News & Events
COA Finds Space of Its Own
Center of Awakening (COA) has found a church home and will soon be moving into permanent space. It is located at the southeast corner of 20-Mile/Hilltop Road and Parker Road (right behind Vitamin Cottage). Construction is currently underway and the excitement is high!
While much renovation needs to be done before moving into the building, the Board of Trustees and congregation are busy behind-the-scenes as they raise funds to pay for the fit-out. A number of volunteers (construction professionals) are also helping with the project. During the past few years COA has purchased comfortable chairs, youth church supplies, office and music equipment and other necessities. COA'ers are anxious to put it all into place under one roof. Up until now the church has been mobile, and is currently holding services at Sagewood Middle School in south Parker. With the new space, dedicated volunteers can finally see an end to years of schlepping equipment each Sunday.
Center of Awakening, an independent Religious Science church, has been growing steadily since it began holding services nearly six years ago. A part of that growth includes The Institute, the educational arm of COA, which offers Bachelor and Master of Religious Studies degrees through classes held year-round. Classes have been held at various locations in the Parker and Franktown communities, but can now be brought together with the church's upcoming space.
If you would like more information about Center of Awakening, its philosophy, classes and culture, explore our website - and then come visit us on Sunday. You may also contact us for more information by calling (303) 805-9890 or via sending email to COA Secretary: COASecretary@CenterOfAwakening.org
We'd love to meet you and everyone is welcome!
Game Night...Swim & Surf Fun!!
On Friday, November 7, congregants and friends of Center of Awakening (COA) will meet at the Ascensions Cafe in Parker (18632 Pony Express Dr., across from the Parker Post Office). Dinner specials will be offered by the Cafe starting at 5:30 p.m.; games begin at 6:30 p.m. Bring your favorite board game or enjoy those provided by other participants.
This activity has been a favorite by many congregants who participated in the past. It's expected that the competition will be friendly and the fun and laughter abundant! No reservations required, but the Cafe's seating is limited to about 25 patrons. So come early and enjoy the evening with friends old and new.
If you would like more information, contact the Church Administrator, at (303) 805-9890 or via email to ChurchAdmin@CenterOfAwakening.org
And let the games begin!
Then, on Sunday, November 9, family and friends at Center of Awakening will gather at the Castle Rock Recreation Center (1:00-5:00 p.m.) for an afternoon of swimming, wallyball, workout and fun! Special arrangements have been made for the COA group. Please check in at the front desk.
Be sure to bring your own towel(s) and a padlock for the locker if you choose to get one. There are some restrictions with respect to certain types of shoes on the courts. Also, Recreation Center rules will apply in regard to children on exercise machines and specific areas of the Center. Parents will need to accompany their children while at the Rec Center. For more information and complete details, pick up an information sheet at church or contact the Church Administrator, at (303) 805-9890 or send an email to ChurchAdmin@CenterOfAwakening.org
The weather's great. The water's fine. There's lots to do. Come on in and enjoy the sunshine and friendship of an active group of lively folks.
October 11, 2008: Prosperous Practices (a workshop)
On Saturday, October 11, COA will present his annual abundance-focused workshop. This year the title is "Prosperous Practices." The intention of the 2008 workshop is to provide participants with ideas and techniques that support abundance consciousness, even if the media is calling it not-so-positive economic times. Every year the fall workshop proves to be a boost to people as we head into the holiday season. It's an opportunity to get centered on how much we truly have and how to retain that gratitude right on into the New Year!
"Prosperous Practices" is scheduled from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and will be open to all participants on a love offering basis. Pre-registration is requested so pertinent materials can be prepared in advance; however, all attendees will be welcomed on the day of the workshop; you can register at the door. If you have other specific questions regarding the workshop, please call 303-805-9890.
The workshop will be held at the Rx2 Wellness & Education Center, 7517 E. Hwy. 86, Unit B, Franktown, CO 80116. For more information about this workshop, contact us at (303) 805-9890; for directions to the facility, please contact Carla Ryan, Church Administrator, at (303) 805-9890. You can also register by email to ChurchAdmin@CenterOfAwakening.org
Come, be a part of holding a higher consciousness in these uncertain times - for yourself as well as for the rest of our family, friends and country. It's a great place to start!
June 28, 2008: What IS Religious Science? (a workshop)
Parker, CO - Center of Awakening (COA) , will be presenting a FREE workshop on Saturday, June 28, (1:00-4:00 p.m.) to discuss this topic in great depth. Bring your friends and questions.
People often ask: What is Religious Science? Is it Scientology? (no) What do you believe? Is there dogma? Is it like a church? Are you Christian-based? What do you believe about Jesus? This workshop will address all these questions and much more!
The workshop will be presented at the Rx2 Wellness & Education Center, 7517 E. Hwy. 86, Unit B, Franktown, CO 80116. For more information about this workshop, contact Dr. Vern Martin (303) 805-9890 or call Carla Ryan, Church Administrator, at (303) 805-9890 for registration and directions to the facility. Pre-registration is requested. You can register by email to ChurchAdmin@CenterOfAwakening.org or calling (303) 663-0817.
January 25, 2008: Center of Awakening Celebrates 5 years
Parker, CO - Center of Awakening (COA), an independent Religious Science church, has been part of the Parker community for several years now and will be celebrating its fifth anniversary as a church on January 25. A special "Hawaiian theme" gala is being planned for that evening at the Mainstreet Gallery in downtown Parker, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m). There will be music, presentations, special guests, light refreshments and even activities for the children.
All are invited to help us celebrate this important milestone in the church's history. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Hawaiian shirts, leis, and bright vacation garb to support the theme and the ever-present fun atmosphere that COA supports. This event is sure to attract a rich blend of memories, stories and personalities. Join us in remembering where we came from and in planning for our bright future! We invite you to become a part of the church today and a piece of its history tomorrow.
For more information about this event, contact Chris Plant, Activities & Events Coordinator, at (303) 663-9609 or Church Administrator, at (303) 805-9890.
Press Releases
August 9, 2006: Local Pianist Prepares for International Competition
Larkspur, CO - Dale Backus is a Mechanical Engineer by trade, but his passion is music. He is a freelance pianist/keyboardist who competes internationally as an amateur pianist and has received many awards, including 4th place Jury Award and 2nd place Audience Award at the International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs in 2003 in Paris, France. Dale is now preparing for the Berlin International Piano Competition to be held in Germany September 18-23.
One of the ways that Dale prepares for these international competitions is to perform his selected classical pieces informally at local settings. He did this recently at Wells Music in Denver (685 S. Broadway) and will be hosting another recital on September 10 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at his family's Larkspur home studio.
Dale's selection includes such classical composers as Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Liszt and Bach, with works that span over 200 years. Not only do these recitals give Dale the opportunity to do a thorough run-through for his performance, they also allow him to practice with a live audience - a key component of the competition where there will be hundreds of people watching each competitor on-stage. Among the comments of those who attended, watched and listened at his recent recital were "amazing," "wonderful," and "he's an amateur?"
Dale has been playing classical music for nearly 30 years and teaches students as well. He has several degrees, including a BA in Music from Wake Forest, a Masters in Music from University of Michigan and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman. Dale is also the main keyboardist nearly every Sunday at Center of Awakening in Parker (www.CenterOfAwakening.org) and even does a bit of backup vocals with the church band. In addition he performs with 2004 Colorado Songwriter of the Year, Marcy Baruch.
The public is warmly invited to attend the final pre-competition recital on September 10 and to cheer him on in his musical endeavors. Donations received at the September recital will be given to Center of Awakening. For directions to his home studio, contact Dale at (720) 218-1410.