Steve’s Stuff (Ramblings & Program Notes)
Program Opportunities…(for additional details, please see/call me)
Stephen Walden, 303-989-3727 x203
The point of a faith community is not to think alike,
but to think together.
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The Human Riddle:
The Spiritual Practice of Being Human
Ever wish you had a “spiritual practice” that calmed your mind and made you feel connected to the Sacred? Ever try a daily faith-based “exercise” (Scripture reading, silent prayer, meditation, etc.) only to surrender after a few days or weeks — then start a daily practice of guilt? Is “nurture my spirit” a box on your “to-do” list that never gets checked? Fear not! You’re not alone — and your condition is not terminal! Using readings and our own experiences, we’ll explore the world of “religious practice” and ponder the individual pathways to nurturing and listening to that “still small voice” — without losing our sanity. All folks welcome — no sanctified holiness required. The program will be led by a former co-worker of a Franciscan order who’s now an inept Buddhist, and an aspiring mystic, recognized sage, and former Mormon. To sign up, please see me, or the Program Table.
Dates: Brief orientation & material pick up on Sunday, February 12th, after worship, Room #403; Two week fellowship & exploration, Sunday evenings, 6:30 p.m., February 19th & 26th
Reading: Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, & Still Loving My Neighbor by Jana Riess, suggested donation to cover material, $12
The Human Riddle is an on-going series that applies faith to the challenge of simply being fully human.
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The Shared Journey is an evolving, supportive community for those that share the daily challenges of facing the diagnosis of dementia – as individuals, families, and caring friends.
Shared Journey:
Support Group — Tuesday, February 14th, 9:30 a.m.
The meeting for those who wish to share their journey, gaining emotional support and constructive ideas in facing the minute-by-minute challenge of care-giving. This month, a guest speaker from the Alzheimer's Association on communication with a loved one with dementia.
Shared Journey:
Care-Giving Chautauqua update
As of the newsletter deadline, no firm additional speaker dates to announce, but, as I “network” with community resources I’m alerted to local opportunities of interest...which I will note in this space:
The Savvy Caregiver course will be offered at the Belmar Health Passport office (near Whole Foods) on Wednesdays, March 28th through April 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The five week session is $30. For additional information please visit www.myhealthpassport.org, or see me...to register, call 720-321-8940.
Ask A Care Manager is also an offering of the Health Passport folks and is a general Q&A with a transitions specialist. Opportunities are available on Friday, February 17th and March 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Health Passport Office (4200 W. Conejos, St. 200, Denver). For additional details, see the contact information above or see me with questions.
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Exploring various topics,
Questions, Inc. meets each Sunday,
9:00 a.m., #403
Diverse viewpoints welcome & encouraged!!!
A community of people who find faith and inspiration in the
diversity of creation, ideas, and perspectives.
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The Hopeful Heretics
Tuesday, February 21st, 6:45 p.m.
This month pondering the book, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner. What ingredients make up the illusive quality of human contentment? How does our culture and location shape our pursuit of happiness? We’ll explore the travels of Eric Weiner as we recall our own journey to discover, and live fully, the good life. As usual, we’ll end this evening with fellowship garnished with world-select ice creams. All curious souls welcome.
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The Green Mountain Senior Wii Bowling Association
You have nothing to lose but your dignity.
February 28th, #403, 12:00 noon,
light lunch then the games begin.
To RSVP (so I have enough food),
please contact me or see the Program Table.
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Church of the Apocalyptic Optimists
Micro-investment Club
This effort to invest (via an organization called Kiva and the tool of the micro loan) was inspired by discussions in the Questions, Inc. group. We currently have twenty-five members, twenty-two from Green Mountain and three from other traditions. For information on this playfully-named, nobly-aimed concept, please see me.
As of 01/10/12
Loan #: 124
Total: $3,700
Countries: 27
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Project Cure Work Team
Local Service, Global Impact
February shift -- Tuesday the 14th, 1 to 3 p.m.
Anyone who is interested in this service project, sorting and preparing medical supplies for shipment to areas of great need, please see me for volunteer and training information.
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Samaritan Rx —
Gauze Pads, any size, or Gauze wrap (sold in rolls)
These materials are gathered in the bin located near our Aging Body, Young Mind Resource table (upper hallway, west end, near restrooms). When full, the supplies will be delivered to Project Cure to be distributed to countries around the world where “healthcare” is the struggle for survival. Your consideration of this on-going mission is appreciated.
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Front Room Ruminators (R2)
Using a video/discussion format to explore the diversity of faith, ideas, and perspectives these good folks gather at 11:00 a.m. in Room #403, get into a topic, then adjourn around noon to a popular local establishment (Front Room Pizza) for lunch.
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Faith Advocacy Day 2012
Turning the Corner from Charity to Justice
Monday, February 20th; 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
History Colorado, 1200 Broadway, Denver
For cost, registration details, list of speakers & topics, and the opportunity for Capitol tours, please take a flier from the Program Table or call Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, 303-777-6700.
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Introducing Food Fit…
A Green Mountain UMC Caring Support Group for those
seeking the balance of weight & wellness
Fast food, super-sized portions, small-print ingredients designed to addict our taste buds, a food obsessed culture...AAAAGGGGHHHHH!!!!...our society makes it a challenge to maintain the optimum weight for health, and makes us feel guilty when we don’t have a magazine-cover body. Nothing gets more personal than our own body image, and nothing lowers self-esteem faster than feeling that body is judged — by others, and worse, by ourselves. Are you seeking support and help in finding a weight that gives health while also a comfortable sense of self? Are you willing to work with others who share the goal of finding a balance between weight and well-being? Do you want to love yourself — the most vital ingredient to a healthy life?
Interested in exploring more…join our “I’m interested” gathering on:
When: Sunday, February 12th, after worship
Where: The Fireside Room
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Aging Body, Young Mind Resource Table &
Green Mountain Medical Reference Mini-Library
Just a reminder that beneath the multi-angled roof of GMUMC are two resources that may be of assistance when life offers its unexpected challenges. The Aging Body, Young Mind Table is upstairs (at the top of the ramp) near the classrooms…and it's stocked with information from diverse sources with regard to wellness and health planning. These materials are offered free. No matter your age or health status, please consider taking the time to look over this resource.
Also, on a small desk tucked away in Room #403 is the Medical Reference Library, housing several texts focused on providing readable medical information on specific health conditions, medical tests, medications, etc. Please feel free to look these over or take a book home on loan. I’m also available to help navigate these resources, or look for others via community contacts or the power of the internet.
Just give me a call.
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