PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS OF OUR CONGREGATION Pray for blessings, health, safety and general wellbeing of these members of Atonement. Give thanks for all who are working with us in the mission we share. July 2 Al, Mary & Trent McLees; Charmaine Meador; Curtis, Sara, Erik, Jacob and Jessica Meeker; Duane Meirs; Kelly & Linda Michaelis. July 9 Kenny, Barbie, Blayze, Jayde, Bryce, Ty (Thirud), Brayden, and Kyler Mikkelson; Dale & Sharlene Molyneaux; John, Molly, James and Abrahm Moore; Robert, Michelle, Aidan and Kaylee Morgan; Butch & Penny Morse. July 16 Del & Di Moser; Paul & Shirley Mueller; John Myers & Peggy Gibson; Michael, Kathy and Lindsey Nafts; Cale, Mysti and Kimber Nafts. July 23 Bruce & Susan Nelson; Dennis & Donna Newell; Tracy Newton; Stan & Phyllis Newton; Vern & Rose Nibbe. July 30 Dale, Jessica, Lilyan and Max Nibbe; Anthony, Jaime and Harrison Nicastro; Joyce Nitschke; Doris Noland; Michael & Lynn Noland.
July 2017 Volume 61, Issue 7
ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH 2017 COUNCIL MEMBERS
Butch Morse,
President 534-4036
Michel Poodry,
Vice President 855-8446
Teague Westrope,
Secretary 860-7864
Marilyn Franklin,
Treasurer 373-2224
Eddy Baker
245-6809
Jason Beckwith
701-595-1932
Jay Berry 839-1632
Shellie Ehrmantraut
606-0463
Kim Mangels 256-2029
Walt Marten
245-6162
Linda Michaelis 259-1836
Colin Rubich
647-4483
Dixie Roseleip (Alternate) 252-2546
Erika Severson
(Youth Rep) 252-6038
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 FPYV Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pastor’s Page . . . . . . . . . . 3 Heavenly Harps . . . . . . . . 3 Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Adult Education . . . . . . . .6 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Pedals for Peas. . . . . . . . . 7 VBS 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Servant Schedule . . . . 9/10 July Calendar . . . . . . . . . 11 Summer Concert . . . . . ..12
Commentator
EAGER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
What kind of impact would you like to be able to make on our community on “God’s work. Our hands” Sunday?
What needs have you seen in our community that you’d like to see met on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday?
What can we do to be sure that all of our congregation can take part?
The possibilities are endless and we want to hear from YOU!
This year we observe the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. The ELCA’s anniversary theme, “Freed and Renewed in Christ,” reminds us of the gospel’s promise that we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors. This is work that you do every day – serving your community in ways that share the love of God with all of God’s people. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. These service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Let’s put our faith into action by engaging in a service activity in our neighborhood, surrounding community or designated area. While service opportunities are endless, the idea is to deepen our experience in our community and offer a way for Atonement to play a critical part in addressing community needs.
So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see everything has become new! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Sunday, September 10, 2017 following the 8:00AM Worship Service.
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Monday, Wednesday, Friday
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
ENROLL TODAY!
ATONEMENT
PRESCHOOL
Enrollment for children
ages 3-5 years
JOY BIBLE STUDY
Join us Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. at Montana Jacks 520 Hansen Lane. For information, contact Tina Williams at 690-1200.
Experienced Babysitter Need a reliable, CPR
certified, fun babysitter? I am
experienced with all ages of
children and have a driver’s
license. Please contact Erika
Severson at 406-855-4882!
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OPPORTUNITIES
This summer and early fall, members of Atonement have opportunities to assist with building two different homes at the Habitat for Humanity sites off Dorothy Lane.
Opportunity 1: H4H Mid-Yellowstone Valley was approved for a 2017 Thrivent Builds Grant- the only Grant in Montana for 2017. We have no financial commitment but volunteers are being solicited to partner with Habitat for pounding nails, providing a lunch, keeping the job site clean and safe, attending the wall Raising and/or Dedication events, and other duties. They would like to find as many Thrivent members as possible to help on this project. Please contact the Habitat office directly if you would like to help at 652-0960. Please watch for bulletin announcements and a possible Atonement Day.
Opportunity 2: H4H Apostle’s Build will also be taking place late summer and early fall. Atonement has committed $2000 to this project, as well as made a verbal commitment to provide a work group of at least 10 volunteers to build on at least one Saturday (and providing lunch on that day). Again watch for bulletin announcements as the opportunities arise or when a workday is planned.
“Drive out Homelessness” 3rd Annual Golf Tournament
July 14, 2017 12:00pm-5:30pm
Call 406-294-7432 to register
Flag Prize In Every Hole | Putting Contest From 12:00-1:00 Scramble Format | Each Golfer Must Have Two Drives
$500 per Team | Space Is Limited! | Four Person Teams
Summer greetings from Atonement Lutheran Preschool! We are enrolling new students for the 2017-2018 school year and we still have openings for our classes. Our best advertisement is word of mouth so if you know of any preschool age students, send them our way!
It is so much fun getting ready for the next school year. We will be setting up the different rooms we have class in and cleaning all our toys and manipulatives we use. We plan to have a cleaning day on Tuesday, August 1
st, if you would like to help, join us at 10:30 AM.
Thank you for your numerous donations of supplies and talents, as well as monetary. Atonement Lutheran Preschool is blessed to be a part of Atonement’s ministry! Blessings!
Sara Westrope - Atonement Lutheran Preschool Director
ATONEMENT LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL
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PASTOR’S PAGE
Cradle to grave ministry. That’s one articulation of our work at Atonement Lutheran. This vision led our congregation to a new location with room enough for people of all ages to grow. Our building (nearly 4 years old – so can we call it “new” anymore?) has been designed to not only accommodate our current ministries, but expand for growth. We have a healthy Preschool that is responding to the needs of our neighborhood. For our education ministry, we are planting the seeds of faith in classrooms which allow room for more. For worship, we have a flexible space where we can not only assemble to hear the hope that we share in Christ boldly proclaimed – but be transformed into functional gathering space as we engage in service and fellowship. This past month, no more clearly did we see that in action than with Vacation Bible School as our whole building transformed into a “workshop” where the foundation of faith was laid and built upon with 82 children of our congregation and community. Perhaps the more courageous embodiment of that goal on this campus is the presence of WyndStone. Vision, determination and cooperation resulted in a living community “of hope, dignity and love” for our aging population. This past March, our congregation, in partnership with WyndStone, applied for a Hetzel Foundation grant – which states as its mission “to provide financial assistance to agencies and institutions providing care for the elderly ("old folks"), and for the health, education, religious training and recreation of children and young people through the Montana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.” The two emphases of children/young people and the elderly matched well with our cradle to grave ministry.
The grant request was to help with a connectivity pathway to integrate the campus which will aid our shared ministries: Preschool visits to WyndStone, senior volunteers (quilting, Preschool, office help and more), a combined Bible study in the Little White Church, youth group visits for service and fellowship nights with the senior residents, ease of access for worship on Sunday mornings and special occasions, and more. Note: the overall campus plan to integrate our two entities will be completed in phases as resources and funds are available. The first stage will connect the Atonement lower parking lot to the WyndStone community with an estimated cost of $20,500.
We were happy to share last month that we were awarded a Hetzel Foundation grant of $8,375 towards this project – exciting news! Now, our Campus Planning Team, along with WyndStone leadership, will resume its work to allocate and secure the remaining (approximately) $12,000, identify project management, and determine our timeline. It is our hope to commence yet this summer with a groundbreaking celebration – that just may include A&W (Atonement and WyndStone) Root Beer Floats!
Cradle to grave ministry. It’s what we’re about here. While structures and sidewalks and monies are important, our priority is building a community of people – from birth to death – in Jesus’ name. Wherever you are on this timeline, we are making room for you to engage in a ministry centered in God’s Word, grounded in love, and bringing the hope we share in Christ to all.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Darren
Simply Giving
A special message for summer travelers.
Would you find it helpful
to have your offerings debited directly from your bank account as you probably do with
other obligations? Atonement Lutheran
offers electronic giving for those of you who
wish to have contributions transferred
electronically to the church’s account. If you have plans to travel this
summer, electronic giving gives you a
convenient way to keep up with your intended
offerings. Simply complete and return an
electronic giving authorization form to get started today. Forms are
always available in the Commons near the TV. For more information
please contact the church office at
254-7004.
In Concert Sunday, July 2, 2017
at 7:00PM Atonement Lutheran
Church Join Us!
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YOUTH Denver Learning and Serving Pilgrimage (LASP) A group of youth will be in Denver between Sunday, July 9th-16th. There they will be serving at a day camp with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and have different learning experiences via tours and speakers throughout the city of Denver. Please continue to pray for them as they embark on an experience away from Billings. Yet, also thank you for supporting the youth ministries at Atonement Lutheran Church which make these experiences possible. Youth Group Due to the Denver LASP, there is no youth group on Wednesday, July 12th. Otherwise, we will continue to meet weekly from 6:30-8:30pm every Wednesday evening! Triple-T Thursday, July 20th 10am-4pm Triple-T is a day of service and fellowship on the third Thursdays of the summer months. July 20th we will begin with service projects in the Heights and end with bowling! Sign up for July’s Triple-T through the Youth Page on the church website.
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY E-Newsletter and Texts Just a friendly heads up that the Youth and Family Ministry E-Newsletter will be shared every other Monday at 4pm. If you are not receiving these E-Newsletters sign up through the Youth Page through the church website. It is the second best way to stay connected with the happenings of the ministry. If you would like to begin receiving texts, text “ALC” to 84576. If you have any questions or need help with setting anything up, please contact Jon!
EDUCATION Confirmation 2017-18 Information For students beginning 7th-8th in the 2017-18 academic school year. More information on these upcoming dates will be in your mailbox in the month of July.
SAVE THE DATES Confirmation Orientation Sunday, August 27th at 6:00pm Confirmation Retreat at Christikon Bible Camp Friday, October 13th - Sunday, October 16th Jon Bates - Director of Youth, Family and Education Ministries Facebook.com/atonementyouthministry @atonementyouthministry Text “ALC” to 84576
Open to youth grades 7-12
Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.
To contact Jon Bates
Director of Youth,
Family, and Education
Ministries
By Mail: Atonement Lutheran
Church 1290 Sierra Granda Blvd
Billings, MT 59105 By Email:
[email protected] By Phone:
Work: 406-245-7004
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Dear Atonement Lutheran - Thank you very much for the use of your beautiful church. Your facility works perfectly for my piano recitals. Gratefully!
Ramie Streeter A huge shout out to Ellery Bolte and Jerry Tulimaiau for clearing weeds from the church flower beads and parking lots during VBS!
Your Atonement Family
Thank you for the support, many cards and prayers. Losing my brother Gordon, was hard. Your support has helped me through this difficult time. In Christ.
Clara Baker
Christikon Clips July 2017 We are grateful for all the hard work that our Work Weekend crew accomplished!
Great group! Thank you!
Remember to pray for the staff and campers.
It’s not too late to register for camp this summer! Space remains in most youth sessions and in those for families and adults. You can register online at www.christikon.org , or use the forms distributed with the youth and family/adult brochures in your congregation. Or call us at the camp office for
further information.
Christikon covers the full costs for each at-risk kid participating in Sojourners Camp. (We expect to have 24 this summer) We invite individuals, congregations and their auxiliaries to consider special
giving for camp scholarships this summer.
Christikon has registered many newcomers to Christikon and we would appreciate gifts towards scholarships if you are able! Wonderful problem to have!
Special guest speakers become part of the Christikon life this summer during sessions for adults and families. During Mountain Weekend 1 (July 8-10) we feature Steve Schmidt, pastor of Hope Lutheran
Church in Bozeman. Continuing Education Retreat (Jul 31-Aug 3) and Mountain Weekend 2 aka Atonement Family Camp weekend (Aug. 4-6) speakers are Reverend Karyn Wiseman and Johnny
Hermanson. Come spend a few days of relaxation, learning, and faith growth with us.
It is the mission of Christikon to awaken and nurture faith in Christ — exploring God’s creation and the adventure of life together.
CHRISTIKON ● 1108 24
th Street West ● Billings, MT 59102 406 656-1969
FRIENDSHIP CLUB will meet July 12th at noon for our monthly meeting and potluck. Hope to see you all there. Contact Sandi Gonzalez 348-3707 details.
OUTDOOR MINISTRY will meet July 13th and 27th at 6PM to shoot archery. Contact Gene Arneson 671-1552 for more information.
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Financial Report
ADULT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Wednesday Adult Bible Study 10:00AM at the Little White Church
ROMANS: Paul’s letter to the Romans is quite different than any of his other letters: it is a grand treatise about the nature of sin, the promise of salvation and the call to mission. Luther’s Christian identity was powerfully transformed through the study of this epistle. Join us as we explore how God may be calling us anew in this study.
July 5 – What Does God Want From Us? Romans 12:1-21 (Series End)
EPHESIANS: This epistle (letter) was written to a church that needed divine guidance in their mission and ministry. It challenged – and still challenges – the church which experiences transition and difficulties to discover new ways of re-building its ministry. Ephesians is filled with imagery used in construction: plan, foundation, walls, cornerstone, joinery, dwelling, ownership – and more. With people as the building material (akin to Luther’s “priesthood of all believers”), we’ll hear the message of Ephesians which is dedicated to helping the church grow God’s way – yesterday, today and tomorrow!
July 12 – Are We Building In Love? Ephesians 1:3-14
July 19 – No Study
July 26 – Are We Building Without Walls? Ephesians 2:11-22
Study’s led by Pastor Darren
General Fund May 2017
Income: $36,211.89
Expense: $55,291.66
Net Income: ($19,09.77)
Net Income YTD: ($7,258.37)
Budget Expense: $56,735.91
Building Fund May 2017
Income: $6,062.00
Expense: $8,150.00
Net Income: ($2,088.00)*
Net Income YTD: ($8,468.40)*
Budget Expense: $8,150.00
Building Fund Mortgage Savings
05/30/17: $73,556.52
04/30/17: $75,620.43
03/31/17: $77,235.06
* Reminder: The negative amounts indicate the amount we are drawing down on the surplus in our Building Fund. Donations to the building fund exceeded our needs in the prior year.
THRIVENTBUILDS
Greetings from Habitat for Humanity Mid-Yellowstone Valley. We are excited to share with you that we have been approved for a 2017 ThriventBuilds Grant. All volunteers are appreciated. We are asking, especially, for any Thrivent Member to help on those project in some small…..or large…..way. There will be volunteer opportunities ranging from small administrative tasks to helping with lunches to pounding nails on the actual build. We anticipate starting construction sometime in early June. PLEASE CONTACT us if you are a Thrivent Member, or any volunteer, who would be willing to help. Jim Woolyhand, Executive Director 406-652-0960
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Pedal for Peas 2017
Thank you for your gifts of support of Pedal for Peas!
We had a successful ride and look forward to future rides.
The $5,292.50 raised through Pedal for Peas for ELCA World Hunger will be able to do great good in the
world. $5,000 will provide two wells or spring boxes which will each provide up to 500 families with clean,
safe drinking water. Or, at $40 each, our gifts may be used to provide 132 girls with school fees, a uniform
and access to education to raise her family out of poverty. Or, at $10 for 10 chicks, our gifts will provide
5,292 chicks which can provide needed protein and an income to a family. Incredible!
Your contributions toward the success of Pedal for Peas will have lasting impact in the Montana Synod as well:
Every year a portion of the dollars raised for ELCA World Hunger return to the Montana Synod through Domestic Hunger Grants. Our partnership with ELCA World Hunger is one to which we contribute and one from which
we benefit.
Noah Paulson (top row center) raised $312.50 from folks at Atonement. Thank you again for your generous gift!
NEW! WYNDSTONE WELLNESS CLASS—Beginner Mat Yoga with Stephanie Robinson, Thursdays 8:30-9:30am at the Little White Church. Begins Thursday, July 20
th through Thursday, August 24
th Cost: $20 for
the six classes. This 6-week free-flowing yoga class includes postures and stretches to increase strength and flexibility. All levels are welcome, as individuals are encouraged to work at their own pace. Some of the many benefits of yoga include improved body alignment, increased breathing control and awareness, and stress relief. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat and water bottle. For more information or to register, please call Whitney Buechler at 325-8605.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017
Last month from June 12-16th we had about 80 kids between preschool and 5th grade participating in VBS! This year we had more than 50 volunteers that helped make the week possible from bringing in items for snack, leading a station, hanging out with a crews of kids, and through prayer. Thank you to all who made the week a success! Watch out on the church’s Facebook page for a photo album of the week.
Last day photo!
Glimpse of the Bible Discovery Station led by Jane Hansen
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9:15AM
July 2 Ian La Ve`
July 9 Lauren Rodacker
July 16 Isabella Garcia
July 23 Madisen Carter
July 30 Daylon Rinebarger
MARVELOUS MONDAY WONDERFUL
WEDNESDAY MEALS
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
Pasta/Mac-n-Cheese
Canned Tuna
Chili/Ravioli
Shirley Jennings
HOSPITAL
VISITATION
LOVE OFFERING
Freedom In Christ Prison Ministries
WORSHIP ASSISANT
LECTOR
Wednesday, 7/12
Bull Mountain Grille
Monday, 7/24
Montana Jack’s
Join us at 6:00 p.m.
For details contact
Julie Amundson
ALTAR GUILD
ACOLYTE
9:15AM
July 2 Terri Porisch
July 9 Kelly & Linda Michaelis
July 16 Becky Lujan/Debbie Heyd
July 23 Gary Dunmeyer/Eddy Baker
July 30 Becky Lujan
CANTOR
9:15AM
July 2 Betty Jo Furstenberg
July 9 Doug Harper
July 16 Kim Mangels
July 23 Noah Paulson
July 30 Colin Rubich
9:15AM
July 2 Gene Arneson
July 9 Trudi Paulson
July 16 Mark Halvorson
July 23 Bruce/Jackie Hill
July 30 Janie Fitch-Danielsen
Kathy Cypher
Jeanne Heine
Judy Belden
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July 2 Open
July 9 Open
July 16 Open
July 23 Open
July 30 Open
July 10 Property Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. July 11 Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Evangelism Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. July 12 Friendship Club 12:00 p.m. July 13 Outdoor Ministry 6:00p.m. July 18 Church Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. July 27 Outdoor Ministry 6:00p.m. .
July 2 Craig Canfield
July 9 Paul Mueller
July 16 Leno’s
July 23 Kyle Johnston
July 30 Todd Koepp
Drivers
Leno’s 248-5359 Kyle Johnston 325-1235 Todd Koepp 256-1569
Craig Canfield 245-6557 Paul Mueller 259-3565
July 2 Jay & Janelle Berry
July 9 Trudi Paulson
July 16 Kathy Cypher
July 23 Bill & Judy Belden
July 30 Tammy Johnston
Judy Belden
COFFEE HOUR
COMMUNION BREAD
COMMUNION PREPARERS
SANCTUARY FLOWERS
MONTHLY MEETINGS
TRANSPORTATION
WELCA
July 2 Linda Kern; Vicki Leatherberry, Craig & June Canfield July 9 Jesse & Sandi Gonzalez: Dale Molyneaux, John Olsen July 16 Ed & Rita Reeve; Cindy Dunmeyer, Betty Jo Furstenberg July 23 Glenn & Jane Hansen; Mike & Janet Rubich July 30 Colin & Kelsie Rubich; Amy Severson, Doreen Shewmaker
Bold Names indicate Head Usher(s)
USHER/GREETERS 9:15 AM
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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
2 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship 7:00 p.m. Heavenly Harps Concert
3 4:15 p.m. Staff 7:00 p.m. Property
Independence Day 4 Office Closed
5 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @LWC 6:30 p.m. Youth Group
6
7
8
9 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship **Event Team Meeting
10 4:15 p.m. Staff 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee
11 1:00 p.m. Quilters 6:00 p.m. Finance 6:30 p.m. Evangelism
12 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @ LWC 12:00 p.m. Friendship Club 6:00 p.m. Wonderful Wed. Meal
13 6:00 p.m. Outdoor Ministry - Archery
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Commentator Due 15
16 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship
17 4:15 p.m. Staff
18 1:00 p.m. Quilters 7:00 p.m. Council
19 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @ LWC 6:30 p.m. Youth Group
20 10:00 a.m. Triple-T
21
22
23 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship
24 4:15 p.m. Staff 6:00 p.m. Marvelous Monday Meal
25 1:00 p.m. Quilters
26 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @ LWC 6:30 p.m. Youth Group
27 6:00 p.m. Outdoor Ministry - Archery
28 29
30 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship
31 4:15 p.m. Staff
July Holiday’s & Observances - At A Glance: Canada Day (Canada), July 1, 2017
Independence Day, July 4, 2017 First Manned Moon Landing 1969, July 20, 2017
World War I Began, 1914, July 28, 2017
WE BRING THE HOPE WE SHARE IN CHRIST TO ALL !
Outdoor Ministry Camp Out 07/21-23
Youth Mission Opportunity to Denver, CO 7/9 –7/16
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STAFF EMAIL Darren Paulson
[email protected] Jon Bates
[email protected] Kristin La Ve`
[email protected] Sara Westrope
[email protected] Nancy Rupe
Atonement Lutheran Church
1290 Sierra Granda Blvd
Billings, MT 59105
Phone: 406-245-7004
www.atonementbillings.org
Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID
Billings, MT Permit # 904
Return Service Requested
Atonement’s Summer
Outdoor Concert Saturday, August 12 @ 6pm
*Event Team Meeting - Sunday, July 9th following the morning worship service.