Encounter february 2017

FAITH ACADEMY CLASSES SCRIPTURE

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TRADITION

At First United Methodist Church, we offer Wednesday Night Dinners and Faith Academy Classes on Wednesday nights. The next session begins February 15 through March 22.

There will be no classes or dinner on March 1 as that is Ash Wednesday. Instead, we encourage you to attend the special worship for Ash Wednesday in our Sanctuary.

Dinners are served in Fellowship Hall, from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. All classes meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

SPIRITUAL BOOK GROUP: TRAVELING MERCIES by Anne Lamott Leader: Rev. Patty Walker Experience 304, Parlor Love the idea of a book group but don't have the time to join an on-going group? Here's a 5 week group that will explore Anne Lamott’s spiritual memoir, Traveling Mercies. With an exuberant mix of passion, insight, and humor, Anne Lamott (a New York Times best seller author) takes us on a journey through her past to illuminate her quirky walk of faith.

She tells how, against all odds, she came to believe in God, and then in herself. Whether she's writing about her family, her dreadlocks, her journey to get sober, old friends, religious women of her church, or the men she's dated, Lamott reveals the hard-won wisdom gathered along her path to connectedness

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REASON

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EXPERIENCE

and liberation. Please purchase the book and read the Overture and Ch.1 for the first meeting. But come even if you don’t!

IN THIS ISSUE... 

By Kent Ingram - Page 2 

Hold on to your seats! Some of the most explosive, challenging, in your face words of the New Testament are found in this little book found near the end of the Bible.

Dealing with issues like faith and works, wealth and poverty, sin and forgiveness, this small text has a lot of influence on our lives as disciples of Christ. Join us as we look closely at this forgotten book of the Bible.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT METHODIST HISTORY

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Page 5

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 6

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Children’s Ministries Page 7

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Youth Ministries Page 8

Leader: Bruce Phillips Tradition 302, Room 234 S Unofficial Bishops, the Christmas Conference at Lovely Lane Chapel, Circuit Riders, prayer meetings, divisions, reunions, temperance and prohibition, world outreach, local service and controversies. Join Bruce Phillips in a look at where American Methodism started, the triumphs and tragedies throughout our history, and where we are today.

Around the Church & Beyond Page 3 & 4

THE BOOK OF JAMES Leader: Rev. Kent Ingram Scripture 301, Room 133 S

Show Time!

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Ash Wednesday Back Cover

Show Time!

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

I just got the reports to be filled out for the end of the year. Every year we report obvious things, how much money, how many people, how many groups. But each year the keepers of the data keep adding new categories to report.

For the first time the report wants to know how many people participate in worship by television or radio. We are trying to figure out what that number might be!

“...In the summer of

2006, there were folks counseling me to eliminate the TV ministry and sell the

I have made a lot of decisions since I became your pastor over 10 years ago. There are two decisions that I made early on I am particularly grateful for. When I arrived in the summer of 2006, there were folks counseling me to eliminate the TV ministry and sell the John Wesley Ranch.

The church had faced tough economic times and those seemed like good ways to save money and raise cash. I responded by telling them that those actions are what dying churches do, and we are not dying. The Ranch continues to be a blessing to this church and the larger church, and the TV ministry reaches a lot of people across our community.

John Wesley Ranch.”

There is hardly a week that goes by that someone doesn’t tell me that they watch our service on TV. They fall into three categories.

Some are members of this church, or another church, who are unable to attend worship anymore, and the TV service helps them feel connected. Some are folks that attend another church but watch our worship when they get home from their church (I am a

lot of people’s “other” pastor). And some are people who are looking for a church through which they can worship and serve, and they “check us out” through television. And I guess there is a fourth category, you, when you stay home because the weather is bad or you aren’t feeling well…

Jenny Cox and her crew do an amazing job with our weekly worship service. Jenny is down here a lot getting things ready, editing sermon video, and doing special tapings for the church. The folks on the cameras and in the booth quietly come, week after week, to allow folks to watch our worship service. I hope you can offer a word of thanks to them for their hours of service.

You can support this ministry. Gifts to the TV ministry make it possible for us to stay on the air, repair and replace equipment, and keep the program at a high level of quality. You can volunteer! They can train you to run a camera or operate in the booth. And you can invite others to check us out on our weekly program.

I am not sure we will ever know how many people watch us each week. And we will never know how many lives have been touched by this ministry. But I am glad we are able to open the doors of our church each week in this special and powerful way.

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

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Cover Photo: Ash Wednesday 2017

WORDS FROM

LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER Linda and I recently changed our phone, internet and cable TV service. We wanted to watch some Rockies and college football games that had not been available on the old plan and also discontinue our home phone service that was not being used. It took some time but it was finally accomplished. We were excited to find that we could get the sports channels we wanted along with many other stations we had not previously received.

Now, after a month, we have come to the conclusion that most of the added channels are the kind of programming we do not like; either filled with all kinds of violence or totally focused on self-centered living.

Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, instructed believers to live an entirely different way. In Galatians 5:16 he says we should not rely on our own sinful nature, but rather we are to lead a Spiritempowered life, a challenge I must continue to work on every day. For James 1:22 reminds us: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

See you at worship this Sunday, Leland Reece

CONTEMPLATIVE VESPERS Join us for the Contemplative service Sunday, February 19, in the Chapel at 5:30 p.m. This is a time of quiet contemplation on the second lectionary scripture for the week. It is a time where we come near God in peace and tranquility followed by Holy Communion.

Lenten Contemplative Series will begin each Sunday during Lent, starting March 5, at 5:30 p.m. This year, we may reflect on Lamentations and our need for Christ’s message of love and redemption in the world.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS The FUMC Scholarship Committee announces that the 2017 Scholarship Brochures and applications are available in the information rack near the Welcome Desk as well as online at www.fumc-cs.org. Please note there is now one application for all academic scholarships. Scholarships for the Youth Singers Tour and Youth Mission Trip must be applied for through the Directors. All applications are due no later than February 28.

Gathering † Worshiping † Being Encountering healing, connection, and sacred grace through vulnerability and courage.

It was three years ago that I went to the New Church Development Committee (NCDC) to request funding so that I could “start something new” out of First United Methodist Church. Their first response was, “we don’t fund ministries within churches.”

Not surprisingly, the New Church Development Committee funds new churches! Since that time, The Edge has been a ministry of First United Methodist Church while building the organizational structures needed to stand on its own someday.

Because this is our final year of funding from NCDC and because we are not yet self-funded, we are returning this month to NCDC to request funding to carry us through another year or two.

We could use your help with this process! We could you use your gifts and talents! We need people to come along side us to teach and guide us through starting this new thing. Whether you are an artist, interior designer, or you know how to raise money for non-profits, we can use your input. We could use your financial donations (you can donate online at theedgedowntown.org). We can use your presence and your witness by attending one of our events on a first or third Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the Mission Arts Center (324 N. Nevada Ave.). As you experience one of these powerful evenings, you will witness the beautiful way God is showing up in the vulnerability and courage of a personal story. That way, when I return to NCDC, and they ask me, if First United Methodist Church supports The Edge, I can say “yes: they show up, they teach me, and they give! They surround this ‘new thing’ with the abundant support and grace.”

We never would have come this far without the support of this community, and for that, I am abundantly grateful.

Thank you, Rev. Tiffany Keith

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

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YOUTH SINGERS CHOCOLATE ROSES FUNDRAISER The Youth Singers will sell chocolate roses on Sunday, February 5 and 12 in the Hospitality Center. For a suggested donation of $3.00 per rose (or two for $5.00), you may enjoy dark, white or milk chocolate roses on a long stem with Valentine’s wrapping. This event is one of our most popular fundraisers, so be sure to pick up your roses before or after worship on February 5 or 12. Your support of this fundraiser helps defray expenses for the Youth Singers summer tour.

FUMC HOSTS CHOIR WORKSHOP WITH RENOWNED CHORAL CONDUCTOR AND CHURCH MUSICIAN MICHAEL KEMP On Saturday, March 4, our Chancel Choir will join with choirs from other churches in our region to participate in a special workshop with renowned conductor and church musician, Michael Kemp. Because most adult choirs experience special challenges, Mr. Kemp will identify and address the issues experienced by the “mature voice.” After the day-long workshop, the combined choirs will present an informal, afternoon concert at 3:00 p.m. The concert is free, and open to the public. Come hear the combined voices of the choral participants exhibiting the amazing results of the coaching with Mr. Kemp.

LENTEN ORGAN MEDITATIONS FUMC’s principal organist, Joe Galema will present three, free Lenten noon-time organ concerts. Each concert is 30minutes long, and patrons will have the opportunity to find quiet moments for reflection, inspiration and spiritual refreshment. The Lenten noon-time concerts will feature music of German, French, English and American composers on the following dates: Wednesday, March 8 12:15 – 12:45 (Music of Bach, Brahms, Reger) Wednesday, March 15 12:15 – 12:45 (Music of Howells, Francis Jackson) Wednesday, March 22 12:15 – 12:45 (Music of Dupré, Vierne, Widor) NOTE: Concert guests are invited to bring their own lunches.

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ALTAR FLOWER DONATIONS Looking for a special way to honor a person or an important event?

The flowers that we enjoy each Sunday are donated by individuals who wish to celebrate in memory or in honor of loved ones or to recognize anniversaries, birthdays, etc. The bulletin will include the name(s) of those you choose to remember or honor. You have the option of donating one bouquet for $40.00 or both bouquets for $80.00. After worship, you may choose to take the flowers home, or have them delivered to a homebound FUMC member by a ‘Flowers of Love’ volunteer. To donate flowers, contact Jana Brink at 471-8522, or janab@fumc-cs.org.

RANCH INTERN OPENING THIS SUMMER The Ranch is looking for an intern to start this summer. 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.

TV MINISTRY NEEDS ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS Our dedicated volunteers – including camera operators, audio control technicians, and video/media crew – faithfully work as a team to bring the 11:00 a.m. worship service to viewers at home. FUMC is proud to offer this meaningful service that makes it possible for homebound people of our congregation and others to worship with us every Sunday. TV Ministry is looking for additional volunteers who would like to learn this trade and become part of our TV crew. Previous media experience is not required. Our dedicated team works on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information or to sign up, contact Annalie Ceballos at annaliec@fumc-cs.org or sign up at www.fumc-cs.org/tv-ministry.

LENT CURRICULUM FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES If your Sunday School class or small group is looking for special Lent curriculum, Rev. Jerry Hurst will be glad to help with your selection and ordering of materials.

Monday,

January 2

CHURCH IS CLOSED — Happy New Year!

Thursday,

January 5

NOAH Breakfast — Maggie Mae’s Restaurant

9:00 am

Saturday,

January 7

Annual Bangladesh Dinner — Kingdom City

7:00 pm

Sunday,

January 8

Claude’s Birthday — Kingdom City Sunday School

9:00 am

Sunday,

January 15

Contemplative Lenten Series — The Chapel

5:30 pm

Thursday,

January 19

Contemplative Journey Program — (See details on page 4)

9:30 am

Friday,

January 20

T4G– Chili Making Day! — (See details on page 8)

5:00 pm

Fri-Sat,

January 20-21

ManUp! At the Ranch— (See details on reverse)

6:00 pm

Saturday,

January 21

Sled Day and Chili Cook-Off At the Ranch— (See details on back cover) 10:00 am

Sunday,

January 22

Bereavement Ministry Luncheon — Parlor

Saturday,

January 28

Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop — (See details on page 4)

Sunday,

January 29

5th Sunday Family Worship — Sanctuary at the 9:30 am service

Tuesday,

January 31

NOAH Goes to the Theater — (See details on reverse)

2:00 pm

Sunday,

February 12

Special Guest at FUMC — (See details on reverse)

3:00 pm

Sunday,

February 19

Contemplative Vespers— The Chapel

5:30 pm

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!

12:05 pm 9:00 am

SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW FOR QUICK ACCESS TO GIVING

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

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RANCH INTERN OPENING The Ranch is looking for an intern for th e su m m er of 20 17 . Th e 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.

NOAH BREAKFAST This month our NOAH breakfast will be January 5 at Maggie Mae’s Restaurant, located at 2405 East Pikes Peak. Join us at 9:00 a.m. for a great time of fellowship. No reservations are required. We always have a fantastic time together! Don’t miss it!

MANUP! AT THE RANCH Our ManUp! group is headed to the Ranch on January 20 & 21. We will have an evening of fun and relaxation, starting with dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night. Saturday is the Ranch Sled Day and Chili CookOff. We will help groom the slopes, serve lunch and clean up. This is a very fun event! Please register with Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522, or jerryh@fumc-cs.org by Sunday, January 15. The cost for the event is $10 per person to help cover our meals. We hope to see you there!

NOAH TRIES AN OLD TWIST Our NOAH group is going to see Oliver Twist at the Simpich Theater, Tuesday, January 31. We will take the FUMC bus at 2:00 p.m. to go to the theater. The cost for this event is $15 per person. Reservations are due by Sunday, January 15. To register for this event, contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522, or jerryh@fumc-cs.org. The Simpich puppets are a marvel!

SPECIAL GUEST On February 12 and 13, we will welcome our special guest, Sam Kaufman. Sam is the head of A Servant’s Heart Ministry. She will present Heavenly Valentine, a program celebrating the love of God in everyday experiences, knowing that nothing will separate us from God’s love. She is a singer, songwriter and recording artist.

Sam’s style is hallmarked by her exceptional storytelling ability along with easy to sing music and memorable lyrics. On Sunday, February 12, Sam will be the speaker at the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Kingdom City Sunday Schools. On Monday, February 13, she will be the guest speaker at the NOAH Valentine Dinner.

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Gathering † Worshiping † Being Encountering healing, connection, and sacred grace through vulnerability and courage.

What if?

A few months ago, Kat Lilly, director of IHN came and shared her story with us. She began by telling us how surprisingly hard it had been.

Stories@The Edge was not the first time she had shared her journey in front of an audience. In fact, she has shared her story in many places, for many different reasons: for fundraising for IHN, to share their vision and mission to support others in situations like hers. She has shared her stories many times but never, she said, for herself. It was hard.

As I have watched storyteller after storyteller share their story, I have to agree with her that ‘IT IS’ different. It requires a different kind of courage to sit before a group of strangers, friends, even family and tell them the events that have shaped your life. For no underlying goal or mission. Just to share. It was powerful listening to Kat's story the courage it took for her to come to this place and take this great risk. ....What if she told us her story and we didn't like it? ....What if it wasn't what we want to hear? ....What if we judged her? ....What if?

She didn't tell me what was going through her head, but I know.

We all know what it feels like to share of ourselves when there is no guarantee of support, understanding, compassion and empathy. We all have experienced what it is like to have "what if?" floating around in our head.

And we have a choice...heed the warning of the voices in our head or acknowledge them and move forward anyway. I am proud of Kat for acknowledging them...and moving forward anyway.

Thank you, Kat, for sharing your story! We are grateful.

Stories @ The Edge is a powerful service of witness and grace.

We meet the first and third Friday of every month at 324 N. Nevada Ave., just half a block south of FUMC. For additional information, please contact Rev. Tiffany Keith at tiffany@TheEdgeDowntown.org, or you may text or call 719.963.2974.

RESTING IN GOD: CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER ON THURSDAY MORNINGS Without prayer we become deaf to the voice of divine love and become confused by the many competing voices asking for our attention. How difficult that is!

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) Come and listen to the voice of divine love! You are invited to join a contemplative prayer group that meets in the FUMC Prayer Room on Thursday mornings, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

This time provides for a period of Centering Prayer (a silent form of Christian meditation), followed by Lectio Divina (meditative reading of Scripture). Familiarity with these spiritual practices are not necessary as an introduction can be provided at any time to newcomers. This is a drop in prayer group, meaning that you may come as your schedule allows. For more information, contact Rev. Patty Walker, at pattyw@fumc-cs.org, or 471-8522, ext. 204.

There is also a Centering Prayer group, called Holy Listening, that meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in the Campbell Reading Room. For more information about that group contact Dan and Lori Lohrmeyer at 630-1809.

HOMEBOUND VISITOR LUNCHEON Sunday, February 12 Many of our homebound and nursing home resident members attended church all their lives before the circumstance of their health or the health of a loved one made it difficult to atten d services. Many miss church fellowship profoundly. Are you willing to help keep their connection with their church family alive?

If you are interested in finding out more about being a homebound visitor, please join us for lunch with those currently serving in this area to learn more about this wonderful ministry opportunity.

The luncheon is Sunday, February 12, in the Parlor, from noon to 1:30 p.m. To RSVP, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204, or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.

INTRODUCTION TO LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP Saturday, March 11 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Kingdom City Are you interested in learning more about the ancient spiritual practice of praying the Scriptures called Lectio Divina? Lectio Divina, a Latin term, means "divine reading" and describes a way of reading the Scriptures whereby we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to what God wants to say to us. It is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s word. Anyone desiring to deepen his or her relationship with God through scripture will benefit from this program. The suggested donation is $20 per person. For further information or to make reservations, please contact Leslee Terpay at (720) 315-8120, or at co-leslee@comcast.net. You may also contact, Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org, or 471-8522, ext. 204. Please register by February 28. Co-Hosted by Contemplative Outreach and First United Methodist Church.

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. The fellowship that develops between drivers and passengers is very special. This is an opportunity to meet new friends, as well as to serve the church in a very rewarding and important ministry.

We urgently need to recruit new drivers. 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 7 drivers, but need 12-15, to allows 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 is set up 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, once every 5 weeks. Please consider becoming a part of this wonderful ministry. For more information, contact Catherine Marshall, Bus Ministry Coordinator, at (719) 484-9347, or catmarshall57@hotmail.com.

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) Purim is an ancient Persian word meaning “lots.” The festival of Purim celebrates the Jewish people being delivered from destruction

by Haman, the ruler of Persia. This story is found in the book of Esther, so we will learn all about Esther, as well. We hope you will join us in February as we learn and prepare for our own Purim festival party, which will be held on March 5 during Sunday School.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) 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.

T4G – LET’S MAKE VALENTINE CARDS ONLY FOR 5TH AND 6TH GRADERS! Friday, February 3, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

On this day, we will be making special Valentine cards and treats for our shut-ins. There will also be a mini-potluck.

Please bring a dish to share with each other. We will meet in Kingdom City.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPECIAL GUEST Sam Kauffman is our special Valentine’s Day guest for Sunday School hour (9:00 a.m.) on February 12. Sam Kauffman of A Servant’s Heart Ministry in California, is an internationally known Christian performer. Singer, songwriter and recording artist, Sam‘s style is hallmarked by her exceptional storytelling and memorable music. Sam is a roster artist with NEAG and a published author, composer, dramatist, lyricist, and musician.

SHROVE PANCAKE DINNER Our 3rd Annual Pancake Dinner (and pancake race) will be held in Kingdom City on Tuesday, February 28, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Join us as we discover what Shrove Tuesday is and for some yummy pancakes!

ASH WEDNESDAY FAMILY SERVICE IN KINGDOM CITY Join us in Children’s Ministries for this year’s special family-oriented Ash Wednesday Service at 6:00 p.m.

During this informal service, we learn a little more about what Lent is, and what it means to us. Join us as we prepare our hearts for this special time. Communion will be served and we will also have an imposition of ashes.

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A SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM THE ABC SCHOOL Thank you so much for your incredible generosity in supporting the ABC School in Bangladesh! Because of the precious boxes of coins and the many of you who choose to sponsor a child, we were able to send over $6,000 to help the street children of Bangladesh receive a quality education.

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS AT FUMC We have choir programs for children ranging in ages from 4 years old to 6th Grade.

Cherub Choir (Ages 4-5) meets Sunday mornings, in Kingdom City Music Room, from 10:30-11:00 a.m. This preschool choir allows the very young ones to sing and even ring rainbow bells as they begin to learn the basics about music! They are also a very precious part of our Christmas and Spring Concert programs.

Chorister Chimes (Ages 1st – 3rd grade) meets in Room 7 (basement), from 5:45-6:30 p.m. This new group learns all about rhythm and basic note reading. This is a great stepping stone into our bell choir program.

Chorister Choir (Ages Kindergarten–3rd grade) meets in Room 7 (basement), from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This vocal choir has the opportunity to sing in our concerts and in worship services throughout the year.

Cathedral Choir (Ages 4th-6th Grade) meets in the Adult Choir Room (basement), from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. The Cathedral Choir is the last children’s choir before they join our Youth Singers. The children learn basic music theory and musicality.

Cathedral Ringers (Ages 4th–6th grade) meets in Room 8 (basement), from 6:45–7:30 p.m. This bell choir takes the children into a deeper level of music reading as they prepare to join the youth bell program.

For more information on the children’s music program, contact Janita McGregor at 884-2466, or janitam@fumc-cs.org.

PEER PRESSURE OF PHARISEES Wednesday, February 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Nothing intrinsically wrong with peer pressure. Except, when the pressure is coming from someone who is insanely out in front of us in the “smarts” department, athletic prowess, good looks or anything else. That kind of dominance can shut us down from the get-go. But if we're challenged to be better by people who are truly our "peers," then the pressure can be a good thing. So tonight, we take a look at Matthew 5:13-20, where we note that the Pharisees are peerless.

Nobody is going to beat them in their so-called righteousness department. Jesus, however, has a different idea…thank God!

JESUS’ STRETCH GOALS Wednesday, February 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

In his book, Smarter Faster Better: The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business, Charles Duhigg discusses high achievers who seem to be able to do just about everything. Some people are like that!

What makes them so successful? Duhigg, comparing his own life to theirs, says he felt as though he was splashing about in a kiddie pool, while the others were swimming in an Olympic pool. In tonight’s text, Matthew 5:21-37, Jesus also compares the kiddie pool and the Olympic pool. In his teachings about anger, adultery, divorce and oaths, Jesus sets goals for those who want to "swim" with him.

WALK A MILE WITH YOUR ENEMY, THEN ANOTHER Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Parents, you are invited to join us for dinner and stay for the presentation of Brian Uebelhoer on playing it safe on mobile media. More details about the parents’ presentation coming in the mail soon.

Some tell us that revenge fantasies can be a healthy way of dealing with our feelings of victimhood when we are wronged.

Jesus, on the other hand, calls us to a different vision — one of love for our enemies. Jesus warned us that even harboring fantasies of revenge can give birth to actions — bad decisions — which, in turn, can lead to our own destruction. In tonight’s scripture, Matthew 5:38-48, which is a part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reframes the retributive justice of the law of Moses and calls his disciples to turn from "embitterment" to embodiment of the way of the Kingdom of God.

JESUS, THE CROSS-CULTURE SHIFTER Wednesday, February 22, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

When Jesus walked onto the scene in first-century Palestine, He came with a desire to shift a mindset that was over 1,000 years in the making. He was a new leader, a Messiah, and He named a crisis that had been with humanity since the beginning. Even though He was the Christ, God made flesh, Jesus didn't just snap His fingers to make it happen. Jesus gave, and continues to give, His disciples a cross-cultural vision that we're still working on today.

Key scripture: Matthew 17:1-9.

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March 1 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning or the Lenten season.

We will have a special service of communion and the imposition of ashes in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. Rev. Patty Walker will be preaching.

Wednesday, March 1 Children’s Ministries Service 6:00 p.m., in Kingdom City Special service for families with children

Regular Worship Service 7:00 p.m., in the Sanctuary

2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." The forty days represents the time Jesus spent in the wilderness enduring the temptation of Satan and preparing to begin His ministry. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others. Sundays in Lent are not counted in the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter" and the reverent spirit of Lent is tempered with joyful anticipation of the Resurrection.