{"id":1313147,"date":"2019-08-03T12:28:01","date_gmt":"2019-08-03T18:28:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.postindependent.com\/aspen-chapels-50th-anniversary-celebration-part-of-way-it-is-increasing-its-community-outreach-for-future\/"},"modified":"2019-08-03T12:28:01","modified_gmt":"2019-08-03T18:28:01","slug":"aspen-chapels-50th-anniversary-celebration-part-of-way-it-is-increasing-its-community-outreach-for-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/local-news\/aspen-chapels-50th-anniversary-celebration-part-of-way-it-is-increasing-its-community-outreach-for-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Aspen Chapel\u2019s 50th anniversary celebration part of way it is increasing its community outreach for future"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"swift-gallery p402_hide\" readability=\"6.8856065367693\">\n<ul id=\"imageGallery-985401-267\" class=\"gallery list-unstyled\">\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy.jpg\" alt=\"The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-1-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-1.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-2-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-2.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-2.jpg\" alt=\"The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-3-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-3.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Chris Landry \/ Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Times Collection | The Aspen Chapel's 40-foot-high steeple hangs from a crane before it is placed on the tower in December 1968.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"9\">\n<p><strong>The Aspen Chapel&#8217;s 40-foot-high steeple hangs from a crane before it is placed on the tower in December 1968.<\/strong><br \/>Chris Landry \/ Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Times Collection<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-3.jpg\" alt=\"The Aspen Chapel's 40-foot-high steeple hangs from a crane before it is placed on the tower in December 1968.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-4-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-4.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Ken Jenkins \/ Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Times Collection | Aspen Chapel construction from October 1968. A caption with the photo that was published in The Aspen Times reads:\" taking shape meadowood subdivision west aspen prince peace. looking down from a hill at junction of castle and maroon creek the wayside chapel is due for completion in early class=\"h-100\" readability=\"0.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"12\">\n<p><strong>Aspen Chapel construction from October 1968. A caption with the photo that was published in The Aspen Times reads: &#8220;Taking shape at the Meadowood subdivision west of Aspen is the Chapel of the Prince of Peace. Looking down from a hill at the junction of the Castle and Maroon Creek roads, the wayside chapel is due for completion in early spring.&#8221;<\/strong><br \/>Ken Jenkins \/ Aspen Historical Society, Aspen Times Collection<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-4.jpg\" alt=\"Aspen Chapel construction from October 1968. A caption with the photo that was published in The Aspen Times reads: \" taking shape meadowood subdivision west aspen prince peace. looking down from a hill at junction of castle and maroon creek the wayside chapel is due for completion in early><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-5-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-5.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times | Aspen Chapel on a fall afternoon.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-2\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"7\">\n<p><strong>Aspen Chapel on a fall afternoon.<\/strong><br \/>Anna Stonehouse\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-5.jpg\" alt=\"Aspen Chapel on a fall afternoon.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-6-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-6.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Aspen Times file photo | Rev. Nicholas Vesey, the chapel\u2019s minister since 2014.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>Rev. Nicholas Vesey, the chapel\u2019s minister since 2014.<\/strong><br \/>Aspen Times file photo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-6.jpg\" alt=\"Rev. Nicholas Vesey, the chapel\u2019s minister since 2014.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-7-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-7.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Aspen Times file photo | The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-1.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"8\">\n<p><strong>The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.<\/strong><br \/>Aspen Times file photo<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-7.jpg\" alt=\"The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-8-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-8.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Aspen Chapel on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-0.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>Aspen Chapel on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-8.jpg\" alt=\"Aspen Chapel on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li data-thumb=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-9-150x150.jpg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-9.jpg\" data-sub-html=\"Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times | Aspen Chapel on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\" class=\"h-100\" readability=\"-0.5\">\n<div class=\"caption\" readability=\"10\">\n<p><strong>Aspen Chapel on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)<\/strong><br \/>Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row no-gutters h-100\">\n<div class=\"col my-auto\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.postindependent.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2019\/08\/aspenchapel-atd-080219-1-copy-9.jpg\" alt=\"Aspen Chapel on Wednesday, July 31, 2019. (Photo by Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"caption-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.postindependent.com\/news\/local\/aspen-chapels-50th-anniversary-celebration-part-of-way-it-is-increasing-its-community-outreach-for-future\/#\" class=\"show-captions\">Show Captions<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.postindependent.com\/news\/local\/aspen-chapels-50th-anniversary-celebration-part-of-way-it-is-increasing-its-community-outreach-for-future\/#\" class=\"hide-captions\">Hide Captions<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText DropCap\">For the past half-century, the chapel at the edge of Aspen has stood as a welcoming sight as visitors and locals have rolled into town. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, those with the institution want it to be Aspen\u2019s chapel, not just the chapel in Aspen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Based around the idea of inclusivity and not worrying about someone\u2019s past religious beliefs or where they stand now, Aspen Chapel continues to develop and find ways to be more inclusive, whether it\u2019s working more with local nonprofits to support what they are doing or giving someone a place to just sit, think and be.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">For the past few months, the chapel has been celebrating its golden anniversary with a number of speakers, programs and events that bring together those of different beliefs and faiths \u2014 from Christians to Buddhists, Judaism to Islam.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">The celebration culminates this weekend with festivities and rededication at the chapel. On Saturday, world-renowned theologian Matthew Fox spoke to \u201cDeeper Forms of Living.\u201d There is also a rededication event Sunday morning and a gala Monday celebrating the idea of immersing one\u2019s self in the elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">The idea of inclusivity is what the chapel was formed around, but new of late is reaching out to the community in ways beyond a Sunday service, a wedding ceremony, baptism, funeral or other traditional religious events.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cWe want to continue to be there for people who didn\u2019t have a home to go to. We want to be a spiritual home for everyone,\u201d Rev. Nicholas Vesey, the chapel\u2019s minister since 2014, said recently. \u201cWe try and say, \u2018Whoever you are, you don\u2019t have to believe in anything. It\u2019s not about belief. It\u2019s about a place you can go and be received and your spirit will be respected.\u2019<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cSome people come here because they don\u2019t have any place to go, but they needed to be somewhere where they were contained. We want to be that opportunity. We don\u2019t demand anything. It\u2019s the humanity at the center of it that\u2019s the most important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">The chapel opened in 1969, but after a few years of just being there, it was Gregg Anderson, now retired but the chaplain emeritus, who helped try to let the community know the chapel was open and welcoming, no strings or religion attached.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Anderson started visiting Aspen as a child in the 1950s when his family came to ski. His father suffered from polio and could not do a lot of activities but wanted his children to have those opportunities and brought them to ski and enjoy the outdoors.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Anderson said he returned to Aspen in 1972 with no intention of being a minister but rather on a break before applying to law school, which his father insisted on. That didn\u2019t happen, and Anderson started helping the community church.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Aspen Chapel opened in 1969, and in the first few years the chapel didn\u2019t have much activity and wasn\u2019t proactive. Anderson was hired in the spring of 1978 and focused on the interfaith idea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cThey were kind of sitting back and anyone who wanted to use it, they were open to that. They wanted to be a very open facility to the community,\u201d Anderson said. \u201cThey were never going after programs, and I started doing that and I guess that made a difference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cI started a devotional service on Sunday mornings. I understood the purpose and goals of the chapel, which was to be interfaith.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">To be inclusive and welcoming meant not having a membership, Anderson said, because that can close off some people.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cI coined the phrase, \u2018Because there\u2019s no insiders, there\u2019s no outsiders.\u2019 Always being open to all people,\u201d he said, \u201cand we are still in that way.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText Subhead\">opening the doors<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Anderson spent his first 20 years making it his mission to get a body of people to connect with the chapel so they could begin outreach into the community. It took time, but it came together.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">More constituencies formed with the music and choir, the gallery and the seminars.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Community outreach is what the chapel has been heavily involved in the past four years as Vesey and others continue in Anderson and the chapel\u2019s vision. They see helping other area nonprofits as one of the critical roles for the chapel in the coming decades.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Anderson retired in 2015 after nearly 37 years (and about 1,400 weddings), and he remains \u201cquite invested\u201d in the future of the chapel. He appreciates where things are headed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cThey are doing more of community outreach today, which is terrific that they are reaching out and coordinating with a lot of other nonprofits,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have a lot of different circles of people, which in one sense is not easy to do but in another sense in a broad form is being a chapel for Aspen.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Vesey said partnering with other nonprofits across the valley is not about duplicating the work others are doing but supporting what they are already doing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">A little over three years ago he threw open the doors to the nonprofits to come speak at a Sunday service to let people know what their group does. It was a way for both sides to learn about the other.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cOccasionally you do frighten the horses and you\u2019ll get somebody who will say this is a step too far for me,\u201d Vesey said of the open approach. \u201cBut basically, we\u2019ve got people here who\u2019ve done every course under the sun, and they just know there is a broad understanding of inclusivity that is at the center of who we are. And we want to promote that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Since then, the chapel has made partnerships and done events with English in Action, Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, the Buddy Program, Shining Stars, Habitat for Humanity, Lift Up and Senior Center, the chapel\u2019s managing director Heather Macdonald said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cOur goal is to become very community-centric, very community focused, and giving people opportunity to serve,\u201d Macdonald said. \u201cIt\u2019s one thing to go to a Sunday service or do a lecture. It\u2019s another thing to serve the community. That\u2019s part of linking in with other nonprofits. It\u2019s the service part of what we\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">As well, Tom Ward, co-director of the chapel\u2019s art gallery along with Michael Bonds, has worked in the past year plus with some of those groups as well as Huts for Vets, Wilderness Workshop, the Aspen Animal Shelter and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Those shows, which usually run about six weeks at a time, typically are not big money-makers, Ward said, but more importantly are about outreach.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">People who didn\u2019t know about what he calls \u201cAspen\u2019s best kept secret\u201d are visiting the gallery to support the groups\u2019 shows. At the same time, they learn a little something about the gallery and the chapel.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cIt\u2019s not so much a financial thing as it is it opens up the gallery to a bigger circle of people and opens up a way for their people to look at art in a different way,\u201d said Ward, who has been with the gallery since it started 34 years ago at the chapel. \u201cIt seems to be working so far for everyone. I don\u2019t think we had any idea it would take off the way it has. Every show we have had new people, a whole crowd we never had before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">They already are planning shows and finding partners on the 2020 schedule. Ward and the gallery have hosted 213 consecutive shows, and this new venture has supported that streak.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cThe more we give out, the more you get back,\u201d Ward said. \u201cOur purpose at the chapel is to be out there for people and reaching out and helping them.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText Subhead\">many avenues<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Also part of the Vesey\u2019s vision for the chapel in the coming years is to find new streams to pull people to the chapel. Included in that is a marketing plan (something he has a background in) and social media channels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Currently, the chapel has the technology with three cameras, solid lighting and audio. That, he says, will help as they explore different avenues to promote who they are and what they stand for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cThe concern for the local community is the first thing,\u201d Vesey said of the vision. \u201cSecond is representing the spirit leg of the mind, body and spirit side of Aspen. We want that to be a part of it. And we want to work more in the future to represent that side of things.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cThird, we want to be part of the development of a more equitable consciousness and society and make some kind of contribution to that sort of story.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">He said they average about 100 people at a Sunday service, and will have another 150 people who will access the service through their website or other ways.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Vesey wants to develop their broadcast network via YouTube and with a greater presence on Facebook. He said they are thinking about doing a television program from the chapel using the technology in place.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Anderson sees the advancements with technology as a way to show what the chapel represents.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cI think that\u2019s just terrific,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019ve had a good, good beginning with (video avenues).\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">Barbara Owens has been involved with the chapel\u2019s boards for 15 years, but her wedding in 1986 was one of the hundreds that Anderson performed at the chapel. Owens, who now serves on the board of trustees, said tapping into the improved technology is opening the doors to \u201cconnect with the world.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cIt\u2019s an interesting dynamic. People will come to the chapel for one thing then learn about other things going on and find like-minded people, and that is how community is built,\u201d she said. \u201cEach program we offer is an on-ramp for someone to get their spiritual needs met. From music and choir to arts to youth and adult education and others, they all are enriching in different ways.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">As well, more high-profile events with \u201cworld-class speakers from a spiritual perspective\u201d on a variety of topics are planned, Vesey said. He also is writing and releasing books related to chapel that he said will help build its credibility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">They have brought in consultants to look at the chapel\u2019s boards and the development in the future. That, he said, has brought on conversations on how they should be moving forward.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">The increased programming has brought \u201ca lot of vitality\u201d to the chapel in the past few years, and there is something going on there on any given day, Anderson said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cI wanted the chapel to be part of the community, and I would like to think we have made some significant inroads in doing that,\u201d Anderson said. \u201cIf we can continue to grow within the community and people see us as an integral part of this community and helping with the body, mind and spirit theme of our community, that\u2019s what I want to see happen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText\">\u201cAnd if we expand beyond that to downvalley, Colorado and the country and we can become known more of upholding this progressive theology. \u2026 I think we have a lot to offer and we need to make it known.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"STND-STND BodyText Tagline\"><a href=\"mailto:dkrause@aspentimes.com\">dkrause@aspentimes.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.postindependent.com\/news\/local\/aspen-chapels-50th-anniversary-celebration-part-of-way-it-is-increasing-its-community-outreach-for-future\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">via:: Post Independent<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th anniversary and this weekend there are a number of events to mark the milestone.Austin Colbert\/The Aspen Times The Aspen Chapel is celebrating its 50th [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[160],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1313147","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-local-news"},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-19 04:03:16","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSKE Ski Country","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1313147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1313147"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1313147\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1313147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1313147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1313147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}