THE ASTOR - Amazon S3...on closin© and transer o title and a note se-cured by a deed o trust ¨or $57,000.00 payable at $8,000.00 or more includin© interest at the rate o 6% per

n the month of June I had the privilege of confirming nine of our youth, traveling with the Celebration Ringers, teaching Toddler Tales, going to Rainbow Trail for Confirma-tion Camp, sharing a chil-

dren’s message on Sunday morning, and helping with our first youth ministry fund-raiser. What a joy it is to spend time with our youth of all ages sharing the gospel message of Jesus Christ through music, hospitality, community, and love.

As I reflect on all these experi-ences it reminds me of the seeds that are planted in our youth when they are engaged fully as members of the Body of Christ. When our youth feel like they have purpose, and that they are valued, they show up. They come to be a part of a connected community that includes them in ways that are life-giving and meaningful.

When I teach toddlers I want them to know that Jesus loves them and that I love them. I want them to know as early on as possible that the

I FROM THE PASTOR Planting the Seeds of Character and Faith in Our Youth

church is a place for them to come and feel safe and welcome, to feel loved and to have fun.

Funny, it’s the same thing that I want our teenag-ers to feel when they head off to camp. They head

to the mountains where they spend a week with other youth from across the synod, sometimes feeling vulnerable and anxious in sharing their faith or having questions but also knowing that they are surrounded by youth, counse-lors and caring adults who will walk with them in their faith journey in whatever way they need.

Our Celebration Ringers make me so proud every year when they go and share their gift of music in different con-

gregations. They play with great joy to the glory of God while supporting one another and being the best representation of our congregation that you might imagine. The comments and gratitude that we collect along the way from the congrega-tions in which we share music in are truly affirm-ing in lifting up this music ministry and the youth that are a part of it. Continued on page 3

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July 13 Chris Anderson Anna Heavner Ronald Luebben Katie Wilkinson

July 14 Barbara Brackett Michael Eckley Jason Fox Tristan Gully Logan John Gary Miller Chris Parkhill Helen Peterson Diana Rischling Al Wiebke

July 15 Stephanie Curtner Haley Farrell Jordan Jacobson Jeana Keenan Sally Maertens

July 16 Cliff Allen Dennis Burklund Sharon Hyskell Shirley Kielcheski Drew Lindsey Isabella Loper Mary Nuccio

Melissa Reak Pamela Rokke Shelly Schmidt Allyson Stanley Sharon Wilson

July 17 Jan Anderson Alexandra Coen Elvyn Hall Addison Miller Gary Olson Mary Parker Lynn Peterson Angelina Ramaglia-Delay

July 18 Karla Bryant Uwe Dahl Aimee Heist Cailee Nehme Ina Kay Padgett Amir Safayan Kaitlynn Vowels

July 19 Jordan Dixon Zack Ilse Carlos Navarro Gigi Podczervinski John Samuelson Cristina Smith

Happy Anniversary

July 13 Mark & Mindy Mahler - 45 years

July 15 Jim Head & Lynda Kirby - 4 years

July 16 Joe & Maureen Ploederer - 64 years Dan & Julie Reiling - 25 years

July 17 Nick & Kara Cartwright - 15 years Ken & Kay Lee– 48 years Bob & Suzanne Louden– 65 years Phil & Ruth Rose - 59 years

Give+ Church Mobile App

We are excited to share with you a new way to give to the church. GivePlus Church is a mobile giving app that enables you to make one-time or recurring gifts from your smartphone. Visit the App Store or Google Play and search for “GivePlus Church” to download the app for free and start donating today!

Thank you for supporting our mission.

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Cliff Allen Michael Alvarado Felicia Arnold Jaclyn Arnold Greg Bezdicek Wilma Bogenhagen Nichole Brtek John Casson John Chlebus Uwe Dahl Anna Dillow Pat Dolan Sierra Drager Denise & Jimmy Fisher George Gatchel Grace Gerard Andy Grasmick Lee Gross Kenn Hampton Jon Haring Elizabeth Haver Eddie Havers The Hawkins Family Ruth Hjelmstad Casey Jacobs Josh Jones Bob Kerwin John Klatt George Kochen Julia LaBant Jesse Lawrence & Family Naomi Lehmkuhl Sam Lloyd & Family Margo Marrow Mike & Jeannie Mayberry

Ruth McCormick Jay McCoy Richard McKibben Debra Mills Brandon Miller & Family Gary Miller Larry Moe Mark Mueller Patrick Murphy Don Nelson Rhea Nordberg Craig Parlet Bill Reed Don Reed Don Reichert The David Reid Family Dena Rydman Lisa Scarcello Ron Scott Karen Sheets Charles Simmons Ervin & Kari Southard Linda Stegmiller Lori Stevens Angie Stott Anita Stubblebine Michael Tamadonni Sue Telander Mark & Doc Timby Scott Wilkinson Roger Williams Greg & Carolyn Young Nick Zuardo & Family Gracie

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

Thank You

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the beautiful flower bouquet we recently received. Also for the home visit and communion from Pastor Bob. We were truly blessed. Our love and blessings, George & Leta Gatchel Thank you for the most generous donation to Mission Medical Center. With your donation, MMC was able to provide services to many in our community that have not been able to afford or have access to health care services. Sincerely, Barbara Cronin Executive Director Thank you for choosing Catholic Charities of Central Colorado as the recipient of your generous gift. Your donation allows our Marian House programs to provide assistance to those most vulnerable in our community. We are so incredibly blessed by First Lutheran’s commitment to serve our community. Sincerely, Sarah Tremmel Chief Development Officer

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From the Archives

Purchase Agreement for the Giddings-Jewett Mansion/Peel House, March 4, 1958. "The total purchase price is $80,000.00, payable as follows: $8,000 hereinabove receipted for, and $15,000.00 cash on closing and transfer of title and a note se-cured by a deed of trust for $57,000.00 payable at $8,000.00 or more including interest at the rate of 6% per annum on the unpaid balance, said payments to be paid annually beginning 12 months after transfer of title and each 12 months thereafter until paid in full."

No Pastor’s Bible Study in July

The Pastor’s Bible Study Group is on vacation during the month of July, but will resume Wednesday, August 7th. See you there!

From the Pastor (continued)

So why do I need to tell you all of this? I want you to know that the seeds we plant in welcoming our children and youth in worship, placing value in their programs, engaging them in the Gathering Place, supporting them at a fundraiser or sending them to camp, inviting them to sponsor joint intergenerational activities, and simply offering a hello when passing by are the things that will make a difference in how they view the church as they get older and have families of their own.

We see some kids in church pretty regularly, and others less often, but for all we have the oppor-tunity to plant the seeds of faith every time we engage them. I read a quote not long ago that said the following:

“When working with young people there are times when you will see results in 10 seconds and there are times you won’t see it for 10 years. Either way, keep planting those seeds of character and faith; eventually they bloom.”

Thank you friends, for being the ones that plant those seeds. It is a real gift to watch them grow and sprout as they are tended to by God’s faithful people. –Pastor Carrie

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COMING THIS SUMMER

Museum of Colorado Prisions and Holy Cross Winery

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 chef’s choice served cafeteria style. Individuals pay at Abbey Events Center.

Holy Cross Abbey Winery Following lunch, we will visit the Winery.

Trail Trekkers’ July Hikes

Mule Creek, north of Woodland Park, is a great hike with multiple shallow stream crossings through meadows, rocky canyons, aspens and profuse flowers. It's a favorite with our hikers. Bring a lunch to eat along the way, (4-6 miles; moderately easy).

Sign up in church or e-mail Judy if you plan to join us. ([email protected])

Sunday Adult Seminar

Healing the Shame that Binds You Guilt arises from words or actions that one regrets. Shame is a sense of being a defective human being and can be a kind of static experienced throughout life. In this study we will use Pastor Robert Albers’ book, Shame: A Faith Perspective. The goal will be to understand the dynamics of shame and to find freedom from it. Discussion will be led by Pastor Bob.

July 14 The Nature of Shame July 21 The Dynamics of Shame

July 28 Presentation by Peter Severson, Director of Lutheran Advocacy for the Rocky Mountain Synod. Topic: What is Lutheran Advocacy?

August 4 Presentation by Pastor Ralph Anderson—The Impact of Interfaith Coalition

Healing the Shame that Binds You (continued) August 11 Defending Against Shame August 18 From Shame to Freedom

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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 [email protected].

Book Discussion Group

The book for the August meeting of the Book Discussion Group is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The multi award-winning story follows two timelines, slowly intertwining: the first describes the life and adventures of a young girl

named Kya as she grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina through 1952-1969, and the second, a murder investigation of Chase Andrews, a local celebrity of Barkley Cove, a fictional coastal town of North Carolina. Upcoming Reading

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

Pikes Peak InterFaith Coalition Invites you to

International Mandela Day

Program consists of lecture Building on Nelson Mandela Legacy by Dr. Stephanie Rose Spaulding followed by group discussions and interactive dialogues. For free tickets, go to Eventbrite and search for Mandela Day or click on this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pikes-peak For further information, please contact Pastor Ralph Anderson at 719.243.6274

Woodcarvers Need Help

The Woodcarvers’ Group needs help in making comfort creatures for the Christian Care Giving ministry. They’ll be hosting two Saturday morning carving sessions. Open to adults 18 years or older. Bring your carving tools and gloves if you have them. Lunch will be provided. For more information, contact Tom Mellot at [email protected].

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Summer Music Opportunities

Forte Handbell Concert July 26, Worship Center, Free-will offering

Women’s Chorus - August 11 Rehearsals 7:00 pm, July 31 & August 7, Choir Room

Men’s Chorus - August 25 Rehearsals 7:00 pm, August 14 & 21, Choir Room

High school students are invited to sing in the Women’s or Men’s Chorus. Sign up on the opportunity sheet this coming Sunday.

Dinner for Eight

Full plates + New friends = One great evening! Enjoy Christian fellowship over good food in the homes of new friends and old. It’s simple! Groups of eight people, couples or singles, will gather for one dinner a month over a four month period—September, October, January and February. Each host provides the entrée, while the remaining guests provide the side dishes and desserts. When you sign up, you will be assigned to host one meal and attend three others with different people attending each meal. Use the opportunity sheet in church to participate or call the church office at 719.632.8836. Please sign up by August 4.

Finding Your Place in God’s Family

Anyone who would like to explore membership at First Lutheran is invited to join our new member gathering. You will meet with the pastors and staff about the work and ministry of our congregation. The meeting includes an overview of Christian faith from the Lutheran perspective. The service of inclusion will be Sunday, August 25 during the 10:45 am service. If you will not be present on this day, you may be received in absentia. A welcoming reception will follow at 11:45 am in the Gathering Place. Sign up in church, or email [email protected] if you will be attending the gathering, or are interested in sponsoring a new member.

Theater Group Outing

The Mountaintop Katori Hall paints a gripping re-imagination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s last night on earth, set in his room at the Lorraine Motel, as a mysterious stranger arrives with surprising news. This incisive play centers on the humanity of Dr. King - played by Theatreworks favorite, Calvin M. Thompson - in the shadow of his monumental legacy. Tickets are $34.50. Please sign up at the Welcome Center at First Lutheran by Sunday, August 11.

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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.

School Supply Drive

Teens with Promise operates a “Teen Shop” dedi-cated to providing teenagers with the supplies they need to start and stay in school. All materials are provided at no cost to the student. Schools, shelters, social service agencies, and other pro-fessionals are able to make a referral for a stu-dent to come and shop for needed clothes, schools supplies and sports equipment in a store-like setting. In each of the past several years, this program has distributed school supplies and clothing to more than 5,000 youths. You can help by providing new backpacks and supplies through July and August. Each backpack is filled with a scientific calculator, permanent markers, 3-ring binders, highlighters, folders, red and black pens, notebooks, and more. Please return your donation to the drop-off box in the Gathering Place.

VBS Afterparties

All youth entering 6th grade and older are invited to join the KICK team and the Rainbow Trail Camp Staff for lunch and fun after VBS. Lunch will be provided on Mon, Tues, and Wednesday. After a short ‘God talk’ we’ll head out for fun and return to the church at approximately 4:00 (Mon – Wed).

·Monday – Sardines in the Peel House, bring $ for Rocket Fizz

·Tuesday – Bring $ for bowling

·Wednesday – Hike in Garden of the Gods, bring $ for ice cream

·Thursday – Bring a sack lunch. We’ll go to Valley Swim for the afternoon, a BBQ dinner and return to the church at 6:00 pm.

Kids must have a permission slip to attend (located on the youth tab of the church

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Youth Group Meetings

Friday Fun: July 12

Join us July 12th and be ready for messy games! Bring some clothes that you aren’t afraid to get a little sticky or wet in! Both HS and MS meet at the church from 6-8:30! Hope to see you there!

July 19

Sadly, there will be no Friday Fun on July 19th or July 26th due to VBS and the HS Moab trip.

Sunday Revive: Ongoing Sundays

No Revive on July 14th, but we’ll be back on July 21. Join us for deep conversation and a revival for the week! High School kids are encourages to come and help.

Thank You!

Once again, the generosity of this congregation is an example of the abundance that God shares with his people! The youth had set out to raise $4000 to help fund their summer fellowship adventure to Moab, that goal has been exceeded with about $4400 raised! They youth are excited to have this opportunity share time together in God’s creation growing in their faith and community. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and the youth look forward to sharing stories of their adventures when they get back from their time in the desert. Thank you!

Needed Items for Moab Trip

We are currently looking to borrow paddle boards, kayaks, and large inflatable floats for our time at the lake. We are also in need of generators, flood lights, shade structures, 5 gallon water containers, and firewood for use at the campground. If you have any possible donations or questions, please contact Kristi Hartford at 719-373-9696.

Youth Spotlight

Please join with us in welcoming First Lutheran member Allison Hetherington as our Children’s Ministry Intern this summer! Allison will work with Kristi and Troyer this summer before she heads off to

California Lutheran University this fall. We are excited to have Allison share her gifts for ministry and love of Christ in our congregation!

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SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS 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. Resumes 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 [email protected].

Coming Soon Youth Groups – Friday Fun

Friday, July 12, 6:00—8:30 pm, Youth Center, High School & Middle School

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

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

Trail Trekkers Hiking Club Thursday, July 18, 8:00 am Meet at Safeway parking lot, 3275 W. Colorado Ave. Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Pikes Peak InterFaith Coalition Thursday, July 18, 6:30 pm Lodge at UCCS

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

School Supply Drive

Through July and August, Drop-off box in Gathering Place

Woodcarvers’ Group Saturdays, July 27 & September 12, 9:00 am to noon in Peel House Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Dinner for Eight Sign up by August 4th Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Book Discussion Group Wednesday, August 7, 7:00 pm, Conference Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Finding Your Place in God’s Family Sunday, August 11, noon, Fireside Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Women’s Chorus August 11, rehearsals 7:00 pm, July 31 & August 7, Choir Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Men’s Chorus August 25, rehearsals 7:00 pm, August 14 & 21, Choir Room Sign-up sheet in bulletin

Theater Group Outing Saturday, September 7, 7:30 pm, Ent Center for the Arts Sign-up and pay at the Welcome Center by Sunday, August 11