July 22, 2020

Hello Fellow Faith Partners,

The Faith Partners Vision Team (FPVT) would like to start with the prayer from our commissioning, which we say at all our meetings: Eternal Source of Creativity and Wisdom, who by the Holy Spirit guided the Apostles in all knowledge and truth: be present with us, the Faith Partners Vision Team. In the passions of debate give us a quiet spirit, in the complexities of the issues give us clear minds, and in the moments of decision give us courageous hearts. Guide us in all things to seek only your dream for you people; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The FPVT thanks every member of our three congregations for their input in the brainstorming session, feedback at our February joint meeting, continued feedback and prayers. The Compression Planning Full Report was finalized by Laura Nelson and will serve as one of many pieces of input as we work through our vision. It was wonderful to hear from you all, thank you.

As the team reviewed the report and the process, we had tough and inspirational discussions to discern God’s call for our Faith Partnership. Though the big dreams inspired, we found a sense that God and our partnership was calling us to act now. As the pandemic broke, we continued meeting twice a month on Zoom and never lost the love, care, respect for or pace of our work. More recently, as our Fort Collins community, State, Country and World began to protest and call for justice against systemic racism, we found our focus more and more to be what we can do together today in the world we find ourselves.

From the experience of the Compression Planning, we learned some things as Faith Partners and we updated our Norms (below).

The Cooperating Committee came to the FPVT requesting guidance on how the joint community should handle financial cost sharing. Our first step was to provide our updated norms. We are now working on a set of grounding metaphors and philosophies that the Cooperating Committee may use to spark conversations to help them discern each project that is proposed. We hope to have this to the cooperating committee within the month.

As we complete our “Guidance on Financial Cost Sharing” document, the FPVT will begin brainstorming and planning for what ministry we CAN do together at this time. What near term actions can we take for the Fort Collins or Northern Colorado Community together? How do we build our Faith Partners Community today while not being present in our physical space? We will revisit the compression planning report in our discernment, but we would love to hear from members of all three congregations about current ideas you may have for near-term projects. We invite you to contact any member of the FPVT with thoughts or ideas.

Your humble servants in Christ, Faith Partners Vision Team~

Kerrie Anderson, Mary of Magdala; Alex Donovan, St Paul's; Judy Mathews, St Paul's; Lori Schmidt, Trinity Lutheran; Bill Smith, Mary of Magdala; Kate Stieben, Trinity Lutheran; Vicki Volbrecht, Trinity Lutheran; Yvonne Wootten, Mary of Magdala; John Wagner, Trinity Lutheran; John Williams, St Paul's

Meeting Type: The FPVT prefers face to face meetings rather than email discussion or conference calls. Zoom visual technology may help but if at all possible, we need to meet in person. This norm can be adapted based on team consensus for reason including though not exclusively related to: urgent meetings, pandemics, …

Meeting Minutes: Meeting minutes will be taken for each meeting and approved for the team records at the next meeting.

Meeting Format: Meetings begin and end with prayer. Typical agendas will include approval of last meetings minutes, new and old business.

Engagement: Our general practice during meetings will be to slow down and engage each person around the table, listening, asking or responding to clarifying questions and engaging with love, respect, emotional strength and intelligence, commitment to the common good and foregoing personal agendas. We will foster a sense of openness and candor within the team and among the members (see Communications from the Team).

Facilitation: Facilitators will ask if there are any opposing views on every decision and wait for a response, and also to call on those not vocal during issue discussions. If the facilitator prefers, they may ask for a volunteer to take the role of assuring that we are hearing from all voices during the meeting. The facilitator of the meeting is responsible to bring a copy of this document to the meeting.

Consensus Model for Decision Making: Our preferred approach is to reach a unanimous decision through building consensus as a group. To reach a decision, a quorum of 2 members from each congregation must be present (also the case if the team reaches the voting stage). Members may request to abstain from a particular decision if there are unusual circumstances such as a conflict of interest.

If the group is divided: we will:

Step 1: Yield. Stop. Pray. Listen. Try to identify how a problem emerged and the source of resistance by going around the table. Honor no cross-talk as each person responds uninterrupted. After hearing from everyone, if there is not clear consensus, the decision will be tabled until the next meeting.

Step 2: If in the next meeting consensus can still not be made, the team will use the 5-finger model:

5: I love it. I insist on it. I can’t live without it.

4: I prefer it. I like it. But I can live without it and if it is the group’s decision... I will support it

3: I am neutral on the question. I have no preference and if it is the group’s decision... I will support it

2: I prefer not to do it/support it. I don’t like it but I can live with it. If it is the group’s decision... I will support it

1: I hate it. I insist against it. I can’t live with it. I veto it.

We cannot move forward if 1s are present. We listen again and amend. If consensus cannot be reached, hit the pause button and postpone the decision until the next meeting.

Step 3: At the next meeting, if we still can’t reach consensus we may resort to voting as we continue to listen to the minority voices (see Discussion Norms below). Though voting is generally by majority decision, if no member of a congregation votes in favor of a decision, then this is not considered a consensus. If consensus is blocked and no new consensus can be reached, the group may stay with whatever the previous decision was on the subject, or does nothing if that is applicable.

Step 4: If consensus is necessary, the team may opt to bring the decision to the cooperating committee for counsel.

Discussion Norms: If a decision has been reached, or is on the verge of being reached that you cannot support, there are several ways to express your objections:

Communications from the Team: In order to foster open and candid discussions, meeting minutes are recorded only for the team and will not be published. To communicate to the community or congregations, the team will approve communications with the following process:

Step 1: Written communications should be submitted 24 hours before the next meeting.

Step 2: In the meeting the communication will be reviewed for any concerns, comments or edits. The communication will then be tabled until the next meeting.

Step 3: The team will then reach consensus using the Consensus Model for Decision Making in order to approve the communication. If consensus cannot be reached, the communication will not be shared outside the team.

Beloved in Christ in the Rocky Mountain Synod:

We have been living in pandemic mode since the middle of March. By now we imagined that conditions would be improving or that our concerns would be more focused on a possible second wave of coronavirus in the fall. Instead, we find ourselves more deeply in the midst of what Dr. Michael Osterholm has described as a "forest fire," spreading wherever there is "wood to burn."

At the time of this writing, infection rates and the related death toll from COVID-19 continue to rise both in our country and region. There is no clear end in sight to when and how this pandemic will ease its grip on our life. The idea of 14 days of successive decreases of cases in any location, including in much of our synod, seems a long way off. Situations elsewhere in the world show that even when cases subside for a time, new outbreaks can occur when preventative measures are relaxed.

Our ability to control what the virus will do is limited. Wishing it away will not change our reality. We are learning the hard way that our only option for helping mitigate the spread of this virus is to adapt our behavior. Behaviors that help prevent the spread of COVID are familiar by now:

Given that the end of this pandemic is not in sight, we must continue to adapt our life not only as individuals, but as the church. Dr. Osterholm suggests that we anticipate the next twelve months as being a "COVID year"-and plan accordingly. While this is not what any of us desires, it IS possible for us to make the necessary adaptations in our individual lives as well as in our practices and ministry as the church. Like generations before us that have faced significant challenges, determination and resiliency are required...

Read the updated recommendations with Bishop Gonia's comments HERE, and at his blog HERE.

Zoom – So easy…even Pastor Paul can do it! New, more secure Zoom links with passwords will be phased in for all Trinity meetings beginning September 1. If you have a "standing" meeting link, you will be assigned a new one. Zoom is now requiring passwords to address security issues. New links are much longer and include an encoded password.

So, keep your eyes open for these new links/passwords in the following places:

Do you want to change or add your picture to the Online Church Directory? It’s fairly easy.

Now you read all this information but you’re thinking to yourself, ... “self, I haven’t EVER logged in to Instant Church Directory!”.... well no problem because here is how you can do it. Go to members.instantchurchdirectory.com and follow the prompts under “Sign In” to “Create a login now.” Please remember, you must confirm your email address before you can sign in. There is also a FREE mobile app available for download at the Apple® App store in iTunes®, Google Play™ store and the Amazon Fire App Store. Simply search for “Instant Church Directory” to get the download. You will need to use your email address as listed in our directory to create a log-in the first time you use the directory online and via the mobile app. Need help, have questions or SEE A MISTAKE? Contact Amanda at amanda@trinitylutheranfc.org.

Spread the word!! Families eligible for free or reduced-price school meals at schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program may receive up to $279 (per eligible child) in benefits to buy food. Colorado families can now apply for Pandemic EBT, or P-EBT!

This new food benefit is available to Colorado families with school-aged children. Pandemic EBT provides eligible families with funds to help buy food since schools were closed this spring due to the pandemic. Pandemic EBT is a program that Congress authorized this spring and is administered in Colorado through a partnership between the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Department of Education.

P-EBT is for all families with eligible students, regardless of immigration status. P-EBT is not part of the public charge rule. Household information that is used to determine eligibility for P-EBT is confidential and protected under both federal and state data privacy practices.

Most families who received SNAP in March, April, and May of this year do not need to apply. Their P-EBT benefits may automatically have been added onto their existing EBT card this July. Families with eligible children who were not receiving SNAP during those months or who did not receive the automatic issuance should apply for P-EBT at HERE.

The application is easy. Apply today and you should receive your benefits within 12-24 days. The application will require you to provide:

*If you did not receive a communication from your child’s school with their State Issued ID Number, you can find that number on some student/parent portals or request it by contacting your school district’s P-EBT contact.

TLC Book Group will next meet via Zoom at 9:30 am on Monday, September 14, (a week late because of Labor Day). Melinda Gates’ book The Moment of Lift – about empowering women – will be the topic of discussion.  We will also put together our reading list for the upcoming year. In preparation please send your recommendation of one book to be considered for reading in the upcoming year to Nadine Hunt at nadineamyhunt@gmail.com. Include the title, author, type of book, a couple of sentences about it, and the number of pages. Newcomers as well as “regulars” are invited to submit suggestions by Sunday, August 30. Questions? Call Nadine at 970-825-3730.

An update regarding the opening of campground and cabins for individual families. Sky Ranch has received a variance from Larimer County and will be able to open its campground to individual family households beginning August 9. To comply with State and local guidelines regarding Covid-19 and our ability to open, please note the following policy changes:

Camping by advanced reservation only! You can make reservations by calling the camp office (970-493-5258) or by emailing ally@skyranchcolorado.org. Reservations can be made Monday – Friday, 8 am-4 pm. Prepayment is required to reduce person-to-person interactions.

Our gate will remain locked to ensure safety of guests and staff. Arrival and departure times will be noted with your reservation and a staff will meet you to open the gate.

Limiting capacity. County regulations state no group camping. Camp/cook only with members of your individual family household. Do not invite visitors to your campsite.

Social Distancing is required and necessary. The CDC Guidelines are 6 feet between your Family and others, therefore limit your site gathering so that all may practice safe Social Distancing. Sky Ranch will provide educational materials enforcing social distancing and signage is posted in prominent locations throughout the camp.

Wearing of masks is required when using facilities and communicating with others outside your campsite whenever you cannot keep a safe distance (at least 6 feet).

The shower house will be available for campground/cabin use and will be thoroughly cleaned once a day and sanitized by staff at least twice a day. Sanitizer will be in the shower house to sanitize sinks/handles following your use.

Wash your hands often. Sky Ranch will provide additional hand washing stations in the campground area and in front of the shower house.

These policies will be continuously reviewed and compared to standards established by Larimer County, the State of Colorado, and the CDC. For a complete listing of policies, or for more information please contact our office (970-493-5258) or by emailing ally@skyranchcolorado.org.

The Sky Ranch camp swag that you have come to know and love is now available online!! Visit HERE to browse this years collection of items. All items will be shipped, so make sure to select shipping and include your address when ordering.

August Tidings is now available, click HERE to download.

There are a few different ways to engage in Trinity's Worship.

You can mix and match these options, for example you can join Zoom Video for the live interactions and then have the Vimeo Video on another device to watch.

Directions for Zoom via Video: Click the link and join the meeting. You do not need a ZOOM account to access the link. However, you may first be prompted to download the software. This is safe, and you only need to do it once. When you click on the Zoom links, you will need to enter a user name - you can add any name you want. If you do not hear any sound, you will need to click on the bottom left to "JOIN AUDIO".

Directions for Zoom via Phone: Don’t have a computer or internet? You can still participate fully in the zoom worship services and other meetings offered through Zoom. Follow these steps, and if you run into problems, just ask one of our staff or your phone tree calling person for assistance. We don’t want you to miss you. Remember, in order to be part of the zoom call, you need to call in at the designated time (for example, Sunday worship begins at 10:30 Sunday mornings).

Directions for VIMEO: This is our Vimeo channel https://vimeo.com/trinitylutheranfc where you can access each Trinity worship service! Just click on the link and it will take you directly to the page so you can start binge watching!

As the church, we remain committed to keeping folks safe, but after survey results and conversations with you, we are not ready to hold an in person worship, even outdoors at this time. However, we are still gathering information, and need you to continue this process. Thank you for your open and honest feedback with leaders.

With that said, a new survey has been created, with NEW additional information and questions. Click HERE to complete the survey!

Equal Exchange sales of fair-trade coffee and tea and other products are down because church buildings are closed EVERYWHERE. If you want to buy whole-bean & ground coffee and extra-virgin olive oil from the West Bank, as we used to, please email Jim Frye at jim_work@comcast.net and let him know what products you would order. You can review the offerings at https://shop.equalexchange.coop/collections/packaged

Are bored?!? Well there are lots of birthdays and anniversaries among our Trinity family, so send a note, send a letter, send a drawing!

Virginia Russ 8/9

David Karst 8/12

Elaine Beckman 8/14

Jean Kochenburger 8/14

Fisher Layden 8/14

Brecklen Murphy 8/14

Jill Rose 8/15

LeMoyne Anderson 8/16

Mary Hargis 8/16

Nathaniel Karst 8/16

Robert Fairbairn 8/18

Barbara Montague 8/24

Lauren Brissey 8/25

Haynes Dickson 8/26

Jackson Dryg 8/27

Margaret Honn 8/28

Jill Remmers 8/29

Madeline Brown 8/29

Terell Mize 8/30

Ellen Nielsen 8/30

Zachary Schairer 8/30

Debbie Schwartz 8/31

Arliss & Thomas Solie 8/8

Sonia & Howard Nornes 8/10

Gloria & Charles Collins 8/14

Cherlyn & Dale Gorsky 8/16

Brittany & Charlies Knotts 8/18

Deana & Ryan Andrist   8/20

Karolyn & Roland Kufeld 8/24

Teresa & Steven Simske 8/25

Joleen & Robert Fairbairn 8/26

Claudia & Thomas Haukebo 8/27

Heidi & Victor Zuniga 8/30

Mary & John Raich 8/31

WAIT! You don't have their addresses??? Well than you are in luck, because the Church Directory is conveniently located online. Go to members.instantchurchdirectory.com and follow the prompts under “Sign In” to “Create a login now.” Please remember, you must confirm your email address before you can sign in. There is also a FREE mobile app available for download at the Apple® App store in iTunes®, Google Play™ store and the Amazon Fire App Store. Simply search for “Instant Church Directory” to get the download. You will need to use your email address as listed in our directory to create a log-in the first time you use the directory online and via the mobile app. Need help, have questions or SEE A MISTAKE? Contact Amanda at amanda@trinitylutheranfc.org.

As a community of faith, together we are taking care of each other and encouraging one another on our faith journeys. We have two opportunities geared toward children, however we would like these to be cross+generational – which means YOU! Feedback from our families,

Wednesday Morning (All God’s Children) at 9 am https://us04web.zoom.us/j/149890505

Sunday Morning Sunday School at 10 am https://us04web.zoom.us/j/165945052

AND . . . Be sure to check out Rainbow in the Sky: Sky Ranch and Rainbow Trail are teaming up to provide 30 minutes of song, scripture, prayer, stories, fun, and more! Monday–Thursday at 3 pm (you don’t need to have Facebook to participate) https://www.facebook.com/rmselca/

If you have a prayer request and want it to be on this list please contact Amanda, amanda@trinitylutheranfc.org or Pastor Rick, pastorrick@trinitylutheranfc.org.

Paul Schairer

Jon Fosse

Carol Hemken

Anne Jackson

Lea Seim

John Wagner

Helen Berneking

Kay Armstrong

Oren Anderson

Mary Ann Armstrong

Madyson Hopkins

Judy Gaalswyk, sister in law of Char Gaalswyk

Michael & Carmen Zoughbi, Friends of congregation

Lindsay, wife of Jessica Vecchio

Andrew, Jen, & Maddie Rose, family of Rosamerry Weinmeister

Melvah Uecker & family, relative of Patty Heyse

Phyllis Carlin, life long friend of Margaret Wick

Keaton Barrett, grandson of Lea Seim

Harvey Tellinghusen, brother of Nyla Anderson

Lavon Mize, mother of Terry Mize

John Hopkins, father-in-law of Marissa Montague-Hopkins

Saturday Worship (Saturday 5 pm) -

Adult Forum (Sunday 9 am) - https://zoom.us/j/957189862

Sunday School (Sunday 10 am) https://us04web.zoom.us/j/165945052

Sunday Worship (Sunday 10:30 am) -https://zoom.us/j/658121275

All God’s Children! (Wednesday 9 am) - https://us04web.zoom.us/j/149890505

Worship (Wednesday 6:45 pm) - https://zoom.us/j/305110854

Bible Study (Thursday 9:30 am) - https://zoom.us/j/943554779

This is our Vimeo channel https://vimeo.com/trinitylutheranfc where you can access each Trinity worship service! Just click on the link and it will take you directly to the page so you can start binge watching! To watch Adult Forum with Rev Sawtell on Ecological Ministries click here here!