The Chapel Mountaineer, August 14

I usually take Mondays as my day off, and while sometimes I have fun plans with friends, most often the day is spent paying bills, grocery shopping, cleaning the house, doing laundry and, if I’m really on my game, exercising. I know. Don’t judge me. So on a recent Monday I found myself with a relatively quiet, warm summer afternoon that loomed totally unplanned before me. I also happened to be halfway through a real page-turner of a book that I had resigned myself to reading in 10 minute spurts before nodding off in bed each night. The book beckoned.

I opened up the porch doors to let the breeze in, grabbed a glass of lemonade and plopped down on the couch, book in hand. And there I stayed for the better part of an hour. And then you know what I did? I took a nap! And then you know what I did? Read some more! I am tellin’ you – it was heaven.

I used to feel guilty about those stolen moments – as if I was doing something naughty and might get caught. Now I recognize them for what they are: recharging my batteries.

We live in a culture that is multi-tasking itself to death; over-booked and over-worked and crazy-busy are the norm. I’m no different. And we’re raising a generation of kids who think if they aren’t having fun DOING, then something is wrong. Young kids are overscheduled with activities and structured time and as a result, some kids don’t know how to simply BE. Admit it…if you’re a parent I know you’ve heard the dreaded “I’m bored” at least once this summer. Good! Boredom is the first step to creativity and imagination.

There were seventy kids here for Camp SMashBox last week and one morning I noticed their squeals of delight and play weren’t drowning out the traffic noise on Brush Creek Road, as usual. It was eerily quiet. The kind of quiet where you think your kids must be smearing Vaseline on the bathroom walls (not that that’s ever happened to me…). As I walked around I saw one group of kids near the creek building boats out of wooden blocks, twigs, and fabric squares. Another group was painting rocks. Two more groups were hard at work building intricate log forts. As I marveled over one of the creations, a 9 year old boy grinned and said, almost like he couldn’t believe his good fortune, “yep, it’s FREE time!” Imagine the thought!

Kids today have half as much free time as they did 30 years ago. There’s no judgment in that – it just is. And the consequences of less free time are absolutely both positive and negative.

But I don’t think we were created to be busy little bees 24/7. Nor do I think I’d be happy with a string of lazy afternoons to do Absolutely. Nothing. Happiness lies in the balance.

The Old Testament tells us that there is “nothing better than to be glad and to do well in life…moreover, to eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of labor is a gift from God.” Free time shouldn’t feel like stolen moments. It should feel like hallelujah moments! God’s gift to you, wrapped up in a beautiful summer afternoon. Amen!

Charla 

Children, Youth & Family News & Events

Join the Children’s Ministry Team! Sunday School and Youth Volunteers Needed Snowmass Chapel is in need of teachers and assistants in our weekly Sunday School classes. Teachers are needed for all age groups: PreK-Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade. For the 6th-8th grade we are looking for one or two individuals who would commit to lead monthly events for the year. In addition, we are looking for a musician, and a young adult (or two) who would join Kara and Adam in mentoring teens at the Chapel. This would consist of many different kinds of activities, including Bible Studies, excursions, worship planning and more. All positions start in September. This is a HUGE AND IMPORTANT MINISTRY. Please consider joining the team! For more info visit our websiteor contact Charla. Sunday School Update! As all of our kiddos are moving up into a new grade in the new school year, so will we be shifting our Sunday School classes! August 24th is the “official” move up day (though some kids have already been enjoying their new groups this summer!). Every Sunday during the 9am service: Toddler Room open with supervised play Preschool – Kindergarten (Godly Play) 1st – 2nd grade 3rd – 5th grade Monthly: 6th-8th grade (3rd Sunday of the month) We are also in need of Sunday School teachers for the coming year! Pleaseemail Charla if you can lead a Sunday School class at least once a month for the new school year! High School Welcome Brunch! Aug. 24th Snowmass Chapel is hosting an après-church brunch for ALL HIGH SCHOOLERS! This will be a great way to mingle with the new incoming freshmen and offer a few words of advice, support and friendship. You remember how it feels to be the new kid in high school – so help make it a little easier by offering your friendly smiles!! We have lots of current and incoming high school students here at the Chapel so please let them know you are here!! When: Sunday Aug. 24th immediately after the 9am service. Join us for church and then come socialize, eat and have fun! Parents, would you please sign up here to bring some brunch items? Thank you! Putting the “CAMP” in Camp SMashBOx! Kara and Adam are headed to Chapman Reservoir next week for three days of camping, fishing and exploring. This is the last hurrah for summer SMashBox fun and we’ve got a full slate planned for these middle school-aged kids. Thank you for all your support of these amazing adventures!

Join the Gospel Choir!
A note from Music Director, Paul Dankers-
They say that the Early Bird gets the worm–only I’m hoping that in this case, the early bird gets lots of talented singers! I’m writing to you to let you know that I will be directing a gospel choir again this year at Snowmass Chapel. Rehearsals will be August 17 from 10:30 to noon and August 14 & 21 from 7 to 8:30 PM. We will sing on Sunday, August 24 at 9 AM at Snowmass Chapel. I’m writing to you early because I know how busy your summers are and I want you to get these dates on your calendar. Please plan to join us to perform this especially fun music! RSVP to [email protected] or 300-1330. Thank you!

Shop on Amazon? Help the Chapel by using Amazon Smile! Log on to Amazon Smile (for free, with your regular Amazon log in) and select Snowmass Chapel. By doing so, and shopping this way, you will be helping the Chapel earn money. For each “eligible” sale, 0.5% will donated to the Chapel! So shop away and benefit the Chapel. Click here to get started! If you have any questions or want help, feel free to contact Caroline. The Hiking Group is Hitting the Trails – Join Us! Weekly hikes take place in and around Snowmass and usually last 1-3 hours. The group has hiked up Government Trail, up Snowmass Mountain to Elk Camp, and the Rim Trail to name a few. Please join us – the more the merrier! Contact Sally Sparhawk to get on the list and receive weekly hike updates. Happy Trails! Contact Sally Sparhawk or call 970-618-1442.

Thursday, August 14

AA Meeting 12 Noon – 12:45pm “Lunch Crunch” meeting in the Fireside Room

Sunday, August 17

Christian Worship 9:00am in the Chapel
This Sunday we have a horn quartet led by Brian Mangrum of AMFS for special music and Michael Schoepe will be leading the singing.

Fellowship/social time with refreshments 10:00am following Sunday morning service

Thursday, August 21

AA Meeting 12 Noon – 12:45pm “Lunch Crunch” meeting in the Fireside Room

“The Story” Small Group 6:30pm in the Gnar-nia Room

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Matthew 11:28