Partners in the Gospel: Listening Sessions
Come help shape the future of our parish family.
We are entering the final step of the “Who Are We” phase of Partners in the Gospel – Challenges and Opportunities.
This is your chance to help shape the future of our Parish Family. Members of Holy Spirit, Kent, and St. John the Baptist, Covington, are invited to reflect on two key questions:
- What challenges or obstacles might we encounter as we merge our two unique parishes into one family?
- What opportunities do you see in combining our gifts and resources?
Your input truly matters. The Parish Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) will receive the unedited words of every parishioner who participates. Just as in previous synodal sessions, what you share will directly influence the next phase: “Who Do We Want to Become?”
Let every person be quick to listen, but slow to speak, and slow to anger. Humbly welcome the word which has been planted in you and has the power to save your souls.”
– James 1:19, 21
Each two-hour session will be led by trained parish volunteers and will include prayer, reflection, and time for personal sharing. The synodal style gives everyone equal time to speak without interruption or rebuttal. The goal is deep, prayerful listening to where the Holy Spirit is leading us.
Every voice counts. We encourage all household members to take part. What feels obvious to one person may be a brand-new insight for another. Spouses should share individually, and youth will have their own sessions to voice their hopes and concerns for our parish family.
Choose the session time and location that works best for you. Then register online or on the paper forms in the narthex.
If there are no sessions that work for you or you need an alternative to in-person sessions, please contact the office at St. John the Baptist – 253-630-0701. More session options may be added to accommodate the needs of our parish family.
See Hope in Action: Breakfast with Vine Maple Place
Join Us for a Fundraising Breakfast to Support Families — Saturday, October 25
The Life, Justice, and Peace Commission of St. John the Baptist invites you to a special Vine Maple Place fundraising breakfast on Saturday, October 25, at 9:45 a.m. at their Maple Valley Family Hope Center, 21730 Dorre Don Way SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038.
Vine Maple Place is a powerful hyper-local ministry that walks alongside single mothers and their children in South King County, helping them transition from homelessness to build stable, hopeful futures. Their work is guided by the simple principle: “It’s all about the kids.”
Families in Crisis, Families in Hope
Every month, more than 400 families reach out to Vine Maple Place looking for a way forward. Behind each call is a unique story.
As someone who has volunteered for three years, facilitating weekly classes in employment and financial basics, I’ve seen firsthand that there is no single path to needing crisis support. Vine Maple Place clients come from every walk of life and level of education. Some are fleeing domestic violence. Others are choosing sobriety and leaving unsafe environments. Some are new to the area when unexpected setbacks force them into instability. I’ve met career professionals as well as women raised in generational poverty—each one determined to give their children a limitless future. – Rose McAvoy, St. John the Baptist Parishioner
What unites them is not where they’ve been, but where they’re going. With safe housing, life-skills training, and community support, families can move from crisis to stability—and from survival to hope.
This one-hour fundraising breakfast event is a chance to:
- Learn more about how Vine Maple Place is transforming lives right here in our community.
- Hear inspiring stories of resilience and renewal.
- Explore the many ways to support this work—from one-time volunteer opportunities to ongoing commitments, and of course, through prayer and encouragement.
- Support the work financially — donations help families move from crisis to stability.
- Stay for an exclusive tour of the Family Hope Center.
How You Can Help
- Sign up to join us in person on October 25; space is limited, so don’t wait to register!
- Plan to arrive by 9:45, breakfast will begin at 10:00 am.
- Get more information at the Life, Justice & Peace table in the narthex.
- For additional questions, contact Bob Denney at 206-650-4929, or rdenney13@outlook.com
- If you can’t attend, consider donating directly or via the QR code on the posters and in the bulletin.
Come, learn, and be inspired by how neighbors are helping neighbors right here in South King County.