Greeting Friends,
One of my favorite writers is Ann Weems. She writes about Jesus, the church, and God and in bold, challenging and beautiful ways. I was reminded of one of her poems this week when one of our congregations met Jesus’ challenge.
Feeding Sheep by Ann Weems
He said, “Feed my sheep.”
There were no conditions:
Least of all, Feed my sheep if they deserve it.
Feed my sheep if you feel like it.
Feed my sheep if you have any leftovers.
Feed my sheep if the mood strikes you.
if the economy’s OK…
if you’re not too busy…
No conditions… just, “Feed my sheep.”
Could it be that God’s Kingdom will come
when each lamb is fed?
We who have agreed to keep covenant
are called to feed sheep
even when it means the grazing will be done
on our own front lawns.
The Colorado Springs congregation came to the aid of a family in the midst of tragedy this week. On Monday a man shot and killed his wife and then himself. The niece of the victim is a dear friend of mine. When I found out the news on Wednesday I knew I would be unable to come support her and her family. I was preparing the final details for the women’s retreat and leaving Friday morning for WY. I sent Jandy, the pastor of Colorado Springs, a text asking for prayers for the family, perhaps a phone call or delivery of a warm meal. Bill, a member of the pastorate and also a police chaplain, called my friend, offered support and found out what the immediate needs might be. 5 bags of food and love were delivered to the daughter of the deceased. Sadly, just back in June something similar occurred and the Longmont and Greenwood congregations and several individual donors came to the aid of another family. One of my very best friend’s ex husband killed himself with their 2 children in the home. He was estranged from his family and with no one stepping forward to make arrangements it fell to my friend to host grieving family and friends in her home and plan and host the memorial. The congregations and donors provided 2 amazing meals for the family and their visitors when we found out they hadn’t cooked anything in 5 days. And they also provided food and drinks for the funeral. Cheryl, the pastor of Longmont, even coming to help me set up. And I must confide to you, my closest 200+ friends, that the funeral was Pagan! Talk about giving with “no conditions”. The immensity of these loving and selfless acts of giving with no strings attached touches me deeply and touched my friends too. One whose only experience of growing up in the church brings up painful, judging, even hateful childhood memories. She couldn’t believe that there was a church that would help people with no connection, no intention of darkening the door of a church again and even with an entirely different religious affiliation… But this sort of feeding sheep without conditions is what shows people the true face of Jesus and brings them into community with us. When we are in the midst of tragedy and no words are sufficient may we gather around the table, providing a hot meal, a warm hand, a listening ear… may we feed his sheep. And just as importantly may we remember to gather around the table to nourish and strengthen one another, communion, potlucks, Sunday evening dinners, Sunday breakfast and sharing… each of these traditions fills the vital role of feeding the sheep in our congregations, we must not forget the value of these essential meal times. Feed his sheep!
Peace,
DeziRae Astle
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER ANNOUNCEMENTS: PLEASE SHARE THESE ANNOUNCEMENTS IN YOUR CONGREGATION!!!
CANCELLED: Camp Paradise Men’s Retreat.
Welcome to Steve Holloway who is joining the RMMC as Mission Center Financial Officer! This is a world church appointed position and has the full support of Presiding Bishop Steve Jones, USA Bishop David Nii, and our field apostle Ron Harmon. Steve will be stepping in as a self-sustaining minister. Steve brings experience, passion, and a great wisdom and love for Christ’s mission to the position and will serve us well. I cannot thank him enough for his generosity and willingness to fill this important role in the life of the mission center. Steve began as MCFO on September 8, 2015.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE SYMPOSIUM Restorative Justice and Forgiveness?
REGISTER NOW
(For more information please contact Dorcas, Wilkinson at dorcas.w@comcast.net)
Thursday, September 24 & Friday September 25, 2015, Beth-El Mennonite Church.
Join us for deeply moving, interactive presentations on restorative justice. Dr. Mark Umbreit, Professor and Director of Center for Restorative Justice & Peacemaking, University of Minnesota, School of Social Work, will deliver the keynote address Thursday, September 24on The Energy of Forgiveness: Lessons from Those in Restorative Dialogue. On Friday, September 25, State Representative Pete Lee will discuss restorative justice legislation in Colorado and his passion for bringing change and healing to those whose lives have been affected by violence. Then meet Patty Kiefer, Jessica Kuhn and Andy Ulferts; listen to their stories and the power of restorative justice in their lives. An inspiring and interactive circle presentation about High Risk Victim Offender dialogue you won’t want to miss! 12 Contact Hours for Educators 10 General CLE credits REGISTER NOW a registration form is attached to this Weekly Update.
Rocky Mountain Mission Center Conference, November 6-8, 2015, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado. Mark your calendars for this fall’s conference. The theme will be “Discover Deep Joy.” Our guest ministers will be Apostle Ron Harmon, Dave Nii, and Lauren Hall. Along with the budget and other possible items for our conference agenda we will also be electing delegates to the 2016 World Conference. Engage in your congregational business meetings and be a part of the process as the church looks forward to sharing in community at the mission center conference and World Conference.
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
A SPIRITUAL VENTURE: SPIRITUAL RETREAT
What: A spiritual retreat with President Stephen M. Veazey exploring the connection between Spirit and Mission. For more information: http://spiritualformationcenter.org/news-and-events/a-spiritual-venture-spiritual-retreat/
WHEN: October 23-25, 2015
WHERE: Spiritual Formation Center 7809 Joseph St. Kirtland, OH 44094
COST: $50.00
Registration Deadline: October 1, 2015
If you have any questions or would like to schedule spiritual retreat or pilgrimage to the Kirtland or Independence Temple, please feel free to contact Katie Harmon-McLaughlin at khmclaughlin@cofchrist.org.
World Conference, One in Christ: A World Wide Community, June 4-11, 2016.
DeziRae Astle
Rockies Mission Coordinator
dastle@cofchrist.org
303-426-5900 x4