From the Co-Pastors

Dear Friends,

My head wants to write about the church budget and my heart wants to write about this amazing community of which we are all a part.  So I’ll write about both.

If you look around, you’ll see some amazing changes at Montview.  From the south on Dahlia Street, the church rises to its full height, drawing our eyes and thoughts upward to that which is larger than ourselves.  The new ramp, a generous gift from a Montview family in loving memory of a family member, offers a wide and gracious entrance into the Sanctuary for all who need access.  Soon a labyrinth, again given in memory by of a loved one by another Montview family, will be laid to invite us and those in our neighborhood into meditative practice and reflection on our way to faithfulness.  A Contemplative Garden space that will be filled with trees and landscape in memory of the many saints who have gone before us – a space we can use for outdoor worship – will come into being.  The south campus takes shape through the generous gifts of those who participated in our Capital and Mission Campaign.  The new ramp and lift from Dahlia speak strongly that Montview is a community and a House of Prayer for All People.

Step inside the Sanctuary on a Sunday morning and you can feel the vitality of our wonderful community.  Look at the handprint Montview has made in Nepal, Uganda, around Denver and through the wider reach of our mission in the Presbyterian Church, and you will see our faith in action in inspiring ways. Consider the ways that Montview has been here for those who have lost loved ones, sought baptism for their children, come to our sacred space to begin their married life and been fed by the beauty of our Sanctuary, the strength of God’s word and the inspiration of our amazing music.  Think of the ways children, young people and adults have been supported on their life journeys by this community.  It is all a wonderful gift.

And all the while, our elders and deacons, our dedicated staff and many of you work behind the scenes to keep Montview strong as a place of faith and light.  The Spirit of God is in this place and leads us forward into what comes next for us.

Of course, all of this comes only with dedicated service, faithful giving and a common work that keeps going even in a difficult economy.  The Session has worked and struggled to make the financial gifts you give to Montview continue to support the work that we do together.  It takes all of us, and I invite you again, to do your part.

Keep your eyes and ears open to God’s leading and the voices of leadership in this congregation.  We aren’t there yet with the budget; we still need your support.  But, we are confident that where we will get, will be the right place.  Thank you to so many who have promised your love, service and financial support  to Montview.  Consider joining those who have made a 2010 Estimate of Giving if you haven’t yet done so.  Together, we are and will be the Church.

Peace,