While we did not write a blog earlier this year, we have been busy as a committee and staff with the Ryssby operations. We are still working through Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines from the State of Colorado and Boulder County. We still operate at 50% seating capacity with alternating pews marked off for social distancing.
In March the committee approved the expense of adding a second Columbarium that looks the same as the original one done in 2010. We approved the placement just west of the existing Columbarium. Visitors will be able to use the same stone benches for seating when visiting. The stone structure was built by Hicks Masonry who constructed the original columbarium. We took a few pictures during the project so you can see the process between April-June of this year.
Ryssby Cleanup day was very successful. We had many volunteers who helped clean up branches, leaves, and remove debri around the cemetery. Thanks to all who participated, we greatly appreciated the help. Enjoy a few pictures that help capture the volunteers and work being done.
The First Lutheran Ryssby Mid-summer worship and picnic was on June 28th with an outdoor service on the north side of the church. Due to Covid-19 we chose not to cater the event and asked everyone to bring their own lunch. The picnic provided a great opportunity for fellowship between the congregation, those who invited extended families, and guests of the Ryssby community. We appreciated the help by volunteers who showed up to set up the four large shelters on Saturday, and the tables and chairs on Sunday. Thanks to Pastor Garrett and church staff who planned and participated in the worship service. Thanks to the choir participants for making this worship service special with music. Thanks to Scott and Danny Bohnen for set up and operation of the outdoor microphones, speakers, piano, etc..
On June 26th, we accepted a painting of Ryssby church donated by Erin Stefano, the granddaughter of Carol Coburn, and great granddaughter of Larry & Peg Nelson. We had fellowship with Erin and her family for the Ryssby painting installation in the Narthex. The new painting hangs in the narthex with the painting of the original Ryssby church in Sweden (done by Martha Nelson Williams, a relative of Larry Nelson). Erin created note cards with the painting on the cover. The note cards can be purchased online, and a small proceed goes towards the Ryssby endowment fund (at https://www.enscanvas.com/product-page/ryssby-church).
Peggy Shupe, our Event Coordinator, has been busy with scheduling and coordinating events this year for Ryssby. There have been several memorials and weddings already with several more scheduled for this year.
Brian Winn, our caretaker, is doing an excellent job of maintaining the grounds at Ryssby. I’m sure if you visit with him at Ryssby he’ll have many stories to share about the work, activities, and wild life so far this summer. The irrigation system installed in 2020 is providing regular watering as we hoped and should keep the lawns green through the summer. We have a few trees that need trimming and branches removed. We plan to have this work done in the fall.
We are planning to paint the inside walls of the church in October of this year. It will be painted the same as the existing color and will brighten the inside. While we don’t know what restrictions and guidelines will be in December, we are hoping that we are able to host the beautiful Ryssby Candlelight services this year.
Herb Hergott
Ryssby Committee Chair