EVENTS

Come join us as we work together to rejuvenate our space! Your helping hands can make a huge difference in keeping our community space bright and welcoming. Held at Luther's Table 419 S. 2nd St Renton WA 98056

We want to to hone the WHY and the HOW of Luther's Table so that it can be a sustainable outreach ministry. If you would like to help the SHIFT HAPPEN at Luther's Table. Please attend one of these listening sessions. Luther's Table has been a beloved ministry of St. Matthew's for years and has entered into a new season of visioning and dreaming. A few months ago, the synod reached out to St. Matthew's leadership to work with a team of volunteers who have been caring for the space over the last couple of years. The St. Matthew's Council created a temporary LT Board, and Bobbi Cyr, Sarah Jones, Pastor Kacey, David Hackney, John Megow, and Amanda Bedsaul have been walking through a visioning process in collaboration with the NW Washington Synod.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the Family Fellowship Night! There will be a Taco Dinner Bar (please sign-up below to bring an item to share) and games following dinner. Plus a whole lot of fun!

If you have been a long time member, or recently joined St. Matthew’s and have yet to become a member of the church, please join us at the New Members Class. In the following weeks more information will be provided, until then if you have questions, wonderings, and/or thoughts about becoming a member of St. Matthew’s please join us at the class or reach out to Pr. Rachel.

Adult Senior Group friends: Pat Lee would like to know if anyone is interested in going to the 5th Avenue showing of Mary Poppins on Saturday, December 7. If you are interested, please contact Pat Lee or email connect@stmatthewsrenton.org

The Transitions group is for people living through the transitions which accompany life changes, and is open to anyone. The subject will be Emily Freeman's podcast #91 "Be a placemaker." In this podcast, Emily challenges us to think about "the ellipsis" we might be in. You could use the word "ellipsis" to describe the period of uncertainty/transition which accompanies every major change in one's life. Emily also talks about her mindful choice to make "space" for things that are important in the time of life she was in. Are there things in your life that you need to make "space" for? It may not be "physical things" you need to make room for either. It might be making space for practices you engage in, such as meditation or prayer, studying/learning, doing something which brings joy, or maybe just simply being present to yourself and others. We can talk about these things or whatever else is on your heart when we meet Meeting ID: 841 3670 8272 Passcode: 789836

Together, we will explore how we are feeling during this time of change, share important information, and ask holy and curious questions about our hopes and dreams for the future. We’ll also take time to wonder how God is moving in our church and community, and how God is calling us to be active and engaged as we move forward. A light lunch will be provided. We look forward to journeying through this time of discernment together. More information to come. Until then, if you have questions, reach out to Bobbi Cyr,

Engaging in meaningful conversations with those with different viewpoints can be challenging, sometimes, it can even feel impossible. This September and early October, you are invited to a three-week series called, "Bridging Divides: Curious Conversations" based on Monica Guzmán’s book, I Never Thought of It That Way. (You do not have to read the book to fully participate. ) This series is designed to equip each of us with the tools and confidence to engage in these difficult conversations with grace, understanding, and empathy. We’ll explore how to better understand others' perspectives, listen deeply with compassion, and find common ground in unexpected places. Each session in the series will also highlight a spiritual practice to ground all conversations. Sunday, September 29 (Session 1: Why are we so divided? ) Sunday, October 6 (Session 2: How can curious conversations bridge divides?) Sunday, October 13 (Session 3: How do our perspectives need to shift?)

Kubota Garden combines Japanese garden design with native Northwest plants. The garden was started in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, a Japanese immigrant and skilled landscaper. He created a peaceful setting with hills, streams, ponds, and waterfalls, blending Japanese techniques with native plants. After being released from internment during WWII, Kubota continued to develop the garden, which grew to 20 acres. In 1981, the core of the garden was named a Historic Landmark, and in 1987, the City of Seattle purchased the garden to preserve it. Our tour guide will be Susan Cook, a dedicated volunteer, has been helping maintain the garden for many years. Every Tuesday morning, she assists the gardeners with various tasks to keep the garden beautiful. Susan is also working on a special project to document the lifecycle of each maple species in the garden, contributing to the preservation and understanding of this unique landscape.