IN THIS ISSUE... •
Looking East Page 2
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 3 & 4
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Calendar of Events Page 5
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Children’s Ministries Page 6
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Youth Ministries Page 7
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 8
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 9
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Caring Ministries Page 10
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Missions Ministries Page 11
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Ash Wednesday Services Back Cover
By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor
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When I arrived in Colorado Springs almost 12 years ago, I was told by folks that the United Methodists needed a presence in the eastern Colorado Springs/Falcon area. I was so concerned about keeping the downtown church strong that at the time I had little interest in looking at adding another site to our campus. There were people from this congregation and from the Annual Conference who kept prodding me to look at growth in the northeastern part of our community. 12 years later, again, I was challenged to look at the growth in that part of our city and the neighboring Falcon. Despite the growth, there are very few churches out there, and no mainline presence. So I had an epiphany. For 37 years, I have felt that a big part of my job was to protect the church from risk, to eliminate any chance of failure, to downsize your dreams to fit reality. I was wrong. Very wrong. In preparing a sermon on the talents from Matthew’s gospel, I was convicted. In that sermon I offered a challenge to the congregation and the staff to consider the possibility of a new worship service located in that part of the city, a satellite of our downtown church. The response was overwhelming. A number of you that very day came to me to tell me you wanted to be a part of it. Staff, who were as surprised as you were by the challenge, responded with excitement and energy. Patty Walker offered to be the lead on this project, and to be the campus pastor. Tiffany Keith has offered her significant insights into church planting from her work at the Edge. In a very short time the wheels were in motion.
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Looking East
I have felt that a big part of my job was to protect the church from risk, to eliminate any chance of failure, to downsize your dreams to fit reality.
Let’s be clear about what we are looking at. It is a satellite worshipping community connected to First UMC. This community would have a campus pastor and a local worship team, but the sermons from the downtown First Church service would be projected into that service. We are not looking to relocate out of downtown! The new satellite would have a lot of program opportunities in education and mission and fellowship, but would also participate in the work of the larger congregation. The simplest way to think about this is to think of it as a new worship service, but in an offsite location, nearer the growth in the eastern part of our community. We are currently seeking funding from a variety of sources to help us get started. We are looking at ways to become a visible presence in the northeast. We are getting training and visiting successful sites and learning what questions to ask! And we are praying and seeking support from the congregation. Many of you have already shown interest. If you are excited about helping us start a ‘new thing’ in eastern Colorado Springs/Falcon area, please contact Patty or myself. And pray that we can be a place where folks can encounter the loving gracious God we worship and serve, both downtown and wherever God calls us. See you in worship, Kent
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. 270 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.
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: Lenten Organ Meditations with Organist Joe Galema
WORDS FROM
JAN CAFFEY, LAY LEADER I’ve been thinking lately about the “unchurched” and the few occasions they will set foot in a church – usually funerals, weddings and baptisms of loved ones. Some of them DO NOT want to be there, but feel obligated to go. We need to be particularly aware of these people and be extra welcoming and sensitive when these events are taking place at our church, even if we’re not there to participate in those events. Maybe the “unchurched” were never exposed to Christianity. Maybe they were and had bad experiences. Maybe they fell out of the habit of going to church with no particular ill feeling. Maybe they are from a faith very different from ours. These people need to see Christianity at its best. Particularly fine representatives of Christianity are our United Methodist Women who put on funeral receptions! They treat everyone – friend or stranger – with love, compassion and dignity. We host a lot of receptions and these ladies are very dedicated. They are activated by our Bereavement Coordinator, Donna DiMuccio, who works so compassionately with grieving families to plan funerals. I’ve been told people have joined our church because the hospitality at funeral receptions made such an impression on them!
9:30 WORSHIP SUPPORT TEAM GATHERING Do you volunteer at the 9:30 worship service or are you interested in serving? Whether you are a communion server, usher, Andrew Minister, or you work in the hospitality center during the 9:30 service, or if you are interested in joining the team, we would love to invite you to a Lenten Journey with us! We will gather at 11:00 a.m., in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 18 for a Lenten experience. Team members, kids and other family members are welcome. Please RSVP to Rev. Tiffany Keith at tiffanyk@fumc-cs.org. See you in worship!
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN As a home mission project, United Methodist Women is now collecting items to prepare Easter baskets with Church Women United. The baskets will be given to El Paso County Social Services for distribution among selected children by social workers. The baskets will be assembled at the annual mission unit meeting, February 21 at 10:00 a.m. Church Women United will be meeting at First United Methodist at 9:30 a.m. in the Hospitality Center on Friday, March 2 to collect the baskets. If you would like to donate items for these baskets, please bring them to the church marked UMW Easter baskets.
I’m headed to a family funeral in Oklahoma. Thankfully, it will be Methodist – a celebration of life and a worship service. The pastor will not be trying to grab souls from the jaws of hell! And the food will be great!
SHARING YOUR STORY Through the course of the last several years, many of you have supported The Edge by showing up, sharing your cooking talents or music abilities, or by sharing your story. As I have prepared another round of grant applications this week, I have taken the time to look back at all we have accomplished and to look forward to all we have yet to do, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you to all who have stepped out in courage to share your stories with us. You have blessed the team, and me, with all you have given. Our next Stories@The Edge will be Fridays, February 2 & 16.
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4 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
Thursday,
February 1
NOAH Breakfast — Village Inn (on Garden of the Gods)
9:00 a.m.
Thursdays,
Feb 1, 8, 15 & 22
Resting in God Contemplative Prayer — Prayer Room
9:30 a.m.
Sundays,
February 4 & 11
Youth Singers Chocolate Roses Fundraiser — Hospitality Center
February 7, 21 & 28
Contemplative Worship Gathering — Prayer Room
Sunday,
February 11
Homebound Visitor Luncheon — Parlor
Wednesday,
February 14
Ash Wednesday Services — (See more details on back cover)
Thursday,
February 15
NOAH Trip to The Money Museum — (See more details on page 9)
Sunday,
February 18
9:30 Worship Team Gathering — Fellowship Hall
Monday,
February 19
Church is closed in observance of President’s Day
Tuesday,
February 20
NOAH Lunch — Black Bear Diner (965 N Academy)
11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays,
Feb 21 & 28 and March 7, 14 & 21 Lenten Organ Meditations — Sanctuary
12:15 p.m.
Wednesdays,
Feb 21-Mar 21
Faith Academy Classes and Faith Academy for Kids
February 24
T4G group goes to Bass Pro Shop — (See more details on page 6)
Wednesdays,
Saturday,
5:40 p.m. 12:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
THE WILD WINTER WEATHER AROUND THE CORNER! This is the season we like to remind our members and friends that First Church follows School District 11 delay and closure policies. On the occasions when a storm intensifies on a day we have already been open for business, and the schools have completed for the day; we may, for the safety of our members and staff, choose to close early. All closures and delays will be posted on the FUMC website as they occur. Please remember to check the rotator slide on the homepage of the website: www.fumc-cs.org for information on delays, early closures, and complete closures. We also provide our closures and delays to KKTV, local Channel 11, and www.kktv.com as early as we possibly can to help you know when it is necessary to change plans for your scheduled church activities. First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 5
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) In February, Sunday School will be finishing up the rotation about covenants! Sunday School is an age-based rotational style curriculum for ages K – 6th Grade, which features scripture as its foundation while offering through cooking, science, art, games and much more. We also have Sunday School for birth – age 5 in the Kingdom City Nursery. There is something for everyone on Sunday mornings in Kingdom City. Come and join us!
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the liturgical scripture being used in our main service at 11:00 a.m., Children’s Worship is a place for children to begin to understand and experience worship. This is a multi-age large group worship service in Kingdom City.
T4G – BASS PRO SHOP
CHILDREN’S CHOIR REHEARSALS We are just beginning to prepare for the Spring Concert, worship playing and singing! NOW is the perfect time to join one of our vocal and/or bell choirs.
5th and 6th graders only All 5th and 6th graders are invited to go bowling at Bass Pro Shop (Fish Bowl), Saturday, February 24, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. There is no cost for this event. RSVP is required to ensure we have enough bus seats.
Cherub (ages 4/5, pre-k) Sunday from 10:15 -11:00 a.m. Kingdom City Music Room
BANGLADESHI DINNER
Cathedral (Vocal) Choir (4th Grade – 6th Grade) Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir Room
On January 13, we had our fifth Annual Bangladeshi Dinner event. Supporting the street children of the ABC School in Dhaka Bangladesh is an ongoing Advent Mission for FUMC Children’s Ministry. The Dinner is an opportunity to celebrate our meaningful contributions to the ABC School as well as to familiarize our children with the children over in Dhaka. In addition to eating our Bangladeshi meal, our children made a Skype connection with the ABC children and talked with them face-to-face. We also sang them a song. Children’s Ministry along with individual FUMC donors is sponsoring 24 students at the ABC School for this coming year. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor ($250 per year), making any other donation to the ABC School or schedule a short presentation for your group about the ABC School, contact David Fussell at davidf@fumc-cs.org. 6 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
Chorister (Vocal) Choir (K – 3rd Grade) Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Room 21 Chorister Chimes (1st Grade – 3rd Grade) Sunday from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Room 7
Cathedral Ringers (4th Grade – 6th Grade) Sunday from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Room 8 For the Sunday afternoon choir, there will be an option to stay and eat a family dinner from 5:00-5:30 p.m. Join us!
FAITH ACADEMY 101 – JUST FOR KIDS This class is offered during the Faith Academy Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., our K-6th graders are invited to come up to Kingdom City and join us. Our next session will begin February 21 and will be led by Dr. David Fussell. Children will view and discuss this spring’s Deep Blue video series. These videos use Bible stories to show what it means to be a young Christian at school and throughout our world. Animated stories are given through a young person’s point of view.
MISSION TRIP KICKOFF Sunday, February 11 at noon, Hibbard Hall Are you interested in serving beyond our walls? Do you feel compelled to be a part of something bigger than yourself? This summer, we will be taking 30 High Schoolers/ adults to Alamosa, CO. If you are interested in joining us this summer, please come to the Mission Trip Kick-off, bring your questions, find the answers, and let’s go!
YLM MEETING February 21, 5:45 - 6:30 p.m., Zach’s Office (Rm 50)
GIVE IT UP (URBAN PEAK) All month long, RED Box in Hibbard Hall Each month, we are selecting items to donate to Urban Peak. This month, we will be collecting gloves. Please feel free to drop them off in Hibbard Hall.
BOY SCOUTS TROOP 777
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS This Youth Sunday School class focuses on being intentional. Intentionally listening to God, for God, and seeing Him anywhere and everywhere. We take the songs that make it on the radio. Listen for what God can teach us through others, as we share scripture, ideas, and stories, that not only inspire, but remind us that God is not just at church. This month, we will be looking and listening to “Imagine Dragons” and “Bastille.”
STAND AT URBAN PEAK (1st Friday of the Month) Friday, February 2, 3:15 - 5:30 p.m., at Urban Peak STAND (Students And Nourishing Dinners) is our youth mission of making dinners at Urban Peak (a shelter for homeless teens) on the first Friday of every month. This month our dinner will be Friday, February 2. We are looking for youth to volunteer with the cooking from 3:15 pm to 5 p.m. If you are interested in helping please text Sam Brooks at 494-3303. Next month’s dinner will be March 2. Mark your calendar!
YOUTH ADVISORY TEAM MEETING Sunday, February 4, 12:15-1:30 p.m., The Zone
CONFIRMATION CLASSES Monday, February 5, 12, and 26, 5:30-7:00 p.m. The Zone All 7th-12th graders who have not been confirmed are invited.
Boys between the ages of 11-17 interested in joining our program are invited to attend any of our regular meetings with their parents on Tuesday nights. Troop 777 meets at FUMC, in Hibbard Hall at 7:00 p.m. For information contact our Scoutmaster, Tim Berry, at 719-439-9101
FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY NIGHTS CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE — AFFECTION February 7, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone (Meal included) “Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.”- C.S. Lewis
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE February 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone (Meal included) We will share a meal, and then participate in the Ash Wednesday service as we prepare our hearts and minds for the Lenten season.
CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE — FRIENDSHIP February 21, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone (Meal included) “Friendship... is born at the moment when one man says to another, What! You too? I thought that no one but myself...” ― C.S. Lewis
CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE — CHARITY February 28, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone (Meal included) “Our prayers for others flow more easily than those for ourselves. This shows we are made to live by charity.” — C. S. Lewis First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 7
BOY SCOUTS TROOP 777 In October, 2017, seven Scouts from Troop 777 in Colorado Springs posted the colors at an event where the Vice President was a guest speaker. They had an opportunity to Pictured from left to right is William Linn engage directly with the (Assistant Scoutmaster), Joey Berry (Eagle Scout), Ethan Noss (Second Class), William Vice President and also stood Linn (Star), Mason Aaron (Tenderfoot), with him for an official David Bentley (Eagle Scout), Jack KirkpatWhite House photograph. rick (Star), and Marcus Winter (First Class). The Scouts performed flawlessly, posting the colors and leading hundreds of guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. Special thanks to Pikes Peak Council and Mr. Keith Grove for sponsoring the Troop with uniform items in order to support the Troop's exceptionally professional appearance. When most individuals think of Boy Scouts, they think of the camping in the great outdoors, long back packing trips in the wilderness, or even helping an elderly person to cross the street. But what is a Boy Scout comprised of? They are trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. While there are many characteristics that define the role of a Scout, the most significant attribute is—A Scout is reverent. Faith and spirituality have always been an integral part of the Scouting program. Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouting movement, believed that it was key to the foundation and development of young people. For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America has worked with parents across the country to teach character, confidence, and integrity to the next generation. The lessons learned and relationships built in Scouting have been instrumental in the lives of millions of business, civic, and community leaders for generations. Join us and experience what Scouting can do for your child. Call or email our Scoutmaster, Timothy Berry. For more information on scouting at (719) 534-9584, or timothyberry_99@msn.com You may also stop by the church on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Troop 777 meets in our youth area in The Zone, in the south basement. Sunday, February 11 is Scout Sunday. This is a day where Scouting units and religious Charter Organizations can celebrate and demonstrate that Scouting is relevant in today’s society.
8 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
NOAH BREAKFAST
NOAH LUNCH
Join us for breakfast on Thursday, February 1 at 9:00 a.m., at Village Inn (535 Garden of the Gods Rd, just west of I-25). You don’t need a reservation. Just join us for fun and good food!
This month we will have lunch at the Black Bear Diner (965 N. Academy) Tuesday, February 20 at 11:30 a.m. No reservations are required. We hope to see you there!
KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS
CONTEMPLATIVE GATHERINGS
The first Sunday of each month, the Youth Singers Coordinators will be selling delicious, fresh Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! We will also be selling Serranos and a limited number of Youth Singers coffee mugs (with a picture of the 2017-2018 Youth Singers!). All proceeds go toward the 2018 summer tour.
YOUTH SINGERS CHOCOLATE ROSES FUNDRAISER The Youth Singers will be selling chocolate roses on Sundays, February 4 and 11, in the Hospitality Center. For a suggested donation of $3.00 per rose (or two for $5.00), you may enjoy dark, white or milk chocolate roses on a long stem with Valentine’s wrapping. This event is one of our most popular fundraisers, so be sure to pick up your roses before or after worship. Your support of this fundraiser helps defray expenses for the Youth Singers summer tour.
NOAH GOES TO THE MONEY MUSEUM The money museum explores art, history, science and much more to promote the diverse nature of money and related items. The NOAH group will be visiting the museum on Thursday, February 15. We’ll leave the church parking lot at 10:15 a.m. and return around noon. The featured display in February is “Trenches to Treaties.” This exhibit showcases coins and paper money, art medals and military decorations, as well as weapons and uniforms to illustrate the events and effects of World War I and how the combatant nations were affected politically, economically and socially. There are many other exhibits and of course, a gift shop. Reservations and payment are due by Sunday, February 11. The cost is $5 per person. Contact Rev. Jerry Hurst to make your reservation at Jerryh@fumc-cs.org or 648-1571.
WATER Wednesday, February 7, 5:40-6:25 p.m. Prayer room Water takes on many forms – mountain snow, rivers, lakes, seas, clouds, glaciers, swamps, ice. Water is so basic and powerful that no plant or animal life is possible without its presence. Its life-giving, life-shaping character makes water a deeply worthy metaphor for God and our longing for relationship with the Sacred. This evening, we will meditate and pray using the presence of water, and consider how our souls “thirst…for the living God. (Psalm 65:9)
NO CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP — ASH WEDNESDAY Wednesday, February 14 Please join our Ash Wednesday Worship Service in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m.
A LENTEN LONGING FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE Celtic Prayers from Iona Wednesday, February 21, 5:40-6:25 p.m. Prayer Room During Lent, our gathering will be guided by prayers and liturgies inspired by John Philip Newell’s book, Celtic Prayers from Iona. Each week of Lent will consider a different Lenten longing, patterned after Newell’s work. Don’t forget: We will be honored by Newell’s presence at FUMC on Wednesday, April 11, in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 pm! We will also help sponsor him the previous evening (April 10) at the Library 21C. Both events are open and free to the public. Another book by Newell that you are encouraged to read and ponder, leading up to his being with us, is The Rebirthing of God: Christianity’s Struggle for New Beginnings.
A LENTEN LONGING FOR HEALING Celtic Prayers from Iona Wednesday, February 28, 5:40-6:25 p.m. Prayer Room
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 9
INVITATION TO A HOMEBOUND VISITOR LUNCHEON 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 Sunday, February 11 in the parlor, from noon to 1:30 p.m., to meet with those currently serving in this area and learn more about this wonderful ministry opportunity. To RSVP for the luncheon, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204 or pattyw@fumc-cs.org
RESTING IN GOD: CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER 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 visit a contemplative prayer group that meets in the FUMC prayer room on Thursday mornings, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. 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 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 Listening, that meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in the Campbell Reading Room. For more information about that group contact Dan and Lori Lohrmeyer at 930-5262.
Learn more about FUMC programs and events at www.fumc-cs.org
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ARE YOU GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME? Life can be complicated. Life can be difficult. Stephen Ministers are available to companion you during a struggle in your life. In a loving, compassionate and confidential manner, we are able to share the gifts of prayer, presence, a listening heart, and compassion with you. Please consider asking for a Stephen Minister when you are in need of a Christian friend to walk you through a hard time. To learn more or to request a Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204 or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.
ALTAR FLOWERS The beautiful flowers we enjoy each Sunday in the sanctuary are donated by many individuals who wish to honor the memory of loved ones or recognize loved ones’ anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Placing your order soon will assure your reservation for a Sunday of your choice. The bulletin will include the name(s) of those whom you choose to remember or honor. You have the option of donating one bouquet for $40 or both bouquets for $80. Regardless of which option you choose the bulletin will include the names and event you are commemorating. After these flowers enhance the church’s worship experience, you may choose to take the flowers home, or have them delivered to a homebound or hospitalized FUMC member by a “Flowers of Love” ministry volunteer. Should you desire to participate in this ministry either as a donor or a “Flowers of Love” ministry volunteer, contact Jana Brink at 471-8522, Monday - Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or at janab@fumc-cs.org.
The ESM Food Pantry filled over 30,000 requests for food in 2017, which was a 17% increase over 2016. The food donated by members and friends of First United Methodist Church is so important in fulfilling the Gospel’s call of Jesus to feed the hungry. In February, the following items are needed: Canned meat, peanut butter, pasta sauce, toilet paper, and feminine products. Thanks in advance for your generosity!
2017 CHRISTMAS IN THE PARKING LOT It was a beautiful day to share Christmas with our downtown neighbors! There were in excess of 65 members and friends of FUMC and ESM on hand to welcome more than 150 neighbors who came to The Edge parking lot for Christmas. The day began with a prayer and communion for all who wished to participate. Volunteers distributed over 100 sleeping bags and 125 coats! There were tables filled with warm beverages, cookies and candies, bagged lunches, hand and foot warmers, hygiene necessities, socks, hats, gloves, scarves, pet food and treats, as well as some nearly new clothing. A stalwart group beautifully and cheerfully sang carols for those in attendance and a good time was enjoyed by all. Many thanks for your generosity which enabled Christmas to be a celebration for our neighbors. If you had been there you would have seen the abundant love of Jesus that this community shared and graciously received. Our hearts were full.
CHACRASECA, NICARAGAU First United Methodist Church has sent three previous mission teams to Chacraseca, Nicaragua, a 49square mile farming community just east of Leon, near the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua. Most of the 8,000 residents in Chacraseca are farmers, earning an average of less than $2 per day, per family income. In this town, life is lived constantly on the edge, but rather than despair, the community has chose to work together for a better life for all. During our mission trips, we have helped build a soccer field, homes, latrines, a pavilion and have worked with the community sewing center and health clinic. But more than that we have developed relationships and friendships with the beautiful people living there. At this time FUMC is gathering interest in building another team to travel to Chacraseca over Christmas break next year (leaving sometime after Christmas). If you are interested or to learn more, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at 719-471-8522 or chucks@fumc-cs.org.
GIVING HEARTS The Mission’s Council wanted to update you on the amazing missional accomplishments of this church during the last couple of months. The UMW Bazaar was so successful that they were immediately able to donate $500 toward the purchase of coats for our brothers and sisters who were served at Christmas in the Parking Lot. On Christmas Day, The Edge, our church and community provided all sorts of items to over 160 people. One of our members helped put together 100 sack lunches for our friends that day. A mere two weeks earlier, this congregation brightened the lives of over 400 children in our community whom would have had a meager Christmas without the “First Stars” mission, which was facilitated by new volunteers this year. Your generous contributions to Urban Peak’s Night Out helped them raise over $40,000 that night. That was enough money to house clients to capacity at Urban Peak from the first of November through the New Year. Thirteen of you were generous enough to bring enough soup and rolls to feed 60 people who were involved with sleeping out in the cold. Many others reached out in so many ways to carry Christ’s message to the world through the Advent season. Thank you all for your giving hearts.
MISSIONS COUNCIL The missions council of FUMC is the collaborative body of people with a heart for mission. The missions council meets on the first Thursday of each month to support the work being done in missions, coordinate efforts and help budget for next year’s missions. We are looking for a few likeminded people to join the council. You do not need be leading a mission to join; just have a heart for the missional work of this congregation. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org.
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 11
This Lenten season begins February 14. Children’s Ministries will offer a family-oriented service led by Janita McGregor at 6:00 p.m., in Kingdom City. Our traditional Ash Wednesday service will be in the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. This service will be led by Rev. Tiffany Keith. Communion will be served and the imposition of the ashes will be offered at both services. Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon Wednesday, February 14 word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin Children’s Ministries Service His ministry. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming 6:00 p.m., in Kingdom City of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent Special service for families was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their with children relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others. Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days Regular Worship Service because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" and the reverent spirit of Lent 7:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection. 2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church