1

Mission Bell A monthly newsletter of Holy Love Lutheran Church, Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA

October

2015

This Month: 1 - From Pastor Matthew Holy Love’s Mission Statement 2 - Continued from Pr. Matthew, Office Hours, Devotions, Weekly E-mail 3 - Fall Worship Schedule, Picture Directory, Theology Pub, Women’s Bible Study Social Networking, Aurora CROP Hunger Walk 4 - Youth and Family Information Youth Worship Assistants, RTLC Grace Race, Confirmation Lock-In, RMS HS Gathering, Holy Love RTLC Family Retreat 5 - Operation Christmas Child, Lutheran World Relief Refugee Kits, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado 6 - Choir Members, MV Dumpster Day, Help Wanted 7 - October Calendar 8 - October Worship Assistants, Youth Assts., Lawn Mowing Teams 9 - God’s Work. Our Hands. 10 - God’s Work. Our Hands. 11 - God’s Work. Our Hands. 12 - Preschool News 13 - Because of You 14 - Stewardship 15 - Birthdays, Prayers, Appreciation Corner 16 - 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've been thinking lately about membership, especially of all those groups in various different settings that I happen to be a member of. Some are informal, some are more formal, and some are so official that they cost me something.

Informally, I'm a member of a group of people who show up at various places to play bluegrass music together. To be a part of that group, all you really have to do is show up. You don't have to be a great musician, you don't have to practice, you don't have to know anyone who's already part of the group. All you have to do is show up.

More formally, I'm a member of a group of people who rides bicycles together. It's a pretty welcoming group, but there are some stated expectations. You have to be able to keep up with the group, you have to wear a helmet, and you have to be able to stay safe in a group of other cyclists. This group organizes itself by way of personal invitations and through an online group management service.

Most formally, I'm a member of a gym. By paying my dues, I have access to classes, to open gym times, and to personalized coaching. I joined up, and I remain a member, because I want to get something ... in particular, I want to get in shape. As an added bonus, I get to be part of a fantastic community of people. I've developed life-giving friendships as a result of participating in this group.

One beautiful thing about church is that there are many different ways of participation, and none of them is wrong. There are quite a few folks (at Holy Love, for instance) who are almost always at worship, and who show up at almost all of the other events, and who volunteer their time to projects in our life together. There are any number of folks who show up to worship almost all of the time, but don't participate in anything else that the church does. Some people are around once every month or two, and some people are only around at Christmas and Easter.

There is a certain contingent who are always around, but who have never become official members of the congregation, and there is a contingent who have been official members for decades, but who never show up to anything.

And I'll bet that virtually every one of the people in every one of the scenarios I've thought of (and you could add to) would consider

…….continued on page 2

2

…..continued from page 1

themselves to be a member of Holy Love. Of course, the congregational constitution (being the necessary but sometimes problematic document that it is) would disagree at least in part. From my perspective, if you consider yourself part of this congregation, I consider you part of this congregation. At the same time, our denomination and our constitution have provisions for folks to become official members.

To that end, I'll be leading a conversation about what it means to be an official member of Holy Love, and about what it means to be a Lutheran Christian, and about the different ways to participate in this congregation. That'll happen between services on Sunday, December 6 (and December 13, if necessary). Then, in January we'll have an official New Member Reception for those households who want to become official members.

Remember, though, that anyone (no matter what your membership status is) is welcome to participate fully and completely in every ministry activity that this congregation engages in ... see, because I'm pretty certain that God doesn't much care whether or not we're an official member of a congregation.

Thank you for continuing to allow 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 (pastor@holylovelutheran.org), 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 will 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 jennifer@holylovelutheran.org. 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 in the office the following days in October while her kids are on fall break:

Tues/Thurs 9/29 & 10/1 Tues/Fri 10/6 & 10/9 Tues/Thurs 10/13 & 10/15

On October 20, she will resume her regular schedule of Tuesday - Friday from 9am - 1pm. She also will be working from home and checking e-mail and voicemail regularly and will get back to you as needed. Keely’s email is office@holylovelutheran.org. *******************************************************

Narrative Lectionary

Daily Devotions Clergy Stuff, a website Holy Love uses for resources, is offering a new feature on the website this year... originally written daily devotions! The daily readings are now on the website with a devotion for each day. You can find those here: http://clergystuff.com/category/daily-devotions/

Mission Bell

3

Mission Bell

8:30 Worship 9:45 Fellowship 10:00 Adult Ed & Sunday School 11:00 Worship

Lifetouch Pictures &

Church Directory We are excited to announce that Lifetouch Studios will be creating a pictorial directory for Holy Love this fall! Mark your calendars for

November 11-14, as this is when they will be on-site for pictures. Be on the lookout for more information the second week of October. In the meantime, please e-mail Keely (office@holylovelutheran.org) if: your contact information {address, home

phone, cell phone(s), e-mail(s)} for any member(s) of your household is out of date

you need a copy of the current (non-picture) directory

Theology Pub

What: Pr. Matthew will lead a theology discussion (this month, the topic is Moralistic Therapeutic Deism) with the group and their beverage of choice. When: Thursday, October 15, 6:00 - 7:30 Where: Lubo’s Pizza 15352 E. Ida Dr. (Parker/Orchard)

Women’s

Bible Study All women of Holy Love are invited to join our fall Women's

Bible Study sessions. We will meet October 14, 28 and November 11. November 25 is being rescheduled to a date in December, to be finalized soon. Please join us for any or all, no preparation required. We will begin the first 3 sessions with the 3 lessons in the summer issues of the Gather Magazine. Those who already subscribe will be notified when to renew. For

those who would like to subscribe, it is $15 for the year and you may either call 1-800-328-4648 or email subscriptions@augsburgfortress.org.

The meetings take place at Holy Love at 9:15 a.m. in the Youth Room. We take turns bringing brunch type treats and it is a special time for food, fellowship, and a chance to grow our faith. The Bible studies are facilitated by Marcia Monson and Kathie Haertling.

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 Date is:

Wednesday, October 21, 5:30 - 7pm Peak to Peak Taproom (16701 E. Iliff Ave)

Aurora CROP Hunger Walk

The Aurora CROP Hunger Walk will be on October 18 at 1pm starting at City Center Park by the municipal buildings on Alameda Ave. (Sable Blvd. & Chambers Rd.). We are looking for walkers to participate and sponsors to support this worthy cause. There are also rice bags available to fill with loose change. Walkers can pick up their envelopes between services on Sunday or contact Deb Watson with questions or for more information - 303.766.8873.

4

Mission Bell

Youth & Family News Youth Worship Assistants Needed

If your child is interested in helping out in Worship as an Acolyte, Usher, Greeter, etc., please go to:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b48aead29a0f85-youth. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer.

October 3: RTLC Grace Race Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp is hosting a 5K fun run benefiting ELCA World Hunger. The race will be at Sloanes Lake Park in Denver. Registration is $30. Race day registration and after 9/25 is $35.

Bib/T-Shirt pick up starts at 7:30 am. The race will start at 9:00am. Register at www.rainbowtrail.org.

For more information contact Jennifer.

October 10-11: Confirmation Lock-In Confirmation youth will be staying the night at Holy Love. Starting at 6pm with

Dinner we will have a fun-filled night of Games, Devotions, Fellowship and maybe some sleep. Contact Jennifer with questions.

November 20-22: RMS

High School Youth Gathering Attention High School Youth! This year the Rocky Mountain Synod is hosting the High School Youth

Gathering here in Denver! Spend a weekend experiencing our individual giftedness and how those gifts fit into and help to form the greater

community of Faith. The retreat is November 20 – 22. Price will be $150 per person. Please RSVP to

Jennifer by 10/1.

Holy Love Family Retreat at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp 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 amaz-ing 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.

P.S. Invite your friends that aren’t a part of Holy Love -- they are more than welcome to

come, too!

5

Operation Christmas Child is

Coming to Holy Love!

This is a great service project to do with kids, as the shoe-

boxes go directly to kids in need!

Important Dates to Remember: 10/18 - Boxes available for pickup at HLLC 11/15 - Packed boxes returned to HLLC

What do I do? Find a Shoebox Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. OCC Shoe Boxes will be available Starting 10/18 at Holy Love!

Girl or Boy? Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14.

Fill with Gifts Select a quality “wow” toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal. Then add other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.

Pray Most importantly, pray for the child who will re-ceive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.

$7 Tracking Labels Donate $7 online and receive a tracking label to Follow Your Box and discover the destination of your shoebox gift.

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/follow-your-box/#step5

Refugee Personal Care Kits For Lutheran World Relief

Holy Love will be collecting items to create Person-al Care Kits for the next two weeks. Then, on Octo-ber 11, we’ll assemble them and send them off with kits that will have been put together by other Lutheran congregations in our area. Pr. Matthew challenges every Holy Love household to imagine your own family as refugees, and to pur-chase enough items to make a Personal Care Kit for each member of a refugee household the same size as yours. Bring those items to the church building on or before October 11.

Include the following items in each Personal Care Kit: One light-weight bath-size towel (between

20"×40" & 52"×27"), dark color recommended Two or three bath-size bars of soap equaling up

to 8-9 oz, any brand, in original wrapping One adult-size toothbrush in its original packag-

ing

One sturdy comb, remove packaging

One metal nail clippers (attached file optional), remove packaging

Things to remember: Please give new items only in good condition

Please do not donate items with any religious symbols, messages or your congregation’s name.

Please do not donate any items decorated with a U.S. flag, patriotic or military symbols, or ref-erences to the armed forces, including camou-flage.

Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed. Do not enclose the Kit or any of its contents in plastic bags.

Enjoy a fall evening harvesting produce, and donate the fresh fare to those in need!

Holy Love has an opportunity to join Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) at the Urban Peak community garden on Thursday, October 8th from 5:00-7:30pm. Volunteer work will be fun, easy, and child-friendly (age 6+). Tasks will involve harvesting, weeding, and putting gardens to rest for winter. Ride sharing from Holy Love will be availa-ble. For more information, see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex or contact lflynn1029@gmail.com (please note e-mail correction).

Mission Bell

6

Mission Bell

Choir is Looking for

New Members!

The Chancel Choir of Holy Love wants YOU! We have heard some great voices in the congregation that should be singing in the Choir, and even if you’re not great, that’s okay. If you have been thinking about it or are not sure, just give it a try. The Choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and usually sings two Sundays per month, alternating between the 8:30 a.m. service and 11:00 a.m. service. Of course the schedule is a little more demanding during Christmas and Easter Season. The Choir has a close-knit group of singers who are very dedicated. They are of all voice types and levels of experience. Don’t be afraid or shy! This is a terrific way to contribute at Holy Love and is also great for couples to participate in together. Please call the Conductor, Nathan Jones, at 720-252-5191. Or email him at nathanronaldjones@gmail.com or better yet, just come to a rehearsal. You’ll be glad you did!

Mission Viejo Dumpster Day

At HLLC On October 3, 2015 the Mission Viejo HOA will be hosting its Annual Dumpster Day. This year we are inviting non-Mission Viejo Homeowners to take advantage of our program. Take back needed storage space in your homes. Dumpster day allows people to DUMP trash that is not normally suitable for trash collection. We cannot take electronics, appliances, paints or chemicals.

Times and Costs: Mission Viejo Residents - Free if dues are current, otherwise $30.00 (Annual Dues) from 8AM - Noon Non-Mission Viejo Residents - $35.00 available from 10:30 AM until Noon.

Times are approximate. We will end before noon if the trucks are full. This is a great value, bringing these items to the dump normally cost in excess of $50.

Location: East parking lot of Holy Love Church, please enter the lot heading west on S. Chambers Way, line will turn onto Southbound side of Marguerite Parkway.

Help Wanted…. Advent Cookies Is anyone interested in coordinating the making and decorating of Advent Cookies this year? Jennifer could really use someone who is interested in taking on this project. If so, please find her at church, call the office, call/text her cell (719.660.4022) or e-mail her - jennifer@holylovelutheran.org.

Male Chaperone Needed We are looking for an adult male to chaperone alongside with Jennifer at the Rainbow Trail Confirma-tion Retreat taking place November 6 - 8th. If you, or anyone you know, would like to talk to Jennifer about volunteering or answering any questions you may have, contact her via her information above.

Green Thumb Wanted Is anyone interested in watering and taking care of the Holy Love Plants on a regular basis? Included are the two plants in the Narthex, and any plants in the Sanctuary at any given time. Contact Keely in the office if you are interested (office@holylovelutheran.org or 303.693.1162).

**Do you (or a committee or team) have any short or long term project(s) that you would like to include in November’s Help Wanted Section? If so, send it to the office by the next Mission Bell Deadline, October 21.

7

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

7p

m -

NM

RA

& T

he

Ho

ly K

nit

Wit

s

2

7a

Men

’s B

reak

-fa

st—

Vil

lage

Inn

6

:30

p -

NA

7

p -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

3

GR

AC

E R

AC

E

8a

-- L

aL

eche

Lea

gue

MV

Du

mp

ster

Day

4

12

p -

Co

nfi

rmat

ion

1

-3p

- H

arves

t D

ream

K

ore

an C

hurc

h

1:3

0 -

Gir

l S

cou

ts

5

6p

- C

ub

Sco

uts

&

Pra

ze S

ong

6

:30

p -

NA

6

6p

- C

him

es

6:3

0 -

Bo

y S

couts

7

p -

Pro

per

ty

7:3

0 -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

7

9a-

Pre

scho

ol

PT

O

6:3

0p

- N

A

7-

Cho

ir

7:3

0 -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

8

9a-

Pre

scho

ol

PT

O

7p

m -

The

Ho

ly K

nit

W

its

9

7a

Men

’s B

reak

-fa

st—

Vil

lage

Inn

6

:30

p N

A

7p

- J

uw

on M

osa

ic

10

6p

- C

onfi

rmat

ion

Lo

ck-i

n

11

Co

nfi

rmati

on L

ock

-in

1

2:1

5 -

Exec

uti

ve

Tm

.

1-3

p -

Har

ves

t D

ream

K

ore

an C

hurc

h

Ref

ug

ee S

up

ply

Kit

s D

ue

12

6p

- C

ub

Sco

uts

&

Pra

ze S

ong

6

:30

p -

NA

13

4:3

0p

- F

inance

6

:00

p -

Chim

es

6:3

0 -

Bo

y S

couts

7

:00

p -

Wo

rship

&

Musi

c

7:3

0 -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

14

9a

- W

om

en

’s B

ible

S

tud

y

6:3

0p

- N

A

7-

Cho

ir

7:3

0 -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

15

7p

m -

The

Ho

ly K

nit

W

its

16

7a

Men

’s B

reak

-fa

st—

Vil

lage

Inn

6

:30

p -

NA

7

p -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

17

6p

- C

hil

i C

oo

k o

ff

18

1-3

p -

Har

ves

t D

ream

K

ore

an C

hurc

h

2:3

0 -

Gir

l S

couts

A

uro

ra C

RO

P

Hu

ng

er W

alk

O

CC

Sh

oeb

oxes

19

6p

- C

ub

Sco

uts

&

Pra

ze S

ong

6:3

0p

- N

A

6:4

5p

- L

LL

20

6:0

0p

- C

him

es

6:3

0 -

Bo

y S

couts

&

MV

HO

A

7p

- C

hurc

h C

ou

nci

l

7:3

0 -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

21

9:4

5a

- L

LL

6

:30

p -

NA

7

- C

ho

ir

7:3

0 -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

22

7p

m -

The

Ho

ly K

nit

W

its

23

7a

Men

’s B

reak

-fa

st—

Vil

lage

Inn

6

:30

p -

NA

7

p -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

24

8am

- E

aste

r S

eals

25

Ref

orm

atio

n S

und

ay

1

-3p

- H

arves

t D

ream

K

ore

an C

hurc

h

26

6p

- C

ub

Sco

uts

, P

raze

S

ong &

SP

TH

HO

A

6:3

0p

- N

A

27

6p

- S

tew

ard

ship

&

Chim

es

6:3

0p

- B

oy S

couts

&

Pre

scho

ol

7

:30

- J

uw

on M

osa

ic

28

9a

- W

om

en

’s B

ible

S

tud

y

6:3

0p

- N

A

7-

Cho

ir

7:3

0 -

Ju

wo

n M

osa

ic

29

7p

m -

The

Ho

ly K

nit

W

its

30

7a

Men

’s B

reak

-fa

st—

Vil

lage

Inn

6

:30

p -

NA

31

Wo

rsh

ip -

8:3

0 a

nd

11

Fel

low

ship

- a

fter

co

ncl

usi

on

of

firs

t se

rvic

e

Ad

ult

Ed

uca

tion

& S

un

da

y S

cho

ol

- 1

0am

8

Worship Assistants

October 4 October 11 October 18 October 25

Organist Pam Engel Nancy Collins Michelle Kneipper Mary K Horton

Special Music Chimes Chimes Praze Song Chancel Choir 8:30

Chancel Choir Praze Song Chancel Choir 11:00

Assisting

Minister Lauren Kennedy Leigh Brazee Pam Engel Beth Newsom 8:30

Emily Yoder Dave Yoder Debbie Anderson Julie Hansen 11:00

Lector Kelly Gaer Kerry Beebe Leigh Brazee Lori Newsom 8:30

Joy Knutsen Julie Hansen Kerry Beebe 11:00

Acolyte Tyler Brazee Katelyn Miller 8:30

11:00

Greeters Larry & Donna

Hudson Gaer Family

Emily Yoder

Lori Eby

Maridee Lyster

Marsha Abbott 8:30

Brandi Patrick

Gayle Rullo

Eric & Cindy

Hermanson

George & Brenda

Pease Hal & Sherry Traver 11:00

Ushers Steve Knuth

Bruce Smith

Charlie Anderson Tom Hare

Terry Schleski

Dave Yoder

Clay Smith

Greg Harter

Brian Last

Ed Truett

8:30

Joel Unrein

Lindy Whitney

Dave Anderson

Greg Watson

Hal Traver

Eric Hermanson

Lance Wheeland

Steve Ericson 11:00

Communion

Assistants Dave Ebert Debi Young Diana Stigleman Dave Yoder 8:30

Dave Yoder Julie Wynder Lance Wheeland Pam Engel 11:00

Nursery Leigh Brazee Deb Watson Shannon Holck Michelle Kneipper 8:30

11:00

Altar Guild Marie Christianson Marie Christianson Marie Christianson Marie Christianson

Fellowship Preschool Finance Social Ministry Christian Education

Lawn Mowing Teams Thanks to everyone who volunteered to be on a lawn mowing team this summer. Below please find the schedule. If you have any questions, please contact your Team Lead, the

office, or Bruce Merritt. Thanks for keeping our

grounds looking beautiful! 10/3 - Team 1 10/10 - Team 8 10/17 - Team 7 10/24 - Team 2

Youth Worship Assistants Needed

If your child is interested in helping out in Worship as an Acolyte, Usher, Greeter, etc., please go to: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0b48aead29a0f85-youth.

If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer.

9

Mission Bell

GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS. EXPERIENCES IN SERVING

In the words of ELCA Presiding Bishop Eliza-beth Eaton, “‘God’s work. Our hands.’ Sunday reminds us that we are church together for the sake of the world. Our lives have been changed by our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and it’s that encounter with Jesus that frees us to make a difference . . .” Through the word, God accompanies us through our life journeys and calls us to walk with others on their jour-neys.

On Sunday, September 13, 2015, Ho-

ly Love participated in the ELCA’s dedicated day of service. Volunteer opportunities at the Denver Res-cue Mission, The Crossing, the Veteran’s Administra-tion Medical Center, The Community at Franklin Park, and at the Ronald McDonald House offered a unique way to see the face of God in the people who were served and in the services provided by those organizations every day; we used our hands to serve God; and we saw God at work when we decorated meal bags for Project Angel Heart.

My true interaction of the day was on the street when we walked to the Denver Rescue Mission with Maria. As we were walking, I noticed how happy and smiling the men were, sleeping and sitting on the ground. I just started greeting all that seemed open for a hello. Such a patient feeling was the mood, much better than standing in line at the post office to mail Christmas gifts . . .

We parked a block away. I was walking, and this woman with her arms wide open from a distance, and a smile, approached me. I smiled and said hello. Her name was Maria. Maria was so full of love and acceptance she came and hugged me, and we started

talking. She had graduated from the program two years before, and she had housing and was off the street. Her story was about her pride that she had finished the program.

Maria struggles with manic depression and is bipolar. Maria was gushing out the love towards me and holding my hand and said she had had a really hard day today and told me how she was strug-gling, so she came back to the Rescue Mission to be with people and to get cheered up, and it helped.

Maria was leaving as we walked into our strawberry cutting and it felt like a gift of an angel visit. - - Rhonda Hiatt

I left the password in my car (to check in) at the Rescue Mission, a Michelle-ism, but they still let us in! We had a lot of good help, and it touched my heart to know that we were helping to feed our "fellow man." I also delivered the box of toiletries to them. - - Michelle Kneipper

10

I met with Ben (The Community at Franklin Park – Bessie’s Hope) who was in a wheelchair and told me he had fallen from a roof top. But most of the time he didn’t speak or look at me. He seemed to be gazing off into space, not focusing on anything in particular. There was no expression of enjoyment or disapproval. He was gen-erally passive, except for two instances that surprised me. When we were singing, I held his hand and assisted him to clap. After a while he looked at me and took his hand away, saying that my ring was hurting his fingers. So I stopped, apologized, and we sat there a moment. Then he reached over, put his hand in mine and indicated that clapping was OK. He said he liked what we were doing. Later, again when he seemed disinterested, I asked he if he wanted to leave to watch football in his room (he had mentioned he liked to watch football). He said no, he wanted to stay because he liked be-ing there with everyone and watching them. I had made the incorrect assumption that he was disinter-ested when he didn’t show any emotion, when in fact he was enjoying himself and liked when we (volunteers) came to visit. Ben gave me a big hug when we left. - - Kathy David.

I had a wonderful time at Bessie's Hope! Music seems to reach the elderly! It was really fun! And it was so fun to watch Tom "come out of his shell!" They seemed to relate to each other, and con-nect to their spiritual sides via the hymns that we sang with them! I always marvel at how by serving I receive so much, as well! - - Michelle Kneipper

I so enjoyed myself. The staff was great, and the people we served were so polite and thanked us for our help. It was a great experience and very humbling. - - Marsha Abbott.

I asked the chef about his background and how he came to work at The Crossing. He explained that he went to culinary college and then gotten a job catering for a large corporation. He was making a good salary. About 16 years later, his mother was dying from cancer. She told her son that he needed to think about how he was serv-ing others in the world and the importance of doing that. The chef told his friend about his mother’s comments. The chef’s friend was a pas-tor and had just seen an ad for a chef posted by The Crossing. The chef applied on a Monday and was hired the next Wednesday. The chef told us

that although he is not making the money that he was when employed by the corporation, he has never been happier . . . - - Mary Unrein

No matter what your circumstances are-health, as in our case, finances, time constraints, pres-sures of life in general - the Holy Spirit will find a way to invite you to serve God’s work if you only will listen and open yourself up to the possibilities. - - Donita, Darryl and Jason Harvey

It was a joy to participate in “God’s work. Our hands.”! It was such a wonderful experience! - - Michelle Kneipper

Mission Bell

11

Go forth today and every day to love and serve God,

to love and serve your neighbor, and to be God’s hands in the world.

Go forth today and every day surrounded and supported by the love

of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

Mission Bell

12

Mission Bell

SCHOOL NEWS

By Mary Stephenson, Director

It is already the month of October and the season of fall!! WOW! How the time flies by these days/weeks.

We managed to get through September with still some crying between both parents and children; however things are on the upswing. We have been blessed with great weather so everyone has enjoyed being outside each day they have been here. Of course, clouds and a few drops have hap-pened but majority of each day has allowed some outside time.

September found the children introduced to letters of the week, workbooks in some classes, shapes, colors and learning the Pledge of Alle-giance. Of course, new songs, stories, games, crafts and many other things. Our Integrated Class has been busy baking almost each week so the aroma coming from the kitchen offers the taste buds mouthwatering appeal.

We celebrated ‘all school water days’ the second week of September and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. In the past, having it in May has caused us to cancel due to snow!!! I can’t thank the staff enough for all their hard team work in setting up each day and taking down. Many hands make for easy labor. The children sure had fun just playing in the sun and getting wet. And what a blessing to have the astro turf this year. AWESOME DAYS!!!!

We had our first worship time of the year with Pastor Matthew. It is such a blessing to be reminded we are a “Child of God”. Thank you for your message, time spent with us and we are look-ing forward to next month’s worship. We have many new children this year and you will become a very special friend to all. Thank you, Pastor Mat-thew!

PTO held the first meeting of the year with several new parents in attendance. The full year calendar was presented with lots of upcoming events being planned. Be sure and watch bulletin notices and the weekly E-news.

Our Kindergarten class went to the Denver Puppet Theater the end of the month for their first field trip of the season. Everyone had a great time and the children even got to make their own pup-pet! Thank you to those parents who helped with the transportation.

We continue to get many calls for infor-mation and availability. We have been able to fill some classes but welcome more in other classes. Be sure to recommend YOUR Preschool and Kin-dergarten to family and friends!

PTO is holding their first fundraiser of the year…….Butter Braids! The sale begins September 17th and runs through October 2nd. Please help make this a great success. There are a few families from Holy Love with children in our school so you shouldn’t have any problem purchasing! Just watch for order forms between services. Thank you in advance for your participation!

Thank you to our fabulous School Board for all their support and assistance as needed. We may not say it enough but our thanks are BIG!!! And thank you to the Property Team for helping to keep things flowing and running smoothly! We know you all have other lives but your response and help is so appreciated!!

Fall can and usually is a beautiful season. Of course, being from Minnesota I recall the many col-ors of beauty in God’s world. But it seems it comes and goes here more quickly than we all would like. We are blessed to live in such a colorful world hand-painted by God. Take a walk with your child, talk about what you see, smell, hear and see. When you get home, have them draw a picture about what they encountered. Remind them ALL gifts and beauty comes from God.

HAPPY OCTOBER!

FALL BLESSINGS TO ALL!

13

“BECAUSE OF YOU” by Roger Collins, Treasurer

Subject: Church Service of the Future.

Pastor: “The Lord be with you!”

Congregation: “And with thy spirit.”

Pastor: “Will everyone please turn on their tablet, PC, iPad, smart phone, and Kindle Bibles to 1 Corinthians, 13:13 and please switch on your Bluetooth to download the sermon.”

P-a-u-s-e

“Now, let us pray committing this week into God’s hands. Open your Apps, BBM, Twitter and Facebook, and chat with God.”

S-i-l-e-n-c-e

“As we take our Sunday tithes and offerings, please have your credit and debit cards ready. You can log on to the church Wi-Fi using the password ‘Lord909887.’ The ushers will circulate mobile card swipe machines among the worshipers. Those who prefer to make electronic fund transfers are directed to computers and laptops at the rear of the church. Those who

prefer to use iPads can open them. Those who prefer telephone banking take out your cell phones to transfer your contributions to the church account. The holy atmosphere of the Church becomes truly electrified as ALL the smart phones, iPads, PCs and laptops beep and flicker! Pastor: “Final Blessing and Closing announcements. This week’s ministry cell meetings will be held on the various Facebook group pages where the usual group chatting takes place. Please log in and don’t miss out. Thursday’s Bible study will be held live on Skype at 1900 hrs. GMT. Please don’t miss out. You can follow your Pastor on Twitter this weekend for counseling and prayers. God bless and have a nice day.”

What’s wrong with me? I am still trying to find the dial on my phone to call someone to see how to do all of this. Oh well, here is my envelope of sharing. Please pass the offering plate.

THANK YOU for your kind contributions, no matter how you give them.

“We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather

of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” Frederick Keonig

Mission Bell

FINANCIAL STATISTICS THROUGH AUGUST, 2015

AUGUST Contributions: $24,766 AUGUST Expenses: $23,614

Budgeted Contributions: $22,958 Budgeted Expenses: $22,958

Year to Date Contributions: $176,148 Year to Date Expenses: $182,572

Budgeted YTD Contributions: $183,667 Budgeted YTD Expenses: $183,667

14

Mission Bell

CALLED TO MISSION

Linking Our Time and

Talents to Our Faith On September 13, a strong contingent of people from Holy Love joined those from many other congregations in service in our community on God’s Work, Our Hands Day. My family and I have participated in this event several times. Due to my health issues of the last 5 or 6 months, we were not able to go to the various sites of service this year. We were all disappointed. Nevertheless, prior to the day, we all found ways, even if small, to help. Donita crocheted caps and scarves. Jason joined us in preparing bags for Operation Angel Heart. We packed bags for the VA hospital visits. At the time, it didn’t seem like I had done enough. But what is enough? God isn’t keeping a tote board in the sky to determine whether we had done enough to earn our gold star for the day as we “work” our way toward heaven. So, why do we contribute to doing good works here at Holy Love, and, by extension, into our world?

Most of us are good at certain things, but not others. This leads to two conclusions: first, we avoid doing the things we are not good at, and sec-ond, we tend to view most of the things we are good at as nothing special-we discount their im-portance. The first is natural. No one likes to make a fool of themselves messing something up. Unfor-tunately, this also keeps us from growing and ex-panding our repertoire of abilities. The second may also inhibit our willingness to use our special abilities-they are so common place to us, we can-not see them as of any special use. A number of years ago, I was helping serve coffee to people standing in line to vote (Holy Love was a polling place). We got into a discussion about steward-ship; using our gifts to God’s service. One of the other Holy Love congregants serving coffee said she just didn’t have any skills to share. And she meant it! Yet, here she was sharing her time with strangers, exercising her considerable skill of hos-pitality. We all have a role to play in God’s world. We just need to find out what that is. Paul wrote,

Romans 12:4-8: “4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the oth-ers. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it dili-gently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

This year’s stewardship campaign is, “Called to Mission-Linking Our Time and Values to Our Faith”. You will be invited to explore what it is about you that calls you to God’s service. What are your passions and how can they be dedicated to God to make this community a better place, not just for us here in Holy Love, but for people around us looking for the face of God. We will have members of this congregation share their stories about their own motivation, focus and values that have lead them into God’s service. We will also be sponsoring a workshop by Bob Apmann. It will be offered twice, once on November 4, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm (dessert will be served) and again on No-vember 8, following the late service (lunch will be provided), to help each of us to explore our call to mission for ourselves. Please join us and see where the Holy Spirit might be leading you. Some-one out there may be waiting for you to show them God’s face.

Yours in Christ,

Darryl Harvey and The Stewardship Team

15

Mission Bell

Wendy Kickland October 2

Kerry Beebe October 3

Diana Boynton October 4

Jim Engel October 4

Makenzie Patrick October 4

Stephen Ericson October 5

Dalton Fisher October 5

Amanda Haertling October 5

David Yoder October 5

Mallory Luebke October 7

Logan Velasquez October 7

Laura Loveridge October 9

Jacobi Holck October 10

Zander Holck October 10

Sonja Ericson October 11

Ella Hank October 11

Drew Luebke October 11

Mason Quilhot October 12

Brian Last October 13

Cody Harter October 15

Cindy Luebke October 15

Jake Smith October 16

Trinity Willert October 16

Liam Cook October 18

Deiondre Dickerson October 19

Donna Hudson October 19

Trisha Carlson October 20

Kathleen Stebbins October 20

Curtis Truett October 20

Dave Anderson October 21

Jen Pulscher October 21

Penny Thomas October 22

Payton Maddox October 25

Susan Sellers October 27

Keely Teynor October 27

Matt Moore October 29

Brandi Patrick October 30

Family and Friends of Angelina Cheslack (Emelia Truett’s mother),

Halle Teynor, Chris Enochson & Rich-ard Cowan and Family (Keely Teynor’s

friend’s family), Elliana Walsh and Family (Former Holy Love Preschool Family), Gail

Galleberg (Terry Schleski’s friend), Renate (Dorothea Madry’s aunt), Jane Warner (Jolene

Ebert's mom), Jennifer Coffman (Greg Watson's niece), Reyna Olson (Joy Knutsen’s son-in-law’s

cousin), Becky Riggs-Haney (Bob and Bobbi Riggs’ daughter), Kathryn Neumeister (Karen Then’s

mother), Gretchen Honick (Donita and Darryl Har-vey’s friend), Debi Young, Heidi Lyster (Maridee Lyster’s daughter-in-law), Caryl Young, Ben Lake

(Diana Stigleman), Bob Smith (Carol Walters’ dad), Ronald (Doris Frankfather's brother), Kathy Wick, Phyllis Mueller, Sandy Lahmann (Beth Newsom’s

friend), Julie Hansen, Bernice Wallace, Darryl Har-vey, Tom Dyk (Friend of Dave Anderson), Butch

Abbott, Shirley Sadecky (Cindy Hermanson's mother), John Erickson (Jim and Georgia Lee

Laird's neighbor), Cathy Ewing (Cindy Herman-son's aunt), Amber Miller (Beth Whitney's cousin's

daughter), Pr. Phil Wangberg (Pr. Pat Holman's husband), Suzanne (Friend of Dorothea Madry), Zach and Sydney Brinkmann (Earl and Sue Wei-

he's great nephew and niece), Dewy Hertz

Stephen Terrell, Wyatt Stout, Garrett Beebe, Heath Terrell, Trevor Toft, Matthew Lusher, Jason Anderson,

Chase Pofahl, Tyler Pofahl, Lara Pitt, Alicia Phelps, Trevor Koch, Josh Moyer, Jesse

Newell, Malaina Collins

Appreciation Corner: A huge thanks to Mary Unrein for coordinating

God’s Work. Our Hands. Mary put in countless hours planning and organizing the event here at Holy Love. Thanks for all of your work, Mary!

Thanks to everyone who participated in God’s Work. Our Hands.!

Thank you to the Sun-day School Teachers who have volunteered their time this year for our young people! We appreciate you!

October BirthdaysOctober BirthdaysOctober Birthdays

16

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, office@holylovelutheran.org

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: pastor@holylovelutheran.org Director of Faith Formation: Jennifer Pulscher Jennifer’s Email: jennifer@holylovelutheran.org Office Manager: Keely Berge Teynor Church Email: office@holylovelutheran.org Church Website: www.holylovelutheran.org Phone: 303-693-1162 Fax: 303-699-9054

Preschool Director: Mary Stephenson Preschool Phone: 303-693-8519

Preschool Email: holyloveschool@holylovelutheran.org Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/HolyLoveLutheran