Fall Happenings 2023

Fall Happenings

SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2023

Regular Weekend Schedule Saturday 5:30am Online worship released on YouTube 5:30pm Worship Sunday 8:15 Worship -Children’s Church 9:30 Family Life Sundays* 9:30 Pastor Chats 10:30am Worship -Children’s Church *Sept. 10-Nov. 26 ______ The church office is opened M-F from 9:00am-4:00pm.

The following describes the happenings for Abiding Hope September through December of 2023. This is in NO WAY a comprehensive list of every activity that happens at the church. We have a very active preschool and kindergarten that uses the building through the week, we have HOAs and AA groups that meet weekly, we have sports teams that use the gym, etc. Our church is a gathering place that supports our community.

Now we also own the Nature School building. We have two incredible locations that support our mission of being the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus in the world. Thank you for being part of this congregation! Only with your support can all these events happen!

Communication Items

Email We send out an average of 2 emails per week.

One email is from Pastor Doug or one of our leaders, and the other email is our Home Connections email about the happenings at the church. The Home Connections email is where you will find the most up-to-date information with registration links. We will also occasionally send out important event/ situation emails.

If you do not receive our emails and would like to, email rebecca@abidinghope.org YouTube Each week, our incredible staff creates an online worship that is uploaded to YouTube every Saturday at 5:30am.

Podcast Search for “Abiding Hope Church” wherever you get your podcasts. We upload the sermons each week.

Database We have a database that members can access to find other member information and to view the church calendar. You can access the database by going to abidinghope.org/ member and choosing the database button.

Social Media The church is active on Facebook and Instagram. Give us a follow! Search for Abiding Hope Church.

Abiding Hope Church 6337 South Robb Way Littleton, Colorado 80127 Nature School 5707 S. Simms St. Littleton, CO 80127 303-972-1283 www.abidinghope.org

INTRO TO MINISTRIES Youth & Family Ministries At Abiding Hope, we call our youth and family ministries the Family Support Network. The Family Support Network serves all our families- traditional and nontraditional- in growing safe, healthy, and loving homes where faith can thrive. The Network is comprised of all people but focuses on children from birth through 12th grade and their caregivers.

The following pages have the Family Support Network broken up into age specific happenings. If you are interested in receiving FSN reminders for your age group, please use the following info to get connected: Family Life: Family Life is for families with kids ages birth-2nd grade. This includes Family Life Sundays, periodical gatherings such as pool parties, events like Trunk or Treat, and opportunities for education. To sign up for reminders: https://www.remind.com/join/ahfamly CLUB345: CLUB345 is a ministry for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and their grownups. We work with these students to grow in their identity as children of God. We meet for teaching, worship, games, and inspiring teaching. To sign up for reminders: https://www.remind.com/join/ahfamly Affirm: Affirm is our confirmation ministry at Abiding Hope. Many of the events coincide with All In happenings, but Affirm has specific requirements that need to be met. Reach out to pastorjay@abidinghope.org for further information.

All in: All In is our student ministry at Abiding Hope Church. Through gatherings, retreats, service projects, summer camps, summer service trips, small groups, and more, we are a growing community of students and trusted adults who love God and one another, no matter what.

Middle school students and their grown ups can follow this link to stay on top of all future events. https://www.remind.com/join/allin-ms High school students and their grown ups can follow this link to stay on top of all future events. https://www.remind.com/join/allin-srhi Throughout this catalog, you will find Family Support Network items in BLUE. Worship Ministry Worship ministry at Abiding Hope consists of all supporting roles for worship including baking bread for communion, choir, ushering, counting offering, coffee fellowship, etc.

Throughout this catalog, you will find worship ministry items in PURPLE. Adult Ministry Our adult ministry at Abiding Hope involves men and women’s groups, small groups, Dad Bods, Graceways, Spiritual Companions, Crucial Conversations, Pastor Chats, and more.

Throughout this catalog, you will find adult ministry items in GOLD.

MINISTRIES Family Support Network FAMILY LIFE

Would you like to decorate a trunk? Watch for the sign up, as we compete for a basket of prizes.

Ministry for families with children ages birth through 2nd grade

Advent Festival Details: December 2, 3:00-5:30pm

Nursery Details: Saturdays at 5:30 and Sundays from 8 until 11:45

Kick off the Advent season with the Advent Festival at Abiding Hope. Come for s’mores, Christmas crafts, a Santa Shop with Mrs. Claus, yummy food, live sheep, and stay for an Advent worship service with fun songs perfect for our preschoolers and elementary age kids.

Kids noise is the best noise! But if parents need a break, we have a nursery available for children up to 3 years old.

Children’s Church Details: Sundays at the 8:15 and 10:30 service following the Children’s message We invite young students to step out during worship to meet for teaching from our bible stories, games, and crafts.

Family Life Sundays Details: Sundays 9:30-10:15 in the Family Life Center, September 10- November 26 We meet for fun songs and inspiring teaching for preschool to second grade and their grownups. CLUB345 is present to sing and lead motions.

Fall Festival Details: October 14, 10:00am-2:00pm on the Nature School property We welcome all to a day of games, bouncy houses, food, animals, and fun as we celebrate all things fall. Join us for the fun!

Trunk or Treat Details: October 29, 2:00pm-4:00pm in the Abiding Hope parking lot Wear your costume and bring a friend as we visit decorated trunks in the AH parking lot.

CLUB345 Ministry for families with children in 3rd, 4th, and 4th grade Family Life Sundays Details: Sundays 9:30-10:15, Family Life Center CLUB345 would love to have our students shine by coming to FLS to lead music and motions followed by fun.

CLUB345 Gathering Details: September 21, 5:30pm, October 12, 5:30pm, & November 16, 5:30pm We work with these students to grow in their identity as children of God. We meet for teaching, worship, games, and inspiring teaching. For announcements and information text @ahclub345 to 81010 * See also Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, & Advent Festival under Family Life for events

ALL IN Ministry for students in middle and high school All In Launch Sunday for Middle and Senior High Details: September 10, 11:30-12:30, room 102

Join us following 10:30 worship to learn about all things student ministry.

First Gatherings Details: September 17, October 8, November 5, December 10, 11:3am-2:00pm Once a month our students gather for lunch followed by music, teaching and small groups where students grow deep friendships as we grow in our relationship with Christ. Trusted and trained adults lead these groups who strive to develop lifelong friendships.

All In Game Days Meets periodically for fun times with games like full size Clue and Full Size Sorry. Sign up for texts (previous page) to receive information.

Day of Service Details: October 7, 9am-6:30pm Students take on service projects throughout Denver with a heart to love our neighbor. We end the day by worshipping together at the 5:30 service. Register here: https://tinyurl. com/AllInDayofService2023 Middle School Retreat Details: October 20-22 at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp We head to the Sangre de Cristo mountains to RTLC. There will be great teaching, fun games all with people from all over. Register at the Rainbow Trail site here: https://www. rainbowtrail.org/retreats/confirmation-retreat/ Then email pastorjay@abidinghope.org to arrange transportation.

Senior High Fall Retreat Details: November 17-19, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp We head to the Sangre de Cristo mountains to

RTLC. There will be great teaching, fun games all with people from all over. Register at the Rainbow Trail site at the link: https://www.rainbowtrail.org/retreats/rtlcsenior-high-retreat/ Then email pastorjay@abidinghope.org to arrange transportation.

Serving at the Crossing Details: Second Saturdays, 5-7pm, The Crossing Denver (6090 Smith Rd, Denver, CO 80216) The Crossing is part of the Denver Rescue Mission. Located in North Denver, it provides housing, meals, training, and guidance for its residents as they develop skills that will help them become self-sufficient members of society. Abiding Hope’s students and their families serve the evening meal at The Crossing on the second Saturday of the month, from 5:00-7:00pm. This is required for Affirm Families. Contact: Susie Gamelin, suegamelin@ gmail.com or (509) 669 9538.

Family Support Network (FSN) Night Details: Every month at 5:30pm in the Family Life Center Our teams meet for conversation, growth, and learning. Contact Pastorjay@abidinghope.org for more information.

Worship Ministry Funeral Reception Ministry Details: Immediately following funerals at Abiding Hope in the kitchen and gym Contact: Daidre Hunter- skor4@comcast.net If you have ever had to plan a funeral, you know the stress, exhaustion, expense, and emotional drain that families experience leading up to the service. The Abiding Hope

MINISTRIES funeral reception team ministers to grieving families and helps relieve some of their burden by providing a free reception at Abiding Hope following funerals. This team shops for, sets up, serves, and cleans up the reception meal following the funeral. New servants are welcome, appreciated and needed!

Coffee Fellowship Crew Details: Before worship on Sunday morning Contact: Carole DeHerrera - cdsnogirl1966@ gmail.com Servants prepare and set out the coffee that welcomes our community each Sunday morning. Some people would say it is the most important job at the church!

Pastor Chats Details: Every Sunday from 9:30-10:15 in the worship center Pastor Chats is an informal time of conversation that takes place in the worship center between services on Sunday mornings.

Each month the conversation centers around a particular theme. Every week one of our three pastors talks with the group about a specific topic related to the theme. The theme for the month and each weekly conversation topic is included in the Home Connections email that is sent out on Saturdays. All are welcome to attend.

Bread Baking Team Details: Help bake the bread used for communion. Bakers meet quarterly. Email Daidre at skorzoom@gmail.com to connect.

Choir Details: Practice on Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

Contact Cathi@abidinghope.org for more info.

This is subject to change when we hire a new Lead Servant for Worship Life.

Counters Details: Counting happens Monday at 9:00am Contact Robyn Anders-Davis at robyndavisanders@hotmail.com to get involved.

Our counting team helps count and deposit the weekend’s offering.

Ushers Details: Help during weekend worship Contact Jason Henkels at jasonhenkels@ hotmail.com to learn more.

Ushers are the wonderful servants who assist in worship by performing duties such as passing the plate at offering time.

Greeters Details: Help during weekend worship Contact Marilyn VeNard at mauijm@q.com to get involved.

Greeters are the cheery folks that welcome people to church for worship.

Communion Assistants, Altar Guild, and Readers Details: Help during weekend worship Contact Cathi at cathi@abidinghope.org if you are interested in serving in worship.

Technical Arts Details: Help during weekend worship Contact Keefer at keefer@abidinghope.org to learn more.

Technical arts refers to the servants who assist in the sound booth for audio and visual displays.

Acolytes Details: Help during weekend worship Contact Natalie Payant at nataliepayant@ gmail.com for more information.

Acolytes are the pastor assistants who

participate by processing in, lighting candles, etc.

Musicians Details: Help during weekend worship Contact Glenn at glenn@abidinghope.org to get involved.

We are always in need of musicians to help us during worship.

Adult Ministry Small Groups Details: Meeting times and locations vary Contact: Pastor Julie McNitt at pastorjulie@ abidinghope.org Small groups are fixed groups of approximately 8-12 people who gather regularly for the purpose of spiritual growth, mutual support, and fellowship. Small groups gather in homes, at church or in other public settings. They often share a meal, have conversation about life events, discuss issues or question related to faith, and pray for one another. Small groups may also choose to take on a service project together or participate in an activity in the community. If you are interested in joining a small group talk to Pastor Julie.

Graceways Details: Thursdays at 10:00am in room 102 Contact: Cheryl Schaal - CherylSchaal66@msn. com Graceways gathers weekly for conversation, study, and fellowship. They explore a variety of spiritually inspired topics, which may include a bible or book study, a presentation by a speaker, or sharing personal stories within the group. All are welcome. The group is primarily attended by women ages 50 +.

Upcoming series include: September: Pastor Doug will be discussing the Holy Land.

October: Pastor Julie leading a discussion about Mother Teresa.

November & December: Judy Scherschligt leading a discussion about prayer and healing using the book “Healing Light” by Agnes Sanford.

January: Pastor Jay leading a study on the Book of Thomas Care Ministry Details: Care Ministers meet for continuing education and training on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 -8:00 PM in room 102. Care Ministers meet with individual Care Receivers on a regular and ongoing basis.

Care Ministers are trained, lay leaders in our community who walk with others through difficult moments in life. This may include illness, aging, parenting or relationship challenges, loss of a loved one, addiction, end of life and more. Care Ministers provide companionship and spiritual support to an individual Care Receiver. The relationship is strictly confidential and only the Care Minister, Care Receiver and Pastoral Care Team are aware of the partnership. While Care Ministers are not trained therapists or personal assistants, they can provide a listening ear and be a compassionate conversation partner during tough times. Care Ministers are equipped to pray with others, share communion with their Care Receivers and direct them to specific resources if necessary.

Contact Pastor Julie if you are interested in training to become a Care Minister, or if you could benefit from the support of a Care Minister.

Spiritual Companions Details: The 3rd Saturday of the month (October-April) in room 102

MINISTRIES Contact person: Sue White at suew@sent.com This group welcomes individuals who are seeking to deepen their intimacy with God and expand their range of spiritual practices.

The Spiritual Companions group meets once a month to learn about and explore a new spiritual practice. Members of the group then use that practice privately over the course of the month. At the next month’s meeting, they discuss their experience with the new practice.

Each person is invited to keep what works for them as they look to deepen their relationship with God and be a blessing to others.

The Abiding Hope Spiritual Companion Group is a group of individuals that: * Embraces the belief that contemplation in Christ underlies all that we do in life. * Explores prayer practices to deepen our relationship with God and illuminate the mighty works that God has done. * Seeks to find where God is leading us and transform us so we can transform others for the kingdom of God. * Connects with each other on a deeper level through learning about different spiritual and prayer practices.

The group is reflective, relational, and open to new experiences. ALL are welcome to participate in Spiritual Companions. We would love to have you join us!

Men’s Ministry Details: Times and locations vary Contact: Pastor Julie McNitt at pastorjulie@ abidinghope.org There are numerous ways to participate in Men’s Ministry Groups at Abiding Hope.

Men’s Small groups or specific work projects are just a few options. Watch for upcoming information about a Men’s Ministry Summit.

Wednesday Morning Men’s Bible Study Details: A group of men meet at 7:00am on Wednesday mornings in room 103 for fellowship and biblical study. Contact Doug Coventry at douglascoventry@aol.com for more information.

Dad Bods Details: The Dad Bods workout group meets every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30am at the church for moderate workouts. Reach out to pastorjay@abidinghope.org for more information.

Crucial Conversations Details: Save the dates for Crucial Conversations coming in 2024. Wednesday Jan. 24, 31 and Wednesdays in February from 6:30-8:00 on zoom. Contact: Karen Carpenterkj_carp@yahoo.com The crucial conversations group hosts challenging and inspirational conversation series about important and timely issues.

Previous conversations have included issues related to race, the environment, and sexuality. In January of 2024 the team will address the topic of mental wellness over three sessions hosted on Zoom. In the spring the conversation will continue in-person when we gather to discuss the intersection of social justice and mental health. Participation in the dialogues is open to all. The group also welcomes additional members on the leadership team and content area experts to present during conversations.

The group’s mission statement reads: “Striving toward God’s vision of oneness with all of Creation by facilitating conversations and inspiring action around important environmental and social justice issues through compassionate dialogue and a faithbased lens.”

Saturday Night Supper Club Details: Immediately following 5:30pm worship on Saturday evenings at local restaurants.

Contact: Carole DeHerrera – cdsnogirl1966@ gmail.com Saturday night Supper Club is an informal gathering of seniors who attend the 5:30pm worship on Saturday nights. The group then meets for dinner and conversation at a local restaurant selected ahead of time.

Lunch Bunch Fellowship Details: First Tuesday of each month unless otherwise indicated (September -May) Contact: Jean Orellana – Jeano1973@gmail. com and Judy Scherschligt – jsfriends23@ gmail.com The “Out to Lunch Bunch” consists of adults of mixed ages, including couples and singles, who gather once a month at a local restaurant for food and fellowship. All adults are welcome.

Contact Jean Orellano to receive emails about upcoming lunch bunch gatherings.

Mission Leadership and Support Team (MLST) MLST is our church council. MLST servants help make decisions, guide staff, and work with leaders to ensure Abiding Hope is living into its mission and vision. MLST leaders are voted on each congregational meeting in December.

Work Day at the church Details: September 16, October 21, and November 18.

Contact Daryl Lindeman for questions: daryllindeman@comcast.net Arrive and leave any time between 7am and 11am. Tools and supplies will be provided just show up with gloves & sun protection and look for Daryl for directions (he will probably be wearing a straw hat).

Women’s Book Club Details: Thursday evenings approximately every six weeks in room 103 (formally the Patio Room) Contact: Pam Nesselhuf savvypjn@comcast. net The Abiding Hope Women’s book club has been meeting to read and discuss books for the past 22 years! They select books that address some moral, ethical, or current/ past social issue. All women are welcome to attend for one book or the entire series.

Book selections for the upcoming fall-spring include: Thurs., October 5, 2023 The Gown By: Jennifer Robson Thurs., November 23, 2023 When the Apricots Bloom By: Gina Wilkinson Thurs., January 11, 2024 Before We Were Yours By: Lisa Wingate Family Promise Host Weeks Details: December 3-10 Contact: Christine Simcox at scbdsimcox@ msn.com.

Throughout the year, we host families who are experiencing homelessness through the organization Family Promise. We have one host week left this year from December 3-10.

Watch the Home Connections for information in November.

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MINISTRIES SPECIAL EVENTS Second Wind Walk/Run Details: September 24 at 8:00am at Clement Park Second Wind Fund is a Colorado organization that connects youth at risk for suicide with life saving mental health treatment. The walk/run is an opportunity to support the organization. You can commit to walking or running at the event or you can also just make a donation through the event. We have an Abiding Hope team sign up. When you register, please choose our team.

Registration link is in the Home Connections email.

Harvest for Haiti Details: October 12 at 5:30pm at the Arrowhead Golf Course Harvest of Haiti is a fundraiser event for the Haitian Timoun Foundation (HTF). Abiding Hope is very involved in supporting HTF. The event will have incredible food, a live auction, and a chance to mingle with special HTF leadership guests. For the registration link and to see a list of live auction items, see the Home Connections email.

SEPTEMBER

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September 4 Church Office Closed for Labor Day September 10 Launch Weekend for Family Ministries Family Life Sunday Returns & All In Meeting on Sunday at 11:30 September 16 Equipping Gathering: Dancing with Chaos September 16 from 8-noon in the worship center Pastor Doug will be leading a gathering around creating communities through contemplative action and his new book “Dancing with Chaos.”

September 26 Servant Tour Meeting 9:30am in room 102 For rising 9th grade students to college students are invited to join us on our 2024 Servant Tour to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. Come this evening for information and to sign up Sept. 29- Oct. 1- I Am Retreat The I Am retreat is for all ninth graders and students who wish to be affirmed in October. We meet at Snow Mountain Ranch for the weekend, Friday at 5 to Sunday at 10:30.

Contact pastorjay@abidinghope.org for more info.

OCTOBER

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October 6-8 Abiding Hope Serves Various Times & locations On the weekend of October 6-8, we invite all our Abiding Hope community to a time of service. We will have multiple projects lined up both here in Littleton and the Denver area. Sign-up through the Home Connections email.

October 6-8 Forward in Faith Begins Our annual appeal begins this weekend. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can support Abiding Hope in the next year. Commitment weekend is November 12.

October 12 Harvest for Haiti October 12, 5:30pm at Arrowhead Golf Course Join us for an incredible evening of food, fun, and inspiration at Arrowhead Golf Course celebrating the human spirit in Haiti and raising money for the Haitian Timoun Foundation (HTF). Sponsored by Abiding Hope, special guests will include HTF founder, Rev. Dr. Rick Barger, the HTF International Leadership Team, and members of our Haitian family.

Registration link in the Home Connections email.

October 20-22 Middle School Retreat We head to the Sangre de Cristo mountains to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. Register at the Rainbow Trail site here: https://www.rainbowtrail.org/ retreats/confirmation-retreat/ October 28 Affirmation 5:30pm worship service This is our confirmation service for students who are affirming their faith.

Come support our youth!

October 28 & 29 Reformation Weekend We celebrate the Reformation at all 3 worship services this weekend. Please feel free to wear red in celebration.

October 29 Trunk or Treat 2:00pm-4:00pm in the Abiding Hope parking lot Wear your costume and bring a friend as we visit decorated trunks in the AH parking lot. Would you like to decorate a trunk? Watch for the sign up link as we compete for a basket of prizes.

NOVEMBER

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November 4 & 5 All Saints Weekend We will be asking for names of your loved ones who have passed away in the last year. Watch the Home Connections for instructions. Please feel free to wear white to worship.

November 5 Refugee Weekend Watch for more details about a special refugee focus this weekend.

November 12 Commitment Weekend We ask you to prayerfully consider what you want to give to Abiding Hope in 2024. This helps us plan for ministry development, facility maintenance, staff compensation, and many, MANY other funds it takes to keep our mission and vision alive. Intent cards and further instructions will be provided.

November 17-19 Senior High Retreat November 17-19, Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp We head to the Sangre de Christo mountains to RTLC. There will be great teaching, fun games all with people from all over. Register at the Rainbow Trail site here: https://www.rainbowtrail.org/retreats/rtlc-senior-high-retreat/ Then email pastorjay@abidinghope.org to arrange transportation.

23-24- Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving

DECEMBER

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December 2 Advent Festival 3:00-5:30pm Kick off the Advent season with the Advent Festival at Abiding Hope.

Come for s’mores, Christmas crafts, a Santa Shop with Mrs. Claus, yummy food, live sheep, and stay for an Advent worship service with fun songs perfect for our preschoolers and elementary age kids.

December 3 Advent Begins Watch the Home Connections for more information regarding Advent services.

December 3-10 Family Promise Host Week Throughout the year, we host families who are experiencing homelessness through the organization Family Promise. Watch the Home Connections for information in November.

December 10 Annual Gathering Immediately following the 10:30 worship This important congregation wide gathering is to approve the Annual Report, elect new MLST members, and share important church information.

December 23 & 24 Worship Times Since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, we will only have our regular Saturday night worship at 5:30pm. There will be NO Sunday morning worship on Dec. 24 since we will have Christmas Eve services that afternoon and evening.

December 24 Christmas Eve Worship 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, & 7:00pm December 25 & 26 Church Office Closed for Christmas January 1 Church Office Closed for New Years Day

IMPORTANT FUTURE DATES Lent Begins Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Palm Sunday March 23 & 24, 2024 Easter Saturday March 30, 2024 Easter Sunday March 31, 2024 Servant Tour New Orleans, Louisiana July 13-20, 2024

Servant Tour: In July 2024, 25,000 Lutheran high school students from around the country are gathering in New Orleans for an extravaganza of worship, music by nationally recognized artists, learning from incredible speakers and teachers, and serving the New Orleans community. Abiding Hope will be adding a few days of group building and service locally before we travel to the big easy. This incredible journey changes perspectives, hearts, and lives as we explore the Gathering theme, “Created to Be.” Attending this event takes a year of team building, fundraising, and connecting. Reach out to PastorJay@abidinghope.org for more details.