With God's Hope~Our Journey Continues...

On Sunday, February 19,2006 at 3:00 PM, Atonement Lutheran Church voted 90-1 to move ahead with the building of a new sanctuary. Many things had changed since the vote January 28. We met with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund representative. They feel it to be important to have a complete Worship Space at the completion of the project…as do we. Because of this and your amazing track record of giving toward the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey capital campaign, they have authorized us to borrow an addition $200,000 for a total of $1.7 million. This will allow the Worship Space to completed and ready for use at the completion of phase I of the building project. This extra funding prompted a new vote. Thanks to all that contributed to this overwhelming YES response! This still does not include a completed basement, but as we are reminded about Kairos, this to will happen in God’s time!

We will move ahead as quickly as possible. Thanks to all of you who made a special effort to be present with an overwhelming YES vote. Groundbreaking will take place on Sunday, March 12 at 3:00 PM followed by a Celebration Potluck. Plan on attending this historic occasion. We are hurrying to fill out all the papers necessary with Mission Investment Fund, of the ELCA, in Chicago to set up a construction loan account. Mike Nicholson will be Treasurer. General Ministry Funds cannot be commingled with these construction funds. To make all things legal, we will work with a title insurance company, take out Builder's Risk Insurance with Church Mutual, and prepare the promissory or Mortgage Deed of Trust. This whole process will take approximately 30 days.

A.D. Miller, our General Contractor is close to having the permit from the city to begin work on the parking lot. When that permit is in hand and the documents properly set for the loan, construction will begin. Exciting News! Soon you will be able to see lots of activity on the property.

On February 13,1966, Atonement was officially formed as an American Lutheran Congregation. February marks our Fortieth Anniversary. What a great opportunity for us to celebrate Living in God's Love -Reaching Out with Hope! Our ministry teams challenge us to continue to be excited at all the opportunities to bring God's love and compassion to a hungry and lonely world. God keeps challenging us to be alive! Pastor Jim and I are eager to be part of these exciting times as we plan ministry together with you for this community today and for the future. Building this new sanctuary for both traditional and contemporary worship will challenge each of us to a sacrificial commitment. Your presence on February 19 at the specially called Congregational Meeting was a significant showing that you are ready for the risky days ahead. Pray that our journey will be a faithful one and that these next nine months of construction will challenge us to bring "Hope to All who come here!"

Yes, this is an exciting time for the Atonement family! I beg us to pray for each other and to care about each other. Make Sunday morning a time to talk with someone new to welcome them to our church family. Allow time for God to speak to you about our mission and calling together. Amen !

Atonement Lutheran Church -
THEN...









...and NOW

Seventy-six people gathered in Atonement’s name on Saturday evening January 28, 2006 at a specially called meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to vote on the resolution that was mailed to each Atonement family requesting their presence at this meeting. Hard questions were asked and answered during the discussion led by Building Ministry Team Chairperson Ron Lorenz. After excellent discussion concerning what our financial challenges over the next three years will be, the question was called for and a ballot vote was collected and counted. The vote was 71-5 to borrow the sum of $1.5 million dollars from the Mission Investment Fund of the Evangelical Lutheran Church for the purpose of building a new sanctuary and narthex as soon as possible. It has been and will continue to be a difficult journey for all of us as we will be increasing our budget significantly for the next two years. The Building Ministry Team has struggled for several months together with the Architect and General Contractor to bring this project in budget. Finally the window opened by leaving out approximately $170,000 dollars worth of work to be done inside the sanctuary. This will enable us to build the entire project to completion outside. There will be no basement but the narthex will be finished up to the new sanctuary. The projects omitted are the ceiling, sound system, carpet and minor things that can be added at the last moment with contingency or other yet to be collected funds.

What a journey the next nine months will be! Construction will begin as soon as possible and we will celebrate a ground breaking ceremony hopefully in early March. If all goes well, we should be in our new facility by November 2006. Keep praying for Bob Saas and Scott Boduch, our architects, as they continue their work. We now add Tony Miller, the General Contractor to our prayers. We will also be adding the sub-contractors by name to our prayers as they do their work. We want them all to know that we care about them as we watch them build our Vision of “Living in God’s Love ~ Reaching Out With Hope” that began with the capitol campaign called “God’s Hope ~ Our Journey!”

After the Building Loan Special Meeting was adjourned, the Annual Meeting began with President Joyce Fisher guiding us through the reports and bringing us to the challenging 2006 budget of $442,889.00 which passed unanimously. Jerry Bowen and Cathy Nicholson were reelected as Treasurer and Financial Secretary respectively for another year. (We thank Carla Bowen for her help too) Marilyn Andersen was officially elected as Secretary after being appointed by the church council in September 2005. Synod Assembly Delegates Randy and Julie McNitt, Pastor Jim and Pastor Del, along with Katy Howard as an alternate, were elected by a unanimous ballot.

Please pick up your Annual Report in the narthex so that you will be informed as to what your church family has been doing and is planning for the future. Please pray for your staff that they might receive wisdom and insight for the decisions in the future. Pray for your Church Council and the Building Ministry Team. Lots has been done, but there is much yet to be done. A special thanks to Ron Lorenz, Chairperson of the BMT, Jan Harding, Steve Riedel, Bob Lombard, Michael Lewellen, Ron Andersen, and Jade Santoro. They had done an excellent job with impossible circumstances.

Pastor Jim and I are proud to be your Pastors and we ask your prayers for wisdom to be good pastors for the coming years. Please pray for each other as we journey together.

You are a wonderful, responsive and faithful people! Our treasurer, Jerry Bowen, informs me that as of the end of 2005 we came within $800.00 of our expenses – recovering from a deficit of almost $21,000. It was an anxious time for all of us as we attempted to plan for the future. We are called first to support the General Ministry Expenses while at the same time we are supporting our God’s Hope and Our Journey Vision for a new sanctuary and staffing. It is a big challenge for us and you have responded generously. The challenge will continue into the future as we take on new and added responsibilities financially with a construction loan and staff. I want to inform you about where we are with planning for a special Congregational Meeting to approve final decisions concerning our building plans.

Your Building Ministry Team, chaired by Ron Lorenz, has been faithfully working with our architects and general contractor as they struggle to find a way to move forward in the face of unbelievable rising costs. We hope that by their meeting on January 12, 2006, the BMT will have all the information necessary to make a decision to move ahead.

However, this I can tell you, because of continued rising costs and our determination to stay within the budget set up for our future building and staffing, the BMT has made some difficult decisions with the architect and contractor. The basement is not a possibility. Landscaping has been removed temporarily but will have to be completed before the final inspection to use the building. Those costs are approximately $75,000 and $40,000 respectively. Interests rates have also gone up slightly. Concrete is $88.00 per yard and roofing materials went up 49% and continue to soar. As you can see, this is only a sample of the struggle. There are more obstacles too numerous to mention here. Your Building Ministry Team will continue to carefully assess where we are so that we might properly inform you of progress and make recommendations for what we might do at a properly called Congregational Meeting. Possibly after the January 12 BMT meeting we will be able to move forward with that plan. Please bear with us in this tedious struggle. Please pray for guidance for the Building Ministry Team and all of us as we try to make good decisions for our future. Together we need to allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with courage for whatever the decision is to be.

It is also a good time for us to reflect on the Vision that we have been following and to decide where we will be able to fulfill those dreams of mission and ministry. Please read Pastor Jim’s article (previous posting) as he reflects on the “Vision” for mission we have had before us. It is challenging us anxiously into the future. We don’t know at this moment what the right decision is for us. Soon, however, we will have the proper information to help us make that decision. Let us pray together that we remember that we are a people of faith who have come together to “Live in God’s Love and to Reach Out With Hope!” May the New Year of 2006 find each day filled with the love and grace of the God who gives us each cell in our blood to live for Him and each other. Come to worship, come to serve and to share in fellowship. We look forward to seeing you every chance we get. Amen.

Pastor Del

December 29, 2005

To Whom It May Concern,

Thank you for your generous donation of $2,750.00 to Hearts with Haiti. Your contribution will be used to support the ministries of St. Joseph's Wings of Hope.

We are grateful for your contribution in furthering the Mission of St. Joseph's. Please visit us at our website http://www.heartswithhaiti.org.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Proctor, Chair
Hearts with Haiti, Inc.

The tentative groundbreaking date of Dec. 4th has been postponed due to some inevitable obstacles, namely Excel Energy and upgrading the church power supply to 3-phase and the rising costs of building materials as a result of the catastrophic event along the Gulf Coast and Hurricane Katrina. Just as any obstacle, it does slow things up but can be overcome. The building Ministry Team and the Architects are busy to overcome this latest set of drama.

On the bright side…The Harvest of Hope Festival was held Nov. 5th. There was great food and fun had by all. In addition, we were host to an outreach fair. Our special guests were representatives from local ministries that the Benevolence Gifts task force recommended as potential recipients of this year’s benevolence gifts.

Local Ministries
Urban Servant Corps
Southwest Community Ministry
Jeffco Action Center
Cristo Rey Lutheran Church (Hispanic Ministries – Denver)
Senior Outreach: Lutheran Family Services

In prior weeks, the congregation was given the opportunity to select the recipients of the GHOJ 2005 Benevolence gifts. There are four recipients in all, two local ministries and two ministries from the global community. Each recipient is to receive $2,750 that has been designated from the fund from the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey Capital Campaign.

The recipients selected to receive the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey 2005 Benevolence Gifts are:
Local Ministries
Southwest Community Ministry
Senior Outreach: Lutheran Family Services

National/Global Ministries
Lutheran World Relief
Wings of Hope, Home for Disabled Children – Haiti

A year ago we were dedicating our gifts to the “God’s Hope and Our Journey” Capital Campaign.. You have shared generously. Radically rising costs have made us scramble to begin “Ground Breaking” and construction. We have been pre-approved for our $1.5 million loan and we are aiming for December 4 for our Ground Breaking Day. Pray for that ground breaking date to happen but be prepared for changes. Please continue your generous sharing of the GHOJ gifts. We invite those who have not previously shared to join in the great opportunity our Mission calls us to do.

The Benevolence Gifts Task Force of God’s Hope ~ Our Journey is pleased to announce that we as a congregation will be reaching out with hope by presenting four ministry gifts of $2,750 each in 2005. Two of these gifts will be for local ministries – two will be for national or global ministries.

Brochures are available with descriptions of the following ten different ministries that the task force recommends as potential recipients of this year’s benevolence gifts.

Local Ministries
Urban Servant Corps
Southwest Community Ministry
Jeffco Action Center
Cristo Rey Lutheran Church (Hispanic Ministries – Denver)
Senior Outreach: Lutheran Family Services

National/Global Ministries
Lutheran World Relief
Wings of Hope, Home for Disabled Children – Haiti
Cristo Rey – Border Ministries and Immersion Program, El Paso, Texas
Operation Bootstrap – supporting Maasai Girls’ Lutheran Secondary School, Tanazania
Peace School for the Bline (Palestine)

If these projects or organizations sound familiar, it’s for a good reason. It was decided that the candidates for these first year gifts should represent ministries with which Atonement as a congregation has already had a relationship.

On the last two Sunday of Octobers, those attending the worship services will have the opportunity to vote for two local and two national/global ministries. Those receiving the most votes will announced at the Harvest of Hope Festival on Saturday, November 5.

Building Status
The Building Ministry, Architects, and Engineers are finalizing the details of our revised plans. A special Congregational Meeting may be scheduled for November to present the final Building Plans and Budget to gain approval to proceed with ground breaking soon after.

Harvest of Hope Festival
Please mark your calendars to attend our Harvest of Hope Festival on Saturday, November 5. Another aspect of GHOJ will be presented as we announce the recipients of our benevolence gifts.

Relational Visits Beginning
The Relational Visit Team is embarking on their “Just Say Hi” campaign. These informal visits are designed to strengthen the connections between members of our congregation. We embrace the opportunity to get to know each other better.

We were Blessed with “An Afternoon with Jane Vennard”
A large group gathered to listen to Jane explain what makes “a praying congregation”. The main message was a praying congregation is comfortable talking about the prayer lives of each other. Have you asked somebody about their prayer life lately?

Advent: A Time of Hopeful Waiting

A Devotional Booklet for Year Two of GHOJ.
Advent is a time of waiting, of wondering, of anticipating what is to come. Here at Atonement we are also waiting, wondering, and anticipating great things as we continue to live in God’s love and reach out with God’s hope. Waiting is a part of life. What stories do you have of waiting? What biblical passages guide your experience of waiting? Children, youth, adults, artists, writers, thinkers: we invite you all to submit poems, reflections, and artwork reflecting on your experience of waiting, your thoughts about waiting. Email your submissions to Kim Gonia at jkgnia@aol.com or look for a box in the narthex. All submissions are due by Monday, November 7. Booklets will be ready in time for advent.

Thank You For Faithful Stewardship
If you remember, we have 132 family units that have pledged which approaches $906,000. Less than a year into our three year campaign, over 1/3 of the pledged amounts have already been received! Your generosity has exceeded expectations and our momentum is great. Keep up your consistent giving and thank you so much for your faithful stewardship in this area.

There is still plenty of opportunity to offer a pledge or simply designate a portion of your giving to ‘God’s Hope~Our Journey’ or ‘Building Fund’. Please remember that your offerings designated to Atonement’s existing and ongoing ministries are equally, if not more important. We are well on our way on this journey together.

Mike Skaff
GHOJ Ministry Follow-up Team,
Communication Team Lead

Luther struggled constantly searching for ways for God to love him. It was in this journey that Luther discovered Jesus Christ on the cross. It was this great act of grace from God on the cross that gave salvation to all — nothing that Luther or anyone else did. Grace was God’s gift to humanity and not what one earned. This discovery made Luther known as the Father of the Reformation.

It is still this reformation that we share as Lutherans in this time and place. We are constantly challenged by God’s grace for us and how we might share it with others. This is why we are called to share the Vision of Ministry here so that others too might know of God’s love. For our Mission Statement reminds us that this reformation of “Living in God’s Love and Reaching Out with Hope” is the special gift we’ve been given to share with the community we live in. This is why we held the capitol campaign called “God’s Hope and Our Journey!” As we try to follow our vision with the gifts we are sharing and have promised over the next 2 ½ years, we are challenged. Events have happened beyond our control that have increased costs ridiculously. Katrina was enough and Rita isn’t helping us.

As a result Ron Lorenz and the Building Ministry Team are having to make many difficult choices to bring the rising costs into budget. Remember we are already paying new staff from the gifts being given for GHOJ. We hope to have a Contemporary Music Director in place soon. We have interviewed an excellent person and are continuing that process. A committee is also prioritizing where we will send our benevolent gifts too.

However, the biggest challenge is bringing the 2 million dollar costs down to the 1.5 million that we are allowed to borrow from the Mission Loan and Investment Fund. This means the following: nothing east of the current kitchen will be touched; the basement under the new sanctuary will have a dirt floor ; the building height has been lowered by about two feet; windows have been taken out of the north and south part of the ceiling; very little steel is being used; we will remain on two phase power instead of building three phase; the side-walk on the east will be delayed until absolutely necessary for city code; landscaping will also be delayed and possibly done ourselves; and the sound system is being cut back. Remember, these aren’t changes we want to make but the budget forces us into this position. 1.5 million dollars will only allow us to build this amount. All the above and a few other things will be prioritized alternates that will be added as funds become available.

Please pray for the Building Ministry Team to make wise and difficult decisions for us. We hope to have a Congregational Meeting in November and begin building as soon as possible after that date. We want to inform you as best we can in this painful process. May the Reformation continue for the Atonement family as we follow our Lord’s calling into the future.

Pastor Del

Healing and caring activities were part of Jesus’ Ministry and continue to belong to the church. Parish nurses and health ministry committees are reflecting God’s Love by working in churches and communities to help people improve the health of their body, mind and spirit.

The focus of parish nursing practice is on prevention, health promotion, care management, and referral for a faith community and it’s ministry. The parish nurse does not provide ongoing physical care, administer medication, draw blood, or do other invasive medical procedures.

The Parish Nurse is a:
1. Health educator-providing opportunities for you to learn about health topics so you can make an informed decision;
2. Health advocate/health counselor, listening and discussing health issues with you and/or your family in your home, hospital, nursing home or church;
3. Referral source, serving as a liaison to connect you with community services;
4. Facilitator and coordinator of care-related volunteers, identifying and recruiting congregational volunteers to assist you as needed;
5. Integrator, assisting you to bring together faith and health in your life;
6. Support group facilitator, assisting need within the congregation and developing appropriate groups; and
7. Visitor to the sick and supporter of the congregant and family.

We would like to thank you for calling us to be your parish nurses and want you to know we will use our combined knowledge and experience to assist you in any way we can. Feel free to call the office and leave either of us a request for a visit or a call. We ill try to be prompt in contacting you to set up an appointment.

Beverly Karika and Ruth Ann Zartman

With “God’s Hope ~ Our Journey” Continues . . .

The Building Ministry Team recently sent out a letter updating us on the plans for our building addition. While we look forward with anticipation to breaking ground, we remember that “God’s Hope-Our Journey” is much more than a building campaign. Adding staff and creating a benevolence fund are equally important elements of our journey. Here is a brief update on some events and opportunities as our journey continues.

New Staff Positions Filled
On July 31, we formally commissioned three new staff members. Beverly Karika, RN, BSN, and Ruth Zartman, RN, BSN, are sharing the position of Parish Nurse. They will help develop our ministry of caring by promoting health and wellness in our congregation. Identifying health education and counseling needs will be a key aspect of their position.

Julie McNitt is serving as Youth Ministry Coordinator. She is assisting with the elementary and high school youth groups, as well as with the confirmation program. She will also be involved with Sunday School, Faith Matters, and Donuts and Discussion. She is looking at a number of ways to build deeper relationships with our young people.

Benevolence Ministry Team Being Formed
The Benevolence Ministry Team will make recommendations for how we will direct the gifts from our annual benevolence fund of over $30,000. Half of these gifts will be made locally, and half made globally. If asked to serve on this team, please give the request prayerful consideration.

Speaking of Prayer…
The Spirituality Team has arranged an event with Jane Vennard, nationally known author of A Praying Congregation. She will be with us on Sunday, September 18 from 2:00 to 5:30. Mark your calendars now! In addition, the Adult Forum Sessions on September 18, September 25, and October 2 will focus on prayer.

Relational Visits Beginning
The Relational Visit Team is embarking on their “Just Say Hi” campaign. These informal visits are designed to strengthen the connections between members of our congregation. We embrace the opportunity to get to know each other better.

Thank You For Faithful Stewardship
Less than a year into our three year campaign, over 1/3 of the pledged amounts have already been received! Thank you so much for your faithful stewardship in this area. If you did not pledge last Fall but would like to, pledge forms can be obtained from church staff or from Larry Koppenhaver or Cathy Bajcsi of the Follow-up Ministry Team.

God’s Peace
Randy McNitt
God’s Hope-Our Journey Ministry Follow-up Team, Communication Team Member


Reality Check!
The Building Ministry Team is struggling with the startling rising costs of materials. Our architects are giving us all of their creative ability to get the building project within budget. There will be a BMT meeting on Thursday September 15. Hopefully we will be able to set a date for ground breaking. Pray for this ministry to fulfill the dreams of Traditional and Contemporary worship styles that have become so meaningful! Ron Lorenz and his committee of Bob Lombard, Jan Harding, Michael Lewellen, Steve Riedel, Jade Santoro, and Ron Andersen have even tougher decisions ahead. Recently, Ron Lorenz sent a special letter to keep you informed.

A year ago we were beginning the “God’s Hope ~ Our Journey” appeal. We have come a long way and we continue to push forward. We have added an office secretary, two parish nurses, and a youth coordinator. We are still interviewing for a contemporary worship ministry director. Pray for this ministry to find the person we need to help us. Pray we can create space for all to work together while we wait for the new building to be built.

An “AFTERNOON WITH JANE VENNARD” author of A Praying Congregation

The Spirituality Team of God’s Hope Our Journey will be hosting our time with this nationally known pastor, teacher, spiritual director and retreat leader on Sunday, September 18th . A quote from Catholic priest Richard Rohr about Jane’s book explains why we are so excited to have time with her:
I have been saying that we should drop all church programs for a year and just teach our people how to pray! This book could well be the foundation and program for that teaching. Jane Vennard has given us guidance that is both simple and profound, practical yet very mature, personal yet social. Her wisdom about prayer is what we need!

Project Update:

The Building Ministry Team will be meeting August 15 at 7:30 PM (note the date change). The contractor needs more time to work on bids. Costs of materials have gone up significantly since we began planning. Those costs are being reflected in the bids our contractor A.D. Miller is receiving. We will not be able to set a date for ground-breaking until those bids are more firm and realistic. Hopefully on August 15 we’ll be able to plan a date for a Congregational Meeting to approve the construction loan and the new mortgage. The loan application will not be completed until we get more definitive bids for the entire project.

On Wednesday, July 27 a meeting was held with the West Metro Fire District. It appears we’ll only have to add one more fire hydrant to accommodate added fire protection for our new building. That was very good news. The new construction will have a sprinkler system for fire protection—West Metro appreciated that.

Eidos architects Bob Saas and Scott Burdock have been delighted with progress and hopefully the extra time spent on bids for the many building projects will be positive. Pray for this process to come together quickly. We are anxious to set dates and begin construction. There are many people working very hard at this process. What exciting opportunities are before us. Pray that the follow up with the God’s Hope and Our Journey Follow-up Team will continue to provide “Vision” together with the Mission Resources Ministry Team of the Church Council. Acts 5:12a says that “Many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles.” I pray that is what continues to happen to us as God calls us as Disciples in Mission.


July 2005
- Received initial submittal comments from the City of Lakewood that included very minor changes. These changes were made and a second submittal has been forwarded to the City of Lakewood.
July 25, 2005
- Gathered all information necessary to assemble the loan application.
July 27, 2005
- Met with the Fire Dept. to provide input to the building plans for fire mitigation.
July 31, 2005
- Formally commissioned the new staff positions. *WELCOME*
= Beverly Karika, RN, BSN and Ruth Zartman, RN, BSN are sharing the position
of Parish Nurse.
= Julie McNitt began serving as the Youth Ministry Coordinator.

Project Update:
June 1, 2005
- Eidos Architects, reviewed design updates, lighting concepts, ceiling layout, seating layouts with Building committee.
- Filled positions for staffing goals for 2005
- Beverly Karika, RN, BSN and Ruth Zartman, RN, BSN are sharing the position of Parish Nurse.
- Julie McNitt began serving as the Youth Ministry Coordinator.
- Date of Commissioning Service to be determined

Miracles are happening! We received the first “red line” approval on June 29 – these are changes suggested by the city. Edios architects Bob Saas and Scott Burdock are examining them. They appear to be minor changes. We will proceed as quickly as possible. The Building Ministry Team will meet August 1, 7:00 PM at which time we expect we will have the final bid from A.D. Miller for the entire project. When that figure is submitted we will be able to complete the application form for our construction loan and future building loan. We will also have a better picture of how much of the design plan we will be able to complete. The unfinished basement is on the schedule. The Mission Loan Investment Fund of the ELCA is being very helpful to us in this process. We will also give Thrivent an opportunity as they are the ones who currently have our loan. We may be able to project a ground breaking date by mid August and plan a congregational meeting to approve plans. Sounds exciting!

Pledged monies for God’s Hope ~ Our Journey have been coming in on schedule and you are to be congratulated. New pledges and offerings are always welcome. Also, please remember to send in your offerings for the General Ministry (our ongoing budget needs) as the past several Sunday’s offerings have been lower than usual. Envelopes are included in this newsletter for your convenience in sharing your offering gifts. Thanks for helping make the Mission of Atonement’s work a priority.

The following images are conceptual drawings, building plans and the future of Atonement Lutheran Church.

May 2005
- Survey of Atonement Property completed.
- All Title work has been verified and complete.
- Selected External Color Scheme for Brick and Stucco
- Activity continues to secure funding through ELCA Mission Investment Fund.

May 16, 2005 - Held meeting to discuss Heating and Air Conditioning requirements.
May 23, 2005 - Held Meeting to discuss Audio/Visual Requirements
May 26, 2005 - Submitted drawings and formal Site Development Planning Documents to City of Lakewood. No major results or concerns to report at this time.

June continues the “God’s Hope and Our Journey” plan that the congregation approved at the January 2005 Congregational meeting. Two staff positions, Parish Nurse and Youth Ministry coordinator, were to be added. Thus, June 1 was a good day with meetings with Ruth Zartman, Beverly Karika and Julie McNitt coming for their orientation. Ruth and Beverly will share the Parish Nurse position as their different strengths and talents compliment each other. If either Ruth or Beverly are away, one will be available to help us. The Church Council (Leadership Ministry Team) will give final approval at the June 14 meeting. Julie McNitt will be attending the Clinical Pastoral Education program at St. Anthony Hospital for twelve weeks to continue her seminary education requirements. We will work out her hours as we go along as all of this is a work in progress. Welcome Julie, Ruth and Beverly! We will have a special welcome for them at the June 26th Sunday worship services. All are already busy at work!

On May 26, 2005 Lakewood accepted Atonement’s application for remodeling and building a new sanctuary. Several items were apart of that application which included a Warranty Deed, and a Title Commitment Letter. Please note the display in the narthex showing the brick samples and exterior colors for the building project. On June 1 the Building Ministry Team (BMT) met to approve Eidos’s plans to be given to A.D. Miller, our General Contractor. A.D. Miller can now submit them to sub-contractors for bids. In six or more weeks we will have a better picture of what plans have to modified in order to build the basement under the sanctuary. The city will also be responding to Eidos’s plans for us and if that is positive, we’ll be moving quickly. The Worship Ministry Team met May 26 with Acoustech (Roland) and Eidos to plan the audio and video parts of the sanctuary too.

I hope you will be as impressed as I am with the Sanctuary design. It will be a powerful Holy Space with lots of drama! Pray for the BMT, our new staff and the fulfilling of the dreams we have planned for the future so that as we “Live In God’s Love and Reach Out With Hope” we will be inspired and renewed disciples for the future!

Formation of the GHOJ Follow-Up Ministry Team (GHOJMFT) is in full swing. This team is being lead by Larry Koppenhaver.If you are asked by one of the Follow-up Ministry Team Leaders to participate, please prayerfully consider sharing your richly given talents.

GHOJ Follow-up Ministry Team

The God’s Hope ~ Our Journey Follow-up Ministry Team consists of the following Team Members:

Chairperson - Larry Koppenhaver
GHOJ Treasurer - Mike Nicholson
Recorder - Cathy Nicholson
Financial Growth - Larry Koppenhaver, Cathy Bajcsi, Cathy & Mike Nicholson
Communication - Michael Skaff, Cathy Ayers, Randy McNitt
Special Events - Wendy Brown
Spiritual Life - Kim Gonia
Relational visits - Eldon Halingstad (Just Say, “Hi!”)


For those of you that have pledged and/or have given to the God’s Hope~Our Journey Capital Building Appeal, thank you for you continued generosity. There is still plenty of opportunity to offer a pledge or simply designate a portion of your giving to ‘God’s Hope~Our Journey’ or ‘Building Fund’. Please remember that your offerings designated to Atonement’s existing and on going ministries are equally, if not more important. We are well on our way on this journey together.

Progress on our journey has already begun. Here are a few highlights that have occurred over the late few months:

Feb. 1, 2005 - Cathy Nicholson has officially begun working in the Church office, assisting Eileen Koppenhaver and Mary Lemke. She already is a valued addition to the office support staff.

March 2005 - Preliminary submittal of the initial plans have been submitted for review by the City of Lakewood. No major results or concerns to report at this time.

April 4th, 2005 - A.D. Miller has been selected as the General Contractor. The Building Committee made the tough decision selecting A.D. Miller from the top three contracting companies that were considered. A.D. Miller has constructed several Churches in the State of Colorado. The building committee members agree that A.D. Miller was a good fit for us and will be sensitive to the needs or our congregation.

Here are some of the upcoming activities that will soon begin:
May 2005 - Eidos Architects, LLC namely Scott Boduch and Bob Sass will continue working on the detailed design plans and begin working with focus groups to address the needs of the worship space, narthex, kitchen, classrooms and the columbarium.
- Activity has already begun to communicate with the people at the ELCA Mission Investment Fund and begin the loan application process to secure the necessary financing. As of this report, the mortgage interest rate is still holding at 5.25%.

October 2005 - Tentative Ground-Breaking. As with any forecasted dates, these dates are subject the change.


God’s Peace,
Mike Skaff
God’s Hope~Our Journey Ministry Follow-up Team (GHOJMFT)
Communication Team Leader

Building Update!
Exciting plans continue to be developed for remodeling our building and constructing a new sanctuary! Please read the update “With God’s Hope ~ Our Journey Continues . . . “ from the Communication Team in this newsletter for information regarding the use of the GHOJ resources. However, you need to know that we have scaled back the plans because the funds pledged will not build the basement under the proposed new sanctuary or any of the new office building. We’ll need another $350,000 to include a basement. The Building Ministry Team is meeting Monday, May 9, at 7:00 PM to review the revised plans and budget. The architects have met with different groups to determine how the plans might best be made for worship space, kitchen space, office space and the columbarium. (We will stay within our budget.) A conference room and kitchen will be placed in the narthex. Walls will be moved to expand the office work room, encompassing the space where the organ and piano are presently located in the current sanctuary. A multi-office space will be added in the first section of the present education room by adding a wall. A music rehearsal room will be designed in a room near the old kitchen. We’ll be showing the new plans as soon as the Building Ministry Team works with them. We will officially approve the new building plans at a future Congregational Meeting.

God’s Hope ~ Our Journey’s future plan!
Please come to the May 15th Congregational Meeting following the late service. We will be electing the ministry team leaders and sharing future plans. We do not want to forget that the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey funds will be spent according to original plans. Additional staff (Ruth Zartman - Parish Nurse and Julie McNitt as Youth Ministry Coordinator) will begin to work when they are available this summer. We were pleased to achieve our first goal and welcomed Cathy Nicholson as part of the office staff beginning February 1. We are searching for a Contemporary Worship Coordinator. We have visited with one person but will continue our search.

Pastor Del

The God’s Hope ~ Our Journey Building Ministry Team

Pray for your Building Ministry Team.
Ron Lorenz, chairman;
Jan Harding,
Jade Santoro,
Michael Lewellen,
Steve Riedel,
Bob Lombard,
Ron Andersen,
Pastor Jim and Pastor Del.


The God’s Hope ~ Our Journey Follow-up Ministry Team

After the tremendous response and commitments, the longer and equally important journey is underway. To guide us through the remainder of the journey will be the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey Follow-up Ministry Team (GHOJFMT) headed by Larry Koppenhaver. The GHOJFMT will be comprised of five groups:
Financial Growth
Communications
Special Events
Spiritual Life
Relational Visits
In the near future the GHOJFMT Financial secretary will provide commitment response reports to members who made commitments. The Building Committee has regularly met to pave the way for construction. This includes significant coordination with the City of Lakewood to ensure building requirements are achieved.

Alleluia! Alleluia! May the Risen Lord breathe the Holy Spirit into each of us so that we will be empowered and strengthened to respond to our world with the many tasks before us. We are called to be “Easter People”. Because we are baptized and continue to be nourished at the table of our Lord, we are called to be “Living In God’s Love and Reaching Out With Hope!”

One year ago we were contemplating partnering with Kairos. After the initial phase of our capitol campaign – God’s Hope Our Journey, we are continuing to respond to the challenge of $906,000 over the next three years. The Building Ministry Team interviewed several contractors on April 4. After a contractor is chosen, Bob Saas of Eidos Architects, LLC will continue working with the City of Lakewood. The city has already given Mr. Saas a positive response. The next step is that plans will be developed with the contractor, Mr. Saas and the City to bring back to our Building Ministry Team for consideration. This is an ongoing process until the City understands the amount of money pledged and what our building budget is. Ground breaking has already changed to September or October and we can expect more changes. We will make every effort to keep everyone informed of our progress. Pray for your Building Ministry Team. Ron Lorenz, chairman; Jan Harding, Jade Santoro, Michael Lewellen, Steve Riedel, Bob Lombard, Ron Andersen, Pastor Jim and Pastor Del. They have many decisions of great responsibility to the congregation before them in the coming months. Please bring any questions you might have to any of them or to Pastor Jim or Pastor Del.

Pray for our Mission together! Pray that God will breathe new life into us for each day! May we have the courage to be honest, compassionate, and loving to each other as God through Christ has shown us duringthe past Lenten Journey, Holy Week and Easter. We continue now in the Easter Season on our way to Pentecost! The journey will be exciting as we respond to the call of our Lord to be “Easter People” living in this complicated world!

From the desk of Pastor Del

Current Pledges (over 3 years): $905,388.50 from 126 pledges

At our Congregational Meeting on January 23 we formally approved Mike Nicholson to be the treasurer for God’s Hope ~ Our Journey. We also reviewed plans for benevolence, staffing and building.

What’s Happening with …

Benevolence: A task force will meet soon to create a protocol by which the congregation will choose the recipients of the first year’s Designated Outreach Gifts. Hopefully, these first gifts (totaling at least $11,000 this year) can be distributed by the summer.

Ministry Programs: The Parish Education Task Force met on Sunday, January 30. Recommendations will be forthcoming. An Evening Worship Service Task Force will be meeting on Saturday, February 19 to begin laying the groundwork for a new weekend evening service.

Staffing: Cathy Nicholson begins her position on our secretarial staff February 1 – welcome Cathy!

A job description for our Parish Nurse for Health Ministry is completed and available upon request. A Task Force will soon begin work on a job description for the Youth Ministry and Education Coordinator. The Worship Ministry Team has a first draft of a job description for a Contemporary Worship Coordinator in hand and will be reviewing it.

Building Expansion: The Building Committee and Church Council Executive Team met with Carol Schneider, a representative of the ELCA Mission Investment Fund on January 13 and determined that the borrowing potential of the congregation for the building phase of our project is approximately $1.5 million. Together with monies that will be received through our pledges, we have a tentative building project budget of $1,750,000. At our Congregational Meeting the Executive Committee of the Church Council was authorized to contract with architect Bob Saas so that detailed design plans can be drawn up and permits acquired from the City of Lakewood.

What a great congregational meeting on January 23, 2005! The best one! Hopefully there will more like it! Questions were asked and lots of discussion took place. I was so proud that eighty of you came to share the Vision! Ron Lorenz, our Building Ministry Chairperson said, “ We have a Vision that our building needs to catch up to!” “We can do this!”

Carol Schneider from the Mission Investment and Loan Fund of the ELCA met with the Building Committee, Council Representatives, and Pastors on January 13, 2005. She provided a special formula for determining how much we are eligible to borrow. Knowing this figure helped Bob Saas, our architect, begin to make changes to the original design plans to match our budget. Our total package at this moment is approximately $1,500,000 instead of the original $2.7 (for the original plans first and second phase). That is the amount that we presently will be able to borrow. That may change as more gifts and pledges arrive. But that is where we are now. According to our Annual Report 2005, pg. 42, “God’s Hope ~ Our Journey Budget for 2005“, our known expenses amount to about $293,000 which includes architect fees, present mortgage, staffing, benevolence and expenses from 2004 programs (such as the capitol campaign etc). Please pick up an Annual Report 2005 in the narthex and look at the back several pages for this information in detail.

We are on our way for an exciting journey. Hopefully, we’ll be breaking ground between July and September 2005. That depends on the City of Lakewood’s cooperation by approving design plans. We expect that you will have more questions because this is a lot of information to understand. Keep asking them! There may well be things we haven’t thought about yet. It is the Building Ministry Team that will be working to bring you information during the next months. Already Bob Saas has had to change the original conceptual plans to fit our budget.
1. There will be no basement under the new sanctuary but the walls will be built to allow a digging out of the dirt at a future time when we can afford it. We need another $350,000 to do that task. However, that can be done at a future time.
2. The current narthex will be made into office space, kitchen and small narthex. Please look at the new conceptual plans in the narthex.

We also voted to have Jerry Bowen elected Treasurer and Cathy Nicholson as Financial Secretary of the congregation serving on Church Council. Joyce Fisher, Cathy Nicholson, Pastor Jim and Pastor Del were accepted as Assembly Delegates to attend the Synod Assembly in Ft Collins in May. Mike Nicholson was voted Treasurer of the God’s Hope and Our Journey fund.

The Budget for 2005, $361,254, was accepted after good discussion of the four new positions: Secretary, Parish Nurse, Youth Ministry and Education Director and Contemporary Worship Ministry Director, to be added this year. What opportunities and challenges we have before us to integrate these positions into our Ministry.

Are you listening to the Vision that is directing our Mission? What an exciting time for the Atonement Family. Pray that we keep focused on Jesus of the Cross who invites all into this new Kingdom yet to happen. Thanks for your questions, support and concerns. We are a congregation that is being led by a Spirit of love and compassion into an unknown world.

At our Congregational meeting on January 23 we will formally approve Mike Nicholson to be the treasurer for God’s Hope ~ Our Journey. Larry Koppenhaver, chair of our Follow-Up Team, will also describe how this on-going journey will enhance our life together over the next three years.

What Happens Next with …

Benevolence: A task force will begin meeting in January to create a protocol by which the congregation will choose the recipients of the first year’s Designated Outreach Gifts. Hopefully, these first gifts (totaling at least $11,000 this year) can be distributed by the summer.

Ministry Programs: An Evening Worship Service Ministry Team will be established in January to begin working on plans for a new service. A review of the Parish Education position on our church council and the Confirmation program also begin this month. Look for the Stewardship Team to get to work on redefining how we understand our role in God’s mission!

Staffing: It is hoped that a new part-time secretarial position will be approved by the congregation in January and will be staffed by February; the Church Council is recommending Cathy Nicholson to fill this position. Final touches will be made on a part-time Parish Nurse position, with the actual position to be filled in June; our candidate for this position is Ruth Zartman. Task forces will also be meeting this month to begin crafting job descriptions for a part-time Youth Ministry and Education Coordinator as well as for a Worship Ministry Coordinator. Julie McNitt is the candidate for our Youth position; the Worship position is still under study.

Building Expansion: The Building Committee and Church Council Executive Team will meet on January 13 with a representative of the ELCA Mission Investment Fund to begin determining the borrowing potential of the congregation for the building phase of our project. At our Congregational Meeting we will contract with architect Bob Sasse so that detailed design plans can be drawn up and permits acquired from the city of Lakewood. A summer ground-breaking is the goal!

A year ago I wrote in this newsletter about “What Does The Future Hold?” Now, the future is upon us! It is coming with challenges and excitement. I said I was scared a year ago and I still am! We have come a long way. The Capital Campaign for “God’s Hope and Our Journey” is close to completion with pledges of $898,000 over the next three years. You have been most generous! A special thanks also to everyone for responding to the general budget to continue the present ministry and building. Remember to be alert to the changes January 1, 2005 with the building fund and the mortgage. The present mortgage will be paid from the “GHOJ” fund. The new mortgage will be refinanced in the future.

Please come to the CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 23, 2005 at 6:00 PM with potluck beginning at 5:00 PM. We will need to approve the 2005 budget which will include Bob Saas from Eidos Architects, LLC., to begin design plans for the new building and acquiring permits from the city of Lakewood. Other congregational meetings will occur in the future as needed to proceed with approving design plans as presented by our Building Ministry Team. Mr. Saas was our architect 15 year ago and will be the person who will continue to help us with our ministry plans for the future.
Two opening hearings on the 2005 budget are set for Sunday, January 9 and 16 at 9:00 and 10:30 following the worship services. We hope that those attending the 11:00 service will come at 10:30 with their questions. Members of our church council will be there to discuss concerns you might have. If we don’t know the answers, we’ll try to find them. Help us with questions and issues we maybe haven’t thought about.

A special thanks to everyone for making 2004 a special time for Atonement. We are crossing over another mountain of growth and entering into another new age. Pray that we keep the Cross at the center of all that we do. Pray for each other, as every moment of every day is a gift of grace that promises a New Year! God gives us the gift of life and how we respond to the challenges of ministry and discipleship will always be with God’s love and grace guiding us. Come and worship! Invite your friends and neighbors to join us! May the Epiphany Star lead us always to Jesus, the Word Made Flesh for All!

May the God of the heavens continue to guide our ministry together in the future that is now.

Pastor Del

The song “God Will Bring Us Home” has become the theme song of our God’s Hope ~ Our Journey capital campaign. The words and music are written by a member of Atonement Lutheran Church, Kevin Kurth. The words are published here with Kevin’s permission.

God Will Bring Us Home

Noah working on the ark one day
People laughed and turned away
But as the rain fell like tears across his face
Noah praised God for his grace

(He said)
Thank the Lord, thank the Lord
It’s time to get on board
Though the sea in darkness be
We will trust our God to bring us home

As the storm waves crashed o’er the bow
Disciples thought, “We bought it now”
Then Jesus woke and calmed the waves
More victims of god’s grace

(They said)
Thank the Lord, thank the Lord
I’m glad that I’m on board
Though the sea in darkness be
We will trust our God to bring us home

So let us journey on this ship of faith
For faith leads where we can’t see
Without a vision the people die
So let this be our battle cry

Thank the Lord, thank the Lord
It’s time to get on board
Though the sea in darkness be
We will trust our God
Thank the Lord, thank the Lord
And hold on to His Word
Though the way in darkness lay
We will trust our God to bring us home
We will trust our God to bring us home

A large team of the Atonement family, lead by Cathy Bajcsi and Randy McNitt, coordinated the efforts of the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey capital campaign. This planning and preparation resulted in the Appeal Worship Sunday.

During the Worship Service, we prayed and embraced the beginning and continuation of our new venture. During the celebration, we enjoyed Native American Dance and the Los Posadas Journey with our Christo Rey neighbors. We were given a glimpse of the vision of our new building and ministries and we heard an inspirational message from Rene’ Myers from Kairos. After communion, we were given the opportunity to pledge our gifts and talents to the capital campaign. This resulted in 132 families pledging $906,000 over 3 years. These pledges will be dedicated to the God’s Hope ~ Our Journey capital appeal, which include church staffing, benevolence and the building of a new worship space and columbarium. These pledges strongly enables Atonement Lutheran Church to pursue this $2.3 million Journey as we embrace Living in God’s Love and Reach out with Hope.

Q: Why are we conducting a capital fund appeal at this time?

A: The Atonement Church family has been blessed with an active congregation that feels like—and is—a family. But just as a family grows, we’ve outgrown the physical limitations of our building and our existing staff. In effect, it’s a blessing that our church has become cramped; God clearly is guiding Atonement. We’ve been talking about expanding for four years. We, the Atonement family, through extensive congregational meetings, have decided it’s decided it’s time to stop talking and start acting, praying all the while for God’s guidance.


Q: What is the total estimated cost of the capital campaign?

A: In broad terms, we are hoping to raise nearly $2.3 million over three years. Construction costs for the first phase of the building campaign total about $1.3 million, and there is another $700,000 estimated for associated costs like, servicing our existing debt and architect and engineering costs. In addition, we are estimating to need approximately $200,000 to fulfill our staffing proposals. Also, we have committed $33,000 over three years to benevolence. Atonement Church has always paid its benevolence first and aims to do just that with this campaign. Finally, when we choose to go forward with the second phase of our building plan, we estimate needing another $670,000 to finish the building.


Q: How does my response to God’s Hope ~ Our Journey affect my support to current expenses and benevolence?

A: It doesn’t! Our God’s Hope ~ Our Journey response is a totally new commitment. All money received from this commitment will be applied directly to our building and staffing project. We pray that you will continue supporting the ongoing programs and outreach of our church by uninterrupted and increased support to our annual needs.


Q: How long will God’s Hope ~ Our Journey continue?

A: The capital fund commitment is for three years and is over and above your regular giving to the congregation. Your response is your choice on how to configure your gift since not all people will want to give in the same way. Some will give one large, upfront gift, while others will give a designated amount each week.


Q: May I give stock, real estate, insurance or other gifts in kind in addition to cash giving?

A: Absolutely! You are encouraged to think of assets in addition to cash. For many people, this is the best (and smartest) way to give. Giving stocks, property, jewelry, cars or other appreciated assets as a charitable donation is beneficial to you and the church. If you think you would benefit from more information on this topic, please call the church or the corporate office of Kairos at 1-800-851-3019.


Q: Will there be an opportunity to give specific gifts?

A: At the appropriate time during our three-year giving phase, the Appeal Follow-Up Ministry Team will establish a list of needs to complete our capital project for those who wish to give specific gifts (sometimes in memory of a loved one). Specific guidelines for this giving opportunity will be clearly developed and made available to all people of the congregation.


Q: What if my financial situation changes or I move out of the area before the end of the three-year giving period?

A: At any time during the giving phase, your commitment may be increased, decreased extended or cancelled by notifying the church office. If you should move out of the area, we hope you would become involved in another congregation and offer them your support. We would be honored and grateful of you are willing to fulfill your total God’s Hope ~ Our Journey commitment, but you are certainly under no obligation to do so. No matter what your circumstances may be, we would ask you to support us in your prayers and to remember that you are always welcomed and loved.

What a great way to talk about this latest venture for our Atonement family!

The language of hope is not new to us. In our mission statement, we describe ourselves as people “living in God’s love and reaching out with hope.” God’s hope is what calls us to strengthen and nourish our faith among one another so that we might be better able to share with those around us the ultimate love that transforms the world. Can you think of anything more important?

God’s hope always leads us forward, beyond ourselves, onto paths not yet traveled. The journey on which we are now embarking will allow us to discover exciting new opportunities for ministry and mission through additional staffing, a larger facility and designated outreach gifts. Who knows where it all may lead!

We encourage you to carefully and prayerfully read the information you will find in this blog. Ask questions. Take part in the upcoming events that are intended to help us all navigate the road before us. This is not the first journey the Atonement family has been on. Indeed, it is the previous journey faithfully followed that have brought us to this point!

God’s Hope ~ Our Journey: As your pastors we are thankful to be part of the venture into the future. The challenge before us may seem daunting at times, but we move ahead trusting that God’s hand is guiding us, Christ’s grace is empowering us and the Holy Spirit is inviting us all to participate!

In God’s peace,

Pastor Del and Pastor Jim