Get Real...Triennial Day 3

Today Cheryl and I went on an all day tour of Washington DC. When I think of seeing DC in one day a certain phrase comes to mind…GET REAL. While it is impossible to get even a small overview of Washington DC in a day, we think that we actually did very well at seeing the highlights. We started out our day by going to Capitol Hill. Here are some pictures in and around the capitol building:

 

 

 

After the Capitol building we went to the Smithsonian Museums. Cheryl and I knew we only had two hours at the museums and prioritized our time. So our first priority was the First Ladies Exhibition at the American History Museum. They have several of the gowns that the first ladies wore including Jacqueline Kennedy and Nancy Reagan who Cheryl and I agree have the most timeless style. We were surprised to see a silk dress worn by Martha Washington and a dress worn by Mary Todd Lincoln (pictured below).

Our second stop at that museum was the Price of Freedom Exhibition. Our favorite part was the piece of Berlin Wall. What a powerful picture.

Next priority was the Natural History Museum. We saw the fossils:

Then our next stop was the Hope Diamond. This is a 45.5 carat blue diamond in a setting surrounded by 16 white diamonds and hanging on a chain of 45 diamonds. The Hope Diamond is one of the most visited museum items in the world:

After the Natural History Museum we visited the outdoor sculpture park at the Art Museum. Our favorite piece was this silver tree:

Cheryl poses next to a unique sculpture:

After the Smithsonian we had a photo op by the White House:

From the White House I walked over to the Washington Monument:

 

My favorite part of the day was visiting the WW2 Memorial. In the center of the memorial was an oval pool with fountains in the center. Surrounding it were wreaths hung on pillars representing each state or province that participated in the war. When we looked towards the Lincoln Memorial there were three infinity waterfalls on either side of 4000 gold stars with each star represented 100,000 men. In front was engraved, “Here Marks the Price Paid for Freedom.” This is a powerful monument honoring the 4,000,000 men who sacrificed their lives in WW2.

To end our tour we got to drive by the Washington National Cathedral. What a beautiful church!

Julie and Ruth went on the Duck Tour:

They got to experience the city on land and water. Here they are posing outside the famous restaurant, Ben’s Chili Bowl:

Julie, Cheryl, and I take a picture to mark the opening session of Triennial XIII:

Our first session began in the evening. Ruth Hill, the executive director for the national women ministries, welcomed us to Triennial XIII. This is Cheryl’s first triennial, my second triennial, Julie’s seventh triennial, and Ruth West’s (my grandmother) eleventh triennial. Ruth Hill will be speaking at our fall retreat in September!

The flag ceremony was a highlight of the night. We have 30 countries represented at this conference:

Noriko from Japan recently came to our church for dessert. She is carrying the flag for Japan:

This is a picture of the beautiful woman representing the Sudan:

We had wonderful worship and ended the night with one of the most (if not the most) powerful messages I have ever heard. If you get the opportunity I highly recommend listening to the message at http://www.triennialxiii.org/videos.php.  Cheryl will recap the message for you!

Trienniel XIII

Opening Talk

Keynote Speaker: Brenda Salter McNeil

Written by: Cheryl Meakins

Tonight Brenda spoke truth! It was truth that all women across our nation and our world needed to hear. Reflecting God’s Glory has been the theme ushered into our Women Ministries at Triennial XIII.

Brenda started the evening by sharing a personal story. She had been incredibly busy in her ministry to students on campus at a college near LA when she determined she would stop and spend time with God. As she invited God to her time of reading and worship she remembered a practice that a professor encouraged them to use in their times of reading scripture. She began to read the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) but used her imagination to place herself in that story. And in doing so, God brought something to the surface she had no idea had been buried within her heart. She imagined Martha welcoming Jesus to her home and how busy she was, in the kitchen baking, washing dishes and giving orders to those around her to help with the process. Brenda had a flash back to her mother preparing for company and how her mother only wanted the best, in her home and her children. Until that moment Brenda had no idea that she had kindled, for 20 years or so, a resentment for the perfection that was demanded of her. Brenda responded in tears and asked for forgiveness for what she had masked over with her easy churchy answers of, “Mmm Hmmm I am blessed,” “No Mam and Yes Sir.” You see she had been raised in the church and new the ‘right’ things to say, and quite frankly thought she was just too good a church girl for something so nasty to be residing in her heart.

Quite often we all choose the business of Martha because we are too afraid of Jesus coming into our home and finding dirt under the rug, or dust on the mantle. And if He should lift the rug we distract the conversation with our ‘offerings’ of a cold drink or fresh baked cookies. Or maybe it is out of fear that we don’t sit and really talk with our Lord. Maybe we don’t trust that He would reflect back to us the beautifully inspired vision of ourselves, made in his image, as a daughter of the King, uniquely gifted for this time and place.

So as Brenda closed she took us to Revelation 3:14. Where Jesus was talking to the Church! Yes, you got that right, when Jesus said “Behold I stand at the door and Knock” he wasn’t talking to the unsaved, unchurched or heathens in this world, HE WAS TALKING TO THE CHURCH! Why would He have need to knock on the doors of our hearts? You see, Jesus is not interested in being busy for Him he is interested in knowing you and in being known by you. He did not drop in for a social call, he wants to come home and walk in without hesitation and be comfortable with you. He wants the real you; cracked, broken, used, failing. And out of the time spent getting real with Christ you will end up reflecting REDEMPTION! That’s the real reflection! It is time for us to GET REAL!

Until tomorrow...which is now in Washington DC...

Soak it Up, Sweat it Out ~ Triennial Day 2

Today started out with a comedy of errors.  Cheryl and I had to get up early and repack so we could switch rooms.  We were put in a wing far away from the conference and they were able to move us after the first night to a room located next to my mom and grandma.  So as we are furiously repacking, our bagel and coffee from room service were 45 minutes late and our tour was just about to start.  Cheryl gets her bagel in the nick of time as well as our coffee.  We head down to meet for our tour.  Cheryl hands me my coffee and I spill on my white shirt.  Of course it happens when I'm wearing white! So I run to change and hope that I don't make people wait on me.  My husband makes fun of me for packing extra outfits...however, my packing habits saved me today as I had an extra shirt to wear! 

On our tour we did a whirlwind tour of the important places by bus.  We weren't able to get out but Julie's camera got amazing pictures through windows! 

I have a great capacity to remember medical information for my job as a PA.  But, I am the world's worst history buff.  I find history fascinating but I can't remember anything.  So if any of my labels are incorrect in my blog you can graciously correct me.  I already know my history knowledge is insufficient and I won't be offended. Here are some of the sites we saw today: 

Washington Monument:

1600 Pennsylvania Ave:

Jefferson Memorial:

WW2 Memorial:

  Iwo Jima Memorial

 Arlington Nation Cemetery: 

????

Smithsonian Art Museum:

Capitol Building:

After driving past some of the best sites in Washington DC we headed to Georgetown for shopping.  My father-in-law went to law school at Georgetown so I really wanted to see the campus before we shopped.  My mom, grandma, and Cheryl indulged me and we were all glad we got to see some of the campus!  Here are a few pics of the campus and surrounding areas:

Kinsey, Julie (my mom), and Ruth (my grandmother) on the Georgetown Campus:

I've been trying to take some head shots of Cheryl for her to use as she ventures into the world of speaking to Christian women.  We got a few great shots around Georgetown!  Here are two of my favorites!

The flowers and architecture around Georgetown are gorgeous.  We were talking to an owner of a house that was built in 1812.  I wish I had taken more pictures of the architecture but I did take some shots of my favorite flowers:

It was a fabulous day and we were glad to get the chance to see sites and shop!  We learned that the fastest way to make a Colorado woman sweat is put her in heat AND humidity!  So the theme for the day came from Grandma Ruth: "Soak it (the scenery) up and sweat it out." At the end of the day we were exhausted:

When we got back to the hotel a new room was awaiting.  Look at the view from our balcony!  We feel blessed!!

 

Tomorrow Cheryl and I do an all day tour of DC!  Triennial kicks off tomorrow night.  Be sure to check out the webcast that will start tomorrow night at: http://www.triennialxiii.org/videos.php

  Looking forward to sharing tomorrow's adventures with you!

Triennial!

The day started as any normal day except for the fact that I (Kinsey) hate waking up on my day off at the crack of dawn (7 a.m.).  Thankfully my husband is well aware of this and had the coffee ready.  My mom, Julie, convinced my younger brother that taking us to the airport would win brownie points!  We (Julie, Kinsey, and Cheryl) stopped for a photo op to document this occasion at DIA.  We are going to a conference called Triennial.  The Triennial website descirbes it as the gathering of women of the Evangelical Covenant Church that takes place once every three years. It is an eventful experience in the lives of those who come. It is a place to enjoy fellowship of the richest kind with women from all over the country and world. It is a time to worship God with fullness and joy. It is an opportunity to learn and grow and develop skills to strengthen your spiritual life, or to begin new life with Jesus Christ! It is a moment to relax, unwind, and to find joy and energy and peace in all of it..  The three of us are representing our church here in Washington DC.

We arrived in Washington DC without any issues!  We are staying at the Omni hotel and have a great view of the Washington Monument from our room!  It it such a cool experience to stay in this grand hotel with so much history.  The hotel has been open since the 1930s and has been host to many presidents, movies, and movie stars. Here are some pics of the lobby:  

  

 

We had the opportunity to experience some great Mediterranean food. 

 Cheryl and I shared the hummus tray and the lamb.  I've never had lamb before and it was some of the most unique food I've ever tasted! 

We are so excited to be here and will try to update the blog daily.  Hope you can follow along this week with our adventures.  If you would like to experience Triennial yourself, you can listen to the talks starting Thursday evening at this link: http://www.triennialxiii.org/videos.php.

Get to Know You

Get to Know Debby Hardy:

I want to introduce you to Debbie Hardy! I asked Debby to share with us some of the steps of faith she is taking in her life. I'll let you all snoop in my interview with her. Be sure to check out our blog list! Debby's blog is now on the list!

Where Have You Come From and Where Are You Going?
Since the time Bryan was diagnosed with cancer, I have been sending e-mail updates to friends and family. Each message ends with a word of hope or encouragement found in scripture, books, television, movies, magazines, or wherever. Sharing with others continues to help me during the most difficult times of my life.

My blog is at http://SteppingThruLife.blogspot.com. For now, I’m posting the same messages that I send in my e-mail updates.

I have started a new career as a writer. My first book, tentatively titled Stepping Through Cancer: When Someone You Love is Diagnosed With Cancer, is being edited and should be published in a few months. It’s a manual for cancer caregivers, to help them with day-to-day issues.

When my cancer book’s website is up, I’ll be blogging there for cancer caregivers. In addition to having parts of my book available on the website, we’ll also have a Memories Wall for loved ones and a Victories Wall for cancer survivors.

I am writing two other books as well, one my personal story of our cancer journey and one called Life is a Sudoku Puzzle.

Describe Your Family:
I am a widow with four grown children and five and a half grandchildren (the sixth one is due in September).

When did you become a Christian?
As a young child in a large family with an abusive father, I longed for peace and hope that only Christ could give. When I heard the salvation story and the promise of everlasting life and joy with Him, it was music to my ears. God is the Father I never had.

How long have you been attending Arvada Covenant and are you involved in any ministries?
I met my husband Bryan in April 1995 when Christian Singles Network held a dinner with the singles group at Arvada Covenant, where he was attending. We were married that October by Pastor Wes Swanson. I’ve attended here ever since we met.

I’ve been a part of the music ministry as choir member, accompanist, worship team member, worship leader, actor, director, and Chair and Secretary of the Music, Worship and Drama Committee. I’m currently on the Worship Arts Commission and help out many ways in music ministry.

Bryan and I facilitated the Blended Families Support Group for eight years, where we all learned how to put up with our step kids. Although 60% of second and 80% of subsequent marriages end in divorce, our divorce rate was only 25%. I guess we were successful, but those failed marriages broke my heart.

I’ve also helped with Children’s Choir and Women Ministries, been a Sunday morning greeter, taught Adult Sunday School, worked the Welcome Desk, and volunteered for Royal Family Kids’ Camp.

I am now involved in the Seasoned Singles, a group of informally-organized older adult Christian singles who like to get together and have fun. Some of the singles are looking for a spouse, but not me. Although Bryan predicted I would remarry, I let him know he’s a tough act to follow.

Name one way God has given you your heart's desire.
I wanted a husband who would love me for myself, not for what I could do for him, and who would be the religious leader of our family. Bryan was that man. I learned that the “happily ever after” that we hear about in fairy tales is possible, but it takes work. We found our "happily ever after."

In the months since his death, I’ve decided that I could either be angry at God for taking Bryan or I could be thankful for the time that we were together. I chose thankfulness and the joy that comes with it. I was so fortunate to have that time with Bryan. Life is good!

What is your "job"... I know in this church there are many mothers as well as women who are involved in a career, church, community and volunteer work. Just tell me a little about what you do with your time whether it be kids, work, church, volunteering, pursuing hobbies/goals/dreams, etc... You all are very interesting and capable women and I would love to know what you "do"!
I just retired from Qwest after 37 years of working for “the phone company” (I started when I was 4 years old!). While working, I raised two children and earned two college degrees. My first husband was a Minister of Music, so I also helped to plan the music, sometimes directed the choir, performed, and played the piano and organ, all while holding down a job and going to college.

My sister went back to work after her children were grown and asked how I could get everything done in addition to working. I guess you just plan ahead and clean one room each evening so you don’t have to spend every Saturday cleaning the whole house!

What is your favorite flower?
Daisies are the most wonderful, make-you-smile, feel-good flowers, although receiving roses is special.

What view would you love from your kitchen window?
I have a great view! I get to watch sunsets over the mountains almost every evening. In the summer, the sun goes down behind Long’s Peak and it’s gorgeous.

What is your most treasured recipe?
Pecan pie bars. They are scrumptious and taste just like pecan pie. You don’t need to eat a whole slice of pie, just a bite or two.

What is the most ridiculous fashion trend you ever followed?
I wore paper dresses in the ‘60’s! They didn’t last very long, usually just one wearing, and you had to be careful not to move too fast or they’d rip. AND you had to be sure to wear a full slip underneath, just in case something tore and exposed what you didn’t want anybody to see!

What celebrity did you have a crush on as a girl?Paul McCartney. I was a true Beatles fan and could sing all of their songs. I even ironed my hair!

What would you save first if your house caught on fire?
Bryan’s original paintings, as many as I could carry. He spent six years painting cars and selling prints of them at car shows. I still have many originals at home, in addition to some amazing flower paintings that he did after a car accident in 2006 ended his car-painting career.

What was your favorite family vacation and why?
Bryan and I took a trip to Orlando a few years ago that God planned for us. Bryan had made reservations on Expedia.com for airfare, hotel, and a rental car, but a glitch blocked the transaction. When he called Expedia, they got us airline reservations, a larger rental car, and a private four-bedroom house with our own pool and Jacuzzi! It was the most wonderful, relaxing time.

Thanks for letting peek in on your life, Debbie! I look forward to seeing where God takes you on this journey!

Dessert

We had a wonderful evening with our guest, Noriko, who is visiting from Japan.  Noriko is in the States to spend time with churches in the Midwest Conference before going to the women's conference, Triennial, in Washington, DC.  Noriko shared her testimony with us.  While she doesn't feel her English is adequate, we were all able to understand her perfectly.  It takes a lot of courage to come to a new place and share the most important story in your life in your second language!  We are amazed at what God has been doing in her life and the life of the church in Japan!

Noriko shared with us that about 1% of Japanese people claim to be Christians.  She and her husband were called to be pastors at Shonandai Christ Church in Japan several years ago.  Their church was recently able to move from their current location and buy a piece of land in a nearby community with no church presence.  Before Noriko left Japan they moved our of their current parsonage and into a rented apartment.  Their new church will be built over the next few months!  We are so happy that Noriko will be here for a few weeks and hope that she will be able to replenish during her time here. 

Raise the Flag is a part of the mission of the National Covenant Women's Ministries to bring women from around the world to their national conference, Triennial, that occurs every 3 years.  Midwest Conference has been raising money to pay for Noriko's trip and conference cost. We have such generous hearts in our congregation.  We were thrilled to raise $200 for Raise the Flag.  The proceeds will go directly towards the cost of Noriko's trip.  We appreciated the almost 20 women who were able to participate in this informal dessert!  Thank you! 

Dessert with Noriko.

We have an upcoming event where we have the opportunity to talk with Noriko Kawamura of Japan!  She is the women our Midwest Conference is sponsoring to go to Triennial as a part of the "Raise the Flag" campaign.  "Raise the Flag" is a campaign, as stated by CWM's executive minister Ruth Hill, in which the objective is to bring international guests from the Covenant's countries of missionary service to Triennial XIII, July 22 - 25, 2010 in Washington DC. Along with attending Triennial, they will also travel within their sponsoring conference or church region, sharing about themselves and their mission work.

With financial assistance from the women of the Midwest Conference Noriko Kawamura of Japan will arrive in Denver on July 7th.  ACC is hosting a dessert for her while she is here.  See the left side of the blog for details! 

Noriko is a licensed pastor and serves at Shonandai Christ Church in Japan. Before that she was a missionary for 16 years working with Japanese churches in England and Germany. Noriko and her husband have grown children and a grandson.

As of June 15th our conference has raised a total of $150.00 towards the total estimated cost of $3,800.00 to bring Noriko to the United States, attend Triennial XIII and be available to visit churches or groups within our conference.  You will have an opportunity to donate to this cause at our event if you are able. 

We are excited about this opportunity to host a gathering for Noriko and hope you will be able to attend!

Moms Next

We have something new and exciting coming to Arvada Covenant Church!

COMING THIS SEPTEMBER

We are excited to announce the launch of a new ministry designed for moms with school aged children that would meet twice a month.

More details to come in the next couple of months, but we are looking at a launch date of September 16th from 12:30-2:00 PM* at Arvada Covenant Church.

Please pass the word along (please feel free to forward this e-mail). If you would like to be put on an e-mail list for further information as this develops, please send your name/e-mail address to DLPelon@msn.com.

Thank you and hope to see many of you this fall!

Sincerely,

Linda Pelon

Coordinator

Moms Next – Arvada Covenant Church

Get to Know You

Get To Know Linda Pelon

You may recognize this post from April!  I am re-posting it because I think it is important to reintroduce Linda as our new Moms Next Coordinator!

 Describe why you feel called to be our first Moms Next Coordinator:

I was part of MOPS for 8 years and will forever be grateful for all the valuable things I learned about parenting and friendships made! Having that support system meant so much. It was good to know other mom's struggled with the same things I did and then it was great when you would meet a mom with younger children and could now share advice and encouragement to her.

When I "graduated" from MOPS, I wished there was a new place for me to go and get that same fellowship and encouragement. Now having elementary-Middle School-High School sons, and with present day challenges facing our kids, when I first heard our church was willing to host this new ministry - I knew this is where God was directing me to lead. Looking forward to giving that encouragement once again to mom's and seeing new friendships blossom!

 

Describe your family:

Husband Dan (Met our Senior Year at Arvada High School) married 21 years. Three sons - Joshua 15 - Aaron 12 - James 10

What are your passions?

Being a good mom & wife. Love to organize/clean!!

When do you become a Christian?

When I was 7 while at our after school caregivers house by one of the teenage daughters.

Where is your favorite place that you have traveled?

Dan surprised me with a trip to Germany for our 20th Anniversary to see my favorite castle in Bavaria! Also loved England!

What are your hobbies?

Crazy I know - but I love to Organize and clean! Give me a mess and I love to fix it!

How long have you been attending Arvada Covenant and are you involved (or would like to be involved) in any ministries?

Been attending since May of 1999. Involved with MOPS and served as Co-Coordinator for MOPS A 2003-2005. Then served as Co-Coordinator for Women Ministries 2005-2009 and now serve as Decorations Chair for WM. Have served as a Sunday School teacher for 4 year olds when our sons were younger and also as a Captain for ACKC many years.

Name one way God has given you your heart's desire.

To be blessed with a faithful and loving husband and my three sons!

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Here in Arvada, but would love a beach vacation home too.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

All I ever wanted to be was a good mom and hope my son's will think so as they look back when they are grown.

When was the last time you laughed and why?

Just watched the movie "Old Dogs" and I haven't laughed that much in a long time.

We are thrilled to have this new ministry at ACC.  We hope as a Women Ministry we can support and encourage this new and vital ministry for women to grow!