The Mountain Echo February 2017 "Hier stehe Ich, Ich kann nicht anders." by Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 Martin Luther had chutzpah! With audacity, he stridently stood against the powerful opposition of the church in Rome, the Pope and Imperial authorities. Some suggest the original manuscript of his speech at the Diet of Worms didn’t include the famous words, “Here I stand, I can do no other.” For me, those words encapsulate his strength and courage. We should all be so convicted of what we believe! This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation of the Church. We will spend some Adult Faith Formation time focusing on Luther’s life, on the Reformation and on how the Reformation shaped the faith tradition we honor and love, the Lutheran Church. I hope you’ll read this brief summary by Dan Graves of Luther’s most noble words. And then, I hope you’ll join other members of ELC to learn more about how our faith tradition, based on the Word of God and shaped by Luther’s understanding of Ephesians 2:8-9, changed the course of history. Luther’s own words…“Since your majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason-- I do not accept the authority of popes and councils for they have contradicted each other-- my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help me. Amen. Perhaps the most notable words spoken in the Reformation, this according to early printed reports, was Luther's reply at Worms when urged to recant. He uttered the memorable lines in German on this day, April 18, 1521, and then, upon request, repeated their gist in Latin for those who did not understand his native tongue. He was sweating, said witnesses. With a victory gesture he slipped out of the room. Frederick the Wise, Luther's supporter was uneasy. Did the scriptures condemn Luther or not? “He is too daring for me,” the elector admitted. Nonetheless, on the next day, when asked to stand against Luther with the emperor, he did not sign the condemnation although the other four electors did so. As for the Emperor, he reasoned that a single friar who went contrary to the whole church could not possibly be right. Descended from a long line of Christian emperors, he felt that to accept Luther's view was to betray the faith of his fathers. He would take prompt action against Luther, he vowed. But since Luther had been given safe conduct to Worms, he allowed him to depart in safety. Luther did not leave Worms at once. For several days a committee reasoned with him, begging him not to rend the church in two. They pointed out that war would surely come to Germany. Melanchthon, his beloved associate, might be killed. Luther could not help but be moved, but his determination held. God's word must be followed whatever the cost. To this confrontation his stand against indulgences had finally brought him. There are grounds to doubt that Luther said “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.” Although the earliest printed versions contain these lines, the official transcripts do not. Whether spoken or not, the words convey the brave monk's attitude. When Luther left Worms, the (Continued on page 2) “Here I stand, I can do no other.” For me, those words encapsulate Martin Luther’s strength and courage.
Transcript
Th
e M
ou
nta
in E
cho
February 2017
"Hier stehe Ich, Ich kann nicht anders." by Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing;
it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Martin Luther had chutzpah! With audacity, he stridently stood against the powerful opposition of the church in Rome, the Pope and Imperial authorities. Some suggest the original manuscript of his speech at the Diet of Worms didn’t include the famous words, “Here I stand, I can do no other.” For me, those words encapsulate his strength and courage. We should all be so convicted of what we believe! This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation of the Church. We will spend some Adult Faith Formation time focusing on Luther’s life, on the Reformation and on how the Reformation shaped the faith tradition we honor and love, the Lutheran Church. I hope you’ll read this brief summary by Dan Graves of Luther’s most noble words. And then, I hope you’ll join other members of ELC to learn more about how our faith tradition, based on the Word of God and shaped by Luther’s understanding of Ephesians 2:8-9, changed the course of history.
Luther’s own words…“Since your majesty
and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will
answer without horns and without teeth. Unless
I am convicted by scripture and plain reason--
I do not accept the authority of popes and
councils for they have contradicted each other--
my conscience is captive to the Word of God.
I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to
go against conscience is neither right nor safe.
Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help
me. Amen.
Perhaps the most notable words spoken in the
Reformation, this according to early printed
reports, was Luther's reply at Worms when urged
to recant. He uttered the
memorable lines in
German on this day,
April 18, 1521, and
then, upon request,
repeated their gist in
Latin for those who did
not understand his
native tongue. He was
sweating, said
witnesses. With a victory
gesture he slipped out of
the room.
Frederick the Wise,
Luther's supporter was uneasy. Did the scriptures
condemn Luther or not? “He is too daring for
me,” the elector admitted. Nonetheless, on the
next day, when asked to stand against Luther with
the emperor, he did not sign the condemnation
although the other four electors did so.
As for the Emperor, he reasoned that a single
friar who went contrary to the whole church could
not possibly be right. Descended from a long line
of Christian emperors, he felt that to accept
Luther's view was to betray the faith of his
fathers. He would take prompt action against
Luther, he vowed. But since Luther had been
given safe conduct to Worms, he allowed him to
depart in safety.
Luther did not leave Worms at once. For
several days a committee reasoned with him,
begging him not to rend the church in two. They
pointed out that war would surely come to
Germany. Melanchthon, his beloved associate,
might be killed. Luther could not help but be
moved, but his determination held. God's word
must be followed whatever the cost. To this
confrontation his stand against indulgences had
finally brought him.
There are grounds to doubt that Luther said
“Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise.” Although
the earliest printed versions contain these lines,
the official transcripts do not. Whether spoken
or not, the words convey the brave monk's
attitude. When Luther left Worms, the
(Continued on page 2)
“Here I stand, I can do no other.”
For me, those words
encapsulate Martin Luther’s
strength and courage.
T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 2
Reformation was irrevocable.
Martin Luther was at his noblest at
Worms. His bold words have stirred
men's imagination through
subsequent centuries, for they have
the same ring to them as Peter's
famous defiance of the Sanhedrin.
“Judge for yourselves whether we
ought to obey God or men.”
Stay tuned for more about Luther in the months to come and be proud of your heritage. You, too, stand with Luther on solid ground.
(Continued from page 1)
Time for Sabbath Rest,
Education and
Spiritual Renewal
By Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward
Beginning August 7th and ending November 7th, I will be taking a 3-month Sabbatical. My first Sabbatical was in 2009, 8 years after I began my ministry with you, the good people of Evergreen Lutheran Church. Being away for three months will be both a blessing and a bit disjointing. The last 16 years of my life have been a rhythm of the church seasons, weekly worship services, pastoral care, weddings, funerals, baptisms, counseling and personal conversations that have challenged and grounded me. You are a strong church with very strong and competent leadership. That gives me great hope that my three months away will not diminish the ministry of this beautiful church but strengthen it. You can do as Luther did…stand strong on your own. There will be an interim Pastor present to preach the Word, preside at Eucharist, manage the pastoral care needs of ELC, make hospital visits and support our very efficient and proficient staff. According to the folks at Wheat Ridge Ministries, “a ministry
sabbatical is a period of time, usually three months, when ministry leaders and congregations set aside the leader’s normal responsibilities for the purpose of rest and renewal toward sustained excellence in ministry. A ministry sabbatical is a release from the routine of the call for the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of the ministry leader. The word sabbatical is drawn from Sabbath. The Hebrew word for Sabbath means to “close or rest” and is connected with the last day of Creation when God rested. (Genesis 2:3) God both models and commands Sabbath rest for his people. “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11) Jesus affirmed the importance of rest saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27-28) The Biblical example of Jesus’ own frequent withdrawal to a quiet place to meditate, pray and be renewed is a model. In his ministry, the constant demands of people led Jesus to step away on a regular basis. Roy Oswald from the Alban Institute suggests that the rapid change and complexity of congregational life and ministry raises the need for three months of sabbatical rest and renewal every four to seven years. He believes that 20% to 30% of ministry leaders he speaks to are in a state of severe burnout. Another 20% of the same audience is on the way to severe burnout. There are natural rhythms in the order God created that, even in a fallen world, are health-giving and
spirit-enhancing. Failure to appreciate and connect to these rhythms propels us toward disease and ill-health. Acknowledging and coming into “sync” with these rhythms strengthens our resilience and creativity. There are many such rhythms. One of them is time off and away, of which Sabbath-keeping and sabbatical-taking are two manifestations. It is in the best interest of both parish and Pastor to consider both of these. The motivation for sabbatical-taking is not exclusively remedial or preventive. It is simply health-giving and spirit-enhancing. It promotes wellness and wholeness.” Believe me, I realize what a gift this is. I also realize that not everyone has this incredible privilege. Trust me when I say, I will not take such a gift for granted. Thank you for the opportunity I will have to rest, renew, re-connect with my husband, Mark, and find a slower rhythm to my life for 3 months this coming fall.
Every month the Board of Lay
Ministry will share information
in the Mountain Echo related to
Pastor Vera’s Sabbatical. If you
have a specific question you would
like addressed, please contact one
of ELC’s Lay Ministers.
3 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
Staying Attentive to
God’s Word
My mother and my brothers are
those who hear the word of God
and do it. ~Luke 8:21
My view of spiritual growth is that it is an ongoing journey; that there
is always more to learn, in part because the work keeps changing. I am always amazed and thankful at how scripture continually holds such stimulating and hopeful truths for spiritual growth. Jesus encouraged us to not only hear what he was speaking, but to take those words into our lives so that the teachings would transform us and our world. So that they would
transform us! In order for the Word to take hold of us we first must listen; putting aside the
busyness of our day and focus on the Word of God. If we but glance over it we will surely miss the Word that needs to reach our heart and mind; the Word that could
transform us, the Word that would help to strengthen us so that we can act on God’s word. To help you with focusing on the word of God begin your time in scripture with praying this prayer from Joyce Rupp, “Spirit of God,
help me to be attentive to your
teachings. May I respond to them
so they make a difference in who
I am and how I act each day.”
Amen.
With you in Ministry,
Kim Williams
Director of Adult Ministry
Mid-Week Options
Wednesday:
ϯ Weekly Word (or “How would you preach this?”) meets at 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Explore together the scripture text for the upcoming Sunday. Led by Riley Hanback.
ϯ Mountain Men a gathering of men, led by Connell O’Brien, who explore the ways our faith shapes our lives while digging into the Word of God. We meet Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., lower level Conference Room.
Thursday:
ϯ Java & Jesus women’s weekly Bible Study meets at 9:30 a.m. We will continue our study of “All Things New” based on 2 Corinthians. We will explore the anchoring truths of bearing treasures in jars of clay, meeting Christ through a pressing thorn, opening wide your heart in the midst of hurtful relationships and what it means to embrace the lost and lonely as ministers of the new covenant. Each of us has a message to proclaim and live by: Because of Jesus the old has gone, the new has come.
ϯ “Faith Matters: The Cross
Road of Culture and Faith” at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship
Hall led by Pastor Vera.
ϯ Lunch Bunch will meet
February 16 at The Tuscany Tavern at 12:00 p.m. This is a no host lunch group for seniors, retirees, those who live alone, are tired of your own cooking, or just want to gather with others for lunch at one of Evergreen’s local Restaurants. Please call the office before Tuesday and let us know if you will be attending. If you need a ride let Kim know 303-960-9093.
Sunday Options
Living the Questions in the Fellowship Hall led by Pastor Vera and Kim Williams explores some of the questions that today’s Christians struggle with. People know that at its core, Christianity has something good to offer humanity. At the same time, many have a sense that they are alone in being a "thinking" Christian and that "salvaging" Christianity is a hopeless task. This class creates an environment where people have permission to ask the questions they've always wanted to ask but are afraid to voice them for fear of being thought a heretic. Living the Questions can help explore the future of Christianity and what a meaningful faith can look like in today's world.
New Testament use of Apocalyptic Literature in the Nazareth room downstairs led by Tom McEwen. Apocalyptic Literature is most notably present in the last book of the New Testament, referred to as the Book of Revelation, or The Revelation of St. John, the Divine. The Book of Revelation is the strangest and most controversial book in the Bible. Instead of stories and teaching, it offers only visions — dreams and nightmares. Although few people say they understand its powerful images and prophecies, the book has been wildly popular among readers for two thousand years. Join us as we journey together through the dreamscape that is John’s vision –what his vision meant to them, and what it means to the church throughout the ages and now.
Parents Sunday School meets in Memorial Hall downstairs lead by Terry and Jim Ritter. All parents wish to be the best parent they possibly can be for their children. Come explore and share what it means to raise your children in a Christian home and to share your faith with them.
Adult Faith Formation Adult Ministries
We have six Adult Faith
Formation offerings continuing
this New Year. On Sunday
morning there are three
opportunities at 9:15-10:15
and three different opportunities
mid-week. There is something
for everyone.
Come and grow in your
life of faith.
4 T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O
Worship & Music Notes
I recently had the joy of having my granddaughter and a friend of hers spend a few days with us. We always find lots to talk about. In spite of the differences in our ages and challenges of each stage of our lives, we always seem to find many similarities in our life journeys. Our discussion this morning was about how we are created with different passions and gifts, how we live into them – and the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who support and encourage those passions in order for them to grow and flourish. But does this mean that we don’t participate in things that aren’t our strongest gifts? Years ago, Dale and I attended a seminar given by a man from Disney. He asked the assembly of about 500 people how many artists were there. Only a few raised their hands. He said that when he goes into an elementary school and asks the kids that question, nearly every child raises their hand. The interesting thing is that in the years that follow, nothing may change except our perception of that talent. We think that if we are not classically trained, we can no longer belong to that group
who call themselves artists. This limits us, and may eliminate something from our lives that we would really enjoy and may even be called to do. We also allow ourselves to be receptive to other’s critiques about the things we do and their judgement of our abilities.
As many of you know, one of my passions is music. That doesn’t mean I excel at it more than others. There are many people in the choir and congregation who are much better singers than I. But music stirs me. The combination of Word and music feeds something in me that nothing else does. When one of our choirs or the congregation sings or plays boldly from their hearts, it
creates perfect worship for me. Martin Luther wrote in the forward of a hymnal, “The riches of music
are so excellent and so precious that
words fail me whenever I attempt to
discuss and describe them.... In
summa, next to the Word of God, the
noble art of music is the greatest
treasure in the world. It controls our
thoughts, minds, hearts, and
spirits...” I think those who wrote the bible would agree when we consider how many hundreds of musical references there are encouraging us to engage fully in singing or playing instruments to praise God. I know that there are folks who don’t enjoy singing, or judge themselves not to be singers, but God loves to hear our voices raised in praise – and it is beautiful. Your voice may be just the thing in a worship service that helps lift someone else’s spirits and offers support even when you aren’t aware of it. So, be bold – sing out your praises and thankfulness. It will bless you, those around you, and our God, who gave us our voices to serve.
Peggy Fetchenhier
Minister of Worship and Music
“Music controls our
thoughts, minds, hearts,
and spirits…”
~ Martin Luther
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7 5
Stewardship
Stone Soup
The ELC kitchen will start buzzing at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 5 as our soup chefs begin peeling, chopping and slicing ingredients for a healthy and delicious soup that will be served to EChO clients. We will make Taco Soup. We are in need of the following ingredients: • beans (any kind) • cans of corn • cans of green chilies • ranch dressing seasoning packets • cans of diced tomatoes If you would like to join the fellowship in the kitchen or take part by bringing some ingredients, we certainly encourage you to do so. Contact Pat Korbel, 303-681-8894, [email protected].
Stone Soup
Mixed Messages of
Trust
Sometimes, our minds fill with justifications for our actions and our human nature takes us to places we never expect to go. For me, this occurs more often than I am even aware. One time, in particular, my feelings of trust in the action of love towards others also carried a message of trust in God’s plan for my life. One hot summer day in 2010, I was on a business trip to Iowa. In my typical hurried state, I passed an interchange where a soiled man stood on the corner holding a sign, “Hungry and Homeless. Please help.” My initial thought was to pass on by, just as I had done many times before. The burning contract in Iowa needed my attention and hopefully a lucrative job awaited me at the end of my flight. Yet, the tug on my heart was strong and I thought, “Sure, why not. Maybe it will help me win the contract.” Yes, I thought this! Haven’t you? And then, something even worse yanked on my chain and I thought, “Naw, I better not. He’ll probably just use it on alcohol, not food.” But, before I knew it, I opened my wallet and rolled down the window. “Here’s some money,” I said and handed the man a fifty. Driving off, I felt a bit smug, confused, and still a bit suspicious. Who knows, maybe the money was put to good use. Who was I to second guess his intent or the intent of God’s call on my heart? What does this all mean to me? I struggle with these mixed messages — God’s call to be a blessing to others and surrendering my trust to the Lord. We are called to help those in need and trust that the challenges we sometimes encounter in our minds, are God’s voice giving us opportunities to serve him by serving others. God says, “Trust me my child. Do what you know is best and I’ll take care of the rest.”
I continued on my way to the airport and arrived in Iowa with the intent of landing a contract, or so I thought. But, it was not to be. The contract fizzled like a hot coal dropped in cold water. Was I sad? Yes, very much so. But, as it turns out, it would have been a bad deal and it was a very good thing we didn’t sign on the line. Through it all, I learned a more important lesson from these two encounters. I learned to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-9). Easier said than done, yes. But, that’s what trusting is all about…
Blessings,
Brother Philip Nestingen
T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 6
Cook’s Corner
If you have a recipe you are willing to share, please drop a copy in the office or email it to: [email protected].
uncooked rice • 1 can or box of beef broth • 1 can Ranch Style beans • 1 can Ro-tel tomatoes, Mexican
style (for extra hot—use 2 cans) • 1 can whole kernel corn • 1 13 oz can tomato sauce • 1 package taco seasoning Stir all ingredients in a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer on low for 60-90 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve as a soup with fresh flour tortillas, tortilla chips or Fritos, garnish with shredded chees. Can be used like chili in Frito pie. Recipe can be doubled if you have a large enough pot; and it’s great for sharing or for serving at large get-togethers
Let’s Go to the Movies!
The library at ELC has a growing collection of movies--all on DVD--and CD's that cover a wide range of topics and themes. You'll find them in the library on the shelving unit above the counter. They are easy to find and listed by their Dewey Decimal number. Once you've located your choice, simply fill out a sign-out card located on the card catalog. Just follow the easy instructions and put the card in the black "recipe" box on top of the card catalog. Be sure to return your selection within a reasonable period time so that others may enjoy it. If you can't find your selection, someone may have already signed it out. Listed below are the offerings:
Amazing Grace--AV DVD Fic Pressman
As it is in Heaven--AV DVD Fic Pollak
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas--AV DVD Fic Boyne
The Buddha: The Story of
Siddhartha--AV DVD 294.3 Gru
Bully--AV DVD 303.3 Hir
The Crusades--AV DVD 909.07 Lew
The Dead Sea Scrolls--AV DVD 296.1 Dee
Dixieland Hymns--AV CD 785 Lev
Embracing Forgiveness-AV DVD 179.9 Cra
From Christ to Constantine--AV DVD 270.1 Phi
From Jesus to Christ--AV DVD 232.9 Mcl
Growing Up Trans--AV DVD 306.76 Navv
Adult Library
“A room without books is like
a body without a soul." ~Cicero , Grandpa Lee's
Gems for the Fireside
The History of Rothenburg Der
Tauber--AV DVD 338.4 Bau
I Can Tell the World--AV DVD 784.7 Bog
Inequality for All--AV DVD 330.9 Rei
Islam: Empire of Faith--AV DVD 909 Sch
James Earl Jones Reads the Bible--AV CD 225.52 New
Journey: The Life of Henri
Nouwen--AV DVD 921 Nou
Let it Shine: Rainbow Trail--AV DVD 904 Let
The Life of Muhammad--AV DVD 297.6 Oma
Listeners’ Bible--AV CD 220.5 Mcl (in "oversized" section)
Lord, Save Us from Your Followers--AV DVD 306.6 Mer
Luther--AV DVD 921 Til
Max Lucado’s 3:16--AV DVD 226.5 Luc
The Message--AV CD 220.5 Pet
The New Testament--AV DVD 220.5 Ehr
The Old Testament--AV DVD 220.5 Lev
Prayers for Bobby--AV DVD 305.3 Mul
Prostate Cancer: My Story--AV DVD 362.1 Can
Secrets of Noah’s Ark--AV DVD 221.9 You
Selma--AV DVD Fic Webb
Spotlight--AV DVD 362.7 Sin
Still Alive--AV DVD Fic Gla
The Story of the Jews--AV DVD 909 Sch
Vanishing Bees--AV DVD
638.1 Hei
Wallenburg: A Hero's Story--AV DVD 791.4 Joh
God’s Peace,
Lloyd Peltzer, Librarian
——-†.E.D. ———————-— The Evergreen Disciples
High School Youth Ministry of Evergreen Lutheran Church
We have 9 youth and 3 adults signed up for this summer’s mission trip, as well as 2-3 on the waitlist. It’s time—time to begin the journey towards Ecuador. When it comes to mission trips, preparation is paramount. Our team needs to fundraise for the trip in order for our families to be able to send their kids to a different country for a week of service. We need to make sure passports are ordered and valid, so we can travel without any hiccups along the way. Also, we need to check and double-check itineraries, packing lists, payment schedules, and more. But most importantly, we need to begin to prepare ourselves for a week of hard work in the name of Jesus Christ. We are heading to Riobamba, Ecuador and will spend our week learning about the culture of our Ecuadorian neighbors, building a clinic, and interacting with different villages through Day Camps. This is the type of trip that impacts and changes our youth in profound ways. We are going down to work, but in my time doing mission trips, I have always come home with a deeper and greater understanding of who Christ is in the world. I know and trust that our kids will come back changed, too. Our Mission Trip Team’s goal is to raise $4,500 this Spring through a variety of fundraisers. Keep your eyes peeled for different ways in which
you can help support our kids as we prepare for our journey.
Make sure to get hooked up with our ELC Youth News. Youth News typically is sent out via email on Tuesdays. It will help you get info for all ELC Youth events! Email [email protected] if you want to get connected.
2012 Mission Trip to Ecuador
Stewardship
February Anniversaries
13 Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward began her ministry with ELC 14 Cindy & Pat Vondenkamp
February Birthdays
1 Dillon Bakas, Gary Antweiler 2 Jackie Lanning 3 Sue Lams, Ed Furlong, Larisa Cox 4 Kellan Hartford 7 Lindsey Kelly 9 Linda Almquist 10 Kathy Malpass, Stephen Moe, Savanna Moe 11 Isaac vanWestrienen 14 Riley Malecki 15 Therese Wahlstrom 16 Gary Baldwin 17 Natalie Plothow 18 Brody March 19 Eric Plothow, Jennifer Hood 20 Arthur Onweller, Vicki Borns 21 Beth Knochenmus, Ken Michel, Chris Haggenjos 22 Jan Hahn, Gene Enebo, Bianca Meier 23 Steve Onweller, Ryeson Berne 25 Sue Queen, Nicholas Boettger,
Dick Willhardt, Pat Lehman, Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward, Lindsey Foust, Attie Forbes 26 Barry Streett 28 Lynne Theiss, Lily Sajbel, Claire Nemmers, Scott Zbryk, Carisa Smith
Stephen Ministers will meet Thursday, February 16 in Fellowship Hall at 7:15 p.m.
Stephen Ministry
8 T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O
4 Steps to Improving
Financial Fitness
In order to stay physically fit, we know we need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen. When it comes to our personal finances, being well-versed on how credit works is a vital part of having a healthy financial life. In today’s credit-based economy, many of us could benefit from wise counsel on our credit score. Here are four ways to maintain and increase your creditworthiness:
Exercise regularly. Romans 13:8 is a gentle reminder: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” Do your best to pay off balances at the end of each month or, at the very least, pay more than the minimum payment. Your statements indicate how long it will take to pay off your balance making only minimum payments. You’ll end up paying the debt many times over.
Use healthy portions. Since 30% of your credit score is influenced by how close you are to the card limit, it’s wise not to overspend. A good rule of thumb is to not use more than 35% of your card’s available credit; going over this
percentage can lower your credit score.
Get regular checkups. Don’t be afraid to check your credit score! Proverbs 27:23 says, “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds.” All three bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) allow you one free credit report each year. Viewing your report allows you to make sure you’re in good shape, or to check your progress if you’re recovering from past credit issues. And, if there are errors, you can get them corrected as soon as possible.
Pace yourself. Experts report that consumers spend 23% more money with credit cards than when they pay with cash. Do you really need that item or do you just want it? Next time you are shopping, consider waiting 24 hours to see if you still really must have that new item. Everyone’s financial situation is different, but understanding and maintaining – or increasing – your credit score is a big step toward being financially fit.
This article provided compliments of Thrivent Financial and Bob Hawsey, Financial Associate, cell 720-883-4626, [email protected]
9 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7
Two Degrees
The Rocky Mountain Synod has partnered with the Theater Company of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) to bring you discounted tickets as well as a moderated talkback after each performance with Pastor Dan Bollman to examine the show through a theological lens. The ticket price is $35. The deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday, February 14 for the
Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 p.m. performance of Two Degrees at Jones Theatre.
“Emma, a climate change scientist, is invited to share her findings at a Senate hearing that could define her career and her cause. But if she can’t overcome her tumultuous inner struggle, her dedication and sacrifices may not be enough” (DCPA website)
For your future planning: (click here for play descriptions) April 25 - Disgraced May 16 – The Secret Garden
Theater and Theology
Summer Camps
Breakin’ All the Rules – there’s a program for you! Pick up a summer brochure in the church office or narthex, contact Rainbow Trail, 719-276-5233, www.rainbowtrail.org. Online registration for Summer 2017 is now open. For questions, email or call your RTLC ambassadors, Sue and Gordie Queen, 303-257-7381, [email protected].
At Rainbow Trail, experience the joy of being with old and new friends in a loving, supportive and caring Christian community. Share the excitement of trying new things. Live the wonder of being immersed in God’s creation. Rainbow Trail offers people of all ages the chance to be a leader, to grow in faith, and to experience wonderful adventures in incredible surroundings. Our fun and exciting staff will love you, care for you, and accept you as you are. Come to camp this summer and feel the power of the Holy Spirit as you grow in faith in Jesus Christ. Rainbow Trail offers opportunities to experience camp whether you’re entering the 2nd grade or are an adult.
Rainbow Trail
Mexico Mission Trip
March 26 - 31
All are welcome to join our intergenerational trip to build a home for a needy family in Juarez, Mexico. The trip is scheduled the week of Jefferson County’s spring break: March 26 – 31. The cost of the trip is $500. Last year our youngest team member was six and our oldest was 86. Don’t miss this opportunity to serve Christ, have a life changing experience, and build a home for a family that does not have one.
If you are curious, please visit our web site: www.hellmuth.com (password = grace).
Dinner with Friends
Please join us for this great experience to gather with fellow ELC members to share an evening in each other’s home starting in May and for each month after until the end of August. Call Dennis Johnson, 970-389-0217 with any questions.
All who serve in worship, please check in with the lay minister when you
arrive on Sunday to let them know you are present.
FEBRUARY LAY MINISTER: George Wittenberg
FEBRUARY 5 (8:00 a.m.)
Assisting Minister: Jim Barclay Reader: Janet Anderson Greeters: Chris & Gene Enebo
Communion Servers: Dave & Jan Blumenstein, Bette Warn, Paul Stephenson Ushers: Lyn Lewis, Deb Pucherelli, Art & Jacque Whyte
