First Sunday in Colorado, we drove 2 hours to Colorado Springs to attend Woodmen Valley Chapel. This is the church that most people at Lost Valley Ranch attend. It could be categorized as a "mega-church", but it doesn't feel overwhelming. It actually reminds me of Epic, my lovely church in Fullerton. They both value community and relationships, which makes me feel at home.
There are tissue boxes in the pews. I thought it was pretty funny. Even though I tear up a LOT at Epic, I never think to bring tissues. Somehow, it doesn't seem natural when you've prepared for the tears.
What blows my mind, is that every service is COORDINATED between the two campuses. Woodmen Valley has two campuses, and one campus has two worship buildings. The pastor, Matt Heard, alternates speaking at each campus, and even the worship is coordinated. The worship leader and all the musicians have earpieces, so even the two drummers are in sync at the different campuses. It's amazing. I was so entertained, watching them. Is that a bad thing? Should I feel guilty... because I don't.
I saw this and thought of Cecille and Nate. Hehe. They make us line up for communion, but we take it all together at the same time.
I thought of Kristy and wanted to put this up. Woodmen Valley has a hallway where they have all these 'L's'... I think it stands for "love".
I'm guessing it's inspired by Valentine's Day. Boo. Just kidding. I'm not at all bitter about it. :P
Isn't that nice? Free Bibles for everyone! I didn't take one. I wonder if they feel sad when people don't take them. I should, next time, to make them feel better. Anyway...
Superbowl party! Look! We used SNOW instead of ice! Free ice outside! Everywhere!
Nice spread, eh? The Warnocks, Tony and Brooke (Tony is acting manager of the ranch), hosted all of the staff at their cabin. So nice of them! (They're one of the few cabins that get satellite TV).
Clockwise from top left: Tony (manager), Jacob (maintenance), Anna (kitchen), Lauren (kitchen), Nate (maintenance), and the back of Tish's head (gift shop).
At the end of the night, Chelsea (wrangler) found an icicle hanging from the Warnocks' cabin. Look at the size of that thing! Maybe she's mad that the Steelers lost? What a great way to end the day!
That first picture reminds me of space mountain for some reason. Remember, don't eat yellow snow. Looks like they do let you off the ranch every now and again, huh?
ReplyDeleteHello Joy:
ReplyDeleteI was doing a little "research" on my beloved church, Woodmen Valley Chapel, and discovered your post about your experience. I will explain that each communion service is different. They are never the same so your experience was just one of many. I think the Gluten Free is a cool thing I've not seen at other churches but hope others will offer too. In addition, our Worship Arts program changes the "art" in the hall gallery each month or two so that we as a congregation can be inspired by the creativity that God created within each of us. I am not positive, but I believe that the "L's" was the theme of "Living Life with a Capital L"; it was a sermon series. The artists theme then was to create a piece of art that described their insight into living life with a capital L. I can see where you might interpret it as Love though since when we are really Living, we must be Loving! Hope you will be led to worship with us again if you are ever in the Springs on the weekend. Blessings!