 3-year financial plan — and for this we are extremely humbled and grateful.

But equally important to Mary of Magdala are the volunteers. We estimate over 50% of the hours dedicated to ministries at Mary of Magdala and our partnership is completed by our volunteer’s Time and Talent.

Please complete the pledge form and return it during our annual campaign January 23- February 20, 2022. For volunteering please let us know your interest by emailing us at marymagdalafc@gmail.com.

In Christ’s love and mission,

Your Leadership Council

For the full Stewardship letter, click here.

For the Financial Pledge form to print, click here.

Here is the e-version (MSWord) to fill out and send via email

For detailed list of volunteer opportunities, click here.

For information on ways to contribute one-time or recurring, click here.

Mary of Magdala, ECC 301 E. Stuart St., Fort Collins, CO 80525

Request for Prayers

Praying for peace, health and well-being through challenging times

+ Dave Burgoon of TLC

+Dave Skinner- friend of Sharon Friedman

+Linda Browell - member

+Gale -beginning chemo. Uncle of Gaston Lopez, member

+Yvonne Keefe - member

+Harry, 11 year canine companion to Gray La Fond.

+Michael Juranek, recently diagnosed with prostate cancer, friend of David and Mary Lou Devlin

+Everly Parks - 4 year-old with cancer, friend to Lynne and Jim Barnes, members.

+Miles - 10 year-old with cancer, friend of David and Mary Lou Devlin

+ Mary Etta Fothergill - friend of member Cathy Engel

+Jerry Padilla, father and Ryan Cordova nephew of Lisa Jones - member

+Rosemary - Fr Michael's mother

+Mike Gudim

+Suzanne King - member

+Joanne Gallagher - member

________________

A blessed and peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the friends and families.

+Mary Lynn Eyestone, sister of Joan Chapman Smith, member

+Jerry Foxhoven, uncle of Bill Smith, member

+Craig Starbird, brother-in-law of Mary Lyons, member

+For the niece of Steve and Cheryl Backsen (of Trinity Lutheran) and the entire Backsen family

+Fr. Denny Dempsey - and in gratitude for his spiritual presence in my life - Gaston Lopez

+Leo Six – Father of Michael Six, member

+Dolores Orsi - mother of member

Jared Orsi

Service Recordings

Recording - Sunday, January 30, 2022

View the readings, gospel and the homily by Bishop Kae Madden and here is the Sunday Worship Aid d for you to print or view.

Past Recordings, Bulletins, and Announcements

For all bulletins, reflections, Sunday recordings during, visit our webpage. Please contact us with questions, concerns and ideas for better connection with and for the community - marymagdalafc@gmail.com. And feel free to call the office at 970 493-9536.

Our Vision – ‘Our guiding Light’

Weaving a tapestry of love, hope and justice for the world.

The 301 Faith Partners--Mary of Magdala, Trinity Lutheran, St Paul's Episcopal --have a Vision, Mission and Values statement that guides our relationships, interactions, and shared projects and ministries.

Read about our Mission, Core Values and Covenant here.

Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal

What are our partners in ministry up to? Click here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin.