January 12, 2017

Dear Friends,

Let’s look to 2017.

Let’s look with hope and anticipation.

Let’s look for opportunities to live Christ’s mission – justice and peace being primary.

Let’s look for moments to stand up for one another – to stand against hate and to stand for compassion.

Let’s look for time to spend with one another – to learn about each other, to share our stories, to love.

Let’s look for ways we can make a difference in the world – ways to give of time or treasure or talent.  Ways to honor diversity.  Ways to be who we are called to be.

Let’s look for God at work in the world – knowing that the Divine Spark that created us and loves us created all and loves all.

Let’s join God in our neighborhoods – moving beyond the walls of our congregation into the promise of God’s changing action in the world.

Let’s remember that we are not in this alone – we travel this journey together and we are better for our community.

Let’s trust that we can work to build a world where all are welcome, all are respected, all are celebrated – no matter who or what.

Let’s give to God our whole hearts and our whole selves.  Let’s live radical lives of engagement.  Let’s not be silent when it is our voice that needs to speak – speak for justice – speak for acceptance – speak the passionate cry of the Prophet.

Let’s look forward with anticipation.  It won’t be easy.  We won’t be perfect.  But we will be blessed.

Let’s welcome 2017 as a community – broad and deep.

Let’s welcome 2017 as a people of God – loving and remembering:  Christ’s mission is, indeed, our mission.

Let’s begin!

With excitement,
Shandra Newcom
President
Rocky Mountain Mission Center

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MISSION CENTER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sr. High Winter Youth Retreat, January 20-22, 2017: Join in this awesome winter retreat held in Buena Vista specifically for our Sr. High youth! Contact Jordan Wight with questions or to register for this event at: wight.jordan@gmail.com.  Invite a friend along to join in the fun!  We hope to see you there.

Community Call: 
On January 24, 2017 at 7 p.m. we will have a community call during which we will open the discussion to those who want to talk about Camp Paradise and its future.  There is no “agenda” behind this call.  This is the time that was promised during Mission Center Conference for those who want their voices heard about this topic.  Please watch Weekly Updates for call-in information.  The call will last one hour and both Shandra Newcom, MCP and Steve Holloway, MCFO will be on the call to hear the thoughts of those who want to share.

SITE – January 27-29, 2017:  
The topic for the upcoming SITE class is Hebrew Scriptures taught by Dale Luffman. There is still space remaining for this class for new or existing students! Please contact Rebecca Russell at the Mission Center office with questions or to register: brussellcofchrist@gmail.com. Please also be sure to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or housing needs when registering.

NEW!  Front Range Nuts & Bolts Retreat, February 17-18, 2017, Fort Collins Congregation: 
This retreat is for Pastors, CFOs, congregational leaders and ministers who want to learn more about how to run a congregation – the “nuts and bolts” of being a congregational minister.  We will talk about invitation and hospitality, generosity, the “how- to’s” of leading a congregation (Priesthood calls, how to engage with the mission center and world church, leadership in the 21stCentury) and more!  If you are wondering if this retreat is for you, the answer is:  YES!  **Pastors, please plan on attending this retreat or sending someone from your congregation. Alternately, this retreat will also be held in Grand Junction August 25-27, 2017.

 

Toronto Encounter World Religions Retreat: 
The Toronto retreat over Memorial Day weekend will be for folks ages 21-50.  We will leave Friday morning May 26 and return Monday night May 29, 2017.  The cost for each person is $1000.  This is all inclusive!  The Mission Center plans to provide significant financial support.  If you are planning on going we ask that you pay at least $200; if you can afford more that is great.  We need at least 10 people to go in order for the trip to happen.  Please e-mail Shandra right away if you plan to attend: snewcom@cofchrist.org – I need to know by two weeks from today if you plan on joining us.