Our Vision Statement: ‘With the heart and mind of Christ, we transform the world.’ | | |
Reflection from our Pastors
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Humility and Fire
The humility of Jesus can be heard in the Gospel readings of the past two Sundays.
In the most recent reading, Jesus walked into the humbling fire by calling forward an ill woman. In the previous week’s reading, while on his way to Jerusalem he said, “I have come to bring fire onto the earth and how I wish it were already here” (Luke 12:49). In fact, Macrina Wiederkehr wrote in Fire on the Earth, “Jesus wrestled with the fire but he didn’t walk around the flames, he plunged into the fire…” In the readings on both Sundays, he continues to anger the Pharisees.
And as Jesus continues on his way to Jerusalem he is again preaching in a synagogue on a Sabbath he when sees a woman with a chronic illness said to be caused by a spirit. Jesus, who we know will tell us of his execution and death at his last meal, walks into the fire and offers to cure this woman’s body and blood, her heart, mind and soul. He calls her forward to his prominent position among the teachers. He may be doing this, not from power and arrogance, but from compassion and humility. He feels her infirmity and steps into the fire of healing on the Sabbath, giving himself away.
Imagine the woman in her most vulnerable state. She puts her deformity on display as she comes forward and breaks the rules: she leaves her place among the women; she maybe hobbling, with a walking stick; she is unable to pick her head up to see Jesus’ face. She may be emotionally short-circuited: feeling all eyes on her, nakedly vulnerable, embarrassed, guilty, face flushed with embarrassment and body shaking with fear. Considering her physical presence, her psychological presence of sinfulness, she may lack that hope-filled anticipation that some others seeking healing felt. Although certainly she knows about Jesus, it is likely that she came to the synagogue in significant doubt about him healing her. If she definitely wanted a miracle she would have been outside shouting like the cured lepers. But who was she to expect a miracle?
Jesus sees only a person marginalized among the marginalized. He follows his Way, transcending fear so that Paul (Hebrews 12:3) could preach, “Consider the extreme opposition Jesus endured, that you also many not grow weary and lose heart.”
We are running a race today, too. Our values are being tested. “Let us persevere in running the race that lies before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus the Christ, the leader and fulfillment of our faith! (Hebrews 12: 3).
The Gospel messages and our Vision Statement exhort us to live with the strength of fiery humility:
‘With the heart and mind of Christ, we transform the world.’
‘With the heart and mind of Christ we transform the world” is a bold statement,
and we believe it to be true.
It is our north star and direct reference to Philippians 2:5, asking us to do more.
“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.”
It is not just about honoring what he did and how he lived
but rather a challenge for our path in this life.’
May we gain strength and perseverance from each other as followers of the Way,
Pastor Jane
| | This week at Mary of Magdala | | | | |
- S A V E T H E D A T E -
Where is the Spirit taking us?
2nd Regional Holy Synod
Rocky Mountain Region of the ECC
October 11, 2025
at Light of Christ
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Weekly Morning and Evening
Peace Prayer
Join us in a prayer for peace in the world and within ourselves. 20 minutes every Monday and Tuesday via Zoom. (Families invited!)
Monday Morning Peace Prayer
At 9:30 am on this Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 844 1669 8343, Passcode: 557026
Tuesday Evening Peace Prayer
At 7:00 pm on this Zoom Link < New Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 881 2656 0118 Passcode: 295075
May Mary, Mother of the World, who abhors all violence, pray for us. Rev. Jane
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SAVE THE DATE!
September 20, 2025, 1-2:30pm
Immigration, Suffering, and God.
Lunch and Learn Forum at Trinity Church hosted by Mary of Magdala
Guest panelists: Bishop Paul Burson, ECC, Dr. David Cloyd, MoM, and more to come. Facilitated by Cindy Cloyd. Q & A to follow
Stay tuned for more information!
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To All Members of Mary of Magdala:
While Mother Rosean is on vacation/retreat 8/18-9/16, please know that your needs will be met by our Pastoral Care Team.
This team consists of Rev. Jane Reina, Dori Healy, Jim Berry, Cindy Cloyd, Marylou Devlin, Len Russ, Pastor Rick Reiten, and Pastor Felicia SmithGraybeal
Whatever your need may be, please call the church office at
(970) 493-9536. Your call will be returned and your need addressed.
"Rest easy in the loving arms of your capable pastoral caregivers." Mother Rosean
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OKTOBERFEST 2025 – SEPTEMBER 27
RSVP Today! Click here
The 301 Faith Partners at Trinity Lutheran Church are excited to host the 3rd Annual Oktoberfest Fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity!
This event is on Saturday, September 27 from 6:30-8:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall of Trinity Lutheran Church.
Email Amanda@trinitylutheranfc.org with any dietary needs, such as gluten free or vegan. To adequately prepare, please RSVP today here.
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21st Sunday of Ordinary Time
The recording of the readings and homily for the 21st Sunday of Ordinary time, August 24, 2025 has been uploaded here.
Rev. Jane Reina was the presider and homilist.
Missed a homily or readings? Here is the link to past recorded services.
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Social Justice Reflection
Sunday August 24, 2025
For the Social Justice Reflection, David Cloyd presented a photo meditation, “Can You See Yourself (Part 1)”.
To view, click here.
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Praying for peace, health and well-being through challenging times.
+Len Russ, member
+Fr. Frank Quintana, ECC priest
+Kendal, daughter of Steve and Lisa Jones, member
+Zoe Wahl, sister of Kristina Bulik-Hocum, member
+Colleen DeMuth, member
+Courtney and Cache, family of Jean Christin, member
+Jane Kommrusch, spouse of Richard Kommrusch, member
+ Jeff Klein, son of Debbie Klein
+Mary Powers and Katie Richards, members healing from long COVID
+Milo Pasquale Cushman -- brother of Liz Urban, member
+Hope Kunze, granddaughter of Mother Rosean
+ Valerie Dorr, mother of Deana Andrist, TLC
+Cindy Cloyd, member
+Sandra Life, member
+Julie Lucas, daughter of Bruce and Carol Yeazell
+The Grant and Cloyd families, for healing
+Carolyn Sue Cecil and family, friends of Mary of Magdala
+ Mary Lou and David Devlin, members
+Rachel, Ryan, & Chloe Honeybourne, family of Julia Morrow, friend of Mary of Magdala
+ Sharyl Hoepfinger, for prayers of healing
+ Jenny Witzke, for prayers of support
+Pastor Rick Reiten, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran
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A blessed and peaceful repose of souls for those who've passed and comfort for the friends and families.
+Donna Lusby, friend of Ralph, Anne, Debbie, Mark, Dori, and Tom, members
+Lois Hug, mother of MaryAnne Heyman, member
+Richard Life, member of Mary of Magdala
+Donald Sherlock, brother-in-law of Dori Healy
+Joseph Grant, nephew of David and Cindy Cloyd
+Dennis Healy, Tom Healy's brother and Dori's brother-in-law
+Barbara Lange, grandmother of Gray La Fond
+Leonard Urban, husband of member Liz Urban
+Tess Peters, friend of Mary Lou Devlin, member
+Kelly Cahill, friend of Ruth Alexander
+Pauline Devlin, David Devlin's mother
+James Lyons, brother-in-law of Mary Lyons, member
+Carole Lyons, sister-in-law of Mary Lyons, member
+Jessica Melton, family friend of Jane Reina
+Jim Carroll, husband of member Dori Carroll
| | Please send prayer requests to marymagdalafc@gmail.com. Prayers will be listed for one month unless requested for longer. Prayers for the repose of souls will be listed for six months unless requested for a longer time. | | |
Wednesday - Weekday Mass
August 27, 11:00 am
- Dori Healy, candidate for the deaconate will lead a communion service
- No Zoom available
Sunday Mass -
August 31, 12:30 pm
- In person and Zoom available
- Dori Healy, will lead a communion service and provide the homily
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Wednesday - Weekday Mass
September 3 11:00 am
- Jim Berry, candidate for the priesthood will lead a communion service at this weekday mass
- No Zoom available
Sunday Mass -
September 7 12:30 pm
- In person and Zoom available
- Rev. Jane Reina presiding
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Did you miss an article or announcement?
Past e-bulletins are posted on our website here. Below are links to some key articles:
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July News from the Office of Presiding Bishop - here
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ECC News from the House of Laity - May - here
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Spring News from the Office of Presiding Bishop - here.
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Read the recent ECC statement on immigration here.
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Ongoing Giving Opportunities in Fellowship hall; see list here.
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Dedicating Altar Flowers? Contact Joan Stepleton at JoanStepleton@gmail.com or 864-650-2816. A $25 dollar donation is kindly requested.
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Mary of Magdala Parish Community
Members: Need to view, update information or download a copy of the member directory? Just click here.
-->If you are in need of a picture for the directory, contact David Cloyd via this email. Put 'Need Picture for the Directory' in the subject line and include your name and telephone number in your email <--
CONTRIBUTIONS TO MARY OF MAGDALA
If you would like to contribute to Mary of Magdala,
click here to schedule a single or recurring Sunday offertory.
All are invited and ALL are welcome to join our parish community. Here is the webpage with more information on membership
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Our Vision – ‘Our guiding Light’
Weaving a tapestry of love, hope and justice for the world.
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The 301 Faith Partners--Mary of Magdala, Trinity Lutheran, St Paul's Episcopal --have a Vision, Mission and Values statement that guides our relationships, interactions, and shared projects and ministries.
Read about our Mission, Core Values and Covenant here.
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The ECC Regional Website - View here.
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Newsletters of Trinity Lutheran Church and the St. Paul's Episcopal
Click here for the Trinity Lutheran Church monthly newsletter, "Tidings". And here is St Paul's weekly bulletin.
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