Snowmass Chapel Mountaineer, August 7

When I was growing up as a child in the 1960’s, one of my favorite people to see was our mailman. He was kind and consistently interested in what was happening in my life. During the summer months when home from school, I’d listen for the sound of his mail truck and run out to the mailbox when I heard it.

This memory flooded my mind the other day when I was searching in my desk drawer for a stamp. After moving pens, paper clips, and old business cards around, I found one stamp. It was a “Forever” stamp. While the word means that the stamp will work for mailing a first class letter into the foreseeable future, it nevertheless is an interesting word choice. Nothing on this earth is forever. No matter how hard one might try, there is nothing material that is everlasting. This is a tough reality for many to accept as evidenced by resistance to changes in towns and vast cities, let alone churches, across our country. And much of what causes conflict between people often has to do with that which is transitory.

While not everything new is good by any means, more often than not, we often hold onto something wishing and hoping that at least something we have known will remain.

Although it may cause some angst or sadness, I believe there is great value in embracing the evanescence of everything. When we learn to live by this truth, priorities change, what matters is often reordered, and we are far less reactive to much of what happens around us. We become much freer to live in the moment and far less likely to attach ourselves to that which is ephemeral.

But I also believe when we accept the truth of impermanence, something else happens. We begin to turn our attention, efforts, energy, actions, and emotions to God, the only One who is permanent. When we do this, transformation of who we are happens from the inside out because God is love.

This does not mean we should not enjoy and cherish the material world. After all, creation comes from our Creator. It simply means that when we grasp or hold onto something, it is wise to do so lightly.

Robert +

It’s a good thing David Letterman retired because when the Pope himself releases his personal Top Ten List, it could be a tough act to follow! For those who missed it, Pope Francis (love him!) recently offered up his Top Ten List for Happiness and it is GOOD (are you surprised?!). Love #5…which ones are your favorites? The list could make for some interesting dinner conversation. Just sayin’.

Charla

p.s. Check out Project 18’s Surf & Serve Slideshow on youTube.

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 website or contact Charla. August is Sunday School Sign-Up Month! 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! Please email 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! Camp SMashBox… thanks you for an amazing summer! This Friday wraps up our adventure day camps for 2014. Huge thank you to all of our teen counselors and Jr. counselors, campers and families who made this summer so special! We have one last trick up our sleeves and that is a 3 day / 2 night camping trip up to Chapman campground Aug 18-20th. Please keep the safety and fun of participants in your prayers.

Kindergarten Readiness Camp
This FREE half-day camp will be offered at the Chapel next week, Aug 11 – 15, 9am – 12. There is still space available! If you have a pre-K student who would like to get a crash course contact Kara to sign up. This FREE half-day camp will be offered at the Chapel next week, Aug 11 – 15, 9am – 12. There is still space available! If you have a pre-K student who would like to get a crash course

Bible Memory Verse – Play with a Full Deck!
I am the way, the truth and the life… ~ John 14:6
You can find each week’s Bible memory verse here.

Help Support a Local Family Fundraiser – “Vaudeville Meets Banjo”
August 11, 2014 at Crossroads Church of Aspen 8 PM
This charity variety show will include the world’s best Plectrum player, Peter Mezoian, players from the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue and ventriloquist Ted Davis. It will be a lively evening of music and laughter for the benefit of MacKenzie Langley and her family. A 16 year-old Aspen High student, Mackenzie incurred serious head and spinal injuries in a car accident June 23rd and has a long road to recovery ahead of her. Parents Bob and Darnell have relocated to Denver temporarily to be with their daughter and need financial assistance. The suggested minimum donation of $40 per person will include 2 tickets for complimentary beverages. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets can only be purchased at the door beginning at 7 PM.

Join Pastor Robert for a July Bible study for all:
Romans Chapter Eight: Climbing to a Place of Confident Faith
Take a journey to a stronger faith! If you’ve ever had feelings like, “I’m never going to change,” or “Life is too hard,” Romans 8 is the chapter for you! Tom Holladay (the same Pastor who wrote the popular 40 Days of Love) teaches this video series beginning at the bottom and moving to the top of Saddleback Mountain to help us see clearly the journey from doubt to faith—from discouragement to hope—that God has for us. This class takes place after church service (10:30 to noon) and ends this Sunday, August 10.

Great Chapters of the Bible is a video-based small group series that will take you through some of the most life-changing truths in God’s Word. Each chapter of the Bible is great because God wrote it all. But there are certain chapters that speak to our hearts and minds in an especially deep way. Romans Chapter 8 is one of them!

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 10 & 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 7

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

Sunday, August 10

Christian Worship 9:00am in the Chapel
Sarah Stevens will be providing special music and leading the singing this week, accompanied by Michael Schoepe.

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

Bible Study – Romans Chapter Eight: Climbing to a Place of Confident Faith 10:30am – 12Noon

Thursday, August 14

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

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

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:2