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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,
+
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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.
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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
[email protected] 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.
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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.
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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.