Pastor's Office
Rev. Mandy Achterberg, STM
"Pastor Mandy"
I am sharing a google sign up for virtual connection conversations with me to set aside time to get to know each other. Please use THIS LINK to sign up for times.
Office hours -
Pastor Mandy is typically in the Northglenn area Mondays through Wednesdays 9:30am - 4:30pm. Pastor Mandy has limited availability on Thursdays and Saturdays as needed but is typically working remotely. Fridays are typically her day off.
Prior communication is encouraged as virtual meetings are a regular occurrence and drop-in visits can not always be accommodated. The best way to communicate a desire to visit is to email Pastor Mandy at pastor@sslu.org .
With new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Council and Pastor Mandy have put together new guidance on building use and plans for a return to in person worship. Pastor Mandy and Council's letter, as well as new building policy and plan for in-person events can be found below.
Letter to Congregation Building policy Plan for in-person worship
For pastoral care needs Pastor Mandy can be reached by phone (720) 334-9943 or email pastor@sslu.org
april 12, 2021
Ways to Connect
Thursday - Centering Prayer, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 835 6480 4415
Passcode: 496597
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
Sunday Worship, 9:00 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 876 0834 4518
Password: 369289
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Houston)
If you haven't done ZOOM before you should probably log on ten minutes before your session is supposed to begin so that you can download the software on to your computer. There's an introductory user's guide to ZOOM you can download - click here. You can use any of these numbers to call into a ZOOM meeting. If you access ZOOM this way you will need the meeting ID number and password. If your calling plan charges you for long-distance call, you will be charged that rate during the call.
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Synod Assembly
This year Synod Assembly will be virtual and take place Thursday, April 29th - Saturday, May 2nd. Perhaps you have been curious what happens at these annual meetings, but haven't been able to travel or attend as a guest for other reasons. This is a great year to tune in, and we have the capacity to include guest viewing along our voting members. Check out the schedule here.
Let Pastor Mandy know if you are interested in attending all or portions of this year's assembly.
Bible Study
Due to scheduling issues, Bible Study is on hiatus until May 5th/6th.
Caring for one another:
One of the great joys of worship on Zoom is seeing all of the fury, feathered, and scaly companions of our congregation. One of these companions, Jetta and her family, are in need of help. Two weeks ago Jetta injured her hind leg and is in need of surgery. Stephanie and Julie have shared what Jetta (their black lab) means to them and are asking for support in the form of prayer and donation to help this surgery happen. If you are in a place to lend a hand, please click the link below. Thank you for your generosity in helping one of our own.
In Our Prayers
Gertrude Cabana, Stephanie Casias, Elaine Dunbar, Dot Fox, Nancy Jessee, Craig Jessen, Louise Kruse, Paul Kruse, Alfred and LeeAnn LaFrance, Ben Lubben, , Delores Nikunen, Jan Speer, Jim Stettenbenz, Marie Stettenbenz, Mark Stettenbenz, Nate Vettel (Wilma Adams’ grandson), Alex and Leo (friends of Roberta Boitano and Kim Gustad), Diane (Flo Christian’s daughter-in-law), Duane (Amy Burke's father), Gertrude Cabana's brother and sister-in-law, Frank (father of Frank Gibbard), and all who are ill with Covid-19 or struggling with persistent barriers to wellness because of Covid-19.
Please call or text Cyndi Skillings with prayer requests:
303-886-9019
For pastoral care needs Pastor Mandy can be reached by phone (720) 334-9943 or email pastor@sslu.org
Special Congregational Meeting – Sunday, March 14th following worship
In late December, congress passed the second round of Covid relief. Part of this relief was additional funding for the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and the opportunity for organizations that received a PPP loan in the late spring to apply for an additional loan. These loans are forgiven so long as they are used by a certain date and used specifically for payroll, mortgage reduction, and utilities. Essentially this loan becomes a grant. St. Stephen’s received one of these loans in early summer and utilized it within the time frame specified and will have that loan forgiven. With this second round of loans and additional funding, we were encouraged to apply and have been approved for a second PPP loan. Because of the amount and the way that this program works as a forgivable loan if used for payroll, mortgage reduction and utilities, we need to agree to receive this loan as a congregation.
We will hold a congregational meeting on Sunday, March 14, 2021 immediately following worship to vote to receive a second Payment Protection Program Loan.
If you have any questions please reach out to Pastor Mandy, Russ Skillings – Council President, or Curt Williams – Council Parliamentarian.
March 8, 2021
Ways to Connect
Wednesday - Bible Study, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 844 7903 8748
Password: 496597
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (San Jose)
Wednesday - Midweek Gathering, 6:30 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 833 8572 0598
Passcode: 916998
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83385720598#,,,,*916998# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,83385720598#,,,,*916998# US (Tacoma)
Thursday - Centering Prayer, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 835 6480 4415
Passcode: 496597
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
Thursday - Bible Study, 7:00 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 448 754 9312
Password: grace
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (San Jose)
Sunday Worship, 9:00 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 876 0834 4518
Password: 369289
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Houston)
If you haven't done ZOOM before you should probably log on ten minutes before your session is supposed to begin so that you can download the software on to your computer. There's an introductory user's guide to ZOOM you can download - click here. You can use any of these numbers to call into a ZOOM meeting. If you access ZOOM this way you will need the meeting ID number and password. If your calling plan charges you for long-distance call, you will be charged that rate during the call.
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Special Congregational Meeting – Sunday, March 14th following worship
In late December, congress passed the second round of Covid relief. Part of this relief was additional funding for the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and the opportunity for organizations that received a PPP loan in the late spring to apply for an additional loan. These loans are forgiven so long as they are used by a certain date and used specifically for payroll, mortgage reduction, and utilities. Essentially this loan becomes a grant. St. Stephen’s received one of these loans in early summer and utilized it within the time frame specified and will have that loan forgiven. With this second round of loans and additional funding, we were encouraged to apply and have been approved for a second PPP loan. Because of the amount and the way that this program works as a forgivable loan if used for payroll, mortgage reduction and utilities, we need to agree to receive this loan as a congregation.
We will hold a congregational meeting on Sunday, March 14, 2021 immediately following worship to vote to receive a second Payment Protection Program Loan.
If you have any questions please reach out to Pastor Mandy, Russ Skillings – Council President, or Curt Williams – Council Parliamentarian.
Opportunities for Engagement in Lent
SUNDAYS IN LENT
9 am Worship on Zoom
10:30 Faith Formation: Spiritual Practices that Root and Grow Us
Pastor Mandy will lead us in conversation about various spiritual disciplines and practices that help us to remain grounded and connected to God and one another.
WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
12pm – 5pm Open Sanctuary Space
Sanctuary will be open for mediation and reflection with a prayer station
Sign up in advance on this form, by emailing Pastor Mandy
(pastor@sslu.org), or calling Pastor Mandy (720)334-9943.
There are no set time limits on how long an individual may stay, but masks and physical distancing between members of different households are required.
6:30 pm Lenten Meal/Social gatherings on Zoom
Prepare a simple meal and gather for connection
7:00 pm Lenten Midweek Services on Zoom
A simple service with reflections from Urban Servant Corps Interns and Alumni about finding God in unexpected places.
March 1, 2021
Ways to Connect
Wednesday - Bible Study, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 844 7903 8748
Password: 496597
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (San Jose)
Wednesday - Midweek Gathering, 6:30 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 833 8572 0598
Passcode: 916998
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83385720598#,,,,*916998# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,83385720598#,,,,*916998# US (Tacoma)
Thursday - Centering Prayer, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 835 6480 4415
Passcode: 496597
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
Thursday - Bible Study, 7:00 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 448 754 9312
Password: grace
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (San Jose)
Sunday Worship, 9:00 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 876 0834 4518
Password: 369289
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Houston)
If you haven't done ZOOM before you should probably log on ten minutes before your session is supposed to begin so that you can download the software on to your computer. There's an introductory user's guide to ZOOM you can download - click here. You can use any of these numbers to call into a ZOOM meeting. If you access ZOOM this way you will need the meeting ID number and password. If your calling plan charges you for long-distance call, you will be charged that rate during the call.
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Special Congregational Meeting – Sunday, March 14th following worship
In late December, congress passed the second round of Covid relief. Part of this relief was additional funding for the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and the opportunity for organizations that received a PPP loan in the late spring to apply for an additional loan. These loans are forgiven so long as they are used by a certain date and used specifically for payroll, mortgage reduction, and utilities. Essentially this loan becomes a grant. St. Stephen’s received one of these loans in early summer and utilized it within the time frame specified and will have that loan forgiven. With this second round of loans and additional funding, we were encouraged to apply and have been approved for a second PPP loan. Because of the amount and the way that this program works as a forgivable loan if used for payroll, mortgage reduction and utilities, we need to agree to receive this loan as a congregation.
We will hold a congregational meeting on Sunday, March 14, 2021 immediately following worship to vote to receive a second Payment Protection Program Loan.
If you have any questions please reach out to Pastor Mandy, Russ Skillings – Council President, or Curt Williams – Council Parliamentarian.
Opportunities for Engagement in Lent
SUNDAYS IN LENT
9 am Worship on Zoom
10:30 Faith Formation: Spiritual Practices that Root and Grow Us
Pastor Mandy will lead us in conversation about various spiritual disciplines and practices that help us to remain grounded and connected to God and one another.
WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
12pm – 5pm Open Sanctuary Space
Sanctuary will be open for mediation and reflection with a prayer station
Sign up in advance on this form, by emailing Pastor Mandy
(pastor@sslu.org), or calling Pastor Mandy (720)334-9943.
There are no set time limits on how long an individual may stay, but masks and physical distancing between members of different households are required.
6:30 pm Lenten Meal/Social gatherings on Zoom
Prepare a simple meal and gather for connection
7:00 pm Lenten Midweek Services on Zoom
A simple service with reflections from Urban Servant Corps Interns and Alumni about finding God in unexpected places.
February 22, 2021
Ways to Connect
For pastoral care needs Pastor Mandy can be reached by phone (720) 334-9943 or email pastor@sslu.org
Please click the links above for the manuscript of Pastor Mandy's sermon from Ash Wednesday and this past Sunday.
Wednesday - Bible Study, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 844 7903 8748
Password: 496597
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (San Jose)
Wednesday - Midweek Gathering, 6:30 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 833 8572 0598
Passcode: 916998
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83385720598#,,,,*916998# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,83385720598#,,,,*916998# US (Tacoma)
Thursday - Centering Prayer, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 835 6480 4415
Passcode: 496597
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
Thursday - Bible Study, 7:00 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 448 754 9312
Password: grace
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (San Jose)
Sunday Worship, 9:00 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 876 0834 4518
Password: 369289
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Houston)
If you haven't done ZOOM before you should probably log on ten minutes before your session is supposed to begin so that you can download the software on to your computer. There's an introductory user's guide to ZOOM you can download - click here. You can use any of these numbers to call into a ZOOM meeting. If you access ZOOM this way you will need the meeting ID number and password. If your calling plan charges you for long-distance call, you will be charged that rate during the call.
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Opportunities for Engagement in Lent
SUNDAYS IN LENT
9 am Worship on Zoom
10:30 Faith Formation: Spiritual Practices that Root and Grow Us
Pastor Mandy will lead us in conversation about various spiritual disciplines and practices that help us to remain grounded and connected to God and one another.
WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
12pm – 5pm Open Sanctuary Space
Sanctuary will be open for mediation and reflection with a prayer station
Sign up in advance on this form, by emailing Pastor Mandy
(pastor@sslu.org), or calling Pastor Mandy (720)334-9943.
There are no set time limits on how long an individual may stay, but masks and physical distancing between members of different households are required.
6:30 pm Lenten Meal/Social gatherings on Zoom
Prepare a simple meal and gather for connection
7:00 pm Lenten Midweek Services on Zoom
A simple service with reflections from Urban Servant Corps Interns and Alumni about finding God in unexpected places.
Many members of our congregation have received one or both of their Covid-19 vaccines. This is delightful and hope-filled news!
The vaccines are quite exciting too! For the first time vaccines are helping our bodies build antibodies by using messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)! For scientists and science enthusiasts this is exciting news. This video helps to explain how it works.
Getting vaccinated when we are able helps to protect ourselves from the virus, and studies are showing that it also reduces the risk that we will spread it to others. However, until we reach a level where nearly all have had the vaccine, community spread is still possible. So we continue to wear our masks, and prioritize safe gatherings - small numbers, virtual whenever possible - to keep one another safe, healthy, and whole.
Thanks to Tammy Wollbrinck for sharing this and helping us to understand what it means to be a vaccinated community!
Caring for one another
Here are the "buddies" that are checking in on each other:
If you do get a "buddy," please be sure to let Karen Shifty know. Thanks to all of you who are putting in the extra effort to keep us connected!
In Our Prayers
Gertrude Cabana, Stephanie Casias, Elaine Dunbar, Dot Fox, Nancy Jessee, Craig Jessen, Louise Kruse, Paul Kruse, Alfred and LeeAnn LaFrance, Ben Lubben, , Delores Nikunen, Jan Speer, Jim Stettenbenz, Marie Stettenbenz, Mark Stettenbenz, Nate Vettel (Wilma Adams’ grandson), Alex and Leo (friends of Roberta Boitano and Kim Gustad), Diane (Flo Christian’s daughter-in-law), Duane (Amy Burke's father), Gertrude Cabana's brother and sister-in-law, Frank (father of Frank Gibbard), all who are ill with Covid-19 or struggling with persistent barriers to wellness because of Covid-19.
We surround Arlene Mathiesen and all who morn the death of her son Jason, and cousin Lois, with prayer and loving care.
We surround Jim and Marie Stettenbenz and all who morn the death of his brother Jim, with prayer and loving care.
Please call or text Cyndi Skillings with prayer requests:
303-886-9019
For pastoral care needs Pastor Mandy can be reached by phone (720) 334-9943 or email pastor@sslu.org
january 11, 2021
Ways to Connect
Wednesday - Bible Study, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 844 7903 8748
Password: 496597
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (San Jose)
Thursday - Centering Prayer, 9:30 am click here to join
Cyndi Skillings will lead us in a time of contemplation and centering prayer.
Meeting ID: 835 6480 4415
Passcode: 496597
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
Thursday - Bible Study, 7:00 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 448 754 9312
Password: grace
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (San Jose)
Sunday Worship, 9:00 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 876 0834 4518
Password: 369289
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,87608344518#,,,,0#,,369289# US (Houston)
If you haven't done ZOOM before you should probably log on ten minutes before your session is supposed to begin so that you can download the software on to your computer. There's an introductory user's guide to ZOOM you can download - click here. You can use any of these numbers to call into a ZOOM meeting. If you access ZOOM this way you will need the meeting ID number and password. If your calling plan charges you for long-distance call, you will be charged that rate during the call.
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Giving Envelopes
2021 Giving Envelopes are available for pick-up in the office during the following times:
Monday 1/11: 9:30 am - 4:00pm
Wednesday 1/13: 11am - 4:00pm
Other times may be arranged by contacting the office.
CHANGE OF DATE: Annual meeting will take place on Sunday, January 31,2021 immediately following worship.
Committee and Ministry group leaders, please remember to submit your reports!
Caring for one another
Here are the "buddies" that are checking in on each other:
If you do get a "buddy," please be sure to let Karen Shifty know. Thanks to all of you who are putting in the extra effort to keep us connected!
In Our Prayers
Gertrude Cabana, Stephanie Casias, Elaine Dunbar, Dot Fox, Nancy Jessee, Craig Jessen, Louise Kruse, Paul Kruse, Alfred and Leeann LaFrance, Ben Lubben, Jason Mathiesen, Delores Nikunen, Karen Shifty, Jan Speer, Jim Stettenbenz, Marie Stettenbenz, Mark Stettenbenz, Nate Vettel (Wilma Adams’ grandson), Alex and Leo (friends of Roberta Boitano and Kim Gustad), David (Karen Harmon's cousin), Diane (Flo Christian’s daughter-in-law), Duane (Amy Burke's father), Kevin (friend of the Burke family), Gertrude Cabana's brother and sister-in-law.
Please call or text Cyndi Skillings with prayer requests:
303-886-9019
For pastoral care needs Pastor Mandy can be reached by phone (720) 334-9943 or email pastor@sslu.org
january 4, 2021
Ways to Connect
Wednesday - Bible Study, 9:30 am click here to join
Meeting ID: 844 7903 8748
Password: 496597
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84479038748#,,,,0#,,496597# US (San Jose)
Thursday - Centering Prayer, 9:30 am click here to join
Cyndi Skillings will lead us in a time of contemplation and centering prayer.
Meeting ID: 835 6480 4415
Passcode: 496597
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Tacoma)
+13462487799,,83564804415#,,,,,,0#,,496597# US (Houston)
Thursday - Bible Study, 7:00 pm click here to join
Meeting ID: 448 754 9312
Password: grace
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,4487549312#,,,,,,0#,,742921# US (San Jose)
Sunday - Synod-wide Worship , 9:00 am click here to join
Staff from the Office of the Bishop have coordinated a synod-wide worship event for this Sunday 1/10/21 as part of the larger RMS ZOOMfest (information below). This is a great opportunity for us to connect with and experience the gifts present within our region. Pastor Mandy will be participating in the leadership of worship.
** Please note this is a different link than our usual Sunday Worship**
January 8th-January 10th
ZOOMfest 2021
Are you seeking a moment of connection in the midst of social distancing? Perhaps a spiritual retreat that doesn't require the risk of travel? Seeking meaning in a weary world?
Rocky Mountain ZOOMfest 2021 has a little bit of something for everyone! Check out the schedule of events here. Including synod-wide worship at 9:00am on Sunday. Pastor Mandy will be participating in worship leadership and we are invited to join in with congregations throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod for worship together.
More information can be found on the Rocky Mountain Synod web page: https://www.rmselca.org/zoomfest
Giving Envelopes
2021 Giving Envelopes are ready and available for pick-up in the office during the following times:
Wednesday 1/6: 11am - 12:30pm, 3pm - 5pm
Saturday 1/9: 9:30am - 1:00pm
Monday 1/11: 9:30 am - 4:00pm
Annual meeting will take place on Sunday, January 17th following worship.
Committee and Ministry group leaders, please remember to submit your reports!
Caring for one another
Here are the "buddies" that are checking in on each other:
If you do get a "buddy," please be sure to let Karen Shifty know. Thanks to all of you who are putting in the extra effort to keep us connected!
In Our Prayers
Gertrude Cabana, Stephanie Casias, Elaine Dunbar, Dot Fox, Nancy Jessee, Craig Jessen, Louise Kruse, Paul Kruse, Alfred and Leeann LaFrance, Ben Lubben, Jason Mathiesen, Delores Nikunen, Karen Shifty, Jan Speer, Jim Stettenbenz, Marie Stettenbenz, Mark Stettenbenz, Nate Vettel (Wilma Adams’ grandson), Alex and Leo (friends of Roberta Boitano and Kim Gustad), David (Karen Harmon's cousin), Diane (Flo Christian’s daughter-in-law), Duane (Amy Burke's father), Kevin (friend of the Burke family), Gertrude Cabana's brother and sister-in-law.
Please call or text Cyndi Skillings with prayer requests:
303-886-9019
For pastoral care needs Pastor Mandy can be reached by phone (720) 334-9943 or email pastor@sslu.org