Rocky Mountain Synod Events

  MARCH 2010

March 10, 2010
"Fighting Abuse In The Home" Summit
Sponsored by the Colorado Council of Churches

The number one cause of injury to women in the United States is: domestic violence.

The Colorado Council of Churches and F.A.I.T.H. (Fighting Abuse In The Home) are calling the Christian faith community together for a summit on domestic violence on Wednesday, March 10. It will be held at the Iliff School of Theology with outstanding contributors assembled for the day's event. As well as addressing domestic violence as a whole, the event will focus on youth dating violence, military families and violence within the GLBTQ community.

At this link is a brochure with details of the event. Please pay particular attention to the panel in the brochure that describes the "Summit Benefits" for committing a day of your time to attend. Because of a grant from the Gay and Lesbian Fund of Colorado, the registration cost has been kept to a minimum.

In Paul's writings of "Love is ...", (I Corinthians 13:4) makes it clear that [paraphrased] "Love never hits, belittles or makes someone afraid".

Rev. Jim Ryan, Council Executive, believes this subject is worth a day of your time. He adds, "Because of your attendance, you and your congregation will be better prepared to address this issue and serve those who are survivors".

March 2010
Border Immersion Experience Program Coordinator Needed
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey - El Paso, TX
Border Servant Corps - Las Cruces, NM

Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey is a congregation that primarily consists of first-generation Mexican immigrants.  Located in the heart of a low-income Hispanic district in central El Paso , Texas , Cristo Rey ministers to people on both sides of the international border and provides an inclusive place for cultures to meet and share.
 
The full-time Border Servant Corps volunteer at this site is principally responsible for all activities related to the Border Immersion Experience.  Additional involvement includes the children's ministry, after-school program, English classes, grant writing and additional community outreach.
 
Skills include: Strong in organization and communication, self-motivation, recreational programming.

Interests include: Organizing and leading groups, developing community relationships, education, working with children, desire to work in a Lutheran church setting. Spanish level: Moderate to high fluency.  AmeriCorps status: Eligible for half-time.
 
To learn more about this position, please contact Pastor Rose Mary Sánchez-Guzmán by email or Ryan Steinmetz, Border Servant Corps director, at bsc@peacelutheranlc.com.

March 12-13, 2010
Walk Thru the New Testament - A Biblical Adventure
Augustana Lutheran Church - Denver

This Lent, take the whole family on a biblical adventure! At "Walk Thru the New Testament," Mount Carmel Ministries will teach about people, places and events of the New Testament using drama, multimedia, hand signs, and humor. Adults, youth and seniors will appreciate the memorable method of recalling major biblical events. Children in grades 1-5 will enjoy "Kids in the Book".

Augustana Lutheran Church [5000 East  Alameda Avenue (80246)] is pleased to host this event on Friday, March 12 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 13 from 9:00 a.m. until noon. The cost of $15 per person or $40 for a family and includes materials, snacks and childcare. For information and registration, please visit: www.augustanadenver.org , contact Esther Miller-Bays at 303-692-8459, or call the Augustana church office (303-388-4678).

March 12-14, 2010
Christ's Passion and Resurrection Staged in Life-size Sacred Works of Arts
First Lutheran Church - Colorado Springs

You are cordially invited to experience the Passion Play, a unique and powerful presentation of Christ's passion and resurrection as told through 14 staged life-size sacred works of art, music and scripture. 

Friday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13 at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 14 at 3:00 p.m.

This is a gift to the community from First Lutheran Church . Admission is free.  Childcare is provided.  CD's and DVD's are available (please call the church to order).

For more information, please visit the First Lutheran Church website. http://www.flccsc.org/index_files/Page435.html  . You may also view a short promo of the Gallery on You Tube by clicking in this link.

March 12-16, 2010
Spring Break Border Ministry
Lutheran Campus Ministry - New Mexico

March 2010
Living in Intentional Community
Border Servant Corps Accepting Applications for 2010-2011

The Border Servant Corps, a full-time volunteer program located in the border region of southern New Mexico and west Texas , is currently accepting applications for 2010-2011 (August-August term).
 
The Border Servant Corps provides opportunities for full-time volunteers to live in intentional community, learn about and teach social justice, live simply, and grow spiritually.  The program rejoices in its richness of diversity as expressed in various lifestyles, ages, cultures, political involvement, educational experiences, and faiths.  

To learn more or to apply, please see the Border servant Corps website or contact the director, Ryan Steinmetz, at bsc@peacelutheranlc.com .

March 13, 2010 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m
Hearing the Word: Teaching the Bible in the Parish (and Beyond)
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

The Hein-Fry lecture topic for 2010 is "Hearing the Word: Teaching the Bible in the Parish and Beyond." This theme was chosen in order to explore the important conversations throughout the ELCA concerning the various ways Lutheran communities in diverse North American contexts are sharing the biblical narratives, truths, and messages of the gospel through their teaching ministries. The hope for these presentations is that they will raise awareness about the many ways Lutheran churches have traditionally taught the Bible as well as offer innovative contemporary approaches to teaching the Bible that Lutherans might use today.

By means of a lecture and response format, Dr. Carlson will explore Lutheran perspectives on biblical pedagogy, using both theory and practical examples, and making a case for the promise of one, some, or even all of these approaches to teaching the Bible. Serving as respondent, Pastor Beth Purdum, pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church, ELCA in Albuquerque, NM, will reflect on Dr. Carlson's presentation and its relevance to regional context. The two speakers will then join into conversation with each other and the audience.

The lecture will take place at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village (80113). Find more information at www.elca.org; search for "Hein Fry Lecture."

To register, email rhonda@bethany-denver.org or call 303-758-2820. There is no charge for this event!

March 12-16, 2010
Spring Break Border Ministry
Lutheran Campus Ministry - New Mexico

Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 3:00 p.m..
Bach and Blarney - Celebrating the King of Heaven and Our Irish Heritage
The Lutheran Choral Performs
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
2100 Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood, CO

Wes Broderius, in his final season as conductor of The Lutheran Chorale, will offer Johann Sebastian Bach's Cantata 182 ("The King of Heaven") and Easter Oratorio, along with his own texts and arrangements of several traditional Irish tunes.   Soloists for the Bach selections will be David and Jonathan Hodel (David Hodel is the Chorale's incoming conductor), and longtime associate conductor of the Chorale and music director at Bethlehem Lutheran Church . DeLoy Goeglein will provide organ accompaniment.   An Irish band, (bodhran, pennywhistle, harmonica, and Irish fiddle), will accompany the Chorale for the Irish pieces.  

This season, Broderius is completing more than three decades of distinguished and much appreciated service as conductor and music director of the Lutheran Chorale.   He also serves as music director at St. Philip Lutheran Church, ELCA in Littleton .   Come enjoy his crisp, stately conducting of Bach's joyous music and delightful Irish traditional music at The Lutheran Chorale's presentation of Bach and Blarney .

Tickets:   Adults $12, Students/Seniors $10, Families $25

Sunday, March 14, 2010.
Musical Offerings at St. Paul - Denver
St. Paul Lutheran Church
1600 Grant Street

During the month of March 2010, Music at Saint Paul is pleased to present the following musical offerings : 

Columbine Chorale : Die Nacht - Songs of the Night

Sunday, 14 March 2010, 4:00 pm

Led by Music Director Brian Eichenberger, the Chorale explores the musical dream world with music of  Brahms, Schafer, Whitacre, and others. Tickets: $15 ($12 seniors/$5 students).

Sam Cogburn : Benefit Guitar Recital

Friday, 19 March 2010, 7:30 pm

Valentina Alykova and Students : Benefit Concert

Saturday, 27 March 2010, 1:00 pm

Violinist Valentina Alykova and her students perform a charity concert to benefit the Jeffco Action Center Food Bank in Lakewood .   Free will offering of food items or financial support.

Parking is available in on the street and in lots around and near the church.

March 18-20, 2010
From the Rubble - Rebuilding Their Lives
The Resurrection Dance Theatre of Haiti Comes to Denver
Sponsored by: Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, ELCA

Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO, is sponsoring three shows of The Resurrection Dance Theatre of Haiti. Their St. Joseph 's Home for Boys and Wings of Hope home for orphaned children with special needs both collapsed during the earthquake. Thankfully none of the family was killed, but much rebuilding is necessary to restore their housing and shelter. They are coming to be with us so that we can stand with them in their time of need.

Pastor Doug Hill, who was in Haiti at the time of the earthquake, said it was the most frightening time in his life as the ground shook violently, buildings collapsed and people screamed and ran in horror and confusion. As a result of the earthquake, their hotel collapsed and their group was left to live at a refugee camp for two days without food or water. "What we experienced during that time was the sheer love, grace and hospitality of the Haitian people," he said. "We witnessed firsthand the tremendous hopefulness of Haitians who trust implicitly that God would provide the sustenance and the resources necessary for rebuilding their lives." 

The boys will perform three shows in our community aimed at raising funds for the rebuilding of their homes. The shows will be:

Thursday, March 18 at 7pm at West Bowles Community Church , Littleton

Friday, March 19 at 7pm at West Bowles Community Church , Littleton

Saturday, March 20 at 7pm. at Rock Canyon High School , Highlands Ranch

Tickets for these events are $15/person and can be purchased online. 

Please help us to pack the house for each of these shows. With a full house for these three events, over $50,000 will be raised. They will also be asking for donations from those in attendance along with the opportunity to purchase Haitian art.

**100 percent of all proceeds raised will go directly to the St. Joseph 's family for the rebuilding of their homes.**

March 20, 2010
Walkin' Jim Stoltz Multimedia Concert "Forever Wild"
University Parp United Methodist Church
2180 South University Boulevard
Denver, CO 80210

Event sponsored by Colorado Interfaith Power and Light (CoIPL)

Jim has walked 27,000 miles of American wildness and presents it pictures, words, guitar, and song.  The event will take place on March 20, 2010 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The location is  University Park United Methodist Church, 2180 South University Blvd. in Denver (80210).  Tickets are $10-20 (sliding fee).  Complete information (including preview clip and ticket purchase) is on the website: www.coipl.org.  CoIPL works with congregations of any faith on becoming good stewards of Creation.  Contact Betty Goebel (303-429-57920) for additional info. 

Walkin' Jim is also performing in Boulder on March 19, 2010, hosted by Clean Energy Action and Rocky Mountain Peace & Justice. Details can be found at www.cleanenergyaction.org.

March 20, 2010 10:00 a.m. til noon
Bread for the World 2010 Offering of Letters Workshop is Coming to Denver
Closing the Gap: Helping Colorado Families make Ends Meet

Trinity United Methodist Church
1820 Broadway
Denver, CO 80202

Year after year, though, Bread members win far-reaching changes that addre65tss the root causes of hunger and poverty. This year will be no exception. Bread for the World's 2010 Offering of Letters will urge our nation's decision makers to protect and expand our nation's most effective anti-poverty programs that are due to expire this year.
 
At the workshop, you will:

Register now for the 2010 Offering of Letters workshop in Denver that will take place on Saturday, March 20.  This is a FREE event and does not require an RSVP. Registered users can request event reminders, though.

March 21 and 23, 2010
Luther College Symphony Orchestra Presents Two Concerts Along the Front Range
Our Savior's Lutheran Church - Greeley, CO
Bethany Lutheran Church - Cherry Hills Village, CO

The Luther College Symphony Orchestra is presenting two concerts along the Front Range under the direction of Daniel Baldwin as part of their 2010 Spring Tour.  Sunday, March 21, the orchestra will be at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Greeley , 1800 21st Avenue (80631). On Tuesday, March 23 they will perform at Bethany Lutheran Church , 4500 East Hampden Avenue , Cherry Hills Village (80113). 

Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $8 for students, and may be purchased through Luther College online .

  APRIL 2010

April 15-18, 2010
Women's Spring Retreat: Extreme Makeover - Prayer Edition
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp

Put your feet up and unwind at this Spring Retreat! Michelle Okes, long time Rainbow Trail camper, former staffer, mother of two summer staff members will lead a weekend of thought provoking Bible Study, worship, crafts, hikes (or snowshoeing if the weather permits), cooking with Chris, relaxing with the massage therapist, and enjoying the sisterhood in Christ.

Michelle is a great friend of Rainbow Trail will bring a great passion for ministry, experience as a life coach, a relational approach to deep knowledge of the Bible to the retreat.  More information is available on the Rainbow Trail website or by e-mailing Katy.

April 16-18, 2010
Building an Inclusive Church
Saint Paul Lutheran Church
1600 Grant Street
Denver, CO 80203

Do you want your church to be more welcoming? Do you want your church to act, not just talk? Do you want to open the church doors wide and take the Gospel message of God's extravagant welcome to homes, the streets, the cities, and the countryside?  Learn how you and your congregation can make a difference, NOW!  You can't do it alone - the job is too big and the tasks too complex. Come receive the necessary tools. Dig into scripture. Be empowered and spiritually enriched for the journey.  Meet people like yourself.  Do all this on a shoestring- have we got a deal for you!! 

From April 16 - 18, 2010, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denver is proud to host a workshop, Building an Inclusive Church . Registration includes meals and materials and the cost is $85.00.  Online registration is coming soon. You may also download and print a copy of the registraion form.

Watch The Video  (scroll to the bottom of the page).  This video will help you understand how to create the changes you seek. Come, Learn, Do, and Create.

April 17, 2010
2010 RMSWO North Colorado Cluster of the WELCA Spring Event
All Saint's Lutheran Church in Brush, Colorado

Planning is well underway for the 2010 RMSWO North Colorado Cluster of Women of the ELCA Spring Event. There's an unusual twist to the event this year - it's being planned in collaboration with the Eben Ezer Auxiliary Board and will be an interdenominational women's gathering hosted in Brush, Colorado by Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center on April 17, 2010. The beautiful auditorium and the historic All Saint's Lutheran Church (on the Eben Ezer grounds) will be the site for registration and breakfast, program, luncheon, and worship. 

Theme for the event is Renewal in Christ - Refreshing God's Women, and Pastor Barb Lemke (Bethel Lutheran, Aurora) has agreed to speak and to lead us in the afternoon meditation. Other features of the day will include presentations by Eben Ezer CEO Barbara Bradshaw and a member of the auxiliary, a Scandinavian luncheon, entertainment, afternoon fellowship and dessert, and RMSWO President's update. The organization receiving our in-kind support will be the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center.

April 17, 2010
Theatre and Theology in Utah - Featuring "Our Town"
Sponsored by Elim Evangelical Lutheran Church and Weber State University Department of Performing Arts
Ogden, Utah

Saturday, April 17 , at 2:00 p.m., Elim Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ogden, Utah, and the Weber State University Department of Performing Arts will team up for Theatre and  Theology in Utah. Buy a discount ticket for Our Town, the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Thornton Wilder for only $7.00 and then after the performance, participate in a discussion of the theological issues of the play.

The discussion will be facilitated by Elim President Dave Thomas and panel members will be Pastor DanaLee Simon of Elim, Larry Dooley, director of Our Town and chairperson of the Department of Performing Arts, and Mark LeTourneau of Weber State University 's English Department. Larry and Mark are members of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, and Larry is a former ELCA pastor!

Buy your ticket early by paying $7 to the Elim church office, because the play is expected to sell out. Checks should be made out to Weber State Theatre. The mailing address for Elim is: Elim Evangelical Lutheran Church , 575 - 23rd Street , Ogden , UT 84401 , attn: Theatre and Theology in Utah . Tickets may be claimed at "Will Call" at the Browning Center at WSU on the afternoon of the performance.

April 22, 2010
Discerning God's Call - 2010 RMS Discernment Retreat
For all persons who may be discerning a call to leadership ministry in the ELCA.

Whether you are ready to commit to the Candidacy process or just beginning to ask the questions regarding this vocational call, you are invited to attend this retreat. 
 
The retreat will take place on April 22, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church . The church is located at 4500 Wadsworth Blvd , Wheat Ridge , CO (80033). Registration cost is $20 and covers lunch and materials . Please register by April 5.  Make checks payable to: Rocky Mountain Synod . 
 
During this retreat you will:

Please contact Madelyn Busse , assistant to the bishop, by email with questions. To register or to submit names for invitation, please contact Janice Ladd-Horkey by email or by calling 303-777-6700 or 800-525-0462.

April 22-25, 2010
Men's Fly Fishing Retreat Camp
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp

Take some time to step out of the stresses of ordinary life and into the refreshing waters of the Arkansas River . This weekend of fly fishing, hanging out with the guys, and amazing worship and conversation is led by Pastor Dave Risendal. He has a deep love of fly fishing and the gospel and will help you re-center and deepen your faith.

You'll expand your fly fishing skills with instruction from Greg Felt, owner of Ark Anglers Fly Shop, fly tying workshops, and advice from other seasoned fishermen. Whether you are an experienced angler or have just always wanted to try fly fishing, this is a weekend you won't want to miss!  More information is available at the Rainbow Trail website or by e-mailing Katy.

April 23, 2010
2010 RMSWO Southeast Colorado Cluster of the WELCA Spring Event
Zion's Lutheran Church
Trinidad, Colorado 81082

Mark your calendar for April 23, 2010. You are invited to attend the upcoming Southeast Colorado Cluster Women of the ELCA Spring Retreat.

You will learn about:

April 23, 2010
"A Celebration of Caring"
Sponsored by:
St. Luke's Ministry of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, ELCA

You are invited to "A Celebration of Caring" to benefit St. Luke's Ministry, on Friday, April 23, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  We look forward to your presence as we enjoy an Ethiopian dinner and entertainment. The event will take place in the Fellowship Hall at Augustana Lutheran Church located at 5000 East Alameda Avenue in Denver (80246). The entrance to the Fellowship Hall can be found a half block south of Alameda on Fairfax Street .  Additional parking is available south of (behind) the church. 

St. Luke's Ministry offers Nurse Aide training to low-income individuals so they can attain a sustainable income for their families.  The program provides a life-changing experience for students that benefit not only them but the community at-large. Your help is needed to continue this important work. 

Please contact Debbie Wangerin by email or by phone at 303-393-7105 for tickets or for more information. To find out more about St. Luke's Ministry, please visit the website at www.stlukesministry.org .

April 23 - 24, 2010
F.A.I.T.H. -- Faith Alive In The Home
Bethany Lutheran Church,
4500 East Hampden Avenue
Cherry Hills Village, C) 80113

Be a Congregation on the Move . . .  

Speaker and Presenter:
Dr. David Anderson - Author of From the Great Omission to Vibrant Faith and program staff for Vibrant Faith Ministries (The Youth & Family Institute).  He is a known leader in family life enrichment and partnering home and congregations for passing on faith. He is the creator of the popular Four Key language. 

Registration
Registration fee includes: lunch, snack, book, take-homes and conference binder:
$60.00 for one person from a congregation
$55.00 each for two or three from the same congregation
$50.00 each for a group of four or more from a congregation.

Please make checks payable to: Rocky Mountain Synod.

If registering as a team, from a congregation, you must register together at the same time.  If traveling more than 100 miles one way, the registration fee is $50.00 per person.
 
Bring the Ministry Family! 
This is for ALL people interested in passing on faith: church volunteer, parent, young person, elder, church staff... anyone ready to learn! Staff and Leaders from local congregations sharing best practices for equipping households to pass on faith

WEEKEND SCHEDULE (more details coming soon!) 
Friday Afternoon/Eve April 23
7:00 - 8:45pm Foundations for Faith Formation
(Several tracks will be offered)

• The Basics 101: Four Keys and Five Principles for Home & Congregation. David Anderson
• Cross+Generational Ministry:  The Who, How, Why, and Resources for Developing. Linda Staats

Saturday, April 24
Schedule (workshop descriptions coming soon!)
8:15 Registration
8:45 Welcome and Devotions
9:15 Keynote
10:10 Refreshments and networking
10:30 Workshops I
11:30 Practicing our Faith Lunch
12:30 “Make & Take” Faith Reminders for the Home
1:45 Workshops II
2:45 Conversation and Networking
3:00 Taking It Back Home
3:30 Blessings and Sending
3:45 To be continued in our home and away from home

Click here to download the flyer to post in highly visible places. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact Linda Staats at 602-740-3752.

April 23-25, 2010
Marriage Encounter Weekend
Couples Strengthening Their Relationsip with Each Other and with God
Location to be Determined

What is a Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend?  Marriage Encounter is a weekend experience designed to help married couples communicate more intimately with one another in order to deepen and enrich their relationship.   In a comfortable environment away from home, family and responsibilities, couples are given the opportunity to look into their relationship with each other and with God.

The next Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend planned for the Denver metro area is: April 23-25, 2010.

The weekend starts at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night and is complete by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.  The entire weekend is conducted within a hotel in the Denver metro area.  Applications are needed at least one month before the start of the weekend in order to guarantee hotel reservations. Interested couples are asked to apply by March 21.  Lutheran Marriage Encounter is encouraging the use of the ONLINE application process. 

You are invited to include this information in church bulletins or newsletters and it can be posted on bulletin boards. Please email Bud and Cindy Amack or give them a call (303-796-9119) if you would like any additional information on Marriage Encounter weekends.

  MAY 2010

May 6, 2010
LSS of Utah Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary
4392 South 900 East
Salt Lake City, Utah 84124

On May 6, 2010, Lutheran Social Service of Utah is celebrating its 15th Anniversary and new social ministry office with a worship service and blessing with interfaith prayers at 1:00 p.m. outside followed by tours and open house from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. that evening. All are welcome and clergy are invited to vest in GREEN (color of Diaconal service).

Featured musicians will be well-known Utah guitarists Michael Lucarelli & Jose Bonilla & Bamboo Peru. Heart and Soul Foundation Musicians will also be on hand to entertain visitors. 

What the refugees and staff have requested, sometimes rather boldly, is that for this celebration of service also be an offering of business cards of people in various congregations who may know about employment opportunities or have openings in their own businesses.  Of all the things that can be funded, refugee employment opportunities create the most independence within an interdependent community; and greatly enrich our wide community life!.

May 27-29, 2010
Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly: Word. Image. Story.
Denver, Colorado

Information is posted at rmselca.org/assembly. You will find Information about registration, displays, nominations, resolutions, and more.

  JUNE 2010

June 8-16, 2010
Who Is My Neighbor?
Crossing Borders, Building Bridges : Encountering Christ in Mexico City

Are you concerned about global poverty and hunger, people living on the margins, or just plain curious about our neighbors in Latin America?  Vaya con Dios! Go with God and travel with the 2010 Global Mission Mexico Immersion Trip from June 8-16.

Opportunities for participants:

• Meet ELCA Missionaries who work with Mexican communities striving for positive social change.
• Discover the root causes of economic decay in Mexico, which foster immigration. 
• Meet families working together to survive and thrive in a challenging political, social, and economic context. 
• Explore the culture and history of Mexico City and Cuernavaca. 
• Meet farmer working together to get fair prices for responsibly-produced goods.
• Read scripture and reflect faithfully with fellow Christians on how these experiences challenge and nourish your faith. 
• Have a great time with fellow Lutherans exploring space that is so close, and yet so far, from home.

Plan now to take this amazing journey.  Drew Rindfleisch is quite willing and more than happy to visit your congregation in the Denver Metro area to talk more about the trip and his Mexico City experiences of 2008. You may contact Drew by email or by phone at 608-317-6191. Also, visit the Rocky Mountain Synod's website to get more information about Immersions Trips.

June 8-18, 2010
Interfaith Nicaragua Project Trip to Somoto

June 11-23, 2010
Heart of Europe and Oberammergau 2010
Hosted by: Cynthia Biddlecomb, M.Div, AIM
Sponsored by: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Los Alamos, NM

Every 10 years, a small town in southern Germany, Oberammergau, receives visitors from all over the world who look forward to being inspired by the "old, old story" that they "have loved so long" - the story of Jesus' Passion and our salvation. The town's gift to the world is to bring the story alive. The townspeople themselves step into the story and take on the roles in order to present the "greatest story ever told.
 
For the 2010 event, host Cynthia Biddlecomb is putting together a tour to the "Passion Play" in Oberammergau, Germany, and to cities in Eastern Europe. The tour company is Christian Tours--Europe, which does the ELCA Wittenberg Center tours. Included will be the Lutheran High School in Bratislava and a local Lutheran congregation outside of Budapest--one that Bethlehem Lutheran in Los Alamos has been getting to know.
 
Attached is a tour brochure with details like the preliminary itinerary for the entire thirteen days, tour costs, items that are include and not included for the tour, and general information. All the pertinent information is listed. Also, please remember to download and print the registration form to reserve your spot. ( A program of Christian Tours Europe)

June 28, 2010 (1:00 p.m. start)
2nd Annual Golf Tournament
St. Paul Community Outreach Center
St Paul Lutheran Church
1450 Fifth Street
Calhan, Colorado

You are cordially invited to enjoy a day of golf on the challenging Colorado Springs Country Club Golf Course. Players may form their own foursomes. Individual entrants are welcome. Team placement will be arranged for singles.

Format: Four-person, shamble.
Mulligans will be sold for $5 each. 

After the shamble: Please join us in the clubhouse or on the patio for dinner.   Dinner is included for registered golfers.   Awards and drawings will take place during that time.    

Prizes: Team and individual prizes will be presented. Awards will also be given for longest drive, the longest putt and closest to the pin. There is an opportunity to win the "split the pot" game and multiple other gifts.  

Just by asking an acquaintance at a business you deal with to sponsor a hole or donate a gift or gift certificate helps us tremendously and in return it is wonderful advertising for them. Registration forms to follow but you may also call Calvin and Patty Jolly (719-347-2662) for more information.

Directions to Colorado Springs Country Club
3333 Templeton Gap Rd, C/S, CO
(from East of Colorado Springs)
Take Woodmen Rd west to Union Blvd. Turn left (south) on Union Blvd. and follow to Templeton Gap Rd.
Turn left (east) on Templeton Gap Rd

  JULY 2010

July 5-9, 2010
Specialty Camps Offered for Summer
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp

We are proud to introduce Specialty Camp, Sky Ranch's newest summer camp option.  This is your chance to spend an entire week immersed in your favorite camp activities.  At the end of the week, there will be time to come together as an entire camp and share our newly developed specialties with one another.  There is a limit of one male and one female cabin per specialty area - spaces will fill quickly, so register early.

Specialty camp options are:

• Pioneer History - Completed grades 3-5    Experience the life of an area pioneer!  Participants will stay in platform tents and learn pioneer skills such as gold panning, archery, candle making, trail riding, and cooking over a fire.
  
• Creation Education - Completed grades 3-5    Immerse yourself in the wonders of God's Creation.  Each day there will be time to explore the different ecosystems at Sky Ranch.  This program will combine learning components such as alpine flowers and wilderness survival.
• Creative Arts - Completed grades 6-8   Spend a week nurturing your creative side.  Each day will be broken down by various artistic mediums, presented by various guest presenters.  Each participant will have the works of their choosing presented in an art show for the entire community.
• Backpack Adventure - Completed grades 6-8   Sleeping in tents and cooking meals with stoves, participants learn all the skills necessary to be comfortable in the high country.  The week will begin with two day hikes and will culminate with a one night backpacking trip to an alpine lake.
• Adventure Based Learning - Completed grades 9-12  Finally, an opportunity to do the entire high ropes course!  Throughout the week, the group will do each of the low and high ropes elements, with a focus on leadership skills.
• Worship and Music - Completed grades 9-12   Specially designed for future congregational leaders, this experience is perfect for those wanting to better use their spiritual gifts.  Participants will learn by doing, whether it is Bible study, song leading, or worship leading.

Family Camp July 25 - 30, 2010
Finally!  You get to experience all the joy and adventure of a week at camp...as a family.  A week filled with the staples of camp life:  daily worship, great meals in the dining hall, time to explore the trails surrounding camp, the low and high ropes course, horseback riding, and time with all the Sky Ranch program specialists.  Your family decides which of the programs to be a part of.  There is even the option of rafting on the Poudre River .  Booking is flexible:  come for a couple days or the whole week.  Call 970-493-5258 for details and pricing.

www.SkyRanchColorado.org

  AUGUST 2010

August 3-10, 2010
LSS of Utah Sponsors Cross-Cultural Education Event
Rocky Boy Indian Reservation

  SEPTEMBER 2010

  OCTOBER 2010

October 9 - 26, 2010
Where Jesus Walked: A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
with optional Egypt extension

Walk in the footsteps of Jesus. See the Holy Stones and meet the Living Stones, the people, of the Holy Land, as we visit Jerusalem , the sites of Jesus' ministry in Galilee, Bethlehem , Nazareth and Hebron . Tour Herod's fortress at Masada, swim in the Dead Sea, sail on the Sea of Galilee . Our days will include devotions, scripture readings at the holy sites, and time for reflection. We will be accompanied by a knowledgeable licensed local guide. See first-hand the inspiring ministries of Lutherans today in Jerusalem and Bethlehem , including an opportunity to pick olives on the land of Augusta Victoria Hospital atop of the Mount of Olives .

Extend your tour and see the pyramids of Egypt-Cairo, Memphis , Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and Queens . Learn about the civilizations that once flourished along the Nile and see the archaeological treasures of the ancient world. 

Details can be found at: www.pilgrimageholyland.blogspot.com or contact Jan Miller: janlmiller@q.com. Reservation deadline: June 1.

October 11-23, 2010
Turkey: Crossroads of Our Faith

Encounter scripture by traveling to Turkey , a land where the Word first dwelled and formed the early Christian church. Apostle Paul traveled this land extensively planting the seeds of early Christianity. By the 4th century, Christianity was the religion of the Roman Empire and Constantinople was its capital.

An ELCA theologian ( Dr. Guy Erwin, Professor of Religion and History at California Lutheran University ) and a Book of Faith Champion ( Linda Staats , Assistant to the Bishop Rocky Mountain Synod and a member of the Book of Faith Synod Advocates' Leadership Team) will connect the Biblical stories and church's history to our context and lives today. Return home renewed and enlivened with a deeper understanding of scripture and greater fluency in the first language of faith.

Check out the brochure to find out about inclusion and highlights, costs, registration form, the itinerary, pre-trip medical information, etc. A professional, licensed Turkish guide accompanies the travel seminar throughout Turkey . Further questions can be directed to Linda Staats by email or by phone: 602-740-3752

  NOVEMBER 2010

  DECEMBER 2010