Dear Friends,

One of my favorite missional practices is called “Sharing your Favorite Scripture”.  This is a practice that can be done with anywhere from two people to 20.  Each person is given the opportunity to share with the group what their favorite scripture is and why.  I’ve participated in this practice with groups in Colorado, Zambia, Tahiti, and Missouri.  I’ve shared with people I know well and people I had just met.  I’ve been able to hear stories of redemption, love and forgiveness as I’ve listened to each person share from their heart.

One of my favorite scriptures comes from Psalm 139.  I love the whole Psalm but I am particularly drawn to verses 13-14:

“For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.”

These words speak to me an my experience as a young adult suffering from depression.  When I was in my 20s I struggled with depression and it took me to a place of not believing that I was worthy of love.  I was desperate for reassurance and I found it in this scripture.  To know that God knows me fully and loves me completely saved me.  It brought hope in despair.

I no longer struggle with depression but my experience taught me that there are many people who need to hear words of love and that I’m called to share them.  Depression as well as many other mental illnesses affect a person’s sense of spirit along with their mind and body.  We can be healing agents in the world if we simply listen and care.

What is your favorite scripture?  What does it mean to you? Feel free to send me your thoughts or find someone to share them with.  You can reach me here.

God’s peace be with you this week.

Shandra Newcom
President
Rocky Mountain Mission Center

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 
Summer Youth Camping Season is just around the corner! The 2016 Summer Camping Brochure has been mailed out to all eligible campers and pastors. Although the early bird registration deadline has passed, it is not too late for youth to sign up for summer camps. Please reference the electronic copy of the camping flyer online for camp options and dates. Contact Rebecca Russell with registration questions for camps.   We are looking forward to a successful camping season and hope to see you there! (Registration for Spectacular is not due until mid June)

Camping Staff Needed:  We have an exciting summer camping program planned for 2016! In order for Big Spruce to provide quality youth camps, we need more STAFF. Both youth camps are looking for adults who can help encourage youth to explore their connection with Christ. Staff must be youth worker certified through Community of Christ. If you have questions about becoming youth worker certified, please contact Rebecca Russell. Please consider being a part of our youth ministry.

              Big Spruce Junior Camp: June 24 – 27
               Contact Shyree Kirkpatrick, PH 970.835.3030
               
               Big Spruce Jr/Sr High Camp: June 27 – July 2
               Contact Naomi Barlow, PH 970.623.1455
              
Big Spruce Women’s Retreat, June 17-19, 2016: Ladies, this event is for you! Mark your calendars and join in a fun and memorable weekend hosted by the women of the Grand Junction congregation. More information will be announced at a later date.

Camp Paradise Reunion, June 22-26, 2016: We invite you to join the fun for this memorable reunion! The guest minister for this reunion will be Bill McFarlin. Our theme is:  We Grow! Developing Disciples to Serve.  Please put this fun event on your calendar and keep watch for more details to be posted online. If you have questions about this reunion or would like to register, please contact mission center staff.

Big Spruce Reunion, July 9-16: Don’t miss this unforgettable reunion at the Big Spruce Campground. Specific details about this event will be posted online at a later date. For specific questions or to register for this event, please contact camp director Melanie Grimes.

Rockies Family Camp, Aug. 3-7:  Join us at the RMMC Family Camp August 3-August 7.  The guest ministers are Steve and Cathi Veazey.  The theme is: OF WATER AND SPIRIT: Disciples in Community of Christ.  We meet again at the Peaceful Valley Ranch 475 Peaceful Valley Road, Lyons, CO 80540.  Come prepared for a spirit-filled gathering with your friends! Contact Cherry Newcom with questions or register online.  We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Women’s Retreat, September 9-11, Camp Paradise, Wyoming: The Woman at the Well: A Study in Living Water. Barbara Gardner of Casper, WY will provide guest ministry and Karen Hutchinson of Loveland, CO will be the retreat director. Please contact Karen with questions or to register for this event.   
 
In the middle of a hot, sunny day at a dusty village well in Samaria, Jesus meets a woman. He asks her for a drink of water. “Ah;” you say, “the story of the woman at the well. I know that pretty well.” But wait, not so fast! There is a lot more to it than you might think.
 
The story of the nameless Samaritan woman at the well, recorded only in the Gospel of John, is a revealing one, full of many truths and powerful lessons for us today. We will explore many of them during the weekend. We’ll learn more about the author of the book of John, we’ll examine the meanings and nuances of the story, we’ll share about the story, we’ll experience the story, and we’ll live the story. Come travel with us on this extraordinary journey!

Developing Disciples to Serve is an important ministry of the Mission Center. Grocery cards are available for sale to support this initiative. When you use these cards at King Soopers, City Market or Safeway, you help earn FREE MONEY for ministry. The Mission Center is selling grocery cards for $10 (they are preloaded with that amount). Every time you buy groceries, you can add funds to the card for your purchase. The stores then donate 5 percent of your purchase back to the Mission Center. It is fast, free to you, easy, and a very effective way to raise money for our ministries in the Rocky Mountain region! In the first four months we have raised $1400 and we expect to earn much more in the coming months. If you would like to purchase a grocery card, please contact Phyllis Modica at 303-426-5900 x-1.