Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
Today marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas – it is Epiphany! Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, is a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as human in Jesus Christ. In Western Christianity, the feast commemorates principally (but not solely) the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. How will you celebrate the revelation of Christ to the world today? What will you do to mark this important moment? Often, Epiphany isn’t celebrated and January 6 is just another day in the new year – a back to school / work day. But what if you decided to take a moment, breathe into the new year and pause to reflect on Christ in your life and in the world. Who is Christ to you? How do you celebrate his life? Honor his Divinity? How do you invite others into a relationship with Christ? Is it easy for you? If not, what makes it difficult? Now is the time to resolve to build a deeper relationship with the One who wants the best for you. 2016 is upon us and we are called to be lovers of the world and compassionate livers on this planet. May you find a way to honor and celebrate today! And may the name of Christ be on your lips and in your heart always.
I wanted to share with you some information about some small changes in dates for the new year:
First, the Leadership Weekend, which meets in Fort Collins will be happening on March 4-5, 2016 (earlier than planned). Please see the weekly update for information and registration instructions.
Second, because of the close proximity to World Conference, the Young Adult Retreat / trip to Toronto has been postponed to 2017. I’m hearing from a number of young adults who can’t make both a long weekend in the end of May and a long week at the first of June work for them. The two events were just too close together. We will be having an overnight over Memorial Weekend in 2016 – somewhere close and not expensive but we will not be having a three day retreat this year. This will also give us more time to raise money for the Toronto trip in 2017. Questions? Contact me at: snewcom@cofchrist.org
Finally, I will be directing the Women’s Retreat at Camp Paradise later in the year.
Blessings to you this New Year!
Shandra
ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER ANNOUCEMENTS:
Sr. High Winter Retreat: January 22-24, 2016! The Sr. High Winter Retreat is this month but there is still time to sign up! Where: Buena Vista, Ski/Snowboard at Monarch Ski Area. When: Jan 22-24, Leaving around 6:00pm Friday evening and returning Sunday around 3;00 or 4:00pm, carpools will be arranged. How much: Cost will range from $80-$130 depending on which activity is chosen! Please contact Jordan Wight to register at: wight.jordan@gmail.com. Hope you can make it!
SITE is adding classes and you are invited to attend! The topic for the Jan. 29-31, 2016 class is: Peace and Justice Ministries taught by Michele McGrath. This is a new class in the SITE rotation. All former, current and new students are invited to attend. Please pre-register with Shandra at: snewcom@cofchrist.org. Pre-registration is essential so we know how much food we need for the weekend. We will continue to meet at the North Valley congregation. Class starts Friday at 6 p.m. We look forward to new experiences and new learning together in community!
Leadership Weekend- March 4-5 – Fort Collins Congregation: 220 East Oak St, Ft Collins, CO 80524. We invite you to join us for the upcoming Leadership Weekend- the theme this year is: Generosity. The retreat starts at 7 p.m. on March 4 and ends at 5 p.m. on March 5. Cost is $30. To register please contact Becca at: brussellcofchrist@gmail.com.
We are still accepting 2016 World Conference Alternates! While the 53 delegate slots have been filled, we are still accepting delegate alternates. If you are interested in becoming a delegate alternate, please contact Mission Center President Shandra Newcom at: snewcom@cofchrist.org. If you have questions regarding who the current delegates are, please contact Administrative Assistant, Rebecca Russell at: brussellcofchrist@gmail.com.
WORLD CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS:
WORLD CONFERENCE: One in Christ—a Worldwide Community
Can you imagine an international reunion? Worship, learning, games, and fellowship—all wrapped around World Conference. Mark your calendar for 4-11 June 2016, and plan to be in Independence, Missouri.
You may think this is just World Conference, but it will be so much more. Experience a picnic on the lawn, stay for fellowship at the Canteen after evening worship, be part of a worldwide community that is “One in Christ.”
Delegates will spend time in deliberation, intentional listening, and making decisions that will move the church forward in its mission with Christ.
And if you aren’t a delegate, you’ll still have much to choose from—educational opportunities exploring the theme and elements of peace and justice, acts of service for our host community, time in Celebration Village, walks in the new labyrinth, time spent in reflection and contemplation, many fun opportunities to volunteer, and much more.