ne of our strategic goals was to reevaluate our benevolence budget by June 2019. We give an enormous amount of money away to support the larger Lutheran church and local helping agencies. Our

giving has increased each year as we’ve added agencies, but we’ve never really evaluated it to make sure it’s doing what we hope. So, we deter-mined that the first step was to take a hard look at our external giving and develop guidelines and policies to help us.

The council appointed a task force chaired by Jan Larson to do the work. She recruited Marcia Foret, Dave Bondurant, Al Lougeay, and Marcus Kochis to serve on the team. They have evaluated the agencies who receive our giving and developed guidelines for future giving. These guidelines were presented to Council at the June meeting and unanimously endorsed. They will guide the Council in the preparation of the budget this sum-mer. We are so grateful for their work which will bring much needed transparency to our giving and helps us be good stewards of your generosity.

As they were doing their work the group calculat-ed not only the cash gifts, but also the in-kind donations and volunteer hours that members of First Lutheran give outside our walls. Take a look at the charts on this page to clearly understand the generosity and reach of this congregation. First Lutheran is generous! Thank you! —Pastor Travis

O A HARD LOOK AT OUR GIVING Making the most of your generosity

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June 22 Randy Hollar Reina Keenen Brady Kilman Iren Markosi Adele Navarro Lillian Navarro Silje Ostrem Nayeli Petersen

June 23 Jan Hanlin Hannah Kopenhafer Suzanne Louden

June 24 Pete Bredlau Sarah Henry Roger Lane Susan Schledorn

June 25 Steve Anderson Gail Bowles Marlies Gross Al Hassebrock Vicki Hebdon Maija Lawler Megan Plante Chris Putzi Del Wach Colton Wiseman

June 26 David Callan Brad Kosley Krista Mahler Verl Olson

June 27 Ann-Marie Fisher Don Niles Eva Plante Dena Rydman

June 28 Wally Astor Wendell James Gloria Lynch John Morrow

Happy Anniversary

June 22 Robert & Susan Howland—28 years Lance & Lisa Nelson—12 years Mike & Patti Olsen—51 years

June 23 Don & Diane Heinemann—46 years Dave & Suzanne Miller—40 years Paul & Lois Peel—56 years

June 24 Jim & Cayth Brady—47 years Nichole & Matthew Brtek—19 years John & Linda Samuelson—52 years

June 25 Dennis & Sharon Kruse—42 years

June 26 Bill & Gloria Layton—37 years Bob & Linda Sommervold—43 years

June 27 Art & Jan Britton—55 years Ron & Julie Furstenau—32 years Tom & Nola Gosch—65 years Bob & Diana Keys—60 years Dave & Kathy Mutz—32 years

June 28 Bob & Kathy Friess—33 years

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Cliff Allen Cheri Anderson Wanda Anderson Dean Arnold Felicia Arnold Jaclyn Arnold Courtney Batchelor Greg Bezdicek Wilma Bogenhagen Garrett Brown Melvin Brown Gene & Angie Burklund Helen Burton Frank Canady The Compton Family Uwe Dahl The Dellacroce Family Anna Dillow Sierra Drager Amy Finger George Gatchel Grace Gerard Andy Grasmick Katherine Greene Lee Gross Mark Hallenbeck Jon Haring Wayne Haring Jeff Harris The Hawkins Family Lottie Hering Casey Jacobs Lance James Doris Johnson Jen Johnson Josh Jones Bob Kerwin John Klatt

Jesse Lawrence & Family Sam Lloyd & Family Jay McCoy Richard McKibben Bill McKinley Jim McKinley Debra Mills Brandon Miller & Family Mark Mueller Patrick Murphy The Lori Nagle Family Don Nelson Leroy Nelson Ron Norton & Family Don Reed Don Reichert The David Reid Family Ron Scott Paul Shupe Martin Simon Hannah Stokes Angie Stott The LaNell Stovall family Anita Stubblebine Michael Tamadonni Pat Untz Judy Wach Bill & Lois Weber Al Wiebke Scott Wilkinson Roger Williams David Wright Greg & Carolyn Young Ben Zeeb Nick Zuardo & Family Tony Gracie

Please keep these members of First Lutheran, their family and friends, in your prayers this week.

Thank You

A huge thank you to Marcia, Pastor Norton, and all those who are First Lutheran for allowing the Women’s Literary Club to meet in the Peel House and to tour this remarkable property. I am very grateful, as are all the WLC ladies. Sincerely, Sue Badgett On behalf of the Historic Preservation Alliance (HPA), I would like to thank the First Lutheran Church for its continuing hospitality and community outreach. From the people who schedule meetings at the front desk to your helpful custodial staff, John and Brad, we give applause and our heartfelt appreciation. Pat Doyle, HPA Board Member Condolences

Our condolences and prayers surround the family and friends of Andy Peterson, who entered eternal life on June 12, 2019. Beverly’s husband; Brent, Bradley and Brian’s father; Ana and Jennifer’s father-in-law; grandfather of 8. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, June 18th in the Sanctuary .

Grace Needed

Our apologies for failing to list three June anniversaries in the Ekklesia. PL and Sandy Wiebe celebrated their 53rd anniversary on June 11th, Harry and Cathy Mosco celebrated their 37th anniversary on June 12th, and Barry & Kathy Holmes celebrated their 50th anniversary on June 21st. Congratulations!

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From the Pastor

Our kids are headed to camp this week for confirmation camp. My eldest son is returning from camp on Sunday. We are sending our high school youth group to Moab

for a week of faith formation. Throughout the summer many of your kids and grandkids will be going to camp and on youth trips. These trips are so incredibly helpful in the faith development of our children. I remember reading that a child’s attendance at Bible camp or a youth mission trip is one of the highest indicators that they will have strong Christian faith as an adult. This is why we encourage these trips, why we subsidize the cost of them, and why we support Rainbow Trail in our budget. Our congregation is actively working to keep our baptism promises to support our youth in their discipleship to Jesus. Join me praying for our youth heading out on various trips this summer. Pray that God will get their attention as they leave so many distractions behind. Pray that God will help them to know how wonderful they are, how much they are loved and how they can rely on God for the rest of their lives. Thank you, First Lutheran, for supporting our youth! –Pastor Travis

Peel House Storytellers

If you have a story of a special event that you experienced in the Peel House, we want to know. As we prepare to renovate the old Jewett mansion, we would love to capture the meaning that it holds for our members and the community. We want people to share with others the moments the house has been an important part of your life. Baptisms, weddings, worship, Sunday school, parties, special events – anything that you have been a part of, we want to share with our community. Please contact Pastor Carrie at carrie@flccs.net and find out how you can share your story.

Peel House Update

We now have two committees working on the Peel House. The Renovation Committee is working on the design and renovation and the Capital Campaign Committee is working on raising the money to pay for the renovation. The Renovation Committee has begun reaching out to the Old North End board members and neighbors to keep them in the loop and get their input on the project. We will hold a tour for ONEN board members and interested neighbors on June 27th at 3:00 pm. The Capital Campaign Committee has identified a number of people we are hoping will serve on one of the committees. We will begin making those asks and hopefully have a complete steering committee by the end of the month.

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What’s So Amazing About Grace?

What’s So Amazing About Grace is a book written by Philip Yancey. We will view a short video by Yancey about the topics below followed by discussion.

June 23 The Church Backslides June 30 Dispensing Grace July 8 Counterforce

From the Archives

From the Dedication Program for the new First Luther-an sanctuary at Platte and Weber, April 7, 1929: Entering the Chancel, the officers of the congre-gation shall place the Bible and Sacramental Ves-sels, and proceeding to the Altar shall say, "I will go to the Altar of God my exceeding joy." The Act of Dedication: Pastor - "I do now set apart this First Evangelical Lutheran Church as a House of God; and dedicate it to the glory and honor of Almighty God, and to the service of his Holy Church." Congregation: "Amen Amen Amen"

Introducing GivePlus Church Mobile App

To make it easy for you to respond to special appeals, fulfill pledges, or make payments, even during your busiest times, we offer GivePlus Church, our mobile giving app. Simply go to the App Store or Google Play and search for “GivePlus Church” to download the app for free. Then, you can give anytime, anywhere, any day of the week. It’s that easy! We hope you’ll try it, and thank you for being a vital part of our church community.

Holy Cross Winery and Museum of Colorado Prisons

Tour of Museum of Colorado Prisons Tour starts at 10:30 am. Cost: $4.00 per person payable at the museum entrance. Lunch 12:30pm lunch at the Abbey Event Center. Cost: $12.50 per person. Cuisine is chief’s choice served cafeteria style. Individuals pay at Abbey Events Center. Holy Cross Abbey Winery Following lunch, we will visit the Winery. Return to FLC 3:00 – 3:30 pm

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COMING THIS SUMMER

Trail Trekkers’ June Hikes

Bratton/Mt. Dewey Trails (Green Mt. Falls) The Mt. Dewey Trail was completed in August, 2015, with the Bratton extension added in 2017. The trails are surrounded by 139 acres of forest land: 4-5 miles, rated moderately difficult with elevation gain. Bring a lunch to enjoy on the trail.

Lovell Gulch and White Gulch (Woodland Park) These trails, just two miles north of Woodland Park, offer stimulating diversity, including varied terrain, a stream and great views. It is listed as one of Colorado's best wildflower hikes. We’ll have lunch on the trail: 5½-6 miles, rated moder-ate with elevation gain/loss. Sign up in church or e-mail Judy if you plan to join us. (outdoorjudy@comcast.net)

Book Discussion Group

The book for the June meeting of the Book Discussion Group is Becoming by Michelle Obama. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experi-

ences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the south side of Chicago, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same. Upcoming Reading

August 7: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

September 4: Glory Over Everything: Beyond the Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom

October 2: Educated by Tara Westover

November 6: The German Girl by Armando Lucas

Health Care Advanced Directives

You are invited to come to the Cancer Prayer Support Group, on Saturday, June 21st, at 10:00 am, in the Library, where there will be a discussion about health care advanced directives.

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Seeds of Joy Garden Group

Seeds of Joy will meet on July 10, 2019, the second Wednesday of the month at 9:00 am in Luther Hall. We’ll be resuming our normal schedule then. It will be a maintenance day.

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Needed

The Pikes Peak Habitat needs volunteers to help build a new home for a special family, and to prepare and serve lunch. If you’d like to join in, please sign up on the opportunity sheet in church. Direct any questions to Marcia at 719.632.8836, or email marcia@flccs.net.

Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed

The Marian House Soup Kitchen has an ongoing need for volunteers every Friday to help prepare and serve meals to 500-600 people. Hours are flexible: 7:00—10:00 am, 10:00 am—1:00 pm, or 7:00 am—1:00 pm, every Friday or as your personal schedule allows. Contact Jan Larson at 495-3333, or email bridleb23@msn.com for more information.

Parish House Baroque Summer Concert

Enjoy a Summer Soirée with Parish House Baroque, an inspirational concert celebrating the music of the British Isles. Bring your friends and family to this special summer concert that blends court music of the Baroque era with exquisite folk music. Tickets will be available in the Gather-ing Place—$20, and $15 for patrons of the PHB Society. Learn more about Parish House Baroque, or purchase tickets online at parishhousebaroque.org.

Give Life, Give Hope, Give Blood

Blood is essential for life. It carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, fights infections, and helps heal wounds. And everyone has this self-generating resource that can be generously given to others—when and where it is needed most. The summer is a time when the supply of available blood is low, so please consider donating. This blood drive is sponsored by Vitalant Blood Center. Sign up in church, call Marcia at 719.632.8836 or email marcia@flccs.net.

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Toddler Tales

Bring your little ones to listen to a story, share in a snack, and do a craft or play some games. Parents and caregivers will stay with their children and enjoy coffee and bagels while playing along. We will have storytellers and volunteers for activities during the scheduled time. We invite parents to stick around and sit on the porch or bring kids to the playground after the Toddler Tales. This program will run concurrent with Kids Kamps that are formatted for elementary age kids and scheduled from 9-noon. To sign up for either program please visit the website at www.flccs.net.

Kids Kamp

Kids Kamps are back for another summer! Come to learn and play through stories, games, crafts and snacks! Check the church website, www.flccs.net, for more information. Sign up sheets in Sunday bulletin.

June 20 – Magic Kamp Professor Higgins’ Magic Show

June 27 – Music Kamp A morning of musical fun!

July 11 - Art Kamp Make amazing art projects with Betsy Tuma.

Vacation Bible School

Come join your old friends and bring a new friend for a faith-filled week of songs, stories, arts and activities. We gather together each day for fun activities led by staff from Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp and our own KICK team. This a great opportunity for kids to make new friends, learn about God, and hear everyday that Jesus loves them no matter what, and so do we. Regis-ter on our website under youth at www.flccs.net.

Volunteers and Food Needed for Vacation Bible School

Summer Vacation Bible School is right around the corner, and we need volunteers to help with prepping crafts, and working with the kids. We also need food donations for our snack menu. Sign up with opportunity sheet from bulletin and we’ll contact you.

Potluck Dishes Needed for Vacation Bible School Meeting

Vacation Bible School volunteers and KICK team will hold an orientation meeting with Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp staff Sunday, July 14th, at 4:00 pm. Dinner will be served at this meeting. If you can provide a dish or can help with clean-up, please sign up in church, or call Shelly at 719.534.9899.

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Can You Help Support Our Youth?

We want our high school youth to love each other, love God and develop a strong youth group community. Our summer trip to Moab will give them a chance to grow in each of these areas. Daily devotions, fun day trips, nightly teaching in the beautiful and adventurous area of southern Utah will help us achieve these goals and we need your help. The youth are trying to raise $4,000.00 for their trip(they will also be supported by a registration fee and the youth budget). They will be hosting a spaghetti dinner for the congregation and taking a free-will offering to help meet their goal. Please consider attending the dinner. If you can’t attend but would like to make a donation, just mark your donation for the youth trip(you can donate online too at flccs.net). Thank you for helping us create a strong high school youth group that helps our youth develop a faith that will guide them in the years to come! –Pastor Travis

High School Moab Trip

We’re going camping in Moab! Campfires, awesome hiking, fishing, white water rafting, caves, mountain biking and more. Join us for an informational parent meeting June 16 at 10:30 am in Fellowship Hall. Registration and details will be available on our website under youth at www.flccs.net, or contact Shelly at shelly@flccs.net.

Youth Group Meetings

Friday Fun: June 21

Join us for a photo scavenger hunt downtown with a run to Dutch Bros. Bring friends and money for coffee.

Friday Fun: June 28

FLC is taking it out to the streets! Join us on June 28th for some skating at Skate City. Bring $9 for your ticket and some cash for ice cream at the drive in and a fun attitude.

Sunday Revive: Ongoing Sundays

This is a time to dig a little deeper into our faith and have some small group time. It’s NOT going to be boring – we promise!

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for High School Moab Trip

The KICK team is hosting this event to help fund our trip to Moab, and all are invited! Come for dinner and stay for games for all ages! A freewill offering will be accepted. Sign up sheets will be in the Sunday bulletin. Our goal is to raise $4000 for the trip.

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SUPPORT GROUP MEETING AT FIRST LUTHERAN

Weekly Groups (Meet in Peel House) Sunday 4:00 pm CODA Women’s Group, Main Floor 6:00 pm Old North End AA, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 Monday 6:00 pm Emotions Anonymous, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 7:30 pm Attitude of Gratitude Al-Anon, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 Tuesday 5:30 pm Tuesday Evening Meditation & Solutions AA Meeting, Main Floor 7:00 pm Al-Anon Family Group, Lower Level 7:00 pm Al-Anon Group Parent Meeting, Main Floor Wednesday 7:30 am Sexaholics Anonymous, 2nd Floor, NW Room 204 5:30 pm Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 6:00 pm 164 AA Support Group, Lower Level 7:30 pm Recovering Snowflakes meeting of Cocaine Anonymous, Main Floor Friday 5:00 pm CODA Support Group, Lower Level 5:30 pm Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 7:00 pm Co-dependency Anonymous, Lower Level 7:00 pm Living Free AA Group, 2nd Floor, SW Room 203 Saturday 8:30 am Sexaholics Anonymous, 2nd Floor, NW Room 204 8:30 am S-Anon Family Group, Lower Level 2:30 pm Gift of the Heart Alcoholics Anonymous, Main Floor Monthly Group Second Tuesday of the Month 1:00 pm Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group, in Luther Hall

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Regularly Scheduled Pastor’s Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 am in the Fireside Room. Will not meet during the month of July. Will resume August 7th.

Cancer Prayer Support Group Fourth Saturday of the month, 10:00 am in the Library. Sign up in church, or call 719.447.6068.

Sunday Adult Seminar 9:15 am in the Worship Center

Baptism Seminar First Tuesday of the month, 7:00 pm in the Conference Room. Sign ups are required, or class will be cancelled. Call 719.632.8836 or email teri@flccs.net.

Coming Soon Toddler Tales Toddlers – Preschool ages Thursdays, June 20 & 27, July 11,

9:30 to 11:00 am, in Peel House

Kids Kamp Kids entering 1st – 6th grades, Thursdays, June 20 & 27, July 11,

9:00 am to noon, in Peel House

Youth Groups – Friday Fun Friday, June 21, Youth Center Middle School, 4:30 to 6:30 pm, High School , 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Trail Trekkers Hiking Club Saturday, June 22, 8:00 am Bratton/Mt. Dewey Trails Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Habitat for Humanity Volunteers Saturday, June 29, two shifts, 8:30 am-noon or all day Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser Sunday, June 30, 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm, in Gathering Place Sign-up sheet in bulletin Book Discussion Group Wednesday, July 3, 7:00 pm, in the Conference Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Seeds of Joy Garden Group Wednesday, July 10, 9:00 am, in Luther Hall Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Potluck Dishes for VBS Meeting Sunday, July 14, 4:00 pm, in Fellowship Hall Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Vacation Bible School Out of diapers – entering 6th grade, July 15-19, 9:00 am to noon

Vacation Bible School Volunteers & Food Donors July 15-19 Sign-up sheet in bulletin

OWLs Holy Cross Winery and Museum of Colorado Prisons Wednesday, July 17 , meet at 9:15 am, in the Gathering Place Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Vitalant Blood Drive Sunday, July 21, 8:30 am to noon, in Luther Hall Sign-up sheet in bulletin

High School Youth Moab Trip July 24-29