Sacred Settlement Update
As we prepare to celebrate the first Christmas with our Sacred Settlement, it’s hard not to stand in awe of all that God has accomplished in the past twelve months. Here’s just a sampling…
- Valerie spent her first night behind four insulated walls and a secure door, stretched out on a bed that didn’t make her body ache. And when she awoke in the morning, she didn’t have to wonder if she would need to leave again.
- The Bearys left behind their apartment to move in next door to Valerie and into the common house to begin building a new kind of community with us.
- We worked with the City of Roseville to find a pathway of understanding and a new methodology for caring for our poorest neighbors.
- We celebrated a new state law, giving our church and our city the confidence to commit to the full-community approach to chronic homelessness.
- We rejoiced when the congregation overwhelmingly voted to make the scared settlement a permanent component of our campus and our on-going ministry.
- We received the gift of a third home and set about to prepare it so that our settlement can grow to welcome our next new neighbor home.
The houses might be tiny but the sense of home they are creating is enormous. We give thanks that God has inspired you and so many others to come along with us on this journey. Recently, the folks at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church have offered their support of this ministry with the pledge of a financial gift and an expressed willingness to work with us as the settlement grows. And, we have received a sizable gift from some Prince of Peace members that want to invest in this transformative work, enabling us to respond to opportunities as they keep emerging.
Wow. God has surely come to live among us. Merry Christmas!
Celebrate Christmas at our Community Dinner, Dec. 17, 5:30 – 7pm
We continue to gather on the third Sunday of each month to share a meal, trade stories and to celebrate all that God is doing in and through our Sacred Settlement. This month, we’re combing the Annual Staff & Leaders Christmas Party with our Community Dinner. Pastor Peter and his wife Anne will continue their tradition of serving the clam chowder that was a beloved item off the menu at their restaurant for many years. If you’ve been wondering if you’d ever get a chance to try it – this is your moment! A vegan/gluten-free Curried Squash Soup will also be served.
Our Community Dinners are a pot-luck with the main course and beverages provided, so bring a dish to share if you’re able. Or not – it’s ok. Just come – there’s always plenty. And this is the place and time to learn all about the Sacred Settlement, to hear stories of real transformation, and to celebrate all that God is making possible.
Save the Date – Sunday, January 21
During our January Community Dinner, we’ll celebrate the first anniversary of our Sacred Settlement and have a blessing for our third home. Keep your eyes peeled for more information to follow in the new year.
