July Newsletter

A Personal Update

This last month was very full for our family. It began with our youngest son Asher proposing to his girlfriend! We couldn't be more happy for Asher and Angel and their upcoming wedding next summer. This means that a year from now Beth and I will officially be "empty nesters." I'm still not sure how I feel about that and will definitely need some therapy to process it all 😅.

In mid-June we took a trip back to Maryland with our oldest daughter, son in law, and granddaughter. We spent a few days enjoying Baltimore. This included time with Beth's family, an Oriole's game, the best crab cakes on the planet, and a few "snowballs." Then we spent time with my parents and my sister who live in Annapolis. My dad is going through some health challenges and it was a blessing to be with him and bring his great granddaughter around to lift his spirits. 

Shortly after we got back we began planning and putting the final preparations together for our oldest son's wedding. I was blessed to officiate and it was a gorgeous day to celebrate Sam and Sola Steinbach! I think I'm still riding a wave of joy from that day.

As we enter the summer months in the PNW we're grateful for the sunshine and some opportunities to camp. The work of Shalom also continues. Here are a few updates. 

Updates:

• Answered Prayer: Last month I mentioned how we were looking to raise $7,000 that will be a part of covering my health insurance and annuity for the next year. North Sound Church, who supported us in the past, agreed to give this to Shalom! What's amazing about that is North Sound is a non-denominational church that believes in helping plant Anglican Churches in the Puget Sound region. What an example of kingdom cooperation! 
• Answered Prayer: Last month I mentioned how we are beginning a book discussion that would act as a catalyst to discuss our next phase of growth as a church plant. Sixteen adults signed up for this group and we began last week!
• One of our core members has been leading morning prayer at his business with some of his employees for several months. They've been experiencing God's presence and guidance through challenging times. 
• I shared this last month but figured it was worth sharing again. A few months ago a friend of mine interviewed me on his podcast. He wanted to hear more of my story of moving from pastoring a non-denominational church that was a part of the Acts 29 network to becoming an Anglican Priest. I think the interview turned out well and demonstrated a healthy story of how something like this can happen in the local church. Here is a link to it on Spotify. You can find it on iTunes as well. 
• I've been able to walk with some folks through some challenging pastoral needs. 

Prayer:

• We've had some new visitors. One of whom hadn't been to church since they were a small child and they are now in their 40's! Please pray for more connection with those who have come and that the Lord would bring them back!
• Please pray for some planning and vision work I need to do this summer as we prepare to head into the fall. 
• Recently I was accepted into a program to train as a spiritual director with Soul Formation (www.soulformation.org). This is a 9 month program with 3 retreats and a variety of work in between. Please pray that I can take all I learn and apply it to my work as a priest and also provide spiritual direction for other pastors and leaders in the future.

As always, we are so thankful for your support and prayers!

Shalom,

Father Rob and Beth