- Northside Achievement Zone Bus Tour participants (January 30, 2016)                                     

Social Justice Ministry: Prepare, Engage, Reflect
By Cecelia Caspram

Many of you have been hearing about the new approach we are taking in the Social Justice Ministry - Prepare, Engage, Reflect. What does this mean, in practice?
The High Commitment Discernment Team had many moving, powerful, inspiring experiences last year, as we fanned out across the Twin Cities to visit different organizations and communities, to meet those working with our neighbors on the margins. As we were wrapping up our period of pilgrimage, we all had the same realization: we need to offer these opportunities to everyone. All of our church community members should have this same chance to stretch their worldview, expand their boundaries and horizons, be inspired, and learn through powerful direct experiences.

But we didn't want to just take you all somewhere and then leave you to stew with all of the thoughts and emotions brought up from the experience on your own. So we talked through and developed this model:

  • Prepare: offer an opportunity to prepare for the experience - spiritually, emotionally, and/or mentally.
  • Engage: directly engage in a pilgrimage experience. 
  • Reflect: take time afterward to process thoughts and emotions, discern where you saw the Holy Spirit moving, share where/why you were inspired, experience spiritual and emotional support in places where you felt challenged, and to explore where you might be feeling called to engage further.
For the recent bus tour of the Northside of Minneapolis, this model is our guide. To prepare, we shared a series of websites to explore, so tour participants could become familiar with things currently happening in North Minneapolis. To engage, of course, we took around 30 people on a bus tour throughout North Minneapolis, as led by Don Samuels and Mike Christenson. Tina Maynor shared her experiences living and teaching there. We heard from Sondra Samuels, CEO of the Northside Achievement Zone. We also had another guest speaker, who talked about his decision to move into the Northside and start an urban retreat center.

Now, to reflect: we are offering a discussion in the library on Sunday, February 21st, at NOON. We want you to come even if you didn't attend the tour, because we feel like there is a lot you can learn just from participating in the discussion with those who did experience the tour. Tour participants were quite moved that day, and we want even more of you to be touched by what we learned/experienced.
We hope you can make it!
Lenten Taize Candlelight Prayer: February 21 
 
In place of the regular Sunday Evening worship service at 5:30pm, we will offer a Taize format with a Lenten focus.  St. Matthew's has used this worship service many times in the past few years.  Taize is part of an ecumenical movement offering contemplative  worship with roots in reconciliation and peace traditions. It began in the small village of Taize, France after World War 2 to heal the wounds of war.  The tradition continues today, offering a worship style that appeals to many, all over the world.

The St. Matthew's version offers sung chants, periods of silence and prayer.  Come rest and reflect during the Lenten season and be refreshed in spirit.  Plan to stay after the service for the Sunday Evening supper at 6:30pm! 

Way of Jesus Group for Teachers, Human Services and Social Workers
By Dan Anderson

A Way of Jesus group is forming for teachers, human services, and social workers. Our initial gathering will be held on Sunday, February 28 at 12:00 in the library. We will gather for prayer, get acquainted with our colleagues, and discern how, when, and where we might like to gather in the future for prayer, sharing, and mutual learning and support. Contact  The Rev. Dan Anderson if you have questions, would like more information, or to let us know you are interested.
Birdie & Gloria
Thank you from the Thayer Family

Dear Blair and The St. Matthew's Family,

What a celebration you all provided as we honored Gloria's life and love.  Everything was so well thought out and put together beautifully.  The entire service, from start to finish was a bit overwhelming and filled our hearts with joy.  Blair - thank you for your words, support, love and kindness to our family.  Birdie, Valerie, Mary, Tracy and the rest of Gloria's St. Matthew's family - we thank you for loving Gloria and providing her such a beautiful  place she called home.  May her zest and spirit live within each of us.

Blessings,
The Thayer Family
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Faith + Learning Resources
  • EMMA Gathering: Embracing Hope Through Story and Song: Join with friends from other East Side faith communities to deepen friendships by telling stories, listening, singing, praying and breaking bread together. Missioner Amanda Ziebell-Finley will lead us in storytelling while Connie Borchardt, music director at St. Mary's Episcopal will lead us in community building through song. All are welcome. Morning coffee and lunch will be provided (free will donation). The meeting will be held at Ascension Episcopal in Stillwater. Register here
  • Jim Wallis of Sojourners wrote a book recently:  "America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America." Here is an article he wrote about giving up indifference for lent.
  • Another great resource on forgiveness and reconciliation is Matt Linn's book, Don't Forgive Too Soon.
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Deep Listening Spiritual Practices...

 

Here are several Deep Listening Practices to consider when in conversation with others.

These were used in the recent Deep Listening Training at St. Matthew's with Spiritual Directors from the Christos Center.

 

1. Just listening, no comments

 

2.  Practice using reflection and open-ended questions:

  • I heard
  • I noticed
  • I wonder
  • Say more about...
  • The word you repeated the most is (   ).  Does it have special meaning?
  •  Where is God involved in this situation?     

3. Write down your reflections from these experiences:

  • How was this for you?
  • What did you notice in yourself?
  • What did you notice in the conversation?

If you are interested in learning more about this, visit the Christos Center for Spiritual Formation website.                                                            

Looking Ahead: Calendar Highlights
  • February 18, 25 and March 3: Lenten Series - Book discussion of "Reconciling All Things" with Holy Trinity Episcopal, 6:00pm
  • February 21 and March 6: Celtic Sources class in the Faith Forum with John Lawyer, 9:15am
  • February 21: Social Justice Meeting, 12:00pm
  • February 21: Lenten Taize Candlelight Prayer, 7:00pm
  • February 28: All ages Faith Forum on Faith and Technology, 9:15am
  • February 28: Way of Jesus for Teachers and Social Workers, 12:00pm
  • February 28: Loaves and Fishes at the Dorothy Day Center
 
Please share your news and photos with us: [email protected] 

Visit our website for the prayer list, calendar and sermons