TowertheJune 2016 | Vol. 40 • No. 7

Augustana Arts 3 | Birthdays 14 | Calendar 15 | Children’s and Family Ministry 12 | Fellowship 3 | Health Ministry 11Music Ministry 13 | Pastors 5 | Senior Ministry 11 | Stewardship 8 | Volunteer Ministry 4

Did you know?It’s the 22nd anniversary of Men’s Health Month. President Clinton signed it into law in 1994.Women are 100 percent more likely to visit the doctor for annual examinations and preventive services than men. In 1920, women lived, on average, one year longer than men. Now, men, on average, die almost five years earlier than women.One in two men get cancer in their lifetime. Women, one in three.Depression in men many times goes undiagnosed contributing to the fact that men are four times

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more likely to commit suicide.Many health conditions can be prevented or detected early with regular checkups.Men’s health is a family issue. It affects mothers, fathers, wives, daughters, sons, sisters, and brothers.

What can be done?Eat Healthy. Start by taking small steps like saying “no” to super-sizing and “yes” to a healthy breakfast. Eat many different types of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals you need. Add at least one fruit and vegetable to every meal.Get Moving. Play with your kids or grandkids. Take the steps

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Health Ministry

June is Men’s Health Month

instead of the elevator. Do yard work. Keep comfortable walking shoes handy at work and in the car. Stay motivated by doing something that you enjoy. Make Prevention a Priority. Regular screenings may include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, prostate health and more.

The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Encourage the men in your life to make health a priority and live a happier life!

For more information go to menshealthmonth.org or menshealthnetwork.org.

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The Tower is published monthly for Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver CO, 80246. There is no subscription fee.Thursday, June 16, 4:30 p.m. is the deadline for the July edition. E-mail Lyn Goodrum (goodrum@augustanadenver.org).

Sunday Schedule8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship9:15 a.m. Sunday School (September–May)

Chapel PrayerMonday, 10 a.m., Christ ChapelTuesday, 7 p.m., Christ Chapel

Mission StatementGuided by the Holy Spirit, we gather in Christian community, reach out and invite, offer hope and healing in Jesus Christ, and walk humbly with God.

Congregation CouncilPresident: Paul BlanchardVice President: David AarestadSecretary: Emmett CrusonTreasurer: Greg BickleStephen Daniel | Rebecca EganPaul Edstrom | Michael GrahamPastor Ann Hultquist | Kirsten JensenGreg Johnson | Henry Kouba (alt.)Kim Kouba | Sharon SchillereffLinda Tinderholt | Barbara WattsPastor Caitlin Trussell | Jeff Ziebarth

StaffAnn Hultquist, Senior PastorCaitlin Trussell, PastorTodd Hawkins, Visitation PastorLisa Mikolajczak, Finance AdministratorSheryl Stenseth, Faith Community NurseLyn Goodrum, Publications AdministratorJulie MacDougall, Volunteer Ministry and

Building UseHolly Massie, Bridge Children’s and Family

MinisterLeEtta Choi, Silver Notes DirectorCindy Lindeen-Martin,

Minister of Music and OrganistDick Larson, Choral DirectorAngela Howard, Choristers and Y Hope DirectorAsmir Hodzic, Building and Grounds ManagerAndrija Malbasa, Chris Beazer, Allan Brown,

CustodiansKim Kouba, Cindy Maxwell,

Wedding CoordinatorsChristie Baroody, Director, Augustana Early

Learning Center

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PHONE: 303-388-4678FAX: 303-388-1338

WEB: www.augustanadenver.orgE-MAIL: info@augustanadenver.org

DIAL-A-CARE: 303-996-2733FACEBOOK: augustanadenver.com

5000 E. Alameda Ave.Denver, CO 80246

good news!

Thanks so much for all the beautiful items you delivered yesterday. Your group has been busy! Please convey our deep gratitude; many recipients will be richly blessed by the work of your hands.

I have a special request for your crocheter(s). Would they be willing to e-mail their pattern for the booties and baby blanket? We have crocheters who are always looking for new patterns and these are quite special. I’ll be posting these on our K4P Facebook page later today (with credit to Augustana Lutheran!).

Thanks again for all you do to make our work possible.

With gratitude, peace, blessings,

Susan McKeeExecutive Director, Knitting4Peace

“Thanks, Augustana!”Dear Friends in Christ,I can’t thank you enough for all of your prayers and support during Van’s surgeries, illness, and death. I was so confident that he would get well and come home; however, God had other plans and took him to his heavenly home instead. Your many prayers, cards, phone calls, and visits sustained us through a most difficult time. I deeply thank Pastor Caitlin, Pastor Jim, and Sheryl Stenseth for their frequent visits, prayers, and encouragement at the hospital. When we put the prayer shawls around us, it was as if our entire Augustana family embraced us and provided us with such warmth and caring. Van’s memorial service was a wonderful occasion for all of us to honor and remember Van, and for that, I give thanks to all who were involved. Thank you also to the committee which prepared and served the lovely luncheon after Van’s memorial service. Furthermore, thank you for your continued support and prayers during my hospitalization and in these recent months.

With deep appreciation,

Sandy Kistler, Heather Kistler Kinz, and Lynette Kistler Lueders

Dear Augustana,Thank you Pastors Jim and Caitlin for coming to Denver Hospice to say prayers for my husband and family. The family truly appreciates the kindness and care extended to us at that difficult time. Thank you all for the sympathy cards sent to me.

Sincerely,Glenna O’Neal

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Sphere Ensemble“Here We Are…What’s Next?”Friday, June 3, 7:30 p.m. at Augustana

“Sphere Ensemble is Denver’s exciting new string ensemble, freeing itself from the confines of the baton, and presenting the power and richness of the string orchestra paired with the intimacy of a string quartet.” Sphere is transforming the way audiences experience classical music concerts through innovative programming, authentic interaction with audiences, and the highest level of artistry. For tickets and additional information, visit www.augustanaarts.org or call 303-388-4962.

Colorado Masterworks ChorusA German Requiem by Johannes Brahms

Friday, June 10, 7:30 p.m. at Augustana

The Colorado Masterworks Chorus will perform the German Requiem in a special piano four-hands arrangement, composed by Brahms for his premiere performance in London in 1871. This historic, most personal version of the Requiem allows the listener to experience the beauty and power of the solo-quality voices of the Masterworks Chorus, free from heavy orchestral instrumentation. Tickets and information: www.coloradomasterworkschorus.org.

FellowshipTrailblazersPine Valley Ranch Park Hike (Narrow Gauge and North Fork View Loop)

Saturday, June 18, leave Augustana’s south parking lot at 9 a.m.

This peaceful trail follows the North Fork of the South Platte River through a stunning valley framed by huge rock outcrops and then around a peaceful mountain lake.

Rating: EasyDistance: 2 to 3 miles round tripElevation: 6,900 to 7,100 feetGuide: Chuck and Judy Barnes (941-639-6199 or ccb3pcv@yahoo.com)

Christ Chapel Walk During May and June, Augustana is proud to display the watercolors of Tanis Bula in Christ Chapel Walk! Tanis is a friend of Don and Joyce Thomson, and she served at Augustana’s 9Health Fair this last April.

Rejoice with . . .Emma Michelle Brant, daughter of Suzanne and Jared Brant, in her baptism

Recently lifted up in prayer . . .For hope and healing:

Jack Bartels, Forest “Duffy” Bledsoe, Arjan Bornhijm, Ann Craig, Joyce Hegstrom, Joni Hopkins, Shira Merenstein, Lois Olson, Jean Stafford, Ria Werner

For comfort and courage:Family and friends of Sue Fox in her deathSonja Engebretson in the death of her friend, Carole HeathPastor Todd Hawkins in the death of his mother, Aletha HawkinsShirley Cunniff in the death of her friend, Lila MillerNancy Montagnoli in the death of her mother, Mary Beth Winchester

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Investment Information at Thrivent MeetingGreg Bickle, Thrivent Financial Representative, will share investment information at the meeting of Thrivent members and friends. All are welcome to the lunch ($5), Sunday, June 12, 11:30 a.m., Anna Paulson Room, followed by the program and a brief meeting. Members at the meeting will choose how to distribute Thrivent Choice money which has been donated to Augustana Lutheran Church. Please RSVP to Joni Hopkins (303-695-0986) by Friday, June 10.

Ash Wednesday Pancake Supper benefited Metro CaringThanks to the 47 attendees and 12 volunteers at the Ash Wednesday Pancake Supper, $257, nine packages of diapers, and one jar of peanut butter were donated to Metro Caring! Thrivent donated $250 for expenses, the diapers and peanut butter. All proceeds of $257 were donated by the attendees. Thanks to volunteers Greg and John Bickle, Kay Cruson, Judy Kessenich, Don and Carol Troike, Peggy O’Connell, Glenna O’Neal, Sandra Mick, Win and Judy Nyquist, and Joni Hopkins.

Apply for funds for your group, program or propertyThrivent Choice Dollars are available for the use of Augustana groups, programs, or property. Requests for funds should include the name of the organization, amount of money, the purpose of the grant, and a contact person with telephone number and/or email address. Send your request by June 6 to KL-cruson@comcast.net so it can be considered at the Thrivent Financial meeting on June 12. Thrivent Choice Dollars have been generously designated by Thrivent members to Augustana Lutheran Church. Thrivent members may contact thrivent.com or 1-800-THRIVENT to designate your Choice Dollars at any time.

Augustana members are active in our church community as well as in surrounding neighborhoods.

In April, 33 members reported 147.5 hours of service at Augustana and 98 hours of service in the community for a total of 245.5 volunteer hours.

In addition to logging substantial hours for the 9Health Fair and the garden, our hours were spent praying, reading, teaching and working in the library at Augustana. In the community, we served with the Assistance League of Denver, Colorado Legal Services, Lutheran Family Services, Metro Caring, Nourish Community Co-Op Market, Junior Achievement, Toastmasters, The Urban Farm, Cub Scouts and 4-H.

Please continue to indicate your volunteer hours on the weekly attendance slips so that we can keep up with you!

_____ Worshiping with Augustana fi rst time continuing member wish to join_____ Guest of____________________________ _____ Member of ____________________________________________ Receiving Holy Communion _____ Wish more information about Augustana_____ Wish Pastoral Contact _____ Wish to receive monthly newsletter e-mail or mail_____ Prayer Request (on back) _____ Wish to receive weekly news e-mail_____ Volunteering this week:_____hours with Augustana; _____hours with ______________(describe on back)_____ Wish to volunteer with Augustana with community

Date _______________________________________________________Name _______________________________________________________Phone _______________________________Address ( new) _____________________________________________________ Apt ________________________City/State ___________________________________________________________ Zip _________________________E-mail ______________________________________________________________

Worship at

Volunteer MinistryVolunteers on the move!

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Philip said to Nathanael, “Come and see.” John 1:4

Change is hard. Even as I type those words, I realize how obvious the sentence is! Live a little while, or a long time, and you figure out pretty quickly that doing things differently, or accepting that things are different than what they once were can be difficult.

In the past few weeks, we’ve been through some changes together: You got a new Senior Pastor and I got a new congregation; I’ve got a bunch of new names and faces to learn, and you have a new voice in the pulpit. Together we are in the process of figuring one another out. In addition, my husband and I are looking at moving closer to Augustana—yet another change of houses, communities, and everything that is familiar.

As you probably are well-aware, the church is also changing. By that I mean that the Christian church everywhere as well as our own congregation is experiencing a number of shifts in size, commitment, and relevance, just to name a few. Attending worship every Sunday is no longer the norm, even for active members of congregations. Sunday morning competes with any number of sports, work, and the desire for some “down time” after a busy week. Many people no longer see involvement in a faith community as something they need or even want.

We can either bemoan all of these changes and wish for the way things used to be (which sometimes looks a lot rosier now than it really was), or we can think together about how to respond to change with faith. The truth is, we don’t need to only send missionaries to other countries—the mission field is all around us. In our neighborhood, at the grocery store, at work, in our own extended families, Jesus invites us to be witnesses in what we do and also in what we say.

We Lutherans have typically not been very good with that last part: actually saying something about our

PastorsChange . . .

House Parties are happening with Pastor Ann! Pick one and come.

Several families are opening their homes in June for Pastor Ann and Augustana people to have time to visit outside of Sunday morning. Come and get to know Pastor Ann, greet old friends, and make new ones. RSVP to Augustana’s office (303-388-4678 or info@augustanadenver.org) so that our good hosts have a chance at estimating food. Come anyway, even if you forget to RSVP.

Saturday, June 4, 5–8 p.m., at the home of Al and Karen Spies (9305 E. Harvard Ave., Denver). RSVP by Wednesday, June 1. Cohosted by Norm and Margaret Aarestad.

Saturday, June 18, 4–7 p.m., at the home of Ted and Kim Kouba (2682 Alton St., Denver). RSVP by Monday, June 13. Co-hosted by Kevin and Janet Flesch and Nick and Holly Massie.

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faith. When was the last time you asked someone to come with you to worship? If the answer is “never” for most of us, well, you can see the predicament we’re in. We’ve been given the love of Jesus and we are meant to give that love

away rather than keep it a secret. If we would like our congregation to continue to thrive and grow, we all need to be able to speak about our faith and invite others to “come and see” with us.

And if someone says “Yes,” or you see someone new coming in Augustana’s doors? We’ll talk next month about that . . .

Pastor Ann Hultquist

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Sunday school, Chancel Choir, and children and youth choirs culminated in May with the celebration of Pentecost. On that last day of the 50 days of the Easter season, we celebrated the first century church’s birthday of sorts. Now we’re in the “Time after Pentecost” connecting the great stories of the early church with our lives as people of faith.

Before I was a pastor, I spent about 15 years as an adult worshiper. Listening to sermons was a highlight of worship and my week. Scripture and life come together—sometimes like a breath of fresh air and sometimes in a gnarly collision. Sometimes I agreed with the preacher, and sometimes I didn’t. Mostly I was thankful for the reminders week after week that the people described by scripture were often just as lost, just as forgetful, just as gifted, and just as loved by God as I am in this beautiful struggle called life.

I needed and still need the forgiveness and strength that are given freely week after week in confession, preaching, bread, and wine and reinforced by the worship liturgy. When I worship now as a pastor, I’m still grateful for the chances to hear another preacher so that I can be reminded that I’m just as lost, forgetful, gifted, and loved as everybody else.

The lazy days of summer offer us a chance to worship together, as choir

people re-charge in worship and Sunday school teachers come to worship not fresh from their classrooms. The worship readings link for summer is below. Reading ahead can deepen the experience of worship both at Augustana and the churches you find on your

travels. May worship strengthen you by the power of the Holy Spirit with the reassurance that you are just as lost, forgetful, gifted, and loved as everybody else.

Pastor Caitlin Trussell

Re-charge at worship these summer Sundays

Do You Know?! This summer, the Bible readings for worship unfold from Luke’s great stories as we connect with Christians around the world through the schedule of readings in Year C of the Revised Common Lectionary. Link to the lectionary readings during the week to prime the pump for worship this summer:www.elca.org/Our-Work/Congregations-and-Synods/Worship/Lectionary/YearC#Pentecost)

Augustana FoundationEmma Michelle Brant received a MIF4KIDZ Investment gift from the Augustana Foundation in honor of her baptism.

Thank you for the gifts!Augustana Early Learning Center Scholarship

in memory of Berniece Brekke, Jim O’Neal, Bryce Johnston

Augustana Foundationin memory of Berniece Brekke, Phil Carlson, Nick Nelson

Augustana Memorial Gardenin memory of Bill Reimers

Music Ministryin memory of Berniece Brekke

Silver NotesBerniece Brekke

Special Giftsin memory of Bryce Johnston

Pentecost Gardenin memory of Arlon Nessa given by Annie Nessa

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Mom was a teacher, so as part of her eulogy I took some creative liberty with a few words Jesus spoke:

Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my father’s classroom are many desks. I go to prepare a desk for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come and take you to that place, so that where I am you will be there also. Your desk has plenty of pencils and all you’ll need for your work. When you finish your work, you’ll notice I gave you some crossword puzzles, and a good eraser. I do not give as the world gives, remember.

The teaching I do in my Father’s name testifies to me. My students know my voice. They listen to my lessons. I know them and they follow me. I teach lessons of eternal life, and my students will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, now I pass that on to you. You call me ‘good teacher.’ I am.”

The feeling I had was deeper. I was very, very nervous. But the Lord’s gospel of forgiveness and new life, Christ’s gift of eternal life in the kingdom of God, is much, much deeper. Thanks be to God, indeed! Alleluia!

Thanks, also, to many of you who sent notes, and to Augustana’s staff for their care. Your sympathy and prayers mean so much! Even when a loss is deep, Christ’s love is so much deeper.

Yours in Christ,Pastor Todd Hawkins

I did something last week (as of this writing) that a lot of you have done: I buried my mother. Some people told me it was a right of passage. Some people told me I will be changed forever. They are telling the truth, I guess. I did not just bury her, but also spoke for my family in a eulogy to her, and officiated at Holy Communion during her service.

Over the years in ministry, I have met with many families to plan funerals. If they were speaking during the service, I provided them some guidelines. Truth be told, I love doing funerals, because there is no better time to proclaim Christ’s eternal and abiding love. There is no better time to remember that Christ overcame death. There is no better time, as we gather around the dead body of our loved ones, to hear that Easter is real and we, too, are raised to eternal life. Christ lives, and we live, too!

No lying, it was very different planning Mom’s funeral and gathering ideas for her eulogy. I felt, at times, like I was going through the motions. Parts of the planning felt automatic. An emptiness filled the pit of my stomach that made it feel very different. Perhaps I was feeling it much more deeply than other funerals I plan, professionally. Thank God for the other professionals that helped my family and helped us well: Pastor Drew and Sue at Mom’s church, and Adam at the funeral home. The planning was different, but the promise was all the same: Christ lives and we live, too!

When the funeral is for your own mom

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StewardshipAn Augustana Story Following is one story from “God’s Word. Our Faith.” a devotional booklet written by people of Augustana Lutheran Church at the invitation of the Stewardship Committee. Devotion writers chose the accompanying scripture and tell us how the congregation reflects their faith. The devotional booklet came from the understanding that giving is a personal response of faith. Yet as a community of God’s people, together the stewardship of our gifts allows us to do big things at Augustana, in our community, and even globally. Sharing thoughts on giving and continuing an open conversation about the various ways of sharing money, time, and skills, help us hear God’s call as we focus energy and resources.

Giving Simplified

Plan ahead and free up mind space for summer funFollow through on your gifts of money to Augustana’s ministries during summer travel, and start Simply Giving®. Join me and the 50 Augustana households who use these scheduled, automatic checking account withdrawals to sustain giving whether or not we’re in town to worship that Sunday.

Sign-up securely online: www.augustanadenver.org/giving/promote-gospel/, or fill out a Simply Giving® brochure found at Augustana’s entrance tables and submit to Finance Administrator Lisa Mikolajczak (mikolajczak@agustanadenver.org).

OR, sign-up securely online for recurring weekly/monthly gifts to the congregation’s ministries through PayPal or credit card: www.augustanadenver.org/donate-augustana-online/.

Thank you for continuing to give money faithfully and consistently. Each gift of money adds up to significant individual, congregational, local, and global impact.

Pastor Caitlin Trussell on behalf of the Stewardship Committee

Love your God with all your heart, soul and mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:38–39

In June I traveled with the Nicaragua Project to Somoto, Nicaragua, which is about three hours from the capital, Managua. Augustana has supported this mission with support from the Augustana Foundation, Global Mission, and several women’s circles. It is a mission that began about 15 years ago with Lutheran churches in Longmont, Loveland, and Greeley. Over these 15 years Augustana has become a family with the Nicaragua Project forging strong relationships centered on God’s presence with families in Somoto and relationships between those of us who serve there and give financial support from here.

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God’s word. Our faith.

I share a story about Mario. The Global Mission Committee supports him financially with his university education. He is so grateful for our support, because without it he would be unable to attend school. He is studying agriculture and has goals to work with sustainability and plants that produce healthy food for his people. He works full time in a bakery and goes to school on the weekends. Like many families, his father went to Costa Rica to find migrant work with the intention of sending money back to his family. However, his father has not returned and does not send money, so Mario supports his mother and sister. In return for the educational scholarship of $350, Mario teaches

Sunday school and does volunteer work in the child care center. He is filled with love and gratitude to Augustana and sends blessings to our community.

We also shared in a blessing of a new home. The Nicaragua Project raised funds of about $4,000 to build a 400-square-foot home made of cinder block. They had lived in a house with cardboard walls and a plastic roof. There will be eight people living in this space. They cook over an open fire outside of the home. Again they say, “We thank you for giving us this home with a roof and floor so we can be safe from the rains and mud.” With tears of gratitude they say, “We love you and thank God for you.” God’s work. Our hands. The adult son has received a micro-loan of $100 to purchase a cotton candy machine to make candy to sell at the market. We had a taste, and it is just like our

cotton candy! Statistics show that the average income is $1 per day for a family, so our gifts of love are truly appreciated. God’s work. Our hands.

We delivered 50 water filters to a village. Now the children can attend school with fewer sick days because they have less diarrhea and dehydration. They love their five-gallon blue filters.

I am reminded of the hymn: “In Christ there is no east or west, in Him no south or north. But one great fellowship of love, throughout the whole wide world.” I left this experience with a sense of gratitude that I had been in the presence of God’s people who shared their love, gratitude and hospitality with us, and we shared our gifts of service and financial support with them. I left Nicaragua knowing we are all in the family of God.

Jean Gall

April 2016 April 2015 YTD 2016 YTD 2015Budget Actual Actual Budget Actual Actual

All Income $ 77,443.52 $ 59,582.06 $ 75,374.68 $ 344,003.82 $ 291,199.14 $ 296,731.40All Expenditures 88,507.96 81,401.71 84,211.93 354,823.36 332,667.03 326,904.36

Net Income(Loss) $ (11,064.44) $(21,819.65) $(8,837.25) $ (10,819.54) $ (41,467.89) $ (30,172.96)

Financial Statement for April 2016In April, our contributions provided $1,500 to support attendance of our representatives to the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly, $526 for senior luncheon, $4,487 for utilities, $259 to provide college care packages for our students, $2,527 for support of the ELCA and Rocky Mountain Synod, and $1,037 in local outreach.

Banner from synod assembly

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For a while now, I’ve had the quiet prompting to take another trip to the Isle of Patmos and revisit the Revelation to John. If you’re anything like me, the Book of Revelation is not unlike the eccentric relative who keeps turning up at holiday family dinners. No one’s quite sure how they’re related or how to deal with them now that they’re at the table. Now add some of the contemporary interpretations with their imminent and ominous overtones, and it’s no wonder a good many of us are reluctant to take that journey.

Into the midst of all this angst comes Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig Koester, a thoughtful, even-handed, non-sensational guide for your trek.

Koester describes the personalities of the seven churches in Asia for whom Revelation was originally written (a fact that he mentions often). He then gives a history of the various schools of Revelation interpretation as well as its place in liturgy and music. Some startling common misconceptions are brought to light.

The way Koester manages John’s visions is masterful. This is where a lot of people’s eyes, mine included, start to glaze over. He points out the rhythmic, repetitive and cyclic nature of how they’re revealed as well as asserting they’re not presented in chronological order.

When all is said and done, you still might not be able to wrap your arms

Encouragement to study the last book of your Bible

and head all the way around the 66th book of the Bible. But Koester’s work at least gives you some clear-headed perspective.

Brad Uyemura

Summer Reading Invitation from Pastor CaitlinModern understanding of the book of Revelation in the New Testament Bible is culturally affected by rapture theology that evolved in the 19th century and was then popularized in 20th century novels and movies. I’m inviting you to revisit the book of Revelation this summer with a wise guide: Dr. Craig Koester, the Asher O., and Carrie Nasby, Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. Let me know if you read Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig Koester and what you think about what you’ve read. We may group up sometime in August for a casual conversation as I hear from people that such a conversation would be helpful.

From Dr. Koester:Revelation is a book that captures the imagination. It’s a book that both attracts and disturbs. Popular treatments of Revelation can be sensationalistic and confusing. I see Revelation as a book that was deeply engaged with issues confronting its first readers, and one that engages questions that remain important for readers today. What I offer here is a way of reading Revelation that recognizes the ways it both challenges people and continues drawing them toward visions of hope.

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Health MinistryLocal restaurant to receive produce from community gardenAll the produce from one of our plots in the community garden will be donated to the SAME Café located at 2023 East Colfax Avenue, Denver. Brad and Libby Birky opened the restaurant on

October 20, 2006, inspired by their background in community service and a visit to the One World Café in Salt Lake City, Utah. The name is an acronym for “So All May Eat,” and their intent is to build a healthy community by providing a basic need of food in a respectful and dignified manner to anyone who walks through the door. Instead of a cash register, a donation box is available for one to pay what they think their meal was worth. They also accept an hour of volunteer work for one of their meals of fresh organic ingredients.

If you would like to help us out with this plot, please call Julie MacDougall in Augustana’s office (303-388-4678). We would love to garden with you!

Prayer Shawl Ministry will not meet during the summer. The next time we will be together will be Sunday, September 11, “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

Save the DatesWho: You are invited to join Sheryl Stenseth, Faith Community Nurse, on a six-week journey toward a healthier life.

What: The Daniel Plan, a healthy lifestyle program founded on biblical principles and focused on the Essentials: Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus and Friends.

When: Wednesdays, July 27–August 31, 9:30–11:30 a.m.

Where: Anna Paulson Room

Registration: Sheryl and Julie will have books available for you to look at and will be accepting reservations for the class on Sundays, July 10 and 17. You can also register in Augustana’s office (303-388-4678 or macdougall@augustanadenver.org).

Fee: $20 for the book and study guide

Questions: Sheryl (303-388-4678 or stenseth@augustanadenver.org)

Senior Ministry

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

On Monday, June 6, we will meet at Augustana’s Alameda parking lot at 10:30 a.m. to car pool to the museum to attend this interactive groundbreaking exhibit. Robot Revolution explores how robots, created by human ingenuity, will ultimately be our companions and colleagues, changing how we play, live and work together. This is a timed entrance exhibit, and we will purchase our tickets at the museum. The fee, $7 for senior museum members and $22 for non-members, includes entrance to the museum and the exhibit. After attending the exhibit, we will enjoy lunch in the museum’s cafeteria. Make your reservation with Augustana’s office (303-388-4678) no later than Sunday morning, June 5.

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Summer is finally here, and I’m sure the kids are all ready for fun in the sun and swimming pools. (I know my two girls are!) I’m looking forward to spending the summer with your children as the Bridge Children’s and Family Minister. And, boy, do we have some fun things coming up!

Camps June starts off with a bang with 17 of our young people attending Junior and Confirmation Camps at Rainbow Trail! Outdoor ministry is such a formative experience, and I am so excited for all of these children to encounter God’s amazing creation and be ministered to and loved by the wonderful staff. I am planning to attend Confirmation Camp with our youth, and am excited to be a part of their faith journey in this way.

Picnic by the GardenThe first Picnic by the Garden is Wednesday, June 15, with additional events on Wednesday, August 17, and Thursday, September 15, all beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Quist Park. Everyone is welcome! Children’s and Family Ministry provides meat and bottled water. Bring a dish or

dessert to share, or drop a dollar in the basket. (There will be plenty of food!) You may also want to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

City of Glendale Fireworks PartyJoin us Friday, July 1, 6 p.m. in Quist Park for the annual Glendale Fireworks and 4th of July celebration! The youth will be selling burgers and hot dogs to raise money for this summer’s mission trip, and dessert is covered with delicious items from the Early Learning Center’s bake sale! This is a really fun event that draws our neighbors from the community as well as Augustana members. We hope to see you there!

Also in July are two big children and youth events: Vacation Bible School and the Middle/High School Mission Trip.

Vacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible School is July 18–22, 9–11:30 a.m. It will be led by Rainbow Trail Day Camp counselors and promises to be a lot of fun. This is geared for kids entering K–5th grades. Middle and high school aged kids are welcome to sign up to be

helpers. Learn more and download registration forms on the website, www.augustanadenver.org/vacation-bible-schoolrainbow-trail-day-camp/. If your older student wants to be a helper, please send an e-mail to Holly (hollyjmassie@yahoo.com) to let her know.

Youth mission tripThe Middle/High School Mission Trip the week of July 24 sends a small group of our youth to St. Paul, Minnesota, to serve God and the community in an urban setting. They will be leading a children’s day camp and serving in homeless shelters and food banks. Please keep these young people and their chaperones in your prayers as they head out on this great adventure!

Children’s and Family MinisterThe Children’s and Family Ministry Committee is working hard on finalizing a job description for the Youth and Family Minister role, and will start a search for a permanent replacement soon. We know we have the support and prayers of the Augustana congregation as we begin this search.

Holly MassieBridge Children’s and Family Minister

Children’s and Family MinistrySummer plans for kids and families

13

Music Ministry

Register now before camp reaches capacity!July 11–17, 2016

Are you coming to WAM!?

Who: All children who have completed grades 1–7; Augustana children and friends in the community!

What: Learn how to create scenery and props; explore your dramatic side; sing and discover great music!

When: July 11–17, 2016 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon; and Sunday morning worship, 10:30 a.m.)

Where: Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 East Alameda Avenue, Denver

Cost: $50 per child; $75 cap for families

Register: Register online through the blog page at www.augustanadenver.org; forms are also available from Augustana’s entrance tables.

Each weekday begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. Every day includes breakout sessions in art, dance, drama and music. On Sunday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. worship, we will present Esther. Participants are expected to participate each day, culminating in the Sunday worship and presentation of the musical Esther.

The musical EstherThe daring, triumphant story of Esther is brought to vivid life in this new musical by composer Erik Whitehill. With a nod to Broadway, Esther is filled with memorable melodies—from fun and whimsical reprises to expressive, heartfelt ballads.

Register to volunteer!If you or your teenager are going to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Cindy Lindeen-Martin (lindeen-martin@augustanadenver.org) for a volunteer form.

•

•

•

•

•

•

School supplies for foster and refugee childrenSarah Circle and Augustana’s Social Ministry Committee are sponsoring a collection of school supplies for Lutheran Family Services foster and refugee children. Bring your supplies, July 1–24, to the marked boxes in Fellowship Hall. Here are the requested items for K–12 graders:

NEW backpacksNo. 2 pencilspink erasersglue stickscrayons, washable markers, colored pencilssolid color pocket foldersspiral notebooksrulerscissorswide-ruled paperzippered pencil bag or box3-ring binder organizer/plannerprotractor-compasshighlighters 3-ring binderscientific or graphing calculator$25 gift card (Walmart or Target)

Thank you for your donations!

□□□□□

□□□□□□□

□□□□

□

14

1 Colin Stone

2

3 Leola BlatchfordLinda DucnuigeenChristopher GarringtonAllison Terry

4

5 Barbara O’Malley

6 Olivia BoltPercy Espevig

7 Kevin BradyKay CrusonErnest EugsterFarrel Vikman

8 Elizabeth FrankAnna JohnsonThomas McNassorRichard Schutt

9 Marion CollianderJohn DenstShelley EzpeletaLehman Hoag Jr.Denise LopezCarolyn Snell

10 Jean GallDerek Porterfield

11 Simon BernhardEmmett Zerr

12 Julene CampbellSuvi MillerMildred OrendorffBetty Waters

13 Carol Troike

14 Karen GarveyMargaret Stephens

15 Ella EdstromDavid Nygaard

16 Rick BebeeRhonda CrossenDan HowardSharon SiegelTanya Weir

17 Happy HarringtonRebecca ShandrickAndrew StavigJason TriplettAnnabel Woodward

18 Claire Miller

19 Elizabeth BlackMara JacobsPeggy Ribbing

20 Norman GayKari Jacobsen

21 Judy NyquistHenry ShellhornAlice Taron

22 Katherine BuchananChris RheaMinna Towery

23 Roger AndersenSarah RifeBrian Spano

24 Rachel HavranekMavis Tell

25 Nancy CoweeRonald JohnsonElaine Rydiger

26 Caroline JohnsonChristy OlsonAnne Stratton

27 Amelia StrattonLynn VeitMarianne Woodward

28 Richard FarrandTilly FontaineAllison Sigdestad

29 Robert BeemanDeb HempelmanCourtney JacobsKirsten JensenLorraine KahlerTom LevyRodney Schlecht

30 Oliver BuolMelvin JohnsonCurtis Rember

If your name should have been on this list but wasn’t, please call Augustana’s office (303-388-4678).

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min

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ribal

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pent

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mpl

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evils

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mer

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atio

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to N

ative

na

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or

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per

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lutio

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MS

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emen

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elco

me

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asse

mbl

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pted

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state

men

t of

welco

me:

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as th

e Ro

cky M

ount

ain

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d,

ELCA

invit

e al

l int

o th

e fu

llnes

s of G

od’s

love

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s in

vitat

ion

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clusiv

e of

peo

ple

of e

very

race

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tiona

l orig

in, im

mig

ratio

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sexu

al

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lity,

sex,

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atio

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life

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pled

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use

our

diff

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s gift

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our

wor

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geth

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calls

for o

ngoi

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duca

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train

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atio

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mem

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ided

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min

ary,

anch

ored

the

asse

mbl

y in

text

s fr

om th

e Ps

alms.

Read

ing

from

Psa

lm 19

, she

invi

ted

thos

e pr

esen

t to

liste

n fo

r the

char

acte

ristic

s of

Cre

atio

n’s cr

eativ

e voi

ce: “

The

heav

ens a

re

telli

ng th

e glo

ry o

f God

; and

the fir

mam

ent

proc

laim

s Go

s han

diwo

rk.”

Addr

essin

g th

e ass

embl

y she

said

, “H

uman

s are

not

the

only

pre

ache

rs in

G

os c

reat

ion.

”Sh

e de

scrib

ed h

er e

xper

ienc

e in

Nor

th

Car

olin

a whe

n th

e am

azin

g sc

ent o

f an

Osm

anth

us tr

ee su

rpris

ed h

er o

ne

Nov

embe

r day

, sin

ce h

er ex

perie

nce

of

Nov

embe

r has

bee

n on

ly co

ld an

d dr

eary

. “I

t was

Eas

ter i

n N

ovem

ber,”

she s

aid,

re

calli

ng h

ow p

leas

urab

le it

was

to si

t by

the

open

win

dow

and

expe

rienc

e th

e O

sman

thus

, gra

ciou

sly u

rgin

g he

r int

o gr

atitu

de.

“The

tree

has

pre

ache

d by

, wel

l, be

ing

a tr

ee,”

she s

aid.

“I g

ive t

hank

s tha

t hum

ans

are n

ot th

e on

ly o

nes c

alled

to p

reac

h.”

U

ltim

atel

y, D

r. H

anna

n in

vite

d th

e as

sem

bly t

o co

nsid

er th

eir o

wn cr

eativ

ity in

th

e co

ntex

t of G

os o

wn cr

eatio

n. C

iting

th

e di

scip

line o

f cre

ativ

ity st

udie

s, sh

e ch

allen

ged

the n

otio

n th

at a

cert

ain

few

are

crea

tive.

“

Cre

ativ

ity ca

n be

tapp

ed,”

she

said

. “It

is

culti

vabl

e in

mos

t eve

ryon

e.”

ELC

A M

issi

onIt

is po

ssible

to en

d pov

erty

and

hung

er in

the w

orld

Mik

ka M

cCra

cken

, Dire

ctor

for

Plan

ning

and

Enga

gem

ent f

or th

e ELC

A W

orld

Hun

ger c

ampa

ign,

addr

esse

d th

e as

sem

bly o

n be

half

of E

LCA

Pres

idin

g Bi

shop

Eliz

abet

h Ea

ton.

She

addr

esse

d th

e as

sem

bly o

n th

e the

me:

We a

re C

hurch

for

the S

ake o

f the

Wor

ld.

“O

ur ch

urch

is a

chur

ch th

at sh

ares

a liv

ing,

dar

ing

confi

denc

e in

Go

s gra

ce,”

she s

aid.

“Our

faith

is b

ased

on

the G

ood

New

s of J

esus

C

hrist

who

giv

es

us th

e fre

edom

an

d co

urag

e to

wond

er,

disc

over

, and

bo

ldly

pa

rtic

ipat

e in

wh

at G

od is

up

to in

the w

orld

.”

She

des

crib

ed th

e int

erco

nnec

tedn

ess o

f th

e EL

CA

in it

s thr

ee ex

pres

sions

: co

ngre

gatio

ns, s

ynod

s, an

d ch

urch

wide

m

inist

ries,

expr

essin

g gr

atitu

de fo

r the

m

issio

n an

d m

inist

ry o

f the

Roc

ky

Mou

ntai

n Sy

nod,

espe

ciall

y in

com

mitm

ent

to E

LCA

Wor

ld H

unge

r. Sh

e sai

d th

e Ro

cky M

ount

ain

Syno

d is

num

ber s

ix

amon

g th

e 65 s

ynod

s in

the t

otal

gifts

giv

en

to E

LCA

Wor

ld H

unge

r las

t yea

r.

“It

is p

ossib

le to

end

pove

rty a

nd h

unge

r be

caus

e ev

ery d

ay w

e bel

ieve

in so

met

hing

th

at e

very

one

else

thin

ks is

nut

s,” sh

e sai

d.

“We

belie

ve in

the l

ife, d

eath

, and

re

surr

ectio

n of

Jesu

s Chr

ist, a

nd b

ecau

se o

f th

at g

race

we a

re co

mpl

etel

y fre

e to

serv

e. N

o on

e else

in th

e wor

ld is

goi

ng to

say

that

, if w

e don

’t.”

The

Off

ice

of

the

Bis

hop

of

the

Ro

cky

Mo

unta

in S

yno

d, E

LCA

, is

loca

ted

on

the

cam

pus

of

the

RM

S Lu

ther

an C

ente

r, 7

37

5 S

amue

l Dri

ve, D

enve

r, C

O 8

02

21

. Gen

eral

em

ail i

s rm

syno

d@

rmse

lca.

org

. Web

site

isrm

selc

a.o

rg. F

aceb

oo

k is

face

bo

ok.

com

/rm

selc

a. A

n el

ectr

oni

c .p

df

of

this

LA

ND

SCA

PE

new

slet

ter

is p

ost

ed a

t rm

selc

a.o

rg/n

ewsl

ette

rs .

Elec

tions

SYNO

D CO

UNCI

LBo

rder

Sus

an M

itche

llBo

ulde

r/Bro

omfie

ld Ja

nice

Kib

ler

Met

ro W

est J

ay Vo

thSo

uthe

ast C

olor

ado

Dian

na B

iggs

Wyo

min

g To

dd H

erre

idat

Larg

e Cl

ergy

Julie

Bro

oks

Yout

h M

agda

lyn C

laire

Nie

berg

erYo

ung

Adul

t Mel

anie

Fera

rroEt

hnic

Spec

ific M

inis

try

Hen

drik

Dap

ot S

amos

ir

CONG

REGA

TION

AL M

INIS

TRIE

S BO

ARD

Jenn

ifer J

esse

Tim

Orlo

wski

COM

MIT

TEE

ON D

ISCI

PLIN

EW

endy

Kru

ll M

eg S

penc

er M

ichae

l (Ra

y) Fe

rry L

arry

Dav

isPa

ul R

osin

CO

NSUL

TATI

ON C

OMM

ITTE

EBr

endo

n Ge

orge

Kei

th La

ngfo

rdDa

ve C

ruso

n

a R

ec

onc

iling

in C

hrist

syn

od

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