Check out these photos (here and on pages 2 and 6)

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION OF THE ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC COMMUNION
Check out these photos (here and on
pages 2 and 6) from the regional ECC
youth camping trip in June. With 13
youth and six adults, we had a great
weekend camping at Jackson Lake
State Park. We hiked. We swam. We
canoed. We prayed. We slept in tents.
We had bonfires, and we s'mored!
weekend. And we are grateful for that
one, but I think it is also important to
know that our youth programs in the
ECC will only survive and flourish if
adults who do not have youth
participate
and
support
these
programs. So, I would like to encourage
every adult in the Rocky Mountain
Region of the ECC to find some way to
support children and youth ministries
this next school year. I'd like to offer
some suggestions of how you can
support these programs, but feel free
to try something not on this list.
If you look closely at the photos you
can see 13 happy youth and six adults.
What I want everyone to know, is that
of those six adults, only one of them
had a youth who was camping that
When working with youth there are a
few general areas that could usually
use help and support: chaperons and
leaders, opportunities, supplies, and
food!
You can offer to lead a group or a class,
or be the second adult for a program as
support. Make sure you know your
faith community's requirements for
leading children and youth activities
and be up to date with your training
(i.e. background checks, classes, etc).
Also, drivers are often needed for
activities.
Maybe you can create an opportunity
for children or youth in your
community. Do you have the
equipment for a hay ride? Do you have
a place in the mountains that could be
used for a retreat? How about a
canoe? Or maybe a horseshoe pit in
your backyard? Or maybe you make
sack lunches for the homeless in your
1
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
Finally, let us pray for our children and
youth.
God of all life, who calls little children
to play and to pray, bless our young
people. May they be the prophetic
voice of our today, and lead us into the
possibilities of our tomorrow. May our
guidance be Your guidance in their
lives. Amen.
Contents
Vicar musings, 1-2
Regional ministers gather, 3
PC wedding bells, 4
community once a month and could
invite the youth to help you?
You could also check with your children
and youth leaders about needed
supplies. Art supplies, journals, photo
paper for printing pictures, or maybe
props and costumes for dramatic
events are just a few ideas that could
help leaders of children and youth.
Does your confirmation class need
Bibles? Does your religious education
program need videos? Many leaders
have wish lists of things that they could
use and perhaps you are just the
person to help supply them.
But don't forget the food! Children and
especially youth need food at events.
Donate a large can of lemonade mix, or
get a gift card for the grocery store.
Offer to host a root beer float night, or
get a small group of people together to
make a meal for the youth. Don't
forget to find out if there are any food
allergies and try to accommodate all
the children or youth if possible.
specifically looking for volunteers to
look into the areas of Youth Ministry
and
Youth
Leadership
and
Empowerment in the ECC. You could
volunteer to serve on one of these
groups in development.
If you have questions about how to get
involved in any of these activities
related to children and youth, please
contact me if you don't know who to
contact in your own community.
Also, please take a moment to thank
those in your community who are
working directly with children and
youth. Send them a note of thanks, or
ask to lead a blessing during your
worship services. I know how grateful I
am for Denise, Dave, Renee, Tim, and
Sammie for volunteering to chaperon
the camping trip in June. May the
Word of God always be the place
where they start.
Pride parade, 5
LOC activities, 6-7
CHF events, 7
COB happenings, 8
MOM Baptism, 9
Letters and Photos of the Region, 9
Co-Editors
Sally Allen
[email protected]
Fr. Michael Nicosia
[email protected]
On the national scene, Bishop +Francis
is creating groups that will explore how
to expand the mission of the ECC. He is
2
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
REMINDER:
—each community has its own details.
The Rocky Mountain Regional Council
has been sponsoring a series of
gatherings for the various ministries
within our parishes. These gatherings
are to afford us the opportunity to
share ideas and hopes for the future of
our programs and to develop some
interconnectedness throughout the
region. The House of Laity (HOL) and
House of Pastors (HOP) met in March
and Religious Educators met in May.
On August 6th the region’s Liturgy
Planners, Coordinators, and Clergy
gathered at Church of the Beloved in
Northglenn. After a brief prayer ritual
they shared ideas on the various
liturgical
seasons,
rituals,
and
environment. Each community shared
what's going well, giving life, and
nurturing spiritually, as well as what
their hopes are for worship in our
communities which included more
focus on worship environment,
nourishing hospitality, and promoting
healing.
hospitality. LOC members have been
enjoying having a variety of Presiders.
Some communities have moved the
Sharing of Peace to after the Prayers of
the People. MOM had a wonderful
process of moving the Sharing of Peace
--- educating, reflecting, and practicing.
One week they changed the readings
to include the scripture that was
associated with the exchange and
making of peace and then practicing.
The liturgy reps are open to making
connections
with
the
other
communities in the RMR by using guest
presiders, singing similar masses,
sharing resources especially Eucharistic
Prayers (Len, although not at the
meeting, asked for the clergy to share
their Eucharistic Prayers with the other
priests in the region by email.)
A very interesting proposal came from
Margo at LOC: She thought having
quarterly gatherings for Evenings of
Praise, Worship, Song for the purpose
of
Healing,
Keeping
intention,
celebration of a particular event, etc.,
would make wonderful connections
throughout the region, and at this
particular time, allow LOC members to
see that they are not alone in their
healing process. Denise of PC put out
the suggestion to use one or two of
these gatherings for a "Carol Night"
and/or "Easter Song." The representtatives seemed open to trying
this. Margo's vision is that these
gatherings would be mostly music.
The RMRC invites all Liturgical
Musicians to gather on Thursday,
September 3rd at 6:30 pm at Church of
the Beloved in Northglenn. Come
prepared with two unique songs or
masses that your music groups are
doing in your parish. Let’s have an
evening of sharing and creating music
together. Come prepared with copies
of music for instrumentalists and
vocalists (parts if there are any) for the
other groups. As we get closer to our
gathering, I can let you know how
many we are expecting. Please RSVP to
[email protected] or 720-2209464.
Communities are looking for ways to
bring home a particular meaning or
message. Holy Family has been
occasionally having the Gospel reading
acted out. Pax Christi has gathered our
small
community
around
the
table. COB has put much focus on
3
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
ECC—Rocky
Mountain Region
CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY
On May 23, 2015 at 4:30 in the
afternoon, the community of Pax
Christi celebrated Pentecost and my
marriage to Sarah Jean Graham in
grand fashion. Witnessed by friends,
family and community, Sarah and I
exchanged our vows with the blessing
of the Holy Spirit.
Everyone
participated
in
song, readings,
congratulations and a delicious potluck
(which is the signature dining
experience of Pax Christi). Reverend
Kathleen Gorman officiated; Fathers
Michael Nicosia and Stan Manickam
co-officiated. My sister, Debbie, and
her two children, Regan and Tommy
attended. The biggest gift to me was
my mother, Joanne’s, presence at the
wedding. She came a long way to
acceptance. Sarah and I went to St.
Thomas, V.I., for my niece, Amanda’s,
wedding. We stayed for the week as
our honeymoon. There my father,
brother and other family members
were able to meet Sarah. While there,
LOVE WON. The Supreme Court made
its decision that the freedom to marry
extends to all people. Perfect timing.
~ Dcn. Denise Roberts-Graham
Fr. Scott Jenkins, Pastor
Mass: 10:00 am Sundays
16738 E. Iliff Avenue
Aurora CO 80013
Jennifer LaRochelle, Administrator
(303) 369-9000
[email protected]
www.churchofholyfamily.org
CHURCH OF THE BELOVED
Mother Kae Madden, Pastor
Mass: 5:00 pm Saturdays
10500 Grant Drive
Northglenn CO 80233
Mother Kae 303-426-5464;
[email protected]
Fr. Paul 720-254-2083
Fr. Len 303-776-1460
www.churchofthebeloved-ecc.org
4
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
On June 21, 2015, Fr. Michael Nicosia,
Sarah Graham and Denise RobertsGraham from Pax Christi, and Renee
and Shannon Anderson from the
Church of the Beloved marched in the
Pride Parade. (Thanks, Angela Scala for
pulling it together and COB for
sponsoring us!) What a colorful event
for the eye, the mind, and the heart!
Father Michael suggested that I wear
my collar for the Parade. It was an
amazing experience walking among
FAMILY and family, friends, supporters
of FAMILY. Many were touched deeply
that “the Church” was present and
supportive of the LGBT Community. I
shared hugs and handshakes with
many people along the parade route,
not a stranger among us. I look
forward to next year; we are thinking
about having a booth with information
about our wonderful and welcoming
ECC communities.
~ Dcn. Denise
PAX CHRISTI ECC CHURCH
Fr. Michael Nicosia, Pastor
Mass: 4:30 pm Saturdays
6th Avenue United Church of Christ
3250 Sixth Avenue
Denver CO 80206
Fr. Michael 720-218-1081;
[email protected]
Fr. Stan Manickam, Pastor Emeritus
720-323-2099;
[email protected]
Sue Kaessner, Administrator
[email protected]
www.paxchristi-ecc.org
LIGHT OF CHRIST
ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC
COMMUNITY
Fr. Jim Demuth, Pastoral Vicar
Fr. Teri Harroun, Pastoral Associate
Masses: 5:00 pm Saturdays,
11:45 am Sundays
and 9:00 am Wednesdays
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1000 W. 15th Avenue
Longmont CO 80501
303-772-3785;
[email protected]
www.lightofchristecc.org
5
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
With the upcoming installation of
Bishop Francis, a request was sent out
to churches in the Rocky Mt. Region for
people who could sew and would be
willing to put stoles together for Bishop
Peter and Bishop Francis, as a gift from
the Rocky Mountain Region. Three
people
from
Light
of
Christ
volunteered: Mary Pepin, Kelly de
Haas, and Irene Yap. Together they
have been working on the stoles for
the past two months and plan to be
finished in mid-August. The stoles are
green with purple mountains and
aspen trees in the fall, befitting a
graphic that represents the Rocky
Mountains. All three women are
experienced at sewing and Mary has
sewn many stoles in the past. “It has
been a real delight for all of us to do
this,” said Mary.
Photo of from left, Kelly de Haas, Irene
Yap, and Mary Pepin from Light of
Christ, as they work on sewing stoles
for Bishops Peter and Francis.
MARY OF MAGDALA COMMUNITY
Each year, youth at LOC participate in a
weekend camping trip retreat led by
Father Teri Harroun and supported by
a cast of six willing adult volunteers. In
the past, this trip was exclusive to LOC
youth. This year, the trip was opened
to all youth ages 13-17 throughout all
five communities in the Rocky
Mountain Region. There were three
communities represented at the
retreat this summer. Although the
weekend itself is the focal point for
prayer, faith building, and community
building, the weekend is a culmination
of year-long preparation. Youth at LOC
participate in the Grouth Youp – yes,
you read that right – the Grouth Youp
is a community of teens in the
community who come together to play,
pray, and do good for the surrounding
community. They participate in
liturgies throughout the year and work
to help those in need. The LOC
community supports them by donating
time, treasure, and talent for activities
like creating gift bags for homeless
families in Longmont. But they help
Fr. Jim Demuth, Pastoral Director
Mass: 5:00 pm Sundays
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
1208 W. Elizabeth Street
Fort Collins CO 80521
970-217-3009
[email protected]
http://marymagdalafc.org
Also check out our friends of the
COMMUNITY IN DISCERNMENT,
BOULDER
Mass: 1:30 pm
every first and third Sunday
Community United Church of Christ
2650 Table Mesa Drive
Boulder CO 80305
Mother Sheila Dierks
303-449-4302
[email protected]
For more information about the
ECUMENICAL CATHOLIC
COMMUNION, visit
http://ecumenical-catholiccommunion.org
6
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
themselves, too. Each year, the LOC
community supports them in fundraising efforts for youth activities like
the annual camping retreat. The youth
work hard to sponsor a spaghetti
supper to raise funds for activities like
this, but they couldn’t do it without the
adults who donate items for the
dinner. The end result is a spiritual
formation journey for the youth as you
can see in their faces during a
candlelight vigil held during the
summer retreat.
Have you ever had the feeling that life
is fleeting? I mean that sense of,
“Wow! Where did it all go? How did I
ever get to be this old?” Do you ever
wonder how we could lead lives which
are a lot less hectic and more in touch
with the best life has to offer? How can
we live the life we deeply desire to
live? Does the Celtic Christian way have
some unique insights to empower us to
actually step into a “way of being” in
this world that will bring us closer to
fulfilling our moving to wholeness? I
believe that it does! And I would like to
explore this together through some
interactive time balanced with
sometime of quiet reflection.
What you will need to bring: Your
notebook and pen; an open heart and
some delicious food to share. I’ll put
the coffee, tea, and orange juice out.
Thanks for making these gatherings
well worth the effort!
September 12, 2015–10am to 12 noon
“Listening and Engaging
the Season of Our Life.”
Beginning June 14, we will meet on the
2nd and 4th Sunday evenings of each
month at 5:00 pm. This gathering will
include prayer, silence, scripture, and
Eucharist. Our goal is to provide open
space for reflection and connection
with our Creator. These gatherings will
be refreshing and life-giving! When we
leave, we will know that the well will
still pour out some life-giving surprises
and we will leave refreshed for the
benefit of our thirsty world.
See you there...Invite a friend...bring an
open heart!
Annual Mass in the Park then picnic on
Sunday, Sept. 13th at Utah Park in
Aurora, 10am-2pm. HOL will provide
pulled pork*, chicken, beans*, potato
salad, bread, and serving ware
(* gluten free). You are invited to bring
additional food and/or non-alcoholic
drink to share. This year we have a
strategy to discourage flying pests in an
environmentally friendly way. Please
mark the date and plan to join us for a
beautiful celebration of the Mass
followed by food, fun, and fellowship.
A poet is someone
Who can pour light into a cup,
Then raise it to nourish
Your beautiful arched holy mouth
~Hafiz
th
Saturday, August 15
5-6pm Dinner, 6-8pm Poetry
Meet at Holy Family at 5:00 pm and
bring a salad or dessert and beverage
of choice. Pizza will be provided. We
will enjoy dinner together then around
6:00 we will share poetry. Please come
and share your writing or bring some of
your favorite poems. All styles and
topics welcome. This is such an
enriching way to spend a Saturday
evening! Call Karen Maestas (303-5507184) if you have questions.
7
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
out meals will also be available. Dinner
includes spaghetti with fresh homemade sauce, homemade meatballs,
sausage, salad, beverage and dessert.
Together we can provide abundance to
many who are in need.
COB’s
Church of the Beloved will celebrate
their 11th anniversary on their feast day
on September 26th. The community
gathers in the outdoor area of the
church to celebrate Mass together.
Afterwards, everyone enjoys food and
fellowship. Mass begins at 5:00 pm in
the lawn area on the south side of the
church. COB provides meat and
beverages and others add side dishes
for a fun and hearty fare. All are
welcome to help us celebrate.
Three youth from COB have been
meeting weekly to prepare for
confirmation in the fall. Candidates
have been studying scripture and
comparing between the Old Testament
and the New Testament. They have
been working diligently on service
projects and continued their journey
through the summer months by
participating in the regional youth
retreat camping trip. In addition,
candidates received ‘homework’ via
mail during the summer that
encouraged them to work with their
sponsors to enrich their faith. The
youth are pretty excited to be the first
ever group to be confirmed in the COB
community!
COB in Northglenn will be holding
their 2nd Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Fundraiser on October 18, 2015. Diners
will have the option of a 3:00 pm
seating or the 4:30 pm seating. Take-
Gluten free pasta is available on
request. Donations will be accepted for
tickets and should be reserved in
advance. For more information, please
contact Beverly Yantorno (303-8812192).
There is an active Prayer Shawl
Ministry (PSM) at COB that has made
beautiful shawls for those in need of
prayer. The shawls are made with love
by the ladies of the PSM and then each
shawl is bathed in love by members of
the community before it is presented
to someone. The shawl is then a source
of warmth and comfort while representing the hope we find in prayer.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is expanding
its outreach to knit, crochet or sew
hats and scarves for the designated
shelters that Church of the Beloved
supports. These hats and scarves will
be provided to both adults and children
during the winter months. The PSM
team would like to invite all within the
COB community who would like to
share their creative talents to
participate in this worthy project. The
ministry has several bags of donated
yarn to choose from. Currently the
PSM members are Linda Adams, Sally
Donaldson, Jackie Immele, Barbara
Stepanick, Pat Tinucci, and Linda
Pavlak. If you are interested in helping
with this project, contact Linda Pavlak
at [email protected] and she can
put you in touch with any one of the
members who will be happy to get you
started in this worthwhile ministry.
Social Justice Committee
sponsored a Week of Giving June 1321st, beginning with our annual Rice
and Beans project and our first Kits for
Kids project. With the many helpings
hands, we re-packaged 2100 pounds of
rice and beans for families in need that
COB members distributed to local food
pantries. Those participating in Kits for
Kids purchased items and bagged kits
of medical supplies and toiletries that
were sent to families in developing
countries such as Uganda through
Project C.U.R.E. On June 14th, we
participated in the Epilepsy Strides
Walk and on June 21st, we walked in
the Pride Parade with our "all our
welcome" banner. Our hands and
hearts and feet engaged in projects that
matter in the community. Our Week of
Giving served those in need both
locally and internationally, spanned
charity and advocacy. Thanks to all the
kids and adults who provided resources
and gave of their time. Let's hope this
"seed" spreads on and on!
(more photos on page 9)
8
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—
COB Rice & Beans crew
If you’d like to give witness to how you came to the ECC, share a concern or
thanksgiving about a particular facet of our common life, or suggest ways we
can grow as a region, submit a letter to our editors. We edit and/or trim letters
as little as possible, but we reserve the right to do so as necessary.
MoM celebrated our first adult
baptism, as Fr. Jim DeMuth and the
Church-gathered
welcomed
Kou
Lukenan into the sacramental life of
our community on July 12, 2015.
Have a photo of a significant event in the life of our community? Send a little
write-up along with it.
Members of Pax Christi partner with their host church, 6thAveUCC, to provide
dinner for the over-night guests of the Homeless Women’s Initiative.
9
The Journey Shared—Summer 2015—