Encounter december 2016

As we move through the season of Advent, we build energy and excitement as we add decorations, sing more familiar carols, and read the familiar stories. We begin with the Service of Lessons and Carols and enjoy our wonderful Christmas Concert. We delight on the angelical voices of our precious little ones, as they present their much anticipated Children’s Christmas Concert. We offer Contemplative Worship during our Advent Wednesdays Night Dinners as we keep building towards Christmas Eve with its overflow crowds and joyful celebration.

You need to be here! You need to allow the worship of the church to prepare you for the holy season of Christmas. Others need to be here as well. Who do you know that would benefit from our Advent and Christmas season? Please invite them to join us this month.

Christmas Eve is always a wonderful time at First United Methodist Church. Join us for any of our Christmas spirit filled services.

This Christmas Eve, we will offer five services and one service on Christmas Day.

CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE The Christmas Eve Family Service will be in the Sanctuary at 2:00 p.m. A special service of Christmas stories led by Janita McGregor, Director of Children’s Ministries.

This service is open to everyone, specially for those that don’t want to be out at night and those with young children.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES Sanctuary Services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Join us for any of our Candlelight Services in the Sanctuary, led by Rev. Kent Ingram.

Both of these services offer a stirring message of hope, traditional Christmas hymns and anthems performed by the Chancel Choir and instrumentalists of First United Methodist Church. The 5 o’ clock service will be televised.

Sanctuary Service at 9:00 p.m.

Join us at 9:00 p.m. for a Candlelight Service in the Sanctuary that offers a stirring message of hope with Christmas hymns and anthems performed by the Crossroad Praise Team.

Communion will be served during this service.

This service is led by Rev. Kent Ingram.

Sanctuary Service at 11:00 p.m.

At 11:00 p.m., our Candlelight Communion Service will be in the Sanctuary. This service is a stirring message of hope with Christmas hymns and anthems performed by the Youth Singers. This service is led by Rev. Tiffany Keith.

IN THIS ISSUE... 

By Kent Ingram - Page 2 

Around the Church & Beyond Page 3

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 4

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Page 5

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Children’s Ministries Page 6 & 7

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Youth Ministries Page 7

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Music and Arts Ministries Page 8

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 9

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CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE On Christmas Day, we will offer one worship service at 10:00 a.m. This service will be a Christmas Carol songfest. No Sunday School classes will meet but Nursery will be provided. The church will close right after worship and there will be no afternoon or evening events.

Cubs Win… an Advent Story

Caring Ministries Page 10

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Mission Ministries Page 11

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HODIE! A Celebration of Christmas Concert Back Cover

Cubs Win…an Advent Story

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

I’m not a Cub fan. In fact, I grew up south of the “Cub/Cardinal” line in Illinois. I was raised about 90 miles from St. Louis, all of my kinfolk were from Missouri. I grew up with my two favorite teams being the Cardinals and whoever was playing the Cubs. But when the Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs this year, I found myself cheering for the Cubs. It’s hard to stay angry at a team that has struggled and failed for so long! You feel for their long-suffering fans and devoted followers. So, I cheered for them up until the last pitch in the 10 th inning when they won the World Series.

“It is a time to learn how to wait, to be patient, to anticipate, and to learn how to

Ok, it’s a bit of a stretch as all sports analogies are, but it does remind me of Advent. It is a time to learn how to wait, to be patient, to anticipate, and to learn how to support one another. And we don’t like it. We want Christmas now! We want Christmas carols and sweet Christmas baby stories, and warm feelings. But we get John the Baptist and more John the Baptist and warnings and encouragement to stay awake and watch. We light candles each week looking for that day when the Promised One will come.

This waiting makes us appreciate Christmas even more. It causes us to reflect on what Christmas really means and how it changes our lives and the world. We lean into the season with hope and expectation. And when Christmas comes, we will be ready, spiritually, mentally, physically. We all need to be in church this Advent. We need to learn how to wait, to watch, to prepare. I look forward to making this journey with you.

support one

You all know by now the story line. They had not won a World Series for 108 years. They had been cursed with a “goat” curse. They would come close only to have some catastrophe defeat them.

Generations came and went, with no ring. People lived and died with their dreams vanquished. But they played on.

They kept trying to rebuild, to find the right combination of players and coaches that could get then to the top. And they waited. And they waited. And they waited.

another.”

The waiting made the victory that much sweeter. People appreciate it a lot. Some thought they would never see this day. The waiting also formed the people into a community that supported and stood by their team. They became resilient and forgiving. It changed who they are. Even though they didn’t like the wait.

And, hey, it’s only 4 weeks, not 108 years!

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.

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: Advent Season and Christmas 2016 at FUMC

WORDS FROM

LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER Where has 2016 gone? While writing this article, I am looking out of the window at a spectacular 70 degree November day. It is hard to believe we are heading into Advent; my favorite time of the year. The closer we get to Christmas the more there seems to be a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air.

Attitudes change and most become . . . well . . . NICE! Even those with prickly personalities are sometimes seen with a smile on their face (maybe it’s the Christmas candy). I have thought about it quite a bit and believe that Advent should be changed from four Sundays before Christmas to fifty-two Sundays before Christmas. I hope you have a very blessed Christmas.

See you at Church,

END OF THE YEAR GIVING We worked hard last year to end the year strong and we made our budget. The good news is that we are ahead of where we were last year in relationship to the budget. Also, last year we had an unbalanced budget, anticipating additional Foundation support. They came through again, making it a good year. This year, we have a balanced budget, so if we meet our goals we will be in the black without the extra Foundation help for the first time in several years.

Now, we need to finish strong. We need to come as close to our estimate of giving as possible. If we are in a position to do so, we need to give an extra gift over and above our pledge. We need to make a generous Advent/Christmas offering. The generosity of this congregation is obvious. We reach out to this community unlike any church I know. You are an amazing bunch!

I know you want to help us finish strong and move into 2017 in good shape! Look at your December statement letter to see where you are in your giving. Together, we can make this our best year in a long time! Thank you for your generous support.

Leland Reece

ADVENT WEDNESDAY NIGHTS WITH CONTEMPLATIVE BLESSING

Gathering † Worshiping † Being PREVIEW SERVICE: STORIES @ THE EDGE Have you been wondering what Stories @ The Edge services are like but are unsure about attending? Or have you not found the time? We have the perfect service for you to attend!

On December 16, we will gather for dinner in Fellowship Hall, at 6:00 p.m., followed by the presentation of the personal stories of our guest speakers, Rev. Kent Ingram and our new Bishop, Rev. Karen Oliveto. It will be a powerful night of vulnerability, courage, and hope. RSVP is not required but highly recommended. RSVP or questions can be directed to Rev. Tiffany Keith at tiffanyk@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522 ext. 270.

Learn more about FUMC programs and events at www.fumc-cs.org

Join us for our special Advent programs that will take place each Wednesday night during Advent. Dinner will be served from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The programs begin at 6:15 p.m.

Wednesday, November 30, Rev. Jerry Hurst will present the program “The Star of Bethlehem.”

Wednesday, December 7, Rev. Patty Walker will present the program “Travel Through Christmas.”

Wednesday, December 14, Rev. Kent Ingram will present the program “Waiting on the Light.”

Wednesday, December 21, Janita McGregor will present the program “O Come, O Come.”

Each of these programs will include the singing of some Christmas Hymns and a short presentation by the speaker. To close our evening together, Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens will offer a Contemplative blessing with a theme based on the popular song, Mary Did You Know by Mark Lowry. He will take one stanza a week and briefly explore how it fits into the week’s Advent theme. This will be a time to deeply explore how the birth of our Savior will transform the world and our lives.

NOTE: There will be no dinner or classes on Wednesdays, December 28 or January 4. We hope to see you each night during Advent as together, we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 3

Session One of Faith Academy and Wednesday Night Dinners will begin January 11, 2017. This session will run for five weeks, from January 11 to February 8, 2017. Registration for classes is not needed.

Remember to join us for Wednesdays Night Dinner. Dinner is served from 5:00 - 6:15 p.m., followed by Faith Academy classes at 6:30 p.m.

Information for the January session of Faith Academy Classes will be published in the January issue of the Encounter.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

4 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW FOR QUICK ACCESS TO GIVING

Sunday,

November 27

The Service of Lessons & Carols — Sanctuary

5:00 p.m.

Wednesday,

November 30

Advent Dinners and Contemplative Blessings Begin — Fellowship Hall

5:00 p.m.

Thursday,

December 1

NOAH Breakfast — IHOP (Constitution and Powers)

9:00 a.m.

Sunday,

December 4

HODIE! A Celebration of Christmas Concert— Sanctuary

3:00 p.m.

Tuesday,

December 6

Church Conference — Room 133 S.

7:00 p.m.

Fri & Sat,

Dec. 9 & 10

Christmas at the Ranch — John Wesley Ranch (Friday at 6:00 and Saturday at 5:00 p.m.)

December 11

Children’s Choirs Christmas Concert — Theatre

Sunday, Mon or Tues,

5:00 p.m.

December 12 or 13 Auditions for Dearly Beloved

7:00 p.m.

Tuesday,

December 13

Love Lights a Candle: A Service of Remembrance — Chapel

6:30 p.m.

Wednesday,

December 14

T4G Tweens for God Outdoor Skating with the Youth

6:30 p.m.

Friday,

December 16

Stories @ The Edge with Kent Ingram and Bishop Karen Oliveto

6:00 p.m.

Saturday,

December 24

Family Service — Sanctuary

2:00 pm

Special service of Christmas stories led by Janita McGregor, Director of Children’s Ministries

Saturday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

5:00 pm

A stirring message of hope and traditional Christmas hymns and anthems led by the Chancel Choir and instrumentalists of FUMC. Sermon by Rev. Kent Ingram

Saturday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

7:00 pm

A stirring message of hope and traditional Christmas hymns and anthems led by the Chancel Choir and instrumentalists of FUMC. Sermon by Rev. Kent Ingram

Saturday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

9:00 pm

A stirring message of hope with Christmas hymns and anthems led by the Crossroad Praise Team. Communion will be served. Sermon by Rev. Kent Ingram

Saturday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

11:00 pm

Service with communion and sermon by Rev. Tiffany Keith

Sunday,

December 25

Christmas Day Service — Sanctuary

10:00 am

A Christmas Carol songfest service. Sermon by Rev. Kent Ingram

Monday,

December 26

CHURCH IS CLOSED

Saturday,

December 31

CHURCH IS CLOSED

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 5

CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. Then, he said to him… “So shall your offspring be.”

All in the family: Jesse, Abraham & Sarah, David, Mary & Joseph… Jesus. Our Advent Sunday school will explore the lineage of Jesus as we prepare for the birth of the Messiah.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Why? What? Where? When? Who? If you have an enquiring mind and you want to search for answers right alongside us, come upstairs for our Children’s Worship. Join us in the “quest for Advent answers”!

T4G – TWEENS FOR GOD EXCLUSIVELY for 5th and 6th graders Wednesday, December 14, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Calling all tweens! We will meet in The Zone (our Youth area located in the South wing) to eat a light dinner before joining the FUMC Youth for an evening at the Acacia Park Outdoor Ice Skating Rink! This event is ONLY for T4G! Be sure to wear long socks and dress warmly! There is no cost for this event.

T4G save Friday night, January 20! We will meet in Kingdom City to create our award winning chili! More details coming soon!

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sunday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m.

FUMC Theatre Give the gift of your support and time to the children of FUMC by joining us for the Children’s Choirs Christmas Concert. Our Cherub Choir, Chorister Chimes, Chorister Choir, Cathedral Ringers and Cathedral Choirs will perform the music of the season. Please consider making this event part of your Christmas tradition!

CHRISTMAS SERVICES CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE 2:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE 10:00 a.m.

NURSERY ONLY - NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

6 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

ADVENT ABC SCHOOL CHILDREN’S MISSION For the past five years, our church has been contributing to the ABC School for street children in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

We have been one of the primary supports to the ABC School and they have made considerable progress!

HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS: They have grown from about 75 students to 135 students, continuing the education of about 30 students who have graduated from ABC. These students now attend school at the high school and college level. They excelled on state grade level exams, with most students testing out above 90% at each grade level! A building fund was started that may someday allow the school to buy land and construct a school of their own (they currently lease a property).

Jerre and David Fussell, co-founders of the school, visited Bangladesh this summer and spent a week working with the ABC children.

This coming January, they plan to put together a PowerPoint presentation for our FUMC congregation on the progress of the ABC School and its students. Watch for the announcement! During Advent, in December, our children collect coins to contribute to the school and we have many FUMC members who also renew their sponsorships of individual students at ABC. Sponsorships cover all materials, books, teacher costs, school uniforms, school lunch and medical coverage for each child for one year – the cost is $250 per child. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible sponsorship, make your checks out to FUMC with a memo on the bottom of the check indicating that it is an ABC Sponsorship. These can be dropped into the collection tray on Sunday or given to David Fussell. We are hoping that you will find it in your heart this Christmas season to begin sponsoring or continue your existing sponsorship of one or more of our street children. Your support completely changes their lives!

JANUARY 2017!

NEW!!

FAMILY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE ON THE 5TH SUNDAY Starting in January 2017, every fifth Sunday of the month, First United Methodist Church will offer a new family worship experience steeped in rich tradition. Children and their parents will have the opportunity to worship together as a family at the 9:30 a.m. service. Please note that Kingdom City will be closed on the 5th Sundays to allow families to attend worship together. It is our prayer that this will create family conversation and holy moments of learning for both the children and the parents.

The nursery will be available for birth through age 5. If you would prefer to worship separately, we will still offer Children’s Worship in Kingdom City at 11:00 a.m. The next opportunity for family worship will take place on the 5th Sunday of April.

ABC SCHOOL SPECIAL DINNER

YOUTH NEWS: The 11:00 a.m. Sunday School has been cancelled due to lack of participants. Youth are encourage to worship in the Sanctuary during this hour. Or, check with Janita about serving our amazing Children's Ministry in Kingdom City!

For December youth activities, please visit us at www.fumc-cs.org or check out the Youth Newsletter.

Saturday, January 7, 2017 Look for information in the January issue of Encounter.

CLAUDE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Sunday, January 8, 2017 at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Look for information in the January issue of Encounter.

SLED DAY AND CHILI COOK OFF AT THE RANCH Saturday, January 21, 2017 Look for information in the January issue of Encounter.

Senior High Youth at Glide Memorial UMC’s People Bible Study in San Francisco — Summer 2016 First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 7

COFFEE AND COOKIES A GREAT COMBINATION! By popular demand, FUMC’s Youth Singers are bringing back Christmas coffee and cookies! We are partnering with Serrano’s Coffee, a local Colorado Springs company, supporting our Youth Singers’ fundraising efforts by offering a special holiday coffee blend. There will be no pre-selling this year.

We will be selling coffee on the following Sundays: December 4, December 11, and December 18. Coffee will be sold in the Hospitality Center at a cost of $13.00 for a 12 oz. package.

On December 18, the Youth Singers will be hosting a holiday “cookie exchange.” Available for purchase will be a wide variety of delicious homemade holiday cookies, for a suggested donation of $5. You can “mix and match,” picking any 12 cookies of your choice from the selections available. Cookies will be sold on a “first come, first served” basis at the conclusion of the 8:00 a.m. service and will include decorative holiday packaging – perfect for seasonal gift-giving! Join us as we celebrate this joyous season.

Thank you for your generous support of our Youth Singers!

ANNOUNCING FIRST COMPANY’S AUDITIONS FOR DEARLY BELOVED Dearly Beloved is a laugh-out-loud, fast-paced southern comedy of love, marriage, sisterhood, gospel music and three hundred pounds of good Texas barbecue! It tells the story of the Futrelle sisters who are in the midst of planning a wedding, but things soon go wildly off course with its “Gone With The Wind” theme, a reception catered by Clovis Sanford’s House of Meats, and a missing bride and groom. Auditions will take place Monday, December 12 or Tuesday, December 13, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

We will be casting 4 men and 6 women. For character descriptions, contact us at contact@firstcompanytheater.org. If auditioning for the gospel-singing Futrelle sisters: Bring 16-32 bars of music to sing. Have music marked or bring a track to sing with. Women applying for these parts must be able to harmonize. Performances are March 10-12 and 17-19, 2017.

JOIN OUR WORSHIP CHOIRS AT FUMC Youth Choir, Youth Singers (Grades 7-12) - Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoon at 3:45 p.m., in the Choir Room in the South Basement. This choir is the main worship choir for the 8:00 a.m. worship service. Chancel Choir is the main worship adult choir for the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Rehearsals are on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m., in the Choir Room in the South Basement.

Crossroads is our Praise Team for the Contemporary Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. Rehearsals are on Sunday mornings and it is open to new members by audition. For more information, please call the Music and Arts Ministry Office at 471-8522, ext. 221.

8 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

NOAH BREAKFAST

POINSETTIAS

Our NOAH group will be meeting at IHOP at Constitution and Powers, on Thursday, December 1. Join us at 9:00 a.m. for good food and great company! Reservations are not needed. Just join us for the fellowship!

Honor a loved one, celebrate your family!

CHURCH CONFERENCE This year’s Church Conference will take place on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m., in Room 133 S. The 2017 budget will be presented at this meeting along with new officers for our committees. We will also see a slide presentation on the life of FUMC in 2016. Melanie Rosa, our District Superintendent, will be presiding. All church members are welcome to attend.

CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH Friday, Dec. 9, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Join us for a spirited evening of food and fun to celebrate our Christmas season at The Ranch.

An elegant dinner will be prepared by our returning chefs, Lynn Strong and Lori Lohrmeyer! Entertainment will be provided by our one and only, First Company, led by Marty Fennewald. We invite you to join us to experience the Ranch in its winter glory.

TICKETS: $20 for adults and $15 for children per night. (Check or cash only) TICKET SALES: December 4, in the Friendship Lounge, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Tickets may also be reserved by contacting Chris Thornton at christ@fumc-cs.org, or at 687-2148. Tickets will sell out quickly for this event!

CHRISTMAS AT THE RANCH WITH NOAH Friday, December 9, is the date that our NOAH group is going to the Ranch for the Christmas dinner.

The two buses for Friday are full.

On Friday, the buses will leave FUMC at 5:00 p.m. for the 6:00 p.m. dinner.

There is still room in the bus for the Saturday night dinner. This bus will leave at 4:00 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. dinner. The cost for the dinner is $20 each.

During Christmas, we offer the opportunity to purchase poinsettias in honor or in memory of loved ones. These festive holiday plants decorate our Chancel area in the Sanctuary throughout the Advent season. Poinsettias are $22 each for an 8” pot with 3 plants. Sales will continue through Sunday, December 11. Please remember that we would like everyone to enjoy these traditional holiday plants on Christmas Eve. You may take your poinsettia home after the 11:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve, or you may pick up your Poinsettia the following week when the church building reopens on Tuesday, December 27.

ADVENT READERS We still have worship services during Advent for which people have not requested to be th e reader. The Advent Sundays are November 30, December 7, 14, 21. If you would like for your family, friends or yourself to be an Advent candle lighter and liturgy reader at one of the four worship services on those dates, please email Rev. Jerry Hurst at jerryh@fumc-cs.org. Include the date and service time that you would like. Please check the Sunday You Can Count On Me bulletin insert for available dates and times.

BUS MINISTRY NEEDS DRIVERS Our Bus Ministry brings members, who can’t or don’t drive anymore, to church on Sunday, and for some, this is their only enjoyable trip away from a care center, assisted living or independent living facility. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel some of our regular routes the last few Sundays due to lack of an available driver.

We currently have 9 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. Schedules are set in a way that allow 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 5 weeks. If you would like to become a part of this wonderful ministry, please fill out the You Can Count on Me insert. For more information, contact Catherine Marshall, Bus Ministry Coordinator, at 484-9347, or catmarshall57@hotmail.com.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 9

LOVE LIGHTS A CANDLE: A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

AN INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP

Tuesday, December 13 6:30 p.m., in the Chapel Followed by a Reception

January 28, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Led by Rev. Patty Walker

Sometimes it is hard to feel joy during the Christmas season when a loved one has died. If you find yourself in this sadness, please come to a special evening of reflection, music, candle lighting, and communion where we come together in grief, remember loved ones, and find light in a holiday season that may be feeling very dark. This is a time for remembering and sharing our hurting places with God. This gathering will provide a space for those who are grieving or facing any kind of pain in the midst of this season of celebration and seeking the presence of Christ our Light, who goes with us in the darkness. You are invited to bring a photo or an object of remembrance of your loved one. Childcare will be provided.

Questions? Contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org, or 471-8522, ext. 204.

COULD GOD BE CALLING YOU TO BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER? Stephen Ministry is the one-on-one caring ministry that matches a trained Stephen Minister with an individual needing high-quality, confidential, Christcentered care during a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment.

OBSERVATIONS FROM A CURRENT STEPHEN MINISTER: “Stephen Ministry provides a program that trains me in intentional listening and caring, and offers me a community of support for walking with someone facing problems that seem overwhelming. My ministry as a caregiver is to thoughtfully, carefully, and prayerfully listen to my care receiver. I try to understand the problems facing my care receiver, and I hope to help her deal with the emotions of her situation. Stephen Ministry provides me with a way of expressing my faith, putting into action my ministry as a Christian.”

REQUIREMENTS OF A STEPHEN MINISTER A Stephen Minister completes 50 hours of relationship training and is willing to make a minimum two-year service commitment.

Once trained, commissioned Stephen Ministers provide quality care to a care-receiver for about one hour each week to help in a life challenge or crisis. Commissioned Stephen Ministers also commit to attend peer supervision and continuing education sessions twice per month. Do your spiritual gifts, interests, wounds and passions match this ministry? Is God calling you to Stephen Ministry? A new class of Stephen Ministers will be trained (20 sessions) at FUMC starting in January 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

If you have been feeling drawn to a prayer of inner silence and communion with God, this workshop will be a great opportunity to explore that further. In the workshop, you will learn a prayer method, called Centering Prayer, in which you sit in silence with God, opening your mind, heart, and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery.

Psalm 46 says, "Be still and know that I am God." In our fastpaced, frenetic world, it is sometimes a challenge to "be still."

Centering Prayer is a means to deepen one’s prayer life by learning to “rest in God.” It leads one into silent communion with God beyond concepts, words and images. Centering Prayer is a simple and disciplined waiting on God. This workshop is open to those new to Centering Prayer and to those who regularly practice it. The day will include periods of silence and Centering Prayer, discussion, and teachings on the conceptual background of Centering Prayer. This workshop is co-sponsored by FUMC and Contemplative Outreach. The cost is $20. Scholarships are available. For more information or to register contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 204. Following the workshop you will have the opportunity to join an ongoing Centering Prayer group at FUMC if desired. Please register by December 31.

CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY PROGRAM Register by December 31 Are you hungering to go deeper in your intimacy with God? Come and meet God in the silence of contemplative prayer. Contemplative practices facilitate and strengthen our relationship with God. The Contemplative Journey Program, offered through FUMC in partnership with Contemplative Outreach (an ecumenical, international organization whose purpose is to renew the contemplative dimension of life) is an opportunity to explore contemplative prayer and to go deeper in your faith journey. The Contemplative Journey Program uses the wisdom and writings of Fr. Thomas Keating to explain the theology, psychology and spirituality of centering prayer and contemplation.

This program will be presented in an 11-week session, which includes facilitated discussions, videos produced by Contemplative Outreach, LTD readings, and personal ‘soul friending.’ Classes will go from January 19 to April 13, 2017 at FUMC, on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. - Noon. Cost for the Contemplative Journey Program is $140. Scholarships are available. For more information or to register, contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org, or 471-8522, ext. 204.

ESM FIRST FUND Molly (not her real name) came to ESM asking for help. Since she was a young girl, Molly had been struggling with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). She had been sexually abused as a young girl.

Molly needed help with her medical prescriptions. She also had a prescription for a new pair of eye glasses but she was unable to have the prescription filled. ESM through First Fund was able to help Molly get her medical prescriptions filled and secure a new pair of eye glasses. Molly is now working and is trying to make ends meet. She thanks ESM and First Fund for her help.

In 1998, our Church established First Fund at ESM. First Fund provides money for clients of ESM to make co-payments to specialists or to have surgery or necessary medical or dental treatments that they otherwise could not afford. First Fund also helps clients of ESM pay for prescription drugs and ESM through First Fund provides bus passes in order that the clients can have transportation to keep medical and dental appointments. So far this year, ESM through First Fund has been able to help clients with 170 prescription needs, help them keep 29 vision and dental appointments and meet other co-pay and transportation needs.

A gift to First Fund can be a lasting gift ‘in honor of or in memory of’ a loved one or special friend. Watch your mail after Thanksgiving for a folder describing First Fund and explaining how to make a donation.

WORLD AIDS DAY Did you know that there are over 36 million people living with AIDS worldwide? 1.2 million of those people live in the United States and 40% of them are between the ages of 13-29. Young people are the most likely to be unaware of their diagnosis. The education of our young people has lessened and those born after 2000 see this disease as just another STD. December 1 is set aside for us to lift up in prayer and support those who have been affected. It is a day which reminds us that this devastating disease continues to afflict and diminish our society. The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund supports education, prevention, care, and treatment programs for people living with HIV/AIDS around the world. The fund currently supports 175 HIV/AIDS church-oriented and Christ-centered ministries in 37 countries, including the United States. Twenty-five percent of what each annual conference raises is used in that conference for AIDS work, either locally or in global projects. The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund is working toward an AIDS-free world by providing a tangible response to the worldwide HIV/AIDS crisis, to stop the transmission of HIV from mother to child, teach young adults about HIV prevention, and feed an HIV-positive person, that enables them to take their medicine and lead a productive life. $20 a month or more can help put a stop to HIV/AIDS in our world.

INTERFAITH BUILD FUMC has partnered with Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity (PPHFH) “Interfaith Build” in the funding and building a Habitat home. So far, we have had a great response from the congregation! The only remaining day available to sign up for is May 20, 2017! Both morning and afternoon shifts are still available (8:30 a.m. – noon and 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.). Please use the You Can Count On Me bulletin insert to sign up. Five FUMC volunteers are needed per shift along with volunteers from other churches. The building site is on Bunting Ave., in Fountain. For more information, contact Gordon Kunzman at gordonkco@q.com, or 548-0150.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK On Christmas Day, immediately after worship, groups from around the area will meet downtown to hand out Christmas gifts to our neighbors that live on the streets, on friends’ couches, or those who just need to see a friendly face on Christmas Day. The exact location is yet to be determined. There are many ways you can help. ESM is collecting cold-weather sleeping bags to hand out Christmas Day. You may purchase sleeping bag(s) online and have it shipped to 201 N Weber St, 80903. The Edge will be purchasing coats to hand out and cash donations are also welcome! Make sure to mark your donation “Christmas in the Park.” Or you can gather a group of people, collect donations, and join us at the park on Christmas Day. We will set up after Christmas worship and will start handing out items by noon. We will close the line and be home by 2:00 p.m. What better way to say thanks for the gift we have been given! You can find more information online at theedgedowntown.org/25gift

RIDES 4 RUBBISH (R4R) Rides 4 Rubbish (R4R) is a local mission that meets west of Marian House 1:45 - 4:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of each month. Our group meets with client-volunteers of the Marian House to honor God’s creation by picking up trash in the downtown area and parks. This is followed by worship in the park with a devotion and communion. In return for their efforts, clientvolunteers receive two weeks’ worth of city bus passes or help obtaining identification. We welcome anyone that would like to be part of this meaningful ministry. We also accept financial support. For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens, at chucks@fumc-cs.org or 884-2470.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 11

Featuring the HODIE! (Latin for “Today”)

By Z. Randall Stroope,

Christmas Music By the Chamber Singers

Traditional Christmas Carols Accompanied by a full orchestra.