Spirit Soundings

April, 2012

Upon entering Holy Week, we look forward to celebrating and rejoicing as life wins out over death and brokenness because of what God has done in raising Jesus, the Christ! 

However, before we sing alleluia, I would encourage us all to journey through Holy Week in contemplation of Jesus’ final days.  There is no glorious resurrection without a final meal, betrayal, abandonment, trial, condemnation and crucifixion.  So come, let us contemplate together Christ’s mandate to love one another on Maundy Thursday and his passion on Good Friday.  Easter morning becomes much more poignant when we celebrate in the wake of these two gatherings.  Collectively, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter (actually the Vigil of Easter), become a singular worship known as the Triduum, Latin for three days.

Our hope is founded through the events of Jesus’ final days.  We encounter a God who delves into the depths of our human condition from triumphal entry to crucified king.  Thus, in the Risen Lord we are given the mystical promise of a future where death holds no sway over us…thanks be to God!

Blessings on the Journey,

Pastor Christian

Holy Week Schedule

Maundy Thursday, April 5 – Service at 7 P.M.

Good Friday, April 6 – Service at 7 P.M.

Easter Sunday, April 8 – Services at 8:00 A.M. and 10:30 A.M.

Easter Breakfast between services. No Sunday School. 

EASTER EGG HUNT

This year’s Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 7th at 10:30 a.m.  The youth will provide fun crafts along with a plethora of eggs hidden in our church’s backyard for children to find.  Neighbors and friends are encouraged to attend.

CALL FOR EASTER CANDY

The youth leaders would love donations of individually wrapped candy and small items to fill the eggs for their Easter Egg Hunt.  Please look for the labeled box in the narthex.  You can drop it off anytime this week.  We need it by 9am on Saturday, April 7.    Contact Ruth Ryll at rdryll@hotmail.com or the church office at 303-794-3451 with questions.

YOUTH SPONSORED EASTER BREAKFAST

Between services on Easter Sunday, the youth will serve Easter Breakfast.  Come and enjoy the fellowship among friends along with a breakfast menu of eggs, sausage, pancakes, and fruit served by the youth.  All donations that morning will support ongoing youth activities.

EASTER BREAKFAST FOOD DONATIONS

Thanks again to everyone who signed up to make a donation to the Easter breakfast. It is appreciated. Remember to have everything to the church by Saturday, April 7 at noon, except for scrambled eggs. If you signed up for eggs, please scramble 3 dozen and place them in your crock pot and have them to church by 9:00 am Easter Sunday. Please also remember to use a crock-pot liner to help us with clean-up in the kitchen. It gets pretty crazy back there since we use the "real" dishes and have to turn them over a couple of times. Thanks so much!  Contact Ruth Ryll at rdryll@hotmail.com with questions.

GUATEMALA MISSION TRIP – JUNE 9-15, 2013!

Plans are moving forward for this important outreach mission – building a home for a needy family.  Please pray for God’s help in every aspect of the planning as we reach out to others for His glory. If you are interested in participating, please contact Chris Huke at 303-472-6100 or c.huke@q.com.  We want to keep everyone in the information loop.

SPRING AERATION

As part of the fund raising activities to support community service and outreach projects, the LCHS Old Pluggers are offering lawn aeration services to be done on Saturday, April 14th, weather permitting.  If a weather delay occurs, the service will be rescheduled for Saturday April 21st.  As in the past, a free will offering is requested.  Please contact Willy Reusser, wreusser@gmail.com/720.581.7285 or Chris Huke, C.Huke@q.com/303.472.6100, if you would like to have your yard aerated.  Thank you!

THANK YOU FROM THE OUTREACH/MISSION TEAM

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Easter baskets for Lutheran Family Services.  We were able to VERY generously fill 25 buckets (last year we did 15) and Lutheran Family Services was thrilled when Rick Mezey, aka The Easter Bunny, delivered them to their office last Friday!  I'm sure the recipients will be thrilled with their treasures.  After filling all of the buckets, we still had items left, so we are filling Easter goodie bags for the shut-ins of our congregation.  They will be delivered the week before Easter.  Your generosity and giving spirit is most appreciated!!   Sincerely, The Outreach/Mission Team

THE JOY OF HOLY SPIRIT

So here I am watching a PBS documentary about Bob Ross.  Remember him? Remember the Joy of Painting? He truly did bring joy to painting.  Even if you never picked up a brush, you felt that you shared in his joy. There were no mistakes, just happy little accidents that were easily corrected.  Well, my friends, I would like to invite you to tap into the Joy of Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit.  Just like Bob invited you to try painting for just 30 minutes, I invite you to try something new at Holy Spirit.  No long term commitment, just a simple “try it and see if you like it”.  Thought about singing with choir or ringing the bells? Try it just one time to see if you like it.  If it’s not for you, it’s not a mistake or a waste of time, just a happy little accident.  Want to see if you’d enjoy teaching Sunday school?  Try being an assistant or guest teacher for a Sunday.  If you find out that’s not your cup of tea, no worries mate.  At least you had the joy of finding it out.  Want to help put together a small study group or one-time outreach project? Go ahead, try it and experience the joy it brings.  Just like at the beginning of Bob’s programs, there was that blank canvas waiting for the possibilities of imagination, creativity and joy to come forth.  The same is true for us at Holy Spirit.  There are a myriad of canvases here at Holy Spirit just waiting for your joy to come forth.  Come; share your joy with us.  To paraphrase Bob Ross as he ended each episode, “until we meet again, happy painting (singing, Sunday school teaching, congregational caring) and God bless, my friends.” To find out more about how you can share your joy, contact me or any Council member.

Sincerely, Paul Stephenson, Council person for Stewardship

YOUTH HAPPENINGS

March has been a full and eventful month for our Youth at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. We have been diving into the call to of humility and learning how Christ is our perfect example, as we strive to be a reflection of his light.

Early in the month we had an amazing Challenge between Jr. and Sr. High. An ultimate trivia throw down about everything from Lutheran Theology, to identifying Biblical stories, and even a battle between Harry Potter and Twilight.  As a result of including extra details while answering the VERY LAST QUESTION, the senior high team walked away with the WIN and earned themselves the first hike of the summer (most likely the first weekend in June). However, as a result of the Junior High’s amazing showing, we will be planning a weekend for an adventure just outside of Gunnison. This will be the first weekend trip for the Junior High of LCHS.

We were also honored to lead our congregation in a Lenten prayer service on Wed. the 28th. With the amazing voices of Shae Schreiber and Casey Goyette leading us in song, the reading from Jenna Scadden and the worship leading of Ashley Ryll, our service was outstanding. A Huge thanks goes out to all of the youth who helped with dinner, worship, and clean up. Their hard work shows dedication and devotion to our congregation.

Finally, the most exciting event for the Sr. High this month, or even this year so far, was the trip to Breckenridge in conjunction with our sister church, Good Shepherd Lutheran, to form the ULTRA GROUP, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit. By our COMBINED POWER, we are CAPTAIN MINISTRY. (This is a captain planet reference for those who didn’t have kids growing up in the nineties). Not only were the kids laughing, playing, and staying up WAY too late this weekend, but they were opening up as a group. On Saturday night before going to see “The Hunger Games,” the group had a Bible study that was powerful and honest. Kids were able to open up about problems they were facing in their faith journey. Some kids had the opportunity to be lifted up by each other, while others had time to reflect on the blessings God lavishes on them. Every person in the Bible study was touched in one way or another by the ministry. A HUGE thank you to the Goyette Family’s generosity because without a place to congregate, God would have a harder time helping their faith grow.

I want to invite anyone on FACEBOOK to find our new Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit page. We previously had a group but now we have an official page for our church. The group will soon be deleted from Facebook and only the page will remain. This new media page will allow me, the pastor, and the new office administrator a little more control over what is contained on our page. PLEASE, take the time to like our page so that we have as many avenues of communication with our congregation as possible.  

Here is a link to our new page:   https://www.facebook.com/LutheranChurchOfTheHolySpirit

April looks to be packed full of fellowship amongst our youth group as they attend each other’s Soccer games, School plays, and much more.  In addition, we have our Easter Egg hunt on the 7th and brunch on the 8th. The youth are a river flowing through this church, and God bless the flow!!!

FAMILY GAME NIGHT

On Saturday, April 28th, 6:30 - 8:30 we will host a family game night in the Fellowship Hall.  We will provide games for everyone to play but invite people to bring their favorites as well.  Look for more information soon!  Please contact Erik Williams, Youth Director, at mr.erik.williams@gmail.com or at 303-775-3394 with questions. 

SAVE THE DATE!

An All Daughter Tea Party will be held on Sunday, May 6th from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.  We will have a special guest performance from Bonnie Delong.  She will be portraying Noah's wife.  Please look for more information in the coming weeks!

THE COLOR RUN

Registrations for this run have reached capacity.  If they open registrations again, we will inform you all!  Contact the Church Office, 303-794-3451 or lchsemail@qwest.net with questions. 

2012 LCHS PHOTO MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY IS AVAILABLE

This year’s photo directory is now available in PDF or printed format.  You can request either type of copy by contacting the Church Office, 303-794-3451.  The PDF file is available via your computer for you to print out. Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish a printed copy so sufficient copies can be ordered.  Our thanks go to Jeanne Jacobs and Kathy Perry for the many hours they have put into this project and to Derek Gaffney who was commissioned to create a pencil drawing of the church for the cover. 

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

And again, we say thank you to:

• All the groups who provided the delicious meals we shared together during this Lenten season.  We all appreciate the hard work that went into these dinners and are grateful for the time spent with each other.
• All the members who turned out on March 24 to clean up the inside and outside of our church campus.
• The anonymous person who planted the spring pansies in the barrels along the front walk.  They are a beautiful greeting as we enter the church.
• To Wes Champion (owner of Anderson's Vacuum in Englewood), for donating a much needed vacuum cleaner to the church and for quietly donating vacuum cleaner supplies over the years.

NOTES FROM RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP

STORM RECOVERY- HELP STILL NEEDED

Hi Friends,

The wind storms of last November seem a long time gone now. Even with wonderful help from almost 100 volunteers over the past several months, the destructive force of the wind that hit camp is still very evident. To help get camp back into shape for the upcoming summer season we would love to have you join us for one of two upcoming: 

Storm Recovery Work Weekends

April 20-22 & April 27-29
 Work of all types including, chain sawing, hauling, raking, wood splitting, light construction, and cabin cleaning needs to be completed. If you, or other from your church would like to come, for the weekend or even just Saturday, please e-mail:  Dave@rainbowtrail.org or Ben@rainbowtrail.org

There is no charge for either of these weekends. We are grateful to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for providing funding for food, lodging, and materials.  If you have tools to bring and use, that would be greatly appreciated.  We hope you will join us, and spread the word about these weekends.  Camp could really use your help!
God's Peace,

Ben
Director of Compass Points and Day Camp Ministry

p.s.  Last year many people chose to designate their Thrivent Choice dollars to Rainbow Trail.  It was a wonderful gift and raised just over $33,000!  Thank you to all who gave.  If you designated Thrivent Choice dollars to RTLC as a recurring donation you must renew that designation for 2012.  Please click here and renew your designation, or set up a new one for 2012.

CAMP’S NOT JUST FOR KIDS!

Hi Friends,

We're excited about the busy spring retreat schedule at RTLC, especially the upcoming Women's Retreat and Men's Adventure Camp!  These are amazing weekends for you to take some time out of your busy schedule and enjoy the rejuvenation that comes from spending time at camp.  Enjoy wonderful worship and faith conversation, great food, and a schedule that's only as full as you want it to be. These weekends are a great place to grow in your faith and renew yourself for the challenges of the world. 

God's Peace,

Ben
Director of Compass Points and Day Camp Ministry

p.s.  Summer Camp weeks are starting to close!  If you haven't registered yet, check out the current camper counts and sign up online soon.

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Daily Prayer Calendar

Each day we hold up one family in our prayers. 

Please remember the following this month of April.

April  1: Wes Parker; April 2: Margaret Patton ; April 3: Ann Lisa Pearson; April 4: The Mike Pederson Family ; April 5: Tim & Renae Pemberton and Family;  April 6: Dave & Kathy Perry , Emily & Davie;  April 7: The Charlie Phillips Family; April 8: Marilyn & Matthew Pomponio ;  April 9: Kelly Poulson ; April 10: Tom & Jackie Price & Family; April 11:The Jim Raymond Family;  April 12: Butch & Susan Rediske ; April 13: The Kevin Rein Family; April 14: Willy & Julie Reusser; April 15: Jenny Reynolds & Matt Gomer; April 16: The Craig Rossi Family; April 17: The Dave Ryll Family; April 18: The Rex Sabotnik Family; April 19: Brenda Sarconi, Mike Fitchett and Megan; April 20: The Jim Scadden Family;  April 21: The Jeff Schaeffer Family; April 22:  Jeff & Lynn Schnackel; April 23: Len & Kathy Schoepke, and Noel; April 24: Kathy, Mike and Shae Schreiber;  April 25:  Mike and Sharon Schreiber; April 26: A.C. & Marie Serold; April 27: Sue & Virg Setzer; April 28: Betty Sheppard; 

April 29: Nettie Shook;  April 30: The Scott Sievers Family.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANK YOU FROM LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES

Dear Friends of LFS,

I am delighted to thank you, on behalf of Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, for your donation of Easter Baskets.  This year we received over 400 baskets which allowed us to provide baskets for all the children and teens in our foster homes as well as many of the refugee children.  You have helped put smiles on the faces of children and teens and showed them that there are people who care about them.  I appreciate your support of our efforts to serve those in need with this gift.  It is your generosity and partnership that allows LFS to live its mission with those we serve.  Again thank you very much for your donation to Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains.

Sincerely, James Barclay, President and CEO

LAST THEATER & THEOLOGY OFFERING:  Just one more event is scheduled in this series.  “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” will be Tuesday, May 1 with reservations due on April 10.  The cost is $38 instead of the usual $30.  If you wish to attend, contact Betty Johnston at 303-771-4963 or blbjohnst@comcast.net.  Checks should be made payable to Rocky Mountain Synod with notation on the check “T&T, name of the play and LCHS”. 

ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN:  Our congregation continually supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), trained volunteers from the community who speak up for the best interests of children in the courtroom.  Children helped by CASA volunteers include those for whom home placement is being determined in the Dependency and Neglect Court filings.  Most of the children are victims of abuse and neglect.  At this time, CASAs is in need of the following items:

· DVD Player.   Call Jody at 303-475-0275

· Volunteer TUTOR for a 13 yr. old boy in all subjects.  Can meet in Elizabeth or Parker Library.  Call Patty Ann Maher at  303-646-1905

If you have additional questions about this organization, please contact our church representative, Margaret Patton, at 303-794-8907.

LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES:  The following items are needed to support the Refugee/Asylee Program:  plastic coat hangers, baby supplies, new regular size pillows, large bath towels (can be gently used) and men/women deodorant.  Donated items can be placed in the box marked LFS in the narthex.  Contact Judy Lounsberry with questions, judy.lounsberry@lfsrm.org or 303-217-5841.

INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES:  Our congregation gives ongoing support to this agency, which provides human services and enrichment programs to low-income families.  It is best known for its food and clothing banks, which we and many other community organizations support.  If you would like to donate food or clothing, they are always in need of the following:  dry pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, canned tuna, Tuna Helper, and personal items such as bath soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, baby diapers/wipes.   Thank you for your support. 

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND: Restore, Rekindle and Renew – the watch words for Luther Marriage Encounter Weekend, April 27-29, 2013.  You will RESTORE communication, REKINDLE romance, and RENEW your communication.  Interested?  Contact Bud and Cindy Amack, 303-796-9119 or cindyamack@comcast.net, to register.

LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES ANNUAL BENEFIL GALA: Rainforest Rendezvous  will be held at the Wildlife Experience the evening of Saturday, April 21, 2012. Join us for an evening of cocktails, an adventurous auction, incredible feast, and overall WILD time?  Evening entertainment will feature La Candela, one of Denver’s premier Salsa bands with spectacular dance instructors.  Go to www.lfsrm.org or call 303-922-3433 to purchase tickets.

CELEBRATING SILVER, SERVICE AND SIMPLICITY, 25 YEARS:  The Urban Servant Corps will hold its 25th Anniversary Celebration and Silent Auction on Thursday, April 19 from 6-8 pm at Dagwood Hall, St. John’s Cathedral (14th and Washington, downtown).  We encourage you to support his amazing organization – invite your family, friends and co-workers!  Funds from the Denver Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will be matching 1:2 up to $3,200.

AUGIE’S QUEST: The 5th annual A Gift of Time Mile High Bash, the fundraiser for ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) research is scheduled for May 5th at the Sport Authority Field.   Augie’s Quest is a MDA’s ALS research initiative singularly focused on finding treatments and cures for this disease. Only research will help those people with this disease; at the present time, there is no known cause or cure. We invite you to attend the dinner, silent and live auction that evening.  If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction or make a contribution, please contact Andy or Len West, 303-997-4130.  MDA is a 501(c)3 agency.  Checks can be made payable to MDA-Augie’s Quest, 720 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 365-s, Denver, CO, 80246.  We thank you for your support.

April Worship Servants

8th		Easter Sunday	15th
Assisting Minister	8:00	Len West	Assisting Minister	8:00	Scott Sievers
	10:30	Scott Lindell		10:30	Jeff Schnackel
Lector	8:00	Wes Parker	Lector	8:00	Kevin Rein
	10:30	Marie Serold		10:30	Amanda Rossi
Acolyte	8:00	Owen Fodness	Acolyte	8:00	Lauren Scadden
	10:30	Rachel Lindell		10:30
Ushers	8:00	Jim Scadden, Michael Braband, Matt Gomer, Carroll Henkes	Ushers	8:00	Rick Bergman, Jake Bergman, Shae Schreiber, Big Mike Schreiber
	10:30	Tom Gaffney, Paul Klinkerman, Ron Kindelsperger		10:30	Ed & Sue Brandt
Communion Assist	8:00	Kathy and Shae Schreiber	Communion Assist	8:00	Brett and Jane Ericson
	10:30	Don and Joyce Stephens		10:30	Sigrid Fraser, Corrine Clark
Cups	8:00	Evan Fodness	Cups	8:00	Jack Scadden
	10:30	Hannah Nisonger		10:30
Nursery Care	8:00 & 10:30	Open	Nursery Care	8:00 & 10:30	Open
Baristas		Coffee Bar Closed	Baristas		Sue Thompson & Launa Cable-Hick
Altar Guild		Corrine Clark & Carol Habig, Becky Wiederstein	Altar Guild		Corrine Clark & Carol Habig, Becky Wiederstein
22nd			29th
Assisting Minister	8:00	Tim Goyette	Assisting Minister	8:00	Chris Huke
	10:30	Judy Hahn		10:30	Len West
Lector	8:00	David Trevarthen	Lector	8:00	Dave Perry
	10:30	Trevor Gaffney		10:30	Joyce Stephens
Acolyte	8:00	Shelby Hick	Acolyte	8:00	Neva Braband
	10:30			10:30
Ushers	8:00	Gerald Cudney, Jim Raymond, Jenny Reynolds, Mitch Williams, Jerry Eikenbary	Ushers	8:00	Dave Perry, Dave Ryll, Brett Ericson, Noel Schoepke, Len Schoepke
	10:30	Bruce & Bernie Gaunt, Don Stephens		10:30	Tom Gaffney, Paul Klinkerman, Ron Kindelsperger
Communion Assist	8:00	Steve and Launa Hick	Communion Assist	8:00	Michael & Karen Braband
	10:30	Sue Brandt, Marilyn Pomponio		10:30	Stephanie Lindell
Cups	8:00	Zachary Hick	Cups	8:00	Noland Braband
	10:30			10:30
Nursery Care	8:00 & 10:30	Open	Nursery Care	8:00 & 10:30	Open
Baristas		Sharon Schreiber & Claire Johnson	Baristas		Michelle Raymond & Willy Reusser
Altar Guild		Corrine Clark & Carol Habig, Becky Wiederstein	Altar Guild		Corrine Clark & Carol Habig, Becky Wiederstein

April - 2012

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Palm Sunday 8:00 Worship 9:15 Education 10:30 Worship 11:45 AA & Al Anon 1:00 Al Anon 7:00 - 8:15 Sr. High Group	7:00 Men’s Bible Study	7:00 Women’s Bible Study: cancelled this week	4:00 Colorado Honor Band 6:30 12 Step Meeting 7:00 Choir	2:00 Women’s Bible Study Maundy Thursday 7:00 Service	Good Friday 7:00 Service 8:00 Serenity AA	10:30 Easter Egg Hunt
8	9	10	11	12	13	14
EASTER 8:00 Worship 9:15 Easter Breakfast, No Sunday School 10:30 Worship 11:45 AA & Al Anon 1:00 Al Anon	7:00 Church Council	9:00 -4:00 Columbine Genealogy 6:45 Stewardship Mtg.	4:00 Colorado Honor Band 6:30 12 Step Meeting	12:00  Women of the Spirit 5:00 Stamp-a-Stack 6:00 Bells 7:00 Choir	8:00 Serenity AA
15	16	17	18	19	20	21
8:00 Worship 9:15 Education 10:30 Worship 11:45 AA & Al Anon 7:00 – 8:15 Jr. High Youth Group	7:00 Men’s Bible Study	9:00 – 4:00 Columbine Genealogy 7:00 Outreach Mtg. 7:00 Women’s Bible Study	4:00 Colorado Honor Band 6:30 12 Step Meeting	2:00 Women’s Bible Study 6:00 Bells 7:00 Choir	5:45 – 8:45 Girl Scout Troop 958, West Wing 8:00 Serenity AA
22	23	24	25	26	27	28
8:00 Worship 9:15 Education 10:30 Worship 11:45 AA & Al Anon		9:00 am Quilters	4:00 Colorado Honor Band 6:30 12 Step Meeting	6:00 Bells 7:00 Choir	8:00 Serenity AA	6:30 – 8:30 Family Game Night
29	30
8:00 Worship 9:15 Education 10:30 Worship 11:45 AA & Al Anon

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit Staff

Christian Nisonger                                   Erik Williams                                Rick Mezey

Pastor                                                          Youth Director                              Organist and Choirmaster

Jim and Kim Scadden Karen Braband Andy West

Janitorial Service                                          Interim Office Administrator       Newsletter Editor

Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit Council Members

Kevin Rein                                                 Marsha Yosten                          Paul Stephenson

President                                                     Education                                     Stewardship

Bernie Gaunt                                             Sue Setzer                                  Brenda Sarconi

Vice-President                                              Evangelism                                   Worship and Music

Chris Bergman                                        Jane Ericson                                Kristin Nisonger

Secretary                                                     Fellowship                                    Youth

Cathy Goss                                                Chris Huke                                  Len Schoepke

Treasurer                                                     Outreach                                      Property, Bldg. & Grounds

Len West         

Business Manager                                    

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