This past Monday evening, over 50 members of our church, pastors and members from other Roseville area congregations and partner ministries, plus supporters of Settled and the Mosaic Sacred Settlement all arrived at City Hall to be a visible witness to the City Council as they heard our appeal of the staff ruling regarding our efforts to care for the homeless. Before we entered the council chambers, we gathered outside the front entry of City Hall to pray. Though our appeal was formally “denied,” we now have an opportunity to negotiate a path forward in partnership with city staff and its leaders. As we do so, may we continue to keep the claims of this prayer central to our efforts.
May God’s hope embrace you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray…
Tonight, we find our home in you God, may this place become holy ground tonight..
We pray for Mayor Dan Roe and Council Members Jason Etten, Wayne Groff, Robin Schroeder, and Julie Strahn-
God, open their hearts and minds and pour in your love and wisdom so that the seeds of compassion already present will be nurtured to grow. Continue to bless their leadership of this city. Help them understand that those we seek to serve are not just house-less, and that a home doesn’t exist without a community wrapped around those who live inside. And, as Avia Beary wrote in her prayer for us, may you “go with the people of this city council!”
We pray for City Manager Pat Trudgeon, City Attorney Rachel Tierney, City Development Director Janice Gundlach and all the city staff. May they continue to give wise counsel to our elected leaders but also recognize that the vision you have for the world isn’t contained in or constrained by lines of legal code or boxes waiting to be checked off. Help them to be eager partners in this work we share, loving and serving the people of this community.
We pray for Police Chief Erika Scheider, Assist. Chief Joe Adams, Cari McCollor – Housing Navigator and Homeless Advocate and the officers and staff of Roseville PD that serve ALL our neighbors, whether living in a permanent home or not. May their concern for the safety and support of the most vulnerable among us be a witness for us all and inspire us on our way.
We pray for Valerie Roy, one of the bravest women I’ve ever met. Her willingness to grasp for a future among us is an echo of those who would reach out just for the chance to touch the hem of Jesus’ robe. May her boldness not go unrewarded. May we be comparably bold in what we ask of this city.
We pray for Mischa, James, and Avia Beary, comparably brave to Valerie, who have set aside so much of themselves while choosing to be on this adventure with us. We know you are with us God, because they embody so much of your vision.
We pray for Gabrielle Clowdus, Fred Ogimachi, Meredith Campbell and everyone from Settled who have never wavered in their commitment to this vision and making the kingdom of heaven as real as a cluster of tiny homes, a common house, and room at the table for everyone.
We pray for Evan Berquist and his colleagues at Cozen O’Connor, that their wise counsel may guide us all and this community may be reminded that our faith in you God, cannot stop us from being a blessing to this city and, indeed the whole world.
We pray for Congregation President Michael Stetzler as he represents the 446 baptized members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. God, may your vision for this church be realized in his leadership. We pray too for our many partners in faith around the metro, we stand united, as one body of Christ, magnifying your love in all we do.
We pray for Stanley & Peggy, living in their RV in our parking lot tonight. And for all those who live this night without a sense of or place to call, “home.” For all those who are disconnected from a family or community to love them and care for them. Make your presence known to them and inspire the next person they meet to offer them a reminder that they are not forgotten.
We pray for all those assembled here this night. We do this because you started it! When you chose to love us, as imperfect as we are, how else are we expected to behave? We’re going to trust that you’re not leaving us now but will continue leading us down this path. We find our home in you, may all have the chance to do the same. And all God’s people say… Amen!
Prayer at the Doors of Roseville City Hall, March 6, 2023