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March Newsletter

Simple Pastoral Ministry

Our Family!

Something that I'm reminded of on an almost weekly basis is how much people appreciate simple pastoral ministry! In our day, people can get online and find polished platforms, excellent teaching, and never ending Bible resources for free. But what they can't get is a pastor who will sit with them and listen to what's going on in their life. What they can't get is a pastor who will remember their name, pray for their needs, and offer spiritual direction for their souls. 

I recently received a message from someone who had been to our church a few times but then ended up attending another church on and off. 

"I just wanted to tell you what a joy it was to be back in Shalom's service again today. This morning you welcomed me with a hug and remembered my name. That meant so much to me. I've decided I want to make Shalom my home church and want to learn more about how I might get involved."

Another person I met with recently, who is new to Shalom and new to the faith, kept thanking me as it was the first time they had met one on one with a pastor. 

In each of these situations I didn't do anything fancy to get them to come to our church or make our ministry more attractional. It was just simple pastoral ministry that made the difference. As we plant Shalom I'm seeing over and over how being a parish priest in my community is my primary strategy to reach new folks. 

Updates:

  • Beth and I got to have a Sunday off a few weeks back to enjoy a weekend with all our kids, their spouses. fiancé, and grandkids! Our service was led by volunteers from Shalom who did a great job. 
  • Table Groups have officially launched at Shalom! We have 4 groups beginning to meet this month. 
  • We had a rich Ash Wednesday service!
  • We've had a few new visitors stick around and are exploring our church.
Prayer:
  • Pray for our baptismal candidates. We have 1 adult and 4 babies being baptized at our Easter Vigil.
  • Pray for our Catechism class that starts 3/22. We'll have over 10 adults joining us for this round. 
  • Pray for Holy Week services. 
  • Pray for our women gathering for an evening of fellowship as well as a group going to our Diocesan women's retreat. 
  • Pray for several folks going through some very difficult challenges. 
Thanks for your prayers and support!

For the Shalom of Kitsap,

Father Rob 


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