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Mission Bell A monthly newsletter of Holy Love Lutheran Church, Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA
February
2016
In This Issue: 1 - From Pastor Matthew, Holy Love’s Mission Statement 2 - Continued from Pr. Matthew, Weekly Email, Office Hours 3 - Welcome New Members, Pictorial Directory, Women’s Bible Study, Adult Education, Sunday School 4 - Worship and Music Notes, Pancakes with the Pastor, Burning of the palms, Ash Wednesday, Lenten Soup Suppers and Holden Evening Prayer, Holy Week, Worship Assistants 5 - Youth and Family Information Rainbow Trail Promo, First Communion Instruction, Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast, Easter Egg Hunt, Worship Assistants, Sunday School Devotionals, 6 - Summer Camp Registration 7 - Souper Bowl of Caring, Holy Love Gardeners, ELCA World Hunger, Ronald McDonald House, 8 - Social Networking, Theology Pub, St. Swisem’s Day, Thank you 9 - Calendar 10 - Library, Book Reviews 11 - Because of You 12 - Because of You, continued 13 - Preschool News 14 - Preschool News, Family/Household Retreat, 15 - Birthdays, Prayers 12 - 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,
I love to eat. I love food. Most of you are probably aware, but I enjoy donuts and I enjoy bacon. And some of you probably know that I also find joy in other foods as well. There's something about a meal prepared with love and care, a meal that's made from fresh ingredients and is prepared and seasoned perfectly, that feeds not only the body but also the soul. I also find that food connects me with other people. When a family sits down together for a meal, the bonds between members of that family are strengthened. When leftovers in the fridge make their way into a sack lunch, the care that was put into preparing that meal extend beyond the walls of the house. Over the past couple years, I've come to enjoy preserving food. I started by making jam from the youth ministry fundraiser peaches that show up in late summer. Then, since I had purchased canning equipment, I decided to try pickling. It's so very exciting to go down to the basement in December and find last summer's cucumbers and carrots and asparagus and peppers waiting, and to discover how the vinegar and sugar and spices had interacted to create something that tickles the taste buds in new ways. And since I was gifted a smoker for Christmas, and I have to tell you ... there's nothing quite like home-cured bacon. Having started to explore food preservation, I feel connected to my ancestors in new ways; I feel connected to generations of people who had to do these things in order to simply survive. There's something fulfilling about holding on to traditions that have been life-giving for those who came before us. There's a reason that most of the time when people come over to your house, the comfortable couches are left empty while everyone crowds into the kitchen ~ the place in the house where our sustenance is prepared. I don't know if you're aware of this, but we need food to survive. Which is why we eat together. Every Sunday, we eat together. And often when we gather for something other than worship, we eat together. Lenten soup suppers; St. Swisem's Day; Shrove Sunday;
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the Annual Meeting; Funerals and Weddings; Summertime picnics ~ this congregation recognizes the truth that where two or three gather in Christ's name, He is there among us. And what better way to gather two or three together than around food? One of the reasons I really appreciate you, this congregation, is that you seem to understand the spiritual necessity of food, and you seem to understand that food is important in the world even beyond our own congregation. When we collect food in the cornucopia and at the Souper Bowl of Caring, when we dream together about a community garden, and when we send the offerings collected at midweek worship services to agencies that feed hungry people in Aurora and around the world, we're living the Gospel in ways that don't require words. We're embodying the story of the loaves and the fishes. By making sure people have enough food to eat, we're allowing them to experience the life-giving nature of the Gospel in the very center of their being. When we gather for a meal every week during worship, we're sharing a meal with each other and with countless generations who have handed down this faith to us. And when we bring our kids to that meal, we're feeding them with the Grace and Love of God and we're creating a place within this faith we share for them also to be welcome. Thank you for your faithful service to God, thank you for feeding people, and thank you for allowing me to serve as your pastor. ~ pr. m
Pastor Matthew is available for emergencies any day at any time, and is available by appointment at any time between Tuesday morning and Sunday evening. In the event of a pastoral emergency, please call Pr. Matthew directly (720.301.9411). To make an appointment, you can call the church office (303.693.1162), call or text Pr. Matthew's phone (720.301.9411), send an e-mail ([email protected]), or send Pr. Matthew a facebook message (facebook.com/hikerrev). In addition, this is when you’re pretty likely, but not guaranteed, to find Pr. Matthew in the office:
Tuesdays - 12 - 4pm (6pm w/later mtgs.)
Thursdays - 10am - 2pm
Fridays - 10 am - 2pm
Jennifer is usually in the office the following days:
Tuesday - Thursday - 10am - 3pm
She will also have meetings away from the office from time to time. Jennifer works from home and checks her e-mail and will get back to you as needed. Jennifer’s e-mail is [email protected]. If you need to schedule an appointment or get a hold of her in an emergency, her cell phone (call or text) is 719.660.4022.
Keely is usually in the office:
Tuesday - Friday, 9am - 1pm.
She also works from home and checks e-mail and voicemail regularly. She will get back to you as needed. Keely’s email is [email protected].
Mission Bell
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Mission Bell
Welcome New Members Of Holy Love
Randy & Rhonda Cushatt Nick Hinrichsen Jason & Lauren Kennedy with Hanna,
Samantha and Brenna Nicholas & Jill McComb with Elaina Judy Rowse Rudy & Jennifer Payne with Jessica,
Jamie & Daimeon Alan & Amy Schmuck with Colleen and
Connor Lynna Staggs Sampsell & Nathan
Sampsell with Ava, Liam and Aidan Charlie Ward with Sam Percy & Karen Walls
Last Call - Holy Love Pictorial Directory
Send us one of your photos! Because we welcomed new members last month, we wanted to wait to create the directory until we could include these new members. Didn’t find the time for an appointment? We still want you in the directory. Send the office a digital family photo (or a good print that we can scan). Holy Love is charged $10 per photo to add outside ones into the directory. If you can cover the cost, please write a check for $10 to Holy Love and put “Directory” in the memo. If you can’t, don’t worry; send us your picture anyway. Holy Love will gladly cover your cost if you aren’t able to pay this. We want as many people in the directory as possible.
Email – [email protected].
Women’s Bible Study
All women of Holy Love are invited to join our Women's Bible Study group which will meet 3 more times before summer. The dates are: February 10, February 24, and March 9. We will be using the Bible Study on Philippians exploring Christian citizenship found in the ELCA's Gather Magazine. The church has extra copies for those who have not subscribed. Come when you can, no preparation required. We meet at 9:15 a.m. in the
Youth Room and are finished around 11 a.m. Bring your Bible and magazine if you have it.
Kathie Haertling and Marcia Monson facilitate the study and breakfast goodies are served. It's a great opportunity for good conversation, good
food, and good fellowship.
Adult Education Series Social Statements of the ELCA
Sundays at 10am 1/31 Church in Society
2/7 No Adult Ed - Pancakes with the Pastor
2/14 Death Penalty 2/21 No Adult Ed - Rainbow Trail Camp Promo
2/28 Race, Ethnicity, and Culture 3/6 Special Guest for Adult Ed - Mosaic Foundation presents Islam
3/13 Immigration
3/20 No Adult Ed- Palm Sunday Youth Breakfast
3/27 No Adult Ed - Easter Sunday
to review before adult ed, please go to: http://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/
Social-Statements
Sunday School Classes Sunday school classes have resumed 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
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Mission Bell
Worship and Music Notes
Pancakes with the Pastor February 7 Come join us for food and fellowship and enjoy Pastor's famous apple, pump-kin, blueberry, and gluten free pancakes, plus all the fixin's. Join us between services in the Fellow-ship Hall at approximately 9:45am on Transfigura-tion "Shrove" Sunday, February 7th. No Adult Ed or Sunday School.
Burning of the Palms will take place towards the end of our fellowship time on February 7. Join Pr. Matthew for a brief litany
outside the east entrance as we burn last year’s palms to make ashes for Ash Wednesday’s services the following week.
Ash Wednesday Join us for worship on February 10th at 12:00noonish or at 7:00pm with special music from the Chancel Choir during the evening service.
Lenten Wednesday Evenings February 17, 24 March 2, 9 & 16
The evening will begin with a soup supper at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up to bring soup, bread, etc. to share.
We will move to the Sanctuary at 7:00pm for a shorter service to sing Holden Evening Prayer.
Palm Sunday - March 20 8:30am & 11:00am. Youth Breakfast fundraiser in between services. No Adult Education or Sunday School.
Maundy Thursday - March 24 Worship at 7:00pm. First
Communion for 3rd grade and up.
Good Friday - March 25 Worship at 7:00pm
Easter Sunday - March 27 Worship at 8:00am, 9:30 and 11am Easter Egg Hunt in between services
New 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 “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 Debbie Anderson,
Keely or Jennifer.
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Mission Bell
Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Promo February 21 Rainbow Trail will be
joining us for worship and fellowship! Dave Jarvis will be peaching at both services. During fellowship we will be hearing about all the wonderful things going on at Rainbow Trail.
First Communion Instruction March 13 & 24 First Communion Instruction is
for children in 3rd grade and up who haven’t re-ceived instruction on 1st communion as of yet. Talk with Pr. Matthew or Jennifer with questions or conflict with dates & email the office to add your child(ren) to the list. Dates to add to your calendar: March 13 12:15 - 1:45pm - Class (Pr. Matthew would like a parent to attend with child, bring a lunch) March 24 5:30 - 7pm - Communion Bread (if want, parents can stay while the students make bread, eat before) March 24 7pm - Maundy Thursday Worship & First Communion
Youth Brunch Fundraiser March 20 Our Annual Palm Sunday Youth Brunch needs your
help. Please sign-up to bring a dish to share. We are looking for Hot Dishes, Fruit, Rolls, Drinks, and more. This year, donations will go to Camp Schol-arships - helping to send our youth to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp or Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp this summer. Sign – up for the brunch will be in the Narthex. Thanks for all your help!
Easter Egg Hunt March 27
Holy Love’s annual Egg Hunt has moved to Easter Sunday. Children Pre-K to 5th Grade will be able to join us in between services on Easter Morning to hunt for Eggs. We are also looking for helpers
that morning to hide eggs. Please contact Jennifer if you are able to help out.
Easter Egg Supplies Needed
Easter is coming soon! We will start collecting Easter egg candy for the children’s Egg Hunt. Candy will be collected in Jennifer’s office. We will
also need helpers to fill the eggs. If you are able to stick around after service one
of the Sunday’s in March please let Jennifer know.
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
Sunday School Devotional
Do you want to hear what we are learning about in Sunday School? Do you want to know some fun activities and Bible verse for you and your children to read during the week? Pick up a weekly devotional for your family on the Sunday School Board in the Holy Love Hall-way. There is a summary of what we are learning about in Sunday School Classes on one side and bible verses to read and talk about the rest of the week on the other side. You can also download a copy on our website under Sunday Education at
www.holylovelutheran.org.
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Mission Bell
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
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Mission Bell
Souper Bowl of Caring
February 7 It’s official – the Broncos
are going to the Super Bowl! Their opponents will be the Carolina Panthers. To add to the fun, Bish-op Gonia has issued a challenge to the North Caro-lina Synod to see which Synod can raise the most money for ELCA World Hunger. So, now’s the time to start looking between the cushions of the couch and down the sides of your chairs for those coins that fall out of your pockets. Not to mention that annoying change that jingles in your pocket and makes your purse so heavy. Sometimes we put it in a jar on the counter or throw it on the dresser until we need it. Hang onto it until next week be-cause on February 7 you’ll have the perfect oppor-tunity to put it to good use. That’s going to be Souper Bowl of Hunger Sunday. That day you can put all those sometimes annoying coins in a bag and bring them to church to put in the noisy offer-ing that will be sent to ELCA World Hunger. If, for some odd reason, you don’t have any loose change laying around feel free to put folding money or a check (made payable to Holy Love and note World Hunger on the memo line) in the noisy offering contraption.
One more thing – show your Broncos pride and wear orange to church that Sunday. Let’s go all out to win the Souper Bowl Challenge and help hungry people around the world.
Holy Love ACTS2 Gardeners
Do you like to play in the dirt? How about watching things grow? Do you like eating fresh vegetables? Well ACTS2 gardeners wants you. Check out vers-es 44 and 45. Basically I want to fully utilize the
garden area we have available by sharing the work load and sharing the bounty that results. A portion of the produce would go to the food pantry and some would be available for the congregation. If
this interests you, contact Jim Laird and we will set up an organizational meeting so we can determine
our direction.
ELCA World Hunger 40 Days of Giving In 2016, ELCA World Hunger is extending an invi-tation to our congregations: Lift up the life-changing work of ELCA World Hunger through new levels of giving - spiritually, intellectually and financially - starting with Lent.
Beginning Sunday, Feb. 7, and extending through the season of Lent, congregations across the ELCA will join together to raise $2 million to benefit the ministries of ELCA World Hunger. This support will enable crucial work to get underway and help us kick-start our year-of-emphasis. To learn more go to elca.org/40 days.
Serve Breakfast at the Ronald McDonald House
Help us bring a smile to the res-idents of the Ronald McDonald House by volun-teering to prepare and serve breakfast on Febru-ary 6th. The families and patients at the house are away from their homes and dealing with stressful situations. By providing a meal for them we are helping, even if only in a small way. We will set up, cook, clean up, and visit with the residents during the meal. There is nothing for you to bring but your smile and willingness to serve.
We need to arrive at the house between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Volunteers can go directly to the house which is located at 932 Potomac Circle, Au-rora, 80011(near I-225 and 6th Ave). Because we are in flu season volunteers need to be 13 years of age or older.
There is a sign up sheet in the narthex. Feel free to call Peggy at 303-693-1802 if you have questions.
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Mission Bell
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 - the opportunity to sit and chat with the pastor and other members of our community in a casual setting. The Next Social Networking Dates are:
February 9 from 5 - 6:30pm
Cold Stone Creamery (4251 S Buckley Rd.)
February 20 from 1 - 2:30pm
Carin o Coffee (20971 E Smoky Hill Rd.)
Theology Pub
What: Pr. Matthew will lead a theology discussion with the group and their beverage and pizza of choice. Where: Lubo’s Pizza 15352 E. Ida Dr. (Parker/Orchard) When: 3rd Thursdays of the month
Time: 6 - 7:30pm
Upcoming Dates and Topics:
February 18 Ecclisiology March 18 Ecumenology
April 21 Soteriology
Hello from the castle in Dubuque, IA. Being home over the holidays was a true blessing for me. As I head off on my January Class to Iceland and Norway, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for your generous support as I am in seminary. I appreciate all your prayers and positive thoughts that I have received and will receive. Thank you for always being welcoming when I am home. Thank you for the finan-cial support I have received this year, it makes seminary just a little less
stressful. Thank you.
Blessings, Makenzie "Mack" Patrick
St. Swisem’s Day March 12, 2016
To paraphrase Paul Revere:
St. Swisem is coming! St. Swisem is Coming!
St. Swisem is coming!
Save March 12th for the 4th annual St. Swisem's Liars Day Dinner. Right now I am trying to recruit 2 more men to cook for the dinner. If you would like to cook or make pies serve dinner set up or cleanup check in with Jim Laird and we will sign you up.
This year St. Swisem's Day, Men Can Cook Too/4, will be a benefit for the Noell Family. Teenage daughter Courtney recently underwent a heart transplant operation and the cost for maintaining her health, read that as heart rejection drugs, has gone through the roof! Without insurance, the
family would be faced with bills in excess of $12,000/month. With their insurance it is only $2,500/month copay. Let's see what St. Swisem can do to help offset that expense. Oh, and by the way those drugs will be required from now until forever.
I am trying to get a link to the stories that ran on channel 3; 1 I believe there are 3. In a nutshell, Dad is a Denver Cop working 60 hours a week, Mom has a full time job and both alternate taking care of Courtney. To me it looks like an excellent opportunity to show that "Blue Lives Matter", other that flying the flag at half-mast when an officer is killed.
Want to talk, see Jim Laird
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Got Books? The busy-ness of the holidays is now behind us, colder days have set in, so why not curl up by the fire with a good read? It’s time to, once again, check out what’s available in your church library! Please take time to browse. There are no fines on “overdue” books and we give you a month or more to do your reading. Check out in-structions are posted in the library.
Also, we have need for people to sign up in the li-brary for 2016 to “manage” the check-outs for a month at a time. If you are interested, please sign up on the library bulletin board. This is a very low key endeavor and I will be glad to provide the 10 minute “training” for this task. If we can get enough people interested, it generally will involve only a month or two per year, and you’re welcome to find a companion to do this with you. Age mid-dle school through adult is requested. Many thanks!
I’ve greatly fallen behind in my book reviews, so I’m gearing up to provide some more Book Talks in the months to come. I can’t possibly read all that I review, so I skim or use the synopses provid-ed on the books to give you some information. IF you’re interested in doing some reviews for the Book Talks, I’d love to have your input! In the meantime, here are some past reviews of readers from our church and watch for further reviews ahead. Thanks - Holly Thorstad 303.751.1091
Title of the book: Would You Rather?
Author: Doug Fields Age level: youth (middle school/high school)
General topic of book: questions to spark conver-sation
What you especially enjoyed :
This is a great book to encourage fun, faithful and meaningful conversations between youth and par-ents. Describe one of your favorite parts of the book or something you learned from this book:
I’ve learned so much about the youth of our con-gregation from this book! And the best part is they love playing with this book!!! Try checking it out before a road trip! Reviewed by: Julie Luttinen (Miller)
Title of the book:
When You’re Facing the Empty Nest Author: Mary Ann Froehlich Age level: Adult General topic of book: Avoiding Midlife Meltdown When Your Child Leaves Home What you especially enjoyed: It helped to explain the feelings of loss and grief when you no longer have your child at home. Describe one of your favorite parts of the book or something you learned from this book: Mary Froehlich focused on that it is never too late to realize one’s own dream, whether it is to go back to school or change jobs or avocations. There is time to be proactive, not reactive. Reviewed by: Bernice Wallace
Title of the book: The List Author: Robert Whitlow Age level: Adult General topic of book: legal thriller/murder mys-tery What you especially enjoyed : I liked the mystery and intrigue surrounding “The Covenant List of South Carolina, Ltd.” Describe one of your favorite parts of the book or something you learned from this book: One of my favorite parts is the “prayer closet,” as I would like to have something like that. The book real-ly brought out the great power of prayer in ways that we probably don’t recognize in life. Reviewed by: Julie Hansen
Title of the book:
Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith Author: Augsburg Fortress Age level: Middle School to Adult General topic of book: Exploring what other faiths believe What you especially enjoyed: I enjoyed
being able to get a basic feel for each faith in only a few pages. Describe one of your favorite parts of the book or something you learned from this book: Almost all faiths have some common views with others, if we look for them. All faiths have a moral center that, if followed, allows us all to live together in respectful harmony. Reviewed by: Darryl Harvey
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“BECAUSE OF YOU”
shared by Roger Collins, Treasurer
How true it is that another year has passed and we’re all a little older but hopefully, a little bit wiser. I scan my brain for happy thoughts to put down on my pad and lots of things come to mind that make me thankful that Holy Love has accomplished many great steps this past year. The past was the foundation for the future, yet 2015 was a year for laying the groundwork for new and greater ideas in honor of our Creator and 2015 was a year of making those ideas and events come to reality. Let me remind you of some of the great things that Holy Love has done this past year. Some of you may have already studied your annual report carefully, but I just wanted to summarize the highlights coming from the finance team of the great things that your church accomplished in 2015. Did you know?: That we were able to replace our church roof with a cost of $51,083 of which was paid primarily by our insurance company with the guidance of Steve Knuth? Also we were able to replace some of our furnaces which were over 30 years old at a cost of $9,800. Then there was the cost of rewiring our electric system in parts of our church for a new and proper lighting system which cost $10,343. And be-cause of your contributions, our restricted savings accounts, and the insurance receipts to Holy Love, we were able to make some marvelous and necessary improvements to our church. Did you know?: That over 14% of our contributions were given to organizations and folks in need in 2015. Here are examples of where some of the money went: Habitat for Humanity (Holy Hammers) re-
ceived $3,754. Holy Love Day Camp received $2,980, Rainbow Trail and Sky Ranch camps both received $2,500. The results of our St. Swissems Day event provided $3,700 to two families who needed help with hospital bills. Money was given to fam-ilies in need thru our “Love Fund,” “Aurora Interfaith Community,” “Aurora Warms the Nights”, “Bent’s Place”, “Colfax Community Network”, “Craig Hospital”, “The Denver Rescue Mission”, “James Hersch Ministries”, “Latino Mission Church” (new start-up Lu-theran church), “Lutheran Immigration and Refugees”, “Pastors for Motorcycles” in Puerto Rico,” SECOR”, “The Delores Project”, “World Hunger”, and “9 Health Fair.”
$11,700 was paid to the Rocky Mountain ELCA Synod of which a portion is used to help organizations in need. Many of you contributed to our “Food Pantry”, our “Christmas In July“, and the Christmas Gift Tree in De-cember. Thanksgiving meant that many folks contributed to the needy with baskets of food. We cannot forget to mention our “Knit Wit’s” group that knit caps and scarves for chemo patients. None of these donations were included in the church financial records. Did you know?: That we were able to provide $1,901 to one of our own members to help pay for her seminary costs? That we raised money to aid in sending some of our youth to the ELCA Youth Conference in Detroit, Mich-igan. That we have established a “T-Coil “ restricted fund to help in purchasing in the future a new up-dated sound system for the hearing impaired. Our T-Mobile tower (“cross” cell phone tower on the east side of the building) brought us $9,842 to dis-tribute to organizations in need. In addition to that money they also contributed an additional $7,500 to be used for future outside projects as a result of us signing a new extended contract with them.
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Continued from page 8… Your “Thrivent Dollars,” resulting from contributions made by those who have Thrivent Insurance and Funds, contributed $4,395 last year which was used to help groups outside of our church. The above are some of the financial ways that Holy Love serves others. How-ever sharing at Holy Love reaches far more ways than money. Just be thank-ful and grateful for the other ways that Holy Love serves all of us and the community throughout the world. Did you know?: That our Holy Love Preschool reaches nearly 180 children each week in providing teaching of our Christian faith and preschool learning? That “God’s Work, Our Hands,” projects al-lowed us to be involved with fantastic ways of sharing our time and talents with those in need. That space was provided to several groups that surround our church each week: Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, LaLeche League, Mission Viejo HOA, SP HOA, Meals for Family Promise, Juwon Mosaic Church, Modest Arts, Harvest Dream Korean Church, Preschool Parents Teachers Organization, Easter Seal volunteers, weddings, and funerals just to mention a few. Remember the exciting activities that we have: Special events throughout the year, “Social Network-ing,” “Theology Pub”, “Women’s Bible Study,” Men’s Breakfast Group, coffee and donut time between services, Pastor and adult discussions between church services, youth events (Sunday School, confir-mation studies and high school activities) and music groups (choir, chimes and Praze Song.) YOU are all members of “Our Holy Love Family” sharing friendship, love, worship, and learning through-
out the year. Our goal is:
“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.”
THANK YOU FOR BEING MEMBERS OF OUR HOLY LOVE FAMILY!!
FINANCIAL STATISTICS THROUGH DECEMBER 2015 December Contributions: $32,038 December Expenses: $34,640
Budgeted Contributions: $22,958 Budgeted Expenses: $22,958
Year to Date Contributions: $297,400 Year to Date Expenses: $292,063 Budgeted YTD Contributions: $297,700 Budgeted YTD Expenses: $297.700
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SCHOOL NEWS
By Mary Stephenson, Director
And now it’s February! Oh wait a minute---I thought we were just midway through January. I remember now that was about the time of this writ-ing!
It is hard to believe January is gone but we returned to pick up where we left off in December—a new letter and number to learn, color days, Western Days and Circus Days, songs and much more. Whew!! I’m just exhausted thinking about every-thing we accomplished the first month of 2016!
Preschool and all Pre-Kindergarten classes cele-brated Western Days. We had a lot of little cow-pokes enjoying sitting around a “campfire” (pretend of course); some made cowboy hats while others made stick horses and all snacked on grub—beans, franks, biscuits and juice. I warned all the children to keep a tight hold on their horses because the City doesn’t allow cattle to roam free!
Our Jr. Kindergarten classes enjoyed Circus Days under the “Big Top” in their room. The children each decided on a specific ‘act’ and performed in front of their parents/friends. We had magicians, clowns, strongmen, tightrope walkers and animal trainers to name a few. All had a great time!
The Kindergarten children jumped right into home-work, reading and many winter activities. They have been preparing for their 100 day celebration which will take place early this month. You will hear all about it in next month’s article.
We were reminded of the light of Christ during wor-ship time with Pastor Matthew. This world can be and is very dark sometimes but when we share a smile with someone we pass that light on. And the light reminds us how much God loves each of us. Thank you Pastor Matthew for your message and time spent with us.
We were so excited to have Mr. James Hersch pre-sent an impromptu concert for the children on Fri-day afternoon, January 22nd. The children were so excited to sing familiar songs as well as learn new ones. Thank you Mr. Hersch!!
January is the month for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Parent Conferences. Thank you to all parents who volunteered throughout the month in helping with assessment times. This gave each teacher one-on-one time with each of their children to work through the assessment and ‘testing’. And thank you to all parents who took time to attend their scheduled conference.
Unfortunately, the children haven’t been able to go outside due to the snow on the playground. A few classes have been able to take walks around the outside but the wind has been very harsh some days. When we can’t go outside, the walls tend to close in and patience run low. God bless the staff for coming up with movement activities and other things to help keep the children—and themselves from going stir crazy!
We also had individual picture day this month. So lots of activities and lots of things going on with our children.
And then came registration. Church members kicked off the process beginning January 24th and again the 31st. We have current enrolled/former families on February 3rd and 4th and then open to the community on Saturday, the 6th. After that day we welcome all who walk in and request a spot. So now is the time to spread the word about your GREAT PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN!!
I want to thank Peggy Apmann, Julie Hansen, Twilla Harter and Jacob Kennedy for helping with this be-tween church services. I appreciate our Preschool Board members very much and all their support.
On the note of school board members, I want to throw out a GREAT BIG THANK YOU to Twilla Har-ter, Donita Harvey and Gayle Rullo. These 3 ladies have given up their time to come into the Preschool early mornings and make sure our rooms, bath-rooms and floors are cleaned and ready to welcome children each day. I want each of you ladies to know your help and dedication means more to this staff than words can say. We know once a custodi-an is hired, things will change but for now you all deserve a gold medal!!!
THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
THANK YOU!
…continued on page 14
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...continued from page 13
Well, we are all wondering if the famous Ground-hog will see his shadow or not. Of course, an ex-tension of winter doesn’t sit well with many peo-ple right now but time will tell. We will all know very soon………………………………………………………
February is the month for L-O-V-E. But doesn’t God want us to practice this ALL year long? Of course He does! We are taught to love our neigh-bor, share a smile, say thank you or give a hug. Sometimes it is very hard to practice what God wants us to do. But when we practice this, God’s light shines forth!
FEBRUARY BLESSINGS!
SHARE YOUR LIGHT WITH OTHERS!
Community Wide Registration for Holy Love Preschool and Kindergarten starts February
6th! Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about our wonderful preschool!
Holy Love Household Retreat at RTLC
Need a weekend out in the Mountains with your Holy Love Family? If you are a two person family, have two kids, are empty nesters or anything in between, join us for our Family Retreat at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Spend the weekend having campfire worship at night, hiking or snowshoeing (depending on weather) and enjoying some amazing views with a nice cup of coffee. Join us April 8 -10.
If you are interested, please sign up in the Narthex or talk to Jennifer for more information. Registra-tion Deadline is March 6, 2016. P.S. Invite your friends that aren’t a part of Holy Love -- they are more than welcome to come, too!
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Cory Taylor February 1
Mark Johnson February 2
Elaine Brostuen February 3
Tod Fitzke February 4
Gary Wolseth February 5
Colleen Wood February 5
Kathy Harris February 6
Eric Pulsipher, Jr. February 7
Sidni Zimmer February 7
Nick Hinrichsen February 8
Jeremy Wolfe February 8
Marsha Abbott February 9
Carol Smith February 9
Josh Wyatt February 9
Mason Bradley February 10
Sue Weihe February 10
Carly Meyer February 11
Amy Schmuck February 11
Ed Truett February 11
Pat Torness-Smith February 12
Greg Haertling February 13
Sam Ward February 13
Samantha Kennedy February 14
Kristina Anderson February 15
Sandi Lucke February 16
Cristy Meyer February 16
Lance Wheeland February 16
Lynn Mazalewski February 17
Lori Rieger February 17
Jeremiah Jones February 18
Sierra Lyster February 18
Logan Taylor February 18
Lori Newsom February 20
Nancy Blizzard February 21
Barbara Juhl February 21
Joy Knutsen February 21
Our thoughts and prayers are with:
Family and Friends of Ellie Sandt (Gaer family friend), Family and Friends of Tom Dyk (Friend of Dave Anderson), Stephanie Abbott
(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), Hal Traver, Phyllis Mueller, Jim Laird, Fami-ly and friends of Anna Steyer (Kathy David’s mom & Laura Flynn’s grandmother), Rosalie Engelhardt (Beth Whitney's aunt), Ed Truett, Jane Warner
(Jolene Ebert's mom), Beth Gilease (Dave Yoder’s sis-ter), Nell Beshirs (Debbie Anderson's aunt), Joey Wiseman (Caryl Young’s great-grandson), Marian
Madrid (Emily Yoder’s friend), Yoav Weinstein, Lind-sey Eby, Paul Trippiedi (Debbie Anderson’s father), Julie Hansen, Elliana Walsh and Family (Former Holy Love Preschool Family), Renate (Dorothea Madry’s aunt), Jennifer Coffman (Greg Watson's niece), Reyna Olson (Joy Knutsen’s son-in-law’s cousin), Kathryn Neumeister (Karen Then’s mother), Heidi Lyster (Maridee Lyster’s daughter-in-law), Caryl Young, Bob Smith (Carol Walters’ dad), Sandy Lahmann (Beth Newsom’s friend), Bernice Wallace, Darryl
Harvey, John Erickson (Jim and Georgia Lee Laird's neighbor), Amber Miller (Beth Whitney's cousin's daughter), Suzanne (Friend of Dorothea Madry),
Zach and Sydney Brinkmann (Earl and Sue Weihe's great nephew and niece), Dewy Hertz
Pray for our Military:
Stephen Terrell, Wyatt Stout, Garrett Beebe, Heath Terrell, Trevor Toft, Mat-
thew Lusher, Jason Anderson, Chase Pofahl, Tyler Pofahl, Lara Pitt, Alicia Phelps, Trevor Koch, Josh Mo-
yer, Jesse Newell, Malaina Collins
Fe
bru
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Birth
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Karen Mertz February 22
Nicholas Reneau February 22
Sherry Traver February 23
Kelly Gaer February 25
Joanne Markovich February 25
Patrick Haney February 27
Calli Lyster February 27
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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
Beth Whitney President/ Personnel Committee Lance Wheeland Vice President Mary Unrein Secretary Roger Collins Treasurer Jim Lewis Christian Education Jean Roenfeldt Finance
Family & Care Ministry Evangelism Steve Knuth Property Women of the ELCA Debbie Anderson Worship & Music Jean Roenfeldt Financial Secretary Jessica Breiding Preschool Diana Stigleman Social Action Ministry Joy Knutsen Stewardship
Pastor: Rev. Matthew Bolz-Weber Pastor’s Email: [email protected]
Director of Faith Formation: Jennifer Pulscher Jennifer’s Email: [email protected]
Office Manager: Keely Berge Teynor Church Email: [email protected] Phone: 303-693-1162 Fax: 303-699-9054 www.facebook.com/HolyLoveLutheran
Holy Love Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten
Preschool Director: Mary Stephenson Preschool Phone: 303-693-8519
Preschool Email: [email protected]
Holy Love Preschool Facebook https://www.facebook.com/holyloveschool
www.holylovelutheran.org