St. John's Lutheran Church

Wednesday Bible Study

Every Wednesday at 12:00pm via Zoom

All are invited to join the mid-week bible study where we look at the readings for the coming Sunday’s worship, following the style of Lectio Divina. Together, we wonder, wish and notice how these ancient words still speak to us. Some days we even look for what might be “shimmering” for us!

Some of the current bible study participants say:

Our discussions help me connect ancient writings with my own lived experience.
I am always grateful for what I learn from everyone’s various experiences and feedback.
I like that everyone is welcome to this Bible Study.
This group is so meaningful to me.
Getting to know folks better through our “check-in” time.
It’s a mid-week refocusing on God’s word and living God’s love in the world.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82438003387?pwd=oHKJ6n1qCAcea2Y5yJEEIH69TSCE2h.1

Meeting ID: 824 3800 3387

Passcode: 640001

Praying the Psalms

Sunday, April 26 + May 3 at 10:15am in Oehler Hall

The Book of Psalms is a cherished resource for prayer and meditation. These ancient poems resonate with the full range of human emotions, offering words of praise, lament, thanksgiving, and hope. When praying the psalms, we align our hearts with the voices of those who sought God earnestly, and we can find comfort and guidance.

During these two sessions, we will explore the different types of psalms and then consider incorporating the psalms into our prayer life by reading a psalm slowly and reflectively and allowing the words to speak to our current circumstances whether rejoicing, struggling, or seeking wisdom.

Some psalms, such as Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”), offer assurance and peace. Others, like Psalm 51 (“Create in me a clean heart, O God”), provide a framework for confession and renewal. And still others, such as Psalm 22 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) offer words of lament for those who are grieving.

Participants will be encouraged to integrate the psalms into their prayer and meditation routines and to find a deeper sense of connection to God.

Social Justice and Faith-Aligned Investing

Sundays in May + June

Whether you have a few dollars or millions, you have the power to take control of your finances in a values-aligned way. This upcoming workshop series will help participants identify and apply their financial goals alongside their social justice and Lutheran values. This series is for everyone - all levels of financial experience are welcome.

This workshop series will be lead by Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel*. Elizabeth will bring learnings and resources from her work creating an ELCA values-aligned investment stratetgy as part of the Sierra Pacific Synod’s Investment Committee and her decade of experience working in values-aligned and faith investing. Each workshop will also have time for reflection and discussion and include materials to take home.

Sunday, May 10 | 10:15-11:15am

What is Social Justice Investing?

This introductory session will be an opportunity to hear more about what will be covered in the workshop series and hear why investing our values is important.

Sunday, May 31 | 12:30-2:30pm

Lunch & Learn #1: Mapping Your Money

Whether you have cash savings, a 401k, or a complex investment portfolio, this workshop will help find out where your money is, how it’s currently invested, and what your options are for taking action.

Sunday, June 7 | 12:30-2:30pm

Lunch & Learn #2: Mapping what Matters

In part 2, your will learn how to identify the right financial needs and goals for you and your family and your social justice priorities, as well as some practical frameworks for applying those to your investments.

We will be using the book ‘The Social Justice Investor,’ as a resource and guide for much of this series. If you are interested in purchasing the book you can find it here.

Disclaimer: Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel is a not a registered financial advisor and information provided during these workshops should be considered educational only and not taken as investment advice. Talk to a certified financial professional for all investment and financial decisions.

Sign-up to attend the May 31 and/or June 7 lunch and learn here!

Making Space for New Life

Friday, May 22 from 10:00am - 3:00pm in The Gathering Place

Come participate in a Gathering Place spring cleaning day! On Friday, May 22 from 10:00am - 3:00pm, we'll gather to clean out the Gathering Place. As we strive to create a hospitable, mission-driven hall for our direct services and community gatherings, we're in the process of a revamp. Before we install new items, we need to clean out and donate items we're no longer using. Lunch will be included, music will be playing, and fun will be had! If you're planning to attend, please RSVP to catherine.slabaugh@stjohnslc.org.