Lenten Labyrinth

The Christ Church Sunday School classes walking the Lenten Labyrinth on the First Sunday of Lent!

Christ Church Pew Modification photos

Christ Church recently modified several pews in our sanctuary to increase accessibility for our members and friends. Here are several photos taken of the process!

Rethink Christmas: Operation Sleeping Bag

December Events!

Children’s Christmas Pageant

During the 10:15 a.m. worship service on Sunday, December 13, the chancel will transform into a live nativity, featuring our children and youth. Special music provided by the Christ Church Children’s Choir, directed by Joy Jenkins.

Christmas Eve Worship

Invite your family & friends to our candlelight worship celebration on Christmas Eve, December 24, at 7:00 p.m. The service will feature our special Christmas Eve Communion liturgy and music from the Chancel Choir.

Water Words: December 2009

As we enter the holy day and holiday seasons of Advent and Christmas...

May we all remember that we have enough; there is more than enough to go around.

Not just enough food for the table, or enough money for the gifts.

But we have enough time for the things that need our attention.

We have enough vision to see those who have needs.

We have enough patience for the impatience of children.

We have enough heart to listen to the hurting hearts of others.

We have enough clothes to shed some and give away.

We have enough spirit to lift up the downtrodden.

And we have a big enough table providing room for any who are hungry.

And that my friends, is what the Kingdom of God looks like, enough... more than enough to go around.

As you prepare for the Celebration of the Birth of the Christ Child, celebrate what’s right about Christmas. Celebrate the blessings and the opportunities and the freedom we have to give individual expression to our faith. Celebrate the fullness of time! Celebrate the many people and activities that fill your life! Celebrate all that is a reflection of the goodness and presence of God in our world.

—Carolyn Waters

Rally Day: September 2009

Please join us on Sunday, September 13, as we kick-off the Christ Church fall program season!

The excitement begins at 9:00 a.m. with Children’s Sunday School for ages Preschool to 6th Grade. Also at 9:00 a.m. will be the opening session of the Adult Seminar, held in the Chapel.

At 9:15 a.m. in the Upper Room, Eric Strader will lead our new “coffeehouse theology” adult class on the history of Christianity and Methodism.

The Christ Church Chancel Choir return to sing in the 10:15 a.m. worship service following their summer break, and the Christ Church Children’s Choir begin their rehearsal season during the worship service.

Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for community and fellowship on Rally Day, Sunday, September 13!

Water Words: September 2009

I was talking with a member of Christ Church today and we started laughing about the irony of what we learned when we were young. Many of the things we were taught are “bad” are actually very good and sacred; i.e., our sexuality. And many of the things we grew up believing are very good are actually quite bad; i.e., fried chicken!

My father ate two fried eggs every morning for breakfast, most of the meat he consumed was fried, and he chewed tobacco! He lived to be 94! But his work was physical labor on the farm and his body was in very good shape. The life I live is very different from that of my father’s. He would laugh out loud at the thought of me paying $19.00 a month to go to a gym to work out.

Life is constantly changing. What worked well 20 years ago doesn’t work so well now. Some of what was the best 40 years ago is still very good, but is easily replaced. How do we know what to do and who to be in changing times?

I believe our faith community is where we best live into the future and challenge one another about the way we think, our social values, and our political opinions.

Where else can you sit down with a cup of coffee and be taken seriously when you say, “I just don’t know what to think about…?”

Rally Day is September 13. Rally Day is the effort we make to remind folks who have taken a summer break or changed church routines that it is now time to come back, to be back, to show up, and to engage with one another.

I hope you will make Christ Church a priority in your weekly life specifically for the purpose of having one place where you constantly engage in the harder questions and difficult challenges of life. Whether it’s you sexual identity or your attempt to maintain a healthy diet, we are on the journey of figuring out how to live this life in a good and holistic way.

Let life be your religion and welcome the Christian journey as your road map.

See you in church?

—Carolyn Waters

Children's Choir: September 2009

All kids preschool through 6th grade are invited to join Joy Jenkins this fall in the Christ Church Children’s Choir!

The Children’s Choir meets on Sunday mornings during the regular 10:15 a.m. worship service. Choir members leave the service just following the Children’s Moment and return to the service during the doxology.

With regular singing appearances throughout the season, the Children’s Choir gives our kids the opportunity to actively participate as worship leaders in Sunday morning services. If you have any questions about the Children’s Choir, contact Ben Riggs at 303-322-0784, x.202, or briggs@christchurchcolorado.org.

Rehearsals begin on Rally Day, September 13 — see you then!

Children's Education: September 2009

WACK: Wonder, Arts and Christianity for Kids

4th, 5th, & 6th grades: This year we will be shifting from a Sunday School format to more of a learning “club” format. We are hoping for suggestions from the 4th, 5th, and 6th graders for a name for this new format! We are creating our own curriculum for this group, engaging in 6-8 week learning modules, each finishing with a special activity or event outside of the regular Sunday School hour.

Here are some of our modules: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Worship, Refugees and Immigration, Prayer Practices and the Holy Days of our Christian faith. Our hope is this new format will honor the skills and capacities to truly contribute to the world. We are open to any suggestions and topics for further explorations from parents and participants.

Faithful Parenting Class

Parenting is one of the most challenging responsibilities charged to the human race. As parents we are the primary educators of our children in so many arenas, but particularly in matters of spirituality, religion, and ethics. This year we will be offering a year-long, monthly gathering for parents to gather and discuss their shared labor of parenting Christ Church’s children. By sharing our struggles and insights gained in the parenting journey, we hope to strengthen our own capacity to help our children.

The class will meet on the third Sunday of each month, from 9:15-10:00 a.m., upstairs in the Adult Study room. Good coffee and baked goods will be provided. Our conversation will be primed by shared readings, but will flow to the topics and struggles that participants most want to discuss. Parents are welcome to drop in for the whole series, for just a book that is interesting to them, or even just for one session.

A more detailed schedule will soon be available, but we will be working with the following books:

• Jeanne Harrison Nieuwejaar, The Gift of Faith: Tending the Spiritual Lives of Children (Sept.—Nov.)
• Susan V. Vogt, Raising Kids Who Will Make a Difference: Helping Your Family Live with Integrity, Value Simplicity, and Care for Others (Dec.—Mar.)
• Elizabeth Caldwell, Leaving Home with Faith: Nurturing the Spiritual Life of our Youth (Apr.—May)

Some books will be available for purchase at the church, but all three are easily available online. Even if you choose not to read the books, you will be able to participate in the conversation. The conversation and coffee will be facilitated by Katherine Turpin and Sue Lawson. Hopefully we will all be teachers to one another as we walk this path together.

—Katherine Turpin & Eric Strader

Adult Education: September 2009

Adult Seminar

The new season of the Adult Seminar begins on Rally Day, September 13, at 9:00 a.m. in the Christ Church chapel. Seminar coordinator Neva Windbigler and the Adult Education committee have prepared an outstanding year of speakers under the banner “America’s Changing Mosaic.”

On September 13 & 20, Dr. Dolph Grundman from Metro State College will speak on “The First Amendment.” Then on September 27, Dr. Daniel Carroll from Denver Seminary will present “Christians at the Borders.”

Join the Adult Seminar every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. for exciting guest speakers from the Denver community.

Coffeehouse Theology

Are you looking for an alternative to sipping coffee at your kitchen table on Sunday morning? Are you looking for coffee and some great conversation? Eric Strader will be leading an Adult Study on Sunday mornings this fall, starting on Rally Day, September 13.

The class will meet in the Upper Room, 2nd Floor, from 9:15-10:00 a.m. We are first going to explore the History of Christianity and the History of Methodism. Eric will use stories of early Christianity to discuss issues surrounding theology and our understanding of the Bible. The class will journey through the life and beliefs of John Wesley as Methodism expanded across the country. We will break in Advent to spend time in the season of preparation for the Christ-child’s birth. Come and go in the class as you can. All are welcome — coffee and juice are FREE!

—Eric Strader

Upcoming Events: September 2009

Save the Date!

On Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m., Emily Smith and Kevin Sladek will wed in the Christ Church sanctuary.

As many of you know, Emily was raised in our church and was an active member until she left for college. She has fond memories of her time here, and of you. We hope that you will be able to celebrate this momentous and sacred event with them. A mini-reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. No gifts, please. Your presence will be their present!

— Don & Jane Smith

Adults (20-35)

The Adults will join together for brunch on Sunday September 13. We will meet at Hotcakes, 1400 E. 18th Ave. following the worship service and Coffee Hour. This is a time to connect with others from Christ Church. Hope you will join us.

Pub Theology

Monday September 21, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Irish Hound, corner of St. Paul and 6th Ave. Pub Theology is a time to share theological thoughts and beliefs in an open safe setting. Come share with us!

Blessing of the Animals

Christ Church will offer a Blessing of the Animals service on October 4 at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Friends, families, and community neighbors are invited to bring family pets. Please leash and cage appropriately! This will be a great time for kids ages 2 to 92! Even if you don’t have a pet, but love animals, come and be a part of this exciting afternoon.

—Eric Strader

Financial Stewardship Drive: September 2009

To maintain our current level of outstanding worship services, education and other programs, the members of Christ Church who are able, need to increase their financial support of the church. Without additional giving, we are likely to be $30,000 under budget for the year. Even this figure is misleading because the budget assumes withdrawing $43,258 from endowment funds (gifts from the past), and fundraising projects of $15,000. Our endowments will run out if we keep using them to run the Church.

The nominating committee has asked the two of us to co-chair a stewardship committee to bring in additional money for this year’s budget and to plan the fall stewardship campaign for next year. Several members have volunteered to be on this committee, including Brian Smith, Laurie Fujinami, Ben Houston and Linda Reinhardt. We are accepting additional volunteers.

The immediate goal is to raise $30,000 in additional funding for this year. We recognize that in the current economic climate, not everyone is in the position to increase their support of Christ Church. We want to provide everyone with the opportunity to seriously consider what they can contribute.

To start with, each member of the Administrative Board has been asked to seriously consider their personal financial situation to determine if they can donate more money to Christ Church. The committee chairs have been asked to approach their committee members about considering increasing their own gifts to Christ Church. The committee members will be asked to approach other members of our community about increasing their donations to Christ Church. Finally, the Stewardship Committee will ask those who have not been contacted to consider increasing their support of Christ Church.

Here is some food for thought:

The current Christ Church budget is for $316,823 per year. This amounts to $868.01 for each day of the year. Please consider your contributions in light of the needs of the church. If you have not made a pledge, we encourage you to do so, and if you have, to consider increasing it or making an additional gift. Again, we fully understand that some members of the church are not able to increase their giving at this time, but we appreciate your considering what you can do.

—Gene Tucker and Joan Foster, Stewardship Co-Chairs

Chancel Choir: September 2009

The Christ Church Chancel Choir begins it’s new season with rehearsal on Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room (2nd floor).

The Choir’s 1 hour, 15 minute rehearsal takes place every Wednesday evening throughout the program year.

Membership in the Chancel Choir is open to everyone at Christ Church, as well as community neighbors and friends — it’s an excellent way to invite new people to come to church and check us out! No audition is required, just the desire to sing and fellowship.

If you are interested in singing with the Chancel Choir, please contact Ben Riggs at 303-322-0784, x.202, or briggs@christchurchcolorado.org.

Potthoff Lecture Series: September 2009

Growing, Living, Dying with Grace:

Rev. Darryl Fairchild

Friday, September 25, 7:00—8:30 p.m.:

Session in the Chapel

Saturday, September 26, 10:00—11:30 a.m.:

Session in the Fellowship Hall

Sunday, September 27, 10:15—11:15 a.m.:

Worship in the Sanctuary with Rev. Darryl Fairchild

The Adult Education Committee recently brought you an Oral History of Christ Church. We wish to continue to bring you our history with an eye on our future spiritual lives.

Dr. Harvey Potthoff, our former pastor and renowned educator left us the ways and means to bring you meaningful speakers on occasion.

Rev. Darryl Fairchild from Dayton, Ohio interned at Christ Church while studying at Iliff School of Theology. He taught Dr. Potthoff’s classes on the subject of death and dying. Darryl continues to teach and live the philosophies.

Friday evening Darryl will be discussing some of Dr. Potthoff’s wisdoms with one subject being about the difference between being alone and being lonely.

Saturday morning we will invite you and resource people to have the opportunity to converse about things like the story from Harvey. Stuart Mace was interviewed and was asked what he thought of the aspen in the fall. Mace said, “Dying with grace.”

Sunday’s sermon then balances reason with mystery.

— Kenita Gibbins

Prayer Breakfast: September 2009

Bishop Elaine Stanovsky invites you to attend the Denver Urban Ministries Prayer Breakfast. The event will be held on Thursday, September 10, from 8:30-10:00 a.m. at Warren United Methodist Church (1630 E. 14th Ave., Denver).

Join us for a morning of sharing and prayer for the hungry, vulnerable, and those who serve the low-income community. All pastors, staff, mission team members and laypeople are invited. Please RSVP to Tammy at 303-350-5060 or tammy@denum.org.

United Methodist Women: September 2009

Labels for Education

UMW members please remember we are still contributing our Campbell Food UPC labels (includes Franco-American, Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Swanson, V-8) to McCurdy School in Espanola, New Mexico. McCurdy serves children in pre-school through 12th grade. The Campbell’s “Labels for Education” program provides an amazing number of needed educational items, such as overhead projectors, microscopes, TVs, VCRs, dictionaries, computers, software and sports accessories. There is a box for the UPC labels in the Christ Church Narthex. If you have any questions please call Marilyn Degginger.

UMCOR Kits

The deadline for bringing any UMCOR Kits to the Church is September 13. Diane Lewis is collecting these kits for the District (which will send them to UMCOR by September 19). There has been a very positive response to this UM Committee on Relief ministry and we have collected a lot of kits! Thanks.

UMW Reading Program

The cart which contains UMW’s selected reading program books (located in the Narthex) is being changed. A space on the bookshelves in the Narthex is being created to hold our program books. They will be properly labeled as UMW and a sign-out sheet will still be available for signing books out. This is being done in an effort to consolidate and organize that area.

VIBE Circle & Mission Team

VIBE Circle will meet September 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room. Carol Everett will provide the program and Diane Lewis will be acting as hostess. The next Mission Team meeting will be held November 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room.

Upcoming Events

Other upcoming events include the UMW Annual Meeting for the installation of officers on Sunday, November 15 at 11:30 a.m. This will be a potluck lunch meeting. The UMW bi-annual Valentine Tea will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010.

—Sheryl Byers

Joys & Thanks: September 2009

Thanks from Ecumenical Refugee Services: “Words are inadequate to express the gratitude we...feel about the fantastic effort you put forth to make our July 26-28, 2009 distribution of clothes to refugee children a success.... The happiness of all was even noted by some neighbors who live near Christ UMC. The neighbors noticed how joyful the families were as they left the church and were very inquisitive....” If you would like to donate clothing or backpacks for the next distribution on November 7-8 at Christ Church, please contact Marsha Carey at marshacarey@comcast.net.

Worship Brunch!

Sunday, August 16 — 10:15 a.m.

Please join us on Sunday, August 16, for a special congregation-wide Worship Brunch! Held in the Fellowship Hall during the regular 10:15 a.m. service time, the Worship Brunch will be a combined worship service/community meal.

Food for the brunch will be supplied pot-luck style, so dust off that scrambled-egg-casserole recipe and bring enough to share! A sign-up list for brunch items will be available during worship on Aug. 2 & 9. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us for worship and fellowship at the Worship Brunch, Aug. 16 at 10:15.

Upcoming Events: August 2009

Pub Theology

Monday, Aug. 10, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Irish Hound (St. Paul & 6th Ave.) Pub Theology is open to all in the congregation who seek to talk about God and faith over food and drink. We will dive into great conversations with openness and dialogue. See you there! Come and go as you are able.

AIDS Walk

Would you like raise money and awareness for AIDS support? Eric is walking in the AIDS Walk and invites any and all to join him. Sign up or get information at . The walk is on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 9:00 a.m. Contact Eric at if you are interested in participating in the AIDS Walk.

Old-Fashioned Hymn Sing

Join Christ Church on Sunday, August 23, at 10:15 a.m. for a rousing worship service featuring some of the great old hymns from the Methodist tradition! Expect several hymns with lyrics by Charles Wesley, as well as old favorites like “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace.” If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to nominate for the hymn sing, contact Ben Riggs at the church office or give him your nominations in person on Sunday morning.

Youth News: August 2009

Parents and Youth Meeting: Sunday Aug. 30 following the worship service we will go to Hotcakes for a conversation over brunch. Eric will present the new strategy for the fall. Please RSVP to let Eric know you are coming. All are responsible for their own meals.

—Eric Strader

Staff Parish Relations: August 2009

Dear Christ Church,

I would like to announce a change in staff responsibilities. Ben Riggs is turning over the duties of Christian Education to Eric Strader. Eric will supervise the weekly children’s Sunday School program and assist with the Children’s and Adult Education committees, to include serving on Ad Board.

Ben will continue in his position as worship and music director, as well as communications director (newsletter editor, marketing, webmaster).

Please show your support of our fine staff members as we continue to grow and worship together.

—Julie Major-Frunz, Staff Parish Relations Chair

Pilgrimage: August 2009

Whether we go to the Ganges or Graceland, maintaining a spirit of observance and self-reflection is key. —Gregg Levoy

We are in the middle of that long-held American tradition called August vacation! Many in our congregation will be finishing vacations before school begins or taking some time before new projects start in September. Amy and I will be traveling to a place we have never been before, Las Vegas—Lord, have mercy on us!

As a society, we use vacations to rest, rejuvenate our souls, and to ready ourselves for the onslaught that is the fall. Do we see this as a simple vacation or can we conceptualize it as something deeper? The Bible is full of characters who took pilgrimages, Moses, Jesus and Paul to name a few. I love the story of how Abraham went to a new land because God said “go.” I imagine as Abram walked through this new land he could just look at the changing landscape. He had no iPod or DVD player or Harry Potter book to occupy his time on the journey. He could pray, talk with fellow travelers and observe the scenery. He was changed, finding a new home and encounters with God along the way.

One summer my family drove our Ford Aerostar van from Wichita, Kansas, to Orlando, Florida. Yes, we were headed to Disney World! It was a total journey of 1,400 miles. My sister and I read almost the entire way. I remember my dad saying, “Look out the window! There’s the Mississippi!” We continued reading and really did not care about a river of water. We were not in a spirit of observation. Can you blame us after 25 hours of driving?

Vacations are like pilgrimages. We may journey to Ireland for Celtic spirituality, or the Middle East to visit sacred sites of Christianity. There are other vacations that also engage us with the Divine. Trips to sacred places of our past, visits with family and school reunions or a favorite family vacation spot. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to return home changed. To walk into your home, breathe deep, and know that you are not the same as when you left.

No matter where your August vacations or journeys lead you, may you look for the sacred. May your destination be a place that deepens your connection with God. May you be in a spirit of observation and find the Divine waiting to meet you.

—Eric Strader

United Methodist Women: August 2009

An informal UMW picnic took place July 13 in Hale Park with 10 UMW members present. Those attending had an enjoyable summer evening picnic and fellowship.

Mission Team will meet Monday August 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room.

VIBE Circle will begin meeting again September 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study Room with Carol Everett providing the program and Diane Lewis acting as hostess.

All UMW members should bring their UMCOR kits to Christ Church no later than Sunday, September 13.

Thank you to everyone who signed up to help with Coffee Hour in July and August. Great job!

—Sheryl Byers

Cares & Concerns: August 2009

Bonnie Whittlesey has been in and out of ICU and is now home. Please keep Bonnie and the Whittlesey family in your prayers. Cards may be sent to: 7877 E. Mississippi, #707E, Denver, 80247.

Edith Sullivan recently returned home from a long hospital stay. Cards may be sent to: 1155 Ash St., #401, Denver, 80220.

Joys & Thanks: August 2009

Congratulations to church member Kristen Bunker on her marriage to Robert Hampton. Rob and Kristen were married on July 4th at the Botanical Gardens at Chatfield. Rob’s daughter Alita, who recently joined the church through Confirmation, was also part of the service sharing in the union of this new family. May God bless their journey.

Special thanks to Cherish Edwards for her generous donation to the Christ Church Food Pantry.

Congratulations to Kenita & George Gibbins on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary last month!

Congratulations to Pam & Denny White on the celebration of their 36th wedding anniversary last month!

All-Church Picnic 2009

CCUM @ Denver Gay Pride Parade

Sharing the Gay Pride Parade Experience

From Sandy Houston, Pride Parade participant:

Ben and I had an awesome experience both parading and selling the water to help Jay out! I saw people I know who rushed out to thank me; a lady on sidelines thanked Charles and me for basically representing the real spirit of Christians.

Everyone of all diversity seemed to be having fun. Young guys seemed a little amazed to walk up to our water booth and see a lady of mature years such as me and thanked me.

This is in fact the huge civil rights issue of the autumn of my life and I would love to be included in anything Ben and I can do to help. Civil rights for African Americans was the issue of the spring of my life and while I spoke up for them and did some things, I can now see my helping so much more on this civil rights issue. We are progressing, folks, step by step by step!

Let us each "Be the change we want to see in the world." --Gandhi

Chancel Choir party & workday photos!

Check out this slideshow of CCUM Chancel Choir members as they celebrate the end of their successful 2008-09 choir season! As a bonus, the slideshow continues with photos from the "choir room rehabilitation" workday from last fall.

Denver Gay Men's Chorus in worship this Sunday!

At our 10:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday, June 14, members from the Denver Gay Men's Chorus & Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men's Chorus will be presenting musical excerpts from their upcoming concert, "Songs of our Families." Please join us in worship to hear portions of a unique new musical work which challenges us to broaden our perception of "family values."

The Denver Gay Men's Chorus and Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men's Chorus combine voices for the first time to perform a very special concert, "Songs of our Families." The centerpiece work is the Colorado premiere of This House Shall Stand: Songs of My Family -- a unique choral work which explores themes in the lives of GLBT families with soaring melodies and beautiful, touching lyrics.

Denver Performance at 3:00pm - June 21st Only

Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church

1980 Dahlia St

Colorado Springs Performance at 7:30pm - June 20th Only

First United Methodist Church

420 North Nevada Ave

A 45-minute song cycle for men's chorus and chamber orchestra, This House Shall Stand: Songs of My Family is a collection of actual stories about GLBT families from around the country set to music by Portland-based composer Robert Seeley and lyricist Robert Espindola. With the pressing issue of gay marriage rights in the forefront of the national political arena, the performance of this important musical work is more relevant now than ever. The "Songs of our Families" concert will also mark the first major performance of the Denver Gay Men's Chorus in the city of Colorado Springs.

''The inspiration came from stories from all over the country,'' shares composer Robert Seeley. ''Teenage kids to elderly folks -- it ran the gamut of family in the new millennium, how it can be defined. And we ran with it. Particularly moving was a girl whose father was gay, but who had kind of lost himself living in the closet so long. But he found a partner...and became the father she hoped he would become, through that happiness. He became a completely loving partner and individual.''

Advance tickets available online at www.rmarts.org, at Wild Flowers in Denver and Poor Richard's Bookstore in Colorado Springs.

Denver - Adults: $22 advance, $24 at door; Adults 55+: $20 advance, $22 at door; Students 13-2:1 $16 advance, $18 at door. Colorado Springs - Adults: $20 advance, $22 at door; Adults 55+: $18 advance, $20 at door; Students 13-21: $16 advance, $18 at door. Children 12 and under are always free.

Our New Neighbors: SNOOZE!

Rev. Carolyn & I were so excited to hear the news that Snooze: An A.M. Eatery was opening up a second restaurant next door to Christ Church (at 700 Colorado Blvd) that we decided to have lunch today at the original Snooze. Carolyn's been in touch with owner Jon Schlegel, welcoming him to the neighborhood, and we were hosted today by Jon's brother Adam.

Wow, did we have a great time! Check out their awesome breakfast menu, with some real-time entree photos posted below. Snooze is going to be an exciting addition to our 7th & Colorado neighborhood!

Mmmmm, pineapple upside-down pancakes:

Huevos rancheros:

Pork Benediction (so appropriate for a church lunch!):

Denver Women's Chorus

IN CONCERT

2:00 & 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 6

&

2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7

Please join us in hosting the Denver Women’s Chorus (DWC) in concert on June 6 & 7. June marks a very special anniversary: The Denver Women’s Chorus is celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, and we invite you to celebrate with us!

Our Retrospective concert will take you on a musical journey through many years of our herstory of building community through music, including many selections from our last eight years with Mark Zwilling as our acclaimed artistic director.

The DWC perform in the Christ Church sanctuary on June 6 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and June 7 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance, and are available to purchase online at rmarts.org.

Water Words: June 2009

Summer may be my favorite time of the year! Especially since moving to Colorado where the days are wonderful even when hot and the evenings are always perfect unless there is rain! But heat is expected in the high desert and rain is always a welcomed relief!

Heat comes in other ways related to the life of Christ Church. The heat (unwelcomed part) of the summer at church shows up as lower attendance and insufficient giving.

Summers are great time to get out and enjoy this amazing state we live in. So be sure and do that! And if it means missing worship, remember to pray and give thanks where you are.

But don't forget that we still have salaries, and bills to pay. If you want the church to be here for you when summer is over, we need you to remember to be here for the church even if you are gone.

The financial challenges for us as a congregation are looming over our head. We must raise $30,000 above the pledges for this year to make the budget. We are falling behind. Some of you are challenged with current economic realities, others of us are simply holding on tight and perhaps a little too afraid.

If anyone has a generous ability to help toward the $30,000 that would be wonderful! If anyone is willing to serve on the new stewardship committee that would be great! If all of you would think of and pray for our congregation in these challenging financial times, that could be enough.

Want to talk about it over a cup of ice water? Give me a call.

—Carolyn Waters

Youth News: June 2009

Youth Camping Trip

Camping Trip to Durango. June 24-27. Make sure you let Eric know you want to go, ASAP! Congregation, please pray for the youth as they journey, experience God in the world and are in relationship with each other.

Dialogue & Dinner

What’s on your mind? Faith, politics, world change. Join Eric and Amy Strader for dinner and discussion. Eric will provide the main dish, you provide your home. Let’s join together for great conversation and a full-course meal. Starting in June. Not limited to individual families, get your own group together. I look forward to getting to know you and your family better. To sign up or ask questions email Eric at estrader@christchurchcolorado.org.

—Eric Strader

United Methodist Women: June 2009

The Gathering Place

This month UMW will tour The Gathering Place, one of the missions we support. The Gathering Place (1535 High St. ) is a refuge for rebuilding lives and a place that exists to support women and their children who are experiencing homelessness and poverty by providing a safe daytime refuge and resources for self-sufficiency. Our tour is scheduled for Friday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Margaret Simmons if you plan to attend. Anyone wishing to car pool, please meet at the Church at 2:00 p.m. and if anyone would like to join some of us for lunch prior to the tour, please meet at the Church at 12:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Summer Brunch

Our annual UMW Summer Brunch will be held Saturday, June 27. We will meet at Carla Schwartzkopf’s house at 9:30 a.m. and plan to eat at 10:00 a.m. Per usual, this is a pot luck, so please bring a dish to share. Our speaker this year is Louana George, who will be talking about the Prayer Quilt Ministry. This is always an enjoyable time to get together in an informal setting and eat and visit.

Upcoming Project

A project coming up for the Fall (September 19) involves assembling kits for UMCOR (for global disaster relief). There is a choice of sending a Health Kit, School Kit and/or Sewing Kit.

UMW Circle Dates

Our next Mission Team Meeting will be held Monday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study room. Our next VIBE Circle meeting will be held September 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Adult Study room. The program will be presented by Carol Everett and refreshments supplied by Diane Lewis.

—Sheryl Byers

Adults (20-35): June 2009

Brunch @ Hotcakes

Join us on Sunday, June 7, for brunch at Hotcakes (1400 E 18th. Ave.) Bring your friends! We will meet following the morning worship service.

Pub Theology

Join us on Monday, June 22, at the Irish Hound Pub (6th Ave. & St. Paul) from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Pub Theology is a space for talk about God and all sorts of topics.

—Eric Strader

Reconciling Ministries: June 2009

CCUM Allies of LGBT Community

When this congregation decided to become an official Reconciling Congregation, it took a huge and courageous step in the Civil Rights movement for Gay rights. As a minority, gays cannot win our rights without you. We continue to need your support, your action, and your prayers. We deeply thank you for it.

Here are some next steps you can take. Many of you are probably already doing these things. Please know how much that means to us:

1. March with us in the Pride Parade, June 28. We’ll meet in Cheesman Park. Be there before the parade starts at 9:30 a.m.
2. Come to rallies and protests. Bring signs supporting us. Your role as an ALLY is key. The news media and the rest of the country needs to see that it is not just gays who are demonstrating.
3. Keep talking. Speak up against gay bashing. Tell people why you belong to a Reconciling Congregation. Don’t “let it slide.” Continue to teach your children by the examples you are setting that hate is wrong.
4. Vote. Whenever there is a ballot measure affecting gays, vote and inspire others to vote for civil rights and against hate.
5. Websites. Each of these is an action based organization:

The Colorado Queer Straight Alliance: <coqueerstraightalliance.ning.com>
Soul Force is a national faith based movement that started in Colorado: <soulforce.org>

Join the Impact gives action updates: <jointheimpact.com>

—Lauren Fortmiller & Pam Thiele

Joys & Thanks: June 2009

Congratulations to Carol Tudor, who is recently engaged to be married to her fiancé Stephen!

Congratulations to Daniel & Lynn Hammond on the marriage of their son Ato Hammond to Vicki King on May 30!

Colorado Conductors' Chorus

Colorado Conductors' Chorus

IN CONCERT
Sunday, May 17
7:30 p.m.

Please join us in hosting the premiere Denver performance of a new ensemble, the Colorado Conductors’ Chorus. This unique group is comprised entirely of choral conductors who gather to perform great choral music at a professional level.

The May 17 concert will be held in the Christ Church sanctuary, and is free and open to the public. Colorado Conductors’ Chorus will perform choral works by Byrd, Brahms, Verdi, Lauridsen, Whitacre, and many other exciting composers. The Chorus is conducted by Dr. Lawrence Kaptein, Director of Choral Activities at CU—Boulder.