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Thoughts for the Adventure
May 17, 2012
I recently read the book “Laugh Your Way to Grace” by The Rev. Susan Sparks. Imbedded within this little gem are some truths I have come to believe and embrace. We need to laugh and humor is the salve of the soul. Frankly without daily belly laughs I think it would be tough to function. And without the joy of mirth, I don’t believe I’d be much fun to be around.
Over the years I have learned that laughter enables me to be more serious, more fully present, more focused in life situations that are anything but funny.
In the book, there is a great quote from G.K. Chesterton. He writes, “Life is serious all the time, but living cannot be. You may have all the solemnity you wish in your neckties, but in anything important (such as sex, death, and religion), you must have mirth or you will have madness.” I could not agree more. It is the religion part that got me thinking. As we are made in the image of God and we laugh, so too must God. In fact I believe God is delighted with things that are funny as much if not more than we are. Sadly some of the most morose people and places I have known on the surface are the most religious. |
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I’ll never forget walking into a stunning church in the South one day. As I entered, I smiled. Others frowned. I didn’t get it and still don’t. That occasion and many others is a great reminder to we who are immersed in “religion” never to take ourselves too seriously despite the fact that we are in a very serious “business.”
I believe in laughter and humor. Like anything in life, it takes practice, but we all have the capability if we are open to it. Seek laughter, funny people, films, and situations. The more you seek it, the more it will find you. Laughter is healing, potent, and is, as has been said, the shortest distance between two people.
I close with an excerpt from the book.
“When we laugh, we take our eyes off ourselves and our problems, even if only for a brief moment. It’s in that brief moment that we are freed from our daily worries, that we become lightened in mood and in spirit. And, like a great helium balloon, we rise up and float above the concerns of our world below.”
Laugh my friends. It is holy and God given.
Robert +
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Voltaire
Taco Tuesday was a great success! This was our first fundraiser for the upcoming mission trip in July and so many people came out to support it. Thank you! It really felt like community and the kids were thrilled to have everyone's support. It also reminded me of how important it is to get kids' buy-in to the events in their life! That might sound obvious but really: how often do we as parents do for our kids what they could be doing for themselves? Even something as lovely and meaningful as a mission trip to help others, is all the more rewarding when the kids have helped raise money and participated full in the planning. It's about the process not just the outcome. The journey is half the fun.
Charla 
Children, Youth & Family News & Events
Mountains of Faith Camp volunteers needed
Calling all volunteers! We will be hosting a info meeting on June 24th immediately after church for anyone interested in helping lead our Vacation Bible School “Mountains of Faith” camp. Don’t be left out of the fun! We need arts and crafts leaders, group leaders, curriculum helpers, and more! See you on the 24th.
Ruedi Hut Trip for 20's & 30's This Weekend!
It's not too late -- RSVP today to join in the fun this weekend. Adam or Kara Gilbert: adam@snowmasschapel.org.
Sunday School Move-Up Day June 3rd!
We'll have a special Move-Up Day June 3rd during Sunday School. If you are moving into a new grade, a new group, you don't want to miss it!
Mission Trip to American Indian Christian Mission
If you or your children are interested in joining the Chapel's mission trip to Arizona this summer, please let Charla know by emailing charla@snowmasschapel.org. We will depart Sunday July 22 and return Friday July 27. We still have room for YOU!
Mountains of Faith FREE Adventure Day Camp
Join us for the 2nd annual Mountains of Faith Camp July 29-Aug 3. Pre-kindergarten thru 6th grade, 9am-Noon.
Family Fest presents: Todd Burpo
Snowmass Chapel’s 2nd annual Family Fest weekend will feature two presentations by best-selling author of “Heaven is For Real,” Todd Burpo. Todd will speak Friday night, Aug. 3rd at 5:30 & 8:00PM at Snowmass Chapel. He will be joined by the band, “Read You & Me” and it promises to be an extraordinary evening. Please join us!
Summer On-Mountain Worship Aug. 5th
Snowmass Chapel is happy to announce that we will have a special On-Mountain worship, Sunday Aug. 5th at 11AM at the top of Elk Camp. The Elk Camp gondola will be running and special rates will apply. More information to follow, but please join us if you are able. (We will still have our regular 9AM service at the Chapel).
Sunday, May 20
Sunday Service
| 9:00am |
Christian Worship |
| 10:00am | Fellowship/social time with refreshments |
Tuesday, May 22
'Men on Fire'
6 - 7pm at the Snowmass Village Firehouse
"Men on Fire for Jesus" continues to meet every Tuesday at the Snowmass Village Fire station from 6 to 7pm. All men are welcome to join this men's group as we continue our study of Romans this Tuesday. Hope to see you there! Email adam@snowmasschapel.org with any questions.
Thursday, May 24
AA Meeting
12:00 - 12:45pm
"Lunch Crunch" meeting in the Fireside Room!
Sunday, June 3rd – Wednesday, June 6th
"Responsibility of World Religions in the Age of Genocide" Symposium
Saint Regis Resort
Through a gathering of renowned educators, scholars, religious leaders, artists and theologians representing the three Abrahamic traditions, this symposium will examine these religions in terms of past, present and future responses to global human suffering. What have we learned from the past? What are we doing now? What can and should we do in the future? Please join us as we explore interfaith dialogue and its significance in the twenty-first century and see how we can work together in ethical ways to curb atrocities that plague our world. There is NO CHARGE for this conference. Registration is required; contact info@jccaspen.com. Download the brochure and registration form at www.carolynmanosevitz.com/symposium.pdf.
Saturday, September 8th – Community Yard Sale
Save Your Stuff!!!
We will be hosting a community yard sale/flea market sometime in late summer or early fall at the Chapel. Please save your household items, furnishings, artwork, books, collectibles and antiques etc. Groups and individuals can rent space for a small fee. The Chapel will be collecting donations for its sales table as well.
If anyone has an empty garage or storage area that we could use to store donations that would be a tremendous help!
for information contact Joan Bemis 923-6626 or Nancy Ferguson 923-676
Sunday Bulletin Material Deadline
If you would like material to be printed in the Sunday bulletin, please have it to Sue de Campo by 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning so she'll have time to compile the bulletin. Thanks very much!
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A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; |
Reaching Us Robert, Senior Pastor Charla, Director of Children, Youth and Families Caroline, Administrative Director Paul, Music/IT Director Sue, Volunteer and Events Coordinator Kara and Adam Gilbert, Snowmass Chapel Teen Leaders |
Snowmass Chapel
t 970.923.6192
866.452.9511
f 866.334.2557
P.O. Box 17169
5307 Owl Creek Road
Snowmass Village, CO 81615
