To love and be loved. Those are the words that filled my heart as I returned from a quick overnight at Estes Park with five dear friends. We have known one another for many years. We have laughed, cried, rejoiced, mourned, prayed, studied, and shared the particulars of our lives. My heart is full. On the trip home I reflected upon on the particular ways our lives have connected and intersected over the years. The congregation in which we met is the common bond. Our lives may not have otherwise been joined had we not all been members of Christ the Servant in Louisville, Colorado. The power of a community of faith to connect people is particular. As we love in the manner of Jesus we get to lo

"Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37 The welcome we received was quiet at the Sanctuary Center. There was no one there to greet us when we arrived. It was the trees and the path, the simple building with a restroom and sharing library that first received us. The map showed us where we might want to explore and welcomed us to this place. The generosity of those who donated the land, keep it accessible and care for it allowed us to take time to walk the labyrinth, sit and enjoy the view, and walk along the paths. We were welcomed into the quiet. Several hours later when we arrived at camp we receive

The phone rang and it was my dad. Interrupting our coffee conversation, I told my friend Sonya that I would need to take the call. It had happened. We knew my mother’s days were coming to an end and still the phone call came as a shock. It was September 13, 2008. Ten years ago today. I remember- where I was and who I was with. This past week on September 11 folks posted memories and memorials, remembrances and accolades. Over the years I have heard many stories as we all recounted where we were and what was happening on that day 17 years ago. As I look at the weather and hear about the current hurricane I am remembering loved ones from last year who had family in the path of that storm. As

This coming weekend we join with our sister ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) congregations in God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday on September 9, 2018. Across the country, thousands of ELCA members will be engaging in service work to make a positive change in their communities, build and deepen relationships and share God’s love. Join us on Sunday to find out ways you can love, serve and grow with us as we connect with our community. The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.5 million members in nearly 9,300 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands,” the ELCA emphasi