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Mt. of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church The Season of Epiphany / Beginning of Lent February 2012 Newsletter Our contact information: P.O. Box 1103, Vail, CO 81658 476-6610 (o) 476-3347 (fax) Email: mtholy@vail.net website: www.mountholy.com
A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR SCOTT
Dear Hearts and Gentle People,
Our vision statement reads: Mt. of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church is a welcome place where the generosity and hospitality of Jesus is our way of life. At our Annual Meeting on Sunday January 29 we pointed out the many ways that we are living out our vision here in the Vail Valley. When I think back to the many ways God has blessed our congregation in 2011, I can’t help but get excited about what our future holds in store for us. Allow me to share a brief recap of what was discussed during out time together.
There is so much to be thankful for, wouldn’t you agree?! We concluded our year with the Giving in Gratitude Fundraiser which raised over $45,500 in direct gifts and pledges for the next two years. Your commitment to our youth program, outreach and benevolent generosity speaks volumes about your dedication to the Gospel and your passion to see the love of Christ extended to those in our community and beyond.
Other notable events from this past year include: v Welcoming our new part-time Youth Director Alexandra Binek. v Introduction of new liturgies under the capable leadership of our music director, Soo Dawson. v A growing and popular Sunday evening service at the Edwards Chapel. v A growing and popular Tuesday evening Bible Study at the Edwards Chapel. v A new women’s group that is well attended and providing a wonderful avenue for fellowship and service to our community. v Serving the community meal once a month at the Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Community Center. v Feeding a group of hungry teens at Red Canyon High School. v $$ given for drought relief in the Sudan. v A very successful LWR Trade Fair. v Habitat Housing Build. v Food Drive for Salvation Army. v Annual Hwy trash clean up at Wilmore Lake. v Supporting our two seminarians: Emily Ewing and Kim Law. v 21 New members received. v 9 baptisms (including 5 outdoor baptisms in Beaver Creek…seems we’ve started a new tradition!) v 16 weddings v 5 funerals v 9 young people who affirmed their baptism (Confirmation) v Average weekly attendance of 93. v And the list goes on and on!
As I said, we have so much to be thankful for!
Now we stand at the beginning of a brand new year. Whither shall we go in 2012? I heard someone say years ago, If you don’t know where you’re going, then any path will do. Where are we headed? A document produced for leaders in the Rocky Mountain Synod provides four guiding principles that are worth pondering as we look to the year(s) ahead.
1. We are Lutheran: which means that we are grace centered, biblically grounded, and renewed constantly through the gifts of Word and Sacrament. 2. We are Church: which means that our primary unifying practice is weekly worship. It is our worship that leads us into mission and ministry with generous and thankful hearts. 3. We are Evangelical: which reminds us that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not a possession to be safeguarded, but a means of grace and blessing to be flung into a broken world like seeds scattered upon the earth. It also means that our ministry here at MHC is best measured by how far we extend the reach of the Gospel and the reconciling love of God beyond our walls. 4. We are Empowered: which means that God is working in each of us for a more faithful future. The mission of the church is not ours, but God’s. We discern what God is doing in our midst and join God through our actions. As a banner I once saw reminds me: It is God’s Work, but Our Hands.
I find these principles helpful when considering our future. Let me lift up two opportunities that I believe will help us to both individually and corporately live out these four principles and shape our life together as a vibrant healthy congregation.
During this past year several of our members participated in a Bible Study series entitled, Discovering Your Gifts. Together we explored the many ways in which God equips the church (i.e., you and me!), for ministry in our world today. The Bible insists (Romans 12; I Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; & I Peter 4), that God has blessed each and every one of us with the gifts needed to build the church and live out the Gospel message of hope and life, grace and forgiveness to a hungry and thirsty world. This was an exciting and eye-opening adventure for all who participated. This study is now available online to everyone in the congregation. Simply go to our church web site: www.mountholy.com and click on the “Get Involved” link and follow the directions. This is a wonderful resource, both for personal self discovery and to help strengthen our life together as a congregation.
I want to also draw your attention to the Centering Prayer event that takes place every Monday evening in the Ministry Center. Led by Kim Law, this is a wonderful opportunity to spend time in prayer and meditation for yourself and for the life of our congregation and community. There are no fees and no experience required…just come and enjoy a time of quiet reflection and warm fellowship.
I firmly believe that we become what we attend to. If we attend to the things of God, we become godly, Christ-like people. I pray that each member of MHC will recommit in 2012 to attending to those things that make for faithful living.
On a personal note, I want to thank our Council Leadership for their courageous and faithful support of our ministry together. Their commitment to you and our community are gifts whose worth cannot be measured. I am also deeply grateful for the capable leadership provided by Kim Law and Alexandra Binek. They are a source of great support and it is important for you to know that they are committed to you and remember you daily in their prayers. As I said at the outset, we are so blessed and have so much to be thankful for and I look forward with eager anticipation to what God has in store for us in 2012!!
Grateful for your partnership in the Gospel, Pastor Scott K. Beebe
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2012 Church Council
Pastor - Rev. Dr. Scott Beebe
OFFICERS
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary Jeanine Kenney (1/14)
MEMBERS
Jim Nielsen (1/13) Randy Galer (1/13) Deb Sarthou (1/14) *******
MHCLC WOMEN’S GROUP
Explore the new facilities of the Walking Mountains and Science Learning Center in Avon on Monday, February 27. Separate activities are planned to accommodate individual schedules.
6:00 pm Meet at the Center. Dale Versteegen, Community Programs Coordinator, will give us a tour of the facility and discuss its history and goals for the future. We may walk outside to see the structures and the environs, but talk will be inside. If you can’t be there by 6:00 pm, please arrive whenever is convenient and stay to attend 7:00 pm talk.
7:00 pm We will participate in ‘Winter Wonders,’ a free family friendly program with engaging activities & fascinating information about the winter ecology of Colorado. This is designed for the public; we’ll join whoever else comes for the evening.
8:00 pm Northside Coffee & Kitchen for coffee, tea and dessert or whatever you might like to order from menu. This new restaurant, located very close to the Science Center, is open until 10:00 pm. I’ll make reservations for us.
Directions to Walking Mountains Science Center: Take I-70 Exit 167 at Avon, Colorado, to Nottingham Road. Take the second right onto Buck Creek Road and make an immediate right onto Walking Mountains Lane. The Science Center is located at the end of the drive.
Please RSVP to Joyce Nielsen at 970-569-3683 or jjnielsen@centurytel.net.
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Jewish & Christian Views of the Afterlife Sponsored by The Ernest Scheller III Memorial Speaker’s Program
Saturday, February 11th, 2012 7:00pm Vail Interfaith Chapel
What we believe and how that impacts how we live.
A panel discussion with Pastor Scott, Rabbi Debra Rappaport, Rev. Ethan Moore, Fr. Bob Kinkel, Rabbi Dovid Mintz and Rev. Tim Wilbanks. Moderated by Fr. Brooks Keith.
Free and open to the public
Followed by a Dessert Reception
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See Attached!
Three documents are attached to this newsletter: The Time & Talent Survey, 2012 Pledge Card and the Survey from the Church Council for their February meeting. If you haven’t already done so, please complete these and return to the church office! Thanks! *******
Valentine’s Day Party! Elementary School and younger
Sunday, February 12th 6:15 pm – 8:00 pm Edwards Interfaith Chapel
Come celebrate God’s love with Valentine’s Day themed games, activities and snacks.
Volunteer’s Needed: I am looking for people to help set up and run the games at the kids Valentine’s Day Party. If you are free and would like to help out, please let me know. Thanks,
Alexandra Binek, 401-864-9332 or abinek1@gmail.com
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1st Congregational Focus Group Gathering
Please attend the first meeting of our congregational focus groups. While the kids are at the Valentine’s party, February 12th, after the Edward’s service – let’s brainstorm our future plans for growth! Please join us with your innovative, great ideas on how we can increase our numbers! We will have other opportunities to meet on other days and other locations if you can’t make this gathering.
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Snow Camp 2012 (6th – 12th grade)
Trinity Church is going to Snow Camp again this year, and they have invited the youth of MHC to join them. Come join other teenagers in a weekend of fun and prayer at Cricket Creek from Friday March 2nd (3pm) to Sunday March 4th. Cost is $150 per person. For more information or sign up forms, e-mail Alexandra at abinek1@gmail.com. Please RSVP by February 15th.
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Colorado Christian University School of Music Band Tour
University Wind Ensemble and Mainstream Jazz Ensemble
Passionately Pursuing Excellence to the Glory of God
What: 4 Eagle Concert Series presents the Colorado Christian University Worship Team, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. The local Eagle River Presbyterian Chruch Hand Bell Choir will be performing a few numbers as well. Please come and enjoy an evening of great music, fellowship, fun and refreshments with yourfamily and friends throughout the Vail Valley. The event is free but a love offering will be received to benefit local youth organizations.
Location: 4 Eagle Ranch, 4098 Hwy. 131, Wolcott, CO 81655; 926-3372
Date: Friday, February 10, 6:30pm
Additional Contact: 390-0731
Sponsored by the 4 Eagle Foundation and the Vail Pastors Network. Funds raised will support critical services that address the most urgent needs of young people in Eagle County.
Colorado Christian University, 8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226
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RAINBOW TRAIL Lutheran Camp
Upcoming Events at RTLC:
April 12-15 ~ Women’s Retreat This weekend is geared towards: relaxation, inspiration, challenge, retreat, rest or whatever you need! There will be great food, worship time, Bible Study sessions, social time, activities or time for a nap, reading or exploring God’s beautiful creation. Bible Study will be lead by Michelle Okes again this year!
April 27 -29 ~ Men’s Adventure Camp Friday: Checkin, Welcome & Orientation, Evening worship, Fellowship Saturday: Morning prayer, Breakfast and pack a lunch, Activity options (rock climbing, fly tying, mountain biking, archery, beer bottling) Steak & Fish Dinner, Evening Activities and Worship, Fellowship Sunday: Breakfast, Morning Activity, Worship, Lunch and head for home
Questions? Call Kim Law, 476-6610, or go online to www.rainbowtrail.org
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Please Pray For . . .
Gracious God, you have called us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. May we go out with good courage, not necessarily knowing where we are going, but trusting that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us. Amen.
Morgan Douglas – was admitted into hospice recently. Local
Loved Ones of Taft Conlin – 13 year who died in an avalanche on Vail Mountain Jan. 22. Local
Linda Metcalf - was hospitalized recently. Steve Metcalf
David Miller Family – his sister, Elizabeth Miller, passed away unexpectedly. Anne Wenzel
Huggenvik Family – added by Peggy Thompson
Kathleen Hersey - her mom, Regina Hersey, died recently. Mary Jo Hansen
Fr. Roger Lascelle – his father passed away Jan. 23. Local
Loved Ones of Barbara Webb – Marka Moser’s mother who passed away. Blondie Vucich
Loved Ones of Ronald Fahrmeyer – he passed away Jan. 10. Jeanine Kenney
Marie Claire Moritz – Hospitalized in Denver. Diane Gavic
Joe Prinzi – cancer. Phyllis & Tom Owens
Lisa Vincent-Wathen – heart attack. Jill Baron
Baby Bekkem – Luekemia. Local.
Jeff Grabow – cancer. Andrea Glass’ father
Our Congregation – Peggy Thompson
US Military & their Families – Metcalfs
Prayer requests can be made by calling (476-6610) or emailing the church office (mtholy@vail.net), or on the “Who’s Who in the Pew” on Sunday mornings.
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Hosting Volunteers Needed This Month!
Hosts needed for this month: Please call Kim in the church office, 476-6610, if you can help. Thank you!
We also need Host Coordinators for: February, March, April, July, September, December; and Money Counters for the 2nd & 4th Sundays in Vail.
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First Annual Venetian Nights
A gala evening to benefit the Edwards Interfaith Chapel and Community Center is planned for Saturday, March 17. The transformation of EICCC into a Venetian Night complete with spectacular food by David Walford of Splendido and music that will thrill your senses by singers from the Santa Barbara, CA, Opera is in store for you and your friends! Opportunities for you to request arias for someone special will be available during the evening plus many more fun musical surprises. And what is needed from you? A few really wonderful items for the silent auction! Think about how much this means to our community! Please contact Karen Haeffner (479-1043) or Netia Gerken (926-6166) for your auction donations/ideas and Susan Washing (845-0026) for tickets.
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Money Counters needed for the 2nd & 4th Sundays in Vail |
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