Dear Friends in Christ:

It was such a joy to have people gather for the Church Door Challenge yesterday, July 19th on the church lawn right after our Facebook live worship service. Spirited conversations were shared together and some Facebook posts were made on the Christ Lutheran Facebook page. It was like the coffee hour after worship without the coffee. But we did have cookies – monster cookies that were lovingly baked and provided by Linda Backer. Thanks to all who showed up! We look forward to the next Church Door Challenge which is on August 9th. Please join us for this time of fellowship and sharing.

We are still asking for pictures of activities and events sponsored by Christ Lutheran over the years. If you have some good pictures, please e-mail them to Tiffany at the church or text them to Linda Backer at (303) 519-9156. We would really like some pictures of families celebrating communion with us virtually from home.

This morning I have been preparing for a Committal Service for Darlene Meier in which I will serve as the officiant. I attended my sister’s Committal Service last Friday. I want to assure you that there are some good ways to tend to the needs of families at the time of a loved one’s passing – even during this pandemic. The church and funeral homes have been creative in figuring out how to do this over the past months. We cannot do all the traditional practices, but we can still do important ministry. Please be aware of this in case you face the death of a loved one during this difficult time.

I share a reading that has been helpful for me as I have faced sudden and difficult loss.

There are many things in life which we cannot understand, many things we must accept. May the power of love enable us not to succumb to bitterness or pointless questioning, but rather grow to live life with more tenderness, courage and purpose than ever before.

May this be for us all; for in the mystery of love, it is not suffering which destroys the spirit of human beings, it is the way in which we react to it.

We may view it as unrelieved tragedy, or, on the other hand, we can allow the presence of suffering to enrich our lives and enlarge our faith (for the tears of our grief can water our spirit and enable it to grow).

Bitterness and pointless questioning does not serve us. To move forward with more tenderness, courage and purpose from times of suffering and loss is a much better way – it is the way of faith and love.

God’s joy and peace,

Pastor Cheryl L. Matthews