REFORMATION SUNDAY 2017

This coming Tuesday, October 31, marks the 500th anniversary of what is called the Protestant Reformation. It all began because a teacher/ theologian in the Roman Catholic Church wanted to talk to the Church about issues he thought were corruption the true calling of the Christian faith.

Since this is a major event and anniversary for Protestant Christians our congregation, Christ Lutheran, had a big day. It included a special worship experience with hand bells, choir, and a special brass group from a college in Fort Collins.

A number of weeks ago Cindy and I came together with our church choir to start preparing music. Then this morning we were at church for two worship services and a special Lutherfest meal afterwards. That amounted to 6 hours. It has been a long time since we've been at any church that long.

Our Pastor Eric Ellert towers over everyone standing at 6'8

This Bible was printed in 1663. It belongs to one of the members of our church.
It has been in his family for generations.

After worship there was a brats/beer lunch with all the fixins. There also was a Reformation trivia game, a raffle for gift baskets, face painting and other things as well.

It was a full morning.

FALL ADVENTURE OF RUINS AND RAILS

Cindy and I felt the need to get out of town for a few days. Since we had both wanted to see the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde  National Park we decided to head that way. Since we were going to be driving to southwest Colorado we also decided to ride the Cumbres and Toltec  scenic railroad and see the Fall colors. It worked out perfectly.

Our first destination would be the Fall colors. Our dream train was going to take us on a 64 mile trip starting in Chama, N.M. and ending in Antonito, CO.

Our train uses a narrow gage rail best suited for mountain terrain.  The engine was 92 years old and did a wonderful job pulling out 7 car train.

The aspen were gloriously yellow and very stunning.

After a long day and a nights rest we drove further West to Mesa Verde.

Mesa Verde was populated by ancestral pueblo  Indians  until about 1300A.D. when the small communities of cliff dwellers moved on. 

Our getaway was short and tiring but we are glad we went.