Enc august 2015

MUSIC MINISTRIES YOUTH SINGERS GEARING UP FOR THE FALL! Our incredible youth choir is gearing up to start soon! Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to come join our annual Fall Workshop on Saturday, August 22, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

All new members should come at 8:00 am to the Choir Room (located in the Lower Level). We will have light breakfast snacks and music and robes will be assigned. All returning members should come at 8:30 am for breakfast snacks and social time. We will sing, share, and enjoy pizza for lunch together! This date is the ONLY time we have for worship preparation for August 23 (Labor Day), so it is crucial for all to come!

Any prospective new members who cannot come to the Workshop should plan on coming to the first regular rehearsal which is Sunday, September 6 at 3:45 pm.

Questions? Call the Music Office at 471-8522, ext. 221.

worship as we look at fall anthems and plans for the year. Come join us!

Questions? Call the Music Office at 4718522, ext. 221.

WHY PARTICIPATE IN CHILDREN’S CHOIRS? In choir at FUMC, we strive to teach each child musical and spiritual concepts starting at age 4. Children who are in choir learn how to be a part of a group. They learn how to feel and count rhythm and match pitch.

The words they learn are solid words of scripture or a scriptural truth which will last a lifetime. This is a wonderful musical experience for our children!

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS Our Children’s Choirs will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, September 9. We offer beginning handbells for students in grades 4-6. They rehearse in Room 8 (Lower Level) 5:30 - 6:15 pm. Come join us!

CHANCEL CHOIR FALL WORKSHOP

OUR SINGING CHOIRS ARE:

The Chancel Choir will officially exit their “Summer Mode” with the annual Fall Workshop which will be held Saturday, August 29, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm at Broadmoor Community Church located at 315 Lake Avenue. All participants should bring a sack lunch and drink. Breakfast snacks, coffee and juice will be provided. We will have a day of singing, fellowship, and closing

Cherub Choir: Ages 4-5, this choir rehearses on SUNDAYS at 10:30 am in Kingdom City.

Chorister Choir: Grades 1-3 rehearses in Room 7 (Lower Level), WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 7:30 pm.

Cathedral Choir: Grades 4-6, rehearses in the Choir Room (Lower Level), WEDNESDAYS, 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

IN THIS ISSUE...

New

By Kent Ingram - Page 2

Around the Church & Beyond Page 3 & 4

Calendar of Events Page 5

Children’s Ministries Page 6

Youth Ministries Page 7

Around the Church & Beyond Page 8 & 9

Mission Ministries Page 10

Caring Ministries Page 10

Men’s Retreat Back Cover

New

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

My wife pointed out to me that this will be the first August in 21 years that we have not had a child going to school. Granted, the last few years the kids were in college, so it meant mostly that we get the checkbook out and pay their way! But, still, it seems strange to not have a child in school. School has been such a big part of our lives for so long.

We are soon to start another fall at First Church. Many of you have had good vacations, a chance to rest and renew.

Now you have a decision to make; how grow, we will be putting will I be involved in the ministries of my church this fall? First of all, I would ourselves in the place challenge you to commit to worship. This is the foundational form of involvement to become the church God that provides the spiritual sustenance support for all other activities. Then wants us to be.”

“Like an ever rolling stream,” says one of consider a way you can serve through one our hymns to describe the nature of life. It of the many mission and caring ministry does move on, relentlessly and methodically. opportunities we offer.

Or maybe God is calling you to serve by We can deal with it in several ways. We can resist, cling to the past, working with the youth or children in our church. There are many and grieve over the way things change. Or, we can try to ignore it, other opportunities to serve, from driving a bus, to working a to go on as if nothing has changed. Or, better yet, we can embrace camera, to helping in our welcoming ministries. Find your place. it! We can look at these moments in life as a time to do and to experience new things. We can see these moments as new Then find a way to go deeper in your faith. Sign up for a class. Sing in a choir. Be a part of a contemplative prayer or worship group. beginnings and seek what life has to offer at this stage.

In the church, we have several places built into the calendar for If we worship, serve, and grow, we will be putting ourselves in the place to become the church God wants us to be. We are on the new beginnings. Our church year begins with Advent, at the end of edge of a new time in our church. Will you be a part of it?

November. The calendar year begins January 1, and that always provides opportunities to start anew. We also have the start of the See you in worship! fall ministries and the new programs and opportunities that come Kent with that.

“If we worship, serve, and

First United Methodist Church 420 North Nevada Avenue. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-471-8522 • www.fumc-cs.org

Considering Membership at First UMC? If you are interested in membership at First United Methodist Church or have questions, please call 719-471-8522 ext. 237 for more information.

Sunday Worship Service Times 7:30 am Early Riser in the Chapel 8:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Contemporary in the Sanctuary 11:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary Live broadcasts of the 11:00 am service on FOX, channel 21.2 (cable 7) and CW 57. Closed captioning available.

The Encounter is printed and published once a month by First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Materials for inclusion are due three weeks before publication date and are subject to approval. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be included.

Articles, comments, or suggestions are welcomed by emailing, annaliec@fumc-cs.org or calling, 719-471-8522 ext. 272.

Sunday School Classes are at 9:30 & 10:45 am

2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

Cover Photo: Chancel Choir Performance of the National Anthem at the Sky Sox Stadium on July 10, 2015.

WORDS FROM

LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER As you are probably aware, the 2015 Rocky Mountain Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church took place June 11-14.

I thought I would share some of the highlights of the conference.

This was the 47th Annual Conference and was held at the YMCA camp at Estes Park. This year, the conference was hosted by the “Peaks and Plains District.” The conference theme was “Renewal of Creation,” with an emphasis on the environment.

Delegates for General Conference and Western Jurisdictional Conference were elected from both the laity and clergy. Kent Ingram was elected with more votes than any of the clergy candidates within the conference. Therefore, Kent will be the delegate leader for both the General and Jurisdictional Conferences. In addition to being a great honor, this is also indicative of the tremendous respect Kent receives from fellow clergy throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference. His responsibilities will include: organizing the delegation through committee assignments, caring for details (such as travel and housing), working with other delegations to accomplish shared goals, helping the delegation make connections with other delegates, and providing leadership at the delegate meetings as it plans for the conferences.

The conference began Thursday morning with orientation and was followed by a memorial service for those clergy members and spouses who had died this past year. The Episcopal Address was presented by Bishop Elaine Stanovsky. Bishop Stanovsky used “Cultivating the Tree of Life” as a means to reflect on how our outreach missions are accomplishing God’s plan. She also stated that God’s plan may include “Renewal of Creation,” requiring significant changes to our present church structure. Due to continued decreasing church numbers, a future committee is considering merging the Rocky Mountain Conference and the Yellowstone Conference into a single “Mountain Sky Conference.”

Annual Conference ended Sunday, June 14, with the commissioning of Hispanic/Latino ministry missionary, ordination and commissioning of clergy, and announcement of appointments. I would encourage those who have an interest in attending the conference to make their interest known, as there is always a need for Lay Equalization Delegates. If you have questions regarding specifics of the conference you may go to rmcumc.org for more detailed information.

Friday and Saturday mornings began with worship and Bible study presented by Rebecca Parker, who spoke to us about “Saving Paradise: Responding to God’s Renewed Creation.” The remainder of the day was composed mostly of plenary and workshops.

We are in the process of starting to plan for this wonderful celebration. Whether you would like to help plan, decorate, serve or clean up for this event, the choice is yours! Let’s celebrate with the couples that still say… “I do” and honor their love and wisdom for one another! If you are interested in helping plan the 2015 Goldenweds Celebration event, please contact Melissa Williams at melissaw@fumc-cs.org, or call 471-8522 ext. 237.

The Rocky Mountain Conference was presented with an UMCOR award for having the highest participation within the western jurisdiction. One hundred percent of our apportionment was paid.

Additionally, the 2016 budget of $5.6M was adopted, which remained the same as 2015.

There were relatively few petitions this year. Probably the most controversial petition was GC01, which asks the General Conference to eliminate restrictive language within the Methodist Book of Discipline regarding ordination of homosexuals and same sex marriage. The petition passed by a wide margin and will be sent to the General Conference for consideration.

The General Conference will be held May 10-20, 2016, in Portland, Oregon. General Conference is the highest governing body of the United Methodist Church and considers proposals to change structure, social principles and organization of the church, as well as set the budget for the denomination.

Leland Reece

GOLDENWEDS CELEBRATION COMMITTEE

GOLDENWEDS CELEBRATION The Annual Goldenweds Celebration Luncheon is planned for Sunday, September 27. If you have been married 50+ years, or you will celebrate your 50th anniversary in 2015, and you don’t believe you have provided the church with your wedding date, please call Donna DiMuccio at 471-8522 ext. 203, or email donnad@fumc-cs.org and she will make sure you receive an invitation.

The Western Jurisdictional Conference will be held July 13-16, 2016 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jurisdictional Conference’s primary task is to elect bishops. It is likely that our Western Jurisdiction will elect one new bishop next year.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 3

NOAH GROUP IS HEADED TO A ROCKIES GAME! NOAH group is headed to the Rockies Game Wednesday, August 5.

We will leave the church at 10:30 am and return when the game is over.

Don’t forget to bring money for your lunch at the ballpark. Our Rockies will be playing Seattle. Check with Rev. Jerry Hurst at jerryh@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522 to see if he still has tickets. The cost for the event is $15 per person.

NOAH BREAKFAST Our breakfast this month is on Thursday, August 6, at The Egg & I on North Academy. If you are 50+ years of age, you are invited to join us! We meet once a month at 9:00 am for great food and Christian fellowship. No reservations are required. Come join us!

BUS FUND RAISER EVENT Monday, August 17 is set for a NOAH breakfast fundraiser for the bus. We will meet at 9:00 am at the Cliff House in Manitou Springs for breakfast, a historical tour, and after-breakfast coffee with piano entertainment in the sitting room.

The cost for the event is $25 per person. Proceeds will go to the “New Bus Campaign.” We can only seat a limited number of people, so please contact Rev. Jerry Hurst as soon as possible to get your name on the list. The Cliff House has a wonderful breakfast buffet, which is included in this price.

FIRST COMPANY’S AUDITIONS FOR ARSENIC & OLD LACE AUDITIONS DATES & LOCATION: First United Methodist Church; Tuesday, August 18 at 7:00 pm OR Wednesday, August 19 at 7:00 pm.

Callbacks are on Thursday, August 20.

UMW SUMMER DAY AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH United Methodist Women would like to invite you for a time of retreat and challenge at John Wesley Ranch Retreat Center. The UMW will host this event on Saturday, August 8, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Featured for the program is Det. Elli Reid from the Colorado Springs Police Department sharing a Power Point presentation on Human Trafficking. She works with the Human Trafficking Unit formed in 2013, with her assignment beginning in 2014.

The schedule for the day includes: 10:00

Gathering and Enjoying the Setting

10:30

Program

11:30

Luncheon

Bus reservations may be made with Charleen Colvin at 637-3503.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

AARP DRIVER SAFETY On Tuesday, August 11, we will be offering another Driver Safety class. A certified instructor from AARP will teach this class. Most insurance companies offer a discount to those who complete it. The cost for the class is $15 (cash) for AARP members and $20 (cash) for non AARP members. Bring your AARP card. The class will meet from 1:00 - 5:00 pm in Room 135. To sign-up, or for additional information, please contact John Graves at 632-6132 or at gravesj1@comcast.net.

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PERFORMANCES: October 30, 31, and November 1 / November 6, 7, and 8.

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. Prepare a 60-90 second monologue.

Bring a list with any conflicts, vacations, etc., between the dates of September 8 - October 29.

QUESTIONS: firstcompanytheatre@gmail.com

END OF SUMMER RANCH VOLUNTEER DAY Saturday, August 29 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Didn't have a chance to make it to the Ranch this summer? Here's your opportunity! The Ranch is having an end of summer volunteer day on Saturday, August 29, 9:00 am 1:00 pm. There will be plenty of opportunities for all ages to volunteer their time in making the Ranch even more beautiful than it already is.

Lunch will be provided. Hope to see you there! If you have any questions or just want to chat, give Chris Thornton a call at 687-2148, or email christ@fumc-cs.org.

Wednesday,

August 5

NOAH goes to Colorado Rockies Game

Thursday,

August 6

NOAH Breakfast — The Egg & I

Saturday,

August 8

UMW Summer Day — John Wesley Ranch

10:00 am

Sunday,

August 9

Bereavement Ministry Luncheon

12:00 pm

Tuesday,

August 11

AARP Driver Safety Class — Room 135

Thursday,

August 13

Contemplative Journey Program — (See page 9 for details)

August 16 & 23

Children’s Ministries Registration Fair — (See page 6 for details)

August 17

Bus Fund Raiser Event — The Cliff House

9:00 am

Aug 18 or 19

First Company’s Auditions for Arsenic & Old Lace

7:00 pm

August 29

End of Summer Ranch Volunteer Day

9:00 am

August 29 &30

Acolyte Training and Party — (See page 6 for details)

August 30

Homebound Visitor Luncheon

Sundays, Monday, Tues or Wed, Sunday, Sat & Sun, Sunday,

9:00 am

1:00 pm

12:00 pm

Thurs & Fri,

September 3 & 4 Preschool Open House

Wednesday,

September 9

Faith Academy Classes & Wednesday Night Dinners Begin

Wednesday,

September 16

Grief Support Group Begins

Sunday,

September 27

Goldenweds Celebration

6:30 pm

ONLINE GIVING is an easy way to make contributions to the church. To access the giving page visit our website at www.fumc-cs.org and click on the ‘GIVE’ tab on the top menu. If you are a first-time visitor to the site, you will be prompted to sign-up for an account. You can easily set up your transactions as a one-time gift or a recurring donation. It’s that easy!

A GIVING KIOSK is also available at the Welcome Desk. This is a convenient way to donate right at church. Just select a fund, enter an amount, and swipe your card!

SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW FOR QUICK ACCESS TO GIVING

TEXT GIVING is our newest way to give. Text 719-298-3177 on your phone (a one-time sign-up will be prompted), type the word “Funds” (a list to choose from will pop up on your screen), text the amount + the fund name of your choice (i.e. – $100 New Bus).

For more information, please contact Annalie Ceballos at 471-8522, ext. 272, or annaliec@fumc-cs.org.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 5

SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30AM) We are just finishing our Summer Rotation, where we have been learning all about UMCOR and GBOD, along with how we are in missions all around the world! Our Fall Rotation will begin September 20. Come join us!

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Our Children’s Worship time will continue learning about how FUMC is in mission right here in Colorado Springs. After Labor Day, we will begin our Fall Rotation format. Week 1, we will have a hands on mission moment. Week 2, we will have a mini-worship service. Week 3, we will play games around the scripture from the worship service. Week 4, we will watch a movie to tie the story all together.

REGISTRATION FAIR August 16 & 23 Whether you are new to First United Methodist Church or even if you have been attending here for many years, we want your children to feel welcomed and loved!

6 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

We will have registration tables set up near the Hospitality Center with our 2015-2016 registration forms. It is very important that we make sure your contact information is up-to-date for both you and your children!

ACOLYTE TRAINING AND PARTY! August 29 & 30 If you are in 3rd-6th grade and are interested in being an Acolyte for the 8:00 am or the 11:00 am service, please let us know by contacting Janita at janitam@fumc-cs.org or at 471-8522 ext. 246. Acolytes will receive training on Saturday, August 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Then they will be blessed at the 8:00 and 11:00 am services on Sunday, August 30.

PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE September 3 & 4 You and your child are invited to attend your child’s Preschool or Mother’s Morning Out (MMO) Open House. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet teachers, parents and other children in the class. The first day of school will be a fun day for both of you! For more information, please contact Janita McGregor at Janitam@fumc-cs.org.

Directions from downtown: Go north on Cascade, past Uintah, left on W. Fontanero, go 2.5 blocks; park at parking lot where Fontanero takes a hard left curve; go down steps to field below.

Bring: Plenty of water!

LOVE FEAST WITH RIDES 4 RUBBISH (R4R) Sunday, August 16, 2:30-5:00 pm Fellowship Hall Parents and Youth We need parents and youth to sign up and bring a dish to share and help us serve this very special meal for our downtown neighbors. These are the folks who join us in cleaning up our streets each month with R4R. We’ll set up the room and welcome our guests as brothers and sisters in God’s common family. We need meats, side dishes and desserts. To sign up, please email Todd at todds@fumc-cs.org.

LAY YOUTH MINISTRY TRAINING, PART ONE Wednesday, August 19, 5:00-6:15 pm, Room 52

EPIC (EVERYTHING’S POSSIBLE IN CHRIST) Summer Sunday School for Youth - 9:30 am Teachers: Intern Derrick Christopherson and Todd Spencer Each week, we will consider the connections between the Bible and everyday life.

AUGUST ELITCH GARDENS DAY Wednesday, August 5 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Meeting place and pick-up at FUMC north entrance. Cost: $25 per person (Reserve your spot by 5:00 pm the night before by emailing todds@fumc-cs.org. We have to make sure we have enough seats on the buses).

What to Bring: 1. Your completed FUMC Youth Trip Forms (http://www.fumccs.org/documents—forms) 2.

Cash for your own lunch in the park and a locker if you need one

3.

Water park clothing if you want to enjoy the water attractions

CAPTURE THE TRASH/FLAG IN THE PARK Wednesday, August 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, No Meal Meet at Monument Valley Park off of Fontanero.

First, we’ll give back by picking up trash and cleaning up the park.

Then, we’ll play a couple of rounds of Capture the Flag!

If you are an adult or youth wishing to serve this year in our ministry, join us for Part One of our required two-part training.

Part Two training will be on August 26. Leaders who complete this training serve as Small Group Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, Zone Hosts, Youth Advisory Team members and more.

This is important training and spiritual formation, through which God will bless our ministry in the days ahead!

INSTAGRAM SCAVENGER HUNT: FALL KICK OFF Wednesday, August 19, 6:30-8:30 pm (Snack Dinner Included), The Zone After we eat a snack dinner, we’ll divide up into teams of youth and adult leaders to compete in our annual scavenger hunt downtown. This is a great time to bring friends. Don’t miss it!

LAY YOUTH MINISTRY TRAINING, PART TWO Wednesday, August 26, 5:00-6:15 pm, Room 52 All adults or youths who participated on the Part One training, please join us one more time for the completion of the Lay Youth Ministry training.

TEAM BUILDING NIGHT: CREATING OUR SMALL GROUPS Wednesday, August 26, 6:30 - 8:30 pm (Meal Included), The Zone After dinner, we’ll be creating our new small groups for the year and then completing fun (and perhaps gross) team-building challenges together with our small groups. Each year, we start from ground zero with new small groups, so this is always a fun way to get us on our way. Bring a friend!

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 7

Think of the history and all the meals that have been prepared with love in this kitchen.

It is truly amazing!

Good food nourishes our bodies and strengthens our community, which fills our hearts. God wants us to take care of one another. Here is an invitation for you to help prepare a healthful and nourishing meal for WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS. Now is the time to join our small kitchen volunteer groups and help us create community, one meal at a time.

HOW DOES IT WORK? We have a few small groups ready to go, starting on September 9. We are looking for a few more groups to help prepare a meal once every few months. You can be as creative as you want to be, cook your favorite soup and help prepare the salad bar. Prepare your favorite childhood dessert, or whip up your favorite casserole.

Real food simply made! If you would like to learn more, or to join a group, please contact Melissa Williams at melissaw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 237.

MAKE A MEAL. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

BE PART OF THIS NEW ADVENTURE!

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The fourth session of and for the fall begins on September 9. This session will run for five weeks, September 16, 23, 30, and October 7. Registration for classes is not needed. Dinner is served from 5:00 - 6:30 pm and classes follow at 6:30 pm. Information for this session of Faith Academy will be in the September Encounter.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD 2015 It is almost time to head back to school, and the Scholarship Committee and the Foundation of the First United Methodist Church are pleased to assist several students with scholarships for the 20152016 academic year. The Committee chose Kaitlyn Cole to receive the Debra Hadley, as well as the Kenneth and Joyce Stave-Kentner Scholarships. The Martin/ Agee Student Scholarship was presented to Tessa Bronner. Nicole Louis has received the Patricia Puryear Scholarship. The Joseph R Simansky Scholarship is awarded to Annika Bultema. Mary Stevens was selected to receive the Bereans’ Scholarship. Jeanne Wickham and Lisa Brashar will each receive Joyce and Perry Trytten scholarships.

Since these scholarship funds, as well as the Miriam Barrett Seminary Scholarship, the Debra L. Hadley Youth Singers and the Kris Lohrmeyer Youth Scholarship were established, the Scholarship Committee has awarded more than $90,000 in scholarships toward continuing education, youth mission trips and youth choir tours. The challenge of determining awards becomes more difficult with each year, as the applicants continue to become increasingly outstanding. We could have presented additional scholarships had we had more funds available.

Members of FUMC have a long history of generosity, and our Foundation has an excellent record of growing the established funds. Deepest appreciation is extended to all those who have endowed these scholarships and/or contributed to them through the years. If you are considering establishing a scholarship fund or would like to contribute to an established scholarship, please visit us online at http://www.fumc-cs.org/fumc-foundation- and submit the form with your comments/questions.

CROP WALK Each year Church World Service sponsors an event known as the Crop Walk. Originally founded to help the people starving in postWorld War II Europe and Asia The Crop Walk, Christian Rural Overseas Program, has evolved into interfaith education and fundraising events all over the U.S. There were more than 1,300 walks and 116,000 participants raising more than 12 million dollars last year.

On Sunday, October 4, the annual Colorado Springs CROP Walk will be held. FUMC will have a team this year and up to 25% of the proceeds will stay locally to support Ecumenical Social Ministries. More than half of those who participate in a CROP Walk are doing it for the second, third, fourth or more time, with two-thirds of participants being women — so let’s up that participation, men! Please plan to be a part of this community event, either by walking or supporting one of the walkers from FUMC. We will be working together to build a world with enough for all. Opportunities to sign up will begin mid-August, so watch for the table in the Hospitality Center.

DUO TRIBUTE In 1971, the year of our church’s centennial, the DUO (Do Unto Others) Sunday School Class had been in existence for eight years. Rev. Phil Green began putting together young married couples into a Sunday School class in August, 1963. When the DUO class outgrew its Tower Room meeting place, it moved to the church Parlor. The class membership grew, prospered and did good deeds down through the years. With the passage of time, membership diminished. When Rev. Green celebrated his DUO class’s fifty year birthday in 2013, the surviving celebrants were grandparents. The DUO class held its final Sunday School class meeting on December, 21, 2014. This class has been a great blessing to our church. We give thanks for the wonderful ministry and service FUMC has received due to the dedicated Christian servants of DUO! Luke 6:31 “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

LIST OF DUO CLASS MEMBERS OVER THE PAST YEARS Hubbard, Osborne, Bay, Ross, Kirby, Alldridge, Hunter, Kenyon, Unks, Touchard, Cain, Hall, Boucher, Gianarelli, Williams, Corey, Widger, Sieck, Lovell, Traylor, Graves, Helman, Ryals, Hile, Coffey, Heilman, Kiser, Stegner, Greenley, Stratton, Fleming, Sladek, Doty, Smart, Gaessler, Evans, Swartzendruber, Vizas, Carpenter, Heacock, Vig, Swift, Blossey, Fox, Hiatt, Jouett, Prock, Thompson, Gansky, Riead, Ohrdorf, Crow, Ray, Naylor, Scholz, Nyfeler, Carper, Reynolds, Marshall, Mugasis, Gosnell, Davis, Dickenson, Grusing, Harmer, Moore, Myers, Snedaker, Richardson, Rector, Cain, Westphal, Forst, and Freeburg.

Funds raised from Crop Walk events provide food, water, wells, seed, tools, technical training and micro-enterprise loans. People are empowered to identify their own development priorities, strengths and needs and with the help of Church World Service improve their livelihood and communities. It is important to know that a portion of the funds raised at each location remains within that community. Last year $4 million was provided to food banks, pantries, community gardens and other local efforts around the U.S.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 9

R4R/YOUTH MINISTRY LOVE FEAST The Rides for Rubbish mission ministry and the Youth Ministry, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Todd Spencer, are teaming up Sunday, August 16, for our semi-annual Love Feast celebration with our Marion House clients and friends.

The Love Feast is a Christian fellowship meal recalling the meals Jesus shared with disciples. The modern history of the Love Feast was begun by the Moravians in Germany and first experienced by John Wesley in Savannah, Georgia, ten years later. It quickly became an important part of early American Methodism.

Rather than picking up trash in the downtown parks that day, our mission team will partner with the Marion House clients, working together on a project designated by our facility staff here at the church. While working on this project we will be celebrating community and creating fellowship. Our youth will be participating in mission by preparing dinner for us downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. After finishing our project, we will all come together to share food, music, testimony, and Christ’s love.

Rides for Rubbish meets at 1:45 pm on the third Sunday of each month just west of the Marion House in Monument Valley Park.

Approximately twenty clients from the Marion House divide up with four team leaders and head out to pick up trash in the downtown area and parks for 1½ hours. Upon returning, we celebrate with a short devotional and communion in the park.

Each client receives 14 bus passes in exchange for their help in keeping God’s kingdom beautiful. If you would like to experience some of the joy of creating community in this mission, come join our team, or contact Rev. Chuck Stephens at chucks @fumc-cs.org or 719-471-8522, ext. 208.

OVER THE TOP! Kenneth Koome Nkando is a missionary of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church assigned as the mission financial officer in the East Angola Annual Conference in Africa. Koome has been in Angola for more than a year, rebuilding ministries and facilities after Angola's long civil war. In Angola, the roads are rough, and he has to walk or use a bus to oversee the projects. Koome needs a truck to haul building materials, transport visiting mission teams, and help transport pastors serving very remote churches.

The Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone conferences are teaming up to buy a truck for Ken. The Rocky Mountain Conference has committed to raise $12,000. Through the efforts of the United Methodist Women and the mission’s council in June, First United

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Methodist Church was able to contribute $3,000 towards this goal from our congregation alone. FUMC has received notice that our efforts put this mission initiative “over the top.” Thank you to all who continue to support and donate to our missional efforts here at First United Methodist Church. Bishop Elaine J. W. Stanovsky.

“God is at work in the world through disciples of Jesus Christ who gather in our churches.”

MISSION TRIP TO RUSSIA Would you like to visit Russia, see Moscow and St. Petersburg, and also do mission work in the most ancient city, Novgorod? The Russia Initiative Board is considering a trip in 2016, and we invite your input.

We are considering a river cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg, which would include such famous places as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theater, The Hermitage, Catherine’s Palace and many other beautiful sites.

In Moscow, we would visit the Methodist Seminary and have a meeting with Bishop Eduard Khegay. From St. Petersburg we would go by motor coach to Novgorod, where home stays or hotel accommodations would be arranged.

In Novgorod, we would meet with the members of the Methodist Church that our church has supported since its ‘birth’ in 1999. Dr. Gerald Trigg was with the team that made our initial visit in 1993.

Twenty-two years of friendship and financial support have been vital to the Russian congregation, and they would welcome a visit.

We would worship with the congregation, enjoy Bible study together, and participate with them in their mission program for children. The team would get to know the pastor, members of the church and their ministry. Together we would pray and discern the future direction for this mission.

If you would like to discuss our mission in Novgorod and help decide dates and itinerary for this most meaningful trip, please contact Rev. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 208, or Rev. Judy Owsley at bjowsley@msn.com or 473-8071.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES To learn about all our volunteer opportunities, please visit us online at www.fumc-cs.org. Scroll down to the bottom of the Home Page and look for the VOLUNTEER box (on the right-hand side of the screen). Click on the ministry of your choice to learn more and to sign up online.

RESTING IN GOD: CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER ON THURSDAY MORNINGS In our fast-paced culture, we often find ourselves running from one thing to the next. But our souls need time to stop, to simply be, and open ourselves to the presence of God. You are invited to join a contemplative prayer group that meets in the FUMC Prayer Room on Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:30 am. This time provides for a period of Centering Prayer (a silent form of Christian meditation), followed by Lectio Divina (meditative reading of scripture). Familiarity with the spiritual practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina are not necessary, as an introduction can be provided at any time to newcomers. This is a drop in prayer group, meaning that you can come as your schedule allows.

For more information, please contact Rev. Patty Walker, at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 204.

There is also a Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina group, called Holy Listeners, that meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm in the Campbell Reading Room. For more information about that group, please contact Dan and Lori Lohrmeyer at 630-1809.

DO YOU HAVE A HEART FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING? Bereavement Ministry Lunch!

Our Bereavement Ministers are lay persons who provide one-on-one care (through phone calls, visits, prayer, sending cards, etc.) for those in our church who have lost a loved one. To learn more or to join this ministry, please come to a luncheon on Sunday, August 9, with those currently serving in this ministry. Lunch will be from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. Please RSVP to Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204 or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.

CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY II PROGRAM Are you hungering to go deeper in your intimacy with God? Contemplative practices facilitate and strengthen our relationship with God. The Contemplative Journey Program, offered through Contemplative Outreach (an ecumenical, international organization whose purpose is to renew the contemplative dimension of life), is an opportunity to explore contemplative prayer and to go deeper in your faith journey. Starting on August 13, Contemplative Outreach will offer the second semester of the Contemplative Journey Program. Those who have completed semester one or who have an established centering prayer practice are invited to participate.

This program will be presented in an 11-week session, which includes facilitated discussions, videos produced by Contemplative Outreach, LTD, readings, and reflections and personal Soul Friending. Classes will be held at First United Methodist Church on Thursdays, August 13 – November 19, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm. Cost is $140.

Scholarships are available. For more information or to register, contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 204.

HOMEBOUND VISITOR LUNCHEON Sunday, August 30 Many of our homebound and nursing home resident members attended church all their lives before the circumstance of their health or the health of a loved one made it difficult to attend services. Many miss church fellowship profoundly. Are you willing to help keep their connection with their church family alive?

If you are interested in finding out more about being a Homebound Visitor, please come to a luncheon with those currently serving in this area to learn more about this wonderful ministry opportunity. The luncheon will be Sunday, August 30, from 12:00 to 1:30 pm. To RSVP, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204 or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.

ARE YOU GRIEVING? Grief Support Group to begin September 16 If you are grieving, please know that we would love to surround you with support and care. Individuals who are grieving are invited to participate in a grief support group that will meet on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for 8 weeks, beginning on September 16. The cost for the materials, book, and course is $40. Scholarships are available. This support group will provide a place for people to integrate their loss, educate themselves around grief misconceptions, as well as provide information that helps affirm, honor, and normalize what the grief experience brings. For more information and to sign up for the support group, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 204. Please note, this is a closed group (meaning you need to pre-register, it is not a drop-in class you can join half way through), in order to create a community of trust and cohesion among its members. Also, it is a support group specifically for those grieving a death. If you need help locating a support group for other losses, such as divorce, unemployment, etc., please contact Patty.

“God never intended us to suffer alone. He created us to care for and support others in their time of need – and to allow others to care for and support us in ours. This is being interdependent, which is God’s original plan, rather than independent, which can be a very lonely way.” ~ Kenneth C. Hauck, Founder of Stephen Ministry.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 11

will present their opening concert of the 2015-2016 year at FUMC on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 pm. This concert will feature, among other selections, the Chancel Choir performing the Gloria by John Rutter with our own Principal Organist, Joe Galema playing and also featuring our Organist Laureate, Edmund Ladouceur. Also featured is Deke Polifca, organist/ choirmaster of Grace and St. Stephens Episcopal Church. This concert will be an exciting one and sure to be well-attended.

The Chamber Orchestra has extended a discounted price to FUMC members; $15.00/adult and $5.00/youth (21 & under). Tickets are on sale NOW in the Music Office at the church and after worship on August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Tickets WILL NOT be available at the door for the discounted price.

10 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church