TowertheOctober 2014 | Vol. 38 • No. 10

Augustana Arts 8 • Augustana Connects 5 • Birthdays 14 • Calendar 15 • Call Process 10 • Children’s and Family Ministry 12 • Congregation Council 7 • Congregational Learning Cover, 4 • Health Ministry 11 • Music Ministry 8, 9 • Senior Ministry 6 • Stewardship 3

“More on Mindfulness”Sundays, October 26, November 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, 12:15–1:15 p.m., Anna Paulson Room

Aleisha Maunu will lead a six-week class called “More on Mindfulness” as a follow-up to the two-part classes she lead last March. These classes will more deeply explore ways of fostering presence in daily living and provide an opportunity to practice in each class. Discussion will include implementing mindfulness with daily routine, as a stress relief, and with children, among other topics. Mindfulness is an approach that has been used for centuries to cultivate awareness of the present moment. Much research has been conducted in recent decades that has indicated positive benefits of the use of mindfulness in our daily lives. Please consider attending!

Aleisha is a licensed therapist in private practice, seeing individuals, families/children, and couples, and she utilizes mindfulness practices regularly in her practice and her personal life.

Considering making Augustana your church home?Learn more about Augustana at the newcomers/new members class, which begins Sunday, October 26. We will meet in the Ammerman Library, 9:15–10:15 a.m. for six weeks. During this time, the pastors will discuss Lutheran beliefs and theology. Various staff and lay leaders will share details about their ministries. If you have questions, please contact Malise de Bree (303-388-4678 ext. 122). Reservations in advance are appreciated but not required.

Grief Group offers fellowship and supportEvery fall Augustana sponsors a grief group. This group will meet for six Thursday evenings, beginning on October 30 and continuing through December 11. From

Welcome to adult classes on mindfulness, grief, Welcome to adult classes on mindfulness, grief, membership, Bible study, and more!membership, Bible study, and more!

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The Tower is published monthly for Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave., Denver CO, 80246-8104. There is no subscription fee.

Thursday, October 16, 4:30 p.m. is the deadline for the November 2014 edition. E-mail articles to Lyn Goodrum (goodrum@augustanadenver.org).

Sunday Schedule8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship9:15 a.m. Sunday School (September–May)

Mission StatementGuided by the Holy Spirit, we gather in Christian community, reach out and invite, offer hope and healing in Jesus Christ, and walk humbly with God.

Congregation CouncilPresident: Jerry SandersVice President: Paul BlanchardSecretary: Julie ShellhornTreasurer: Nick MassieDavid Aarestad | Victoria Clark Stephen Daniel | Kari DegernessPastor Tim Drom | Lana Farrington Kim Kouba | Tanner Levy Nick Massie | Matt Miller Pastor Caitlin Trussell Barbara Watts | Jeff Ziebarth

StaffTim Drom, Interim Senior PastorCaitlin Trussell, PastorMalise de Bree, Evangelist

Specializing in Senior MinistryYvonne Wilken, Children’s and

Family MinisterLisa Smith, Finance AdministratorSheryl Stenseth, Parish NurseLyn Goodrum,

Publications AdministratorLeEtta Choi, Administrator of

Volunteer Ministry and Building Use and Senior Elite Choir Director

Cindy Lindeen-Martin, Minister of Music and Organist

Dick Larson, Choral DirectorAngela Howard, Choristers and

Y Hope DirectorAsmir Hodzic, Building and

Grounds ManagerAndrija Malbasa, Allan Brown,

CustodiansKim Kouba, Cindy Maxwell,

Wedding CoordinatorsChristie Baroody, Director,

Augustana Early Learning Center

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PHONE: 303-388-4678FAX: 303-388-1338

WEB: www.augustanadenver.orgE-MAIL: info@augustanadenver.org

DIAL-A-CARE: 303-996-2733FACEBOOK: augustanadenver.com

5000 E. Alameda Ave.Denver, CO 80246

good news! Recently lifted up in prayer…For hope and healing:

Barbara Aldrich, Arlowene Anderson, James Bennett, Jeff Boe, Susan Doyle, Jon Gilbertson, Luverne Jorgensen, Bob Olson, Verna Somers, Marilyn Westrich

For comfort and courage:Family and friends of Vi Becklin in her deathFamily and friends of Peter Burchard in his deathFamily and friends of Carol Carpenter in her deathDick Parkins in the death of his wife, Donna ParkinsBernie Smith in the death of his mother, Ruth SmithJo Ann Wacker-Farrand in the death of her mother, Clara WackerE.L. Van Laningham in the death of his friend, Shirley Wilson

Rejoice with…Parents Brita and Colin Strub and grandparents Duane and Jean Gall in the birth of Sebastian Iverson, September 5

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Thank you for participating in last month’s Loaves and Fishes food drive. The 145 pounds of nutritious food your congregation collected helps Metro CareRing ensure a healthier future for those who are hungry in Denver.

Blessings,Ryan GalanaughProgram Director, Metro CareRing

Dear Augustana,During the last two weeks I have had a couple of physical setbacks. In the interim, Lyn Goodrum delivered to me a beautiful bouquet on your behalf.

Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated. Your kindness leads me to say—may peace be with you.

Robert G. Herbst, Jr.

Dear Friends of LFS,

Your recent gift helped give hope to many people by providing: a foster family, support in a new country, a caring counselor, case management, an adoptive family and much more.

Thank you from the staff, volunteers and, more importantly, the clients of Lutheran Family Services for strengthening our ministry to the vulnerable people in our community. With your gift we are able to make available services that heal, strengthen, and provide hope.

Thank you for equipping this ministry to respond to the compelling needs of the neighbor!

In Christ,Jim BarclayPresident and CEO, Lutheran Family Services

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I apologize for borrowing the title, but it seemed rather appropriate for what I have been doing during my first weeks here in Denver. I have been “Discovering Augustana.” I have been meeting with the congregational staff to get their perspective on who we are as a congregation. I have been asking similar questions of the congregation council members. I have been hosting “Listening Post” meetings with you, the members of the congregation, asking you what your dreams and visions are for this place.

I have also been popping my head into various

Discovering Augustanaministries around the congregation, primarily to familiarize myself with everything that is going on. I have made some visits with some of the members in their homes doing what pastors do—listening, sharing scripture and Communion, and praying with them. I have walked around the grounds of the facilities, trying to remember where all these doors lead to.

In the parlance of Intentional Interim Ministry, this is called “joining the system.” What I have discovered through all of my listening, looking, questioning and sharing, is: a congregation that is

deeply rooted in its love of liturgy; a community that loves music (I can’t remember the last time I was in a congregation that sang hymns with such gusto!); and a group of believers who are very committed to sharing the love of God through Word and Sacrament.

I am also very aware of all of you. In my apartment, all the furniture, flatware, glasses, cookware, plates, pictures, even the towels and linens, were all donated by members. In some ways, it feels like I am living with all of you, because I am surrounded by these items all the time. It is a lot like what it says in the book

of Hebrews about being surrounded by a “whole host of witnesses.”

Thank you for inviting me into the life of your congregation. Thank you for answering my questions and sharing your insight into this place we call Augustana. Thank you for surrounding me with your love, your warm wishes, and your graciousness. I look forward to our time together as we discover the future that God is continuing to call Augustana into.

Pastor Tim Drom

The people of Augustana have a long history of talking about money and giving in the fall of each year as part of our being church together. During these next few weeks, we will examine our own need to give as an act of

faithful response in our Christian life.

All of us are asked to prayerfully prepare for Commitment Sunday, October 19. During both worship services that morning, we will turn in our Estimate of Giving

cards filled in with the amount of money each of us will set aside to give during 2015.

Between services, 9–10:30 a.m., we are all invited to eat together at a pancake breakfast cooked and served by Kari and Paul Blanchard, Augustana Youth, and the Stewardship Committee (Kevin Flesch, Kim Kouba, Nick Massie, and Dwight Stenseth). A free-will offering will be collected. One hundred percent of the free-will

offering will be given to ELCA World Hunger.

May God grant us wisdom and peace over these next few weeks as we challenge ourselves to think about the connections between faith, life, and money.

Your Stewardship CommitteeKevin Flesch, Kim Kouba, Nick Massie, Dwight Stenseth, and Pastor Caitlin Trussell

Commitment Sunday is October 19!

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5:30 to 7:30 p.m. we will share dinner together and discuss Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s book, Understanding Grief: Helping Yourself Heal. This class is free and available to anyone who might be interested. Reservations with Augustana’s office are required.

If you have questions, contact facilitators Sheryl Stenseth (303-388-4678 ext. 106 or stenseth@augustanadenver.org) or Malise de Bree (303-388-4678 ex. 122 or debree@augustanadenver.org).

Get inspired!Families Inspired Together (FIT)

Sundays, 9:15 a.m., Room 14

The Families Inspired Together (FIT) Sunday morning class is developed specifically for parents with children in Sunday School and other young families, although everyone is welcome. The goal is to provide participants with a relevant, meaningful, and interesting opportunity to further their personal relationship with God, especially within the context of life and family issues. The class uses a variety of speakers, topics, and leaders which lead to lively and insightful discussions. Join us each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. immediately following the Sunday School opening in Room 14 for coffee and discussion.

October 5 - Lectionary Study on the Gospel text

October 12 - FIT joins the Adult Forum class

October 19 - No Sunday School while Augustana celebrates Commitment Sunday

October 26 - FIT joins the Adult Forum Bible study led by Pastor Tim Drom

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Join the discussionAdult Forum

Sundays, 9:15 a.m., Anna Paulson Room

October 5 – As part of Mental Illness Awareness Sunday, Sheryl Stenseth, Augustana Parish Nurse and Aleisha Maunu, licensed psychotherapist, will lead a session titled “Mental Health and the Church.” Join us to learn more about mental illness and how we can be caring communities that offer hope to persons and families who many times suffer in silence and isolation as they live with the stigma of mental illness.October 12 – Zach Parris, Campus Pastor, CU Boulder – Map ClassOctober 19 – No class while Augustana celebrates Commitment SundayOctober 26 – Pastor Tim Drom, Bible study

Explore Mark’s gospel Thursday morningsBeginning October 23, we will continue our weekly study of the gospel of Mark, Thursdays, 9:30–11 a.m. in the Anna Paulson Room. You are welcome to join even if you have not previously been involved. As a new or former participant, please sign up with Augustana’s office (303-388-4678).

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Adult Classescontinued from cover

TrailblazersElk Meadows Park

Saturday, October 18, 2014, leave Augustana’s south parking lot at 9 a.m. Enjoy a hike in the appropriately named Elk Meadows Park located just north of Evergreen. A five-mile loop hike will take us through rolling meadows and stands of mature ponderosa pine.

Rating: EasyDistance: 5-mile loopElevation: 7,600 to 8,000 feetGuide: Ron Johnson (303-745-4047)

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Theater & TheologyTheater and Theology brings members of Rocky Mountain Synod congregations in and near Denver to productions of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. After viewing a play, we do a talk-back discussion with cast members on theological issues raised in the play. The plays and these discussions can challenge and stimulate our faith, and, therefore, the mission of the Church, in a unique way. For more information, contact Rosalee Wanchisen (303-759-9836).

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and SpikeTuesday, November 11, 6:30 p.m., Ricketson Theatre, Tickets: $35

Registration with check payable to Rocky Mountain Synod and footnoted “T&T Augustana: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” must reach Augustana’s office by Tuesday, October 21.

Absurdist master Christopher Durang blends melancholy with mayhem in what The New York Times declares a “deliriously funny” black comedy. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play, this Chekhovian mash-up erupts into chaos when Vanya and Sonia receive a surprise visit from their Hollywood star sister, Masha, and her boy-toy, Spike. Residents and visitors of the normally quiet household are thrown into uproarious upheaval as they confront issues of sibling rivalry, regret, lust and love.

A few weeks around a common interest with a small groupFall is here. Do you have time for a new experience? There is nothing better than getting to know the people around you while doing something that you really enjoy. Augustana Connects presents three possibilities for your enjoyment.

Join a book club. Julie Byther MacDougall and Linda Daniel would like to read and discuss the book The Man Without a Face. If you would too, call Julie (303-873-0449).

Share a travel adventure. Augustana has members who enjoy traveling all around the world. This is an opportunity to share those adventures—both the discoveries and the unanticipated challenges. Contact Augustana’s office (303-388-4678).

Enjoy dinner on the cheap. Six people get together to share a monthly meal for three months at a reasonable restaurant (entrees costing less than $12). No cooking, no cleaning up before or after the meal, just enjoyment of a meal and fellowship. Contact Augustana’s office (303-388-4678).

Short-term commitment—long-term blessingsAugustana Connects recognizes that Augustana is made up of many interesting people who come together for a common faith experience. We also understand that we live in a demanding world, which makes long-term commitments difficult. Our activities are designed to be short-term commitments (four to six weeks), centered around groups no larger than twelve people. So give it a try! The commitment is short, but the enjoyment possibilities are endless.

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Financial Statement for August 2014August 2014 August 2013 YTD 2014 YTD 2013

Budget Actual Actual Budget Actual ActualAll Income $ 80,235.24 $75,787.69 $ 80,757.54 $ 641,032.47 $ 633,559.07 $ 580,821.63All Expenditures 84,727.04 73,169.43 79,252.06 673,640.64 634,311.44 644,405.74

Net Income(Loss) $ (4,491.80) $ 2,618.26 $ 1,505.48 $ (32,608.17) $ (752.37) $ (63,584.11)

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Senior Ministry

October Senior Luncheon features portrayal of Miep GiesThursday, October 16, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Our October Senior Luncheon program features Judy Winnick presenting another unsung hero of the Holocaust—Miep Gies, a petite Catholic Dutch woman who made the choice to hide Anne Frank and her family in Amsterdam during WWII. We welcome back Judy who portrayed Irena Sandler (the Polish Catholic Social Worker who rescued 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw ghetto) at a Senior Luncheon program last year.

Invite your friends to join you for this inspiring program and to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Judy Nyquist and her crew. Your reservation is needed by Monday, October 13, to help her plan the meal. Call Augustana’s office (303-388-4678).

Does your Augustana program or group need financial help?Thrivent Choice Dollars have been generously designated by Thrivent members to Augustana Lutheran Church. This money can be used for Augustana programs, groups, or property. Send your request by November 5 to KL-cruson@comcast.net so it can be considered at the November 9 Thrivent Financial meeting. (Include name of organization, amount of money, the purpose of the grant, and a contact person.) Thrivent members may contact thrivent.com or 1-800-THRIVENT to designate your Choice Dollars at any time.

Earlier in 2014 the following dollars were issued: carpet cleaning machine $600; eight rug mats $1,200; 20 light bulbs for narthex $200; computer server, updated software and client stations $2,723; funds toward a refrigerator in Fellowship Hall kitchen $5,000.

Reformation Sunday, October 26

Augustana celebrates Reformation Sunday, October 26, with Holy Communion at 8 a.m. worship and Confirmation at 10:30 a.m. worship! Both 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship will be in Augustana’s Sanctuary. The festival color of the day is red.

Pack it out!Donate your usable, but now unused, suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks to Family Promise of Denver during October. Bring them to Fellowship Hall, then Sarah Circle members will donate them to homeless families in the Family Promise program.

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Congregation Council highlights from the August meeting:

Treasurer Nick Massie reported that an internal audit had been completed at the end of July.Council approved the furnishing of an apartment for the interim pastor as part of his compensation.Pastor Tim Drom, the new interim senior pastor, will be welcomed on August 24, 2014, and he will then initiate the “Transition Team” process.

Julie Shellhorn, Congregation Secretary

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Constitutional amendments to be ratifiedAt Augustana’s February 23, 2014 congregational meeting, the congregation approved certain changes to the Augustana constitution. The new language is set out below, but in short the changes will provide (1) flexibility in filling the congregation council so that the church is not in violation of its constitution if there is a vacant position, (2) greater expectations for participation by council members by enforcing attendance and (3) flexibility in staffing congregation committees so that the church is not in violation of its constitution if there are vacancies in those committees.

These changes need to be ratified by at least two-thirds of the congregation at the November 2014 meeting.

C11.02. The Congregation Council shall elect its officers and they shall be the officers of the congregation. The officers shall be elected at the first Council meeting of the calendar year and shall serve until their successors are elected. Election shall be by written ballot unless the Council agrees to another process.

C12.01. The voting membership of the Congregation Council shall consist of the pastor(s) and between eleven and fifteen members of the congregation, including at least one of whom shall be a confirmed high school youth. Any voting member of the congregation may be elected, subject only to the limitation on the length of continuous service permitted in that office. A member’s place on the Congregation Council shall be declared vacant by the Council if the member a) ceases to be a voting

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member of this congregation or b) is absent from two successive regular meetings of the Congregation Council without cause.

C13.02. A Nominating Committee of three to six voting members of this congregation, two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members of the Congregation Council, shall be elected at the November meeting for a term of one year. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for consecutive reelection more than two times.

C13.03. An Audit Committee, if called to serve by the Congregation Council, shall consist of at least three voting members elected by the Congregation Council. Audit Committee members shall not be members of the Congregation Council. Term of office shall be three years, with one member elected each year. Members shall be eligible for reelection.

C13.04. A Mutual Ministry Committee, if called to serve by the Congregation Council, shall consist of six members to be appointed jointly by the president and the Senior Pastor. Term of office shall be two years, with three members to be appointed each successive year.

C13.08. The senior pastor of this congregation shall be ex officio a member of all committees and boards of the congregation. The president of this congregation shall be ex officio a member of all committees and boards of the congregation, except the Nominating Committee and the Audit Committee.

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Music Ministry

AVE and the Chancel Choir welcomes Steven Uliana Steven Uliana comes to us from New York City, having moved to Denver just seven months ago. Steven has

spent the last five years working as a professional opera singer. His singing has afforded him the opportunities to perform with such prestigious opera companies as the Des Moines Metropolitan Opera and the Sarasota Opera. In addition to his operatic career, Steven was a member of Bob Simpson’s choir at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston, TX while attending graduate school. Steven still enjoys finding time to perform and is thrilled to be joining the choir at Augustana. Outside of music, Steven enjoys running, swimming, weight lifting, spending time with his chocolate labrador, Vinny, and consuming mass quantities of coffee.

Steven holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Ithaca College and a Masters of Music in Vocal

“Pirates of the Colorado” The Sound of the Rockies, Darin Drown, Music Director

Saturday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. at Augustana

SOTR has become Colorado’s premiere a cappella men’s chorus having recently captured Bronze, as the fourth place-ranked Barbershop Chorus in the world. Enjoy this captivating, high spirited Pirate-themed concert with songs and story intertwined, including several Broadway show tunes adorned with costumes, and choreography and filled with great humor. A not-to-be-missed Season Opener!

Musica Sacra Chamber OrchestraDavid Rutherford, Music Director and Conductor

A Season of MasterworksRespighi: Three Botticelli Pictures, Dvorák & Ravel

Saturday, October 18, 7:30 p.m. at Augustana

Join us in exploring one of Respighi’s greatest works: the trilogy of tone poems evoking the beauty of three iconic paintings by Sandro Botticelli of Florence’s Uffizzi Gallery. Each masterpiece has its own story, but Respighi’s great gift was the ability to create a musical narrative, capturing the drama of a visual, and expressing it in music. Like the Respighi, Dvorák’s Serenade for Wind Instruments evokes an era of castles, nobility, and dances in the village. Other works on this program: Ravel’s Pavane for a Dead Princess, Mazurka (Village Scene by the Inn) by Anatol Liadov.

Eugenio Maria Fagiani, Organist Saturday, October 25, 7:30 p.m. at Augustana

Italian Organist, Eugenio Maria Fagiani is making his Augustana Arts debut with masterworks on the four manual, 64-rank Reuter organ as he nears completion of an acclaimed international tour that includes limited

stops in the United States and Canada. We are excited he will perform for you a recital which was extremely well received this last spring at the Church of Le’Madeleine in Paris featuring masterworks including Bach’s fabulous Tocatta and Fugue in D minor, and an original composition, The Lord is my Shepherd – Symphonic Poem, along with two of his own transcriptions of Mozart and notably Handel’s famous Royal Fireworks Suite.

Purchase tickets for these events ($24/adult, $15/senior, $15/student, and $8/child 5–12 years) online at www.augustanaarts.org, by phone at 303-388-4962, or at the door the night of the event.

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Performance from the Moores Opera Center at the University of Houston. Additionally, Steven has trained at the Wesley Balk Institute and the Opera Theatre and Music Festival of Lucca. In addition to teaching private voice at Dana V Music in Louisville, he is currently pursuing a masters in Speech Language Pathology at CU Boulder.

We say thanks to LeEtta ChoiAfter seven dedicated years of ministry to our children and youth as Choristers and Y Hope Choir Director, LeEtta Choi is retiring from that position here at Augustana. She remains as Director of Senior Elite Choir and as Administrator of Volunteer Ministry and Building Use in the front office. LeEtta has served the choirs well, jumping right in seven years ago as Musical Director of Godspell, which Y Hope presented to benefit the youth mission trip to China. In addition, LeEtta has pushed the envelope for the kids, encouraging good vocal and choral techniques and blend. Week after week the choirs have sung beautiful anthems in worship. And to LeEtta’s credit, she founded and produced MAD Worship Camp, a week long summer camp for kids K–5 culminating in a biblically-based worship service as can only be presented by our kids! We thank her for all this and more. Godspeed to LeEtta as she pursues other musical ventures!

Welcome our new Choristers and Y Hope Choir Director!Angela Howard is thrilled to begin working with the youth and parents of Augustana in her new role as director of Choristers and Y

Hope! Angela moved to the Denver area with her husband Dan and daughter Isabelle last August and loves being a member of the Augustana congregation. Angela

is a proud graduate of North Dakota State University (Go, Bison!) where she earned a B.S. in Vocal Music Education in 2002. In December she will be receiving a Master’s of Music Education, also from NDSU. Angela has been a passionate music educator for 13 years and is currently the K–5 general music teacher and choir director at Independence Elementary in the Cherry Creek School District. In addition to elementary music, Angela has extensive experience directing choirs and musical theater productions at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels. When she is not teaching, Angela fills her time by singing with the Chancel Choir, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

St. Olaf Band to perform in DenverThe St. Olaf Band, dubbed “one of America’s preeminent bands” by The New Yorker, will perform in Denver as part of its 2014 national tour. The concert will take place on Thursday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the June Swaner Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts. The concert is free for all students and $15 for adults/seniors. Purchase tickets at the Newman Center Box Office (SW corner of University and E. Iliff), Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Saturday, noon–4 p.m. Order by calling 303-871-7720 or online at www.newmantix.com. Persons needing accommodations for a disability should call the Box Office as early as possible.

The St. Olaf Band’s national tour program, “Mostly British,” will center around music from the United Kingdom. Works by Holst, Elgar and Vaughan Williams, as well as the well-known Grainger “Lincolnshire Posy” acknowledge the traditional, while Sparke’s “Dance Movements” and Hesketh’s “Masque” will represent the latest music for band from the UK. A new work by conductor Timothy Mahr, “by blue lake, listening, dancing” will also be performed.

Founded in 1891, the St. Olaf Band is the oldest music organization at St. Olaf College, a campus internationally renowned for its high caliber of musical ensembles. Under the leadership of conductor Dr. Timothy Mahr, the St. Olaf Band performs the very best compositions and transcriptions for symphonic band.

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Intentional Interim Pastor begins Pastoral Vacancy

Transition Team formed

Transition Team Report

Call Committeeelected

Ministry Site ProfileCompleted

Candidate recommendedto council

Compensation package determined

Congregation voteson candidate

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YES

NO

NO

Call extended to candidate

Candidatedeclines call

Candidateaccepts call

Call papers signed and official!

Names submitted

Interviews begin

Overview of the Transition and Call Process of the Rocky Mountain Synod

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October 5–11 is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW). During this week, NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) and participants come together to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care for the millions of American affected by mental illness. This is a time when each of us can make or renew a commitment to provide support to all those who suffer from mental illness as well as their families and caregivers.

The ELCA on mental illnessTo help raise awareness of mental illness, in 2012 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Council adopted “The Body of Christ and Mental Illness,” a social message intended to offer reflection and direction and inspire action. One of the messages in this document reads, “As Christ was not afraid to be vulnerable, or to show his wounds, the church when living faithfully as the body of Christ is not afraid to be vulnerable and wounded.” It goes on to say that “when people with mental illness are present as full members, as their true selves, the church as the body of Christ is both wounded and authentic.” Rev. Cherlyne Beck, program director for ELCA disability ministries sums up this ELCA message: “With our message we are letting people know that this church truly cares about them. By placing the words ‘the body of Christ’ alongside the words ‘mental illness,’ we are making a statement that Christ is there for all and we, as a part of the body of Christ, will work to follow that example. As the message reminds us, we can be a sign of God’s presence in a time when God’s presence cannot be felt in any other way.”

MIAW provides an opportunity to learn the symptoms of major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other conditions. It is also an opportunity for conversations about mental health care, helping to end the silence that often exists.

October 5 is Mental Illness Awareness Sunday.Augustana will recognize this day with a litany in support of those whose lives are affected by mental illness at both services. Between services, Sheryl

Stenseth, Augustana Parish Nurse, and Aleisha Maunu, licensed psychotherapist, will lead a session titled “Mental Health and the Church.” We invite you to join us to learn more about mental illness and how we can be caring communities that offer hope to persons and families who many times suffer in silence and isolation as they live with the stigma of mental illness.

For more information go to:www.nami.orgwww.ELCA.org and search “social message on mental illness”

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Health Ministry

Mental Illness: Time to Make a Difference

Health and Wellness OpportunitiesHealth and wellness opportunities are open to all Augustana members and friends. For information on programs offered (Firm Believers, Yoga, Foot Care Clinic, and Prayer Shawl Ministry), visit Augustana’s website at www.augustanadenver.org or call the Parish Nurse office (303-388-4678 ext. 106). Sheryl’s office hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and one other day during the week. She changes her voice mail every Monday morning with the hours she will be at the church that week. Please leave a message with any cares or concerns, and she will return your call as soon as possible.

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Children’s and Family Ministry

New students always welcome!Our fall Sunday school classes are off to a great start!

Classes start with an opening in Christ Chapel at 9:15 a.m. for students in Preschool–5th grade. Following the opening, children go to their individual classrooms where they are using the new Whirl lectionary-based curriculum. Each week there is a take-home component for families to continue the discussion at home. Students can enroll at any time during the year. Be sure to join us if you haven’t already.

Students in 6th–8th grades meet in Room 14 each Sunday as part of their three-year instruction before their 9th grade confirmation. This year we are using the re:form curriculum from Spark Publishing. In addition to traditional topics, they will tackle issues such as is God male, is it okay to be angry at God, and did God create the devil, to name just a few. If you have questions about the program, please contact Yvonne Wilken (yandertwilken@gmail.com or 303-388-4678 ext. 107).

Youth in 9th–12th grades meet for Breakfast Club in the Youth Room every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. Discussions this year will tackle prayer, Old Testament Kings—King David in particular—and popular culture versus religion.

Parents pack boxes for college kidsIf you have a student in college, plan to come to the Anna Paulson Room, Sunday, October 19, after 10:30 a.m. worship to assemble Halloween care boxes for Augustana’s college students. Please bring 25 items to share—Halloween candies or trinkets; food items such as granola bars or microwave popcorn; desk items such as pens, pencils or note pads—basically anything that strikes your fancy.

If you have a student who is new to college, whose address has changed, or who is no longer in college, please contact LeEtta (choi@augustanadenver.org) by Friday, October 10. If you have questions, contact Joy Hawkins (Joy.Hawkins@ucdenver.edu or 303-915-7645) or Bill or Ellen Mangione (wjmangione@gmail.com or 303-394-2289).

Middle School youth will continue to meet in the Youth Room on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. for discussion, prayer and fun. Join us anytime. We’d love to see you there.

High School youth will meet on Sundays in the Youth Room, 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. We will be discussing religion and theology in media and pop culture.

Youth make cars, pour tea, and flip pancakes in OctoberServe at Philanthropic Educational Organization’s TeaSaturday, October 4, 12:30–3 p.m.

Ten students are needed to help serve tea for the Philanthropic Educational Organization’s Tea. This organization raises funds to provide scholarships for women who are returning to college. If you would like more information about the organization, you may contact Sonja Engebretson (303-759-4439).

Help make cars for Toys For God’s KidsSunday, October 12, noon–2 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Work with Augustana’s Lehman Hoag to construct 200 wooden cars for Toys For God’s Kids. We will learn more about the organization and how to add the wheels to 200 wooden cars. If you would like to know more about the organization, visit the website at http://www.toysforgodskids.org.

Serve on Commitment SundayYouth will help serve at the pancake breakfast celebrating Commitment Sunday, October 19, 9–10:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.

To sign up to help with any of these service projects, e-mail Yvonne Wilken (yandertwilken@gmail.com).

•

•

13

If you have pondered ethical decisions about the food you eat, worried about the current state of agricultural production and food distribution systems and how climate change may affect food supplies, and wrestled with where and how your faith intersects these issues—this event sponsored by Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network is for YOU!

Seldom will you have the opportunity to hear from so many theologians of our church who have pondered these questions for years: Dr. Sam Thomas (Associate Professor of Religion at California Lutheran University), Dr. Ryan Cumming (Director of Hunger Education for ELCA World Hunger), and Rev. Nelson Bock (Professor and Co-Director of Wartburg West).

Pondering food ethics, sources through faith lensFaces of Hunger: Spirituality, Ethics, Environment and ReliefFriday, November 7, 7–8:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 8, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. The Office of the Bishop – Lutheran Center (7375 Samuel Dr., Denver, 80221)

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For more information, contact Jean Gall (duanegall@aol.com or 303-913-3083) or Diana Stigleman (stigleperson@gmail.com or 303-954-9646).

14

1 Barbara Clifford

2 Elaine AndersonLisa BicklePhyllis Wiederspan

3 Diane Beer

4 Vivian BengtsonZachary DuncombMarti GordonWilliam SmithBrandon SnyderAndy StoneLauren Triplett

5 Christopher AndersonHoward JacobsenGregory JohnsonRichard Wood

6 Jayanna AndreSuzanne FerlicAudrey HaberStephen Zarlengo

7 Siri AndersonJohn ChristyAnn PearsonOphie PulleyJoAnn RyanGeorge Willoughby

8 Robbie AndersonSukhbat BoldMargaret BunsnessLinda DanielGarrett LutzBiag Mayek

9 Dale ArdenDonna ExstromKyle Oleson

10 Krista DegernessWilma HughesRenee Straley

11 Clem BlombergTaylor BorstClayton Regier

12 Donn Wink

13 Mallory O’Malley

14 Berniece BrekkeTimothy GarringtonKaren GlancyHarold JohnsonLarry Rydiger

15 John BengstonClaire BourgWill Shellhorn

16 Anton BrogrenKatherine DuncanNick MassieSpencer ToppenKathy Valadez

17 Brynn AarestadRebecca GregoryKaren LambertRobert OlsonAmelia Wilkins

18 Jill Gregory

19 Dilworth BlatchfordBarbara BredenkampNathaniel CockrellAmy Pulley

20 John HarwellArvetta HjelmstadInez SmithWendy Stalheim

21 Terry Lumme

22 Nicole HarwellDoris McLaughlinMyron MillerBrett PorterfieldClaire Sanderson

23 Robin BoeDuane HowellKen MaxwellMichael Priest

24 Ken BeazerWalt McCluneJess MillerAnn SethreDorothy Templin

25

26 Jeanna AndreJoyce BoeJon Nelson

27 Leann GiblettNancy HardimanDenise Sanderson

28 Mackenzie Cross

October 2014

29 Genevieve BucklinMichelle CounceKaren Morgenthaler

30 Sandra HagevikHoward Wingren

31 Nikolai ArnoldAnne BickleLula ClambeyNoel FarrandEthan RogersJeffrey SanfordDallas Smith

If your name should have been on this list but wasn’t, please call Augustana’s office (303-388-4678).

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Beyond Augustana…Lutheran Chorale celebrates the ReformationReformation Concert, Sunday October 19, 3 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (2100 N. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, 80214). Visit www.thelutheranchorale.org or contact Lynn Billman (lynn.l.billman@gmail.com).

Urban Servant Corps Fall Festival rolls out new vision statement and logoThursday, October 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at Lowry Beer Garden (7577 E. Academy Blvd.). Silent auction, story sharing, and unveiling of new mission and logo! Donation: $20. Contact krista@servantcorps.org or call 303-894-0076.

Lutheran College Fair in Denver areaSunday, September 28, 6 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church (4500 E. Hampden Ave., Cherry Hills Village, 80113). Visit lutherancolleges.org.

New Beginnings Fund-raiser celebrates 16 years of ministry New Beginnings, a congregation at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility, celebrates 16 years of ministry! Please support New Beginnings Church at their Annual Celebration Fund-raiser, which includes dinner, music by Bobby Jo Valentine, and silent auction, Friday, October 10, 6 p.m. in Augustana’s Fellowship Hall. Tickets are $30 for adults; children 12 and under are free. RSVP to Kathy Melies (303-831-7023 or oslc915@juno.com).

Please plan to support women in prison by attending the New Beginning’s Church fundraiser here at Augustana on October 10 or by writing a check (marking it for New Beginnings Church) and putting it in the offering plate. This ELCA ministry at the Denver Women’s Correctional facility is 100 percent dependent on your generosity.

–Pastor Caitlin