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November 2018 Newsletter Estes Park’s historic mainline Protestant congregation founded in 1907.
Core Value: The Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies is a Sacred Community formed around Jesus the Christ where we experience God’s presence in our lives and service together. Volume 6, Number 11
Presbyterian Women Bible Study
All of the women in our congregation are automatically a part of Presbyterian Women and are invited to
join us each month for fellowship and Bible Study. This year we are studying God’s Promise: I Am With
You.
In October we met, shared some stories, prayed together, and studied together as Ginny Thompson
taught us about how God is with us in our uncertainty. She opened by asking us if we had ever been
filled with uncertainty in the face of something we were asked to do. After a short discussion (I think we
could all identify with the question) she told us that Michelangelo Buonarroti balked when he was first
asked to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He said, “I am not a painter.” Nevertheless, he did agree
and the world has been blessed because of his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone.
She shared the stories of Moses
who asked, “Who am I?” and
Gideon who asked, “How can
I?’ Sometimes we ask the same
questions when God calls
us. During the lesson we were
reminded that what ultimately
matters is who God is, not who
we are, and that God doesn’t call
the equipped, but instead equips
the called.
Won’t you consider joining us for
our lesson next month? We will
meet on Monday, November 19
at 11:30 a.m. in the Library.
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PCCR Directory
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 to 3:30, Friday Closed
Office Phone: 970-586-4404
Church Website: www.pccrusa.org
Disciples
All who seek to follow Jesus
Church Staff
Minister: Rev. Michael Moore Ext. 1 [email protected]
Hand Bell Director: Patti Dolezal, Ext. 5 [email protected]
Choir Director: Rich Dixon, Ext. 5
Organist: Larry Gillum, Ext. 5
Finance: Carolyn Hull, Ext. 3 [email protected]
Office Coordinator: Terry Brigham, Ext. 4 [email protected]
Sexton: Rich Dixon, Ext. 6
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this issue of the newsletter—whether it be your service in this church, providing a written article or photo, or folding and assembling the finished product. We appreciate your input!
Worship Schedule
November 4 — Communion, 10:00 a.m. Preaching: Rev. Bruce Brackman Liturgist: Patti Dolezal Chancel Choir: “Assurance” Berg Organist: Don Shelley Greeters: Jim and Karen Daugherty Fellowship Hosts: Choir
November 11 — 10:00 a.m. Preaching: Rev. Michael Moore
Liturgist: TBD Chancel Choir: “Offertory” Beck Chancel Bells: anthem Organist: Larry Gillum Greeters: Bev Henderson and Marilyn Vergoth Fellowship Hosts: Scrapbook/Card Making Group
November 18 — 10:00 a.m. Preaching: Rev. Michael Moore Liturgist: TBD Chancel Choir: “Psalm 84” Racine Joyful Bells: anthem Organist: Larry Gillum Greeters: Dan and Tami Scace Fellowship Hosts: Stephen Ministry
November 25 — 10:00 a.m. Preaching: Rev. Michael Moore Liturgist: TBD Chancel Choir: “Morning Trumpet” Shaw-Parker Organist: Larry Gillum Greeters: Sharyn Gartner Fellowship Hosts: Membership and Hospitality Committee
November 26 — 4:15 p.m. Communion Service at Good Samaritan
The December Newsletter deadline is Tuesday, November 15. Please send your pictures and stories to Terry Brigham at: [email protected] Thanks!
©Contents copyright by the
Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies 2015-2018 and may not be used for any commercial purpose without written permission from PCCR.
News From the Sexton ~ Rich Dixon
We are in flu season and I am making special efforts
to sanitize all door handles, drinking fountains, and
bathroom fixtures.
Please take care not to spread germs, by washing
your hands and using the hand sanitizer in
Fellowship Hall. Thank you.
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November 2018
From Pastor Michael Moore…
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and even though this has been
a tough year with many farewells to members who have passed
away, there is still much to be thankful for. Even as we mourn
the deaths of so many, we also give thanks for their lives and
witness in our community. As we pause to reflect on our many
blessings, we are also called to look forward to the future and
how we can continue to serve the Lord as individuals and as a
community of faith.
A part of our faith commitment is to share our time, talents,
and treasure with our church as we seek to share the Good
News of God’s Love with our community, nation, and world.
One tangible way we do this is through our pledge to support
the church financially in the coming year. You the members and
friends of PCCR have been incredibly supportive of the ministry
of our church in the community. As you consider your pledge for 2019, I would ask you to prayerfully
consider how you can support your ministry here at PCCR. In past years when the Session considers the
budget for the year, pledges make up about three quarters of our budget. The rest of the offering income is
based on a good faith estimate of what will be given by folks who choose not to fill out a pledge card.
You will receive a mailing this month with a letter from the Finance Committee along with a pledge card
for 2019. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the work of Christ in this community and far
beyond through your pledge.
Grace and Peace,
Michael
God Lifts the Lowly
Believe it or not Advent is just around the corner. This year the church ordered a supply of Advent Devotionals, God Lifts the Lowly, for our congregation. The devotional invites us to pray and contemplate with Mary in her Song of Praise — the Magnificat — found in Luke 1:46-53.
The devotionals are available for pick up in the church office now. A donation of $2 to offset the cost would be appreciated but not required.
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News from Malawi ~ Carol Nussbaumer
On October 9, Jim Nussbaumer was honored by a long-time friend, Steven Zulanga, who has
just become a grandfather for the third time. This is the second boy — his daughter's firstborn — and he
has been named "Jim" in honor of their long-time friendship. In 1997 Steven invited us to his village ( a one-
way stroll of 9 km) where we saw our first shallow well. Steven said simply "Now my babies don't die
anymore." One of those babies is the father of Jim Zulanga.
Jim Nussbaumer
holding newborn
Jim.
Jim Zulanga, and
grandfather
Steven.
MMM training — working on the Androids with Mr. Khosa, the overall coordinator in the middle.
Annual Harvest Festival A Success
What a wonderful turn-out we had on Sunday, October 14 for our Annual Harvest Festival Soup Luncheon!
A huge “thank you” from the Membership and Hospitality Committee for supporting this yearly event. The various homemade soups were delicious, the company outstanding, and the fellowship terrific. We so enjoy putting on these events when people come, support, and enjoy them. We hope you had a fabulous lunch with our wonderful church community.
~ Membership and Hospitality Committee
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Annual Grace and Grub Christmas Brunch
Mark your calendars for the Annual Grace and Grub Christmas Brunch on Saturday, December 8 at 9:30 a.m. It will be hosted by Rod and Sherry Unruh at their home, 1070 Elk Trail Court.
Breakfast casseroles and anything “Brunchy” will be the makings of great food and fellowship to highlight the holiday season.
Please let Joy Holcomb ([email protected]) know by December 3 if you are planning to attend so we have enough tables for everyone. We are looking forward to celebrating Christ’s birth with all the PCCR Grace and Grub members.
Hans Hielscher Organ Recital
The Estes Park community was treated to an excellent concert on Friday
afternoon, October 12. Mr. Hielscher, a church organist at the Marktkirche
Lutheran church in Wiesbaden, Germany, provided an energetic and happy
performance for an audience of more than 60 people. Members of our
congregation were present, as well as many others from the Estes Valley. A
number of organists from the area were present, including our Larry Gillum,
who had had surgery on his hand that very morning.
Most people remained for an enjoyable reception following the concert, and
were able to speak with Herr Hielscher for a long time. This concert
represented the third time he has performed on our organ, and he said he
was interested in a repeat recital in the future.
July 22, 2018 Mike and Renee Warren joined by Letter of Transfer from Second Presbyterian Church in
Bloomington, Illinois Sue Yowell joined by Letter of Transfer from First Presbyterian Church Scottsbluff, Nebraska
September 9, 2018 Jeff Lindberg joined by Letter of Transfer from American Baptist Church in Fort Collins and
Sandy Moren Lindberg as Affiliate Member
October 7, 2018 Dennis and Anne Jacobs joined as Affiliate Members Donald and Arlene McFarlane joined by Letter of Transfer from Shepherd of the Mountains
Lutheran Church
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A Note from Mission
All year our Mission Committee has been exploring the question, “Who is a Missionary?” In our newsletter
article each month we have highlighted someone from our congregation who uses their gifts and heeds
God’s call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the community. The idea is that you don’t have to go to
Africa to be a missionary…you just have to use your gifts to build the Kingdom of God wherever you see a
need. Of course, that call may end up sending you to Africa. That’s what happened to DJ ad Rod
Christian. Like many of us, last year they went to listen to the Nussbaumer’s presentation on their mission
work in Malawi. After that presentation they began to feel God’s call to go to Malawi this fall. Here is
what they had to say about their work.
What excited you about working with Marion Medical Mission?
Rod and DJ: Their dedication to bringing clean, fresh water
to the remote villages in Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania.
What made you decide that this is where you wanted to
dedicate your time and gifts?
Rod: We have always taken clean water for granted in the
U.S., and providing clean water is a valuable effort and worth
the sacrifice.
DJ: We were prepared for the trip with our gifts of good
health, proficiency driving a stick shift (a must!), our comfort
with public speaking, and being in good physical shape for
the rugged walking.
How do you sense that God called you to do this?
Rod and DJ: Prior to the trip, it was our immediate response, without reservation, to Jim and Carol's
presentation. While there, seeing the dramatic difference the well installation made in the lives of the
villagers, especially the women. And all of our flights were on time and our bags arrived!
What would you like others to know about this experience?
Rod and DJ: Our day started with loading the truck with pumps and pipes, then driving long distances
(sometimes 1-2 hours) over very rough, bumpy roads that sometimes were cow paths or no road at
all. Once we arrived at the villages, the villagers would help us carry the materials to the well sites over
challenging terrain. At the well site, the installation would begin while one of us recorded data on the
Android. DJ usually spent her time singing
and dancing with the village women. We
were responsible for the dedication that
started with a prayer from one of the
villagers and ended with us greeting each
villager. The best part was seeing and
feeling the pure joy of the villagers when
the clean water flowed from the well.
Ask Rod and DJ about their trip. I am sure
they would be excited to tell you more.
~ Denise Moore
Boy’s first drink of clean water
DJ dancing with the village women
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A Note from Mission, continued
Each month we also highlight a PC(USA) congregation that
is looking at mission in a unique way. This month Covenant
Presbyterian in Charlotte, North Carolina is that
congregation. Charlotte, like Estes Park and so many other
communities across the nation, is struggling with the issue
of affordable housing. Two years ago the long range
planning task force at Covenant was leading the
congregation in discussing ways in which Covenant could
heighten their impact and live to their fullest potential as a
congregation in the city. This led to a Covenant Impacts Charlotte campaign. They began to have
conversations about race and poverty as a church family and then with the community. A series of
conversations (open to the public) about affordable housing in the spring of 2017 led to a huge decision by
the congregation. In September 2017 they announced that they would invest $2 million dollars with the
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership to provide housing at a planned 185-unit apartment
complex. The apartment complex is going to be from 30% area median income to 100% targeting multiple
levels of income. About a third of the apartments will rent at market rate and the remainder will be
reserved for people making less than the area’s median income. That was their goal — a multi-economic
community in order to break the lines of demarcation and stratification, or at least begin to do so.
“Our church views decent and safe housing as a critical foundation to humanity,” said Bob Henderson,
Covenant’s senior pastor, in a statement. “Covenant hopes to make an impact that will increase awareness
of and advocacy for households with affordable housing needs by creating a model to finance its
development that other organizations can replicate.” He also explained that they are an equity partner and
any return they receive on their investment will go toward scholarships for early childhood education for
kids who can’t afford to come to the new child development center they are building. All this came from
long range planning and the desire to truly make a difference in the lives of their neighbors.
From the Estes Valley Library to your home –
the library delivers!
The Estes Valley Library (EVL) offers home delivery of library materials through their House Calls program.
Any Estes Valley resident who is temporarily or permanently unable to visit the library because of a disability, non-driver status, or visual limitations may participate in this free program.
If a family member, friend, or neighbor may benefit from the House Calls program, please visit the EVL website at http://estesvalleylibrary.org/house-calls/ for more information, or contact the library at 586-8116 and ask for Terri Miller or leave a message at ext. 821.
Rod shaking hands with a young boy
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Visioning for the Future
On Sunday afternoon, October 21st, the congregation held the second in a series of open meetings on the effort to set a vision of what the church can and will be in the next decade. The first session, on August 5th, looked at the history of the church and the trends that influenced where we are today. This second workshop examined who we are and what are the external forces that will have an impact on our future.
Following cake to celebrate our church, the discussion turned to who we are, with a focus on the things that we do. This was organized around a number of major themes: music, study and education, fellowship, hospitality, worship, service and community outreach, mission, and caring, plus an unnamed category for activities that did not easily fit under the other themes.
Participants wrote out their lists of activities on sticky notes, posted them on a large board under the major themes, and then discussed, reviewed, and added to the collage.
The conversation about external forces began with small groups that created lists of factors that characterize the world around us, from broad trends in the importance of religion to more local considerations such as the demographics of our community.
The groups then met together and consolidated their lists on another large board. The break-out groups had, for the most part, identified the same significant items.
Over the next several weeks, the program steering committee will further consolidate and organize the work product. The next congregational workshop will be after the first of the year.
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Deacon Highlights ~ October 2018
Ginger Wilkinson, co-moderator, opened the meeting.
Marilyn Irwin gave a devotion on the subject of hope. With winter closing in, everyone needs to gather hope for the warmth of spring.
Dave Evans gave a report on the last Session meeting. He outlined several new ideas brought up in the meeting. We are encouraged to wear the new name tags, for example.
Several joys and concerns were shared and eight cards will be sent to members facing challenges.
The Sunshine Committee delivered one meal in the past month and several more people were suggested who might appreciate a meal.
The schedule for serving communion was reviewed and a sign-up sheet was distributed.
At the September 24 communion given at Good Samaritan there were 9 residents and 5 PCCR members. Mary Kay Phillips will attend the next one on October 22 at 4:15.
The recent memorial receptions were reviewed. There is another one for Ron Dobbins on November 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm.
Tami Scace reported on the Church Steering Committee. There is a continuing need for more input from the congregation. Ideas can be added to the posters in Fellowship Hall.
The Deacons will again send boxes of goodies to college students. We will meet on November 26 to assemble boxes.
Session Highlights ~ October 2018
Heard from Finance Committee that we are on track for the year. Budget submissions from committees are due to Carolyn Hull by Dec. 14.
Noted that the Stewardship campaign for 2019 will begin at the end of October. Pledges will be requested by November 16.
Learned that “Hanging of the Greens” will be on December 2 at 4 p.m. with a chili dinner to follow at 5 p.m.
Reviewed the interior and exterior lighting plans. A rebate from Platte River Authority will pay a significant share of the costs.
Acknowledged that Sunday, October 22 will be an informal gathering of the congregation to focus on what we wish for our church. Later, probably in January, another gathering will be held to continue the process.
Received a report from the sub-committee assigned to review the church rolls. Letters will be sent to locals who are not attending, and also to those who have moved away, asking for them to respond regarding their desire to maintain their membership.
Scheduled January 13 for a Congregational meeting to elect Elders, Deacons, and members of the church nominating committee; also to approve the Pastor’s terms of call.
Scheduled January 20 for ordination and installation of new church officers.
Discussed how we might, as a church, establish a system of communication with members so that we can help to meet whatever needs might be indicated. The goal is to maintain good communication with each other and be available to assist each other as might be needed. Sometimes the Pastor and/or Elders and Deacons are the last to hear that someone is in the hospital or may be dealing with difficult family matters.
Christmas Eve: The Membership and Hospitality Committee invites you to share our beautiful Christmas Eve Service with all your families. We will have hot chocolate and Christmas cookies galore following the 5:00 p.m. service.
Come be a part of the wonderful music and traditions that are Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies.
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Crossroads Ministries Thanksgiving Blessing
Our community is fortunate to have an amazing, caring, effective, and inclusive charitable organization — Crossroads Ministries. Crossroads is a Christian service organization that supplies basic human services to deserving residents of the Estes Valley. Crossroads began as a food pantry established by St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in 1982, following the Lawn Lake flood. It has since grown into a broadly-supported agency with a mission to practice Christian love by providing basic human services to residents of the Estes Valley who are in need. Crossroads now offers rent and housing assistance, utility assistance, help with medical expenses, transportation, and other basic human needs. It continues to expand in its role in the community, and this year provided Meals on Wheels services in the Estes Valley.
Each year Crossroads offers families a take-home Thanksgiving dinner, complete with a turkey and everything needed for the occasion. Last year, our church contributed the makings for a fruit salad that could be assembled from pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and cherry pie filling. We plan to do the same this Thanksgiving and intend to provide and assemble fruit salad kits for at least 120 families. We can all participate. We will purchase the ingredients in volume, and ask that you contribute in cash. A donation of what you might spend on buying a few cans will go farther through bulk purchasing. Please put checks in the offering plate, with a note in the memo section for “Thanksgiving Dinner,” or put cash in an envelope marked the same way. We also plan to assemble the salad packages in the fellowship hall after worship services on Sunday, November 11th, and can use help in this part of the project. Please mark your calendars and watch for more announcements about this opportunity to contribute to the mission of Crossroads Ministries and to our community.
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Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies 1700 Brodie Avenue Estes Park, CO 80517
Address Service Requested
Non Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid
Estes Park, CO 80517 Permit # 31
Hanging of the Greens The PCCR Community is invited to participate in our annual Hanging of
the Greens being held on Sunday, December 2 at 4:00 p.m.
We will Deck the Halls and then share a chili supper
afterwards.
Please consider helping Rich and Brenda Dixon and our
faithful decorators in preparing for the glorious Christmas
Season. We need new faces helping us “oldies” make the Season
special, so please come and enjoy raising the trees, hanging beautiful
decorations on them, and making PCCR a beautiful holiday treasure.
