The Open Doors' Curtain Call
Anne Marie Bartlett, St. John's Pastoral Minister

Mark your Calendar Now
Anne Marie Bartlett, St. John's Social Justice Coordinator

For 5-¹/₂ years now, the brainchild of one woman has brought hundreds of people together from all over the Twin Cities. The Open Doors group was formed in March of 2001. We started in the basement of the rectory with a group of twelve, and as time moved on, we gathered a mailing list of over 200 people.

The Open Doors group is ending. This kind of group takes on a life of its own, and when it's time to end, this also becomes clear. Open Doors was for folks over 40 who were single, divorced, or widowed. Many wonderful friendships have been born from this group. Fun, too much to be measured, has accumulated, and, as of this writing, FOUR WEDDINGS have been celebrated!

One of the first fliers that advertised the Open Doors group said things like, "Are you becoming a couch potato?;" "Is your answering machine light blinking?;" "Do you want more of a social life?;" "Are you ready for some fun?..."

From this invite came game nights here at St. John's, lawn bowling at Brits Pub, a card club that will continue to meet, a cruise, picnics, a walking group which will continue, restaurant of the month, establishment of the month, swing dancing, hay rides, Saints baseball games... on and on the list goes. This group went from being "on the couch to having to schedule couch time."

While Open Doors is ending, and there is a bit of nostalgia for all who have been involved, there is also a tremendous amount of gratitude for all it has brought to so many. A special thank you to Sharon Nast, St. John's parishioner, who took the brave step to call and get this off and running.  When we opened, we intentionally called this group Open Doors, and so, to sign off...

OPEN DOORS PRAYER

How pleased we are by open doors. As we stand outside, they paint a picture of invitation, welcome, and warmth. Yet how fearful we are of open doors when we stand inside. They make us vulnerable, allowing the unknown to enter, and the precious to leave. Help us to see a loving humanity standing in all doorways, as both host and guard. Then we can go out in glad confidence and come in to untroubled rest.

All past and present friends, please join us for our Farewell Bash on Tuesday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m. in Room LL109 here at St. John's. Just bring yourself.

On Saturday, December 2, the Social Mission Advisory Board is sponsoring a morning Advent Retreat for all of St. John's parishioners who have been involved in Social Mission work on behalf of our faith community. We have invited the Visitation Sisters, who are a presence in North Minneapolis, to come spend the morning with us and share their wisdom about the beautiful season of Advent as it relates to the Social Mission of  the Church. We will be blessed to have Sr. Mary Francis and Sr. Joanna with us. The Visitation Sisters have been serving in North Minneapolis since 1989.  From their mission statement:

"... We are present on the North Side to 'Live Jesus' by being part of this multicultural community -- to share prayer, hope, and God's blessings. Our friends are drawn into a circle of faith that brings us all to a clearer vision of the face of God. We will show gentleness and offer peacefulness to the community, if only for a moment."

It will be a wonderful morning to hold up the work of the Gospel that happens here at St. John's, and to pray with the good sisters, who (very intentionally and prayerfully) witness God's love. If just reading this has nudged you to find out more, come and share the morning. All are welcome. What better way to begin our Advent time? Invitations will be forthcoming.