Encounter - April 2017

HOLY WEEK

The Story of the Passion of Christ

IN THIS ISSUE...

•

The Mystery of Holy Week

By Kent Ingram - Page 2

This Lenten and Easter season we are looking at life, the life given to us by Christ. A life, that sometimes, springs up in unexpected places. It persists in some of the most difficult places. God’s gift of life, of new life, of abundant life, brings us hope and joy even in the most difficult of circumstances.

This week has great significance in the lives of all Christians. We hope you will join us for every one of these services so that you may experience the complete story of the Passion of Christ.

•

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:

•

On the last week of Lent, Holy Week, come ready to open your lives to the work of God’s life-giving, life-changing power!

PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 9 Chapel Service: 7:30 a.m.

Sanctuary Services: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Join us as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal arrival in Jerusalem.

•

On Palm Sunday, April 9, come celebrate with us as the children parade into the Sanctuary, waving their palms.

On Maundy Thursday, April 13, as we continue the Holy Week journey, join us for a service of worship and Holy Communion and the very moving, living display of the Stations of the Cross. On Good Friday, April 14, experience with us a special Tenebrae worship service.

This service of light into darkness lifts up the seven last words of Christ, as spoken before the crucifixion. On Sunday, April 16, Easter Day, come celebrate with us the resurrection of Christ!

MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 13 Service in the Sanctuary: 7:00 p.m.

Communion will be served commemorating the Last Supper. The Stations of the Cross will be depicted in living tableaux.

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 14 Service in the Sanctuary: 7:00 p.m.

Candles are gradually extinguished until it is dark, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Page 3 •

Music and Arts Ministries Page 4

Calendar of Events Page 5

Children’s Ministries Page 6

•

Youth Ministries Page 7

•

Around the Church & Beyond Page 8

•

Around the Church & Beyond Page 9

•

Caring Ministries Page 10

•

Mission Ministries Page 11

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 16 Chapel Service: 7:30 a.m.

Sanctuary Services: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

Join us to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.

Around the Church & Beyond

•

Chancel Choir Spring Concert Back Cover

The Mystery of Holy Week

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

When I was a boy, maybe early teens, I attended a professional You hear it every year, we need to spend time during Holy wrestling match. Yeah, that kind, where the guys jump off the Week reflecting on the events of that week. We need top of the ropes and hit each other with chairs! But it wasn’t to reflect on Palm Sunday, on Jesus’ triumphal entry into in a glamorous setting like you see on TV. It was a dingy, Jerusalem. Was it a staged event, a spoof of other kings? Was dirty little gym somewhere in Springfield, Illinois, with a few it an organic event where people got a glimpse, however hundred fans on folding chairs. They made up for the lack of briefly, of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords? On numbers with a lot of noise! It was a raucous and wild crowd, Thursday, when Jesus broke the bread and poured out the cheering the “good guys” and booing the wine, just exactly how did that bring healing “bad guys.” There was a simple elegance, if and hope to our lives? How does death on a you will, to this “sport.” You knew who was cross bring redemption to the world? We “How does death on good, you knew who was bad, the rules trot out simple formulas, but there is a were simple, the results, more often than deep mystery into the “how” of atonement. not, satisfying. There was no mystery at all, These are hard questions, questions that a cross bring no depth, no nuance, no subtlety at all. That demand deep reflection and prayerful was its appeal. thought. The result however, is a deeper

redemption to the We tend to like clarity and lack of nuance. understanding and appreciation of Easter.

That is why Easter seems so compelling.

Our faith is not like professional wrestling!

He was dead. He’s now alive. You will die.

It is a thick and rich in depth faith, always world?”

God will give you life after death. We all challenging us to learn more, to understand need to hear and absorb that simple more deeply. At the very heart of our faith message. Most of us will face a time in our is the week we call Holy Week. I encourage, lives when we need the message to be that simple, that you, I challenge you, to journey through that whole week clear, as we bring our grief and sorrow to a memorial service. with your church so that the joy of Easter will be deeper and But Easter is more than just a promise of eternal life, it is the more meaningful. end result of a deep and complex set of events that affect the See you in worship, cosmos.

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.

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: Holy Week 2017

WORDS FROM

LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER For the past few years, I have made a deliberate effort to enrich my Lenten experience through prayer, Bible study, contemplative reflection and church. Although at times, having limited success in slowing my life down, I have found it well worth the effort, and this year has not been different. Recently, one thing that has influenced me in a positive way was Kent’s March Encounter piece. It spoke to me on several levels. I have gone back and reread it multiple times over the past few weeks.

Having already begun with Ash Wednesday, the Lenten Holy Week will soon be here. FUMC offers excellent opportunities for worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. They are always well presented and powerful reminders of what Christ did for us! Also, don’t forget to invite friends and neighbors to join us for the April 16, Easter service celebration. There are multiple worship opportunities to choose from so please check our website: fumc-cs.org for specifics.

Hope to see you at worship, Leland Reece

Gathering † Worshiping † Being January was a huge month for me. In two days, I requested $110,000 from the conference for two years of funding for The Edge and asked my reading team to recommend me for ordination this summer at Annual Conference. My reading team said “yes!” I have two more votes to go, the full Board of Ordained Ministry and the clergy at Annual Conference. If both of those bodies say “yes,” I will be ordained at Annual Conference on June 18. Thank you, all for being part of this process. I can finally see the end of this journey that started in 2010. It has been amazing and I never could have done this without my church community.

Thank you!

I also feel very supported by the conference. They are giving The Edge $45,000 for the 2017-2018 appointment year, with the possibility of additional grant money for the 2018-2019. However, the amount will be significantly less.

They have requested that The Edge raise at least $25,000 to replace their funding. Over the next six months, we will be hard at work learning about and then creating multiple avenues of revenue. It is a pivotal year for The Edge. I believe that this year will make it clear whether we can become self-sustaing or not. I’m optimistic, and thinking big. I believe in what we are doing and see the value in it for both the church and the world!

Thank you, for being the backbone of what I get to do. I am grateful!

Rev. Tiffany Keith

EASTER LILIES ORDERS

My Morning Out (MMO): 18 months to 2 1/2 years old.

Preschool: 2 1/2 to 5 years old.

Session 1 – May 30 to June 9 Session 2 – June 12 to June 23 Session 3 – June 26 to July 7 Session 4 – July 10 to July 21

$195 (No class, May 29-Memorial Day) $215 $195 (No class, Tuesday, July 4th) $215

Registration for the fall program of Preschool and MMO is also available now. For more information, please visit us at fumc-cs.org.

Registration forms are available online and in Kingdom City.

Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase lilies in “honor of” or “in memory of” loved ones. The lilies will decorate the chancel area as we celebrate Easter Sunday, April 16. You may take them home with you following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Easter Sunday. Tributes will be listed in a separate insert in the Easter bulletin. To purchase lilies, please complete the order form on the You Can Count on Me bulletin insert. Ordering forms are also available at the Welcome Desk. Cost is $20 and payment is due at time of ordering. The final day to order will be Sunday, April 2.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 3

CHILDREN’S CHOIR SPRING CONCERT On Sunday, April 9, you are invited to join us for the Children’s Spring Concert, in the Sanctuary at 5:00 p.m. From Psalm 118:24, “Today is the day that the Lord has made!” Our children will be ringing and singing their praises to God, our Creator. There will be a small reception to follow in the Hospitality Center.

YOUTH SINGERS BANQUET This year, Youth Singers Banquet is Sunday, April 23, following the 11:00 a.m. service. On this morning, The Youth Singers will sing during the 11:00 a.m. service (instead of 8:00 a.m.). Youth Singers’ parents, please bring a potluck style food to share and celebrate the year of Youth Singers/Chorale/Celebration Ringers and Chapel Ringers’ accomplishments. Special recognition is given to our graduating seniors. All incoming 7th graders (fall of 2017) and their families are invited as special guests to the banquet. Please call the Music Office at 471-8522, ext. 222 and let us know how many in your family will be attending.

CHANCEL CHOIR SPRING CONCERT 2017 Join us for this year’s Chancel Choir Spring Concert “An Evening of Bach, Schubert and Hayes,” Sunday, April 30 at 5:00 p.m.

The concert will open with the Chamber Orchestra playing the beloved Bach, Brandenburg Concerto #5. In addition to flute and violin solo, the harpsichord plays a vital role with its own elaborate solo. The harpsichord will be played by our own Principal Organist, Joe Galema.

Following the Bach masterpiece, the Chancel Choir will sing the Schubert, Mass in G. This work is a lovely 20-minute selection for choir, soloists, string quartet and organ. After a brief intermission, the Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra will present the Requiem of contemporary composer and pianist, Mark Hayes. This 30-minute selection contains some of the most brilliantly written melodies you will ever hear. This performance will also be a Colorado Springs premiere of this work composed in 2013. Tickets are on sale at fumc-cs.org or in the Music Office. They will also be available after worship on Sunday, beginning April 2.

4 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

YOUTH SINGERS TOUR SHARE HOLDER TIME Many of you have been Youth Singers Tour Share Holders in years past. Your support has ensured that the cost for each participant on tour has been kept at the same set price for many years. For those of you who are not Tour Share Holders, would you like to become one? For your donation of $50/$100/$200 (or more), you will get three postcards from a member of Youth Singers while we are on tour; you are entitled to a seat in the Tour Share Holder reserved section for the Homecoming Concert on June 11; and you get personal satisfaction of helping members of our youth choir go on an exciting tour! The process to become a Tour Share Holder is easy: either drop by the Music and Arts Office during the week and fill out a Tour Share Holder form, or call the Music Office at 471-8522, ext. 221 and we can sign you up over the phone! Thanks for your support!

MEMBERS OF YOUTH SINGERS SELECTED FOR THE NATIONAL YOUTH HONOR CHOIR Three members of Youth Singers have been nominated to participate in the National Youth Honor Choir, sponsored by YouthCUE. Our three selected members are: Abigail McGee, John Christopherson and Matt Doole. Members of the National Youth Honor Choir are selected from around the U.S. Membership is limited to 150 youth. Washington D.C. is the site of this year’s festival. This opportunity is a distinct honor for each participant. Our three representatives are paying for their airfare, but we are hoping to cover their registration/food/housing ($900 each) through special scholarship/sponsorship. If you would like to help cover the expenses of these three worthy youth, please mark your check “National Youth Choir donation.” Either drop your check in the offering plate or mail it in to the Music Office.

Thank you!

YOUTH SINGERS BRUNCH Mark your calendars for the final Youth Singers fundraiser of the year, Sunday, May 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall. A delicious brunch of egg casserole, sliced ham, fruit, orange juice/ coffee will be available! This event is always popular. Come and enjoy!

Wednesdays,

March 29-April 26 Session 3 of Faith Academy Classes & Wednesday Night Dinners Begins

Sunday,

April 2

Last Day to Order Easter Lilies — (See details on page 3)

Thursday,

April 6

NOAH Breakfast — Mimi’s Restaurant (305 New Center Point)

9:00 a.m.

Sunday,

April 9

Palm Sunday Seder Meal — Kingdom City

9:30 a.m.

Sunday,

April 9

Children’s Choirs Spring Concert — Sanctuary

5:00 p.m.

Tuesday,

April 11

AARP Driver Safety Class — Room 135 S

1:00 p.m.

Wednesday,

April 12

No Faith Academy Classes or Dinners — (Holy Week)

Saturday,

April 15

Children’s Easter ’Eggsperience’ — (See details on page 6)

Monday,

April 17

Church will Be Closed — (Day After Easter)

Friday,

April 21

Restaurant Night Out (RNO) — (See details on page 8)

Saturday,

April 22

T4G Event — (See details on page 6)

April 22 & 23

UMW Spiritual Life Retreat — (See details on page 9)

Sunday,

April 23

Youth Singers Banquet — (See details on page 4)

Monday,

April 24

NOAH Heads to Chico Basin Ranch — (See details on page 9)

Saturday,

April 29

ManUp! Spring Clean-Up — (See details on page 9)

Sunday,

April 30

Family Worship — (See details on page 6)

Sunday,

April 30

Bereavement Luncheon Invitation — Wesley Memorial Room

Sunday,

April 30

Chancel Choir Spring Concert — Sanctuary

Monday,

May 15

NOAH: Jumping’ Good Goat Dairy Visit — (See details on page 9)

Sunday,

May 21

Youth Singers Brunch — Fellowship Hall

Sat & Sun,

9:00 a.m.

8:30 a.m.

12:05 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

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!

QUICK GIVING

THE 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!

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 5

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) Come to Sunday School and learn about how special the 40 days of Lent leading up to Easter is to our worship and our lives as Christians. Our Sunday school is age-based, so there will be a place for you to come and experience the power of Christ’s love in the world.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Love, Life, Live, Lent.. Come experience what it means to be transformed! Following the liturgy being used in the main service, children’s worship is a place for children to begin to understand and experience worship. This is a multi-age large group event held in Kingdom City.

PALM SUNDAY SEDER MEAL During the 9:30 Sunday School hour on April 9, we will remember the Passover as we participate in a Seder meal.

Please check with Janita to ensure that if you child has allergies, a suitable alternative can be provided.

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS – SPRING CONCERT Sunday, April 9, you are invited to join us for the Children’s Spring Concert, in the Sanctuary at 5:00 p.m. From Psalm 118:24, “Today is the day that the Lord has made!” Our children will be ringing and singing their praises to God, our Creator. There will be a small reception to follow in the Hospitality Center.

EASTER SUNDAY MISSION MOMENT – 11:00 ONLY Our children rarely get the opportunity to be in “hands on mission” moments, but on Easter Sunday (April 16), we will make sandwiches and goodie bags for our R4R neighbors in need. If you would like to donate an item or money toward this mission opportunity, contact Janita at 471-8522, ext. 246.

T4G EVENT Save the date! April 22 will be the last T4G event for our 5-6 graders. In May, we will be joining the Youth Ministry for a Wednesday night Youth Group and then we will be bridging the 6th graders across to seventh grade! But that is not the end! Our 6th graders will be invited back for a special dove release on Pentecost Sunday! The final farewell to our 6th graders will be at Camp T4G July 6-8. Registration is now available online and at the Welcome Desk and in Kingdom City.

6 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

EASTER ‘EGGSPERIENCE’ We will host the annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 15, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., for children birth – 4th grade. This year, we are adding something “eggs”tra special! Join us for a super fun egg hunt and explore the resurrection story with us in Kingdom City. We are looking for some tweens to volunteer in reenacting the story for the younger children, as well as volunteers to help hide eggs and get the children safely across the street to Palmer High School. To volunteer or for more information, contact Janita at janitam@fumc-cs.org or at 471-8522, ext. 246. This event will take place RAIN OR SHINE, so dress appropriately and bring your baskets! Come ‘Eggsperience’ Easter with us!

FAMILY WORSHIP The next family worship will be April 30 at the 9:30 a.m. service. Kingdom City will be closed during this time for K-6th grade activities. Nursery for birth – age 5 will be available. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to worship together.

Regular Sunday School activities will resume May 7.

SAVE THE DATES! Registration and volunteer opportunities available online, at the Welcome Desk and in Kingdom City.

ACT, MUSIC/ART/DRAMA CAMP ✓FIRST 1st - 7th graders, June 19-23, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

T4G AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH ✓CAMP 5th, 6th and 7th graders, July 6 - 8 CAMP AT AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH ✓DAY KG-3rd graders, July 11 or July 12 BIBLE SCHOOL ✓VBS—VACATION Preschool- 6th graders, July 24-28, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

ACCEPTANCE Wednesday, April 5, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Zone Sometimes, we find ourselves feeling like an outsider, misunderstood, left out. Tonight, we’ll take a look at Saint Paul and find out that we have a brother who understands from experience what we are going through when acceptance is hard to come by. Scripture text: Acts 9:20-31.

LYM GROWING GATHERING April 9, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.

MESSY SPIRITUALITY: GOD’S ANNOYING LOVE FOR IMPERFECT PEOPLE — Part 1 Wednesday, April 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Zone The book, Messy Spirituality, by Michael Yaconelli, is like fresh air for the everyday soul. Yaconelli dares to suggest that imperfection, unfinishedness, and messiness are, in fact, earmarks of true Christianity. Real faith is messy, erratic, lopsided as well as liberating!

MESSY SPIRITUALITY: GOD’S ANNOYING LOVE FOR IMPERFECT PEOPLE — PART 2 Wednesday, April 19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Zone We continue discovering the earthy and freeing wisdom from Michael Yaconelli’s book, Messy Spirituality. Some have called this book a “strong antidote for spiritual perfectionism.” It has helped many cut loose from the tyranny of ought-to’s and find a deep spirituality of being loved.

WHEN JESUS DROPS IN Wednesday, April 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Zone There’s a company called Zipline, that uses its fleet of drones to drop important medical supplies in remote areas of Rwanda.

This technology reminds us of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, when he seemed to be dropping in everywhere!

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD: LETTERS TO THE EXILES PART ONE: EXILE Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Zone For the Life of the World is an entertaining, quirky, film series that explores the deeper meaning of salvation. Have you ever wondered, “What is my salvation actually for?” Is it only about getting into heaven, or something that comes later? This film series will likely have you giggling as well as wondering deeply, as it helps us look at what it means to be strangers and pilgrims living in “the now and not yet” of God’s Kingdom Come on Earth.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 7

FAITH ACADEMY CLASSES AND WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS Session 3 of Faith Academy begins on Wednesday night, March 29. This will be a 4-week session with dinner and classes on March 29, April 5, 19 and 26. There will be no classes or dinner on April 12 for Holy Week. This will be our last session until the fall as we take a break for the summer.

CLASSES FOR SESSION 3 INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW TESTAMENT: AN OVERVIEW OF CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES Leader: Rev. Kent Ingram Scripture 101, Room 133 S We love to study the words of Scripture. We find them comforting, challenging, instructive and confusing. It is helpful, however, to step back and see the books in their larger context. We will spend time in this class looking at the broader perspective of the whole New Testament, to see what kinds of literature we have and how it all fits together. Armed with this knowledge, we can go deeper in our own personal study of scripture.

YOUR MISSIO DEI, SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT… Leader: Janita McGregor Experience 304, Room 234 S What would you say if I told you that there are no missions, rather there is only one mission? In this class, we will be exploring the concept of Missio Dei. If you don’t speak Latin, just come to class and you will learn not only what that phrase means, but also more importantly, what Missio Dei means to our daily lives. This is the mission, should you choose to accept it...this message will self-destruct (well…not really).

NOAH BREAKFAST Our breakfast for this month will be Thursday, April 6 at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at Mimi’s Restaurant at 305 New Center Point (on Powers Blvd just north of Constitution). Join us for great conversation and wonderful food. No reservations are necessary.

DRIVER SAFETY CLASS The next AARP Driver Safety Class is Tuesday, April 11. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for Non-AARP members. The class will meet from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., in Room 135 S. This is a great way to receive a discount on many auto insurance policies. To register, contact John Graves at gravesj1@comcast.net. If you are an AARP member, you need to bring your card to get the discount.

RESTAURANT NIGHT OUT (RNO) Restaurant Night Out (RNO) is a great way to meet church members, share a great meal, and have fun! The group is perfect for couples and singles.

RNO dines once a month at a restaurant. Participation is easy! Simply sign up to receive a monthly email announcing the restaurant, date and time. Then reply to the email if you can/cannot join us. With few exceptions, dinners are scheduled on the third Friday of each month at 5:00 p.m.

This year RNO is highlighting restaurants locally owned. On Friday, April 21, we will meet at Na Rai Siam on Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. Get to know members of FUMC while getting to know the best of Colorado Springs! For more information, contact Joan Cox at 576-6789 or coxrqs@aol.com.

FROM EPWORTH TO CITY ROAD CHAPEL Leader: Rev. Jerry Hurst Tradition 302, Room 233 S Many members have asked Jerry to repeat his class on John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church. In 2013, Jerry and his wife, Lynn, took an educational tour in England of the life of John Wesley. Jerry will present photos, and historical facts of John Wesley’s birthplace and other important sites of Wesley’s ministry. These four weeks will give you a great look at our founder’s life and the theology he brought to us.

8 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

RANCH INTERN OPENING The Ranch is looking for an intern for the summer of 2017. The candidate must be no less than 18 years of age and be able to drive themselves to and from the Ranch.

If you have any interest or know of a possible candidate, please send an email and resume to Chris Thornton at christ@fumc-cs.org.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S ANNUAL SPIRITUAL LIFE RETREAT The annual United Methodist Women’s Spiritual Life Retreat of the Rocky Mountain Conference is Saturday and Sunday, April 22 and April 23 at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. The Rev. Dr. Diana Loomis, Director of Development at Methodist Mission School in Espinosa, New Mexico, formerly known as McCurdy School, is the speaker. The topic will be a “Very Holy Imagination to Make God’s Difference.” All are invited to this very rewarding conference. For more information call Loeda at 719-6325965 or mcumw.org.

NOAH HEADS TO CHICO BASIN RANCH On Monday, April 24, the NOAH group will head east to the Chico Basin Ranch. We will leave at 8:15 a.m. for a morning tour of the working ranch. We’ll also watch ornithologists catch, band and release birds at their bird sanctuary. Walking will be minimal and seating is available at the viewing areas. We will drive back into Fountain and have lunch at Applebee’s on Highway 87. The cost for the trip is $10 per person and whatever you spend for your lunch. You should bring a water bottle with you and dress for changing spring weather. Registration deadline is Sunday, April 16 (Easter Day). To reserve your spot on the bus, contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522 or jerryh@fumc-cs.org.

MANUP! SPRING CLEAN-UP Saturday, April 29, is our Spring Clean-up day for our ManUp! group. We will meet at the church at 8:30 a.m., divide into groups and head out to pre-arranged homes of our shut-in members to give them a hand. We’ll be doing yard clean-up and/or needed indoor work. Please let Rev. Jerry Hurst know by Sunday, April 16, if you will be coming to help. That way, we will know how many teams we will have and how many homes to line up. Contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522 or jerryh@fumc-cs.org.

NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES Special Sunday Offering Sunday, April 30 One tribe in North America has told this story for centuries: when people “pale as birch” crossed the great water in large canoes, they brought with them “The Black Book.” However, the bringers of the physical Book could not have known what it would mean and look like to be Native and a follower of Jesus.

Today, Native Americans—with many unique languages, many unique cultures—honor their heritage, and live as Jesusfollowers, led by a rotation of primarily Native American pastors.

Most Americans today recognize that the history following the arrival of the large canoes bore little resemblance to the one all Christians identify as Creator. That’s why the people of The United Methodist Church, Native and non-Native, are creating a new history. Through Native American Ministries Sunday, we’re able to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus.

When you support Native American Ministries Sunday, you equip seminary students who will honor and celebrate Native American culture in their ministries. And you empower congregations that are finding fresh new ways to minister to their communities with the love of Christ.

Please prayerfully consider donating on Native American Ministries Sunday. Look for the special offering envelope in the bulletin on Sunday, April 30.

JUMPIN’ GOOD GOAT! Our NOAH folks will be traveling to Buena Vista for a visit to the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy on Monday, May 15. The cost for the trip is $20 each, plus money for your lunch. We will leave at 9:00 a.m. and tour the dairy to see how they process the cheese.

You can even pet the baby goats, if you want! There is a gift shop where you can buy knick-knacks and different types of cheese made at the dairy. Bring a bottle of water. After the tour, we will have lunch at Jan’s Restaurant in Buena Vista. The deadline for registration is Sunday, April 30.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 9

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY LUNCH

RESTING IN GOD: CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER ON THURSDAY MORNINGS

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 or to join this ministry, please join us for lunch on Sunday, April 30, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Wesley Memorial Room, with those currently serving in this ministry. To RSVP for lunch, contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204, or pattyw@fumc-cs.org by April 24.

Without prayer we become deaf to the voice of divine love and become confused by the many competing voices asking for our attention. When we sit down for half an hour – without talking to someone, listening to music, watching television, or reading a book – and try to become very still, we often find ourselves so overwhelmed by our noisy inner voices that we can hardly wait to get busy and distracted again. “Our inner life often looks like a banana tree full of jumping monkeys! But when we decide not to run away and stay focused, the monkeys may gradually go away because of lack of attention, and the soft gentle voice calling us the beloved may gradually make itself heard.” (Henri Nouwen)

COULD GOD BE CALLING YOU TO BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER? Stephen Ministry is a behind the scenes ministry at FUMC, but make no mistake, it is a powerful one. Week in and week out, Stephen Ministers from our church meet privately with their care receivers, providing a listening ear and emotional and spiritual support.

• One Stephen Minister may be ministering to a parent of a child with an addiction.

• Another may be offering empathy and support to a single mother.

• Yet another may be sharing encouraging words to a young man in chronic pain.

• Still another may be bringing a listening presence to a military person returned from deployment.

Our Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one ministry to people in the congregation who are experiencing divorce, grief, unemployment, a terminal illness, loneliness, a spiritual crisis, and other life difficulties. The role of a Stephen Minister is to provide emotional support, to pray with and for their care receiver, and to walk with the person for the duration of the crisis.

A Stephen Minister typically meets with his or her care receiver once a week for about an hour. Caring relationships last as long as the need is there—perhaps only a month or two or possibly a year or more. Stephen Ministers keep everything their care receivers say, even their identity, confidential.

A new class of Stephen Ministers will be trained (20 sessions) at FUMC starting in September 2017. For an application or more information contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org, or 471-8522, ext.204.

10 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

Come and listen to the voice of divine love! You are invited to join a contemplative prayer group that meets in the 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 these spiritual practices are not necessary. An introduction can be provided at any time to newcomers. For more information, contact Rev. Patty Walker, at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 204.

BUS MINISTRY Many members of our church don’t or can’t drive anymore, or do not own a car. Our Bus Ministry brings members to church on Sunday, and for some, this is their only enjoyable trip away from a care center, assisted living or independent living facility. To our drivers, this is an opportunity to meet new friends, as well as to serve the church.

We are in need of several new drivers. We currently have 10 drivers, but need 12-15, to allow our group of dedicated and hard-working drivers extra time between rotations. Our drivers balance church activities, family, jobs and social life.

Many of them volunteer in other areas of the church or in the community. The schedule allows drivers to attend their usual Sunday school and worship service. No CDL is needed, just a regular driver’s license. Needed: experience driving this type of vehicle or the desire to train. Your commitment would be to drive for a few hours on Sunday, about once every 4-5 weeks. For more information, contact Catherine Marshall, Bus Ministry Coordinator at 484-9347, or catmarshall57@hotmail.com.

MISSION TRIP TO NICARAGUA

UMCOR KITS It’s that time… Each year at the Rocky Mountain Annual Conference there is a gathering of various supplies and kits which are then taken to the UMCOR West Depot in Salt Lake City. The director, Rev. Brian Diggs, has arranged with a SLC trucking company to pick up the kits in Denver and deliver them to the warehouse, thereby saving the shipping expenses.

Whenever there is a disaster UMCOR is frequently the first response entity to arrive and the last to leave. They usually supply health kits, flood buckets, or bedding kits depending on the need of the communities. As Colorado Springs experienced its two most recent fires, UMCOR was here to provide for some of the needs.

There are seven different kits. Any kit is welcome, even pieces or partial kits. The current need is for health kits and bedding kits. You may find out what supplies make up the kits by going to UMCOR.org and clicking on the relief supplies tab or by picking up a brochure in the information rack near the Welcome Desk. At the website there are also directions for making school bags, simple sweaters, and layette gowns.

Please drop the kits off with Rev. Chuck Stephens by June 11 and he will make sure they get to Annual Conference. This church has a long history of being generous to UMCOR, both with kits and with One Great Hour of Sharing. We can never know all the lives touched by our giving. Thank you in advance.

As you read this, the Nicaragua mission team is flying back from our time in Chacraseca. We cannot thank you enough for the generous support and love from this church congregation. Our hosts were overwhelmed that we could raise the amount we did towards our project costs. These funds allowed us to substantially build out the learning center for their community farm. It will also provide needed funds for the work that will continue after our return home. Our friends in Chacraseca want you to know how much they appreciate the support.

During our trip to Nicaragua, we provided much needed medical screening to the community as well as participated in the local sewing cooperative. Some of us spent our afternoons participating with the local youth doing readings and skits at their little community center. We began and ended our days with devotionals on the porch of Casa La Paz where we stayed.

We also had some free time at the beginning and end of our mission to visit some volcanos, the beach on the Pacific Ocean, and the cities of Leon and Managua. God has truly blessed all of us who attended this mission trip and with your support, we look forward to future trips together!

RIDES 4 RUBBISH Rides 4 Rubbish is a monthly mission outreach of this church.

Volunteers meet our friends who are clients of the Marian House in their parking lot on the third Sunday of each month to pick up trash together. The clients receive 14 bus passes and a sack lunch and are offered Holy Communion. Last month, two clients shared beautiful stories of discipleship and faith. One young lady who has been living outside for the last year, was being helped through a program by the Navigators. She so impressed them that she has been hired to work in this program and has now secured an apartment. Her story was highlighted on the front page of the Gazette. A second man had received a new coat at our “Christmas in the Parking Lot” event. He mentioned how warm it was. When asked why he wasn’t wearing it, he told us that a friend of his needed it much more than he did and this old coat he had on was sufficient. R4R is small but powerful mission. Lives and spirits are being changed. We invite you to join us off Bijou street just west of Cascade on the third Sunday of each month at 1:45 p.m.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 11

2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church