For many, Lent has become a vain ritual where Christians give up small, often insignificant vices as they prepare to contemplate the passion and resurrection of Christ. But what if Lent was meant to be more radical and transformative than that? The fundamental call of Jesus to all who follow him is to sacrifice themselves and their lives for the good of their friends, neighbors, and even enemies. However, this call is more easily preached than practiced. In this Lenten sermon series, we will examine the tangible ways that Jesus demonstrated sacrificial living in his day and age, as well as the powerful, world-shaking ramifications his sacrificial life had on his society in his day.
Holiday Bazaar – Oct 27 & Oct 28
The Presbyterian Women of Southminster Presbyterian Church warmly welcome the community to our annual Holiday Bazaar! We are super excited for the upcoming bazaar, which will feature creative decorations, handmade items, home baked goods, holiday decor, gifts, jewelry, houseplants, pictures, collectibles, pottery, theme baskets, and so much more.
Friday October 27 and Saturday October 28 from 9:00am to 2:00pm
Thriving!
In June your Session held a half day retreat. It was a time to meet new session members, set committees and discuss the year ahead. For part of the morning Pastor TJ asked us to brainstorm what our church had accomplished over the past year and since Covid. At times brainstorming sessions can be intimidating. What if I don’t have anything to add to the discussion? What if we haven’t accomplished anything?
This is the list we came up with. . . . . . . .
- Resuming In-Person Gatherings
- Launching the Grace Jordan Food Pantry
- Eliminating Grace Jordan Lunch Debt
- Stretch Campaign for Parking Lot/Security
- Restructuring Session Committees
- Holy Humor & Pride Worship Services
- Introducing Pronouns on Nametags
- Carpenter’s Gift Project & Drew’s House
- Livestreaming Improvements
- Brighter Sanctuary Lighting
- Puppet Team Leading Worship Regularly
- Sabbath Worship Creativity
- Fellowship Meals and Dinners for 8
- Monthly Birthday Celebrations
- A Full Staff Team Onboard
- Instituting Annual Employee Reviews
- Updating Job Descriptions & Policies
- Fewer Paper Mailings / Stamped Mail
- New Church Sign on Overland
- New, Mobile-Friendly Church Website
- New Church Photo Directory
- New community groups welcomed
- Community Easter Egg Hunt
- Partnering with Whitney UMC
- Brewed for Thought; Dominoes
- Prayground Table in Sanctuary
Wow! What a list of accomplishments!
In a time when organized religion faces many struggles our congregation is Thriving. You all accomplished so much and we should all be proud of what we have done to share the love of Christ over the past year. Some large projects, some small – yet all important to our mission of sharing God’s Word.
Throughout October, we will reflect on what it means to Thrive in and through God’s Grace. Worship will include a weekly Moment for Stewardship with members of the congregation speaking about the incredible things God is doing through Southminster. This will coordinate with a four-week sermon series entitled “Thriving,” which will look at stewardship and generosity through a theological lens.
As we celebrate the ways in which we are thriving, you are encouraged to consider the importance of Southminster in your life, and how your continued financial support can further the mission and ministry of this congregation. Throughout the month, commitment cards (pledge cards) will be available at the church and online. As your Session plans for the 2024 financial budget and discerns what God is calling us to do together in the next twelve months, it is important to have a good estimate of income.
Southminster has a passionate and compassionate congregation. Our base is strong and we recognize the opportunities we have for growth. As we move into the fall calendar the opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and Christian Education await us. (And, we have a nice parking lot, too).
By God’s Grace, Southminster is Thriving!
Bruce Mohr,
Stewardship & Finance Elder
on behalf of Session
Helpful Links:
- Digital Fillable Commitment Card (to print/save and submit by email/office)
- Electronic Commitment Card (submitted electronically)
- Commitment Proportionate to Income Chart
PWS Updates – October 2023
Presbyterian Women will be Gathering on October 4 for the business meeting at 11:00 am, Lunch at 12:00pm by the Ruth and Rachel circles, and then our guest, Marianne Paul, will speak on Justice and Peace in the lives and work of Presbyterian Women.
Join a circle the third week of the month for a friendly study of “Sacred Encounters” Luke-Acts.
Beautiful fall colors are like a rainbow in the sky, reminding us of God’s Glory. Enjoy each day.
Helen Winkle, Moderator
Boise Presbytery PW Fall Retreat: Finding Your Sanctuary
Saturday, October 21, 2023, 9:00 – 3:30 Covenant Presbyterian Church (4848 N. Five Mile Road, Boise)
Registration is $20 includes lunch and child care if requested. An offering will be taken to support sending a woman to the Churchwide Gathering in August of 2024.
Speakers: Dani Forbess, Liz Ryder, Rachel Yates
Trunk or Treat – Oct 28 7:00pm
Join us for fun, food, and fellowship as we celebrate with our ever-popular annual Community Trunk or Treat. There will be plenty of trunks, plenty of treats, plus Food Trucks! Come one, come all!
Trunks will be available from 7:00pm until about 8:15pm (or whenever the treats run out!)
Are you a member of Southminster? Consider donating your trunk! Or, drop off some bags of candy or other individually-wrapped Halloween treats in the Halloween box found in the Narthex/lobby. Trunks must be set up by 6:30pm the evening of the event. (And yes… there will be prizes!)
