Archive | Activities

Wild Animal Sanctuary, Sept. 24, 2011

The weather cooperated perfectly for an afternoon at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado. Nineteen Church of the Hills members, family, and friends enjoyed spending time with one another and with tigers, African and mountain lions, grizzly and black bears and wolves. The sanctuary offered a brief orientation before we climbed the stairs to […]

Wild Animal Sanctuary Field Trip, September 24, 2011

As printed in the September 2011 issue of Echoes Wild Animal Sanctuary Field Trip, September 24, 2011 To coincide with the fall sermon theme “Where the Wild Things Are,” the Sabbatical team is excited to offer a field trip to the Wild Animal Sanctuary east of Brighton, Colorado. This sanctuary is home to a variety of […]

Peak Experience – COTH Hikers Enjoy Their Day

Church of the Hills hikers responded to the invitation for a “peak experience” on Saturday, August 20 to coincide with Pastor Dee’s summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. COTH Hikers Enjoy Their Day by Oralie McAfee; photos courtesy of Jill Hesser It was a perfect day for hiking in Colorado’s mountains as Church of the Hills hikers gathered […]

Article: Mountain Connection, July 2011

    Published in the July 2011 issue of the Mountain Connection Magazine COTH Dances With Wolves By Amy Fisher For those of us fortunate enough to live in our beautiful mountain communities, getting up close and personal with wildlife typically occurs every day—perhaps an elk jam on the way to work or witnessing a mother […]

Wolf and Wildlife Sanctuary, Part 4

Part 4 of Dee’s experiences from the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center ~ May 14, 2011 Humans Join in the Happy Chorus As I mentioned in earlier posts, we were encircled by 20 plus wolves as our leader lead the howling experience.  We listened as she described the differences in tonal qualities and pitches.  As she began, […]

Wolf and Wildlife Sanctuary, Part 3

Part 3 of Dee’s experiences from the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center ~ May 14, 2011 Invitation to play and participate After we circled the compound getting introduced to each of the wolves and their friends, after we learned of their histories, the wounds, the celebrations, the strengths, and their struggles, we were invited by the leaders […]

Wolf and Wildlife Sanctuary, Part 2

Part 2 of Dee’s experiences from the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center ~ May 14, 2011 Love and Affection When we sat down in the enclosure, the wolves immediately went for Lilly, showering her with love and kisses.  The guides had shared with us the protocol: if they love you, they are freely affectionate.  They will […]

Wolf and Wildlife Sanctuary, Part 1

Dee’s experiences from the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center ~ Divide, Colorado ~ May 14, 2011 WOW and amazing—I found myself saying these words over and over as we wandered through the Wolf Sanctuary.  As we walked through the sanctuary being introduced to all of the wolves, the Timberlines, the gorgeous Arctics, the hesitant Mexican, […]

Overview of Summer Series

As presented during “Seconds for Sabbatical,” May 8, 2011 An overview of the Summer Series, currently being developed by the Sabbatical Team, was presented by Jill Hesser, highlighting Pastor Dee’s summer itinerary and how the the local schedule of activities relates. Elements from Dee’s itinerary – from California to Bimini to Oregon and finishing in Tanzania – will be highlighted through […]