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eConnection weekly email of the Rocky Mountain Synod
March 22, 2011 |
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Greetings!
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Earthquake Relief: The ELCA Responds
 Your gifts to ELCA Disaster Response, designated "for the Pacific Earthquake & Tsunami," will be used entirely (100 percent) in response to this disaster. You may also choose to give "wherever the need is greatest" to ELCA Disaster Response enabling our church to respond where help is needed most around the world and close to home. |
OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Third Sunday in LentMerciful God, the fountain of living water, you quench our thirst and wash away our sin. Give us this water always. Bring us to drink from the well that flows with the beauty of your truth through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer from Sundays and Seasons Year A 2011
Installation of Pastor Beth Ann Doerring
The congregation and community of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 27911 County Road 41 in Bethune, CO (80805), invite you to celebrate the Service of Installation for Rev. Beth Ann Doerring on Sunday, March, 27 at the 9:00 a.m. worship service. Bishop Allan Bjornberg will install. All are welcome.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Metro East Conference You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer lists for April and May are available. to remember in prayers on 3/27:
Our Savior's Denver, CO
Paul Carlson, Tina Yankee
Saron Strasburg, CO
Julie Brooks
St. Mark Aurora, CO
Inga Oyan Longbrake
St. Matthew Aurora, CO
Marcel Naruki
St. Paul Denver, CO
Kevin Maly, Mark Filbert
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RMS F.A.I.T.H. CONFERENCE 2011
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24 / 7
Faith Alive In The Home Conference
Come explore together how Faith Alive In The Home is a partnership between congregation and families that can be lived 24/7.... Together! Bring the whole family and whole ministry teams to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, located at 12099 Lowell Boulevard in Broomfield, CO (80020). The event will take place April 8-9, 2011. Keynote speakers are Andrea Fieldhouse (Building Bridges) and Lyle Griner (Full Circle Training).
Registration is now open and you are invited to register online.
Cost: $60.00 for 1-2 persons
$55.00 for 3-4 persons
$50.00 for 5 or more persons from the same
congregation
(Includes lunch, resources and take-homes)
FREE childcare is available!
Details can be found on the Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA website: www.rmselca.org/FaithAliveInTheHome or you may call Pastor Leta Behrens (303-570-1366) with questions. Check out the relevant, worthwhile and fun workshops!
The event hosted by the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA.
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RMS SYNOD ASSEMBLY 2011 |
Register today for the 2011 RMS Assembly!
APRIL 6 DEADLINE
- for registering for the assembly
- for making a hotel reservation
MAY 12-14, 2011
- Assembly in Colorado Springs.
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RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP
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Spring at RTLC
March 24-27, 2011
Put your feet up and unwind at this Spring Retreat! Michelle Okes, long time Rainbow Trail camper, former staffer, mother of two summer staff members will lead a weekend of thought provoking Bible Study, worship, crafts, hikes (or snowshoeing if the weather permits), cooking with Chris, relaxing with the massage therapist, and enjoying the sisterhood in Christ. Information is available on the Rainbow Trail website or by e-mailing Laura.
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Men's Fly Fishing Camp at RTLC
April 7-10, 2011
Take some time to step out of the stresses of ordinary life and into the refreshing waters of the Arkansas River. This weekend of fly fishing, hanging out with the guys, and amazing worship and conversation is led by Pastor Dave Risendal. He has a deep love of fly fishing and the gospel and will help you re-center and deepen your faith. You'll expand your fly fishing skills with instruction from Greg Felt, owner of Ark Anglers Fly Shop, fly tying workshops, and advice from other seasoned fishermen. More information is available at the Rainbow Trail website or by e-mailing Carl.
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SKY RANCH LUTHERAN CAMP
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2011 Sky Ranch Summer Theme: Journey!
"And remember I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Matthew 28:20b
For the 2011 camping season, our program fees have been reduced by up to 20%! To take full advantage of these savings, we encourage you to register by March 15. Download brochure.
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DISCERNMENT RETREAT 2011
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Retreat: Discerning
God's Call to Ministry in the ELCA
(final call for registrations!)
All persons who may be discerning a call to leadership ministry in the ELCA are welcome to attend this one-day event on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 East Hampden Avenue, Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113.
During this retreat we will:
- Explore how we do faithful vocational discernment
- Discover gifts for ministry
- Learn about the variety of opportunities for services through the three rosters of the ELCA: Ordained pastors, Consecrated diaconal ministers, Commissioned associates in ministry
- Answer questions about the ELCA Candidacy process.
Call Madelyn Busse, assistant to the bishop, 360-375-6052, or email mbusse@rmselca.org with questions. To register or to submit names for invitation, please email Janice Ladd-Horkey or give her a call at 303-777-6700 / 800-525-0462.
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2012 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING
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Citizens with the Saints
National Youth Gathering
in New Orleans
Please make a way for your young persons to attend the 2012 ELCA National Youth Gathering. The journey of discipleship that is the ELCA Youth Gathering starts a year before teenagers come together in New Orleans. We will offer a series of trainings to equip adult leaders to be with young people in ways that lead to the outcomes for which we are planning and praying.
Learning outcomes will give participants the tools to:
- Practice discipleship - demonstrate the capacity to articulate their unique witness.
- Practice peacemaking - Act in a way that reflects God's value for everyone, particularly those whose are marginalized by society and
- Practice justice - Live boldly in the face of injustice, crisis and suffering.
You can download and print the poster, or request one from us by writing to gathering@elca.org. Every ELCA congregation will receive two posters.
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ELCA GLOBAL LINKS
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 Our Church at Home and Around the World Materials manager sought for hospital in Liberia Help establish an efficient, workable sustainable material management process at Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing for hospital supplies and equipment, including providing new storage space/areas. See www.elca.org/globalserve and click Global Service Opportunities to search the database at the bottom. Barbara and the "Garage Boys" An ELCA missionary in Morogoro, Tanzania, Barbara Robertson serves as part of a team establishing a primary health care program in the local diocese. Barbara shares how her ministry touches the lives of young men. Read more at www.elca.org/handinhand; click either the copy-ready bulletin insert or the Hand in Hand newsletter (Spring 2011). + Learn more about disaster response in Japan, Egypt, Haiti, Libya, New Zealand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Thailand at http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/. Scenes directly from Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt As ELCA missionaries return to Egypt, see photos and reflections at http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Peace-Not-Walls.aspx
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BOOK OF FAITH JUBILEE! | 
Inspiring Everyday People to Engage the Bible
April 29-May 1, 2011 Luther Seminary
Through presentations, conversation and practical takeaways, this conference for congregational leaders, both lay and clergy, will inspire and equip you to lead your congregation into opening, reading and discussing the Bible in engaging new ways.
People who attended the 2009 Jubilee exclaimed it was one of the best conferences they had ever attended from the hospitality to the content and worship. The 2011 conference promises to be of the same high quality! "I was equipped in ways I am only beginning to realize. The event in its entirety was life-changing and affirming of what truly matters, of whose we are and the importance of sharing that good news."
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HOLY LAND TOUR 2011
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Holy Land Pilgrimage and
Egyptian Tour 2011
October 10-26
Yes! We are still going!
Our travel partners on the ground in Egypt and Israel/Palestine report that tourist sites have reopened and they are looking forward to our visit!
See first-hand the inspiring ministries of Lutherans today in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Visit the pyramids of Egypt-Cairo, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Learn about the civilizations that once flourished along the Nile and see the archaeological treasures of the ancient world. The 17-day Holy Land/Egypt tour: $4470, from Denver. You can find details at: www.pilgrimageholyland.blogspot.com or contact Jan Miller by email. Reservation deadline is April 15. Fully refundable until June 1.
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ELCA HEALTH ASSESSMENT
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FREE Money for Nothing! Well, almost.
ELCA Health Plan Members: Take the 2011 Health Assessment by April 30, 2011
Let's do it this year! Let's earn the discount!
$150 available to you [and your spouse]!
$150 more each for participating in wellness action!
2% discount on health premiums available to your congregation (if enough take the assessment!)
If you have ELCA-primary or ELCA Medicare primary health coverage, take the health assessment today for your synod, your congregation and yourself. You'll earn your $150 personal wellness account credit and can begin using your personal health summary to make small changes to improve your health. It's easy to start. Take it now!
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RMS CHILDREN, YOUTH & HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY
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PEAK:
Children, Family, and Faith
October 16-26, 2011 Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp Take as Continuing Education or for Academic Credit Offered through a Partnership for Education And Knowledge by Wartburg Theological Seminar, Rocky Mountain Synod, and Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Immerse yourself in this 10-day course and develop a deeper understanding of children's faith development. Led by faculty from Wartburg Theological Seminary this course may be taken for academic credit or continuing education. Details can be found in the color brochure but if you have questionS, please contact Ben Larson or Linda Staats by email. |
REMINDERS
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World Week of Peace in Palestine and Israel May 29 - June 4, 2011 Take a look at some resources or contact Jan Miller
for more
information (303-332-1263).
Western States Youth Gathering - "In the Balance"
July 1-5, 2011
at California Lutheran University
For more information, please check out the website.
Lutheran Men in Mission Triennial Gathering
July 22-24, 2011 in Denver!
Called! Equipped! Sent!
For information and registration
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt
October 10-26, 2011
Details: www.pilgrimageholyland.blogspot.com or contact Jan Miller by email. Reservation deadline is April 1.
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RESOURCES NEEDED
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Godly Play Materials Needed
House for All Sinners and Saints seeks to borrow (or be given) Godly Play materials if a congregation has them and is not using the materials. Godly Play is an imaginative approach to working with children, an approach that supports, challenges, nourishes and guides their spiritual quest-in other words, a form of spiritual direction.
As this new mission of the Rocky Mountain Synod grows, it seeks to provide appropriate educational materials for the children in this new community! If you are able to help please contact Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber by email or phone (720-301-9409). |
JOB POSTING
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St Philip Lutheran Church Business Administrator Position
St. Philip Lutheran Church in southwest Denver has an open position for a Church Business Administrator. A bachelor's degree or equivalent and five years experience working in a full service office is desired. Finance, managerial, building management experience, and strong people skills are required. Prior church experience preferred. Please send resumes to: CBADENCO@comcast.net
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Every person, every congregation, every ministry, boldly serving God's mission in Christ.
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Bishop Allan Bjornberg
Installation of Pastor Beth Ann Doerring at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bethune, CO.
Pastor Dan Bollman Visiting with the congregation of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Taylorsville, UT.
Madelyn Busse, DMAvailable by email or phone appointment.
Pastor Jim Hytjan Conclude Congregational and Synodical Mission Unit all staff meeting, Chicago, IL; 5th and Bannock Property meeting, synod office, Denver, CO.
Linda Staats
Conclude Youth Workers Retreat and RMS Tingling Ears Retreat, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp; Faith Formation Consultation with the congregation of American Lutheran Church, Grand Junction, CO. Available by email or phone appointment.
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CALENDAR |
website calendar2011 MAY 12-142011 RM Synod Assembly Colorado Springs, Colorado2012
JANUARY 23-26
Winter Theological Conference
Fort Collins, Colorado
APRIL 26-28
2012 SYNOD Assembly Colorado Springs, Colorado |
RESOURCE
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Book Sale at Fortress Press
Now through March 31, Fortress Press books are on sale for 40% off when purchased through the Fortress Press webstore: www.fortresspress.com
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WYOMING | submit Wyoming news or photos

Safeguarding God's Children Training
Safe Guarding God's Children Training comes to Wyoming, Saturday, April 2. This event will be hosted by Good Shepherd Lutheran in Casper from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The training is for all church staff, council members and volunteers who work with children and youth. The Safe Guarding God's Children is a resource and training provided by the Rocky Mountain Synod as part of the 2010 Assembly Resolution for all congregations to have Safe Haven Guidelines in place by 2012.
Please register with Cheryl Almquist email or phone (303-777-6700 / 800-525-0462) by March 25. The fee is $10/person with a maximum of $50/congregation. A free-will lunch will be served. Checks may be sent to the RMS office marked "Safe Haven" on the memo line. Your early registration is vital so that materials can be ordered!
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UTAH
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Easter Supplies Drive
Angela Cuillard, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sandy, is working to gather Easter education supplies for refugees at LSS of Utah. Any gently used or new educational items can be coordinated with Angela by email or phone (801-572-3412). She'll have more ideas for items but some initial thoughts are art supplies, pens, pencils, notebooks, CLIP Boards (we really need these for ESL studies), crayons, markers, highlighters, book bags, etc.
If you would like to give to an education basket to an Agency of LSS of Utah, we truly need clip boards, fine tip felt pens (for those of us with arthritis), white board markers, 901-xl black and white ink cartridges and 901 color cartridges, art supplies, new computers, etc. Also, in order to hire our ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher through the summer months (outside of our usual fiscal partnership), we need $100 per week for 3 months or $1300 total. Contact Angela regarding anything related to this project.
Churches and organizations are invited and encouraged to publish LSS Utah statistics and snapshot of services in their newsletters, post the information on bulletin boards and take the Spring challenge and highlight Lutheran Social Service materials on their website.
Events LSS of Utah 15th Anniversary Celebration (5/2010-4/2011)
World of Arts Shoppe Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Lutheran Social Service of Utah 4392 South 900 East in Salt Lake City Open to the Public
The Wednesday Market Wednesdays, June through October 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (in good weather) 4392 South 900 East Salt Lake City
(The People's market is a consortium of refugee fair trade, organic and justice-minded artists and organizations.) |
NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Events
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COLORADO
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Taiz� at Saint Paul Lutheran Church
Wednesday, March 23, 7:00 p.m.
1600 Grant Street (80203)
As we embrace this time of waiting and reflection, join us this month for an hour of candlelight, simple song, prayer, and silence.
We are also excited to have House for All, Sinners and Saints joining us this month! Led by Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, this urban faith community is doing wonderful things for those seeking a faith home in metropolitan Denver. Learn more about that at houseforall.org.
For more information about Taiz� at Saint Paul, please contact Jeff Steen, Taiz� Worship Leader, by email or phone (303-547-8760).
 House for All Sinners and Saints Brings You: Beer and Hymns The congregation of House for All Sinners and Saints cordially invites you and the community to fellowship, beer and hymns at Hamburger Mary's Club M room on Saturday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. so come out early and plan to have dinner in the Club M room. Hamburger Mary's is located at 700 East 17th (Washington and 17th Avenue). Everyone is welcome!

Gallery of Living Art: Christ's Passion and Resurrection First Lutheran Church of Colorado Springs once again announces it's widely acclaimed Gallery of Living Art now in its seventeenth year! The Gallery of Living Art is a Passion Play presented in a very dramatic and unique venue. The story of Christ's Passion and Resurrection is told through a narrative reading of scripture, with a cast of over 90 men, women and children staging life size visual representations of sacred works of art enhanced by outstanding music performed by First Lutheran's seventy voice choir. Fourteen pieces of art, including the well known Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper",
Heinrich Hofman's "Christ in Gethsemane" and Michelangelo's sculpture, "Pieta" are beautifully portrayed on stage. Doors open one hour before each presentation which are:Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sunday, April 3, 3:00 p.m. Admission is FREE and child care is provided. First Lutheran Church is located at 1515 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs CO (80907).

Beyond Divorce: Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends The ending of a love relationship can be one of the most stressful and difficult experiences of a person's life. Beth Walker, MBA, CPCC, who has more than 30 years of experience in Mental Health and Non Profit Administration will be facilitating a workshop that will help participants learn the skills necessary to adjust to their losses, and receive encouragement to rebuild their life! The class is open to all but is designed especially for individuals, of all ages and situations, who are experiencing the end of a love relationship. The workshop will be held at St. Andrew United Methodist Church located at 3350 East White Bay Drive in Highlands Ranch (80126) beginning on Thursdays, April 7 through June 9, 2011. Classes are from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Participant Cost: $150 per participant for the 10 week course Required Texts: (Available at the 1st Class): Rebuilding: When Your Relationship Ends (3rd edition) Bruce Fisher, Ed.D and Robert E. Alberti Ph.D. ($18.00) Rebuilding Workbook (2nd Edition) Bruce Fisher, Ed.D. and Jere Bierhaus ($15.00) For more information about the class and to register please call Jenny Ricklefs, 303-794-2683, ext 106. Complimentary childcare is available. To reserve a spot for your children, please contact the Child Care Coordinator at 303-794-2683, ext.151 no later than March 24, 2011.

LFS 18th Annual Gala: A Mile High Evening to Remember On Saturday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m., Lutheran Family Services is having its 18th Annual Benefit Gala, "A Mile High Evening to Remember", at the new Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Denver. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 7:00 p.m. Mistress of Ceremonies is Kim Christiansen, 9News Anchor/Reporter and entertainment this year will be provided by Lannie Garrett, a veteran Denver singer and entertainer. Please join us for this fun event which includes dinner, the LFS program and the live auction, as we celebrate the programs of LFS and raise funds that will offer help and hope for children, families and older adults. There is limited seating , so please RSVP no later than March 30th. Cocktail attire. Reservations may be made online at www.lfsco.org or by calling 303-217-5860.
 Practical Strategies for the Self-Management of Chronic Disease
Do you struggle with managing a chronic health condition? Do you care for someone who does? Join Lutheran Family Services' Care Management Solutions Program for Be Well Colorado, a free six week workshop series on chronic disease self-management. Be Well Colorado offers practical strategies and emotional support for managing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, and anxiety. Developed by Stanford University, this workshop series delivers proven results. Be Well Colorado will be offered Wednesdays, April 13- May 18 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The event will take place at St. Mark's Catholic Church, located at 9905 Foothills Canyon Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO (80129). Please call 303-217-5865 to register.

Katie Mahan in Concert On May 15, 2011 at 3:00 p.m., Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Denver is sponsoring a "Concerts for Non-Profits" performance featuring international concert pianist Katie Mahan. Praised for her unique personality and extraordinary musical sensitivity, American pianist Katie Mahan is quickly establishing herself as an artist of rare appeal. Her passionate performances have attracted audiences around the world. The concert will support the work of The Denver Hospice and will feature, among other works, Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57. Katie's strong commitment to community, and her desire to give back, made this performance possible. The Denver Hospice says it is honored to have such a rare talent support our mission with this intimate performance. For tickets and further information please go to: http://giving.thedenverhospice.org/katiemahan

3rd Annual We Run That They May Walk" Event Saturday, June 4, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon Sponsored by Saint Peter Lutheran Church, the 5K Run will benefit the programs of Selian Lutheran Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania. Selian Lutheran Hospital was established in the 1950's by Dr. Mark Jacobsen and has grown from a dispensary with a single building and ten beds into a 120-bed, full service hospital. The Hospital provides life-saving services that are desperately needed in this area of the world, including treatment of malaria, tuberculosis, pneumonia and AIDS. Selian Hospital offers in-patient and outpatient services, pediatrics, general and specialty surgery, obstetrics, maternal and child health, hospice and orphan care.
Please help the ministry of Saint Peter support the programs of Selian Hospital by participating in the 5K Run and recruiting friends, neighbors and co-workers to sponsor you. You can find on the Saint Peter website more information including registration and sponsorship forms. You may also email Carol Mayer or give her a call on 303-470-1205 with question.

3rd Annual Golf Tournament Monday, June 20, 2010 -
1:00 p.m. (Start)
You are cordially invited to enjoy a day of golf on this challenging course. Players may form their own foursomes. Individual entrants are welcome. Team placement will be arranged for singles. Format: Four-person, shamble. Mulligans will be available for $5 each. Dinner is included for registered golfers, guests are $20 each (see registration form). Awards and drawings will take place during that time. Prizes: Team and individual prizes will be presented. Please begin now by sharing this information with your family, friends, co-workers and business associates - since we have doubled every year in the number of golfers, please send your registration form early to assure your spot. You may download, print and mail the registration form to the registrars. FYI - We would also love to double the number of sponsors this year. All golfers are invited to join us at the gorgeous Colorado Springs Country Club located at 3333 Templeton Gap Road (80907). To those that joined us the last two years, thank you again for making each tournament so enjoyable and successful. Contact Calvin and Patty Jolly (719-347-2662) or view the brochure for more information. Event sponsored by St. Paul Community Outreach Center, Calhan, CO (a 501C3 organization)
Events
Project Sanctuary Retreat Whole Family Support for Returning Families Friday, April 15 through Tuesday, April 19, 2011 A retreat for fifteen to twenty families at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. Volunteer Opportunity Saint Paul Lutheran Church - Denver, Local Assistance Ministry Training is provided! Please call the church office at 303-839-1432 or email Alex for more information.
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