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My Savior’s Love to Me...to You by Pastor Vera Guebert-Steward

We have spent our Lenten Wednesday evenings being reminded of the things from which we might fast. As I write this, only two people have preached and talked about their Lenten efforts;

Peggy Fetchenhier spoke of fasting from fear and Pat Brewer spoke of fasting from making excuses. I have reminded myself again and again, when I have misspoken or spoken negatively about someone or something since Ash Wednesday, that my fasting commitment is to avoid negative chatter and gossip. Being faithful to my Lenten fast has not been easy; after all, I am a broken, sinful, human being. This acknowledgement always brings me to my knees and in this season, reminds me of a favorite hymn, “My Song is Love Unknown,” that we sing on Palm/Passion Sunday. The first verse goes like this: “My song is love unknown, My Savior’s love to me, Love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be. Oh, who am I, that for my sake, My Lord should take frail flesh and die? My Lord should take frail flesh and die.” This verse stirs me to my core. I am provoked to remember that in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection; he took

my brokenness upon himself and filled and covered me with his goodness. That exchange allows me to live. That exchange even allows me to fail. That exchange blesses my broken soul over and over and over again. Paul writes to the people of Philippi: “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble

position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at

the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” This is the great message of Easter. That even though Jesus is God, He chose to take my place and be crucified for the things that I have done wrong. It’s the most powerful exposition of love imaginable. If you have been faithful in your attendance at Lenten worships, you have been blessed by the reminder that there are things that separate us from God and each other. Fasting of them at Lent is noble. Fasting of

them throughout the year is a profound challenge but will be an immense blessing. And, if you are faithful (and I pray you will be) in your participation in Holy Week liturgies and services, you will be blessed by this reminder: that God so loved the world, that God so loved

You, that God gave Jesus to live, suffer, die and rise again that your brokenness and mine would be replaced by his goodness. Such an amazing gift of love and grace! Holy Week and Easter are almost upon us. It is our privilege to experience it and to remember our Savior’s love to a sometimes, loveless people; to

you and to me. May we live these last two weeks before we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, fasting of all that is negative in our lives; offering it up to God in

exchange for Jesus’ goodness. And may we know, without a doubt, that Jesus died for us so that we might live forever forgiven and set free. Blessed Holy Week. Blessed Easter my dear friends in the Risen Christ.

“...even though Jesus is God,

He chose to take my place and

be crucified for the things that

I have done wrong. It’s the

most powerful exposition

of love imaginable.”

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 2

members and the Personnel Committee. Candidates will be selected for interview and from that group one will be chosen. To submit a name, please write it down or send it in an email to either Jon Johnson at jondenver0753@gmail.com, or DJ Riedel at djriedel@msn.com or Pastor Vera at PastorVera@evergreenlutheran.org. Jon and DJ are both members of the Board of Lay Ministry and have volunteered to be on the selection committee. Shortly, the hiring committee will interview the candidates via Skype. If necessary, a face to face interview will take place before making a final decision. Once a person has been selected to be the supply Pastor and

they have accepted the position; they

will be introduced to the congregation. They may preach and preside at a service in June while Pastor Vera is away for a wedding on the East Coast. We hope to begin the interviewing process as soon as possible.

Art Whyte

Every month the Board of Lay

Ministry will share information

in the Mountain Echo related to

Pastor Vera’s Sabbatical.

If you have a specific question

you would like addressed, please

contact one of ELC’s Lay

Ministers.

Sabbatical

Covering Pastoral

Duties while Pastor

Vera is away on

Sabbatical

This is the second of a series of articles addressing what will happen while Pastor Vera is on Sabbatical. This article speaks to the process of hiring a supply pastor during her time away from ELC. There is a committee dedicated to finding, interviewing and ultimately selecting the supply Pastor. The supply Pastor’s tenure will begin the day after Pastor Vera’s last Sunday,

August 6 before she begins her 3-month Sabbatical. The supply Pastor will be with us to perform all pastoral duties from August 7

through November 7. Their responsibilities will include presiding at worship, guiding the staff, teaching some Sunday morning Adult Faith Formation classes, visiting the sick when necessary, handling pastoral emergencies along with the staff of ELC and collaborating with the staff and the Board of Lay Ministry to ensure that all congregational needs are met, as well as possible. So, where do we find a list of potential supply Pastors to select a candidate to fill in for Pastor Vera, while she is away? There are a number of places we can secure names. The Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA has a list of supply Pastors available to serve. Also, any member of the congregation, including the Staff, can submit a name of a potential candidate for consideration to the hiring committee. Staff input is important, because they will be the ones to work most closely with the supply Pastor, while the Lay Ministers will represent the best interest of ELC members. The selection, interviewing and hiring committee will be composed of ELC staff members, two ELC Board of Lay Ministry

Holy Week Worship

Palm Sunday, April 9

Worship + 8:00 a.m. + 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday, April 13 Seder Meal + Holy Eucharist + 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday, April 14 Worship + 7:00 p.m.

Easter Vigil, April 15

Worship + 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 16

The Resurrection of Our Lord Worship + 7:00 a.m. + 8:30 a.m. + 10:30 a.m.

Easter Breakfast served from 8:00 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

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Lenten Discipline

Are you still looking for a Lenten Discipline? It’s not too late. It’s not too late to begin something new to help you on your spiritual path—to help you make time and space to listen to God. If you’re still looking for a spiritual discipline, try walking the labyrinth. We have one, you know? It is located across from the church house on the other side of the garage. There is even a helpful information sheet in the box near the labyrinth. Here is a poem from Catherine Anderson to help you get started on your labyrinth walk.

Entering the Labyrinth This is not walking

This is touching the ground with

reverence.

This is stepping inwards.

This is slowing down.

This is listening to the bones

of body,

receiving messages from

deep within.

This is breathing through soles

of feet

into wide open sky.

This is turning toward self.

This is not walking.

This is awareness of senses.

This is letting go of heaviness.

This is one slow step at a time,

time slowing.

This is embodied prayer.

This is gratitude for joy, for sorrow,

for each opening to growth.

This is moving closer to Peace.

If you would like to know more about how to use the labyrinth stop by the office, send me an e-mail, kim@evergreenlutheran.org or give me a call. I would be happy to share more about this wonderful prayer tool with you.

With you in Ministry,

Kim Williams

Director of Adult Ministry

Mid-Week Options

Wednesday:

ϯ Mountain Men will not meet during Lent but will return Wednesday, April 19 at 6:15pm in the lower lever Conference Room.

Thursday:

ϯ Java & Jesus women’s weekly Bible Study meets at 9:30 a.m. We will continue our study of “All Things New” based on 2 Corinthians. We will explore the anchoring truths of bearing treasures in jars of clay, meeting Christ through a pressing thorn, opening wide your heart in the midst of hurtful relationships and what it means to embrace the lost and lonely as ministers of the new covenant. Each of us has a message to proclaim and live by: Because of Jesus the old has gone, the new has come.

ϯ “Faith Matters: The Cross

Road of Culture and Faith” will not meet during Lent but will return Thursday, April 20 at 5:30pm.

ϯ We will meet on Thursday, April

20 at Maya’s Southwestern

Cantina and Grill downtown Evergreen at 12:00 p.m. This is a no host lunch group for seniors, retirees, those who live alone, are tired of your own cooking or just want to gather with others for lunch at one of Evergreen’s local Restaurants. Please call the office before Tuesday if you will be attending so we can make reservations with the restaurant.

If you need a ride let Kim know 303-960-9093.

Sunday Options

ϯ We are studying “The Jesus

Creed” during lent in Fellowship

Hall. When an expert in the law asked Jesus for the greatest commandment, Jesus responded with the Shema, the ancient Jewish creed that commands Israel to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength. But, the next part of Jesus' answer would change the course of history. Jesus amended the Shema, to also love others as themselves. Join us for this refreshing study by Scot McKnight.

ϯ “The Epistles of Paul—

Appealing or ApPAULing?” led by Tom McEwen, meets in the Nazareth Room downstairs. This study of the Epistles of Paul will look at his letters of “lesser fame,” leaving Romans and Corinthians for another time and looking at Philemon, Galatians, Thessalonians and Philippians. Paul was not only a creative and innovative thinker, but was truly a primary influencer of the early church as it expanded, especially among the Gentiles. These lesser known letters had a profound influence on the church at that time, but sometimes proved challenging to the leaders of the church like Peter and James, as they all were creating a long-term vision for the newly founded Christian church. The study will explore the historical context of these letters of Paul but will also help us focus on how these letters continue to influence our own journey of faith today.

ϯ Parents Sunday School

continues to meet in Memorial

Hall downstairs lead by Terry and Jim Ritter. All parents wish to be the best parent that they possibly can be for their children. Explore and share what it means to raise your children in a Christian home and to share your faith with them.

Adult Faith Formation Adult Ministries

We have six on-going Adult Faith

Formation offerings. On Sunday

morning there are three

opportunities at 9:15-10:15

and three opportunities mid-week.

There is something for everyone.

Come and grow in your

life of faith.

4 T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O

Worship & Music Notes

Stone Soup

Traveling with

My Fears

Recently during Lent, I had the opportunity to represent the Worship and Music Board at a Wednesday Lenten Worship Service. I spoke of all the people who are involved in creating worship – including every person in the congregation – and suggested that we need to fast from fear in order to serve boldly and glorify God fully. Since that time, several of you have shared your fears with me and how you struggle to deal with them. While the bible tells us many times not to fear, it’s easier said than done. Surely, God’s assurance that we are not alone in our lives is our safety net and something we can rest into. But, we are grounded in our humanity and frailty. So what do we do with that? There is a book called “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Gilbert suggests that fear is such a part of our human condition that we need to learn to live alongside fear. She writes: Dearest Fear:

Creativity and I are about to go on a

road trip together. I understand

you’ll be joining us, because you

always do. I acknowledge that you

believe you have an important job to

do in my life and that you take your

job seriously.

Apparently, your job is to induce

complete panic whenever I’m about

to do anything interesting — and,

may I say, you are superb at your job.

So by all means, keep doing your job,

if you feel you must. But I will also be

doing my job on this road trip, which

is to work hard and stay focused. And

Creativity will be doing its job,

which is to remain stimulating

and inspiring.

There’s plenty of room in this vehicle

for all of us, so make yourself at

home, but understand this: Creativity

and I are the only ones who will be

making any decisions along the way.

I recognize and respect that you are

part of this family and so I will never

exclude you from our activities, but

still – your suggestions will never be

followed. You’re allowed to have a

seat, and you’re allowed to have a

voice, but you are not allowed to

have a vote. You’re not allowed to

touch the road maps; you’re not

allowed to suggest detours; you’re

not allowed to fiddle with the

temperature. Dude, you’re not even

allowed to

touch the

radio. But

above all

else, my dear

old familiar

friend, you

are

absolutely

forbidden to

drive.”

I like this concept, probably because I’m a worrier and my efforts at eradicating fear have been futile. But, to imagine fear being a passenger in my life who must answer to me (and God) is something I can embrace more easily. When we are stirred by God’s call to serve in ways that challenge us—and maybe scare us a little, perhaps putting fear in the back seat, away from the power of touching the dials, can empower us to live more fully, glorifying God by living in to whomever we are created to be.

Blessings on your journey from

Lenten fears to Easter joy!

Peggy Fetchenhier

Minister of Worship and Music

The ELC kitchen will start buzzing at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 2 as our soup chefs begin peeling, chopping and slicing ingredients for a healthy and delicious soup that will be served to EChO clients. This month we will make Hamburger Rice soup. We will need the following ingredients: • 5 lbs hamburger • 5 cans tomatoes • 2 cans tomato paste • 2 lbs carrots • 4 onions • 4 boxes beef broth • rice • 3 peppers, green, red, or yellow

Please label items dropped off prior to 7:30 a.m. If you would like to join the fellowship in the kitchen or take part by bringing some ingredients, we certainly encourage you to do so. Contact Pat Korbel, 303-681-8894, pat.korbel@msn.com.

“While the bible tells us many times

not to fear, it’s easier said

than done.”

Blessing Bags

The Board of Christian Outreach invites your participation in the creation of Blessing Bags to be distributed to the homeless in our community. We are collecting: socks, white t-shirts, wash cloths, soap, chap stick, sun screen, hand sanitizer, combs, feminine hygiene items, deodorant, and WalMart gift cards to allow us to purchase needed items. These will be included with snacks and water in a drawstring bag, along with a note from our youth. We will assemble the bags Saturday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall and all are welcome to participate. The goal is to make 250 bags. Members are welcome to carry bags in their cars to distribute to the homeless among us.

Your generosity is appreciated and we hope you will join us to assemble the bags.

Students will receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday,

April 13 worship

service at 6:30 p.m. Your children will bake the bread that will be served on Maundy Thursday.

Please contact the church office, office@evergreenlutheran.org or Pastor Vera if you are interested.

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Stewardship

Stewardship for

All Seasons (SAS)

Evergreen Lutheran has been privileged to be awarded a scholarship to participate in this Rocky Mountain Synod pilot program at a greatly reduced cost. So, what is SAS? It is a consultant led process that strives to stimulate the culture of generosity here at ELC, while teaching our leaders how to carry out effective congregational stewardship development year-round. When is, this going to start? It will start with the selection of a five to seven-member Task Force that will learn and implement the SAS process throughout the coming year. The first training session will be at the Synod convention this May 4th in Colorado Springs. The Task Force will work with the Council and Boards to develop the ministerial vision and goals for the coming year. Most members know that there is a lot of ministry occurring at ELC. Utilizing this process will help us focus, educate, inform and encourage members to participate in some manner, prayerfully, physically or fiscally, in a specific ministry throughout the year. What do I need to do now? You could volunteer to be on the Task Force. Otherwise, stay tuned for more information once our training begins this summer. Those wishing to become a member of the Task Force must leave a note with Tara in the office or call with your name and number. We will contact you and answer your questions.

Larry Patella

Modern Day Gleaning

In the biblical book of Ruth, Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, are widows during a famine. In those times, there were customary provisions for widows and the poor to ensure they had adequate food. They were allowed to “glean” from the fields, meaning they could gather the extra abundance following a harvest at no cost to them. Boaz, one of Naomi’s relatives, allowed Ruth to glean from his fields and ordered workers to make sure to leave enough barley behind so that she and Naomi would be well fed. Boaz was blessed for his generosity – soon after, he gained a family in Ruth and Naomi and had a son, Obed. The blessings continued, as Obed became the grandfather of King David. As the Lord provided Boaz with abundance, he shared it with others. And we can do likewise. We may have an abundance of wealth, time or talents. Whatever gifts we have – large or small – the story of Ruth and Boaz models generous sharing. National Volunteer Month is an ideal time to share your abundance and offer your gifts.

Brings people together Gather a group of your friends and brainstorm ways to work together for a common goal of helping out in your community. Is a great chance to learn

something God reveals new gifts in our lives, even as we get older. Volunteering may help you discover hidden talents you didn’t know you had! Saves the community resources Volunteering your time provides valuable community services so more funds can be directed toward other needs. Grows gratitude Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of a gift, that gift can elicit feelings of gratitude – either expressing gratitude or instilling gratitude in the receiver. Being open and willing to live generously, not only blesses others, but, blesses you too. Knowing that you’re making a difference in someone’s life can bring you unspeakable joy!

This article provided compliments of Thrivent Financial and Bob Hawsey, Financial Associate, cell 720-883-4626, bob-hawsey@thrivent.com

If your child is asking for, and you believe they are ready, to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, bring them to First Communion instruction on Saturday, April 8

from 9:30 a.m. -

12:30 p.m. Parents are requested to join their kids for the entire instruction time.

First Communion

First Communion Instruction

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 6

Cook’s Corner

If you have a recipe you are willing to share, please drop a copy in the office or email it to: office@evergreenlutheran.org. Sue made these on Rainbow Trail Sunday and had numerous requests for the recipe. Thank you for sharing the recipe, Sue!

Peanut Butter Brownies

From Sue Queen

• 2/3 c butter or margarine • 2 c peanut butter • 2 c sugar • 1/2 c brown sugar • 4 eggs • 1 c flour • 1 c oatmeal • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1 12-oz package chocolate chips • 1 tsp vanilla Melt butter and add peanut utter. Mix until light. Gradually add sugar and brown sugar, creaming well. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add flour, oatmeal, baking powder, and salt, mixing well. Add chips and vanilla. Spread mixture in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool and cut into squares.

Our Library

At our library, we don't keep a tight rein on our materials by design--despite the occasional but rare reminder letter that an item needs to be returned. You might be surprised to know that we lose only about twenty items per year on average out of a collection of 2,000. That's less than one per cent—a small price in light of the goodwill our library's modest open-use policy engenders. We do suggest that if you take an item that you do fill out a sign-up slip. That makes tracking a bit easier for the members of the Library Committee. It's heartening when items that have been signed out, find their way back home in good course. Regarding overdue items, we like to say, we practice “grace, not fines.”

Be on the lookout for twenty-two new additions to the library's collection toward the end of the month. There are new materials--books and DVD's--waiting to settle in their new home at ELC's library.

God's peace, Lloyd Peltzer

Librarian

Adult Library

“I have ever gained the most

profit, and the most pleasure

also, from the books which

have made me think the

most; and, when the

difficulties have once been

overcome, these the books

which have struck the

deepest root, not only in my

memory and understanding,

but likewise in my

affections.” ~W. A. Hare, Grandpa Lee's

Gems for the Fireside

Library Work Day

Join us, Friday, April 21

from 9:00am—noon.

No library experience necessary.

All are welcome!

Urgent Needs List

for EChO

Grocery needs: � Canned fruit & vegetables � Canned chicken or tuna � Ramen noodles & hearty soups � Pasta � Canned pasta meals � Cereal � Peanut butter � Coffee

Personal and household needs: � Toilet paper � Dish soap � Shampoo � Toothpaste � Toothbrushes � Razors

www.evergreenchristianoutreach.org/needs_list/ for more items.

Please put items in the large box in the narthex or deliver items to 27640 Hwy 74, Evergreen. Monday—Thursday 10:00am—4:00pm.

Thank you in advance for your

kindness and generosity.

——-†.E.D. ———————-— The Evergreen Disciples

High School Youth Ministry of Evergreen Lutheran Church

Mark the Date

April

2: No Sunday School for Youth

5: Guitar Lessons 5:00pm †ED and Confirmation 6:00pm

8: First Communion 9:30am-12:30pm Instruction with Pastor Vera

12: †ED and Confirmation 6:00pm

16: Ecuador Mission Team Easter Breakfast!

19: Guitar Lessons 5:00pm †ED and Confirmation 6:00pm

22: †ED Paintball 12:00pm-5:00pm

23: Middle School 11:45am-3:30pm

Chopped Challenge!

April

2017

Do Something New

Certain Bible verses often stick with me and keep popping back into my brain. This week I have been planning the summer schedule for †ED, middle school, and beyond, and I keep thinking about Isaiah 43:19. Isaiah writes: “Behold! I am doing a new thing. Now it springs forth; do you not

perceive it? I make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” We believe in a God of creation; a God that makes things new. Just look at

Evergreen this week. The weather warmed up and Spring seemed to have sprung early. The ice has disappeared from the lake and it seems as if the whole world is waking up around us. God is constantly doing new things in the world. We should, too.

In that spirit, I invite you to do something new with us this summer. In the next few weeks, our Children, Youth, and Family Board will be putting out a schedule of events for June, July, August, and September. This summer schedule isn’t just for our youth—it’s for everybody. We invite you to step outside your comfort zone—outside the activities and events you’re usually involved with at ELC—and join our youth for an activity. Help us for Christ’s Body Ministries, come mini-golfing with us, or even (dare I say) join us as a chaperon at a lock-in! ELC is full of new things. We constantly strive to keep our faith fresh by

engaging with our community and world in new, unique ways. If you’ve

never joined us for an activity or an adventure—well this is a good way to

freshen things up in your own

faith life .

Dan Bock Children, Youth, & Family

Minister

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Dan’s Contact Information:

Cell: 701-412-1695

Church: 303-674-4654

danbock@evergreenlutheran.org

Children, Youth, & Family

Get hooked up with our ELC Youth News. You’ll get info for all ELC Youth events! Email danbock@evergreenlutheran.org if you want to get connected.

Christian Outreach

April Anniversaries

1 Hank & Inge Falvey 2 Julie & Chuck Schueler 7 Carl & Linda Almquist, Herb & Fran Pallesen 8 Jacque & Art Whyte 9 Dave & Judy Van Auken 11 Kurt and Christa Johnson 13 Barb & Bryan Vial 15 Jim & Barb Barclay 23 Joe & Carol Brice 26 Jennifer & David Hood 28 Tom & Cheryl Foust

through service ministries. We can help you get involved in ongoing activities, and support you in starting new outreach programs. Peace,

Dave Kirberg, Chair

Board of Christian Outreach

April Birthdays

1 Diane Sudmalis, Danielle Seaton 2 Riley Patton 3 Katie Pfarrkirchner 4 Buz Gibson 5 Art Whyte, Noah Wagner,

William Carswell 6 Blake Borns, Paul Phillipe,

Karen Kady, Shelley Ekstrom 9 Cindy Vondenkamp 10 Ashton Berne, Carol Meinert 11 Holly Brekke, Michael Knopf 13 Darrel Meinert 14 Jean Lipson 16 Bob Terry, Cedric McPhee, Kim Lieb 17 Barbara Meier, Nancy Elswick, Michael Kapner 18 Sue Petroskey 19 Cole Knopf, Levi Knopf, Luke Terry 20 Carl Almquist, Doug Hahn, Janelle Bober, Michelle Foley 21 Lynn Kutalek 22 Paula Jung 24 Lisa Parker 25 Patti Vine, Maggie Bergner 26 Irmgard Graham, Cindy Gibson 27 Ava Wagner, Jamie Fuelling, Paul Thisted, Amy Shoemaker 28 Eric Halingstad, Okie Arnot 29 Bill Smith 30 Megan Briggs

8 T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O

Outreach Observations “There are different kinds of

service, but the same Lord.”

I Cor. 12:5

This year’s Lenten theme is, “What does the Lord require of you?” I’ve been thinking about this theme in terms of what it means for our involvement in outreach ministries, starting with an article in the February Living Lutheran magazine by ELCA Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton, titled, “It’s not what we do.” Bishop Eaton writes: “It’s a hard thing to believe that it’s God’s good and gracious will that all be saved from death and, since we can’t save ourselves, God has done it through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s not about what we do or even about that of which we are certain, but what God has done and God’s faithful and sure promise. In a recent survey of ELCA Lutherans, Kenneth Inskeep, Director for Research and Evaluation, asked the question, “What must you do to be saved?” Fifty percent answered, “Do good works.” Fifty percent of Lutherans. Bishop Eaton continues, “At least half of us admit that, deep down, we believe it’s still up to us. Let’s not beat ourselves up—this isn’t a Lutheran phenomenon, this is not an American phenomenon, this is not a 21st-century phenomenon—it’s a human phenomenon.” So, if we aren’t saved by the quantity and quality of our good works, then what’s the point of doing them? I get it when I can measure myself by how many programs I’m involved in and how often I participate in service ministries, because that puts me in charge. I can feed my sense of self-worth by keeping score of my good deeds. After all, there are about 20 service ministries at ELC, providing opportunities from weekly small groups, to the large all-church events and mission trips. Do a few things

here, a few things there, and every now and then a few for extra credit, when my ‘service score’ drops. The problem is this approach puts me at odds with God’s will for me, because God’s will is not quota based. So, why serve if it doesn’t improve my standing with God? The answer is provided by the prophet Micah and the many commandments of Jesus, who repeatedly tells us to love and serve the poor, the oppressed and marginalized, when and where we may find them. Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you...do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Do what is right gives us a clear commandment of how we are to conduct ourselves as Jesus’ disciples, while allowing us the freedom to choose the type of service ministry we feel called to. When we live this out, we affirm that God doesn’t call the equipped, God equips the called. Love mercy, means that we are called to do away with judgement of those, we may be called to serve. We visit those in prison, feed those who are hungry, give shelter to those without a place to live, provide clothing to unwed mothers and provide many other services to our neighbors in need, without judging their history or their worthiness for love, care and compassion. Walk humbly with God is the reminder that we are all God’s beloved people and that what we are required to do is to be the loving and caring stewards of all of God’s creation. When we humbly walk with God, it allows us to see everyone as more important than us, without ever diminishing our self-worth. We no longer have a need to have a ‘service score’ and we serve others because it gives us a joy and freedom we can’t find by focusing on serving ourselves. Is there a current, or potential outreach ministry that could fulfill your call to do what the Lord requires of you? The Board of Christian Outreach is here to help everyone find their feelings of joy and freedom

Stephen Ministers will meet Thursday, April 20 in Fellowship Hall at 7:15 p.m.

Stephen Ministry

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The Secret Garden

The Rocky Mountain Synod has partnered with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) to bring you discounted tickets as well as a moderated talkback after each performance with Pastor Dan Bollman to examine the show through a theological lens. The ticket price is $35. The deadline is Tuesday, April 25

for the Tuesday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. performance of The Secret Garden at Stage Theatre. “The beloved classic blossoms anew in this enchanting musical full of beautiful melodies. When young Mary uncovers the key to her late aunt’s long-lost garden, she becomes determined to revive the beauty that once flourished.” (DCPA website)

For tickets contact:

Sydney Bernard-Hogling 303-674-8058 syddelsol@aol.com This is the last performance for Theater and Theology until the fall.

Theater and Theology

Summer Camps

Breakin’ All the Rules – there’s a program for you! Pick up a summer RTLC brochure in Fellowship Hall, contact Rainbow Trail, 719-276-5233, www.rainbowtrail.org. Online registration for 2017 is open. For questions, email or call Pastor Vera or your RTLC ambassadors, Sue and Gordie Queen, 303-257-7381, gsraqueen@msn.com.

At Rainbow Trail, experience the joy of being with old and new friends in a loving, supportive and caring Christian community. Share the excitement of trying new things. Live the wonder of being immersed in God’s creation. Rainbow Trail offers people of all ages the chance to be a leader, to grow in faith, and to experience wonderful adventures in incredible surroundings. Our fun and exciting staff will love you, care for you, and accept you as you are. Come to camp this summer and feel the power of the Holy Spirit as you grow in faith in Jesus Christ. Rainbow Trail offers opportunities to experience camp whether you’re entering the 2nd grade or are an adult.

Rainbow Trail

We will head down to Rainbow Trail April 28-30 for a weekend of study, service, worship, and fellowship. For our service project we will replace flooring in one of the campers cabins. There will be an option for doing the ropes course. For questions or if you are interested in going on the retreat, contact Dave Kirberg, drkirberg6010@gmail.com.

Men’s Retreat

All who serve in worship, please check in with the lay minister when you

arrive on Sunday to let them know you are present.

April Worship Participants

T H E M O U N T A I N E C H O 10

Evergreen Lutheran Church 5980 Highway 73

Evergreen, CO 80439 303-674-4654

Email: office@evergreenlutheran.org www.evergreenlutheran.org

Ministers: The people of ELC Pastor: Rev. Vera Guebert-Steward

Staff

Minister of Worship and Music: Peggy Fetchenhier

Director of Adult Ministries: Kim Williams Minister of Children, Youth, & Family: Dan Bock

Confirmation Coordinator: DeNae vanWestrienen

Office Administrator: Tara Walker Organist: Jeanne Schubert Thursday Musicians: Chris Besler, Jon Johnson, Dan Bock, Shea McGrath, Rich Reynolds Glory Ringers Director: Marva Baldwin Glory Ringers Assistant Director: Carl Cox Property Manager: Ed Boettger Asst. Property Manager: Jay Lipson Church Custodians: Lloyd Peltzer, Karladee Ormsby Church House Custodian: Jacque Whyte †ED Caring Adult: Pat Brewer

Newsletter Volunteers

Mountain Echo Editor: Jean Rother jrother16@gmail.com Graphic Design: Tara Walker The article deadline for the newsletter is

the 15th of each month. Please email

your articles to the church office or Jean.

The goal of the Mountain Echo is to provide

an interesting and informative newsletter for

Evergreen Lutheran Church, provided to

you electronically before the first Sunday of

each month. It can also be viewed on our

website at www.evergreenlutheran.org.

each month. It can also be viewed on our

website at www.evergreenlutheran.org.

APRIL LAY MINISTER: Andy Riedel

APRIL 2 (8:00 a.m.) Assisting Minister: Jim Barclay Reader: Jan Blumenstein Greeter: Bob Hawsey

Communion Servers: Carolyn & Scott Bergner, Sheryl Fick, Dale Knochenmus Ushers: Cathy & Jim Tellman, Fran Pallesen, Mark Bly

(10:30 a.m.)

Assisting Minister: Rocky Petrocchi Reader: Linda Walpole Greeters: Seaton Family

Communion Servers: Carol & Joe Brice, Joanne Miller, Dennis Johnson Ushers: Beth & Corey Malecki, George & Phyllis Wittenberg

APRIL 9 (8:00 a.m.) - Palm Sunday Assisting Minister: Dan Bock Reader: Paul Stephenson Greeters: Haggenjos Family

Communion Servers: Wayne & Nancy Lowe, Jackie Lanning, Barb Guist Ushers: Art & Jacque Whyte, Lyn Lewis, Val Prolow

(10:30 a.m.)

Assisting Minister: DJ Riedel Reader: Joanne Miller Greeters: Art & Sharon Onweller Communion Servers: Marcia Henderson, George Wittenberg, Rob & Barb Bender Ushers: Peder Kruger, Jon Powers, Dennis Johnson, Beth Feldkamp

APRIL 16 (7:00 a.m.) - Easter Sunday Assisting Minister: Ed Furlong

(8:30 a.m.) Assisting Minister: Dave Kirberg Reader: Melissa Krane Greeters: vanWestrienen Family Communion Servers: Jacque & Art Whyte, Kristi Kohnke, Mark Bly

Ushers: Sherry & Tom Clapp, Jim & Cathy Tellman

(10:30 a.m.) Assisting Minister: Dennis Johnson Reader: Mark Guebert-Steward Greeters: Evans Family

Communion Servers: Carol & Joe Brice, Dave & Sue Plothow Ushers: Lloyd Peltzer & Bob Mosca, Harriet Sear, David Hood

APRIL 23 (9:00 a.m.) - One Service Only Assisting Minister: Casey Larson Reader: Dennis Johnson Greeters: Karen & Paul Phillipe Communion Servers: Sara Larson, Ed Furlong, Jo & Jon Powers

Ushers: Finn Knudsen, Penny Lambert, Rich & Nancy Reynolds APRIL 30 (8:00 a.m.) Assisting Minister: Tom Tracy Reader: Cathy Tellman Greeters: Chris & Gene Enebo Communion Servers: Barb & Jim Barclay, Eric Halingstad, Fran Pallesen

Ushers: Jim Tellman, Bob Hawsey, Shirley Russell, Val Prolow

(10:30 a.m.) Assisting Minister: Sheryl Hellmuth Reader: Lisa Hamm-Greenawalt Greeter: Dennis Johnson

Communion Servers: Sue & Larry Petroskey, Scott & Kristi Moriarty Ushers: Dave Kirberg, Connell O’Brien, Jan Petrocchi, DJ Riedel

March Pastoral Acts

Prayer Vigil 2/28 Wittenberg Family Baptisms

3/4 Brianna Rose Rabus 3/5 Katherine Ebba Schmitz