THIS FALL SEASON
IN THIS ISSUE...
Wednesday Nights at FUMC We have some exciting news!!! This fall, beginning Wednesday, September 13, we will have a contemplative worship gathering after Wednesday Night Dinner that will end just in time to join your favorite Faith Academy class.” Also new this fall is our partnership with Chef Brother Luck, owner of Four Catering, who will be joining us in the kitchen to prepare our Wednesday Night Dinners. Managing this catering company is Chef Aaron Rivera. This is really exciting! Learn more about what’s new about Wednesday Night Dinners on page 8. This season, we are also offering a great selection of Faith Academy classes, including Faith Academy 101 — Just for Kids! We are looking forward to see you on Wednesday nights. Invite your friends over to enjoy dinner with us and experience our contemplative worship gathering and Faith Academy classes.
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Faith Academy Classes Page 2
CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP GATHERING Wednesdays, from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Leader: Todd Spencer Prayer Room (2nd Floor, South Wing) Taking a “long, loving look at the real” (Walter Burghardt) is one way to describe the act of contemplation. Contemplation is about slowing down (long), resting in God’s grace (loving) and noticing the Holy Spirit’s stirring in and around our lives (a look at the real). If you are hungry for a worship gathering in the middle of your week that makes room for this kind of contemplation, please gather with us beginning Wednesday, September 13. It promises to be a simple but rich time for quiet prayer, silence, song, Scripture and spiritual exercises. As the Scripture reminds us, “God is in the midst of the city… Be still and know that I am God.” (from Psalm 46) Continues on page 2….
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 3
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Music Ministries Page 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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Wednesday Night Dinners Page 8
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 9
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 10 & 11
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First Company’s Upcoming Show Back Cover
Continues from front cover….
FAITH ACADEMY CLASSES THROUGH THE EYES OF LUKE Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Leader: Rev. Kent Ingram Scripture 301. Room 133 Ready for a challenge? Luke doesn’t go easy on us as he challenges us to look at the world through the life and love of Christ. Luke calls us to learn and grow, always refusing to leave us where we started. Join us as we examine the good news through this powerful gospel.
UPON THIS ROCK: THE STORY OF ST. PETER Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Leader: Bruce Phillips Scripture. Room 233 From lowly fisherman to the first Pope. From outspoken disciple who denied Christ to standing watch at the Pearly Gates. In this class we will look at Simon Peter, one of the most important people in the history of the church – from his call at the Sea of Galilee to his martyrdom, crucified upside down in Rome. Come and learn about Jesus’ Rock and how his failings and triumphs can guide our own path as disciples.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Leader: Rev. Patty Walker Experience. Campbell Reading Room If you are grieving please know that we would love to surround you with support and care. Grieving persons are invited to participate in a grief support group that will run for 8 weeks. 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. In order to create a community of trust and cohesion among its members, this group will be a closed group (meaning you need to pre-register; it is not a drop-in class you can join half way through). This is specifically a support group for those grieving a death. If you need help locating a support group for other losses, such as divorce, unemployment, etc., please contact Rev. Patty Walker.
FAITH ACADEMY 101— JUST FOR KIDS! Wednesdays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Leader: Janita McGregor Kingdom City All K-6th graders are invited to come up to Kingdom City and join us as we kick off the fall session with a look at “The Gospel According to Peanuts.” We will explore some of Charles Schultz’s iconic comic strips and well-known films starring Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang! Did you know that Charles Schultz quite often used his comics to share a little theology or even a little gospel “good news.” In addition to learning about how and why Schultz created these loveable characters, we will also learn how to create our very own comic strips, but most importantly, how we can look for God and how we can share God in our everyday lives! Registration is not required.
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.
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
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Cover Photo: Wednesday Nights at First United Methodist Church
WORDS FROM
LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER I am an outdoor person and I guess I have always been. Lately, I have been making an effort to hike multiple times per week not only for enjoyment but also as an effort to turn some body fat into muscle. However, it has been difficult to plan a hike due to the consistent rainy days. For this time of the year, it is about as lush and green as I can ever remember; a welcome relief for my monthly water bill and from the persistent fire danger our forests have faced for the past few years. All plants need water to grow. When I think about Jesus’s ministry on earth it seems to be about “Love.” Almost everything he did focused on and demonstrated “growing our spiritual lives” through love! When asked about the greatest commandments, Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. The second is just as loving as the first is “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) I hope to see you at worship this Sunday, Leland Reece
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN SUNDAY United Methodist Women (UMW) Sunday is September 10! The day will be acknowledged with a display table in the Hospitality Center and ladies participating in the worship services. This organization is led by a spirited, active group of ladies involved in all aspects of the Church with emphasis on missions world wide and local. UMW belief strongly in mission and mission education, leadership development and needs of women, children and youth. Funds are derived from various social projects such as the Bazaar and receptions that create close ties in fellowship and friendship. Stop by the UMW table on Sunday, September 10 to meet this group of busy, friendly ladies. Members of the UMW will be wearing red and black — the organizations colors.
FUMC SPONSORS EVENT WITH POET, MARIE HOWE Sunday, October 1 6:00 p.m. at The Pinery Tickets and information: w.convergelectureseries.org Marie Howe is the author of four volumes of poetry: Magdalene: Poems; The Kingdom of Ordinary Time; What the Living Do; and The Good Thief. She is also the co-editor of a book of essays, In the Company of My Solitude: American Writing from the AIDS Pandemic (1994). Her poems have appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Poetry, Agni, Ploughshares, Harvard Review, and The Partisan Review, among others. Part of the urgency and importance of Marie Howe’s poetry stems from its rootedness in real life. Her mentor Stanley Kunitz once said, “whether she is confronting the joys or terrors of existence, the light that falls on the page is suffused with grace and charity. In essence, she is a religious poet, that rarity among writers of her generation.” Marie Howe sees her work as an act of confession or of conversation.
SAVE THE DATE! GOLDENWEDS CELEBRATION 2017 The Goldenweds celebration luncheon will be Sunday, October 1. If you have been married 50+ years, or you will celebrate your 50th anniversary in 2017, 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.
GOLDENWEDS CELEBRATION COMMITTEE We are in the process of planning for this wonderful celebration. Whether you would like to help plan, decorate, serve or cleanup 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 2017 Goldenweds Celebration event, please contact Melissa Williams at melissaw@fumc-cs.org or call 471-8522 ext. 237.
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CHANCEL CHOIR ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS Have you been wanting to come and sing in our magnificent Chancel Choir but have been afraid of the “audition”? Well, guess what? There is NO audition! We are happy to accept experienced singers into any vocal section of our choir. We return to our regular rehearsal schedule (7:30 - 9:30 p.m.) on Thursday, September 7, beginning that night with a potluck in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. Any new member is welcome to come join us for the potluck without bringing any food. Just come as our guest! We will be beginning rehearsal on Messiah (all three parts). We would love for you to come and join us!
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS SUNDAY REHEARSALS This fall, Children’s Choirs will have rehearsals on Sundays (see times below). We will have a 30-minutes potluck style dinner from 5:00-5:30 p.m. between rehearsals. Cherub Choir Pam Foye and Stephanie Horsford, Co-Directors. Bill Dawson, Accompanist Rehearsal Time: 10:15 – 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY mornings in Kingdom City Music Room. Chorister Chimes Liz Shoemaker, Director; Sarah Austin, Asst. Director. Rehearsal Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. SUNDAY afternoon in Room 7 Basement. Chorister Choir Sarah Greenley, Director; Janet Burns, Accompanist. Rehearsal Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. SUNDAY afternoon in Room 21 in the basement. Cathedral Ringers Deb Louis, Director Rehearsal Time: 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. SUNDAY afternoon in Room 2 in the basement. Cathedral Choir Janita McGregor, Director; George Tracy, Accompanist. Rehearsal Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. SUNDAY afternoon Adult Choir Room in the basement.
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YOUTH SINGERS REHEARSALS The time has arrived for a new season of the Youth Singers! Our first full rehearsal is Sunday, September 10, from 3:45 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the Choir Room (South Basement). All 7th12th graders are welcome! Our very important fall retreat is coming the last weekend of September. We will get a head start on all Christmas music at the retreat as well as getting to know each other a little better. We would love to have you join the fun, fellowship and singing!
YOUTH SINGERS ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST On Sunday, September 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join us for our annual Youth Singers pancake breakfast. The Youth Singers will be serving delicious pancakes, sausage, and fruit salad! All proceeds will help support the Youth Singers and their summer tour. The cost is a suggested donation of $7 per person, or $25 per family.
UPCOMING SEPTEMBEROCTOBER CONCERTS Mark your calendar now for the exciting concerts coming your way at FUMC! Concerts are in the Sanctuary. September 10 Organ Spectacular! Chamber Orchestra of the Springs season opening concert at 2:30 p.m., featuring our own Joe Galema. Tickets are available after worship and at the door.
October 6 The Denver Brass, Pipes, Drums and Dancers at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available on line, in the Music Office or at the door. This is always a popular concert. Tickets will go fast! October 16 The St. Olaf Orchestra at 7:00 p.m. The world famous 90 member touring orchestra from St. Olaf College in Minnesota will dazzle us! Tickets are available online, in the Music Office and at the door. Don’t miss your opportunity to hear this magnificent orchestra!
Friday,
September 1
STAND (Students and Nourishing Dinners) — (Details on page 7)
Monday,
September 4
CHURCH IS CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY
Thursday,
September 7
NOAH Breakfast — IHOP (Constitution and Powers)
9:00 a.m.
Thursday,
September 7
Chancel Choir Regular Rehearsal Schedule Resumes
6:30 p.m.
Sunday,
September 10
Backpack Blessing — Sanctuary (Details on page 6)
Sunday,
September 10
Organ Spectacular! Chamber Orchestra Concert — Sanctuary
Sunday,
September 10
Children’s Choirs Rehearsals Resume — (Details on page 4)
Sunday,
September 10
Youth Singers Rehearsals Resume — (Details on page 4)
3:45 p.m.
Wednesday,
September 13
Wednesday Night Dinners — (Details on page 8)
5:00 p.m.
Wednesday,
September 13
Contemplative Worship Gathering — (Details on front cover)
5:30 p.m.
Wednesday,
September 13
Faith Academy Classes — (Details on page 2)
6:30 p.m.
Wednesday,
September 13
Faith Academy 101 — Just for Kids! — (Details on page 2)
6:30 p.m.
September 15-16
3rd Grade Bible Retreat — (Details on page 6)
6:00 p.m.
Saturday,
September 16
NOAH - Rides 4 Rubbish Mission Project — Fellowship Hall
Sunday,
September 17
3rd Grade Bible Sunday — (During the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services)
Sunday,
September 17
Youth Singers Annual Pancake Breakfast — Fellowship Hall
Sunday,
September 17
Bereavement Ministry Luncheon Invitation — Parlor
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday,
September 19
NAP Time Mom’s Group Resumes — Kingdom City
10:30 a.m.
Tuesday,
September 19
NOAH Lunch — Omelets, Etc. (2850 S. Academy)
11:30 a.m.
Thursday,
September 21
Special Contemplative Prayer with Fr. Carl Arico — (Details on page 9)
Mon-Tue,
September 25-26
NOAH Heads to Gunnison — (Details on page 9)
Saturday,
September 30
T4G Fall Program Kick-Off — Kingdom City
Sunday,
October 1
Goldenweds Celebration 2017
Sunday,
October 1
Poet Marie Howe Event at The Pinery — (Details on page 3)
6:00 p.m.
Friday,
October 6
The Denver Brass, Pipes and Drums Concert — Sanctuary
7:30 p.m.
Sunday,
October 8
Film Presentation: Screenagers — Theatre
1:30 p.m.
Monday,
October 16
The St. Olaf Orchestra Concert — Sanctuary
7:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat,
3:15 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) into many of the biblical visions. Our Sunday School is an age-based rotational style curriculum for ages K– 6th grade featuring scripture as its foundation and presented through learning opportunities including 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 join us!
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the liturgical scripture being used in the main service, our 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.
BACKPACK BLESSING SUNDAY On September 10, bring your school backpack for a blessing during the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services. We know that during the school year there are days when a little reminder of God’s love is just what you need.
FAITH ACADEMY 101 – JUST FOR KIDS! Kingdom City Beginning September 13, we will offer a Faith Academy 101 – Just for Kids! on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All K-6th graders are invited to come to Kingdom City and join us as we kick off the fall session with a look at “The Gospel According to Peanuts.” We will explore some of Charles Schultz’s iconic comic strips and well-known films starring Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang! Did you know that Charles Schultz quite often used his comics to share a little theology or even a little gospel “good news.” In addition to learning about how and why Schultz created these loveable characters, we will also learn how to create our very own comic strips, but most importantly, how we can look for God and how we can share God in our everyday lives! Registration is not required.
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3RD GRADE BIBLE RETREAT AND BIBLE SUNDAY Every year a generous donor purchases Bibles for our 3rd grade class. We will be presenting these gifts to the children at the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services on Sunday, September 17. Also in preparation for Bible Sunday, we are offering an overnight Bible retreat at John Wesley Ranch that begins with dinner for you and your family at FUMC on Friday, September 15 at 6:00 p.m. Following dinner, 3rd graders will head up to The Ranch to spend the night there and to learn all about our new Bibles. There is no cost for this event but pre-registration is mandatory. Please pick up a registration form from Kingdom City or register online at www.fumc-cs.org. For more information, contact Janita at 719-884-2466 or email janitam@fumc-cs.org.
NAP TIME – MOM’S GROUP Attention moms, step-mom, grand-mom, or aunt-mom, NAP Time will resume September 19! NAP Time is a place for mother's or mother figures to connect by nurturing, accepting, and praying for one another. Note the time, 10:30 a.m. - noon, in Kingdom City Parent's Place! We will have some social time, as well as some Bible study/discussion. September's topic is "Be Strong and Courageous." Child care will be available if requested 2 weeks prior to the meeting. For more information, contact Kimberly Walker at 719-352-5707, or walker.kimberly@gmail.com.
T4G FALL PROGRAM KICK-OFF Saturday, September 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., all 5th and 6th grader are invited to join us in Kingdom City for games and getting to know you fun! This will be a potluck, so bring a dish to share (no nuts please).
HOPE DINNER AND SHOW Wednesday, September 6 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Serving our supporters 6:30-8:00 p.m.) Fellowship Hall Come early (6:00 p.m.) and help us host Hope Dinner and Show. We will be thanking all of the amazing supporters who donated last spring towards FUMC Youth Missions during the Hope in an Envelope fundraiser. We will decorate the space, serve up dessert, share our summer 2017 video and have a great time. We have the best congregational supporters around. Let’s make sure they know it!
HOW COULD I EVER FORGIVE YOU?!?! Wednesday, September 13 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Meal Included). The Zone Forgiveness...It is difficult, it is exhausting, but it is necessary. After dinner, games, and some music, we will explore how and why we should forgive. We look to Matthew 18 to help us understand forgiveness, while acting out Jesus’ principles. After some large group time, we will break up into small groups as we continue to better get to know the value of grace and mercy better.
HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO PRAY? Wednesday, September 20 6:30 - 8:30 pm (Meal Included). The Zone After dinner, games, and music, we will be exploring the beauty of prayer. We, as people, are not all the same, so it is no surprise that we interact with God differently. Tonight, we will try new prayers, old prayers, and being present to God. Then, we will break into small group time to get to know one another and how to pray a little better.
HOW DO WE SHOW THAT WE ARE CHRISTIANS? Wednesday, September 27, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Bring $ for a fast food meal). Meet in The Zone
NEXT URBAN PEAK STAND 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. Our next two meals will be Fridays, September 1 and October 6. We are looking for youth to volunteer with the cooking from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in helping, please text Sam Brooks at 494-3303.
“They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” We will be heading out for random acts of kindness before it gets too cold. Small gestures can make big impacts on the lives of our neighbors. On this evening, we won’t be reading Scripture, rather, we will act it out. Be sure to bring $ for food as we will be eating on the go.
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WHO’S COOKING IN THE KITCHEN? YOU’RE INVITED… Have you taken the time to look deeply at this space? It is a beautiful sacred space. Think of the history and all the meals that have been prepared with love in this kitchen; what a gift we have been given! Food is an important part of creating community and this fall, there is something cooking in the kitchen! In April of this year, we partnered with Chef Brother Luck, owner of Four Catering, who will be joining us in the kitchen to prepare our Wednesday Night Dinners. Managing this catering company is Chef Aaron Rivera. Brother Luck started working in professional kitchens when he was 14 years old. Luck found a welcoming community of chefs during high school and was awarded culinary scholarships through competitive cooking organizations, Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) and The Art Institutes (Best Teen Chef 2001). Luck graduated from of The Art Institute of Phoenix and is a Certified Executive Chef through the American Culinary Federation. Chef Brother Luck gained celebrity status when he claimed victory on the cooking show, Beat Bobby Flay, and later went on to compete in the final round on the Food Network’s Chopped. Professional chef, Brother Luck, offers a new fine dining location to the city of Colorado Springs. By working with local farmers, responsible seafood sources and ethical ranchers, chef Luck works with the best possible ingredients and is surrounded by talent. Chef Aaron Rivera knew his calling was for the culinary arts since the age of 9. Son of a single mom and immigrant family, Aaron was preparing dinners for his siblings while his mother was working to raise her three children. He got an early start at the age of 15 working as a dishwasher in the Stewarding Department of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale.
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This was the first stepping stone to his career as an Executive Chef. By the age of 16, Aaron made his way into the kitchen under the tutelage of Executive Chef, Anton Brunbauer. This is where Aaron’s career in the culinary world truly began. At the age of 29, Chef Aaron became an entrepreneur and developed his own concept, Provecho Catering and the Chrome Toaster, his food truck. He went on to open Tapas 51, serving modern Hispanic food and focused on Central and South American cuisine using local Carolina ingredients. In 2015, he competed on Beat Bobby Flay and bested the famous Iron Chef. In 2016, Chef Aaron left North Carolina to partner with Chef Brother Luck in opening Four by Brother Luck in Colorado Springs. As Executive Chef and Director of Operations for Four, he is working to redefine Southwest cuisine through celebrating its origins in the food cultures of Mexico, Spain, the American West and Native American peoples.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS BEGIN SEPTEMBER 13 Join us this fall season for a new dinner experience, Contemplative worship and Faith Academy classes. Dinner Time: 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. Cost: Children $3.00 Adults $6.00 Family maximum of $20.00 for members of the same household.
MILITARY SPECIAL To welcome and honor our military families, we will offer complimentary Wednesday Night Dinners during the month of September! Please bring your military ID with you.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We are also looking for helping hands to set up, serve and clean up on Wednesday nights. We are a fun and great group of people that enjoy working together in the kitchen.
QUESTIONS? Please, contact Melissa Williams at melissaw@fumc-cs.org or call 471-8522 ext. 237.
NOAH BREAKFAST Join us for our monthly NOAH breakfast, Thursday, September 7 at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at IHOP on Constitution and Powers, No reservations are needed. Just show up and join the fun!
NOAH LUNCH NOAH is gathering again for lunch on Tuesday, September 19. We will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the new Omelets, Etc. located at 2850 S. Academy. This is by Hancock street next to King Soopers. No reservations are needed. Hope to see you there!
NOAH & RIDES FOR RUBBISH MISSION PROJECT A few months back a number of you signed up to help prepare sack lunches for the Rides 4 Rubbish (R4R) mission. Saturday, September 16, is our day! We will meet in Fellowship Hall at noon. Please bring something to share for a potluck lunch. After we eat, we will fill the sack lunches for R4R. Those who signed up for the event will receive an email telling you what you need to bring to put in the sacks. It is not too late to sign up for this mission event. Contact Rev. Jerry Hurst to get on the list to help, at jerryh@fumc-cs.org, or 719-648-1571.
NOAH HEADS TO GUNNISON Ready for a great overnight trip?! NOAH is going to Gunnison Monday-Tuesday, September 2526. We will visit the Gunnison Pioneer Museum (a fabulous museum you will enjoy!) and have a private viewing session at the Gunnison Observatory. We’ll also drive up to the Black Canyon view point and take a tour through the mountains to see the fall aspens. We’ll leave the church at 8:00 a.m. Cost for the trip is $100 per person. This includes transportation, lodging, museum admission, and observatory admission. There are only 14 spots available, so sign up soon! Contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at jerryh@fumc-cs.org, or 719-648-1571 to reserve your spot.
DO YOU HAVE A HEART FOR THOSE WHO ARE GRIEVING? Our Bereavement Ministers are lay folks who provide one-onone care (through phone calls, visits, prayer, sending cards, etc.) for those in our church who have lost a loved one. To learn more about this ministry please join us for a luncheon with those currently serving in this ministry, on Sunday, September 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m., in the Parlor. To sign up for the lunch, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204 or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.
SPECIAL CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER WITH FR. CARL ARICO Are you interested in learning more about contemplative prayer? All are invited to join the Resting in God centering prayer group and the Contemplative Journey class on September 21, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, as Fr. Carl Arico shares his teachings on the Christian contemplative path. He will also answer questions from the group. We will begin with a 20-minute period of silent prayer and then delve into the teaching portion. This group will meet in Kingdom City (2nd floor of the north wing). Fr. Carl J. Arico, a Roman Catholic priest from New Jersey, is a founding member of Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. Contemplative Outreach was founded in 1986 to foster the process of transformation in Christ in one another through the practice of Centering Prayer (a form of Christian meditation). Father Arico has practiced Centering Prayer since 1975 and taught the prayer since 1978. He is known for his humor as well as his spiritual depth. He serves on the Gift Committee of Contemplative Outreach which is entrusted with the stewardship of Fr. Thomas Keating’s works. He is an editor and contributor for the Contemplative Life Program, the author of A Taste of Silence, and a popular retreat and workshop leader. Cost: Donations are welcome! Please register by September 18 to Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext.204, or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.
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FISHING LINE RECYCLING BINS AT THE RANCH Visitors who cast a line into one of the ponds at The Ranch this summer probably noticed two white fishing line recycling bins. FUMC youth member, Jackson Alston, donated and installed them in November 2016, with the assistance of his father and Ranch Director, Chris Thornton. Months earlier, while gathering ideas for his Boy Scout Eagle Scout service project from the internet with his parents, Jackson discovered Florida’s Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program. “First, I noticed pictures of birds, manatees, seals, and sea turtles entangled in fishing line,” Jackson said. “Then I saw terrible shots of animals’ fins, flippers and wings which had been cut down to the bone by fishing line. That’s when I decided I wanted to do something to prevent the problem here,” he added. Jackson and his father found information online on how to build a fishing line recycling bin out of PVC (plastic) pipe components. After briefing his idea to an official from the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department in May 2015, Jackson was asked to install a total of 10 bins on reservoirs located on Pikes Peak and lakes in Colorado Springs. A similar briefing to the El Paso County Parks manager resulted in a request for Jackson to install bins at 2 lakes which are part of that system. Despite their enthusiasm for the project, neither official made any funds or materials available for its execution. Even though the lack of funding was a setback, Jackson pressed on. A letter and phone solicitation campaign resulted in the eventual acquisition of most of the materials for all 12 bins through in-kind donations from local Home Depot stores, the Hughes Supply wholesaler in Denver, Bill’s, Sunset, and United Tool Rental shops. He also obtained food donations from Walmart, Little Caesar’s Pizza and Subway to feed the Scout volunteers who assisted with installation. In all, Jackson acquired about $1,091.00 in material donations; $1,195.00 in equipment donations; $116.00 in food donations; $260.00 in cash donations, including $50 Jackson earned from mowing lawns; for a total of $2662.00 in contributions. Several months later, Jackson realized he could “do a good turn” for his church and the John Wesley Ranch by installing recycling bins at the two ponds there. Bringing the recycling program to The Ranch is one way to proactively implement environmentallyfriendly and “green” changes at FUMC. Ranch managers ask everyone who fishes at the ponds to please utilize the recycle bins to assist in keeping the ponds a healthy, clean place to recreate. 10 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
Award-winning SCREENAGERS probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including the director's own, and depicts messy struggles, over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. Through surprising insights from authors and brain scientists solutions emerge on how we can empower kids to best navigate the digital world. FUMC would like to fill the theatre, so invite anyone you know who might be interested. For more information about the film see: www.screenagersmovie.com.
WALKING IN CHRIST’S FOOTSTEPS The Colorado Springs Justice and Peace Commission offers an urban experience to walk in the footsteps of the homeless. You will meet people living on the streets, meet service providers and come away with a unique perspective on how those without permanent housing survive in our city. Programs can be tailored to 4, 6 or 8-hour walks. If you or your small group is interested in participating in this program look for a sign up box in the bulletin insert in the next few Sundays, or contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org.
URBAN PEAK NEWS Urban Peak youth and staff hosted a BBQ for fifteen FUMC members who were either staff or involved in mission work. The evening allowed us to get better acquainted with their facility and explore their needs for the future. We were given a packet holding their strategic plan for the next ten years which they completed in June. We were thanked for our generous contribution and the many hours of volunteer service we have provided. Outlined on the strategic plan is, as their main goal, to leverage FUMC contribution of $220,000 to open a day center by November 2018. “Within 10 years, (Urban Peak) will have ignited a community commitment to solve youth homelessness. We will have the staff, systems, sites and services humming smoothly so that every youth who comes to our door or meets us on the street is skillfully guided to just the right resources they need within 24 hours. Everyone who comes to Urban Peak appreciates the state-of-the-art, drop-in center where youth can shower, do laundry, grab a bite to eat, collect mail and participate in life-skills classes.”
The new day center will provide showers, laundry, kitchen, computers, lockers and a medical clinic. Opening this day center will require FUMC’s ongoing commitment through donations in kind volunteer hours for staffing, and life skills training. This congregation is a blessing to Urban Peak allowing Christ’s love to be experienced through its generosity.
SCHOLARSHIPS AT FUMC As the 2017-2018 academic year begins, the FUMC Scholarship Committee congratulates and sends best wishes for success to the following students: Annaliese Bronner, University of Wyoming; Dusten Trembly, Pikes Peak Community College; Olivia DeRubis, The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; Matthew Hinze, The University of Northern Colorado; Stephanie Jones, Asbury Theological Seminary; Carol Long, Northpark University; Janita McGregor, Iliff School of Theology; Alexis Morgan, The University of Colorado; Elanor Phillips, The University of Northern Colorado; and Mary Stevens and Jeannie Wickham, both attending The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
In addition to these academic scholarships, four youth were assisted in participating in Youth Choir Tour this summer. Many thanks go out to the family and friends of Miriam Barrett, Debra Hadley, Kenneth Hinshaw, Kris Lohrmeyer, Patricia Puryear, Joseph Symanski, Joyce and Perry Trytten, The Martin and Agee families and the Stave and Kentner families. Thanks as well to the Berean Sunday School Class and First Company for also providing scholarships. Due to the generosity of all these donors, the Committee presented almost $14,000 in scholarships. If you are interested in contributing to or establishing a scholarship, please contact The Foundation of First United Methodist Church.
HELLO FROM JOHN WESLEY RANCH! What an amazing summer we had this year at The Ranch at 9,300’! We began the summer with another brilliant performance of the Melodrama by First Company. That same weekend, we also hosted the Father/Child Campout. The tweens had a great time at Camp T4G and even asked if they could stay longer! The K-3rd graders got to experience The Ranch at the Day Camp and a few of them caught their very first fish ever! A big thank you to the ManUp! group who painted the interior of the bathhouse, split firewood and replaced the electrical outlets in the lower lodge. The youth did another remarkable job during their work week. They were able to complete the trail by the three front crosses and chipped deadfall near the Prayer Path that was used to mulch our flower beds. UMW and Kerygma both had potluck meals and spent the day enjoying the beauty of The Ranch. We also had several families from FUMC stay in the cottage this summer (FOR FREE!). For the rest of the summer, The Ranch hosted 16 external groups from all over the nation and a couple of weddings. If it has been a while since you have enjoyed a day at The Ranch or if you have never been here, call Chris Thornton at 719-687-2148 or christ@fumc-cs.org.
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