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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
December 4, 2012 |
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Greetings!
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Middle School Youth Gathering
registration deadline is December 10!
"Let's Eat!"
Middle School Youth Gathering, January 18-20 in Colorado Springs
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| OUR LIFE TOGETHER | |
Second Sunday of Advent
Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your Son. By his coming strengthen us to serve you with purified lives; through Jesus Christ , our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Sundays and Seasons Year B
Kirsten Sauey Hofmann
to be Ordained December 15
 All are invited to the Service of Ordination for Kirsten Sauey Hofmann on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Littleton, CO (80120). A light reception will follow. Clergy are invited to vest and the color of the day is red.
Kirsten was a youth director at Holy Trinity from 2005-2008. She graduated from PLTS in Berkeley, CA in May 2012 and completed her internship at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Longmont, CO. She has received a call to serve Trinity Lutheran Church in Hobbs, NM.
Pastor Alena Lamirato to be installed January 13 in Buffalo, WY
Pastor Alena Lamirato began serving at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Wyoming, on the First Sunday in Advent. She will be installed by Pastor Sarah Moening, Synod Minister for Deepened Discipleship, on Sunday, January 13 2013. Everyone is welcome to attend the Service of Installation.
Synod Prayer Cycle: Utah Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for December is available. to remember in prayers on 12/2:
Elim Ogden, UT
Dana Lee Simon
Grace Bountiful, UT
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CONFERENCE MISSIONAL GATHERINGS
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 Deeply Rooted-
Congregations are gathering together to make connections, build community, and talk about ministry in each context.
Every congregation in the Rocky Mountain Synod is invited to bring rostered leaders plus 5-7 lay leaders of diverse ages and interests to your Conference Mission Gathering to begin the conversation
"Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit"
Conference Mission Gatherings
Saturday, December 8
Southeast Colorado - register online
First, Colorado Springs, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 12
Wyoming
Casper
Saturday, February 9
Metro West (western)
Good Shepherd, Glenwood Springs, noon - 2:00 p.m.
 Conference Mission Gatherings are exceptionally well-attended! The Missional Gatherings have been attended very well, with new insights about mission and ministry shared amongst those present. The final three gatherings are listed above.
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| CHILDREN, YOUTH and HOUSEHOLD MINISTRY |
"Let's Eat!"
Middle School Youth Gathering, January 18-20 in Colorado Springs
REGISTRATION CLOSES
MONDAY,
DECEMBER 10TH.
The Theme is "Let's Eat," Ezekiel 3:2-3. Jonathan Rundman will lead our singing and music for worship. MSYG traditions will be honored as well as some added twists and surprises! The Gathering will once again be at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Check out the promotional video made by the youth at Ascension Lutheran in Colorado Springs! Keep checking out the website to see the choices for workshops and the lastest MSYG details.
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RAINBOW TRAIL LUTHERAN CAMP
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GIVE BY THE END OF THE DAY DECEMBER 4!
RTLC is Part of Colorado Gives Day December 4
Support RTLC on Colorado Gives Day! On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, Coloradans will come together again to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits like RTLC. Last year, a remarkable $12.8 million was distributed to Colorado nonprofits. RTLC raised close to $24,000 in that 24 hour period!
 Their goal this year is to raise $40,000. All funds raised will go towards the Annual Fund. Since they are in the middle of their land purchase some have shifted their annual fund donation towards the Capital appeal.
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LUTHERAN FAMILY SERVICES ROCKY MOUNTAINS
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LFS Rocky Mountains
Colorado Gives Day 2012 is
Today, December 4!
24 Hours to Give Where You Live!
Support Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains on Colorado Gives Day - Tuesday, December 4th! Last year, Coloradans came together to raise $12.8 million dollars!
- 100% of your donation will come to LFS.
- The value of your donation will be increased by the FirstBank Incentive Fund.
Donate online Today! www.GivingFirst.org/lfsrm
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ELCA WORLD HUNGER EVENT
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ELCA Ethics of Eating Leadership Training Event
 ELCA World Hunger is planning an Ethics of Eating event January 24-27, 2013, in the Davis, California area. We're looking for people who want to explore food production first hand, connect with other leaders, and get involved in hunger work. For an application or more information, please download the 2013 Ethics of Eating application.
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| URBAN SERVANT CORPS EVENTS |
Advent Prayer Breakfast is December 5
 Begin Advent with Prayer at the USC Advent Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, December 5 at 8:00 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, located at 915 East 9th Avenue, Denver, CO 80218.
You will have the opportunity to learn the sung prayer service that was written for USC's 10 year Anniversary in honor of the 25th Anniversary that is being celebrated this year!
Ten Thousand Villages Community Shopping Benefit is December 12  Wednesday, December 12 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
When you shop at Ten Thousand Villages (a fair trade retailer) on 12/12/12 a portion of your purchase will be donated to Urban Servant Corps! A great way to tackle your Christmas shopping and make a contribution! Check them out online or visit the store located at 2626 East 3rd Avenue, Denver, CO 80206.
USC Worship Opportunities and More Learn about USC's community worship opportunities; Friday Community Day; Issues Night which featured a trip to the Catholic Worker Movement Organization in Denver during the month of November; and Faith Reflection -- Interfaith Panel. This year's USC volunteers expressed interest in learning a bit more about faith traditions other than their own. Therefore, they gathered for an interfaith conversation with a Hindu, a Muslim, and a Jewish Rabbi to share central beliefs. Urban Servant Corps is a one-year, full-time Lutheran volunteer program located in the heart of Denver. Volunteers commit to living in community with each other, while serving at various local nonprofit organizations addressing basic human concerns of low-income and at-risk populations. USC positions are in programs that provide immediate and direct service, as well as programs that advocate for lasting solutions and long-term social change. Since 1987, USC volunteers have put their values into action. Whatever your passion, we have the placement for you!
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ELCA MALARIA CAMPAIGN UPDATE
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Ways You Can Help Make Malaria History
Malaria and ELCA Good Gifts
The ELCA Good Gifts Catalog offers more than 50 gifts to give in honor of a friend or loved one. These gifts support the many ministries of the ELCA. Did you know that several Good Gifts benefit the ELCA Malaria Campaign? Mosquito nets and medical care are among the gifts that you can choose. To see all of the ELCA Good Gifts which relate to malaria, click here.
Once you've chosen a gift, be sure to tell the honoree. The ELCA offers printable cards and e-cards so that you can announce your gift. If you would like to receive a card and envelope by mail, contact allison.beebe@elca.org or 773-380-2724.
Synod Giving Totals
Through the work of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO), youth teams within congregations and individuals, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is raising funds and awareness to combat the devastating effects of malaria in the world. RMS Malaria Total Update: Our latest total of donations is over $182,134.55! Read more.
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ADULT MISSION TRIP PLANNED
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Evergreen Lutheran to Host Anapra, Mexico Mission Trip with Rainbow Trail
Please note the dates.
 Evergreen Lutheran Church wishes to invite all congregation members who may be interested to join Evergreen Lutheran in an adult mission trip to build a house in Anapra, Mexico with the Bridging Borders ministry of Rainbow Trail from March 3 - 9, 2013. Bridging Borders Mexico is a unique service opportunity in Anapra, Mexico. For more information, please contact Dave Kirberg of Evergreen Lutheran Church by email or Ash McConnell of Rainbow Trail by email or phone (719-276-5233).
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ELCA MISSION INVESTMENT FUND
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Holiday Greetings from MIF
Christmas blessings from the Mission Investment Fund
This Christmas season, the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, is grateful for the thousands of ELCA members, congregations and ministries who put their trust in MIF as investors and the nearly 800 congregations and ministries that build, renovate and expand their facilities with MIF loans. Your participation in the Mission Investment Fund is important in helping to build the church.
To learn more about MIF's portfolio of investments and loans-and competitive rates-visit our new website, call us toll-free at 877-886-3522, or contact your MIF Regional Manager Dan Carlson, by phone (773-682-2943) or email (Dan.Carlson@elca.org.)
Much gratitude and many Christmas blessings to you
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Every Person, Every Congregation, Every Ministry, Boldly Serving
God's Mission in Christ
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THIS WEEK
Bishop Jim Gonia
- All Staff meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Director for Evangelical Mission Interviews, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Bright Stars of Bethlehem Event
- Trinity Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO.
- Visiting with the congregation of House for All Sinners and Saints, Denver, CO.
- Ready Bench, Washington, D.C.
- Executive Committee Conference Call, Denver, CO.
Linda Staats
- All Staff meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
Pastor Kent Mueller
- All Staff meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
Pastor Ron Roschke
- All Staff meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Southeast Colorado Missional Gathering, First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs CO.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Safe Haven meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- All Staff meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Southeast Colorado Missional Gathering, First Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs CO.
- Preach at Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, Louisville, CO.
Pastor Rob Moss
- All Staff meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO
- Director for Evangelical Mission Interviews, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the congregation of Christ the King Lutheran Church, South Jordan, UT
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- Urban Servant Corps Prayer Breakfast, Denver, CO.
- Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Board meeting, Denver, CO.
- All Staff meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- EITC Legislation Planning meeting, Denver, CO.
- State Public Policy Directors meeting, Santa Fe, NM.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry NM
- New Mexico Public Health Legislative Forum, Albuquerque, NM.
- State Public Policy Directors meeting, Santa Fe, NM.
- All Staff meeting (WebEx), Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
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CALENDAR |
website calendar 2013 JANUARY 18 -20 RMS Middle School Youth Gathering
MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference Estes Park, Colorado
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
eNewsletter of the ELCA
Hurricane Sandy: ELCA provides and receives aid
In the wake of the devastation in the U.S. from the storms spawned by Hurricane Sandy, the ELCA is for the first time receiving international aid from The Lutheran World Federation. Through ELCA Disaster Response, this church is also providing relief to the storm-damaged areas of the U.S. and the Caribbean. Read more.
Peru: An inspiring Global Mission story
"Today, we made history!" was the reaction of the Protestant bride and Catholic groom after the Rev. Dana Nelson, an ELCA missionary in Peru, assisted in their wedding ceremony. The couple had sought her out for their "mixed" marriage because they heard Lutherans were "open minded." To read this and more stories from ELCA missionaries, download the autumn Hand in Hand Newsletter or bulletin inserts.
Colombia: Small business makes big difference.
Jency, a young girl in Colombia, has a brighter future thanks to contributions to ELCA World Hunger that helped her mother and two friends learn to run a small business. The income from their spa helps them provide for their families. Without it, "life would be very difficult," they say. Read more.
Nepal: Cleaner water for healthier life
Amrita Shahi, of Ruma, Nepal, doesn't get sick from her water like she used to. She now keeps her drinking water sanitary by using simple techniques learned from education programs sponsored by The Lutheran World Federation. Read more.
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
Elim Lutheran Church Announces Special Advent Activities
During this Season of Advent, Elim Lutheran Church in Ogden will have a special series of adult education classes at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays and Family Advent Nights at 6:00 p.m. on Mondays.
The adult education classes will be:
- December 2 - Advent overview.
- December 9 - The people of Advent
- December 16 - Advent Angels
- December 23 - An hour of storytelling.
 There will be three Family Advent Nights from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on December 3, 10, and 17. Participants will be exploring Jesus' Family Tree. They will learn about Jesus' family tree and what it tells about Jesus. On December 3 and 10, participants will start with a simple dinner at 6:00 p.m. and then engage in family tree activities. On December 17, the activity will be Christmas caroling to Elim's homebound members. There will be no dinner that night so that the carolers can get out to as many people as possible between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Anyone with questions may send email to office@elimlutheran.org or call 801-394-5543. Photo: Mandy Widner and Catelynn Rude enjoy a Family Advent Night in December 2011
 Healing Service at Elim Lutheran Church
The Stephen Ministers of Elim Evangelical Lutheran Church, 575 23rd Street in Ogden (84401), will conduct a full service of healing at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, December 9. Pastor DanaLee Simon said that this date was chosen intentionally in the midst of Advent because, as glorious a time of year as this can be, it is also a difficult time of year for those who struggle with depression or who are missing loved ones who have died or who can't be home for the holidays.
The service will focus on prayers of healing, laying on of hands, and anointing with the sign of the cross. Stephen Ministers, along with Pastor Simon, will lead the service, but everyone will be invited to take part in the laying on of hands as well as other healing activities. Read more. Elim's chancel choir as well as adult and youth soloists will offer special music during the healing time of the service. For more information call the church office at send email to office@elimlutheran.org or call 801-394-5543. Photo: Pastor DanaLee Simon and Stephen Ministers Louise Cole
and Tom Robertson lay their hands on Jane Robertson for healing
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey (ELCA) in El Paso Seeks Your Support
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and CEPCO (Central El Paso Community Organization) are putting together 90 Christmas food baskets for the families in their After School Program, their our church and families of the surrounding community that need assistance to enjoy this holiday season when work is scarce. They are also planning their Biggest Christmas Celebration for our Community "The Posadas" where 200 to 300 people come to re-enact the journey of Mary and Joseph and later celebrate with Mariachis, the traditional Mexican Christmas meal, the Pi�ata for the kids and  more. Finally they are collecting gifts or gift card to buy presents for the kids in the After School Program and their church community.
They invite your support for these Christmas projects as Cristo Rey wishes to bless our community during the holidays. We specially need help with the Posadas event and the Christmas baskets.
Please send your donation or gift cards to: Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey and put in the memo: "Christmas Projects". We will use your money where most needed for the projects. Our address is 1010 East Yandell Drive El Paso, TX 79902.
If you have any questions please contact Pastor Rose Mary S�nchez-Guzm�n at 915-422-6545, Pat Marruffo at 915-203-8258 (Secretary) or Ceci Herrera (Director for Central El Paso Community Organization) at 915-544-6545.
Thank you for any assistance you can provide!
Las Posadas: A Christmas Play in El Paso on Dec 15
Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey invites you to a Christmas Posadas on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the church located at 1010 East Yandell Drive in El Paso (79902) where the Christmas Play and the service will take place.
 The meal, Mariachis, Pi�ata, and celebration will be at 915 Florence at 7:00 p.m.
The cost is $10 per person but the event is FREE for people who make donations for this event. Please reserve your ticket soon!
For more information, you may call Pat or Rose Mary at 915-544-6545 or 915-422-6545. To learn more about the tradition of Las Posadas, please check out the Rocky Mountain Synod website.
Community of Joy in Rio Rancho (ELCA) Presents: A German Advent Service December 16
Deutscher Adventsgottesdienst Service in German with Traditional Advent Hymns  A German language Advent Service will be at Community of Joy Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, New Mexico on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Michael Bastian, German-born Pastor at Community of Joy, will deliver the sermon and lead through the service in the German language. Traditional Advent hymns and music will be provided. |
| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
Bright Stars of Bethlehem Presents:
A Weekend With Pastor Mitri Raheb
of the Christmas Lutheran Church, Bethlehem, Palestine
"Instruments of Peace"
Bright Stars of Bethlehem - Colorado Chapter will be hosting a series of events featuring Dr. Raheb Mitri, during the first week of December. You are invited to come and learn about the ministries and vision of Lutherans in Palestine and help raise funds for the music programs at Dar Al-Kalima Lutheran College in Bethlehem. The events will take place in the Denver and Fort Collins area and newsletter announcements and bulletin inserts are available for November and December.
Wednesday, December 5 - Advent worship with Pastor Mitri at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cherry Hills Village (80113)
Thursday, December 6 - Pastors' lunch at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins is an evening fundraising event - contact Jody by email (jodylockwood@comcast.net) or phone (970-214-8086).
Friday, December 7 at 7:00 - 7:00 p.m. Concert at Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA)
301 E. Stuart Street, Fort Collins (80525)
Saturday, December 8 - 5:00 p.m. worship and concert at Redeemer Lutheran (LCMS) Fort Collins
Sunday, December 9 at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00: worship with Pastor Mitri at Redeemer Lutheran
9:30 - Adult Education Forum with Bright Stars' Vice President Beth Chase
December 1-2 and 8-9 - Bethlehem Bazaar at Redeemer Lutheran Church - sale of products and artwork from artisans in Bethlehem
For more information, see the flyer or contact Jan Miller by email. janlmiller@q.com
Fundraising during the weekend events will benefit Dar Al-Kalima Lutheran College in Bethlehem, providing instruments for the music program at the college.
"Baking Bread with Ron"
Pastor Ron Glusenkamp of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO is a baker and has been asked a  number of times about what he considers the best communion bread recipe. So, Pastor Glusenkamp has created a video titled "Baking Bread with Ron." He uses a well-known, well-used, well-loved recipe that Luther Seminary has provided for more than 25 years. This communion bread is served as part of the seminary's weekly Holy Communion service in chapel each Wednesday and is known throughout the country as one of the best tasting and easiest to make.
The Lutheran Chorale Christmas Concert 2012
The Lutheran Chorale presents its Christmas concert, "Welcome Joyous Season", at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Allison Parkway in Lakewood, on Thursday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. The Chorale will be joined by Green Mountain High School's Shadow of the Mountain choir, and the Golden Children's Choir. The concert will feature selections from Handel's magnificent Messiah (including as always the Hallelujah Chorus), plus contemporary Christmas music such as Roger Whitacre's Seal Lullaby based on a poem by Rudyard Kipling, and For the Sake of Our Children by Jeffrey Ames.
Tickets: Adults $20, Seniors $15, Students $10
 Lutheran Church of the Resurrection Concert on December 10
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection will be hosting a Christmas and Seasonal concert performed by Lakewood's own Village Brass. Please plan to attend on Monday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. The church is located at 7100 West Mississippi Avenue in Lakewood (80226).
The concert is open to the public and will offer free admission with the contribution of two non-perishable food items. Please bring a friend and a couple of food items. All Are Welcome!
Holy Shepherd Presents: "Holy Light" Christmas Cantata on December 16
Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 920 Kipling St. in Lakewood (80215) will be presenting the Christmas Cantata, "Holy Light", by Robert Hobby on Sunday evening, December 16th. We invite you to this wonderful musical evening which will feature Holy Shepherd's 30 voices Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Children's Choir, Brass Quintet, Percussion, and Organ. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church. The cantata is a gift to the community, so admission is free. For more information, please contact the church at 303-233-2740.
 Frohe Weihnachten! �kumenischer Weihnachtsgottesdienst in deutscher Sprache Herzlich willkommen!
The community is invited to a German Christmas Worship service on Sunday, December 23, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at Messiah Community Church (ELCA), located at 1750 Colorado Blvd in Denver (80220). The Rev. Wolfgang Stahlberg is the pastor, Eric French is the organist and Lori and Like Gill will present special music. If you need additional information, please call the church office (303-355-4471) or visit the website.
Bitte weitersagen!
 New Group for Progressive Lutherans
Imagine belonging to a group of people who meet once a month for discussions of Bible texts, church events, books, theological developments, and more. Imagine that group becoming a bunch of friends, engaged in refreshed discipleship, theological development, and restful companionship.
Are you a progressive theological thinker and interested in a group like that? All are welcome to attend, although the group might attract mostly rostered leaders.
A suggested meeting time is the second Monday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon and possibility lunch together. We can meet at Messiah Community Church, 1750 Colorado Blvd, Denver (80220). The first meeting will be January 14, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. As topics, Wolfgang Stahlberg suggests a discussion on Marcus Borg's book Speaking Christian and an introduction (or re-introduction) to the Enneagram. All are welcome!
If you have questions, please contact Pastor Wolfgang Stahlberg by email or phone (303-355-4471).
EventsTwelve, Twelve, Twelve Project
4500 East Hampden Avenue Cherry Hills Village, CO 80113 Bethany has created a blog that will be updated regularly.T his blog will be jam packed of ideas, resources, tools, hunger facts, stories, prayers and quotes to help inspire and motivate you to action! Check out this Twelve.12.Twelve promo video on the blob page.
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