Easter Open Letter April 12 - 1030 Catholic

Easter, April 12, 2020

OPEN LETTER

Capitol Heights Presbyterian | 10:30 Catholic Community | Dignity Denver

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Capitol Heights Faith Communities

1100 Fillmore Street Denver, Colorado 80206 303-333-9366

Church Administrator: Debbie Yeager Admin Email: capheightspres@

Websites Facebook

Check out Facebook

Facebook Dignity: 720-515-GLBT

Sunday Worship Services

Presbyterian

9:30 a.m.

10:30 Catholic 11:00 a.m.

Dignity Denver 5:00 p.m.

Children's Ministries September - May: All children, Sunday School/CRE 11-12:00 Room 202

Nursery, Main Floor 9-12:00 Ages infant ? 8 yrs

Send all announcements for the OPEN LETTER to the Church Administrator by Thursday NOON, capheightspres@

If you wish to book a room to use for a meeting or activity please call the church at 303-333-9366 and leave a message, or send an email to capheightspres@.

Printed on 100% recycled paper

"The very first Easter was not in a crowded worship space with singing and praising. On the very first Easter, the disciples were locked in their houses... Alone in their homes, they dared to believe that hope was possible, that the long night was over and morning had broken... after a while, when it is safe for all people, when it is the most loving choice, we will come out, gathering together, singing and shouting the good news that God brings life out of death, that Love always has the final say."

~This quote is brought to us by the Church World Service. It was written by

Rev. Allison Lanza, Associate Pastor at Ridglea Christian Church, Forth Worth, TX

Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church

We are part of an old tradition, made new with each person who comes to us. We witness to a greatness that transcends what we now say, know, or do, but is graciously made present in acts of kindness, hope and peace. We are called to be a community of such hope for the sake of the God of all, and we delight in all who choose to join us. Sunday, April 12 Capitol Heights Zoom Worship Service 9:30 a.m. We will be holding a worship service that can be joined by a phone call OR if using a computer you can join by video. If interested to join the service email capheightspres@ for the current information.

Note from treasurer Charlie Fiser: Many of you have inquired about online ways to contribute to the church since we are not meeting on Sunday's. If you wish to donate online you may do so with PayPal. When you click the 'send money' on PayPal enter Charlie's email address (116doverroad@) to send money as that is the one connected to Capitol Heights account. You can also mail contributions to the Church (Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church, 1100 Fillmore St., Denver, CO 80206.) The mail is brought in weekly and Charlie regularly stops by to pick up his mail and make the deposits helping us stay faithful to the expenses that remain. While saying that, we are very much aware that you may be like many with expenses that continue while suffering reduced income. Do take care and feel free to share with us any concern you may have.

Capitol Heights will be receiving donations to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering through the month of April. One Great Hour of Sharing, an ecumenical offering that takes place around the world, supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. All of these programs will be supporting relief effort for communities effected by COVID-19. To participate in the offering you can mail the church a check for Charlie to pick up with "OGHS" written in the memo line (Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church, 1100 Fillmore St., Denver, CO 80206.) You can also visit to give online.

The Colorado Council of Churches (CCC) is once again proud to sponsor the 73rd annual Easter Sunrise Service. This years worship experience will be a virtual gathering instead of an inperson gathering at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. The Easter Sunrise Service will be pre-recorded and available online from the CCC website no later than 6 a.m., April 12, 2020. Thus, people all over the world will be able to access the service and be spiritually inspired.

Children's Ministry

All Sunday School classes and nursery care will be suspended until further notice Sunday school/CRE classes take place on Sunday's from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the basement room on the west side of the Social Hall unless otherwise noted in the schedule below. NEW LOCATION for Sunday School Classes will be in the Church basement just off the Social Hall!

Nursery Care is provided every Sunday with Jessica from 9:00-12:00 in room 103 on the main floor for ages infant - 8 years. * Parents, please be sure to sign your child in when dropping them off and to sign them out when you come to pick them up.*

Community Service Opportunities

WOMEN'S HOMELESSNESS INITIATIVE WHI is canceled until the end of April at which point the situation around the Coronavirus will be re-evaluated.

Volunteer roles include setting up cots, providing or serving dinner, simply visiting with the guests, cleaning up on Wednesday evening, spending the night, or providing breakfast bags and clean up services on Thursday morning. If interested to learn more about volunteering speak with

Mary Gould (720-563-1048 / ejgmef@,) Martha Burroughs (720-217-3766 / meeb136@ ) or Bibiana Hager (303-322-0402.)

SATURDAY LUNCH PROGRAM The lunch takes place on every Saturday September-May.

Saturday lunch guests are encouraged to

visit SAME Cafe (2023 E. Colfax, on the

north side between Vine and Race St.) for

a free sack lunch between 11:00 - 4:30

p.m. (or until food runs out.) Following

instructions from the City and County of

Denver SAME Cafe is keeping these

extended hours in place Monday-

Saturday to serve those who are most at

risk of being impacted by the secondary

effects of COVID-19.

Volunteers are welcome! Visit

volunteer to learn more

about the Volunteer guidelines.

Easter, April 12, 2020

This year's message will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Miguel De La Torre, an ordained Southern Baptist preacher and a Professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. Rev. Dr. De La Torre is a scholar-activist, critically acclaimed author, internationally known speaker, and a slam poet.

Additional worship leaders are Rev. Dr. Scott Schiesswohl, pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Central City, and Rev. Olivia Hudson Smith, Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Denver. Our musical worship leaders are Lucie Cardwell, Stephanie Garvey and Father Michael Nicosia, Vicar to the Rocky Mountain Region of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion.

The CCC is a statewide, ecumenical, and social justice organization that represents thirteen Christian denominations and over 800 churches across Colorado.

An Easter Sermon Podcast with Fr. Richard Rohr and Rev. Jim Wallis: In this very special Easter Sunday Sermon episode of The Soul of the Nation podcast, Fr. Richard Rohr and Rev. Jim Wallis discuss the many examples of hope and grace to be found amid the despair of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. Rohr is a Franciscan of the New Mexico Province, an academic dean and author, a spiritual teacher, and the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, N.M.

Capitol Heights 9:30 a.m. Worship Services held at the church building are CANCELED until further notice. See above on how to join the alternative church service with Zoom.

PCUSA has developed a Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources Page that compiles useful information and resources for Congregations and Members. The information is updated regularly at covid19/#_7._Responding_to.

Copies of John Dear's book, Praise Be Peace, are still available for purchase at a discounted price of $15.00. To purchase a book speak with Mark Meeks (mkenosha@) and make checks payable to Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church. Anyone interested in purchasing a book let Mark know and we can arrange to have a copy mailed to you.

Grocery cards that support CHPC are available for Safeway and King Soopers grocery stores. As you put money on your card and use it to buy your groceries, a portion of your weekly grocery purchases will support CHPC. Call Charlie Fiser (303-770-6362) if you are interested in participating.

10:30 Catholic Community

We are a Christ-centered, Spirit-directed Catholic worshiping community. In response to the teachings of Vatican II, we come together, searching for ways to reflect the person and work of Jesus Christ in our time, to our world. SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER (on Zoom) Christ in our Midst: Please join us on Zoom on Sunday for Morning Prayer at 10:30 am (this will take place every Sunday for as long as public liturgical services are suspended.) The community that gathers on Zoom is made up largely of both Russian Greek Catholics and Roman Catholics, but everyone is most welcome! We will use liturgical pieces from both the Western and Eastern traditions, so that hopefully everyone feels at home.

Join us by downloading Zoom onto your computer or iPhone, and then by clicking the RECURRING LINK below.

Join Zoom Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting:

Phone Numbers to join Zoom meeting:

Dial:

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

OR Dial:

+1 346 248 7799 (Houston)

Meeting ID: 735 252 901

The Service booklet will be posted to our Community's webpage: .

Hope to see you all on Sunday ~Father Chrysostom

Mass held at the church is CANCELED until further notice. See above for the alternative Sunday morning prayer service being offered through Zoom.

During this time of social distancing community donations are still being received. Please mail your contribution to Gene Lang, 10:30 Catholic Community; 1100 Fillmore Street; Denver, CO. 80206

If you wish to make a seasonal donation to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) please make it directly to their offices: Catholic Relief Services, 228 W. Lexington St.; Baltimore, Maryland; 21201-3443 Tax exemption number: 12-55634

The 10:30 Council is interested in your feedback regarding our shared community life during this challenging time. Have you been able to access our Zoom liturgies? Are you using reflections and prayers for weekly readings? If you have not yet spoken with a Council member, please call one of us and let us know how you're experiencing this time together while apart.

Dignity Denver

Dignity Denver envisions and works for a time when gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Catholics are affirmed and experience dignity through the integration of their spirituality with their sexuality and as beloved persons of God. Due to the coronavirus, Dignity Denver is suspending its regular Sunday Mass indefinitely. This is particularly sad because we are in the middle of the Lenten season. Holy Week and Easter will almost certainly pass without us gathering as a community. Please pray that each and every one of us avoid infection, but that if any of us are infected, we will survive and return to good health.

Colorado State Historical Society

Grant Roof and Parapet Restoration Project

& Other Building News

Our partners at Historic Denver have informed us that construction for the parapet and roof restoration will be able to start soon with appropriate social distancing practices in place. An online preconstruction meeting will be taking place this week between Capitol Heights team of Debbie, Dan, and Sonya, Historic Denver, and the team from the Colorado State Historic Society. During the current stay-at-home order for Denver and Colorado we are allowed to hold this meeting in a virtual format by the State Historical Fund.

Our Historic Building Fund account will remain open and can be added to at anytime. If you would like to donate to the fund you can make your checks payable to Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church and be sure to write "historic building fund" in the memo line.

Donations may be given directly to Debbie Yeager or Charlie Fiser or you can mail a donation to:

Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church

1100 Fillmore St.

Denver, CO 80206

Community News

Faith Count COLORADO Faith Hub for 2020 Census: As people of faith, we at Together CO believe in the divinely given dignity of every person. When we answer the census, we declare that we are part of "we the people" and refuse to be excluded from the critical funding and political representation we all deserve. To learn more about the 2020 Census and find other resources that are available visit . The Census can (and should!) be done from the safety and comfort of your home. It's simple, safe and secure and can be done by going to .

Please note that the Soul Box Project Exhibit and Memorial Service scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at First Baptist Church of Denver, has been POSTPONED. During this time of socialdistancing and quarantining know that we can each still contribute to our collective work by creating soul boxes. For details see: https:// make-a-box-1 For now...may you and yours remain safe. ~ Rev. Brian Henderson

Capitol Hill United Ministries & WHI

All of the WHI shelters have been cancelled until the end of April when the situation around the Coronavirus will be re-evaluated. This affects the shelter at Capitol Heights for the month of April.

"Let's Tie it Together" Shoelace Campaign: CHUM and the Women's Homeless Initiative would like you to collect new pairs of shoelaces for children and adult shoes. Why? The Border Patrol has been confiscating the shoelaces of people who cross the border and when they are deported they do not get their shoelaces returned. Without laces, people have become stigmatized as Asylum Seekers and then are at higher risk of crime and abuse. Bring any shoelaces you collect to Diana Flahive by April 18th at 624 Lafayette St. For questions contact Diana (303-832-4188 / flahive@flahive.us.)

Masks for WHI: Volunteers are now in the second round of *making masks for the Women's Homeless Initiative and Saint Francis Center. Anyone who would like to participate, please bring your finished masks to 624 N. Lafayette St. 80218 and drop them in the mask box on the front porch. (You can also request for your masks to be picked up at your place.) Please put your names on the bag or leave a note when you deliver them. I also have a sheet outside on the table where you can put your name, listing your delivery. You can ring the doorbell too! Would love to see you ... at a distance. If you did not prepare your masks by April 8th, no worries, keep up the good work and we will have a next delivery. Please tell me what your plan is regarding when you think your masks will be completed. Thank-you for "masking" a difference!

~ Diana Flahive (303-832-4188 / flahive@flahive.us.)

* To find some creative designs for making homemade masks Representative Leslie Herod suggests visiting https://

Easter, April 12, 2020

Experiences of the Coronavirus through Art &

Word

IN THE TIME OF PANDEMIC And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

~ This poem was published by Catherine O'Meara on March 16, 2020 on her blog, The Daily Round. To read more of her beautiful poetry and experience other artistic collaborations visit

LOCKDOWN by Brother Richard Hendrick, Capuchin Franciscan Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation. Yes there is panic buying. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death. But, They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again. They say that after just a few weeks of quiet The sky is no longer thick with fumes But blue and grey and clear. They say that in the streets of Assisi People are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighbourhood So that the elders may have someone to call on. Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way All over the world people are waking up to a new reality To how big we really are. To how little control we really have. To what really matters. To Love.

So we pray and we remember that Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness. Yes there is sickness. But there does not have to be disease of the soul Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now. Today, breathe. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic The birds are singing again The sky is clearing, Spring is coming, And we are always encompassed by Love. Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, Sing.

Community Resources & Information about Covid-19

On March 25th Governor Polis issued Executive Order D2020-017 ordering Coloradans to stay in place due to the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the state. The statewide Stay at Home order has now been extended to April 26th. You can find the state's daily case update at https:// covid19.case-data.

If you need to leave your home, Colorado and the federal government now recommend that you cover your face with a nonmedical cloth-based mask. To find some creative designs for making homemade masks Representative Leslie Herod suggests visiting

On March 10th Governor Polis declared a State of Emergency for Colorado. This will open up access to additional resources and give the state legal flexibility to take proactive steps to contain the spread of Coronavirus. This will include: ? additional sick leave for workers (in particular for workers handling food,

hospitality, child care, health care, and education ? expanded testing capacity and providing tests at no costs to patients ? allowing seniors over 65 to renew their driver's licenses online to enable them

to avoid the DMV The emergency declaration is a 30-day order that can be renewed as needed, as long as this public health emergency lasts. For more information on Covid-19 testing visit testing

CLEAN HANDS PROTECT AGAINST INFECTION: You can protect yourself and others from infection by ? Cleaning your hands regularly ? Wash your hands with soap and water and dry thoroughly ? Use alcohol-based hand rub if you don't have immediate access to soap and

water.

Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing "Happy Birthday" twice, using the images below. After wetting your hands and applying soap use the motions below (Information provided by the World Health Organization.)

Here's a great graph showing Easter, April 12, 2020 the positive effects of social distancing from a New Zealand magazine, The Spinoff

If any elderly neighbors in Congress Park or Capitol Hill need help with grocery supplies or other things, please contact Shaundra (213-446-3798 / COVID.DenverVolunteers@) Please leave a message with your name and the kind of help you are seeking.

MEDIA LINKS TO LEARN MORE & STAY INFORMED INCLUDE ? National Geographic is providing FREE access to all their Coronavirus

coverage to help people better understand the disease and to stay informed of ways to protect themselves.

? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is regularly updating information on their website ( 2019-novel-coronavirus.) CO-HELP is Colorado's call line for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687. For answers in many languages call 1-877-462-2911. You can also email questions to COHELP@ for answers in English.

? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also posts updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19.)

Easter, April 12, 2020

Earth Day Events

April 22, 2020 is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day! Eco-justice ministries has compiled a list of virtual events that will be happening as part of the celebration. These include:

The Earth Day Network has a map and calendar of global events, with 217 listings as of April 8. You can use the map to find things events and you can filter the display to pinpoint your search to more specific event types, including faith.

Earth Day Live is the new on-line format for the youth-led three-day climate mobilization.

FAITH EVENTS include: Monday, April 20 - 2:00 PM Eastern Wisconsin Green Muslims are hosting two "Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis" interfaith webinars. Monday's is a conversation with the co-editors of the interfaith book "Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis": Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and Dr. Leah D. Schade. Hosted by Huda Alkaff, Founder and Director, Wisconsin Green Muslims. Register for the webinar

Tuesday, April 21 -- 11:30 to 1:00 Eastern 50th Earth Day Observance with Global Religious and Indigenous Leaders, organized by the Parliament of World Religions: Conversation with Mirele Goldsmith (Jewish Earth Alliance), Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim (Mbororo environmental activist), Lyla June (Din? environmental scientist, doctoral student, educator, economist, community organizer, and musician), Hellen Mugo (Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa), Gopal Patel (Bhumi Project), and Lauren Van Ham (United Religions Initiative) See the event flier, and preview the Earth Day Blessings From Around the World Register for the webinar

Wednesday, April 22 -- 1:00 Eastern The Earth Is the Lord's: A Webinar with Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. -- The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr. was a central leader in the launch of the environmental justice movement in the 1980s and 90s. He coined the phrase "environmental racism" and played instrumental roles in Warren County civil disobedience campaign, the landmark Toxic Wastes and Race report, and the First National People of Color Environmental Leadership Summit. In this special address marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Chavis will focus on the role of faith communities in resisting those powers that would seek to rule and desecrate what is not theirs. Register for the webinar

Wednesday, April 22 - 11:00 AM and Noon Eastern #SoundtheCall this Earth Day, organized by Hazon: the Jewish Lab for Sustainability -- As we struggle through these difficult times, we look beyond the present crisis, and we call the Jewish community to #SoundtheCall on this 50th Earth Day. Join virtually from around the world as we sing songs, raise our voices, and gear up to blow the shofar at 12pm ET for Planet Earth and a healthy vision forward. RSVP and take action A parallel interfaith initiative expands beyond blowing the shofar to include ringing church bells or sounding other instruments. -- We Sound the Call to signify a moment of change, a new wave of hope, a call to action, and strength in the face of adversity. We sound the call to announce that living more sustainably on this planet is

central to our faith, not incidental to it. We sound the call for global commitments to public health; living more sustainably; helping those in need through our institutions and governments; striving to be our best selves; and a sense of hope for the future. We invite you to ring bells, blow shofars, or whatever your faith tradition calls you to do, to signal to the world that now is the time to act on climate. More details through 11th Hour Calling

Wednesday, April 22 - 2:00 to 3:30 PM Eastern Called to Act and Adapt: Faith-Based Climate Adaptation Town Hall Organized by EcoAdapt -- Moderator: Juliet Hall; Presenters: Ambrose Carroll, Huda Alkaff, Mark Douglas, Rev. Gerald Durley, Rev. Natosha Reid Rice, Shantha Ready Alonso -- live-streaming details to be announced.

Wednesday, April 22 -- 6:00 PM Eastern Interfaith service organized by United Methodist Women -- This will be an ecofeminist and ecowomanist interfaith service highlighting the connections between climate and gender justice. We are lining up the religious different traditions, and are reaching out to Indigenous, Christian, African Indigenous, and Jewish voices. At least one of the voices we hope will be a youth voice. -- livestreaming details to be announced.

Thursday, April 23 -- 10:00 to 11:30 Eastern Catholic-Buddhist Dialogue: Solidarity and Engagement on Climate Change, organized by the Parliament of World Religions -- As we confront the climate crisis, it is critical to explore what it means to be Catholic and Buddhist. What aspects of these traditions contribute to factors that imperil life on the planet? Just as important, how might these traditions enable us to realize our highest human potential, the deep expression of compassion and love for each other, especially the most vulnerable among us human and non-human who bear the brunt of the suffering? Register for the webinar

Thursday, April 23 - Noon Eastern Wisconsin Green Muslims are hosting two "Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis" interfaith webinars -- The Friday webinar is an interfaith conversation with two contributors to the book "Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis": Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, Board Chair, Interfaith Power and Light and Huda Alkaff, Founder and Director, Wisconsin Green Muslims and Member of the Islamic Society of North America Green Initiative Team. Register for the webinar

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