1 Mission Bell A monthly newsletter of Holy Love Lutheran Church, Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA April 2016 In This Issue: 1 - From Pastor Matthew, Holy Love’s Mission Statement 2 - Continued from Pr. Matthew, Office Hours & Staff Contact info, Weekly E-mail 3 - Theology Pub, Social Networking, St. Swisem’s Day Thank You 4 - 1st Communion, Thank You, Worship Assistants, Adult Education & Sunday School 5 - Youth and Family - Worship Assistants, Home Household Devotionals, Ice Cream Fundraiser, HS Community Night, Summer Camp, Colfax Community Network 6 - Day Camp 7 - Church Library News 8 - Stewardship Article, Property Help Needed, Springfest, T-Coil Fundraiser, Trivia 9 - Calendar 10 - Holy Hammers, 9Heath Fair 11 - Preschool News 12 - Because of You 13 - St. Swisem’s Day 14 - Because of you continued, Preschool Continued, Kindergarten Teacher needed 15 - Birthdays, Prayers 16 - Church Council, Staff Contact info Mission Statement Holy Love Evangelical Lutheran Church is committed to proclaiming and living the Good News of God's love in Jesus Christ as we gather for worship and study and scatter for witness and service to our neighbors. People of God at Holy Love, Alleluia, Christ is Risen. Some of you heard me, during a Sunday morning sermon in Lent, sharing the truth that I feel strange sometimes during the liturgical year. Lent, with its minor-key focus on our mortality, doesn't force the whole of our life to conform to a tone of meloncholy introspection or sadness. There certainly are times during Lent when we laugh and when we celebrate. And the season of Easter, with its major key happy and joyous celebration of the promise of the gift of new life for all of creation, doesn't force us to be happy 100% of the time. Sadness certainly will creep in from time to time, and for good reason, even during Easter. So I'm sitting here writing a newsletter article before Palm Sunday for publication during Easter, and I'm recognizing again the truth that our experience of life as humans is complex and complicated. I first encountered this truth at the reception following my grandfather's funeral. Of course everyone was sad at the service. But afterward, as we were sitting around my uncle's house, folks were telling stories and laughing ... it seemed to me as if we hadn't just had this tremendously significant familial experience. Remember Clopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus? They were walking along, talking about the events of the week ... you remember the events, right? Jesus' arrest, and trial, and death, and burial? The were talking about those events, likely experiencing sadness and the loss of hope. "We had hoped he was the one ..." And they talked, on the road, with their new companion, who surely himself even experienced by association similar feelings. Except that for their new companion, hope was not lost. See, he knew something they didn't ... at least that they didn't know until they sat down to dinner together, when Christ was revealed to them in the breaking of the bread. What a crazy day for them, emotionally swinging from sorrow to overwhelming joy. Which is part of the whole of human experience, isn't it. Of course there are stretches of time when we're mostly happy, but when we …continued on page 2
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Mission Bell A monthly newsletter of Holy Love Lutheran Church, Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
April
2016
In This Issue: 1 - From Pastor Matthew, Holy Love’s Mission Statement 2 - Continued from Pr. Matthew, Office Hours & Staff Contact info, Weekly E-mail 3 - Theology Pub, Social Networking, St. Swisem’s Day Thank You 4 - 1st Communion, Thank You, Worship Assistants, Adult Education & Sunday School 5 - Youth and Family - Worship Assistants, Home Household Devotionals, Ice Cream Fundraiser, HS Community Night, Summer Camp, Colfax Community Network 6 - Day Camp 7 - Church Library News 8 - Stewardship Article, Property Help Needed, Springfest, T-Coil Fundraiser, Trivia 9 - Calendar 10 - Holy Hammers, 9Heath Fair 11 - Preschool News 12 - Because of You 13 - St. Swisem’s Day 14 - Because of you continued, Preschool Continued, Kindergarten Teacher needed 15 - Birthdays, Prayers 16 - Church Council, Staff Contact info
Mission Statement
Holy Love Evangelical Lutheran Church is
committed to proclaiming and living the Good News
of God's love in Jesus Christ as we gather for worship and study and scatter for witness and service to our
neighbors.
People of God at Holy Love, Alleluia, Christ is Risen. Some of you heard me, during a Sunday morning sermon in Lent, sharing the truth that I feel strange sometimes during the liturgical year. Lent, with its minor-key focus on our mortality, doesn't force the whole of our life to conform to a tone of meloncholy introspection or sadness. There certainly are times during Lent when we laugh and when we celebrate. And the season of Easter, with its major key happy and joyous celebration of the promise of the gift of new life for all of creation, doesn't force us to be happy 100% of the time. Sadness certainly will creep in from time to time, and for good reason, even during Easter. So I'm sitting here writing a newsletter article before Palm Sunday for publication during Easter, and I'm recognizing again the truth that our experience of life as humans is complex and complicated. I first encountered this truth at the reception following my grandfather's funeral. Of course everyone was sad at the service. But afterward, as we were sitting around my uncle's house, folks were telling stories and laughing ... it seemed to me as if we hadn't just had this tremendously significant familial experience. Remember Clopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus? They were walking along, talking about the events of the week ... you remember the events, right? Jesus' arrest, and trial, and death, and burial? The were talking about those events, likely experiencing sadness and the loss of hope. "We had hoped he was the one ..." And they talked, on the road, with their new companion, who surely himself even experienced by association similar feelings. Except that for their new companion, hope was not lost. See, he knew something they didn't ... at least that they didn't know until they sat down to dinner together, when Christ was revealed to them in the breaking of the bread. What a crazy day for them, emotionally swinging from sorrow to overwhelming joy. Which is part of the whole of human experience, isn't it. Of course there are stretches of time when we're mostly happy, but when we
…continued on page 2
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...continued from page 1 notice sadness creep in in little ways. And there are stretches of time when we're down, and when joy or celebration arrives with the beauty of a sunset or a work of art or a surprise visit from a friend. I invite you to notice when joy arrives in unexpected ways, because that joy surely is a gift from God. As strange as it was to me at the time, my extended family gave me a gift ... probably without even knowing it. They gave me the gift of the recognition that even when we experience death, God's Easter promise for us is a promise of new life. Isn't this the truth of the Gospel? That neither death nor life ... nor anything else in all of creation can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank you for your commitment to the Gospel, and thank you for allowing me to serve as your pastor. ~ pr. m
The Holy Love office is open Tuesday through Friday
Theology Pub Pr. Matthew will lead a theology discussion with the group and their beverage of choice. There is also great pizza to eat.
Where: Lubo’s Pizza
15352 E. Ida Dr. (Parker/Orchard)
When: 3rd Thursdays Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm
Dates: April 21 May 19 Topics: Soteriology TBD
Social Networking
Want to hang out with some other folks from Holy Love in a relaxed setting? Want to chat with the Pastor about ... well, anything really? Want to sit in a friendly environment with good people? That, essentially, is "Social Networking" at Holy Love. Please join us -
April 5, 10:30-noon, Cariño Coffee
(20971 E Smoky Hill Rd) April 15, 1:30-3:00, Dry Dock
(15120 E Hampden Ave) **Pr. Matthew will buy the first beverage for all 9Health Fair volunteers
St. Swisem’s Day Thank You!
The following business donated Generously:
ATHENIAN RESTAURANT
CARRABBAS(ABILENE)
DAD & DUDES BREWERIA
DRY DOCK BREWING
HALL’S BREWING CO
HARBOR FREIGHT
HOME DEPOT(CHAMBERS)
JUS’ GRILL
KELLER’S AUTOMOTIVE
LUPITA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT
LUBO’S PIZZA
MY FAVORITE MUFFIN
PEAK TO PEAK TAP ROOM
PRESTIGE FITNESS
RED ROBIN (ON HAVANA)
TWO22 BREWING
VILLAGE INN(ILIFF & CHAMBERS)
St. Swisem’s Day wrap up:
A lot of THANK YOU’S are due!
If you prayed for the Doell’s, Thank you!
If you helped set up, Thank you!
If you cooked, Thank you!
If you served, Thank you!
If you came and ate, Thank you!
If you told tall tales, Thank you!
If you provided entertainment, Thank you!
If you bought at the auction, Thank you!
If you helped clean up, Thank you!
If you donated to the auction, Thank you!
Together we raised $7,000 for the Doell’s,
People of God, what
a tremendous outpouring of Love.
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Mission Bell
Worship & Music Notes
Blessings to those completing their instruction and receiving First Communion:
Thanks to everyone who helped make the Lenten Season, Holy Week and Easter very special!
Your gifts of music were much appreciated.
Adult Education Series Social Statements
of the ELCA
Sundays at 10am Fellowship Hall
April 3 - Terrorism continued
(Social Message) April 10 - Race, Ethnicity & Culture continued
April 17 - TBD April 24 - TBD
to review before adult ed, please go to: http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/
Social-Statements
Sunday School Classes
Sunday school classes take place at 10am on Sunday mornings. All are welcome. Talk to Jennifer with questions or to get your child involved. Classes are: Little Ones: Pre – 1st grade Kiddos: 2nd grade – 5th grade Youth: 6th grade – 8th grade
Last day for Sunday School
classes will be May 15th.
Sunday school will resume in the fall.
Worship Assistant Sign-Up
Adults as well as Youth can sign up to participate in Worship on Sign-up Genius. Go to Holy Love’s website under “Worship” or “Youth and Family”
or follow this link -
http://www.signupgenius.com/
go/20f0b48aead29a0f85-youth.
If you need help or even a tutorial, check with the office and we will be happy to assist you.
February is updated and ready for people to sign up. For questions or more info, contact
Worship Assistants Sign-Up Sign up to help in Worship! Go to the Holy Love’s website under Youth and Family for a direct link. For questions or more information contact Debbie Anderson, Keely or Jennifer. You can also click here -http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b48aead29a0f85-youth
Home Devotionals All Ages Check out the new Youth & Family News Board down the hallway. See
event coming up and grab a Home devotional for the whole family!
April 3: Ice Cream Social – Fundraiser Join us during the Fellowship time (after the conclusion of the first service until 10:00am) for an Ice Cream Social. Donations will be accepted.
High School Community Time High School Youth! Come join St. Mark’s Lutheran, All Saint’s Lu-
theran and Holy Love Lutheran April 8th for Din-ner, conversation, and community time. Location TBA. Please let Jennifer know you are interested in coming! Jennifer will be gone, at the Household Retreat, but the other churches and youth direc-tors will be there!
Summer Camp Registration is Open! Registration for Summer Camp is open! Full weeks of Summer Camp range from 4th -12th grade. There are also Intro Camp weeks that are for grades 2nd and 3rd that are for a few days during the week. Talk to Jennifer for more information about camp and available weeks. Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp www.rainbowtrail.org
Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp
www.skyranchcolorado.org
April 17: Colfax Community Network Hello Lovely people of Holy Love, this is Emma-Lee Yoder. Last year I had a Bake Sale to raise awareness and money for The Colfax Community Network. I would like to start a yearly fundraiser for this organization. Colfax Community Network provides outreach for families and chil-dren in difficult situation to have a safe place to play and learn. They give space for children to come for homework help, guidance, and time to just play away from a stressful home life. Please come and support Colfax Community Network on April 17 during fellowship time between services. We will have a fun activity planned to raise money. If you have any questions, please come and find me and I’d be happy to an-swer them for you. Thank You.
Day Camp registration opens in April. Sign-up your children and neighborhood children for Day Camp with Rainbow Trail Lutheran Bible Camp. If you can’t be a camper volunteer for the week. Contact Jennifer if you have any questions. Day Camp is a unique opportunity for youth campers and adult volunteers to experience a vi-brant, energetic, and faith formative program that is enthusiastically lead by Rainbow Trail Staff. The Rainbow Trail Staff counselors are car-ing and committed young Adults who are trained to lead Bible studies, worship, singing, recreation, and crafts. Day camp involves five days of Christian day-camping for youth in grades Preschool through 5th grade. The week of cap begins on Monday, June 20, 2016 and run through Friday June 24, 2016. The Monday through Thursday sessions last from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday sched-ule is 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Preschoolers will attend from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day.) On Thursday evening, June 23, you won’t want to miss the Closing Program! CAMPERS: Any youth in Preschool through 5th grade can sign up. Preschoolers must be 3 years old by January 1, 2016, and be potty-trained. Ele-mentary –age youth include those who will be
entering kindergarten in the fall of 2016 through those entering 5th grade in the fall of 2016. Day Camp is open to everyone! Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis as we are limited to 120 campers. (Depending on Adult Volunteers as well.) There will be a wait list if needed. A Day Camp Registration Form and Health History Form are available at Holy Love, on the Holy Love Website, and in the e-news. Reg-istration fees are $20 per week per camper (with a $50 family maximum) and $10 per week per preschool camper. T-shirts are available for $10 each. “Camperships” are available for those with financial need. VOLUNTEERS/ DONATIONS: Volunteers in many areas are essential throughout the planning and implementation of Day Camp. The opportuni-ties include- Teachers and teacher assistants (for the week
or a day); arts and crafts leaders; and recrea-tional activity leaders. Training and curricu-lum for these volunteers will be provided. Sign-up sheets are posted on a kiosk in the church narthex.
Snacks/drinks for the camper’s lunch for the volunteers are provided throughout the week. Dinner will be provided for the Rainbow Trail Counselors. A list of specific food items are posted on a kiosk in the narthex of the church in order to donate.
Materials for arts and crafts projects will be needed. A list of specific materials needed is posted on kiosk in the narthex of the church in order to donate these items.
Monetary donations for the “Campership” fund. Checks should be payable to Holy Love and noted “Day Camp – Campership fund.”
Please consider where you can donate your time, talent, and treasure to help make Day Camp a great experience for the young campers. If you would like more information or have any questions about Day Camp, registration, scholarships or volunteering, please contact the church office or Jennifer – [email protected]
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Mission Bell
The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven Kevin Malarkey M - Adult Nonfiction Malarkey relates this true story of his 6-year-old son’s horrific accident. Medically speaking, it was doubtful he would survive. But he did. The book offers new insights on miracles, life beyond this wold and the power of a father’s love. Two months after the accident, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love. This book is truly an amazing read for young adults, as well as adults.
Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith Robert Buckley Farlee F - Religion and Culture A resource supporting the ELCA’s Initiative for a new century Living in pluralistic America, it’s obvious that our citizens (as well as those of the entire world), have different beliefs and all are worthy of respect. Yet, as we see continually around us, it is difficult to give respect to that which we do not understand and this misunderstanding often shows up as a distrust and fear. In this succinct book, (each chapter is just 3-5 pages) religious groups tell their own stories of who they are, what they believe, and how they practice their beliefs. Published in 1999 by Augsburg Fortress, we find chapters on Buddhism, Latter-Day-Saints, Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Salvation Army, Islam, and many others (32 in all) and includes an interesting Family Tree of Denominations.
You Can’t Make Me Cynthia Ulrich Tobias T - Family Easy to recognize a strong-willed child - difficult to discipline, at times, impossible to motivate, often presenting frustrating and exhausting challenges to parents. Tobias explains how the mind of a strong-willed child works and how to use that information to the child’s best advantage. These “difficult” children also possess -- in their firm convictions, high spirits and sense of adventure -- all the makings of a great adult. If only they could be taught how to use their strengths in positive ways. It is possible, and this book just might provide those answers. “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, then sink yourself into that. Don't’ be impressed with others. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” Gal. 6:4-5
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“To Whom Shall We Go?”
There are times in our lives when our hopes don’t pan out or come true. When that happens we can either react positively or negatively. If we try to handle it all by ourselves, we usually find our-selves worse off.
I remember a time early in my life when I was an intern in Spokane, Washington. My intern pastor mentor taught me well. With God’s help, he deep-ened my spiritual faith life in many ways. He taught me by taking me with him to make different types of pastoral calls—to hospitals to family and crisis situations. One of the main things he taught me was when he said, “Jim, no matter how your day has gone as a pastor, remember that God is al-ways with you. If you’ve had a rough, discouraging day, try to end it by calling on a person with a deep faith. Listen carefully and you will hear God speak-ing to your heart somewhere in the conversations. I’ve always remembered that and made it a major point in following it in my many years as a pastor.
Whom do you turn to when you need to hear God’s voice to counsel, confront, console, challenge or call you once again to “Come and follow Me” and serve Him with all He’s giv-en you as His steward? Think on this.
In Christ’s Name,
Pastor Jim Engel
Property Team Help Needed The Property Team is holding it’s annual “We Need Your Help” drive. We begin mowing season in May. We have 8 mowing teams – each team mows about 3 weekends each summer. You don’t have to be mechanically minded to help – we even wel-come whole families! A sign-up sheet is in the Nar-thex for both Property and Mowing. Please call me with any questions. Thank you. Bruce Merritt (720) 876-1065.
Springfest Clean Up Day April 9th
Our annual Springfest cleanup day is scheduled for Saturday, April 9th. We will be doing many out-door projects including spreading of mulch, trim-
ming trees, shrubs and bush-es. Please bring rakes, shov-els, wheelbarrows, hedge trimmers, loppers and tree trimmers. Don’t forget the gloves and sunscreen! Lunch is provided.
T-Coil Hearing System Fundraiser
Holy Love would like to install a T-Coil Hearing System. What is a T-Coil Hearing System? It is hearing loop technology that works with hearing aids and headsets so hearing impaired individu-als can enjoy a more rewarding worship expe-rience. Toward that goal, from now until April 30th, we are conducting a
special fund raiser. We already have a good start of $1500, and an additional $4500 is need-ed. Please consider donating so this system can be pur-chased. For more information see Steve Knuth or Pastor Mat-thew.
Bible Trivia
What was the name of Esther’s cousin who raised her after her
parents died? A. Hegai B. Haman C. Mordecai D. Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes)
Answer: C (See Esther 2:7.)
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Mission Bell
Holy Hammers
Habitat for Humanity Holy Love has been a member of the Holy Hammers coalition for 20 years! We, as a congregation, have contributed to fund raising efforts, dedicated T-Mobile benevolence dollars, and shown up for work- days towards the completion of more than 30 homes. Being involved with Holy Hammers has been a gift to me and I sincerely want to share that with my Holy Love Family. Check out www.habitatmetrodenver.org to see the great work being done in our community. Click on “Our Sup-porters”, “Faith Sponsors” to see the many groups partnering with Habitat along with the Holy Ham-mers.
Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver is having their annual fund-raising breakfast on April 20th at Infini-ty Park from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Please visit www.habitatbreakfast.org for more details and to RSVP if you’d like to attend.
We are launching on the construction of our next home located in Aurora at Sable Ridge. Holy Love has volunteer opportunities on the following dates: April 30, May 7, May 27. There will be more opportu-nities in June but the schedule is in process. Work days are from 9 to 4. Please visit www. http://holyhammers.volunteerhub.com/Events/ to sign up.
If you have any questions or want to chat about volunteering with the Holy Hammers, give me (Melissa Waples) a call at 303-519-1339 or Al Horton (find him in the directory).
Friday, April 15, 7am - 12noon
Donations and Volunteers are still needed
Can you help with the 9Health Fair on April 15th? We are looking for the following assistance –
please e-mail Keely at [email protected] or sign up on the bulletin boards in the narthex if you can assist with anything listed below:
Set up for the Fair - Thursday, April 14th at 5pm (Dinner Provided) Bring food for our volunteers (Coordinated by Gayle Newell)
Volunteer the day of the Fair - April 15th - 7am – 12noon
(No medical or previous 9HF experience necessary)
**If you want to sign up to volunteer for the whole day of the fair, you can also sign up at - http://9healthfair.org/Volunteer/VolunteerLoginSignUp.aspx
Can you believe we are already almost be-ginning the 4th month of 2016! That means only 2 months of school left……………..yikes!
Well, March certainly was a month of “lions”, when we think of the weather. There was more wind than we wanted….fortunately none of our lit-tle people blew away!
We held our final PTO meeting early in March. We are so blessed to have caring, support-ive parents who worked to make all the sponsored events successful. I want to thank the following parents who gave of their time this year: Amy Brown, Megan Kulp, Colby Weber, and Heather Lasinski. Your personal time/life is full, but we do recognize the gift of time you have given to Holy Love Preschool and Kindergarten. I am so excited to announce the new officers for next year: Colby Weber, Sherri Kohmuench, Brittany Taylor and Jen-nifer Buttler.
PTO sponsored a Chipotle fundraiser and we earned just under $500.00. Thank you to all who helped support this event. Watch for our Cold Stone fundraiser coming in April!
The month of March was all about “the green”! I am sure you noticed all the shamrocks decorating the hallway down from the office. The children enjoyed the mixing of colors to create their own special green. It is fun to watch the children come and go from school pointing out their art work to whoever accompanies them. A very proud moment for all!
And of course, we all “Celebrated the Green”! And the pesky Leprechauns made quite a mess in all the rooms. They left tiny foot-prints behind but also a special treat for each child…….a gold coin and two Hershey kisses! I guess the mess was worth the treat!
Some classes made Leprechaun hats and shamrock decorations to take home. Our Kindergartener’s each made their own traps to catch the wee little man. It never ceases to amaze us how creative our Kindies are! And wouldn’t you
know it, each one did ‘catch’ a Leprechaun! What a fun couple days for all children!
This was a busy month with several activi-ties going on. Class pictures were taken as well as individual re-takes as needed. I am always amazed at how well our photographer (Snowflake Snap-shots) can get 30 3-year olds to look at her and get a great picture!
We held an Usborne and More Book Fair for three days. Both the Book Fair and class pictures were in the Fellowship Hall. Quite a busy room for two days! I want to thank the church members who shopped on Sunday to help support this fundraiser. We had a good response from parents, too. As of this writing I am not sure the total but it was a suc-cessful event. Many thanks to Colby Weber, distrib-utor and current parent, for all her time spent here each day.
We were unable to have worship with Pastor Matthew this month due to him being ill. And the month was full of Holy Week preparation so even though we missed our time together, we will catch up in April.
Next, we had classroom Easter parties. Each class had their own Easter egg hunt as part of their game. Thank you to our PTO for providing each child with the filled eggs. And we appreciate the parents who stepped up to manage the parties.
We managed to ‘squeeze’ in a new letter each week along with numbers and other important things. I know the children would rather do fun things every day but sometimes we have to work.
This month we experienced a time change as well as a change in seasons. But when snow flies it is hard to think of spring. The sun was out, but the wind didn’t make it feel as warm as it could have been.
We continue to have numerous visitors and many calls requesting information about our school. Although some classes are full with waiting lists, spaces are available in other rooms. For fur-ther information, please call the office at 303-693-8519. Help spread the good news about YOUR Pre-school and Kindergarten.
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Mission Bell
Because of You by Roger Collins, treasurer
Not long ago a person asked me the question, “What does “Holy Love Lutheran Church’ mean?” Having been a member of Holy Love for several years (37 years in fact) I had to find the words that described Holy Love. Of course my words had to come from the heart as I attempted to explain what my feeling and understanding was of who and what we are.
Following our offering time during Lent we sang,
“Take, oh, take me as I am; summon out what I shall be; set your seal upon my heart and live in me.”
I tell myself that my church is a place where I can come to understand that even though we are not perfect, God will accept us as we are. Just as God loves us, we set our goals to come together to share our love for each other just as our church name implies. We believe, “Holy Love Evangelical Lutheran Church is committed to proclaiming and living the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ as we gather for worship and study, and scatter for witness and service to our neighbors.” We welcome all as we re-mind ourselves of the importance of reaching out to others and sharing our love of God with one an-other. We must all remember to welcome everyone just as the following words express: “We are glad that all of you are here! We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, di-vorced, gay, filthy rich, black and proud, We extend a special welcome to those who are new-borns, poor as dirt, skinny as a rail, got a hitch in their git-along, or just plain can’t sing. You’re welcome here if you’re “just browsing,” just woke up, or just got out of jail. We don’t care if you’re more Lutheran than Luther, or more Catholic than the Pope, or haven’t been in church since little Maria’s baptism. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 40, but not grown up yet and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We extend a special welcome to soccer moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters, and people who stay up too late at night. If you’re having problems, or you’re down in the dumps, or you don’t like “organized religion,” we’ve been there too. If you blew all your offering money at Black Hawk, you’re welcome here. We extend a special welcome to those who could lose a few pounds, think the earth is flat, work too hard, can’t spell, or came because grandma’s in town and wanted to go to church. We extend a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, are three times divorced, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid, or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We extend a special welcome to tourists, seekers, doubters, bleeding hearts….and YOU! Welcome home! It is through YOUR love, Holy Love family, that YOU continue to support us financially and through your acts of sharing your time and talents with those throughout the world, we THANK YOU for being members and guests of our church!
‘God, You have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Thank You and bless us with these your gifts of finances, time and talents, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.”
FINANCIAL STATISTICS THROUGH FEBRUARY 2016 FEBRUARY Contributions: $21,884 FEBRUARY Expenses: $23,991
The Church Council is so proud of our church and volunteers for helping to raise $7,000 for the Doell family at our St. Swisem’s Day event. A huge Thank You goes out to the many folks who helped throughout the preparations before and during the event. As you may know, this year’s St. Swisem’s Liar’s Day Dinner and fundraiser was to benefit the Doell family. Courtney Doell was just 18 months old when she was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. When Courtney was 16, a virus attacked her heart and doctors told her parents the damage was irre-versible. She would need a heart transplant. Courtney spent 10 weeks in Children’s Hospital, Colorado, getting stable enough to be placed on the transplant list. Then just a week later, the Doells got the call. The response from the parents was, “Probably one of the most exciting things was how happy she was to get the call saying ‘we have a heart for you.’” The surgery was successful, and Courtney has a long road of recovery ahead of her. Her parents are committed to staying by her side to support her. Her mother won’t be able to return to work for some time. Her father, a Denver police officer, works all night and spent the rest of his days at the hospital until Courtney was recently released.
The costs associated with maintaining Courtney’s health has gone through the roof. Without insur-ance, the family would be faced with bills in excess of $12,000 per month. With insurance, their out of pocket costs are still a hefty $2,500 per month. And by the way, those drug costs will be from now until forever. Your kind involvement in helping the Doell family was certainly a very, very special outreach in help-ing those in need. Thanks goes to Jim Laird, Lance Wheeland, Mary Unrein and a host of very dedicat-ed people in the church who helped put together this very successful event. Donations of silent auc-tion items, food and food preparations, decora-tions, serving food and countless behind the scene help was fantastic. Despite the many, many food preparation helpers we also wanted to thank the “Master Chefs”, Pastor Matthew, Steve Knuth, and Bruce Merritt. Great food, MEN, yum, yum! Men can cook! Holy Love is so proud and fortunate to have so many people who stepped up and said, “Let me help!” A huge THANK YOU goes out to so many!!!
Following this event I was re-
minded of an article that I wrote a year ago that made me think
of how important YOU are. The article was entitled: Giving
when it counts: Many years ago, a volunteer at a hospital got to know a little
girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery ap-peared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year
old brother, who had miraculously survived the ...continued on page 14
Mission Bell
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...St. Swisem’s Day continued from page 13 same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. He hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes I’ll do it if it will save her.” As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile fad-ed. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away?” Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her. Giving your all can make a difference even when you don’t understand the results. No matter how insignificant you may feel about sharing yourself with others, each and every one of you is important. You make the difference in other people’s lives in many ways.
Your dedication and your goals of helping others makes a difference in wonderful ways. THANK YOU to all for your sharing of your time, talents and finances. You are the difference in the pride and strength of Holy Love.
...Preschool News continued from page 11 And then came Spring Break. Yippee! Who Hoo! Oh, do I sound a bit more excited about this time? Hmm, a much appreciated week off to re-energize and re-focus on ourselves!
As you take walks with your children, spend time looking at the new life all around you. Do you hear the birds singing from their perch? Do you see the buds popping out on the tree? Do you see the flowers pushing up from a long win-ter’s nap? What gifts God has given us….thank Him every day.
MAY YOU BE SHOWERED
WITH APRIL BLESSINGS!
Kindergarten Teacher Wanted
HOLY LOVE PRESCHOOL and KINDERGARTEN is currently seeking a second Kindergarten Teacher for 2016-2017. Candidate must have elementary certification. For information or interest in apply-ing, please contact the School Office at 303-693-8519.
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Mission Bell
Alison Monserud April 1
Jessica Breiding April 2
Mark Meyer April 2
Taytum Lyster April 3
Jill McComb April 5
Sarah Bentz April 6
Chuck Newell April 6
Clay Smith April 6
Nathanel Libuse April 8
Hayden Teynor April 8
Nannette Almon April 9
Patrick Beaver April 9
Drew Svoma April 9
Jakob Bogonovich April 10
Cory Wraalstad April 10
Emily Smith April 13
Carryn Kennedy April 14
Al Horton April 15
Maridee Lyster April 15
Kaitlin Then April 15
Becky Bartels April 16
Karen Walls April 16
Debra Reppe April 17
Lynna Staggs Sampsell April 17
Jake Newell April 18
Travis Dickey April 19
Terry Schleski April 19
Karen Then April 19
Nadia Bolz-Weber April 22
Julian Taylor April 25
Nina Cantrell April 27
Caryl Young April 28
Debbie Watson April 29
Our thoughts
and prayers
are with:
Rick Thorstad, Fiorenzo Bettoni (Friend of Bruce and Rhonda Merritt), Robert Waeltz (Lorie Eby's father),
Gary and Michael Smith (family of Bruce, Val and Darlene Smith), Jim Thares (Kristen Trom's brother and Lucille Thares son), Cameron Stupanski (friend of the Truett's, Harter's and Smith's), Stephanie Ab-
bott (Marsha Abbott's sister-in-law), Karen Davis and Family (Steve Knuth's friend), Randy Goings (Sabrina Jones' coworker), Keith Barbier (Gayle
Newell's brother), Phyllis Mueller, Rosalie Engel-hardt (Beth Whitney's aunt), Ed Truett, Jane Warner (Jolene Ebert's mom), Beth Gilease (Dave Yoder's sis-
Madrid (Emily Yoder's friend), Yoav Weinstein, Paul Trippiedi (Debbie Anderson's father), Julie Hansen, Elliana Walsh and Family (Former Holy Love Pre-
school Family), Renate (Dorothea Madry's aunt), Jen-nifer Coffman (Greg Watson's niece), Reyna Olson
Holy Love Lutheran Church 4210 S. Chambers Road Aurora, CO 80014
Change Service Requested
Mission Bell
The Mission Bell deadline is the third Wednesday of the month. E-mail blast deadline is Tuesday afternoon. Bulletin deadline is
Wednesday afternoon. You may submit articles through the church office email, [email protected]
HOLY LOVE CHURCH COUNCIL
Lance Wheeland President Beth Moore Vice President/Personnel Mary Unrein Secretary Roger Collins Treasurer Jim Lewis Christian Education Jim Wood Evangelism Diana Stigleman Family & Care Ministry
Jean Roenfeldt Finance & Financial Secretary Steve Knuth Property Jessica Breiding Preschool Debi Young Social Action Ministry Joy Knutsen Stewardship Beth Newsom Worship & Music Rich Newman Youth Ministry
