August 7-10, 2019 – Pueblo, Colorado
We Visited COLORADO!
Colorado is a state with plains, mountains and desert as well as a diverse population.
From the plains in Eastern Colorado to the “Fourteeners” that dot the Rocky Mountains, from the top of Pike’s Peak to the bottom of the Colorado River Gorge there is much to see and experience.
The Rural Chaplains Association explored the Arkansas River Valley Region.
Irrigated Farm in Crowley County (General area the group will visit)
Pueblo is the largest city on the Arkansas River and is the proud site of the Colorado State Fair.
The Rural Chaplains Association was pleased to have the United Methodist Appalachian Ministries Network(UMAMN), Rural Church Network(RCN), and the United Methodist Rural Advocates (UMRA) Executive Committees join us for the 2019 Focus Event.
A PURPOSE STATEMENT
— Visit a farm that has access to water for irrigation, as well as
hearing from a rancher who has limited water availability.
— Learn about the impact of opioids and the pros and cons of
legalized marijuana on rural communities.
— Hear about how health care in rural areas is impacted by a
shortage of doctors and health care providers.
— Meet with local residents and leaders on how we can work together toward a Future of Hope in this complex day and age.
Wednesday, August 7
Quality Inn Pueblo West – 77 S. Radnor Dr., Pueblo West, CO 81007
3:00-5:00 Registration in lobby
5:30 pm. Group Dinner at SonRise UMC
Native American Welcome
7:00 What does it take to create healthy, safe, rural communities?
Overview of the local area we will be visiting
Evening devotions
Return to Quality Inn
Thursday, August 8
Hotel Complimentary Breakfast
8:00 am. Bus leaves hotel
Visit irrigated farm — How farmers and ranchers deal with not having enough water.
10:45 Ordway UMC
Impact of marijuana on Rural Communities–pros and cons of legalized marijuana
Lunch at Ordway UMC Health Care in Rural Areas with a Limited Number of Doctors
2:00-4:00 Rocky Ford UMC
Impact of opioids on rural communities homeless, drug rehab, prison ministry
5:15 Dinner Peppe’s restaurant
Truck farming on the Mesa
7:30 pm. Leave for Quality Inn
8:00 pm. Rest of evening free
Friday, August 9
Hotel Complimentary Breakfast
8:30 am. Car pool to go to SonRise UMC
Morning Devotion
Providing Support for Migrant Laborers/Families
Panel of young adults – What does it take to create healthy, safe, rural communities?
What we have gained from our experience and how we might use it
Lunch at SonRise UMC
1:30-3:00
RCA Working Committees
UMRA Executive Committee meets
UMAMN meets
3:30-5:30
RCA Annual Business meeting
UMRA Executive Committee meets
UMAMN meets
Dinner at SonRise UMC
7:30-9:00 Closing Worship including Rural Chaplains’ Certification Service and Holy Communion
Return to Quality Inn
Saturday, August 10
Complimentary Breakfast available
Departure