Transcript:
Greetings to you all from the Southwest Region of Colorado. My name is Reverend Teri Shecter, and I serve as a deacon at St. Matthews here in Grand Junction. Since last November, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the missioner for this region. The Southwest region includes 13 churches, spanning an area from Grand Junction near the Utah border to Monte Vista and Crestone in the San Luis Valley. Things have been really busy over here. In June, Jamie Galbasini from St. Matt’s was ordained to the permanent diaconate, and Rob Rose from St. John’s in Ouray was ordained to the transitional diaconate. Several local clergy visited St. Christopher’s Episcopal Mission near Bluff, Utah. We discussed ways we might partner with congregations to discern and support lay and ordained leaders on the Navajo Nation. Doug Bleyle was installed as rector of St. Barnabas, Cortez, and Mark Chambers was installed as rector of St. John’s in Ouray.
Our executive committee welcomed three new members, and continues to meet regularly to explore ways to support and connect our churches. Here are a few additional highlights from our area. The five deacons based out of Grand Junction at St. Matthew’s have been busy visiting as many churches in our region or nearby regions as possible. The deacons serve at the altar and preach on the meaning and importance of the diaconate as a way to encourage and expand our order. St. Patrick’s in Pagosa Springs continues to work on their memorial garden expansion and the remodeling of the parish hall. St. Luke’s in Delta continues to support AA groups and regular yoga practice. The congregations of St. Stephen’s Monte Vista, in partnership with St. Augustine’s in Creede, are hoping to welcome Father Doug Neel from Pagosa as their partnership vicar. Paul Barnes, lay leader, explained that St. Augustine’s Creede is growing. They welcomed three new members in 2023, which is pretty darn good for a small church in a small community. Church of the Nativity in Grand Junction continues to help supply water to our unhoused sisters and brothers in local parks.
The Southwest Region Convocation is September 9th, and I encourage all those in our region to attend. I’m excited to be involved in the ministry of collaboration and communication with all the churches I serve. It’s a privilege to see firsthand the amazing work God is accomplishing through each of the members of our 13 churches. I look forward to seeing you all at convention right here in my hometown in October. Until then, be well, travel safely through our beautiful state.
