The United Church of Los Alamos
 
 
 

United Chimes:  Vol. 41, No. 8, August 2005

Table of Contents
Front Page News
  Fall Women's Retreat
  Please Take Note
For Our Children & Youth
  Youth Trip to Water World August 5-7 !
  Sondays Kids
  KAC
  Who Stands with Our Children?
  Teacher Training
Church News and Announcements
  August Sunday Worship Themes
  Just Retired or Thinking About It?
  All Church Camp Registration
  Phoenix Affirmation Forum
  Lunch Bunch Callers
  Coming Soon: Talking Faith
  United Church Highlight Calendar
  Self Help, Inc.
  “United Fest” Church Open House
  Fall Music Programs Begin
  Church Attendance
  Reminders!
  Coffee Hosts for August
  Chimes Newsletter Deadline
  LA Cares
  WCSS Circle Meetings
  The Endowment Funds of the United Church
  Fall Educational Opportunities Preview
  Companions in Christ
  Marriage Vitamins
  Spring Forest Qigong
  Connect
  Shawl Knitting (or Crocheting) Ministry
  Fall Men's Retreat 
  Companions in Christ Invitation
  Thank You
Table Talk  from Don
  Summer is winding Down
Prayers, Praises, Thanks and More
  Sympathy
  Prayer Chain
  Prayer Concerns
  Chimes Newsletter
  Pastors Office Hours
  Church Office Hours
 
 

When:       October 14 - 16
Where:      Sonlight Christian Camp, Pagosa Springs, CO
Cost:        $120.00 - covers seminar/lodging/meals (Fri. dinner through  Sun. lunch)
                Full fee due with registration by Oct. 1 (space available  thereafter).
                Partial scholarships are available and donations accepted for scholarship fund (contact Kathleen Logan at 662-2971)

Speaker:  Pat Livingston

Our speaker will be Pat Livingston, author of This Blessed Mess, Finding Hope Amidst Life's Chaos.  According to reviews, this 60-year-old lady's particular gift is her ability to tell stories, some funny, some not.  Her stories, all true, release both energy and power as she tells how she has used those events to piece together the fragments chaos has spewed into her life, finding in them threads of Hope, and weaving, over time, a fabric strong enough for carrying on.  Her how-to list includes developing core beliefs, caring for ourselves, connecting with life, looking for goodness, deepening our joy, hanging in there, praying.  Her books and tapes will be available for sale at the church.

Agenda

Fri:  5:00 PM check in           Sat: 8:30 AM breakfast        Sun:  8:30 AM breakfast
      6:30 PM dinner                      9:30 AM session I                 9:30 AM session III
      7:30 PM gathering                12:30 PM lunch                    11:00 AM worship
                                               Afternoon free                      12:00 PM lunch
                                               6:00 PM dinner                     1:00 PM homeward
                                               7:00 PM session II
                                               9:00 PM campfire*
                                               *raspberry smores

Name: __________________________  Emergency Contact__________________________
Phone:__________________________  Phone____________________________________
Address:_________________________  Access Needs:_____________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Dietary Needs:______________________________________________________________
Email:__________________________

Transportation will be available if you don't wish to drive.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 1  (space available thereafter)
                                      $120.00 due at registration

Make checks payable to:     United Church (memo: Women's Retreat)

Mail or hand carry to: United Church of Los Alamos
                              2525 Canyon Rd.
                              Los Alamos, NM 87544

For more information, please contact the United Church office at 662-2971.
Return to Table of Contents
 

Please Take Note
The next CHIMES  deadline is Sunday, August 28th at 12:00 noon for  the September 2005 issue.  Articles may be sent via email to:UCChimes@hotmail.com (note new email address) or put in the CHIMES Editor’s mail box in the Church Annex (room just outside the Church Office).
Return to Table of Contents
 
 

The Youth are taking their annual trip to Denver!  This year, we are changing this a little and going to WATER WORLD!  Water World is an awesome water park in Denver, much like The Beach, but BIGGER and FASTER and AWESOMER!  We will be going over the weekend of August 5-7 and staying at the Central Christian Church in Denver.  The cost will be $25 per person plus food costs.  Please call Keith or the summer interns at the United Church at 662-9215 to RSVP for this event!

Return to Table of Contents
 

Sondays Kids
Sondays Kids will continue through August 14th.  Children’s Worship
begins on August 21st.  Please contact Jean Picard to volunteer for 
these weekly Sunday Programs.
Return to Table of Contents
 

KAC
Kid’s Adventuring with Christ (KAC) will kick off the school year with a “Backwards Night” on Friday August 19th, from 6-7:30 pm. All youth and their friends in grades 3-6 are invited. Look for more information in the mail.  Parents are needed to help with dinner.  Planning for KAC events and the Harry Potter Night (November 4th) will begin with a parent meeting on Sunday August 14th at 11:00 am in Room 115 in the CE Building.
Return to Table of Contents

Who Stands with Our Children?
The Children’s Christian Education Program is in need of several enthusiastic, loving adults who can help with our Children’s Sunday School Program and Children’s Worship.  If you feel called to share your gifts with our children please contact Jean Picard, 662-2971 before August 15.  Thanks.
Return to Table of Contents

Teacher Training
There will be a teacher training session on Sunday August 28th at 11 am in Graves Hall. All adults and youth interested in teaching Sunday School, Children’s Worship or helping in the nursery should attend this important training. Please RSVP to the church office, 662-2971 if you will be attending. Child care and Lunch will be provided.
Return to Table of Contents
 
 

Just Retired or Thinking About It?
A Forum to Discuss Spiritual, Emotional and Intellectual Issues

Are you considering retiring in the next few months but you’re not sure you’re ready for it?  Have you recently retired and are wondering how to adjust to the resulting changes in your lifestyle? Come to discuss your questions and concerns in an open forum on Wednesday, August 10th, at 7:30 pm in Graves Hall.  Discussion leaders will be Nancy Scheer (retired one year), John Puckett and Dale Breshears (both retired six years).
Return to Table of Contents

All Church Camp Registration

All Church Camp Registration was completed in July.  Commuters may still register.  If you wish to camp or stay in a cabin at Ghost Ranch, registration is now on a space available basis.  For late registration, please contact Pastor Logan or the church office.
Return to Table of Contents

Phoenix Affirmation Forum
At the recent meeting of the United Church of Christ Southwest Conference there was a resolution encouraging congregations to study and dialogue about the “Phoenix Affirmations”. The Affirmations were developed by a congregation in Arizona with the hope of opening a dialogue among Christians. The affirmation begins:

“The public face of Christianity in America today bears little connection to the historic faith of our ancestors. It represents even less our own faith as Christians who continue to celebrate the gifts of our Creator, revealed and embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Heartened by our experience of the transforming presence of Christ’s Holy Spirit in our world, we find ourselves in a time and place where we will no longer be silent….As people who are joyfully and unapologetically Christian, we pledge ourselves to the way of Love.”

The Executive Board asked Don Childers to put together an opportunity to discuss the Affirmations.

On Sunday, August 7, 2005 at 11:15 a.m. (after the coffee hour) interested persons are invited to the Chapel to discuss and dialogue about the Phoenix Affirmations.  You can download a copy at www.jointhewalk.com or contact the office for a copy.
Return to Table of Contents

Lunch Bunch Callers
Lunch Bunch for August are:  Chris Sierk, Janet Hall, Pamela Massey, Lisa Reader, Irene Powell, Joann Brown and Nan Fife. 
Return to Table of Contents

Coming Soon: Talking Faith

Would you like to talk with people in our congregation about more than the next committee meeting? Would you like to spend some time considering big questions with great people in fun ways? Would you like to deepen your faith and grow in your ability to share it? Join us for Talking Faith, an eight week course that promises to energize us and get us talking with one another about things that really matter.

Each session will last 2 ½ hours and will include a meal, some fun activities, and great conversation. After a meal together there will be sessions for children, youth, and adults and child care for those four years of age and under.

Sessions will begin with dinner at 5:30 p.m. and we promise to finish up by 8:00 p.m. Dates and information on the sessions are below. We hope that all of you will choose to participate. To save your place call the church office at 662-2971.

Session Outlines and Dates

September 29
What do I need to know?
When it comes to faith, what do you wonder about? What do you feel sure about? 
How do you balance your need to know with your need to wonder?

October 6
How do we know anything about God?
 Where do we get information about who God is? 
How can we understand claims about God that other people make?

October 13
What does God do?
How do we understand God’s power?
How does that relate to our understanding of human power? 
Can we talk about this with other people?

October 20
Why do bad things happen?
How can we make sense of bad things that happen in our life and in our world? 
How does God respond to suffering? 
How should we?

October 27
Who’s to say what is right and wrong?
How does our faith affect the way we live our lives?
How does our faith and our culture interact? When they conflict ,what do we do?

November 3
Who’s invited?
Who is faith for? Is this about us or about the world?  Is everyone welcome?  What difference does it make? 

November 10
What about all the other religions?
Does it make sense to be a particular religion? How should we respond to people of other 
religions? Is there only one way or many ways to God?

November 17
What can I hope for?
Is there such a thing as heaven? Where? What difference does it make?
Return to Table of Contents
 

United Church Highlight Calendar
 

July 31st	College Worship Services at 8 and 9:30 am Lay Ministry Meeting in the lounge of the Christian Education Building at 11 am
August 7th	Phoenix Affirmation Forum - On Sunday, August 7, 2005 at 11:15 a.m. (after the coffee hour) interested persons are invited to the Chapel to discuss and dialogue about the Phoenix Affirmations. You can download a copy at: www.jointhewalk.com or contact the office for a copy. Please RSVP the church office, 662-2971 if you need child care by August 3rd at NOON.
August 10th	“Just Retired or Thinking About It?” – Come to discuss your questions and concerns in an open forum on Wednesday, August 10th, at 7:30 pm in Graves Hall.  Discussion leaders will be Nancy Scheer (retired one year), John Puckett and Dale Breshears (both retired six years). Open to the public.
August 14th	“Spring Forest Qigong” – Introductory Lecture with Janina S. Greene, P.T. on August 14th in Graves Hall from 11 to 12:30 pm. See CHIMES article for more information.
August 21st	“United Fest” On Sunday, August 21, 2005, we are holding an “open house.” See CHIMES article for more information.
September 2-5th	All Church Camp – Ghost Ranch

Return to Table of Contents

Self Help, Inc.
The Los Alamos organization “Self Help, Inc., “ to which the United Church contributes as one of it regular missions, has been presenting this summer a “Life Skills Brown Bag Lunch Series”.  The presentations are being made by community members in their areas of expertise.  The premise of this program is that many people come into crisis as a result of a lack of information with which to make healthy decisions.  Discussions will include topics such as:  parenting, nutrition, banking, credit and car maintenance.  Each session will feature a guest speaker and written reference materials.

July 27:  “Domestic Violence”

August 3:  “Identifying Depression”

August 10  “Assertive Communication”

August 17  “Parenting Teens”

August 24  “Budgets and Checkbooks”

August 31  “Nutrition”

September 7  “Basic Auto Maintenance”

September 14 “Picnic and Wrap-up”

 Programs are held at Behlehem Lutheran Church, 2390 North Road in Los Alamos, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.  The public is invited.  If you have any questions regarding the Brown Bag Lunch presentations, please contact Ellen Morris or Jennifer Bartram.
Return to Table of Contents
 

“United Fest” Church Open House
On Sunday, August 21, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. you are invited to “United Fest”- Church Open House. The staff of The United Church will be providing refreshments. This will be an “open house” where you will have a chance to see Sunday school classrooms, meet teachers and become acquainted prior to the beginning of the program year. Boards have been invited to be present to share the exciting ministries they are doing. We hope all members and friends will plan to be in church Sunday, August 21.
See you there!
Return to Table of Contents
 

Fall Music Programs Begin
Sanctuary Choir
Meets for rehearsal Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 pm in the Sanctuary choir loft

Sings approximately 3 Sundays a month for 9:30 am worship

Is open to all adults who enjoy singing traditional choral literature from Renaissance to  Gospel and who feel a strong commitment towards serving as musical leadership in worship

Praise Choir
Meets for rehearsal Sunday evenings *4:00 - 5:00 pm in the Sanctuary choir loft

Sings one Sunday a month

Is open to all mid-high and high school youth and adults who enjoy singing more contemporary choral music - praise songs, spirituals and gospel songs, world music

Accompanied by a praise team instrumental ensemble and geared towards more contemporary styles of worship

Junior Choir
Meets Friday afternoons from 4:15 - 5:15 pm in the Sanctuary choir loft

Sings one Sunday a month for the 9:30 am worship

Is open to children in grades 3 - 6

Sings a variety of choral styles as well as learning basic principles of singing, musicianship and our role as choristers in worship

Joy Singers
Meets Sunday mornings in Room 101 from 10:30 - 11 am immediately following Children’s Worship

Sings occasionally for 9:30 a.m. service of worship

Is open to all children in grades K - 2 who have a strong interest in music

This program is based on Stepping Stones (an ecumenical children’s choir curriculum)  which helps the children develop their singing voices, discover natural rhythms and musical concepts, and learn how we use our voices to praise God in worship.

Beginning Dates:
Sanctuary Choir September 7th
*Praise Choir August 14th
Junior Choir September 1st
Joy Singers August 21st

For information: Call Suzanne Johnson, Director of Music Ministries at the church, 662-2971.

*Please note:  Some choirs are beginning earlier than in previous years and the
Praise Choir rehearsal time has changed to 4:00 - 5:00 pm.
Return to Table of Contents
 

Church Attendance
 

Date	8:00 Service	9:30 Service
June 26th	25	172
July 3rd	28	168
July10th	38	125
July 17th	22	139

Return to Table of Contents

Reminders!
Liturgists for August

August 7th  Krista Gray
August 14th Leslie Wallstrom
August 21st Charmain Schaller
August 28th Deborah Worley

Greeters for August

August 7th  Sharon Allen
August 14th Steve Girrens, Sharon Stover & family
August 21st Arnie & Christina Sierk
August 28th Stuart Schaller and family
Return to Table of Contents

Coffee Hosts for August
August 7th:    Kelly Meyer

August 14th:  Rusty & Altana Grey

August 21st:  Phyllis Foley

August 28th:  Deb & Chris Worley
 
 

We all enjoy the coffee fellowship time after church.  It's a great way to stay "in-touch" with other members of our Christian community.  But in order to keep enjoying coffee after worship, we need volunteers to host.  It's an easy job - the instructions are printed inside the cabinet in the Sanctuary kitchen.  Just arrive by 9:00 am to start the coffee and hot water pots etc.  Most Sundays you should be finished by 11:00 a.m.  Please consider being a coffee host--it's a great way to serve the church,  particularly if you can't serve in other ways.  If anyone has questions about being a coffee host, or you have a specific date on which you would like to volunteer, please contact Nancy Johnson.
Return to Table of Contents

Chimes Newsletter Deadline
September 2005 deadline is Sunday, August 28th, 2005 12:00 Noon
Return to Table of Contents

LA Cares
   Because hunger is a year-round problem and doesn’t go away, Mom’s and More is sponsoring a year-round food drive for Los Alamos Cares.  LA Cares packs a box of food and necessary household items each month for anyone calling them and requesting assistance (right now they are typically packing between 50 and 55 boxes each month, more than they ever have before). 
   This month’s request for the LA Cares’ collection is boxed cereals, preferably those with a little substance (i.e., those that do NOT have sugar as one of the first 2 or 3 ingredients!   Cereals such as Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Crispix, Corn Flakes, Wheaties, etc., would be welcome contributions.  There is a box in the Fellowship Hall and one in the mailroom of the Christian Education building to collect these items.
   Also, since this is the time of year for fresh produce, if your garden is bursting at the seams (if the hail didn’t do it in!), we can help!  Feel free to bring the excess to the church on either Thursday, Aug. 11, or Friday morning, Aug. 12, so that it can be fresh for the August 12 distribution.
   And remember that any non-perishable food item is welcome at any time, with a few suggestions being instant coffee (regular, not decaf), mayonnaise or salad dressing (think Miracle Whip, not Thousand Island), and toilet paper (individually wrapped is most helpful).
   Thanks in advance for your help.  You are indeed loving God by loving your neighbors as you drop that extra box of cereal…or jar of coffee or mayo and so on…into the LA Cares collection box. Let’s continue to work together to make a difference in our community, one person at a time. 
 

WCSS Circle Meetings
There will be no regular Circle meetings in June, July, or August. Circles will meet once for lunch, and meetings will resume in September.
Return to Table of Contents
 

The Endowment Funds of the United Church
The United Church Endowment Funds are the long-range, permanent funds of the United Church. These funds are invested and the earnings are used to pay for church projects and programs which can not be handled through the normal budget process. The Endowment Committee oversees the funds, the committee members are Richard Anderson, Lars Engel and Litton Logan.

At the present time there are five funds

The Regular Endowment Fund earnings are not restricted and can be used for any expenses not amenable to inclusion in the budget.  (Dec. 31, 2004 market value = $327249)

The Pritchard Fund is reserved for nursery expenses. (Dec. 31, 2004 market value = $33141)

The Stovall Fund, The Rile Fund, and The Wooten Fund provide scholarships. (Dec. 31, 2004 market values = $39905, $12833, $3100 , respectively)

The money is invested in the New Covenant Balanced Growth Fund. This mutual fund family was founded by the Presbyterian Foundation in 1999.

Normally money put into an endowment fund (the principal) is not spent, only the investment earnings (the interest) are spent. This created a problem a few years back when the stock market went way down and the total market value of the Regular Endowment Fund fell below the value of the principal so there was no money to spend. To get around this, the Endowment Committee has decided that the amount of money available for spending during any calendar year will be not less than 2% or more than 5% of the corpus value, where, for this purpose, the corpus value is defined as the average market value of the fund during the previous calendar year. The average is the mean of the market values on March 31, June 30, Sept. 30 and Dec. 31.

The use of percentages makes some money available every year so the endowment funds do not vegetate doing no one any good. The percentage range enables the Endowment Committee to adjust the spendable amounts to compensate for too much or too little in the previous year and to maintain the value of the principal over time. The use of yearly averages rather than single values reduces the immediate effect of large changes in the stock market or the receipt of unusually large donations.

The total available for spending from the Regular Endowment Fund in 2005 is $15591. Boards and committees requesting $1000 or more must justify the request in writing, for $10000 or more we want to sit down and talk about it with you.  Donations are always welcome. If you have no strong feelings on how your gift is to be spent you should donate to the Regular Endowment Fund. If you want your gift to be used for a special purpose, we can establish a Named Fund dedicated to that purpose.

You can make an immediate gift at any time or you may make a deferred gift by, for example, remembering the United Church in your will. We are working on procedures for other forms of deferred giving. Please consult with the Endowment Committee before making any deferred gift.

Gifts of cash and publicly traded securities are always acceptable. Closely held securities, real estate, and tangible personal property may be accepted, but only under certain conditions. All donations are tax exempt, and you realize no capital gain on appreciated securities.

Future articles will discuss some of the fine points in more detail.
 

Richard Anderson
Chair
Return to Table of Contents

Fall Educational Opportunities Preview
Sunday Morning
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Beginning on September 11th

A History of The United Church
Georgia Strickfadden
The United Church of Los Alamos has an interesting history. This class offers a chance to learn more about the early years and the ideals that drove its creation as a multi-denominational church.

Getting Oriented
 Sandy Charles, Arnie Nance, Bryan Newnam 
This class is subtitled: What Every Christian Should Know About Eastern Religions, But Probably Doesn't.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans
Kathleen Logan
An in depth look at the book of Romans: history, themes, theology, etc.

Monday Evening
7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Beginning on September 12th

Companions in Christ Group (see information in this issue of Chimes)

Tuesday Afternoon
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon Bible Study
Deborah Worley
 

Wednesday Afternoon
4:30-5:30
Beginning on October 5th

Spring Forest Qigong (see information in this issue of Chimes) Janina Greene, P.T.

Thursday
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Beginning September 15th

Book Study and Discussion:
The Spiral Staircase by Karen Armstrong

Open to anyone who is interested. Purchase your book and begin reading. First meeting will be organizational with discussion beginning on September 22nd.

Thursday Evening
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
September 29 – November 17

Talking Faith (see information in this issue of Chimes) United Church Staff

This is a series of eight Seminars for the whole family. Each evening will begin with dinner
together and then there will be programs  for adults, youth and children. This is an all church event and we hope everyone will attend as many sessions as possible.

Friday Morning
6:45 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
Ongoing

Men’s Study group
David Powell
Return to Table of Contents

Companions in Christ
An Invitation to Sign Up For Companions in Christ

Companions in Christ is:

A small group committed to deepening prayer and listening for the  Spirit.

Individuals who study each day about prayer, scripture, and discernment, and who keep a personal notebook or journal of their learnings and  questions.

A small group of people who meet weekly to support one another, share  about what God is revealing in their reflections, and open themselves to  exploring on a deeper level the theme of the week.

Individuals who know that daily spiritual disciplines and weekly meetings  offer a good balance and provide holy ground for growing in faith.
 

If you wish to develop your daily disciplines and you long for a small
group with which to share the journey of faith, come join Companions in Christ.

A new class will begin on Monday evening September 12th at 7:00 p.m.

For more information, or to register, contact Pastor Kathleen Logan or stop by the church office

Registration deadline is September 7th 
Return to Table of Contents
 
 

Marriage Vitamins
Opposites Attract, but can they Spend Quality time together?

     OPPOSITES do attract! John Gray states in his book, MARS AND VENUS
TOGETHER FOREVER that, “Differences create passion. We start relationships because we are drawn to another person who is different but complements us.” In the beginning the things that are the same bring us together. Later differences come out and can cause conflict.  However, they are also a fantastic opportunity for growth. Personal balance can come from living with a person with qualities that may be dormant within ourselves or yet to come out. 
      So, how can we use this when spending time together?
      “Quality Time” is a much-used phrase. What makes, defines, quality? Things that may seem special to one person may not at all to another. Communication once again is essential. A partner may feel neglected even though the two spend time together. Men and women often want different things and project their own needs on the other person assuming he or she has the same need.

     “Without an awareness of how our partners specifically need love, we may be missing Priceless opportunities.
                                                                                    (John Gray, Mars and Venus Together Forever)

      Gray says that women feel loved when receiving emotional and physical support in a continuous way. Consistency is the key. On the other hand, men quite often focus on big ways to all at once fulfill their spouse, but may ignore her for weeks. On the flip side a man is often happiest when his spouse lets him know that he is doing a good job of fulfilling her. Honesty, compromise and a desire to make the other happy are a recipe for “quality time.”
      Don’t assume that you know how your spouse likes to spend time with you. Ask!
Remember opposites can find common ground for fun and growth. Communicate! Write a list of things you enjoy and then share it with your spouse. What makes each of you feel loved? Talk! You may be in for a wonderful surprise. When Roger and I connect on each other’s needs and desires we often realize once again why we got married in the first place.

     Enjoy the times you have together. They really are gifts in your lives.

     TAKE A DATE! With a tasty treat to share, work on a list or lists to share with each other about things you each would like to do together. Go even a little wild with it and dream big together (if money was no problem, etc.)….Then, pick a possible date and go!

Betty Nancy Smith
Return to Table of Contents

Spring Forest Qigong

with Janina S. Greene, P.T.

When: Wednesdays 4:30—5:30 p.m.
October 5th to November 9th
Where: United Church of Los Alamos

Come and experience this beautiful and easy meditative movement class under direction and guidance of the International Qigong Master, Chunyi Lin.  This class is free and is open to all who would like to enhance their wellbeing and that of our planet.  Please wear comfortable clothing and footwear and refrain from eating 1/2 hr. before class.

For more information call the United Church office, 662-2971
Return to Table of Contents

Connect
“CONNECT” is a new outreach ministry of The United Church. On the second Sunday of each month, we will invite persons who are interested in learning more about The United Church, to join with our staff for refreshments and conversation. “CONNECT” will give an opportunity for visitors and prospective members to meet our staff and to ask questions about the ministry here.

If persons desire to learn more about The United Church, and/or wish to become members, an orientation session will be arranged for a more in-depth look at our congregation. Each month there will be an opportunity to receive new members into our congregation.

We need you to help by encouraging visitors to attend “CONNECT” and learn more about our church. We need you to be pro-active in helping to make the CONNECTION between a person and God and the Church.

The “CONNECT” meeting will meet on every second Sunday at 11:15 a.m. (after the coffee fellowship) in the Lounge of the Christian Education Building.
Return to Table of Contents

Shawl Knitting (or Crocheting) Ministry

     “In 1998, Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Care and the love of knitting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every shawl (The shawls can also be crocheted, quilted, woven or machine knitted as well!).
     Whether they are called: "Prayer Shawls", "Comfort Shawls", "Peace Shawls" or "Mantles" just to name a few; the knitter begins each shawl with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl.”
      -Quoted from the Shawl Ministry Homepage (www.shawlministry.com)
      If you are a knitter, crocheter, or would like to learn to knit or crochet and at the same time join together prayer for others and service, this ministry is for you. Shawls can be made for those undergoing medical procedures; during an illness and recovery, as a comfort after a loss, during bereavement, for a new life commitment or marriage, for a birth or for any rite of passage. There are endless possibilities!
     We are forming a Shawl Ministry group here at The United Church. Our initial plan is to meet at least once a month to work on shawls and to pray for the people for whom the shawls are intended. No experience is needed. Simple patterns and basic instruction in knitting and crochet will be given to those new to either form of needlework. An organizational and information gathering will be held on Sunday, August 28th, at 11:00 a.m., in the Education Building lounge. If you are interested but unable to attend let Pastor Logan know.
Return to Table of Contents

Fall Men's Retreat
Now is the time to mark you calender for the United Church 2005 Men's Retreat at Sonlight Christian Camp. Our retreat is the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 2 and the speaker is Bill Sykes who will be discussing Christian discipleship, in particular integrating faith and work. Sonlight is located in the mountains just north of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We will be sleeping in the lodge and enjoying home-cooked meals. The scenery is beautiful, especially when enjoyed from the hot tub. The retreat is a great time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and grow in your faith in fellowship with men of United Church. To sign up or get more info, please contact Steve Paglieri.
Return to Table of Contents

Companions in Christ Invitation

Thank You
I’d like to take this opportunity to Thank each and every one of our summer music participants for being willing to share their musical talents with our congregation. It gives us a chance to experience a wide variety of musical styles, both vocal and instrumental, all of which greatly enhance our service of worship. It also gives our choirs a much needed break and an opportunity to attend church with their families.

With appreciation, 
Suzanne
Return to Table of Contents
 
 

Prayers for Mike Smith and family upon the death of his wife, Lynn Blessman-Smith.

Prayers for Harry Clifford’s family upon the death of his dad.
Return to Table of Contents

Prayer Chain
If you have a prayer concern, please call the United Church office at 662-2971  or email at: UCoffice@losalamos.org and Mardel will email the prayer chain.
Return to Table of Contents

Prayer Concerns
Harriett Dodder

Marilyn Bjorklund

Sandie Berner
Return to Table of Contents

Chimes Newsletter
Now available on our WEB site!  If you prefer not to have a hard copy sent to you, opting to read the CHIMES on the web monthly, please e-mail us your request at: UCoffice@losalamos.org or call the church office at 662-2971.
Return to Table of Contents

Pastors Office Hours
Don Childers – (Mon., Tues., Thurs., Friday)
                           (Wednesday – day off)
                           9 to 12 Noon - Open door
                           1 – 4 pm by appointment only,
                           study, pastoral calls and preparation)

Kathleen Logan - (Monday through Thursday)
                                (Friday – day off)
                                9 to 12 Noon by appointment only, 
                                (study, pastoral calls and  preparation)
                                1 – 4 pm - Open door

Keith Lewis – (Monday through Thursday)
                         (Friday – day off)
                         9 to 12 Noon – Open door
                         1 – 4 pm by appointment only,
                         (study, pastoral calls and preparation)
Return to Table of Contents

Church Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30-12:00 & 1:00-4:30 p.m.
CLOSED Thursday mornings
Tuesday morning-staff meeting (10-12 Noon) 
Check out our Web Site: www.losalamos.org/unchla

Office e-mail address: ucoffice@losalamos.org
Phone: 662-2971    FAX: 662-5927

CHIMES newsletter e-mail: UCChimes@hotmail.com

Return to Table of Contents