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February Newsletter

 Friends of Shalom,

Freshly Painted Sanctuary
As I was re-reading my journal over the last month, I came across this sentence, "Things are going well, but there's a lot to do!" 

I think that describes this season we are in. As we're moving from what's felt like an experiment that may or may not work to a church community getting planted I'm seeing the needs for more organization and development. 

Included in the work is also good old fashioned pastoral ministry. There are many opportunities for me to meet with folks one on one as they are growing in their faith or navigating difficult circumstances. I've had several of these kinds of meetings lately.

Updates:

  • Everyone has been enjoying our newly painted sanctuary. We were able to partner with the school that owns the church on this project to get this done! 
  • This Friday I'm meeting with 3 other couples and we are preparing to launch "Table Groups" in March. These are basically monthly dinner's hosted in various homes which include Compline. This will be a big step for us as we'll now have more opportunities for community throughout the month for our people.  
  • We recently saw two couples who've had their first child come back to regular worship with us. One member recently commented how they were so encouraged by all the children! 
  • I was able to attend our annual clergy retreat and was encouraged to spend time with the 35 or so clergy from our diocese. 
  • I trained two new Eucharist servers. They are both excited to serve our church in this role.
  • I recently had someone preparing for baptism tell me how filled with joy she is and has been inviting family to her baptism! 
Pray:
  • Our finances were $2,000 short in January. This often happens at the beginning of the year for churches, but please keep that in prayer. 
  • We have 2 infants and 1 adult preparing for our next baptism (possibly a few more) at our Easter Vigil. Please be in prayer for them. 
  • For our next Catechism class that will start in March. Pray for the right folks to sign up! I think we'll have between 5-10. 
  • For our Ash Wednesday service coming up as we begin Lent and for those who might join with us that night who are looking for an Ash Wednesday service. 
  • For those who are coming regularly who are exploring the faith. 
Thanks again for your interest and support!

For the Shalom of Kitsap,

Fr. Rob Steinbach



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