Mark your calendars! Next in-person worship on the East Lawn will be on October 4, followed by a blessing of the Animals. October 4 happens to be the day of the Feast of St. Francis, who is the patron saint of animals, which makes this the perfect day to thank God for our furry companions and offer them a blessing. Stay tuned for registration links in the eConnect.

Register for Racism Sessions: The Advocacy Team is excited about the upcoming series of presentations on racism (as described in our advocacy presentation on September 13th).  The sessions will occur on four consecutive Tuesday nights at 7 pm starting on September 22nd.  The sessions are as follows: September 22nd – “The Bible and Racism: Viewing Racism Through the Lens of the Gospel”; September 29th – “Racism and Society”; October 6th – “Racism and the Media”; October 13th – “How Do I Talk About Racism?”  You can read the descriptions of each class here: http://atonementboulder.org/2020/09/16/racism-advocacy-sessions-registration-info/ We are recommending that folks register for the sessions so we can prepare for the discussion portion of each session.  Register here: https://atonementboulder.breezechms.com/form/9a2a5c

Did you miss the Advocacy Presentation/”God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday? Not to worry! View the presentation here! Help us make a difference in our community and be salt and light to the world during this intense time in our country. https://www.dropbox.com/s/vyhwhz03zgefjse/Advocacy%20presentation%209-13-20.mp4?dl=0

“The Chosen” Wednesday Watch Parties Wednesdays for the entire household – Wednesday Evenings at 6:30 pm. Use the same link for the 6 pm “Then Sings My Soul: Let’s Get Singing” gathering.

More info:

**View “The Chosen” trailer here: https://www.press.thechosen.tv?wix-vod-video-id=551d5d54b2e94afd98c63e9e88e453c6&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-k3ytw8t5

**“The Chosen” Info: Join fellow Atonement friends for a watch party for eight Wednesday evenings \to watch season one episodes of “The Chosen” via Zoom. The Chosen is a crowd-funded, multi-season show about Jesus, his disciples, and many other intriguing biblical characters (who might your favorite be?). The episodes are inspiring and open up the imagination about the life of Jesus and the times in which he lived. It is guaranteed you will get the chills more than once as you watch season one. The episodes are free to watch anytime, but it is a wonderful experience to watch an episode with others and then engage in conversation about what you learned, wonder about, or were inspired by. Each episode is between 30-50 minutes and will be followed by a brief conversation. Join us! Of course, you may also watch the episodes as you are able on your own: https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen. If you prefer to watch ahead of time, you can join the zoom meeting at about 7:15p each week and join the conversation! The episodes are also available on Youtube and offer extended commentary and interviews and can be found here.

**“Then Sings My Soul”: Let’s Get Singing–Wednesdays @ 6! For all of you who have missed singing on Sunday mornings, here is your opportunity to get back in vocal shape and enjoy some of your favorite hymns.  On Wednesdays we will gather via Zoom at 6:00 PM for 15 minutes of vocalizing and 15 minutes of hymn singing.  We will learn one new hymn each week and then sing lots of your favorites; think old fashioned “hymn sing!”  Hymnals will be available for pick up on Sunday morning, Sept. 13 on a table outside the church.  If you can’t pick one up then, please contact Paula at p.nichols55@gmail.com and we’ll arrange a way to get you a hymnal.  We will be on Zoom, but everyone can be muted and if you are worried about bothering your family, the bathroom has the best acoustics in the house!  These sessions will precede our viewing party of The Chosen at 6:30.  You don’t have to be in choir to join in on the fun; you just have to love to sing!

Conversations for Connection Thurs., Sept. 24–with our very own Andrea Vahl!! “Laughter is the Best Medicine” with Andrea Vahl, one of our church members.  Conversations for Connection: Supporting Mental Health, Thursday, September 24, 7 pm – 8 pm.  Have you ever wondered – “What makes something funny?”  “How can humor help us keep our perspective?”  In these chaotic times, we have to laugh…right?  Join us for this presentation where we explore the answers to these questions and learn how to write a good joke.  Andrea is a marketer, mom, and standup comedian performing in the Denver and Boulder area as well as festivals around the country.  She also performed Improv Comedy in Denver for 8 years. These Thursday programs are hosted by the Mental Health Ministry Team of Atonement Lutheran Church and the Interfaith Network on Mental Illness (INMI, www.inmi.us)  You are most welcome to participate and even send this information to those who would appreciate this program.  Join the Zoom meeting via the link in the eConnect.

Sister Carmen Community Food Drive – September 26th: Sister Carmen is holding another drive-thru food drive!  The food drive in July was very successful–they collected over 8000 lbs. of food and items.  Since COVID is still with us and the cooler season will be here soon, they are trying to prepare and stock up for the upcoming months. On Saturday, September 26th, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, the drive-through food collection will be at their location, 655 Aspen Ridge Dr., Lafayette CO.  Donations can be dropped at the loading dock on the east side of the building. You will stay in your car as you pull into the dock parking lot and follow the signs.  Their staff and volunteers will wear masks and unload your items. Please consider helping Sister Carmen by donating items from the list at this link: http://atonementboulder.org/2020/09/16/sister-carmen-food-drive-info/

New Beginnings’ Virtual 2020 Chow Hall Gala: Mark your calendar for Friday, October 9 from 6:00-7:30 PM and help us hit a homerun for New Beginnings! Our baseball themed event will feature musical entertainment, guest speakers from both inside and outside the prison, and—new this year—paddle raiser games. You’ll hear from bestselling author Nadia Bolz-Weber who preaches and teaches inside Denver Women’s as a New Beginnings volunteer. You will also hear from Dean Williams, the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections, who will speak about changing the prison culture in Colorado. Information on tickets and other opportunities to support New Beginnings during the gala can be found at: https://handbid.app.link/chowhall Be sure to wear your favorite baseball attire and stock up on peanuts and Cracker Jacks for this fun event.

CROP WALK UPDATE: On Oct. 11, YOU can make a difference!  If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed with all of the troubles in the world right now, you are invited to take some steps to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need of food.  Join in the Boulder County CROP Walk, encourage your family and friends to support you financially, and you can take those steps to reduce hunger both locally and globally.  There will not be one central walk this year, but walkers are encouraged to walk on their own or join in small groups to walk.  You can register at crophungerwalk.org and be sure to click on the Atonement Lutheran Church Team when you do.  If you would like to walk with others from the Atonement Team, please check the eConnect or contact Paula@atonementboulder.org. Thanks!!