Reflections from our Co-Pastors
Sept 2, 2021
Colossians 1: 9-14
I recently spoke to a friend who is both emotionally and physically exhausted. She told me that she had written a prayer to God that was a litany of difficult feelings, sorrows, and events that she was experiencing herself, and that were also happening in the world. In this prayer she told God that she did not want to sacrifice another daily walk due to the wildfire smoke polluting our pristene mountain air. She did not want to count up in her heart the lives and homes lost, the livestock, pets and other of God's creatures killed, or the equipment destroyed due to the fires. She did not want to see the newscasts from Afghanistan, or contemplate the displaced, maimed, and those without food and water in Haiti. And she did not want to hear of the extreme flooding in New York and New Jersey.
The litany went on and on...
She was overwhelmed with the anguish within and fear surrounding her, and she prayed that all this be held in the hands of God, for she realized her own helplessness to change these things. However, she also said that she realized that God urges us into prayer and compassion, and just as we pray the Prayers of the Faithful each week, by our prayers love is passed along from one soul to another.
I believe Saint Paul was well acquainted with the power of prayer, especially as he supported so many of
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the newly formed Christian communities. In today's reading from Colossians, he assures and supports his brothers and sisters in the church of Colossae, with this prayer which remains pertinent even to this day.
As we enter the season of Autumn, still cautious of what lies ahead with covid and its variants, may Saint Paul's prayer comfort us all as we imagine it prayed to our community:
Dear Members of Mary of Magdala,
"We have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may... be fully pleasing to God, as you bear fruit in every good work and as you grow in the knowledge of God.
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from God's glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to God, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. God has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kin-dom of God's beloved Son, Jesus, the Christ... "
Amen
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--> Become an Active Participant in Defining our Future <--
We Need Your Time and Talent
Another two opportunities are available to work together with our 301 Faith Partners and truly become 'better together'. Please read and consider becoming part of these initiatives. We do need your participation in building our future church. Contact us via email or phone (see at end of this e-bulletin)
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Outdoor Signage to Recognize Our Three Churches
A planning committee is being formed to recommend new outdoor signage to recognize all three churches. This will be a short-term project to be completed in about two months. First meeting will be on September 14th. Only one individual needed from Mary of Magdala.
For other volunteer opportunities, click here. All opportunities come with training and flexible scheduling.
Take a look!
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Vision Support and Education
With the creation of a vision, mission, a value statement and covenant for our 301 Faith Partnership, a small team is forming to support the distribution and education of materials to internal ministries and committees, as well as, outside groups. You will have the opportunity to get to know our partners, their work and provide them with the information they need to support the growth of our partnership. Only one individual needed from Mary of Magdala.
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Register by September 12th!
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
the Consecration of
The Rev. Kae Madden
as the Region’s First Local Bishop
September 19th at 3:00 p.m.
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Bethany Lutheran Church -- 4500 E. Hampden Ave. -- Cherry Hills Village, CO
In-person participants must register via this LINK.
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If you are interested in carpooling or need a ride to and from the consecration, please email us at marymagdalafc@gmail.com. Please include both your name and phone number.
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Recording for Sunday - Aug 29, 2021
The recording of the readings and the homily given by Co-Pastor Rev. Jane Reina is available here. And here is the service document to view or print to assist in prayer.
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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.
Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal
What are our partners in ministry up to? Go here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin
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Who Are the 301 Faith Partners? |
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The 301 Faith Partners have a Vision,
Mission and Values statement that guides our relationships, interactions, and shared projects and ministries.
Our Vision – ‘Our guiding Light’
Weaving a tapestry of love, hope and justice for the world.
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Read the Vision, Mission, Core Values and Covenant here.
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