Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

The adventure is about to begin. Some of you may still be thinking of my sabbatical as a long vacation, but I

assure you it is going to be quite busy. I am committed to do quite a bit of reflection and writing on the theme of

the challenge of discerning God’s presence and mind. I will be utilizing material from social analysis to

psychological to theological. My working name for this project is “Log in the Eye” (referencing Luke 6:39-42).

As has been mentioned, the Grant Committee recommended we have a variety of clergy to fill in during my

absence. Here is our supply lineup: The Rev. Sarah Berlin, who has served on the staff of the cathedral, is

married to The Rev. George Berlin, Rector of Sts. Peter and James in Denver, and will be with us on April 14,

21, and 28. The Rev. Garry Horle, retired a few years ago from St. Laurence in Conifer, will be with us in two

stints— May 5 and 12, and again on July 7 and 14. The Rev. Fred Poteet will be back with us on May 19 and

26, and June 2. The Rev. Bruce Swinehart will be with us on June 9, 16, 23, and 30. When Bruce graduated

from seminary a few years ago, he was one of a few graduates from across the nation selected to participate in a

new project in the Diocese of Tennessee, during which he has priest in charge of a congregation and

participated in special training in congregational development. I trust you will find some good variety here.

You will be hearing from the Labyrinth Project Committee about the project to install a labyrinth. This has a

two-fold goal: create this tool for spiritual growth and practice, and be a opportunity for community

involvement. The Boy Scouts will help by preparing the space by removing grass and laying down a bed of

gravel and sand. St. Gregory’s members (that’s you) will lay the brick edging and install the gridwork for the

paths. The final step will be to lay new sod over the grids and use a roller to press it into the grid, creating a nice

level grass path for walking that should avoid problems with mud in rainy times. I will write more about how

one walks a labyrinth in a future Chant.

It is interesting how scripture passages can change when taken out of context. This sentence was spoken

between Jacob and Laban: "The LORD watch between you and me, when we are absent one from the other.”

(Genesis 31:49) Originally it was spoken regarding a pillar they had erected to signify a commitment (treaty)

not to mistreat each other or their families (Jacob had married Laban’s daughters) while apart. On it’s own, it

has become a prayer of care. I choose that version as I pray this for us, that the Lord indeed will watch over us

while we are apart from one another. My heart’s prayer is that this be a good experience for all of you as well as

for Barbara & I. As Barbara reminded me, she is not on sabbatical as I am, and you may see her around working

on the Community Garden and at the Ladies Tea.

May the Lord indeed watch over us while apart, and bless us all.

Blessings,

+

To Our Dear Friends at St. Gregory ---

It's been a difficult decision to find some way to reach all of you, or at least as many as possible. In a

discussion with Fr. Todd we decided a short note in the "Chant" would be the best.

First of all, Dorothy and I want to thank all of you who have been loving us and praying for us.

Secondly, after eight months of absence and many tests and evaluations, I have been diagnosed with Early

Alzheimer's. This is a disease that has no cure at this time, but there are prescriptions that help and I am taking

them now, along with recommended physical exercises and the avoidance of stresses.

Dorothy and I continue to ask for your prayers as we move forward with our Lord and what He calls us to.

God Bless and thanks to you all,

Father Bob and Dorothy

With the exercise and prescriptions, Fr. Bob is doing OK at this point, he’s even lost some weight. We will see

them in church when they are able to get here. I know your love and prayers are already there. You might want

to send them a note of encouragement. If you don’t have the address, contact the parish office. (This newsletter

is public on the web, so we won’t publish it here.) Fr. Todd+

Fr. Todd may be on sabbatical, but that doesn’t mean Barbara is. This year

she, with help from the Girl Scout troop, will continue the wonderful

tradition of bringing generations together for a lovely afternoon tasting teas

and treats. This year it will be on Sunday, May 5, from 2:00 – 4:00. This is a chance to dress up (hats are nice)

and enjoy a calm afternoon tradition. Please sign up on the kiosk so they can plan accordingly.

May 18 is the date for the Lobster Dinner, in support of the work with Sudden Infant Death through Angel Eyes

(formerly Colorado SIDS Foundation). Join us at 6:00 p.m. to feast on either whole lobster, flown in fresh

from Maine, lobster tails, or filet mignon. Harold and Jami Jones have agreed to coordinate this dinner, and I

am sure they would welcome any help with cooking or set up. Please sign up at church, indicate what you are

ordering and what dies you will bring (it’s BYOB). Be sure to include a check written to “Claws for a Cause”

(NOT to St. Gregory’s) in the envelope on the clipboard. At the time this is going out, we do not have prices, so

watch for them.

We are delighted to have Neil Sorensen working with our youth during the months of April and May! He has

two years of experience as youth minister at All Saints in Loveland, and is known around the diocese for his

work with youth.

Most of our group will once more be attending the Quest weekend at Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista. This is a

weekend to slow down and pay attention to God. The theme this year is; “No Boat Required” (think Peter).

Thanks to Neil, the youth will be leading worship for a Youth Sunday, on April 7. They will be doing the

readings, leading the music, and even giving the sermon for the 9:30 service!

We invite any going into 7th

grade & up to join us. Our regular meetings will be on Sundays from 11:30 – 1:00

p.m. Check with Brinda (see below) for details. Not on our youth e-mail list? Contact Brinda Pumphrey at

blane_pumphrey@hotmail.com to be added.

As part of Fr. Todd’s sabbatical experience, he will be hosting a pilgrimage trip

for anyone what would like to join the Youth Group and Fr. Todd. It will include

a night at the Great Sand Dunes National park (motel “camping” for those so

inclined). The next day we walk the beautiful Stations of the Cross in San Luis.

This is a gentle trail up a hill with statues at each station. From there we proceed

to Taos, camping outside of town (or motels). While in Taos we visit the church

in Rancho de Taos, where they have on display a painting of Jesus that

transforms when the lights are extinguished (this was painted in the 1800s,

without radium, yet part of it glows). The next day we travel to the Santuario de

Chimayo, and small village chapel known for people’s praying for and receiving

healing (photo from there). (And Chimayo chilies are worth the trip!) . We

continue to Santa Fe to visit the Sisters of Loretto chapel where the staircase to

the loft is a bit of a miracle. Lodging in motels that night, we will dine in the Old Town, and if time before

returning we will walk a local labyrinth in Santa Fe.

The trip is scheduled for departure Friday morning, August 2 and returning the afternoon of Monday August 5.

Costs are still being determined, but it would be very helpful to have an idea of how many could attend. Also- if

anyone would like to help Fr. Todd coordinate the logistics (vehicles in caravan, food, etc.) please contact him

now.

We have a committee organized to work on this

congregational project. The funds for this come from the

sabbatical grant. The Boy Scouts are set to do the prep work,

and we invite you to be part of the install crew. Watch for

news from the committee in the days to come.

By

Kim Stephens

Happy Easter! Happy Spring! I am looking forward to celebrating both with you all!

CURRENT EVENTS:

We will resume our regular Sunday school classes for the 6 Sundays of Easter. Learning more about the Holy

Spirit will be the focus this month. During Lent, we learned many ways to pray, and that prayer is very

important if we are to stay close to God. We will continue to keep learning new prayers and praying together.

One type of prayer I love to teach children is meditative prayer. I will share these with the children and send

home copies for you to try at home.

I am now able to make updates on our church website and plan to work with Father Todd before he leaves to

update the Children’s Ministry page soon.

I hope you will all be able to join us for Father Todd’s send off on April 7th. The children have made a gift to

present to him and we have some fun kid activities planned for the celebration.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

May 19th- TEACHER APPRECIATION- We will celebrate our amazing Sunday school teachers with a gift

during the service. Please welcome me in thanking them for all of the time and care they give to the children all

year!

May 19th- END OF SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATION- Our last day of Sunday school will be

celebrated with a special treat and games! We will take a short break over Memorial Day weekend then begin

our summer Children’s Church on June 2nd.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH is a way for the children to experience the Gospel story in their own way. We meet

for the children’s sermon immediately following the Gospel reading, then head over to the Parish Hall for a

short story and activity. Children’s Church will run from June 2nd – August 25th. Please sign up to help

during the summer and see the Gospel stories through the eyes of our precious children.

There will be a sign up on the kiosk in the Narthex beginning in May. See me if you would like more

information about helping. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!

SAVE THE DATE!!! SATURDAY JULY 20TH- VACATION BIBLE CAMP will be held in the Parish

Hall from 10-3. More details to follow.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY SCHEDULES

For security reasons, we are no longer listing the children’s ministry schedules in the Chant, as that is a public

document online. You can always find our schedules in the members tab of on our web page:

http://www.stgregorys.dioco.org/dfcfile_permits/new?dfcfile_id=3152450 Check with the church if you have

forgotten the password.

Our web site continues to be updated. It is at:http://www.gtgregorys.dioco.org

REMEMBER: you need the password to access the members’ portions of our site,

except the Chant. Please check with us for a password reminder. As we are now

publishing the Chant publicly, it does not need one. Check out the “News” section a

bit down the home page for the latest events.

We now have our own Facebook page! It is found at:

https://www.facebook.com/StGregorysEpiscopalChurch, Like us!

Anyone heading to the Cortez area this summer might want to check this out: Members of St. Barnabas of the

Valley Episcopal Church in Cortez introduce a new home-stay program for those wanting to visit the Four

Corners area. There are several festivals this summer you might want to attend.

They will welcome you into their homes and feel you breakfast. And if there on a Sunday, join them in their

worship. They accept a donation of $50 towards the ministry of St. Barnabas (Grace’s Soup Kitchen) for each

night’s stay. Call Marcia (907-565-5395) or Sue (970-565-9315).

Ensemble Pearl, May 3, 7:30 pm, St. John's Cathedral, Denver

Ensemble Pearl is a Baroque chamber group based in the

Boulder-Denver area. Co-directed by young artist members

Joseph Howe and Jennifer Diaz, the ensemble, which started in

2011, plays four concerts a year. By pairing young artists with

exceptional professional musicians, Ensemble Pearl provides the

opportunity to learn Baroque performance practice on historic instruments, while creating performances for the

communities of Colorado's Front Range. This spring program of German Baroque music includes works by

Bach and Buxtehude and features soloists Amanda Balestieri (soprano) and Brandon Labadie (Baroque oboe).

Please visit www.ensemblepearl.com for more information. Freewill offering.