ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE
Gutenberg Bible Visits Wyoming Church he Casper Church hosted John L. Sliffe from the Enduring Word Museum in Weatherford, Texas, on the last Sabbath in April. Sliffe and his wife, Angel, brought a replica of the Gutenberg Printing Press and an original King James Version Bible from the first 50 ever printed (one of only 17 original pieces of Wycliffe work). Sliffe fascinated students at Mountain Road Christian Academy the previous day with his presentation on the history of the Bible, the history of Reformation, the history of written communication, their work with the Dead Sea Scrolls, and their work with the ossuary of Simon of Cyrene. He even
gave them the opportunity to print their own text with the working Gutenberg Press. The exhibit and the presentation was advertised as a community event, and the Casper Church welcomed members of the Casper community to this once-in-alifetime opportunity. Erin Zavodny, a member of the Casper Church and a music teacher, said, “I found it fascinating, affirming and humbling. To see relics such as a page from the original Gutenberg Bible was amazing. The detail and preservation of the different scrolls and seeing how God gave so much evidence that His Word is true and valid was affirming. It was humbling to be reminded that
Gabriela Anca Vincent
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many people gave so much, including their lives, to bring us the Word of Life.” Traci Pike, a Mountain Road Christian Academy teacher, added, “How truly awesome to learn about the Bible in such a hands-on way. We even got to print a page. And we got to see and touch a page Gutenberg printed. Amazing stuff!” Gabriela Anca Vincent is a member of the Casper Church in Casper, Wyoming.
If you are interested in hosting the exhibit and presentation, contact John Sliffe at john@ theenduringword.org or 817.771.3942.
Grand Junction Church Holds Poetry Readings
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Nate Skaife
he Popcorn and Poetry Event recently held at the Grand Junction Church drew more than 40 people of all ages, from children through the most senior of the congregation. This was the second such event held. Plenty of popcorn was provided, and the poetry readings spanned a complete range of emotions—entertaining and happy to somber
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and contemplative. The pieces shared were both classic favorites and originals. “It all started,” said Karla Klemm, “when I talked with Kathy Swelstad to see if she felt others would be interested in an activity where people could share their favorite poetry readings.” In today’s digital society, people are wanting to go back to connecting in ways that are
more personal. Having learned to appreciate poetry from her grandmother when she was young, Klemm continues to enjoy it and wanted to share it with others. The first reading was billed Poetry and Pie and took place in January 2018. Advertising for the first event, which drew nearly 35 people, invited the congregation and friends to come if they wanted to do a reading or had a favorite poem. Some came because of their love for poetry, others just to listen. A variety of poetry was shared at the event—some secular, some spiritual and some nostalgic. Many shared poetry passed through the
generations in their families. Grand Junction’s social committee, named Connect Ministry, holds an event each month ranging from Lemonade on the Lawn (an after-church service to encourage the congregation to hang out and visit longer) to church campouts. Last year’s campout had more than 50 people attend. Events like these and Popcorn and Poetry bring together the church in fun and unique ways. Nate Skaife pastors the Grand Junction Church in Grand Junction, Colorado.
