A SHORT OF HISTORY OF MINISTRY

MOUNT OF THE HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH

VAIL & BEAVER CREEK, CO

Summer 1967

Rev. Don Simonton called by Board of American Missions to develop an “experimental ministry” to the newly-created resort of Vail, to be located in the resort with possible outreach to surrounding area.

Fall 1967

Sunday morning services begun for community; early morning service for skiers (in village)... evening service in Gypsum.

Winter 1967-68

Skiers services on mountain begun in Lent 1968…Sunday church school begun…Sunday Evening at “Donovan’s” (adult education group).

1968

High Country Lutheran Parish (Vail, Gypsum, Glenwood Springs, Rifle, Snowmass Village) organized --  coordinated ministry, shared resources.

Nov. 1969

            Vail Chapel built and services begun there.

1970’s (early)

“Worker-priest” intern program through Christian Ministry in National Parks begun in Vail-Gypsum… “Where It’s At” popular weekday church school program…church plays leading role in community development (TOV goal-setting, historical society for county and Vail, Colorado Ski Museum, BMHS resort curriculum and bilingual programs, Eagle River Scholarships, Soil Conservation District, Eagle-Piney diversion fight).

1975

High Country Parish dissolved, Gypsum elects to unite with Glenwood Springs for ministry…Mount of the Holy Cross Church organized, to focus on Vail and Beaver Creek…”Partners” (second home owners, frequent visitors, etc.) developed.

1970’s (late)

Community worship, education programs developed, monthly Family Night (pot-luck) Fellowships…also resort programs like Mountaintop Services, interpretive programs for Vail Associates (reimbursed time)…marriage ministries, family ministries (baptism, 1^st communion, confirmation), counseling ministries reach both members and community (become major factor in congregational growth)…congregation becomes self-supporting.

1980

Initial services (on mountain) in Beaver Creek conducted by laypersons…discussions with

Synod and Mission Board about additional staff, preliminary plans frustrated by housing costs.

Fall 1982

Rev. George Lund hired on weekend basis to help with services in Vail and to enable us to resume services in Gypsum (inactive for several years).

Spring 1985

Rev. Jack Schmidt called as part-time assistant pastor…primary responsibilities and residence in Lower Eagle Valley.

Winter 1986-87

Rev. Jim Berggren called as full-time assistant pastor…primary responsibilities and residence in Lower Eagle Valley, some pastoral responsibilities also in Vail and Beaver Creek.

Fall 1988

Beaver Creek Chapel built and services begun there.

Fall 1991

            Rev. Jeff Hanson called as assistant pastor.

March 1993

            Pastor and Ruth Walker called to the congregation and accepted!

1993

            Blake Christiansen hired as part-time Youth Minister.

Sept. 1998

            Kim Law hired as full-time Parish Administrator.

June 2000

            Erik Williams hired as full-time Youth Minister.

July 2008

            Pastor Carl Walker retired from Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church (insert wailing and mourning here)

            Pastor Mark Huggenvik accepts position as Interim Pastor while Call Committee works to find permanent Pastor.

February 2009

            Reverend Dr. Scott Beebe accepts the call to serve at Mount of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church.