Encounter December 2017

IN THIS ISSUE... at First United Methodist Church As you know, Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year. While it will be an exciting day full of wonderful worship opportunities, it also presents challenges for the staff; from the custodians, to the sound and TV crew, to the ushers and other worship leaders as well as clergy and other program staff. Please check out the changes we have made to the service schedule on December 24 for the celebration of the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve. Invite your friends and family and join us for any of the special services on this day.

MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Crossroads Contemporary service will be our first service of the morning at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will light the fourth Advent candle, hear a message from Rev. Kent Ingram and celebrate communion, in addition to singing the wonderful praise music led by Crossroads. Our second service of the morning will be at 11:00 a.m. This is a traditional service of the fourth Sunday of Advent led by our Youth Singers.

Rev. Ingram will be preaching.

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There will be no 7:30 a.m. chapel service or 8:00 a.m. service on December 24.

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TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES Sunday evening schedule will begin with traditional candlelight services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. These identical services will feature our Chancel Choir, Brass and Timpany. Rev. Ingram will preach and you will have a chance to light a candle at the end of it as we sing Silent Night.

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At 9:00 p.m., Crossroads Praise team will lead a contemporary service, with some upbeat arrangements of traditional Christmas carols. Rev. Ingram will preach this service. Communion will be served.

This service will end with candle lighting.

At 11:00 p.m., we will have a traditional candlelight and communion service. Rev. Tiffany Keith will preach and the Youth Singers and Alumni will lead worship.

NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP SCHEDULE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 7:30 a.m. — Chapel Service 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. — Traditional Services 9:30 a.m. — Contemporary Service

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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

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Youth Ministries Page 7

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 8

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 9

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Caring Ministries Page 10

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Missions Ministries Page 11

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MESSIAH, 275th Anniversary Back Cover

The Right Time

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

inviting people to come and celebrate Christmas I believe that people are created with an inborn with us at First Church. hunger for God. This deep spiritual desire is a part of all of us, and sometimes manifests We do this season well. Our building is itself in a healthy relationship with God. beautiful, and even more so when decorated Sometimes we may harm ourselves and Now is a great in its Advent and Christmas finest. Our others by trying to fill this empty space music is unparalleled. Our worship is time to consider with things that don’t affirm life. The deep and meaningful. I love the stories inviting people to hunger is always there. We are, all of that I get to preach on. I can’t imagine us, seekers. come and celebrate anyone who wouldn’t be moved by the

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services we offer during Advent and I also believe that there are times Christmas with us Christmas. when people seem more open to an at First Church. invitation to reflect upon and grow in Look closely at the offerings this month, their spiritual lives. There are windows such as the service at Lessons and Carols, my when we seem to be bent toward those kinds favorite, Children’s concert, Love Lights a of thoughts and reflections. These are often Candle, Messiah and all of the services on Sunday, times of new beginnings, like a new year or a new especially the services on Christmas Eve. We offer the school year. Other times are when the culture puts the good news of Jesus Christ in a beautiful and compelling way. religious questions before us. This is most clear in our culture in Please pick up and invitation card. Or two. Or more. Write the time leading up to Christmas. down the times and places of these services. Then offer them Even in the most secular settings of our nation, there is no as a gift to a friend, co-worker, family member, neighbor… way to hide completely the narrative that this season is about anyone who might need a blessing this time of year. And the birth of a baby named Jesus, who is the center of our then trust that God will work in their hearts and minds.

Christian faith. It’s hard to completely ignore the essential religious meaning behind the season. If church has been a I can’t wait to be I worship with you this season. And with part of your past, there is something compelling about this your guests. Invite them now. It’s the right time. season, something that draws us in to the beauty of the music See you in Worship, and message. In other words, now is a great time to consider Kent

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

Considering Membership at First UMC? If you are interested in membership at First United Methodist Church or have questions, please call 719-471-8522 ext. 270 for more information.

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

Encounter is printed and published once a month by First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Materials for inclusion are due three weeks before publication date and are subject to approval. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be included. Articles, comments, or suggestions are welcomed by emailing, annaliec@fumccs.org or calling, 719-471-8522 ext. 272.

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

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Cover Photo: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2017

WORDS FROM

LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER I have recently been reflecting on the past four years serving as Lay Leader of First United Methodist Church and I must say that I have been blessed in many ways I had not anticipated. I love First Church. I am always amazed by the leadership, outstanding Sunday messages and music, the quality of the children’s and youth’s programs, the numerous educational and mission opportunities and most of all, I am amazed of our members who give their time freely to “honor and serve the Lord.”

Time seems to have flown by these past few years and it is hard for me to believe Christmas is here again. The third chapter of Ecclesiastes states: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” and it is to this end I have decided that it is time for me to step aside. I am most happy to announce that Jan Caffey will serve as my replacement. Jan tells me she has been a Methodist since 1989 and a member of FUMC since 1998.

She has served on numerous committees and continues to be involved in many parts of the church. Please welcome her, as you did me. I know she will do an outstanding job.

FIRST FUND 2017 It’s that time of year to once again think of those in our community that are less fortunate than we are. First Fund provides money to ESM to help their clients meet their co-pay for medical and dental care, provide money for transportation for clients to pick up their prescription and provide money for dental and surgical procedures. The community nurse at ESM has helped over 600 people this year so far. This includes helping clients secure needed eye glasses, helping clients with mental health medication, and providing one client and his caregiver transportation to Denver to see a specialist. You will be receiving or have received a brochure in the mail along with a form you can complete to donate to First Fund. Your donation can be made “in honor of” or “in memory of” a loved one or a friend. A letter will be sent informing those who have been honored by your gift in their honor or a letter will be sent to a designated individual if your gift is in memory of a friend or loved one.

This year give the gift that saves lives.

I thank everyone for your assistance and support while serving First Church. Linda and I look forward to seeing all of you at church each Sunday.

Yours in Christ, Leland Reece

PLEDGE DRIVE

The Edge is starting to look for storytellers for 2018! If you, or someone you know, has a story to share (and we all do!) now is the time to let us know. The story needs to be a personal story and it should take a little courage to share but it does not need to be religious or even spiritual. We believe that God is already at work in every story. You can email Tiffany at tiffany@theedgedowntown.org or check us out online at theedgedowntown.org.

Thanks to all who have sent their cards in with their estimate of giving for 2018! We are growing together, and we will continue to touch lives right here in our community and literally all around the world due to your generous giving. We still need to hear from some of you! If you haven’t turned in your pledge card for next year, please do it as soon as possible! Every pledge matters! We need to know where we stand going into the next year, so it is vital to hear from you. You can call in your pledge, pledge online, drop it by the church, put it in the mail or bring it with you to any of our worship services. Thanks for your generous and faithful support of your church!

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COFFEE AND COOKIES, A GREAT COMBINATION By popular demand, FUMC’s Youth Singers are bringing back Christmas coffee and cookies!!

We’re partnering with a local Colorado Springs company, which is supporting our Youth Singers’ fundraising efforts by offering a special holiday coffee blend.

Coffee will be sold in the Hospitality Center on Sunday, December 17, at a cost of $13.00 for a 12 oz. package.

In conjunction with the coffee sales, the Youth Singers will be hosting a holiday “cookie exchange,” featuring a wide variety of delicious homemade holiday cookies. For only $5.00, 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 and will include decorative holiday packaging – perfect for seasonal giftgiving! Join us as we celebrate this joyous season. Thank you for your generous support of our Youth Singers!

Cookie and coffee sales will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 17.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS AT FUMC IN 2018 Session one of Faith Academy and Wednesday Night Dinners will begin January 17, 2018.

This session will run for four weeks (January 17-February 7) Registration for classes is not needed.

Wednesday Night Dinners are served 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.

Faith Academy classes begin at 6:30 p.m.

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

This Holiday season, we would like you to invite your friends, neighbors and family members to all the wonderful events we offer at FUMC. Invitation cards are available at the Welcome Desk.

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Friday,

December 1

NOAH and The Santaland Diaries — (Details on page 9)

6:45 p.m.

Saturday,

December 2

Christmas Treasures — Kingdom City

9:00 a.m.

Sunday,

December 3

A Service of Lessons & Carols — Sanctuary

5:00 p.m.

Wednesday,

December 6

UMW Christmas Meeting — Kingdom City

Wednesdays, Dec. 6, 13, 20 & 27 Contemplative Worship Gathering — (Details on page 8) Thursday,

10:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

December 7

NOAH Breakfast — Cheyenne Mt. Resort

9:00 a.m.

Sunday,

December 10

Children’s Choirs Christmas Concert — Sanctuary

5:00 p.m.

Tuesday,

December 12

Love Lights a Candle: A Service of Remembrance

6:30 p.m.

Wednesday,

December 13

T4G Ice Skating with the Youth — (Details on page 6)

6:30 p.m.

Sunday,

December 17

Coffee & Cookies Sales, Youth Singers Fundraiser

Tuesday,

December 19

NAP Time — Kingdom City

10:30 a.m.

Tuesday,

December 19

NOAH Lunch — Mimi’s Restaurant

11:30 a.m.

Sunday,

December 24

Contemporary Service — Sanctuary Traditional Service — Sanctuary

9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

Sunday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

5:00 p.m.

Sunday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

7:00 p.m.

Sunday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

9:00 p.m.

Sunday,

December 24

Candlelight Service — Sanctuary

11:00 p.m.

Monday,

December 25

CHURCH IS CLOSED — MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tuesday,

December 26

CHURCH IS CLOSED

Sunday,

December 31

Chapel Service — Chapel Traditional Service — Sanctuary Contemporary Service — Sanctuary Traditional Service — Sanctuary

Monday,

January 1

CHURCH IS CLOSED — HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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 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

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 Service with communion and sermon by Rev. Tiffany Keith

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) This month, we will explore the season of Advent as we prepare our hearts for the arrival of the baby Jesus! “During each Sunday of the Advent season, we will focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: hope, love, joy and peace.

Our Sunday School is an age-based rotational style curriculum for ages K–6th grade, featuring scripture as its foundation, while offering learning opportunities through cooking, science, art, games and much more.

We also have Sunday School for children, ages birth – 5 years old, in the Kingdom City Nursery. There is something for everyone on Sunday mornings. Come and join us!

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the liturgical scripture being used in our main service at 11:00 a.m., Children’s Worship is a place for children to begin to understand and experience worship. This is a multi-age large group worship service in Kingdom City.

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS NEW SCHEDULE IN 2018 After the Children’s Choirs concert on December 10, we will begin our Christmas break. Rehearsals will resume the week of January 7 with the following NEW schedule: Cherub (ages 4/5, pre-k) Sunday, from 10:15 -11:00 a.m. in Kingdom City Music Room Chorister Chimes (1st – 3rd grade) Sunday from 4:00–5:00 p.m. in Room 7

Chorister (Vocal) Choir (K – 3rd grade) Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in Room 21

CHRISTMAS TREASURES

T4G – ICE SKATING WITH THE YOUTH!

Join us for our annual Christmas Treasures event on Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Christmas Treasures is an event for our children, preschool through sixth grade, where they work on a variety of crafts to make gifts for parents, family and needy community members.

Not only do they come away with multiple gifts for Christmas, but this event gives parents an opportunity to do some shopping or decorating on their own. Registration forms for Christmas Treasures are available in Kingdom City. We hope your children can participate in this event again this Christmas Season. It will be lots of fun!

Wednesday, December 13, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., our 5th6th graders will join the Youth group for dinner and ice skating in Acacia Park! We will meet in the Zone at 6:30 p.m.

Wear long and warm socks and cold weather gear! Questions?

Contact Janita at janitam@fumc-cs.org, or 719-884-2466.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR CONCERT On Sunday, December 10 at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, our Children’s bell and vocal choirs will illuminate the night, as they share the light and love of the birth of the Christ Child through their song. We invite you to make this a part of your family’s Christmas tradition.

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BANGLADESHI ADVENT MISSION Many of our children will be taking home small collection boxes to participate in our Children’s Advent Mission. Each day of the Advent season, we’d like to have the children put a small donation in their Advent box and say a little prayer for the street children of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Our children are trying to raise enough money to pay for the yearly tuition of one or two of these children to attend the ABC School in Dhaka. You can help us by reminding your child of this daily blessing. Your encouragement in helping to make our Children’s Mission project a success is deeply appreciated.

Some members of our congregation also sponsor children at the ABC School by contributing $250 per child during the Christmas season. Our children and church members sponsored 16 street children this past year!

PASS IT ON! Wednesday, December 6, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Meal Included).

The Zone This night, we will spend on loving each other, appreciating each other, and affirming each other. There is nothing that will make your day better than a solid and sincere compliment from those closest to you.

SKATE ON! Wednesday, December 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Meal Included).

The Zone This night, we will be joining up with the T4G group and spend some time expanding our community while we have a blast in Acacia Park. Come if you can skate or come learn if you can’t. Either way, there will be laughter! Hope to see you there. Bring a friend.

PARTY ON! Wednesday, December 20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Bring Food/ potluck). The Zone

We made it! The end of the semester! Are you ready for January?... Me neither! So tonight let us gather, eat, smile, play games, maybe watch Elf, and enjoy Christmas spirit, by being surrounded by family and friends. Also bring your favorite holiday dish or side tonight and we will have a feast.

CHRISTMAS BREAK — NO YOUTH Wednesday, December 27 and January 3 Enjoy your family time. Give more than you receive. Eat a lot. Celebrate the birth of Jesus. Travel safe. We will start up again on January 10, 2018.

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.

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POINSETTIAS HONOR A LOVED ONE, CELEBRATE YOUR FAMILY! During Christmas, we offer the opportunity to purchase poinsettias “in honor” or “in memory” of loved ones. These holiday plants decorate our chancel area in the sanctuary throughout the Advent season. Plants are $22 each for an 8” pot with 3 plants. Sales end on Sunday, December 10. 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 Wednesday, December 27.

CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP DECEMBER SCHEDULE IN A WORLD SO DARK Wednesday, December 6, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Prayer Room

For this first week of Advent, we will be spending time with the text, Mark 13:24-37. Todd will be sharing the first of three original songs for Advent and we will be invited to name the darkness and long for the coming Light of Christ.

IT’S A WILD, WILD PLACE Wednesday, December 13, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Prayer Room This second week of Advent, we will be meditating and praying with the text, Mark 1:1-8. Todd will be sharing the second of three songs for Advent as we consider how the wildness of our world is exactly where God wants to arrive.

I’M NOT THE LIGHT Wednesday, December 20, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Prayer Room For this third week of Advent, we will be meditating upon John 1:6-8, 19-28, and considering what it could mean for each of us to point away from ourselves to the arriving Christ Light of joy and peace. Todd will share one more song for Advent.

NO CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP Wednesday, December 27 May you have a Christmas full of hope, love, joy and peace!

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CHRISTMAS IN THE PARKING LOT For those experiencing homelessness, waiting is a way of life; waiting for someone to look you in the eye, waiting for a shelter to open, waiting for someone to share a smile, waiting for someone to recognize you as a fellow human being.

For us, the waiting of Advent is active. It’s preparing; it’s anticipating; it’s hope filled! The Christmas in the Parking Lot team has been actively preparing for a bigger Christmas Day than last year. Plans are in place, sleeping bags are coming in at ESM, coats are being ordered. We have some people buying socks, gloves, pet supplies, and other items, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you. Would you like to share your singing talents, caroling for our neighbors during the event? Can you provide Christmas cookies or candies on Christmas Day? Would you be willing to help unwrap and organize coats and socks prior to Christmas Day? Will you purchase one or more sleeping bags? Would you knit/crochet/purchase hats or scarves?

It is the season of waiting, but it is also the season of giving.

For more information on how you can be part of this wonderful Christmas blessing, please go to the website theedgedowntown.org, call/text 719-301-9163, or send an email to 25gift@theedgedowntown.org, and let us know how you would share the blessings of Christmas in downtown Colorado Springs.

NOAH AND THE SANTALAND DIARIES We are going to UCCS to see the play, The Santaland Dairies, Friday, December 1. If you have made your reservation, please be at the church north parking lot, ready to leave, at 6:45 p.m.

We will ride in our church bus to the theater. Tickets may still be available, so if you have not made a reservation, call Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522 to see if any are left.

NOAH BREAKFAST Our next breakfast will also be the NOAH Christmas celebration!

Join us at Cheyenne Mt. Resort, December 7. Please make your reservation with Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522 by Sunday, November 26 (Reservations are required). We will meet at the resort. Breakfast will be at 9:00 a.m. in the resort’s restaurant. The cost is $18 for the buffet (this may vary depending on your order).

NOAH LUNCH The NOAH lunch this month is on Tuesday, December 19. We will meet at Mimi’s Restaurant at 3005 New Center Point at 11:30 a.m. As usual, reservations are not needed. Just join us and have a great time!

ECUMENICAL SOCIAL MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY Ecumenical Social Ministries is the largest and busiest food pantry in all of Colorado Springs.

Through October, food has been provided to 45,224 families. Your first Sunday of the month donations help keep food available for the most vulnerable in our city.

All non-perishable food is accepted, but ESMs greatest food needs for the month of December are: peanut butter, ramen noodles, canned fruit, pasta/spaghetti sauce, canned meat—tuna or chicken.

Jesus said, “I was hungry, and you fed me.”

NAP TIME – MOM’S GROUP Attention Moms! (aka step mom, grand-mom, or aunt-mom). NAP Time is a place for mother's or mother figures to connect by nurturing, accepting, and praying for one another. Our meeting time is on the 3rd Tuesday of the month (December 19), from 10:30 a.m.-noon in Kingdom City - Parent's Place! We will have some social time, as well as some bible study/discussion.

December’s topic is Choosing Prayer Over Worry. Child care will be available if requested 2 weeks prior to the meeting. For more information contact Kimberly Walker at walker.kimberly@gmail.com or 719-352-5707.

FAMILY WORSHIP The next family worship will be on New Year’s Eve, December 31, at 9:30 a.m. Family worship is when we close Kingdom City for the day and ask the families to sit together in worship. We pray that these are moments of spiritual learning for parents and the children. Nursery for ages birth – 5 years old will be available.

CONGRATULATIONS CHRIS THORNTON! Two years ago, Chris Thornton, director of our precious John Wesley Ranch, joined the Kiwanis Club of Ute Pass Woodland Park, in an effort to support the community surrounding The Ranch. Over the past couple of years, Chris Thornton, on behalf of the John Wesley Ranch, has volunteered, supported and reached out to support the children and families of Teller County. The Kiwanis Club of Ute Pass-Woodland Park has honored Chris with the George F. Hixson Fellowship Award for outstanding generosity and inspiration. Congratulations, Chris, for your selflessness and inspiration to the community of Teller County in your effort to spread the fellowship of First United Methodist Church.

Matthew 25:35

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Rev. Ann Lantz will be the guest speaker at the United Methodist Women's Christmas meeting, Wednesday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. The group will meet in the Kingdom City area. This event will be hosted by the Mary Martha and Sunshine Circles. Special Christmas snacks will be provided, and new officers will be installed. Everyone is welcomed to attend and join us for some relaxed time as we share in music, fellowship and fun.

LOVE LIGHTS A CANDLE: A SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE December 12, at 6:30 p.m.

In the Chapel Reception following 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 to 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 amid 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. For additional information, please contact Rev. Patty Walker.

CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY PROGRAM Begins January 11, 2018

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 Benet Hill Monastery and 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

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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 be held at First United Methodist Church, on Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. - noon, January 11April 19, 2018. 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. Please register by December 27.

AN INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP Begins January 20, 2018 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Led by Rev. Patty Walker 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.

In Psalm 46, we receive the invitation: "Be still and know that I am God." In our fast-paced, 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, part of the Christian contemplative tradition for hundreds of years, is a simple and disciplined waiting on God. This workshop is open to those new to Centering Prayer and to those who regularly practice Centering Prayer. 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.Free and it is open to the public. 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.

UMCOR UPDATED INFORMATION United Methodist Committee on Relief, also known as UMCOR, has been providing relief to the hurting world since the days of World War ll. UMCOR is known for staying longer than any other group to help in counseling and assistance as needed.

UMCOR kit requests are now changing. Currently, UMCOR is only requesting flood buckets, hygiene kits and sewing kits.

Whole kits or individual items from a kit may be donated as needed. Additional information is available in the UMW display area by the bulletin board.

WORLD AIDS DAY AND CONFERENCE RETREAT

UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION

By Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens

Most of you may not realize that December 1 is designated World AIDS Day to commemorate and remember all of those who have been affected by this disease. The treatments have improved in time, which has led to increasing numbers of at risk behaviors and new diagnose. The General Conference continues to reach out to the world epidemic but many times, we forget those among us living here at home who have lost loved ones, friends or may be continue to struggle with the disease. As members of Christ’s church, we honor their stories.

Bishop Oliveto has asked the Conference to inaugurate an annual retreat for all those who have been affected by this disease over the years. On the weekend of April 27, at the John Wesley Ranch, those living with HIV, family members and other loved ones, are invited to attend a retreat entitled “Honoring Our Experience.” The retreat will be led by Greg Cassin a former speaker for AIDS, Medicine and Miracles and now a staff member at the Shanti project in San Francisco.

Greg offers this retreat in the Bay Area as well as around the country several times a year. Please reach out to those you know who may have been affected by HIV and let them know of this event. You may also consider sponsoring an attendee.

Learn more about FUMC

The General Board of Global Ministry has asked churches to set aside a time to honor all who are involved in mission work throughout our connection. I do not have the space here to list everyone and everything which this church contributes to Mission Ministry. The overseas mission involvement includes two missions in Ghana and one in Liberia. We have an ongoing mission project with the people of Nicaragua. The youth continue to be involved in local mission work with Native Americans. The children have an ongoing mission project collecting money to support the children of India. The UMW contributes well over $10,000 a year to various missions and just recently donated $5,000 for relief in Puerto Rico.

Locally, we are involved in many areas both with our gifts and our presence, including ESM, First Fund, school supplies program, First Stars, Urban Peak, Rides for Rubbish and prison ministry. We also recently helped build a Habitat for Humanity home. On Christmas day, we will also be supporting the mission of The Edge with Christmas in the Parking Lot (see details on page 8).

I would also like to recognize the mission work accomplish by our Sunday School classes including their support of One Nation. So many members of our congregation have donated hundreds of volunteer hours to help others. We are a faithful people and I believe that God is pleased and calls us to do more. We, at First United Methodist Church, celebrate our volunteers in mission.

programs and events at fumc-cs.org

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