Upcoming Events
Gather Together
Please Join us for the next Community Concerns Movie Night!
Wednesday, September 30 • 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. • Parish Hall
Why do we vaccinate?
What is a social contract and what does it have to do with vaccination? Quite a lot, it turns out, according to a recent documentary to be shown at our September 30 Community Concerns evening in the Holy Spirit Parish Hall.
Shot in the Arm, produced by Academy Award nominee Scott Hamilton Kennedy, takes a close look at vaccine hesitancy historically and in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic that killed more than 15 million people worldwide, yet prompted the rapid development of vaccines that saved just as many.
The social contract to give up some individual freedom in exchange for mutual protection was frayed mightily during the pandemic and today is again under challenge regarding measles vaccinations and other long-accepted childhood vaccines.
Join us as we explore this timely topic, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30. Beverages and snacks will be available. All are welcome, and you’re invited to stay for the discussion afterward.
Joining us for the discussion will be Dr. Sophia Newcomer as well as Dr. Atty Moriarty. Dr. Newcomer is a vaccine epidemiologist and associate professor with the University of Montana. Throughout her career she has led multiple NIH- and CDC- funded projects focused on vaccine safety, measurement of vaccine uptake, and improving the delivery of vaccination services. Dr. Moriarty is a pediatric hospitalist in Missoula, where she cares for both sick children and newborns. She also serves as president of the Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Join us for the Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 4 • 3:00 p.m. • Parish Hall
We’re delighted to bring back our Blessing of the Animals! It’s been two years since we last gathered with all creatures great and small, and we’re excited to share this joyful tradition again. Join us on the church grounds with your pets — on leash or in a carrier, please — for this joyful and heartfelt service. Whether they bark, purr, chirp, hop, or simply observe, every beloved companion is welcome to receive a blessing. Come share an afternoon of wagging tails, curious noses, and the gentle joy these animals bring to our lives. Join us on Sunday afternoon, October 4, at 3 p.m.
Tales from a life in nature education
Tuesday, October 6 • 6:30 pm • Parish Hall
Our third presentation in the Working for Creation series will feature the wide‑ranging career of Warren Gartner. Warren worked as a camp counselor, outdoor education staff member and program director, wilderness trip leader at YMCA Camps, Indiana Project WILD Coordinator, Conservation Education Director for the Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife, President of the Environmental Education Association of Indiana, and creator of the Indiana Children and Nature organization. His lifelong commitment to helping people connect with the natural world has taken him into classrooms, forests, camps, and communities across several states.
Come and enjoy tales from his wild past and participate in some of his engaging education activities. We will also discuss the importance of experiences in nature to our well‑being and how time outdoors shapes our understanding of Creation and our place within it.
Join us for an evening of learning, laughter, and lively stories — and come ready to join in the fun.
Celebrating women in music with organist and composer Brenda Portman
Tuesday, October 7:30• 8:30 pm
Mark your calendars now for a wonderful evening of music co-hosted by the John Ellis Endowment for Liturgical Music and the Missoula chapter of the American Guild of Organists. We will be welcoming organist and composer Brenda Portman in a recital featuring music by women, half of which will be her own compositions.
Women’s Group: Living Our Faith Together
Tuesday, October 15 • 11:00 a.m. • Guild Room
Looking for a space to reflect, connect, and grow in faith with other women? Come join the Practicalities of Faith group, a welcoming circle led by Julie Benson, where heartfelt conversation and spiritual companionship flourish. Whether you’re navigating life’s joys or challenges, this group offers a gentle place to share, listen, and explore how faith shapes our everyday experiences.
All women are welcome —bring a friend, bring your questions, and come just as you are. No preparation needed, just a spirit open to connection.
Upcoming gathering:
October 15 at 11:00 am in the Guild Room (Please note change in meeting time!)
Drop in for this session — no registration required. Whether you’re new to Holy Spirit or a longtime parishioner, we’d love to have you.
Come be part of a supportive community where faith meets real life, and where women encourage one another to live with purpose, grace, and joy.
It's Holiday Market Time!
Friday, November 13 • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Saturday, November 14 • 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Holiday Market is on its way, and we are again asking you to think about what you can donate to this year's event. Do you have any Antique or Vintage items, Holiday Decorations, Handcrafted items, Art for the Gallery, Jewelry, or "Regiftables" (accompanying boxes especially treasured) for our now famous Gift Shop.
This year we are also hoping you'll look to your own creative skills as well. What do you or
others in your family make that would be fun additions to the handcrafted items at this year's
market?
You have plenty of time to get busy on your projects as Market dates are Friday and Saturday,
November 13 and 14. (We will begin accepting donations for three days beginning Sunday,
November 8.) Sign-up tables for volunteers and answering questions will be after church on
Sundays October 25, November 1 and November 8. In the meantime, please contact Sue
Lowery at slower14@gmail.com or 406-546-8401 with any questions or concerns.
Holy Spirit's Holiday Market has made a wonderful name for itself in Missoula because of you,
and we mustn't let those customers down. Your efforts in any of the many ways you can
participate will again assure a most magical event.