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eConnection
weekly email of the
Rocky Mountain Synod
April 16, 2013 |
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| Greetings! |
Massachusetts Council of Churches statement on the Boston Marathon Bombing
"Behold, I will bring health and healing to the city; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth." ~ Jeremiah 33:6
Our hearts are heavy in Massachusetts. On a great day of civic pride and joy, our city of Boston was scarred by violence. We grieve for those who have died. Bodies made to run and cheer were wounded. Our eyes are burned with images of terror in the very streets where we walk. Attend to us, Great Physician. We do not yet know why this has happened. Preserve us from quick judgements, O Lord. Give us wisdom in the days ahead. Reveal to us peace and truth. We sing the African-American spiritual "guide my feet, while I run this race, for I don't want to run this race in vain." In this time of uncertainty and fear, we cling to the sure promises of our God that we do not go on in vain.
Even as we grieve, we will remain steadfast in charity, defiant in hope, and constant in prayer. We are grateful for the prayers and support from across the country and the globe. Please continue to pray for the victims. Pray for our first responders, our elected officials, and the media who work with such trauma and return home to their own families. Pray for those without permanent homes who live in our public parks, displaced by this violence in our city. Pray for the marathoners, tourists and visitors far from home.
The Massachusetts Council of Churches joins our prayers with citizens throughout the Commonwealth. In the words of the prophet Jeremiah, may our God indeed bring health and healing to the city.
The Rev. Laura E. Everett
Executive Director
Massachusetts Council of Churches
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| ASSEMBLY PARTICIPANTS: |
Sign up for Assembly workshops or excursions that take place on Saturday, May 4
Assembly participants will either attend ONE Excursion or TWO Workshops. The workshop and excursion details and descriptions are now available to review prior to making selections. Those attending from the same congregation should plan to participate in different opportunities.
Those on Excursions will carpool together to a variety of sites. We will need volunteer drivers. Please make selections by Friday, April 19. |
| OUR LIFE TOGETHER |
Fourth Sunday of Easter
O God of peace, you brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great shepherd of the sheep. By the blood of your eternal covenant, make us complete in everything good that we may do your will, and work among us all that is well-pleasing in your sight, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Mark Honstein's Installation Set for May
 Mark's Honstein's installation is currently set for Pentecost Sunday, May 19, 2013, at the 9:30 a.m. service at First Lutheran Church, located at 212 2nd St. NW in Watford City, ND (58854). Mark wishes to thank everyone for all their work in helping him follow this calling into ministry!
Synod Prayer Cycle: Wyoming Conference
You are encouraged to include the listed leaders in your Sunday prayers of the people. The prayer list for May is available. Also, you may view the lists for the coming months.
to remember in prayers on 4/21:
Prince of Peace Gillette, WY
Thomas Frey
Prince of Peace Casper, WY
Michael Struck
St. John Riverton, WY
Scott Jorgenson
St. Luke's Buffalo, WY
Alena Lamirato
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2013 ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ASSEMBLY
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Pre-Assembly materials are ready to download
The 2013 Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly will feature our year-long theme: Deeply Rooted, Bearing Fruit. Taking place May 2-4 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO. The assembly Handbook and the Financial Packet are now available.
ASSEMBLY INFORMATION
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CONFIRMATION in the CONGREGATION
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 Re-thinking Confirmation, again, at five retreats with Pastor Paul Judson
Pastor Paul Judson of First Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado will be dedicating a part of his sabbatical time this year redesigning the confirmation material that he has developed and used for the last 20 years. He would like to invite interested co-workers in Christ to join him in retreating, talking, and re-developing new strategies and materials for teaching confirmation in the congregation. Special focus will be taken to develop confirmation ministry that speaks to a post-modern generation, is global in perspective, and works well in partnership with households. It is hoped that the end product would be open sourced on the web. Pastor Judson is hosting five retreats on the five chief parts of Luther's Small Catechism over five months at our synod church camps for this work. The first retreat will be May 19-22 at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp. The event will begin Sunday night and end before lunch on Wednesday. Additional retreats will happen in August, September, October, and November. Each participant is asked to pay $50 to partially cover food. Grants and gifts have been given to cover housing and additional costs. Please contact Pr. Paul Judson at paul.judson@firstluth.org if you are interested in participating or if you have questions. |
SPECIAL ASSEMBLY OPPORTUNITIES
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Do you sense a call to ministry in the church? Consider these discernment opportunities...
Email Ron Roschke for more information about any of these workshops. A series of workshops will be offered on Saturday, May 4 for anyone to attend, not just assembly registrants. A pre-assembly workshop is also offered on Thursday, open to anyone. Registration for assembly workshops on Saturday is $25 and includes lunch. Register for the Saturday experiences.
A DISCERNMENT WORKSHOP IS OFFERED AS A PRE-ASSEMBLY OPPORTUNITY
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1:00 - 4:30 pm
"Discerning Rostered Ministry"
The RMS Candidacy Committee invites you to explore rostered ministry in the ELCA. Have you considered being a pastor, diaconal minister or associate in ministry? Meet with synod and rostered leaders along with Amber Remillard, Director of Admissions at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, to learn about the process for becoming a rostered leader and to share in conversations with others who are discerning their call just like you.
"MANY MINISTRIES" WILL BE PRESENTED AS AN ASSEMBLY SATURDAY WORKSHOP
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 10:00 - 11:30 "Many Ministries"
The RMS Candidacy Committee and the Deepening Discipleship team offer you this inter-generational workshop model to invite members of your congregation to explore ministry as a part of faith formation for all baptized Christians. The question before us is never "Will I be a minister?" but rather "What kinds of ministry are calling me today?" This is a lifelong project, and attending this workshop will give you the design for an event you can host in your own congregation to deepen ministries of all your members.
And learn about medical and healing
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URBAN SERVANT CORPS
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Urban Servant Corps Fundraising Events
 Alumni Community Meal SAME Cafe -- 2023 E. Colfax April 24 at 6:00 p.m. The USC Alumni and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans affinity group is supporting a gathering of Urban Servant Corps alumni to do one of our favorite things -- SHARE A MEAL TOGETHER and reminisce about the GOOD 'OL DAYS! Dinner is free and so is the fun! Please RSVP to krista@servantcorps.org by April 19 so that the appropriate amount of food is prepared.
 Silent Auction Celebration: The Many Hands of Service! Thursday, May 16 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at St. John's Cathedral: Dagwell Hall
Join the Urban Servant Corps community for an evening of celebrating "The Many Hands of Service!" Snacks and beverages (home brew beer!) will be provided. You'll also have
the opportunity to bid on a Champagne Brunch for 8, weekend at Keystone, organic fruits and vegetables, gift cards for local restaurants and coffee shops, and LOTS MORE!
Who will you bring that definitely needs to know about Urban Servant Corps? Please spread the word!
RSVP on the USC website: www.urbanservantcorps.org under the "News and Events" tab or email: krista@servantcorps.org by May 5. $15 suggested donation.
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CCC NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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 Board approves New Colorado Council of Churches Executive Director
On Friday morning, April 12, 2013 the Board of the Colorado Council of Churches approved the Search Committee's recommendation of Adrian Miller as the new Executive Director. He will begin May 15 with a half month overlap with the current executive director, Rev. Jim Ryan. "I am thrilled with his selection," said Ryan.
Adrian has served on the Justice Commission in the past and presently serves as the Chair of our Criminal Justice Reform Task Force. He is an attorney and an active member of Campbell Chapel AME Church.
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PEACE NOT WALLS
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International Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Middle East
We can support both Israelis and Palestinians by taking part in a new international prayer vigil sponsored by the ACT Palestine Forum that began December 24, 2012. The prayer vigil is  intended to take place around the world on the 24th of each month until the Israeli occupation of Palestine ends, all violence ceases and a just and equitable peace is negotiated. This can be as simple as co-workers gathering at lunchtime to pray for peace with justice in the Holy Land, or a meditative, musical liturgy followed by a speaker and time of education about the people and issues involved. Find educational ideas here.
There is also a Lenten litany bulletin insert:
Lenten Prayer Folder for International Prayer Vigil
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
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Senior Executive & Resource Development Assistant
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains is seeking to fill two positions within their organization. The Senior Executive Assistant provides administrative support services for the President/Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. The Development Outreach Assistant helps create and cultivate authentic ministry partnerships with congregations and clergy.
The positions will be in the Denver metro area. To see more of the responsibilities, duties and requirements, please visit their website.
Job openings can be found on the Rocky Mountain Synod's website.
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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
- Team Leaders meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Vacation Days Fri-Mon
Pastor Ron Roschke
- Team Leaders meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Candidacy follow-up, Assembly planning, 2013 Madagascar Trip Planning, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
Pastor Sarah Moening
- Team Leaders meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Preach at Zion Lutheran Church, Montrose, CO.
- Visiting with the congregation of Abiding Hope Lutheran Church, Littleton, CO.
Pastor Stephanie Quick Espinoza
- Team Leaders meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the Camino de Vida Steering Committee, Albuquerque, NM.
- Webex conference call on Congregation Vitality, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Dia de Nino Celebration at Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the Four Winds American Indian Council, Denver, CO.
- Visiting with the Steering Committee of Christ the King Lutheran Church, South Jordan, UT.
- Team Leaders meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Administration Team meeting, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
- Assembly Planning meetings and tasks.
Brad Wood
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry CO
- All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition meeting, High High United Way, Denver, CO.
- Skype with CIVJ Volunteers, Office of the Bishop, Denver, CO.
Ruth Hoffman
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry - NM
- Murder Victim Family Advocacy Project meeting,
- Meeting with the Presbytery of Santa Fe, Albuquerque, NM.
- Speak at the Adult Forum and Preach at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Los Alamos, NM.
- Minimum Wage Coalition meeting, Albuquerque, NM.
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CALENDAR |
website calendar 2013 MAY 2-4 2013 RMS Assembly Embassy Suites Hotel
Loveland, Colorado SEPTEMBER 23-26 Theological Conference YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
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| ELCA GLOBAL LINKS | |
eNewsletter of the ELCA
South Africa: An inspiring global mission story
"All I can tell you is that when I see this little girl, I see the face of Jesus," says Katie Justice, an ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission volunteer in South Africa. To read her story and others from ELCA missionaries in the global church, download the winter Hand in Hand Newsletter or bulletin inserts.
Fighting malaria with honey
If you are poor, you might need to use that mosquito net to catch fish or protect your crops from pests. In southern Africa, partners with the ELCA Malaria Campaign are helping farmers improve their harvests and their incomes so they can more easily focus on preventing malaria. See more.
Plan a prayer vigil for Middle East peace
Hold a prayer vigil on the 24th of every month and, with the ELCA Peace Not Walls campaign, join the global prayers for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Read more.
Malaysia: Support new missionaries!
The Rev. Dr. Eric and the Rev. Wendolyn Trozzo have begun service in Malaysia, where Eric teaches courses on Lutheran theology at the Lutheran Study Center in the ecumenical seminary in Sabah. Make a gift to support their ministry or go deeper with a covenant relationship, which includes prayer and mutual communication. Send an email or call 800-638-3522, ext. 2657. |
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UTAH
| submit Utah news or photos
LDR in Partnerships around the Nation
Here is a story from Utah - LSS of Utah Lutheran Disaster Response program.
 Pictured are five diaconal ministers working with LDR in Washington D.C. last week. Amid cherry blossoms, plans were being made for LDR regional clusters to work together on disaster projects beginning the second half of 2013.
Diaconal ministers pictured: Dr. Leslie Whited (2E - LSS of Utah), Christine Connell (LSS NY), Morgan Gordy (Diaconal Minister involved in tornado and Katrina recovery - Southern States), Katie Muholland Metro D.C. area, and Tempie Beaman, LSS of So. California.
Pastor Michael Stadie is the new and dynamic, ELCA LDR Director.
Events
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| WYOMING | submit Wyoming news or photos
 "World of Faith" Workshop Series at Good Shepherd, Casper
Good Shepherd Lutheran of Casper is hosting "A World of Faith" series of classes on Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Native American spirituality. The adult Sunday school in April and May will feature Professor Bridget Veauthier of Casper College, Rabbi Sam Wiseman of Temple Beth-El, Lizz Cowley, and three from Good Shepherd: Dee Ward, Doug Evans, and Pastor Jack Damien.
   
The 11:00 a.m. class on Judaism, held on Sunday, April 21, follows the 9:30 a.m. worship service. The other classes also meet at 11:00 a.m. The public is invited to attend. For more information, please call the church office at 307- 237-3503.
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NEW MEXICO and EL PASO, TEXAS
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| COLORADO | submit Colorado news or photos
It's a Party - D�a del Ni�o Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey - Denver presents for the community El Festival del D�a del Ni�o (The Festival of the Child) on Saturday, April 20, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Community Center at Cristo Rey, located at 501 Raleigh Street in Denver (80204).  This is an event especially for the young children with many fun and exciting activities and diversions. The kids will have a choice of fruit cocktail, popcorn or bags of snacks. The first 100 kids to arrive will receive a FREE toy. For more information, please contact Pastor Armando Rangel at 720-297-1550.
The Festival is being sponsored by The Children's Bureau, Escala Family Dentistry and Encuentro Community Center of Cristo Rey. 
 
 Music at Saint Paul, Denver
During the month of April 2013, Music at Saint Paul is pleased to present the following musical offerings: Studio Piano Recital - Students of Megan Kelley Sunday, April 21, 2013 - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Two different student piano recitals, featuring classical works, Broadway songs, folk songs, and dagogical pieces. Free admission. Colorado Christian University Choirs - Songs of Faith Friday, April 26, 2013 - 7:30 p.m. The Colorado Christian University Choir, conducted by Dr. Frank Eychaner, and the Colorado Christian University Women's Chorus, directed by Kyle Fleming, present a spring concert. Call 303-963-3135 for ticket information. Mountain Chamber Music Society - Music for Spring Sunday, April 28, 2013 - 2:30 p.m. A program of delightful chamber music. Get ticket information. Do plan to join us for one or all of these exciting programs! Music at Saint Paul is a ministry of Saint Paul Lutheran Church to present outstanding concerts and inspiring liturgies in the wonderful acoustical setting of the congregation's historic building. Parking for Music at Saint Paul events is available on the street (free on Saturdays and Sundays and after 6:00 p.m. on weekdays) and in the various nearby pay lots. More information. Please contact the church office at 303-839-1432 for more information about these and future Music at Saint Paul events. The church is located at 1600 Grant Street in Denver (80203).
Fundraiser Invitation to Cherokee Ranch for Children in Haiti April 25
Danielle Gilbert, a youth attending Well of Hope Worshipping Community has been planning (with some guidance from one of her high school teachers and Pastor Michelle de Beauchamp) to put on a fundraiser at Cherokee Ranch and Castle in Sedalia. She has worked tirelessly at getting people to donate so that all the funds can go directly toward the fundraiser! Funds raised by the event will go toward serving children in Haiti through the Haitian Timoun Foundation summer camps in the Jacmel, Haiti. These summer camps are set up to help child slaves and when the children attend they receive two meals a day, a water filtration system for their family, and new clothes. The event is being funded by Abiding Hope and Well of Hope.
 There will be speakers throughout the night, and rostered leaders are especially urged to attend to show their support for the Rocky Mountain Synod's newest worshipping community (Well of Hope in Castle Pines). You can look forward to fabulous food from the caterer, a chance to enjoy the cash bar, an awesome silent auction, and if you get there by 6:00 p.m., there are free tours of Cherokee Castle! If you don't know about Cherokee Ranch it is a "big deal" in Douglas County as a venue and is actually like a Castle! Invite your friends, families and church members!
Here are the details:
Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cherokee Ranch and Castle
6113 Daniels Park Rd
Sedalia, CO 80135
The tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple. To purchase tickets online, please visit the website or contact Pastor Michelle by email!
Wartburg College Choir in Denver
You are invited: Wartburg College Choir in Denver, Colorado
Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church St. John's Cathedral
4500 East Hampden Ave. 1350 Washington St.
Cherry Hills Village, CO Denver, CO  The internationally acclaimed Wartburg Choir performs sacred music from all historical periods and styles. Called "a mighty fortress of skill" by the Washington Post, the choir is often invited for special performances in the U.S. and abroad. They participated in the December 2011 White House Holiday Concert Series and at the National Cathedral's Bethlehem Prayer Service, simulcast worldwide. The choir has sung at the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe and in South Africa. Wartburg West Reception: Wartburg College is a selective four-year liberal arts college of the Lutheran Church (ELCA), nationally recognized for community engagement, with Wartburg West an urban extension program located for over 25 years in Denver. There is exciting news about the future of Wartburg West moving to Cathedral Square. A formal announcement will be madeSunday, April 28, 2:00 p.m., St. John's Cathedral (Dagwell Hall). Join Lutheran, Episcopalian, College and Community representatives for this momentous event. ($15 adults, $5 K-12 students) or purchased at the door. Bethany Tickets St. John's Cathedral Tickets
"Hops for Hunger" Fundraising Event in Loveland
O n April 27, 2013, Kid's Pak and Pateros Creek Brewing Company will partner Mustard Seed House Church to present "Hops for Hunger," in order to raise awareness, funds, and food for childhood hunger in the community. Did you know that 1 in 5 kids in Colorado goes hungry each day? Did you know that you can help? Come out to Mustard Seed House Church's very first fundraiser to benefit Kids Pak, a group that is fighting childhood hunger in our community. This is a win/win, folks.  Kid's Pak is a program through the Loveland Rotary Club that provides food for children in Northern Colorado over the weekend - they currently pack almost 400 bags of food each week for school children in the Thompson Valley School District. These are children who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend and they need your help!  Pateros Creek Brewing is hosting this awesome event and will donate $1 for each beverage sold. This is a family-friendly event with free root beer and live music as well! Dam Good Tacos will be onsite too! Come out and support a great cause!
Contact Andy by email for more information. Got Facebook? Get more details.
Please consider bringing one of the following canned goods:
5 oz tuna
5 oz chicken
15 oz Dennison Chili w/beans
15 oz mini meat ravoli's
15 oz mac & beef
15 oz corn
15 oz fruit cocktail
6/4 oz applesauce
15 oz pinto beans
Developing Good Habits for Listening to God's Voice Church Innovations and Augustana Lutheran Church present Dwelling in the Word, Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., in Augustana's Fellowship Hall.  Dwelling in the Word is a practical, group devotional technique appropriate for Bible study groups, councils and governing church bodies, youth groups, visioning teams, or anyone who seeks habits for listening to God's voice. Pat Taylor Ellison will guide you through the day as you experience a tested process for deep listening to God, one another, and your neighbor; live into a Bible passage over time and see how it shapes your imagination and vision for God's mission through your church; and learn what happens to persons and churches that practice Dwelling in the Word. Registration of $30/person payable to Augustana Lutheran Church includes the workshop, lunch, child care, and a pocket copy of the handbook, Dwelling in the Word. For information or to register for the event, visit their website, call 303-388-4678 or send an e-mail message.  For additional information on Church Innovations or Dwelling in the Word, visit www.churchinnovations.org and click on About Us.
 Highlands Lutheran Church 90th Anniversary Celebration is Sunday, April 28 On April 28, 2013, Highlands Lutheran Church celebrates 90 years of ministry in NW Denver. The Celebratory Service will take place at 10:30 a.m. and the Party is from 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. The theme of our celebration is: 90 and Forward in God's Grace!
Our celebration will include guest preacher and musician Rev. Kent Mueller, of the Office of the Bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod. Former pastors and guest preachers at HLC will be in attendance. Doug Howe and his Band will uplift the attendees with music from all the decades between 1926 and 2013. There will be a Period Costume Contest, so choose an era that spoke to you in terms of clothing and come dressed up! Since Highlands Lutheran Church had a Swedish constituency in its early years, we will have a Swedish buffet and desert. ELCA pastors and church members are welcome to attend.
Highlands Lutheran Church is located at 3995 Irving Street in Denver (80211). Please RSVP to the church by email or phone (303-477-2031).
Family Promise 12th Annual Bowl-A-Thon
You and your family are invited to spent some quality time together at the 12th Annual Family Promise Bowl-a-Thon which will take place on Saturday, May 11 from 12:30 - 2:20 p.m. Check-in begins at 11:45 a.m. and bowling begin at 12:30 p.m. The new location is Brunswick Zone green  Mountain at 945 Kipling Parkway in Lakewood. A team of 4 - 6 bowlers is $200 and a bowler bowling alone is $50. The cost includes 2 hours of bowling, shoes, soda, and lunch. This is a FUN event for all ages so recruit family, friends and colleagues. There will be great prizes available. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward shelter and supportive services of children and their families who are experiencing homelessness in our community. Call Family Promise at 303-675-0713 to register a team.
Events
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