Th

e M

ou

nta

in E

cho

Apri l 2020

The Rest of the Story

by Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward

“Saturday evening, when the Sabbath ended, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went

out and purchased burial spices so they could anoint Jesus’ body. 2

Very early on Sunday morning, just at

sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3

On the way they were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone for us

from the entrance to the tomb?” 4

But as they arrived, they looked up and saw that the stone, which was very

large, had already been rolled aside. 5

When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white

robe si*ng on the right side. The women were shocked… (Mark 16:1-5a)

On Wednesday afternoon, March 18, I went into the sanctuary to get ready for our You Tube Wednesday, Lenten worship. I was the only person at church. I have entered the sanctuary alone hundreds of times before, but this time felt different. It was just a few days after Mark and I attended a Memorial in Indianapolis for a good friend and shortly after Philip Nestingen died. The sanctuary was eerily quiet…and dark…and lonely. It was the beginning of our sequestering and everything, including the sadness of two important deaths, spiraled me to a dark place. My stomach tightened, my heart ached, and I began to cry. How would our beautiful church ever survive this sad and lonely time? How long before we could be together again? What is going to happen to us?

As I looked around, I began to think about the morning that the Marys and Salome went to the tomb. I have no doubt they were crying, and their hearts ached. Their stomachs were in knots and their breathing exaggerated by both their jaunt to the tomb and anxiety stirred by what they would find when they arrived. Jesus was dead and their only desire this early morning was to anoint their beloved’s body. When they arrived, they were amazed that the stone sealing Jesus’s tomb had been rolled away. Their hearts sank. Looking inside, the Scriptures say, “they were shocked…” that Jesus’s body was not there. In

his place was a young man clothed in white.

“6…but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body. 7 Now go and tell his disciples, including Peter, that Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there, just as he told you before he died. 8 The women fled from the tomb, trembling and bewildered, and they said nothing to anyone because they were too frightened.” Don’t be alarmed; don’t be afraid the angel said to them. But overwhelming fear is exactly what they were feeling. Their friend and Rabbi Jesus was no longer entombed. He was gone. Someone must have taken his body. How would they ever survive this? What, ultimately, was going to happen to them? Instead of running to tell Jesus’s disciples and Peter what the angel said, they ran from the tomb and said nothing; not one word to anyone. They were so afraid! Can’t say I haven’t been afraid over the past month. And I have certainly been alarmed. But unlike us, the Marys and Salome didn’t know the rest of the story. They weren’t privileged to see how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus has changed the world. We are so deeply blessed to live on this side of the resurrection and know the whole story and know how that story has changed

(Continued on page 2)

“Don’t be alarmed; don’t be afraid the angel said to them.

But overwhelming fear is exactly what they were feeling.”

Pastoral Intern

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 2

Peace be with You

Something is starting to change in Westminster around our apartment, and I want to share it with you as a sign of Christ the resurrection and the life being present in the midst of crisis. There’s a walking and biking path that’s recently been completed. It runs under Federal Boulevard next to the Little Dry Creek. While under construction we had to cross a very busy Federal to get to the paths to the west and had no idea of the paths to the east, which are tucked behind newly constructed neighborhoods and connect bikers and walkers to downtown Denver. Aimée and I have a tradition of taking a walk every day and I have a small town midwestern habit of greeting the few people we’ll meet along this path with a nod, or a wave, or a hello. For seven months now my greetings have mostly been ignored, but this last week two things started happening with

consistency. First, there’s been far more people on the path. Though this may be because of its recent connection of east to west under Federal Boulevard, it also seems that people are craving the presence of one another more in the midst of this crisis. This has led to the second observance: people are returning my greetings! My neighbors are starting to look me in the eyes and respond with a hello! Some of my neighbors are even starting to beat me to the greeting! There’s a connection in my mind to what I’m experiencing this week to what I experienced in New York in the early 2000s. Aimee and I were traveling through upstate New York on 9-11. We experienced the terror of that day in the faces of New Yorkers as fighter jets rushed loudly and lowly over our heads toward the burning buildings. A couple years later, in the midst of rebuilding, we found ourselves on the streets of New York City. So many people were greeting us with smiles and words of hello on that walk that we had to give up any chance of a personal conversation and simply default to our midwestern roots of receiving our neighbor’s overt words of welcome. In the midst of each and every day Christ is present in the exchanges we make with one another. The social distancing, we are practicing today need not be a social death. We can maintain a safe distance and still greet one another with a word of welcome. Whether it’s over a fence between us and a neighbor, greeting one another from an appropriate distance on a path, or reaching out with a phone call or video chat, the old spiritual practice of greeting one another in the worship service with a sign of peace has a new venue in our daily life. I pray each day we may intentionally look for a way to share a sign of peace with a neighbor that both welcomes their joyful response, while maintaining their health and security in the midst of this pandemic. I look forward to hearing how you are seeing Christ in the midst of these days. Peace be with you!

Under the Mercy, Joel, pastoral intern

a multitude of lives from despairing, dark and desperate, to hopeful and trusting. Easter is God’s powerful and profound acclamation of hope. The resurrection of Jesus is our solidarity; it’s what holds us together when the world around us is falling apart. This year’s Holy Week and Easter will be experienced virtually. We will be watching from our homes and in some ways, we will be scattered like the disciples were the morning of Jesus’ resurrection. But we do have an advantage. We know the whole, joyous story and that story will continue to make an astounding difference in our lives. May we not be alarmed or afraid to tell and live this story. If there was ever a time the world needs to hear it, it is now! Blessed Easter my dear family in Christ. Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!

(Continued from page 1)

Holy Week Virtual Worship

Palm Sunday, April 5

Worship + video available by 10:30am

Maundy Thursday, April 9

Worship + video available by 7:00pm

Good Friday, April 10

Worship + video available by 7:00pm

Easter Sunday, April 12

The Resurrection of Our Lord

Worship + video available by 10:30am

Mid-Week Offerings

Tuesday Afternoon

Study of Religions led by Pastor Vera meet at 3:00pm in the Fellowship Hall

Wednesday Night Women’s Book Group meets at

6:15pm. They will be studying Brene Brown’s book “I Thought it was Just Me.”

Mountain Men Bible study led by Pastoral Intern Joel and Rob Bender meets at 6:15pm in the large conference room.

Thursday Java and Jesus Women’s Bible

Study meets Thursday morning at 9:30am. Our current study is “Scouting the Divine: Searching for God in Wine, Wool, and Wild Honey.” This study will move us from just reading the bible to entering into the stories.

Faith and Culture meets at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Come and discuss current topics through the lens of your faith. Gather to share your understanding and challenges about what is happening in our country and world.

Lunch Bunch will gather at noon at Saigon Landing. Why eat alone when you can eat and visit with people from church? Friends are always welcome. This is a no host lunch. Please call the church office to RSVP so we can let the restaurant know we are coming.

Stephen Ministry will meet at noon in Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister please let Kim know.

3 A P R I L 2 0 2 0

When we meet again:

Adult Faith Formation

Sunday Morning Offerings, 9:15 a.m.

Fellowship Hall: Study TBD

Damascus Room: Tom McEwen continues the study on “What happened in the comma”, Between baptism (with a little about what happened before) to the Passion. He will be looking at the theologies around the comma, and to some extent, why the life of Jesus is reduced to a comma in the creed, and what that means for us now.

Memorial Hall: Parenting by Faith led by Jim and Terry Ritter. Come, share, and learn together how to raise your children in the life of faith. Your will hear real life stories and real life solutions and a lot of laughter.

Adult Faith Formation

The Journey Continues

We are still in the midst of our Lenten journey. A journey of reflection, asking, listening, wrestling, and surrendering. Lenten disciplines can be hard for some people. They think right away of giving something up or taking something on. Could it be that Lent is that time to listen deeper, ask harder questions of ourselves, and fine tune our longing and our relationship with God. Could this be a time to sort through all that is holding us back from God? If we just stop and listen, truly listen inward we will see clearly those place of conflict and wrestling we have inside us. The temptations, self-absorption, guilt, self-doubt, skepticism, fear, hurt, disappointment, and anger. We can all name those things that take up too much of our inward parts and keep us from fully living a life of joy and freedom in Christ but we run from even naming them. Find some time this Lenten season to go off to a quiet place and listen really listen to all that is hold you back from living the life of joy found in the unconditional love of God. As we heard in our Adult Faith Formation study last week God continues to pursue us with tenacious love that has no end. Know that that is true and it is God’s desire for you to know that love and live a life that reflects it.

An excerpt of a prayer by Ted Loder for your Lenten journey. Oh God, let something essential happen to me, something awesome, something real. Speak to my condition, Lord, and change me somewhere inside where it matters.

With you in this Lenten journey. Kim Williams, Director of Adult Ministry

Lent

Is Lent a Season?

A time to celebrate?

It doesn’t seem so. It certainly feels that way.

We know the ending. Our Savior has risen. Our joy is back. Glorious Easter arrives. Not just to bunnies and eggs

But our Christ—who forgives.

Lent teaches introspection

We aren’t very thoughtful Nor do we dwell on our lives

that are judgmental and self righteous. Lord with your love and goodness

HELP US. -VB

Our normal classes and groups are postponed until further notice.

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 4

Special Speakers

Church Council Jon Johnson—President Jim Ritter—Vice President David Hood—Treasurer & Finance

Kim Lieb—Secretary

Kristi Kohnke—Christian Education

Janet Anderson—Christian Outreach

Jen Frye-Brunner—Discipleship

Larry Patella—Lay Ministry

Rusty Brunner—Personnel Chris Besler – Property Management Karen Cain—Stewardship

Karla Briggs—Worship and Music

Board of Lay Ministry

Larry Patella – Chair Mark Bly

Riley Hanback

Jon Johnson

Jan Petrocchi Andy Riedel D.J. Riedel George Wittenberg

ELC Staff Rev. Vera Guebert-Steward, Pastor Peggy Fetchenhier, Minister of Worship & Music

Kim Williams, Director of Adult Ministries

Neil Mahon, Children, Youth, Family, & Outreach Minister Joel Pakan, Pastoral Intern

Tara Alexander-Walker, Office Admin

Ed Boettger, Property Manager Joe Gerlach, Scott Moriarty, Assistant Property Managers

Karen Kady, Nursery Attendant Lloyd Peltzer, Librarian & Custodian

Karladee Ormsby, Custodian

Jacque Whyte, Kitchen & Church House Custodian

Spring Congregational Meeting Postponed

We will let you know the date of the meeting as soon as it’s determined.

Jane Barton

Tuesday, September 15, 12:00-2:00

Aging Workshop

Aging—The Opportunity of a Lifetime! Getting old...a process that frightens, angers, and challenges many (if not MOST) people. Granted, aging is not for the faint of heart. However, the journey consists of more than grey hair, wrinkles, illness, and loss. So, instead of believing the negative headline news about aging, I invite you to seriously consider "getting" old. By that I mean, recognizing and appreciating the burdens and the benefits of aging. Get it? All is NOT lost! Possibilities and opportunities come with age as well. Getting old is a gift – an opportunity of a lifetime! Don't miss it! Light lunch will be provided, $5.00 donation, please RSVP to kim@evergreenlutheran.org, hosted by Stephen Ministry.

About Jane Barton

Jane W. Barton, author of Caregiving for the GENIUS, is a passionate speaker, writer, and listener. As the founder of Cardinal, LLC, she provides educational programs, books, and blogs to assist people in confronting the daunting challenges posed by aging, serious illness, and the end of life. Jane is well versed in the areas of grief and bereavement, caregiving, hospice and palliative care, change and transition, and spirituality and health. As the Caregiving Ambassador for AARP Colorado (2014-2018), she offers educational programs for personal and professional caregivers throughout the state of Colorado. Previously, Jane served as Director of Education for a hospice and palliative care educational institution in Denver. She has also served as a chaplain and bereavement facilitator in hospice and palliative care. Jane is a certified Spiritual Director as well as a Certified Senior Advisor.

Dr. Edward Harper

Thursday, May 21, 12:00-2:00

“The Emotional Complexities of

Giving Care” Workshop

Workshop on “The Emotional Complexities of Giving Care” with

speaker Dr. Edward Harper. Cost is $5.00 donation, please RSVP to kim@evergreenlutheran.org hosted by Stephen Ministry at ELC.

We need Snow Pushers

Even though we are not meeting as a church right now, we still need help keeping the sidewalks clear. Please email if you’re able to help at any time, Ed Boetter, edboettger@hotmail.com. Experience using snow blowers desirable but not required!

A P R I L 2 0 2 0 5

Worship & Music

May the Peace of Christ be with You

In this strange time we are experiencing because of COVID-19 and our health concerns, things bubble to the surface which cause us to question why we do the things we do. One of the first things we felt discomfort around was passing the peace. What I didn’t realize was that our understanding of passing the peace was as varied as we have people. Some faith traditions have the tradition of greeting their neighbors at that time so that everyone feels welcome. The Lutheran tradition is actually grounded in history before Jesus dwelt with us on earth. The Hebrew scriptures are full of people’s aching desire for peace being answered by God’s promise to bring them into the Sabbath rest they so desperately craved. The Jewish understanding of peace (in Hebrew: shalom) in one of wholeness, completion and rest. It isn’t just the absence of conflict or the end of hostilities. It is a promised life full of goodness and free from anxiety. The ancient Jewish conception has both a physical and a spiritual element. It is a relationship with God unmarred by sin, and being surrounded by those who know and love you. It is internal, external, communal and theological. This understanding is probably the background to Jesus’ words in John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This is said right before he is betrayed by a close friend as part of his journey to the cross. He is leaving us with a peace that goes beyond our ability to comprehend. It is a peace that comes from being united with the peace of God. We are

forgiven in Christ and we are united with each other through him. No matter what hardships we encounter, we have been given access to peace…not as the world gives, but in Christ. So, when we are invited to share the peace of Christ with one another, we are reminded of Christ’s promise to us. When we share that with each other we are making peace, if that is needed, and declaring the peace that Christ has made for us. It reminds us of who we are as individuals and together. We are called to bring about wholeness through Christ for ourselves and our community. In worship, we hear God’s Word, receive and share the peace, then come to the table to share communion with God and one another. It is a meal to be shared with family and friends. It is a bold act of declaring our reconciliation as children of God. Each time we make peace with each other, love triumphs and we are reconciled to God and each other.

Whether the peace that we share in worship is a hug, a word or nod, it is a powerful declaration that we acknowledge each other as children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ. The choir’s favorite blessing we sing is “Aaron’s Blessing” from Numbers 6:24-26.

May the Lord bless and keep you; may the Lord make his face

to shine upon you, And be gracious unto you;

The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace, peace,

give you peace.

May we all find peace and healing especially in this stressful, confusing time.

Peggy Fetchenhier

Minister of Worship and Music

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 6

Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO)

Dear Supporters, Partners, and Community Members,

As the COVID-19 situation continues to grow and many of us are faced with the uncertainty of how this will impact our lives, we want you to know that EChO will remain open to provide services to anyone in our community who may need assistance. We will be operating with limited and restricted access to our building for the protection of staff, volunteers and clients. Increased precautions and enhanced cleaning and safety protocols based on recommended guidelines from the CDC have been implemented at EChO for our building as well as for all individuals. During the upcoming days and weeks, we anticipate that the demand for assistance will increase. More and more families and individuals will struggle to meet basic needs as businesses temporarily close and paychecks are reduced. We live in a very generous and caring community. Many of you have asked how you can help. A financial contribution of any amount would be greatly appreciated. The increased demand for food, as well as emergency financial assistance will have a tremendous monetary impact on our organization. To make a donation, please visit our website at www.evergreenchristianoutreach.org. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 1515, Evergreen, CO 80437. We are all struggling with how to respond to this current crisis. But, with your help and support, we feel confident that we can and will be able to meet the needs of our mountain community.

Thank you for all you do for EChO.

Sincerely, Sharon K Smith, Executive Director Ray Dowdle, President, EChO Board of Directors

FOOD PANTRY: Hours of operation: Monday 10-6, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 10-4

Anyone who needs food is welcome to come to the food pantry at 27640 Hwy 74 Evergreen and you will be given a box of food for you and your family. Individuals who are

ill or self-quarantining may request to have their food delivered by calling 303-670-1796.

Client Services: All Appointments will be handled over the phone

Hours of operation: Monday 10-6, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 10-4

Anyone who needs assistance should call 303-670-1796 to speak with a client advocate. We hope to be able to continue to supply limited emergency financial assistance for utilities, medical supplies, rent, etc. as needed.

Evergreen Shelter Program: If you are already registered, please call: 720-598-2653 for up to the minute details on when we will be open. To register, please call 303-

670-1796.

Job Center: All appointments will be handled over the phone

Hours of operation: Monday 10-5, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 10-4

Anyone who needs assistance with job searching or unemployment filing, please call 303-670-7123. All job seeker workshops are cancelled for the month of March. Computer Lab is also closed until further notice.

EChO Resale Store: As of March 19, our Resale store is temporarily closed. This closure is through March 31, 2020. We will update the status as the end of March nears. This applies to shopping and donations.

Evergreen Christian Outreach takes an integrated approach to assisting our clients by providing access to our food pantry, referrals for benefits and counselling, and help obtaining a good paying job with benefits. The EChO Job Center is focused on connecting local talent with local employers.

No matter where you are in your career….

A local, middle-aged mom of two came to us shortly after her husband passed unexpectedly. Prior to his passing, they had been a two-income household so this tragedy left it all on her shoulders. “Sarah” came to the EChO Job Center at wits end from working two jobs that totaled over 45 hours per week, but had no benefits, no sick leave, no medical insurance for herself or her children. Sarah participated in multiple services: job seeker workshops, mock interviews, and resume development for digital interface. In less than 30 days Sarah had a new full-time job in the mountain community working 40 hours a week with benefits that included paid time off, sick leave, medical and dental insurance for her whole family. A few months later, Sarah’s son came in and we were able to refer him to a paid internship in his field of study while he continues attending college. The EChO Job Center is available to anyone needing assistance with resume creation, job searching or interviewing skills. The hours are: Monday 10-5, Tuesday 10-6, Wednesday 10-7, Thursday 10-2. Reach out to our Job Center Director, Brenda, 303-670-7123 or brenda@evergreenchristianoutreach.org The EChO Job Center: 3721 Evergreen Parkway Suite 6.

A P R I L 2 0 2 0 7

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Happy Birthday!Happy Birthday!Happy Birthday!Happy Birthday!

April Birthdays

1 Diane Sudmalis, Danielle Seaton, Sharon Bartkovich

2 Riley Patton

3 Katie Pfarrkirchner 4 Buz Gibson, Blake Borns

5 Noah Wagner, William Carswell, Art Whyte

6 Paul Phillipe, Karen Kady, Shelley Ekstrom

7 Nancy Reynolds, Lydia Norasaeng

10 Ashton Berne

11 Holly Brekke

14 Jean Lipson 16 Bob Terry, Kim Lieb, 17 Barbara Meier, Michael Kapner 18 Sue Petroskey, Luke Terry 20 Carl Almquist, Doug Hahn, Michelle Foley

21 Lynn Kutalek

22 Paula Jung

24 Lisa Parker 25 Patti Vine, Maggie Bergner 26 Irmgard Graham, Cindy Gibson 27 Ava Wagner, Jamie Fuelling, Paul Thisted

28 Eric Halingstad, Okie Arnot 29 Bill Smith

30 Megan Briggs, Jen Frye

Happy Anniversary!Happy Anniversary!Happy Anniversary!Happy Anniversary!

April Anniversaries

1 Hank & Inge Falvey

7 Carl & Linda Almquist, Herb & Fran Pallesen

8 Jacque & Art Whyte

9 Dave & Judy Van Auken

11 Kurt and Christa Johnson

15 Jim & Barb Barclay

23 Joe & Carol Brice

26 Jennifer & David Hood

28 Tom & Cheryl Foust

Women’s Retreat—Date Change

Due to COVID-10, the Women’s Retreat has been rescheduled for October 23—25, Woodspur Lodge, Winterpark. We’ll discuss Joyce Rupp’s book “Fly While You Still Have Wings.” Large and small groups, profound worships, movies, and time to fellowship and rest, you’ll come home stronger, centered and at peace. We hope that all who signed up will be available for these new dates.

Kathy Bryant, kathybryant100@gmail.com; Jan Petrocchi, jpetrocchi817@gmail.com.

“A room without books is like a body without a soul. ”

~ Cicero, Grandpa Lee’s Gems for the Fireside

Why the Church Library Is Relevant

Not a Sunday morning passes that someone doesn't happen upon our church library for the first time, often by accident on the way to pick up a cup of coffee, snack, or conversation in the Fellowship Hall. I like to watch for it--the look--an expression that says, "I've stumbled upon a treasure chest of goodies." Bible study materials, family-friendly movies, the latest and greatest Christian fiction and topics related to current issues of interest, are all free and available for checkout anytime the building is open. The main purpose of a church library should be to support the mission of the church. A church librarian in Texas aptly describes it as "encircling the ministries in our church and supporting them with our resources and talents." With that in mind, know that "the mission of the library at Evergreen Lutheran Church is to offer books and materials that support and complement the education, worship, and ministry programs of the Church." A church library is a storehouse of materials that reinforces a church's message or

aids people who want to dig deeper. The right book with a biblical perspective may help people through a bumpy part of life's journey, and it might just help them see their need for pastoral care. At our library, we don't keep a tight rein on our materials by design. You might be surprised to know that we lose about 10 items per year on average out of a collection of 1,200. That's less than 1 percent--a small price in light of the goodwill our library's open-use policy engenders. Regarding overdue items, we like to say we practice, "grace, not fines."

You are invited to spend some time looking over the collection of books and DVD's that ELC's library offers. If you're not comfortable filling out a sign-out slip located on top of the card catalog--that's the large black cabinet on the counter in the library, take a desired selection; just remember to return it in a timely fashion so that others might view or read it.

ALL ARE WELCOME to browse through and use our library! IT'S YOUR LIBRARY.

God's peace, Lloyd Peltzer

Librarian with assistance from Luanne Blackburn

Library

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 8

Wednesdays

Virtual †ED/Confirmation

CHANGE FOR LENT!

Saturday 4/4 - Christ Body Ministry

Friday 4/17 - Urban plunge

Saturday 4/18 - Urban Plunge

Sunday 4/19 - Urban Plunge

Sunday 4/26 - Virtual Sunday Funday!

April

Calendar

Compass Points – Backpacking

I wanted to take the time and talk about the Compass Points Ministry at Rainbow Trail. This summer we as a congregation are doing a backpacking trip with Rainbow Trail. On this backpacking trip, you will be fortunate enough to explore the Sangre De Cristo Mountains for 4 days. I have personally done a few Compass Points trips myself, when I was in high school. It is easily one of the most spiritually rejuvenating experiences I’ve had in my life. I’ve backpacked with my Dad quite a bit growing up. However, it doesn’t compare to the experiences I’ve had going on these Compass Points trips (No offense Dad).

Children, Youth, & Family

To this day, I am still friends with the people I met on my trips. It’s incredible the quality of bonding that you go through in just a short amount of time. Spending 24 hours a day in God’s beautiful creation. Playing silly games after dinner in the middle of a thunderstorm or talking about YOUR faith while on the top of a mountain. Backpacking may seem like a lot of hard work while carrying your heavy pack and hiking all day. It is a lot of hard work, but experiences you’ll gain from it, and the relationships you will build with your friends and God are well worth the hard work.

Neil Mahon

Children, Youth, Family and Outreach Minister

Neil Mahon:

Cell: 719-661-5237

Church: 303-674-4654

neil@evergreenlutheran.org

Suicide Prevention Resources

Colorado Crisis Line: 1-844-493-8255, coloradocrisisservices.org Chat online or text TALK to 38255 Copline: 1-800-COPLINE, https://www.copline.org Mental Health First Aid: mhfaco.org Crisis Text line: crisistextline.org Text 741741 to reach a counselor

Random Acts of Kindness

During the month of April, make breakfast in bed for someone in your family. But only if you wash your hands first.

A P R I L 2 0 2 0 9

Cook’s Corner

Christ’s Body Ministry

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are modifying Christ's Body based on what Pastor Bruce needs at this time. Please see the new list below. As with every event these days, the details are fluid and we will do our best to let you know as soon as possible if this changes. We would like to pack 125 sack meals for CBM. We are going to take the existing blessing bags (which aren’t able to be picked up and distributed right now) and add meal items to them and drive them down to CBM to be distributed by their staff/volunteers. The church will be open Wednesday, April 1 and Friday, April 2, 9am to noon for you to drop off items. We encourage all to sign-up to serve. https://bit.ly/2wU42US

Fried Grit Cakes

From Sharon Bartkovich

Ingredients

• 4 servings regular grits

• 2 tsp salt • 2 c shredded cheese (sharp is

good; pepperjack is better, creamier)

• 1/2 lb breakfast sausage

• 1/2 small onion

• 4 tbsp vegetable oil For dredge

• 2 eggs

• 1 c flour • 2 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper, freshly ground

• 1 c breadcrumbs

Garnish

• 2 green onions, chopped

1. Cook grits, according to package.

2. Brown sausage, then add onion. Cook until onion is translucent. Mix sausage, onion, and cheese with grits.

3. Grease 10x15 cooking sheet and pour grits mixture onto it. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight. Next day, cut into serving size.

4. Heat pan, medium-high heat, and add oil.

5. Dredge grit cakes in egg, then in flour with salt and pepper added. Dredge again in egg and cover in breadcrumbs.

6. Fry each side about 4 or 5 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Add green onion for garnish.

Stone Soup

Stone Soup has been postponed until further notice. Dale Knochenmus mdaleknochenmus@gmail.com.

Seminarian Support Fund

We are asking you to pledge just $1 per week to support a seminary student in need. One semester of tuition costs $2,000. Having met Joel, you can fully understand the importance and power of supporting students/seminarians who are studying to fulfill their calling to Word and Sacrament ministry. You can donate via check (write “Seminary Fund” on memo) or on our website: www.evergreenlutheran.org/donate.

Blessing Bag Packing

Our Blessing Bags give more than just spare change to those struggling and living on the streets. Each bag is filled needed items. Place your donations in the green tub in the narthex and then pack bags Saturday, May 16, 10:00am, Fellowship Hall. Pastor Vera will bless the bags the next day during worship - then you distribute to the homeless that you encounter.

We’re going to need: 200 pairs socks

200 ponchos

200 small water bottles

5 large boxes of dog treats

200 small toothpastes

200 toothbrushes

200 high protein granola bars

Contact the Board of Christian Outreach with any questions. Janet Anderson

Pam Moe

Evergreen Lutheran Church

5980 Highway 73

Evergreen, CO 80439

303-674-4654

Email: office@evergreenlutheran.org

www.evergreenlutheran.org

Ministers: The people of ELC

Pastor: Rev. Vera Gueber t-Steward

Pastoral Intern: Joel Pakan

Staff Minister of Worship and Music: Peggy Fetchenhier Director of Adult Ministries: Kim Williams

Minister of Children, Youth, Family & Outreach: Neil Mahon

Confirmation Coordinator: DeNae vanWestrienen

Office Administrator: Tara Walker

Organist: Jeanne Schuber t Thursday Musicians: Chris Besler , Jon Johnson, Christa Johnson, Jim Barclay, Paul Lundquist, Jane Nault Glory Ringers Director: Car l Cox

Property Manager: Ed Boettger

Church Custodians: Lloyd Peltzer , Karladee Ormsby

Kitchen & Church House Custodian: Jacque Whyte

Newsletter Volunteers

Mountain Echo Editor: Jean Rother, jrother16@gmail.com

Graphic Design: Tara Walker

The article deadline for the newsletter is the 15th of each month. Please email your articles to the church office or Jean.

The goal of the Mountain Echo is to provide an interesting and informative newsletter for Evergreen Lutheran Church, provided to you electronically before the first Sunday of each month. It can also be viewed on our website at www.evergreenlutheran.org. each month.

APRIL 5—Palm Sunday—(10:30 a.m.) Assisting Minister: PI Joel Pakan Actor: George Hellmuth

Musicians: Jeanne Schuber t, Buz Gibson Children’s Message: Sue Queen

Vocalists: Peggy Fetchenhier , Jon Johnson, Joel Pakan, Pr . Vera

APRIL 9 (7:00 p.m.) —Maundy Thursday

Assisting Minister: Peggy Fetchenhier Actors: George Hellmuth

Reader: Mark Guebert-Steward

Musicians: Jeanne Schuber t, Cindy Gibson, Buz Gibson

Vocal Support: Peggy Fetchenhier , Joel Pakan, Jon Johnson, Pr . Vera

APRIL 10 (7:00 p.m.) —Good Friday

Actors: George Hellmuth, Gary Sohrweid

Musicians: J eanne Schuber t, Cindy Gibson, Buz Gibson, Jon Johnson

Vocal Support: Peggy Fetchenhier , Jon Johnson, Joel Pakan, Pr . Vera

APRIL 12 (10:30 a.m.) —Easter Sunday

Assisting Minister: Jon Johnson

Readers: George Hellmuth, Janet Anderson Children’s Message: Pastor Vera

Musicians: Jeanne Schuber t, Buz Gibson

Vocal Support: Joel Pakan, Peggy Fetchenhier , Jon Johnson, Pr . Vera

APRIL 19 To be Announced

APRIL 26 To be Announced

April Worship Participants

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 10

All who serve in worship, please arrive 15 minutes early and check in with the lay minister when you arrive on Sunday to let them know you are present.

We will have virtual worship until it is safe for us all to gather in the sanctuary. When we are able to come back, we will notify worship participants by email.