RMMC Weekly Update
January 22, 2015
From Tim Ashburn
Greetings Rocky Mountain Mission Center!
In a world where so much tugs at our attention, it is no wonder that many have chosen to spend their time with activities in other places. I suppose the old saying that says we will do in our lives what is most important to us, seems so very true. It appears for many, that the time spent in the church setting yields little tangible benefits. Recently, one can see the rise of “Meetup” groups. A web based way of creating groups for people with similar interests or pursuits. These groups are not virtual groups, they actually meet together to pursue common goals or share common experiences and interests. By the number of these meet-up groups, they seem to be quite popular. I, myself, have joined a running meet-up group in Longmont. It is a great way to meet new people and to share in an activity that one receives joy through participation with others.
This poses a question for me, “How does the experience of joy or satisfaction or doing the things we like to do play into our purpose in life and finally into our experiences as followers of Christ?” Do we enjoy our experiences of worship? Do we enjoy being of service to others? Do we enjoy the sharing of our giftedness with others? Do we enjoy our journey with the divine? I am not suggesting that our only motivator for action should be our own self satisfaction. Yet, we must acknowledge that people tend to be engaged in activities that bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of well being to themselves and those around them. It is part of how we are created.
I have noticed recent commercials for an insurance company on the radio. They are lifting up the health benefits of doing things that feel good to us. Such as taking a nap during the day, being engaged in activities that illicit smiles and laughter, taking time to read books that we enjoy, giving and receiving hugs they say lowers blood pressure. They are saying that activities we enjoy, that brightens our day, that lightens our step are actually healthy for us. I find this very encouraging and in a sense a bit anti-cultural in the present day.
Ultimately, as people who follow Christ, we must ask did Jesus experience joy in the journey. From the book, Jesus, CEO by Laurie Beth Jones, “Although there are few representations of Jesus laughing, he surely must have spent a great deal of time doing so. He must have been touched and amused by the antics of his young enthusiastic staff (disciples)….The world is bursting with joy. Jesus must have embodied that or he could not have been who he said he was. A transparent leader is full of joy, because nothing is hidden. Leaders who share their spontaneity and joy build love and loyalty. Bonding occurs when defenses are down, and nowhere are people more open to love than when they are playing.”
While I know the above quote would not be in agreement with everyone’s view of Jesus. I do believe that it is a very important possibility to consider as we engage. If we are not having joy on the journey then maybe we need to stop what we are doing and re-align ourselves with the one we claim to follow. If we continue to experience resistance in ourselves with how we are sharing in our congregations or communities, it is time to reevaluate our journey. Our call is to be of service, with our giftedness, with who we are and are becoming. May we encounter the divine and listen to what we are being shown in this day, in this moment, in our lives.
Blessings,
Tim
MISSION PRAYER:
“God, where will your Spirit lead today? Help me be fully awake and ready to respond. Grant me courage to risk something new and become a blessing of your love and peace.” Amen
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER EVENTS: PLEASE SHARE THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS IN YOUR CONGREGATION!!!)
Sr. High Ski Retreat, January 23-25, Salida, CO:
The annual Sr. High Ski Trip is open to youth in grades 9-12. The weekend will include games, downhill skiing/snowboarding, or snowshoeing/cross country skiing, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, fun & fellowship! In past years, cost has varied from $75-$120 depending on ski activity and number of youth attending. Although the registration deadline for this event has passed, there are still a few remaining spots! For more information, contact Jordan Wight wight.jordan@gmail.com, and/or Naomi Barlow nomebarlow@gmail.com.
Emergency Preparedness Training in 2015. What would YOU do if an Emergency/Disaster hit Church – Home – Work – Community? Know how to plan for an emergency; Learn basic response skills focusing on emergency/disaster training and safety. This is an opportunity to provide training, information and service for the communities in which our congregations reside. The Denver Office of Emergency Management has been working with David Cook, a priesthood member and Seventy living in Castle Rock. The Denver OEM wants to run a pilot program in emergency/disaster training preparation in which communities where we have congregations. (Workshops can be 1-2 hours, depending on the interest of the congregation). The congregation would serve as a location and host for the community to receive such training. Please contact Rebecca, at the mission center office if your congregation is interested in being a part of this community project. brussell@cofchristrm.org Dave Cook is available to provide ministry upon request.
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHMENTS WITH THIS EDITION OF THE WEEKLY UPDATE PLUS THE QUICK NOTE BELOW!
Denver CERT and ARES Denver District – February’s 2015 “Face 2 Face” program
Presenter: Debrah Schnackenberg, Director – Disaster Services, PetAid Colorado www.PetAidColorado.org
Topic of discussion: Community Emergency Response for Animal. Animal Response 1 is the first of two modules that make up the Animal Response training. This program will teach emergency preparedness for animal owners and how to recognize specific animal behaviors. (Community Emergency Animal Response Module II will be held in May). Our pets are the forgotten victims in a disaster.
When: February 10, 2015, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Denver Police District #3, 1625 S University Blvd, Denver, CO
RSVP: www.Denvergov.org\DenverCERT and click on “Registration Form” (please fill in every box even if it is N/A).
Questions: Carolyn H. Bluhm, Community Preparedness Specialist,
E-mail: DenverCERT@denvergov.org / http://www.denvergov.org/oem
The next SITE (Seminars in Theological Education) class will be “Preaching” with Dale Luffman and is scheduled for February 6-8, 2015. If you are interested in more information about SITE, please contact Shandra Newcom at: snewcom@cofchrist.org. SITE will also be offering 3 more classes in 2016! Even if you have attended SITE classes in the past (or graduated from the SITE program) you can return and take the three new classes. The classes are Peace and Justice, Spirituality and Community of Christ History.
March 13-14th: Leadership Weekend, Fort Collins Congregation. Calling all Leaders! Apostle Ron Harmon will be attending the gathering this year. We expect this to be largely a time of spiritual renewal and inspiration for leadership. Online registration is now available!! $20.00 per person. Please contact Rebecca at the mission center office with questions, brussell@cofchristrm.org.
North Platte Congregation Closing Celebration, March 15, 2015, North Platte, Nebraska. Apostle Ron Harmon and the RMMC staff will be participating in the Celebration of the North Platte congregation’s almost 100 year ministry. Everyone from the Rocky Mountain Mission Center is invited to attend this celebration of ministry. A meal will be served. More details will be forthcoming. Please RSVP Rebecca, brussell@cofchristrm.org in the mission center office so we know how many to plan for.
April 10-12: Junior Retreat & Junior High Retreat, Fort Collins Congregation. ***Please note this is a date change for the Junior High Retreat.*** The director for the Junior Retreat is DeziRae Astle. The directors for the Junior High Retreat are Cherry and Shandra Newcom. Programming, staff and sleeping spaces will be totally separate for each retreat but meals and some recreation time may be shared. The cost is $50, details coming soon, questions? Juniors (3rd-5th grade) contact DeziRae at dastle@cofchrist.org and Junior Highs (6th-8th grade) contact Shandra at: snewcom@cofchrist.org
When registering for an event using the RMMC website please note!: In order to receive an email confirmation of registration for an event, please make sure your SPAM manager setting allows you to receive emails from cofchristrm.org. If you are still not able to receive a confirmation of registration please contact Rebecca in the mission center office, brussell@cofchristrm.org
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Letter of Counsel Regarding the Presiding Quorums go to http://www.cofchrist.org/letter-of-counsel to read the recent Letter of Counsel.
The Disciple Formation News will be e-mailed automatically each month to all who have subscribed for Community of Christ News. There is no need to sign up for an additional subscription! News will include highlighted resources, ideas for small group ministries, and teaching tips. We would love to feature the exciting ministries taking place in your congregation, so please share your ideas (don’t forget to include photos!).
Questions? Contact Janné Grover
OTHER ITEMS:
Announcements: For more information from the World Church please go to www.cofchrist.org/announcements You may also subscribe to the following blogs and resources to receive them in your email: Daily Bread Blog, Evangelist Blog, CofChrist News, CofChrist Announcements, Commentary Series, Music Matters, and the High Priest Newsletter. You may select which information sources you receive, just go to www.cofchrist.org then from the “Connect” drop down menu click on “Subscribe” and select which items you would like to receive.