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List of Topics
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2008 |
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COGS (early) Christmas Eve Service, December 24, 2008
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COGS Choir sings Vivaldi's Gloria, December 21, 2008
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COGS Christmas Pageant, December 14, 2008
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COGS Thanksgiving dinner, November 23, 2008
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Stewardship Train returns to COGS, November 16, 2008
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New Orleans Jambalaya & Jazz - Fundraiser - November 8, 2008
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Environmental Update - October 2008
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Picnic in Rotary Park - October 19, 2008
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New Choir Director - October 2008
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Adult Ed class - August 31, 2008
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Project Share - August 31, 2008
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Interim Pastors preach - August 17, 2008
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Isotopes game - July 2008
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Tomato & Spaghetti Tornado - July 2008
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COGS Worship Team - summer 2008
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Are you my UCC cousin? - summer 2008 -
intergenerational vacation Bible school |
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1) June 20 at First Congregational UCC
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2) July 19 at St. Paul's UCC |
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3) August 17 at Church of the Good Shepherd UCC |
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Farewell to Pastor Sue - June 29, 2008 |
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SW Conference Minister visits - June 22, 2008 |
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Memorial Day Sunday May 25, 2008 |
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Ordination of Marilyn Levine - May 18, 2008 |
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Choir Farewell party for Marilyn Levine - May 10, 2008 |
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A Journey to Sacred Places in NM - April 2008 |
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Chaco Canyon - Saturday April 19, 2008 |
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Sanctuary at Chimayo - Friday April 25, 2008 |
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Pecos National Monument - Friday April 25, 2008 |
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Benedictine Monastery at Pecos - Friday/Saturday April 25-6, 2008 |
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Buddhist Temple of NM (Albuquerque) - Sunday April 27, 2008 |
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COGS Workday April 19, 2008 |
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New Orleans Work Trip April 6-12, 2008 |
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Easter Morning at COGS 2008 |
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Celtic Coyotees at Sunport 03/17/08 |
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Dinners for Ten 2008 |
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Wolf Creek Ski Trip 2008
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2008
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Christmas Eve (early) Service -
December 24, 2008
Luminaria light the way into the church.
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Behind the scenes
The choir gathers in the choir room before the service.
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Christmas Eve Service
It was nice to see so many families with small children in attendance at the early service. |
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COGS choir sings Vivaldi's Gloria -
December 21, 2008
The choir and chamber group rehearse Sunday morning before the presentation during the second worship service.
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An appreciative worshipper
thanks the instrumentalists.
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After the service
Three visitors ponder the words of the Gloria while others greet one another.
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COGS Christmas Pageant -
December 14, 2008
New "God is still speaking" banner welcomes YOU here!
The photos from the pageant follow these first few of decorating the church.
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Quilt Hanging
We must be getting ready for our 50th Anniversary celebration in 2009!
This guilt celebrating COGS 40th anniversary hangs in the back of the Sanctuary.
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Bethlehem or Bust!
Decorating the church included a table in the hallway. |
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Decorating the Sanctuary
Church members decorated the church on Saturday December 13.
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Sunday Service December 14 -
Angelic Choir
The chancel choir become angels during the pageant.
[Photos of the children performing have been posted on the church bulletin boards in the hallway.]
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Participatory Pageant
The congregation learns that it will be participating as worshippers receive crowns,
halos, shawls, work-aprons, etc..
The Reading of the Christmas story begins with the cast of characters sitting in the pews |
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Mary and Joseph arrive with the baby Jesus.
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Come and Worship
Groups of angels, shepherds, kings, townfolk come to worship the newborn King.
To view photos including church school children, check out the bulletin
board in the church hallway. |
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The Giving Tree
All the envelopes have been taken off the tree; now the gifts arrive.
The envelopes contained wishes for children served by the
following 3 agencies: East San Jose Magnet Elementary School,
Metro Detention Center/Family Programs, and Bernalillo County PTA/Clothing Closet. |
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The Season of Advent
A time to share with those less fortunate.
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COGS Thanksgiving -
November 23, 2008
Decorating the Tables.
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Another member of the Kitchen Crew
Hot tamales? - I thought we were getting turkey!
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The Thanksgiving spread
Yummy for the tummy.
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Food line
Might as well chat with friends while we are waiting for food.
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Inviting table -
Some of the children helped decorate the tables.
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Stewardship Train returns to COGS - November 16, 2008
COGS train returns a week before Stewardship Sunday. Here they are getting it
altogether and ready to run.
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Passenger awaits the COGS train
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COGS train arrives
to cheers from the awaiting passengers.
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COGS train pulls into the station
All Aboard!
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The Conductor greets passenger (right end)
and tells her that there is no need to bring along her baggage
when she boards the COGS train.
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COGS Train ticket
On Stewardship Sunday (Nov 23, 2008) everyone rides first class! Your pledge card
is your ticket to the dining car located on the lower level where a Thanksgiving dinner will be served after
the second worship service.
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New Orleans Jambalaya & Jazz Fundraiser - November 8, 2008
Save your tickets for the drawing later on.
The purpose of the evening's event was to raise enough
money to send two COGS teams of 6 each to work on
fixing up houses in New Orleans in early April 2009.
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Cooking
Behind the scenes in the kitchen.
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Icing the cake
Red Velvet Cakes gets the finishing touches. (They were yummy!) |
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Gathering
We greeted each other as we gathered and talked about the presidential election, earlier in the week.
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New Orleans Jambalaya
A close up view - there's veggie too. |
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At last -
the cooks get to serve themselves.
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Fellowship and Food
Sure tastes good |
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More Reveling
from the young to the young at heart
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Two visitors from New Orleans
Tabasco and Crawdad take the mike. |
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New Orleans Jazz Entertainment
by the Route 66 Revelers
- they got us all tapping our feet. | |
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The Jamabalaya and Jazz pleases the crowd
COGS members and friends are having a good time while supporting the COGS New Orleans Work Teams
for April 2009. |
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The Band Plays On
Close your eyes and you are on the street outside a bar in New Orleans - Yes,
the band is that good, some say even better!
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The Ticket drawing
And the winners received - what else? but hot tabasco sauce! |
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Crooning
They put their souls into the music as the evening slowly came to a close. |
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Environmental Update - October 2008
A Big Green Box full of used batteries
John Dickel carries off the box full of batteries for recycling - some 40+ lbs worth. The Big Green Box
is now left at the far end of the main hallway so that you may bring your used batteries to church anytime.
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Compact fluorescent bulb give-away
Compliments of the New Mexico Interfaith Power & Light - of which COGS is a member.
There are still a few left - so come next Sunday October 26 and check with John Dickel,
the COGS liason to the New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light.
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COGS celebrates 50 years!
starting with a picnic at Rotary Park on October 19, 2008
Here we are grilling hamburgers and hot dogs.
Rotary Park is one of the two parks where our "A Natural Advent " trees were planted last winter.
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Enjoying each other's company
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A perfect day for a picnic!
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Time for a tour of the COGS trees!
Justice Team Leader, Don Viets, leads some members on a tour to view the COGS trees.
Here is the blue spruce in front of which is the plaque whose base is sunk about ten feet into the ground.
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The COGS plaque says
Trees Donated by
Church of the Good Shepherd
United Church of Christ
2007
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New Choir Director 2008
We welcome Linda Gilmour, our new choir director, to COGS. Linda starts to direct
the choir during the second service on Sunday October 19, 2008.
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Adult Ed Class - August 31, 2008
Adult Education classes meet at 9:15 am on Sunday mornings.
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Project Share - August 31, 2008
Preparations under way Sunday morning.
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Cooking
Frying hamburger for the spaghetti sauce.
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New Interim Pastors preach first sermon - August 17, 2008
Meet our new interim pastors - Rev. Carla and Rev. Bruce Cunningham.
Normally just one of them will give the sermon but this first sunday, they
preached together!
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Introductions
During the first service, former Moderator, Lois Tulga (middle) introduced our new interim pastors.
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Rev. Carla speaks to us -
about some of their background - they both had their own
churches before they met at a seminar on becoming interim pastors. They've
been married 18 years. Their blended family includes 8 children, umpteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
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More greetings during the first service
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COGS attends the Isotopes baseball game - July 2008
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More Isotope fans from COGS!
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The Isotopes on the field - GO TEAM!
There really is a game going on!
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Enjoying each other as well as the game
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Nice smiles - is their team winning?
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More happy COGS Isotopes fans.
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Tomato & Spaghetti Tornado July 2008
The tomato tornado returned to COGS during July 2008 and included pasta.
Sunday July 27 was the final day for collecting the cans and pasta.
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Tomato - Pasta Reminders
Left reminder -
Can we do it?
Yes, we can.
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A thundering success!
Thanks to a whirlwind of contributions, we
collected 3185 cans of tomatoes and 622 packages of pasta!
Way to go, COGS!
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Tallying up the goods
All these cans were loaded onto the Storehouse truck after the services.
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Worship Team - summer 2008
Welcome to Rev. Francis Rath, our pulpit minister at COGS
for July and part of August until our co-interim pastors, Rev.s Carla and
Bruce Cunningham arrive. This July 6 was
Rev. Rath's first Sunday preaching at COGS. Worship assistant, Cindy Hutchinson
accompanied him as they entered the Sanctuary
for the first service.
What are those red things on Cindy's elegant hat?
Tomatoes, of course! - to remind us that the Tomato Tornado is coming during July.
This year, in addition to cans of tomato products, The Storehouse has
asked for pasta, so it is Spaghetti Time!
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Are you my Cousin? - summer 2008
Finding Friends and Family in the UCC
Session 1, Friday evening June 20, 2008
First Congregational UCC.
Members and families of the 4 UCC Churches in the area met at the First Congregation Church.
As an ice breaker/mixer, each of us wrote our name on the piece of paper and one thing about ourselves.
Then we made paper airplanes and flew them toward adjoining tables. We picked up an airplane and then tried to find the person
and struck up a conversation.
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Food and conversation
After the get-acquainted mixer, we picked up plates of grilled
burgers and salads. Note that they used real plates and silverware (an environmentally sound practice).
Yes, that's one of the aerodynamic airplanes!
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Folks from St. Pauls UCC
After dinner, we divided up into 3 groups - those who wanted to
learn about geneology, those who wanted to learn sign language, and a
program for the children.
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Are you my Cousin? - summer 2008
Finding Friends and Family in the UCC
Session 2
Saturday morning July 19, 2008
St. Paul's UCC.
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Theological Reflections offering
Several programs were offered before and after lunch. Here Ernie Dunn
is talking about the song the Rose during the Theological Reflections workshop.
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Singing and Bells offering
Some of our COGS participants joined in the bells workshop.
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August Program
Church of the Good Shepherd UCC
view Flyer (pdf file)
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Are you my Cousin? - summer 2008
Session 3 ROCK ON!
Sunday afternoon August 17, 2008
Church of the Good Shepherd UCC.
We started the program with musian, Jim Ahrend (left), leading us in a sing along
which included some rock songs. Then we
split into groups for suiseki (viewing stones), to create pet rocks,
learn karate, geo-caching, or be introduced to the Invisible Universe.
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Geo-caching
was led by Pat and Bob Rosenak.
This looks pretty intense - carefully studying the handouts.
Did they find what they were looking for or are
there some treasures still buried on church property?
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The Invisible Universe
Participants gathered in the choir room for the second presentation.
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The Invisible Universe
was presented by astronomer team, Lanie and John Dickel. Most of the slides showed
emission observed from astronomical objects as seen in x-rays, visible light, infrared, and/or radio
waves. The picture on the right shows some of the telescopes that are used to
detect radio emission.
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Lively discussion
There was just a little time for questions after the second Invisible Universe presentation
before we needed to dash off to supper.
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Karate was taught by Yasuaki
This was a big hit with the children as well as with adults.
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Pet rocks
Lois Tulga showed us how to create pet rocks. This was also very popular
with the children [but church policy prohibits showing photos of children on the website.]
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Fellowship time
During supper we had a chance to meet and renew friendships with participants from other UCC churches.
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Farewell to Pastor Sue - June 2008
Part 1 - Packing up the office!
Did the Tomato Tornado come through Pastor Sue's office?
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Boxes and more boxes
Only a week to go before her last sermon and farewell party -
will she make it?
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The Big Give-away
The sheep, kermit, etc. are up for grabs! We've saved out two sheep
for COGS - they are at either end of the altar.
Attention!
If you took some good shots of the farewell party, please pass them along to the web administrator to include here.
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Farewell to Pastor Sue - June 2008
Part 2 - June 29th Worship Service!
This was Pastor Sue's big day!!
It started with the worship services which included special music for the occasion.
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Pastor Sue's gift to COGS
The gorgeous quilt on the altar was made by Pastor Sue and is
her parting gift to COGS.
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Launching the tomato tornado
Later during the service, the start of the tomato tornado project
for July was unveiled. |
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Installation of new church officers
Some of the new church officers who were installed during the worship service.
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New church officers (#2)
The other half of the line of new oficers.
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Ceremony of Release of Vows
Moderator and Pastor Sue read their parts in the Ceremony which released
Pastor Sue from her vows to serve COGS.
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Special song for Pastor Sue!
Check out the lyrics - is this a talented congregation or what?
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Farewell to Pastor Sue June 2008
Part 3 - Luncheon Reception
The theme for the party was motorcycling.
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Decorated cakes
Two similarly decorated cakes - one was chocolate and the other vanilla.
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All a to-do about motorcycles
Pastor Sue's retirement dream includes a motorcycle.
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Motorcycle Candy
Where did they find this?
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Motorcycle helmet vase?
To remind Sue to take time out to smell the roses during her retirement years.
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Pastor Sue's reaction when
- see next photo
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The motorcycles roared in!
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Can you believe it?
This is COGS - anything can and does happen here.
Is this the kind of church you've been looking for?
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COGS Motorcycle Gang
Pastor Sue joins the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Gang
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Moderator - skit
The Moderator interviews the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Twins regarding safety issues,
appropriate gear, etc.
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Darth Vader?
No - just modeling winter head gear - which is not appropriate for
use when riding a motorcycle.
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Pastor Sue - in her element
Pastor Sue thoroughly enjoyed her retirement party as did the rest of us.
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The right Attitude is important.
The Parish Nurse applies a tatoo.
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Pastor Sue waves good-bye
Whoops! - or she just giving us the fist?
Now she is just plain ol' Sue. Can you see the tattoo on her left hand?
You can read her thank you
note on the
Pastor's Corner page
[which will remain up until replaced by a note from our new pair of interim pastors
once they arrive in August.]
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SW Conference Minister's Maiden Voyage to COGS - June 22, 2008
The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer memorizes? the names
and faces on the COGS Membership Photo Board before going in to the Sanctuary to preach.
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Informal First Service
The Rev. Dorhauer asks for help!
You see - his trusty old Bible is missing the first part of Genesis which is
the scripture lesson for today.
Why he is missing those pages is a story for another visit!
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Sacred Conversations about racism
Pastor Sue introduces Rev. Dorhauer to the Adult Sunday School class.
He has written a paper on Black Liberation Theology but the topic for today is a discussion of
white privilege - what it is, how we are often unaware of it,
and the resulting consequences for us and others.
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Rev. Dorhauer begins the conversation
A large group has gathered to hear our new Minister of the SW Conference
speak with us about white privilege and its ramifications.
As Pastor Sue said - This is important stuff. The sacred
conversations will continue in the autumn.
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Thoughtful Listeners
We listen quietly before entering into the conversation with our experiences and questions.
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Great turnout - standing room only
We are packed in - the large circle is two-rows deep in places.
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Conversations continue over coffee
Rev. Dorhauer talks with individuals during the coffee time outside.
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Second Worship Service
The second worship service begins with a special treat - music by the guitar trio from our sister church,
Iglesia UCC.
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Memorial Day Sunday - May 25, 2008
Each year at this time we collect clothing and other items for homeless veterans.
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Quilts for the Veterans
Members of COGS made four quilts for the veterans.
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Blessing the quilts
After the worship service, members of the
congregation came up and laid their hands on the quilts to
bless them.
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Quilt - tags
Each quilt has a tag on the back.
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Baskets of Clothes
Baskets of toiletries and clothes are collected for the vets as well as the quilts.
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Coffee outdoors
This time of year we move the coffee hour outdoors.
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Conversations
The coffee hour is a good time to meet others and enjoy their company.
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The Ordination of Marilyn Levine May 18, 2008
[We are looking for some more good photos to substitute
for some of the dark ones here -
if you have some and are willing to
share them, please contact the web administrator.]
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The Ordination of Marilyn Levine
Marilyn Levine was ordained at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Sunday May 18, 2008.
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The Congregation
Marilyn is sitting near the right end of the front row as viewed from the
choir loft.
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Visiting Clergy
Marilyn gives loud and clear, affirmative answers the questions during her ordination service.
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Laying on of hands
The COGS leaders and visiting clergy lay their hands on Marilyn and the rest of us lay our hands on the
person in front of us.
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Marilyn acknowledges the choir
Marilyn turns to the choir that she has directed since coming to COGS.
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African stole
People from the town where Marilyn was born in Africa made a colorful stole for her ordination.
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The receiving line
It was with a mixture of tears of joy and sadness that friends congratulated Marilyn and
wished her well as she moves to North Dakota to pastor two small churches on the Ft. Berhold Indian Reservation..
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The Reception
Everyone enjoys the wonderful assortment of goodies.
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The Cake
Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! - and it was good too :-)
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The Reverend Marilyn Levine serves the cake.
Marilyn serves the cake as the Vice Moderator and the Christian Ed. leader look on.
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Happiness is ...
Marilyn - - we are going to miss you but God speed.
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Farewell Party for Marilyn Levine - May 10, 2008
The party begins. Choir members and friends gather to give our choir director, Marilyn Levine, a
good sendoff to her new position as Senior Pastor of 2 congregations on the Ft. Berthold Indian Reservation,
New Town and Parshall, in North Dakota. |
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What a great day for a party!
Many of us sat outside - that's Marilyn in red.
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Special gifts
Several people gave Marilyn gifts that they had made.
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Do you have a song to request?
It helps to have a professional piano player (choir member) in the crowd who knows
all the show tunes, etc. and can embellish them. |
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Having a lot of fun
Some slightly off-color lyrics were substituted for one of the songs and it cracked us up.
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Sing Along
Everyone got into the groove. |
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A Journey to Sacred Places in New Mexico - April 2008
[If you took photos during the trips and want to
share them, contact the web administrator.]
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Chaco Canyon - April 19 2008
Fifteen members and friends of COGS drove to Chaco Canyon on Saturday April 19. Here is the plaque at the entrance to the Park.
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Arrival at the Chaco Canyon Visitor Center
(off to the right)
In the background is the Fajada Butte where the Sundagger was discovered.
Visitors and even the Park Staff are no longer allowed to walk the trail to the Sundagger
because the foot traffic shifted some of the rocks so that the sun no longer goes down the middle of the spiral.
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Picnic
We began our tour with a picnic lunch in scenic surroundings.
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Pilgrims at Chaco Canyon
Our knowledgeable guide points out some of the important features along the way.
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Overview of Pueblo Bonito
Pueblo Bonito viewed from a distance.
Later, some of the group took the trail to the top of the cliff to the right
where you can look down on the pueblo.
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Group approaching Pueblo Bonito
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Inside one of the many rooms
Incredible construction - the bricks were made on top of the mesa and the lumber was dragged from many miles away.
This was originally a 5-story building - built during the 9th to 11th centuries.
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Lower viewing point
Some of us at the lower viewing point where you can look down onto the plaza.
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The Plaza of Pueblo Bonito
Looking down from the viewing point at the rest of the group in the grand plaza
of Pueblo Bonito. There are many kivas surrounding the plaza. The way they worship is to dance.
The sacred dancers come out of a kiva and perform in the plaza -
the men raise their knees up high towards Father Sky whereas
the women step low, close to Mother Earth.
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Pueblo Alto Trail & Pueblo Bonito Overlook
We split into two groups - those who wanted to go up onto the cliff and those who wanted to investigate other pueblos in the canyon.
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The climb up to the top of the mesa
Emerging from the steep crevice!
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Looking down on Pueblo Bonita
The central plaza is clearly seen below.
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Coming back down
Here is a good view of people coming down the staircase through the crack in the cliff face.
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Great Kiva at Casa Rinconcada
At 63 feet in diameter, this is one of the largest known
great kivas; structures that served as focal points of ancient ritual activitiy. Casa Rinconada is central to other Chaco
villages and may have served large gatherings for special ceremonies.
View to the southwest. Looking north from the kiva -
there is a straight line to Pueblo Bonito below and Pueblo Alta up on the cliff.
This was our last stop before heading home.
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Sanctuary at Chimayo - Friday April 25, 2008
COGS morning group of six enter the grounds of the Santuario de Chimayo.
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Many Crosses
There are many crosses attached to the fencing along the path to the church.
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A shrine
Colorful tile shrine along the entrance path.
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Restaurant on the grounds of the Sanctuary.
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The Plaza by the church
Four of the six of us on the plaza by the church.
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Santuario de Chimayo
Two members of the group come out of the arch in front of the church.
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Chimayo Museum
More crosses by the Museum whose walls have some mosaics of Saints.
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View from the plaza
View from the plaza, looking down on the path up to the church. Note the row of stone crosses bordering the stream.
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Lunch in Santa Fe
Lunch at Tomasitas near the old RR station.
Looking at the menues.
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Pecos National Monument - Friday April 25, 2008
The map gives an overview of the paths and ruins.
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The Disciples
The whole group was together at the Pecos ruins.
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Path to the church ruins
We had a great afternoon for the walk amongst the ruins. The ruins of the church are seen at the upper left.
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Climbing out of a kiva
Note the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo mountains in the distance.
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Building ruins with church beyond
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Plaque
How the church might have looked in its day.
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The Church today
COGS participants approaching the church grounds.
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At the church
Our trusty leader explains the church construction and history.
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Leaving the Pecos National Monument
Looking back at the pasture (foreground), the housing ruins, and the church beyond as we leave the Monument.
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Benedictine Monastery at Pecos - Fri/Sat Apr25/26 2008
We arrive at the Benedictine Monastery late friday afternoon.
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Front Courtyard
Behind the courtyard are the guest accomodations.
There are windowed hallways with the bedrooms along the far wall.
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Typical guestroom
We slept in comfort; not on a bed of nails!
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Supper Time
After attending vespers, we had supper in the dining room upstairs.
We took up two of the tables and during dessert, one of the monks came over to the tables to chat.
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Downstairs Lounge
The particular mission of this Monastery is hospitality.
They offer a number of retreats in the summer. Groups can
also use the facilities for their own retreats.
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Relaxing before Evening Prayers
Relaxing while we waited for one of the monks to join us to explain things such as how he came to join the Monastery
and what kind of chores each of them does each day, etc. Afterwards we went into the Chapel
for the evening prayers.
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Benedictine Monastery at Pecos viewed from above
Several of us took a stroll of the grounds in the early evening,
including climbing up the hill to the cross overlooking the Pecos River below (in the shadows), the pond and Monastery buildings beyond.
It is a beautiful and peaceful place.
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Buddhist Temple of New Mexico (Albuquerque)- Sunday April 27, 2008
The last stop on our current Journey to Sacred Places in New Mexico.
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The Buddhist Temple
The COGS group approaches the Buddhist Temple in the heart of Albuquerque. |
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Closeup of Buddhist Temple
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Removing shoes
Prior to entering the Temple, we removed our shoes.
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Inside the Buddhist Temple of New Mexico
Once inside the Temple, one of the monks gave an overview of the 4 important Truths of Buddhism and
the basics of meditation - Buddhist style. He also
led us in two different types of meditation - a sitting one and a walking one.
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COGS Group
Once the Monks send us the photos they took while we were there, practicing meditation,
the photos will replace the empty locations #5 and #6.
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Workday at COGS (April 2008)
About 20 members and friends showed up at 8 am on Saturday April 19 to clean up around the church.
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Cleanup includes Landscaping
Flowers were planted in the courtyard.
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COGS returns to New Orleans April 6-12, 2008
Shoreline of Lake Pontchartrain
This is the lake that broke through the levees after Hurrican Katrina struck and flooded
parts of New Orleans.
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The home to be repaired
This work is sponsored by The United Church of Christ Disaster
Response and Recovery in New Oleans but the work trips are organized by someone at the local level
where the teams originate.
This is the second work trip for COGS; a different team went for the
first time last summer.
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Cleaning up
Six COGS members formed the team to repair this home.
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Two members tile the floor
Three rooms on the ground floor were tiled during the week.
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The bathroom wall was redone
Plastering is in progress here.
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Time for a break
Four of the six-member Team enjoy a break on the steps of a neighboring home.
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The owner of the home
Sophie, the homeowner (in front), is 80 years old. She and her family are helping
with the home repairs. There is an apartment in the front of the house that Sophie will move into when
the repairs are done. Her daughter lives upstairs. Another team of workers will do the
extensive repairs needed in the rear apartment where her granddaughter will eventually live.
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Some of the equipment
Learning on the job?
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Another view of the equipment
Here - let me try.
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Rebuilding Hope
The slogan for the work week and on the shirt is Rebuilding Homes,
Rebuilding Hope
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On one's knees
This is not for the faint hearted.
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It's not all work!
Here we are enjoying dinner at Deanie's in the French Quarter.
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Quilting - New Orleans' Style
This display in a window of a little shop near the church where we stayed caught our attention.
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St. Paul's UCC
This is the church where we stayed. Upstairs were 3 big dorm rooms with bunk beds. The beds were built by one of the first groups
to help rebuild after Katrina. The rooms were shared with a group from Chicago (from various
churches): men were in one room, COGS women in another room, and Chicago women in the third.
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A special plaque
The plaque behind Pastor Sue's head is in memory of her grandfather Frederick Luft.
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Easter Morning at COGS (2008)
Easter was early this year - March 23. The Sanctuary was filled with plants
that will be planted in the open space by the church.
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In the Kitchen
Members prepare the Easter breakfast for between the two services.
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Table Decorations
Tables were decorated with flowers and easter eggs.
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Water was the theme for Lent
COGS members and friends put loose change in a bottle each day in Lent. The
money collected on Easter Sunday went towards providing clean water in a
High School in the land-locked southern African country of Lesotho.
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Lesotho Crafts
Rugs and woven hats from Lesotho.
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Collected Water Bottles of Change!
Here are some of the bottles of loose change that were brought on Easter Sunday.
April 2008 Update -
Enough change and checks were collected (almost $4000) that we can help more than one school in Lesotho, Africa
obtain safe drinking water. - Congratulations COGS!
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Easter Music
Kettle drums and trumpet were added to the usual piano and organ accompaniment.
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COGS choir
The Chancel choir sang at both services this Easter Sunday.
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Easter Breakfast Line
It was quite a long line awaiting breakfast.
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Breakfast Goodies
It was worth the wait!
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Sampler Plate
She looks happy with her choices.
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Easter Food and Fellowship
Just a few of the people enjoying the Easter breakfast together.
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Celtic Coyotees at Sunport 03-17-08
Members of COGS perform with the Celtic Coyotees at the Albuquerque Sunport
on March 17, 2008 in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.
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COGS Dinners for Ten - resume (2008)
At least two groups of ten met on Sunday January 27, 2008 for the first meeting of Dinners for Ten.
Here is one group enjoying fellowship and good food at a member's home after church.
Interested members and friends are divided up into groups of ten.
They meet at a different home about once a month through June.
It can be a potluck lunch or dinner or they can decide to go to a restaurant.
The point is to meet other members of the congregation and get to know them.
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Dinners for Ten - February
Another group held their first Dinner for Ten - buffet style - on February 3, 2008 at the home of one
of their members.
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Hosts for February Dinner.
The happy hosts oversee the potluck at their home.
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Annual COGS Ski Trip (2008)
Each year over the MLK Jr Holiday, a group of COGS ski enthusiasts head for Pagosa Springs and the Wolf Creek Ski area
for a weekend of fun and fellowship. Sixty(!) people attended this year.
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Wolf Creek Ski Area
The ski conditions and scenery were superb this year, though it was a bit colder than often.
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Cross-Country Trail
Several of the group went cross-country skiing instead -
here is a view from the groomed ski track on the West Fork of the San Juan River Access Road.
Talk about feeling insignificant in the grandeur of the mountains.
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Relaxing after a day of skiing
The whirl pool at the Holiday Inn Express in Pagosa Springs was well utilized.
[Can you
find our totally relaxed and happy Pastor Sue in amongst other COGS skiers?]
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Food and Fellowship
Saturday ended with the traditional dinner at the Boss Hogg's Restaurant in Pagosa Springs.
We had a separate room off the main area - with tables of from 4 to 8 people. Here are three
COGS folks enjoying themselves - hope they are not talking shop!
[Can you identify our Moderator,
Pastoral Intern, & Organizer of this year's ski trip?]
Please contact the Website Administrator if you have additional photos from the trip.
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Five students were confirmed
on Epiphany Sunday 2008
The students chose Ephiphany Sunday with the Journey of the Wise Ones as a metaphor for their spiritual journey.
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Confirmands hang their gift to COGS
The confirmands designed and made a quilt for COGS to brighten the Sanctuary.
They hung it up during the Service.
Their design represents their spiritual journey and the individual flowers represent
the confirmands.
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The Reception
Many worshipers attended both Services. Here they are lining up for the
reception in the parlor.
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Confirmands' Cake
The delicious cake was decorated in keeping with the flower motif of the hanging.
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Cake Crumbs!
The confirmands greeted people as they served pieces of cake. Not much was left at the end!
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Happy Families
The congregation and especially the parents are very proud of the confirmands.
Welcome and Congratulations
to this year's Confirmands!
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