Recent Connections and Reflections

July 12th I had the privilege of ministering at Leadville AG. Pastor Tim and Helen Garrison have faithfully pastored in the “highest elevation” AG church in the USA for about nine years. They have determined it is God’s time for a change and will be moving to a new assignment as the Lord leads. Thank you Tim and Helen for your faithful service in the Kingdom of God!

In our Presbyter meetings, July 14-16 we processed normal District business, received three enriching devotionals, engaged in round table discussion, and interacted with Dennis Rivera (Superintendent of the Central Latin District - now called the Central District) about collaborating where helpful. Bo Sosa’s devotional on “The church has left the building” was particularly inspiring.

I visited the PK retreat July 23rd and enjoyed sharing with our minister’s kids – what a great group of young people. Lee and Renae Terry do a great job leading this retreat to make it a meaningful time for our kids.

On July 26th I spoke at Dakota Ridge Assembly. Pastor Paul Church was with family at the death of his grandfather and our condolences go out to Paul. It was great to connect with many friends in this fine congregation.

On July 29th I flew to Orlando for a plethora of meetings surrounding General Council – CEP board, Superintendent’s forum, General Presbyter meeting, and General Council. It was a great GC marked by inspiring ministry, good fellowship, and effective business sessions. It was great to see so many from our district. In addition I took a few days of vacation at the end of GC to enjoy with family.

Unfortunately, our son Phil and his wife Heather had to return to Living Hope Church in Colorado Springs during GC on Thursday, August 6th due to a suicide in his congregation the evening of August 5th. I encourage you to go to their web site, www.livinghopecolorado.org and listen to Phil’s Sunday a.m. message, August 9th entitled “The Family of God”. He did a great job addressing the difficult subject of suicide.

We enjoyed time with our youngest son, John and his family in Orlando before returning home. Our four year old grandson, Connor enjoyed the theme parks so much he did not want to leave. His mom asked him if he didn’t want to go home and see his friends. He replied “I’ll see them in heaven”. They did manage to get him back to CO.

On August 16th I installed Pastor Ray and Missha Wagoner at Northpeak Christian Center in Woodland Park, CO. A special thanks to John and Kay Gowins for planting this church in a growing area of CO.

On August 23rd I installed Pastor Steve and Sharrolyn Elmore at Windsor AG. The Elmores come to us from Lodi, CA and we welcome them to the RMD.

On August 25th I met with our District Departmental Ministry leaders. We have a great team who work diligently to strengthen our churches by providing ministry training, camps, conventions, retreats, missions trips, and encouragement to assist the local church. The Lord used the many events this summer to minister to children, young people, and adults. Many accepted Christ, grew in the wisdom of God’s word, engaged in Christian service, and connected with others beyond their local church in these ministry activities. I hope you will avail yourself of the many opportunities offered as a resource to the local church.