MUSIC AT FUMC All Choirs Accepting New Members! Our Children’s choirs will resume regular rehearsals in January. We have programs for children ranging in ages from 4 years old to 6th Grade! Cherub Choir (Ages 4-5) will resume Sunday mornings, January 8, 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) will resume January 11, in Room 7 (Basement) at a NEW TIME, from 5:45-6:30 p.m. This is a new group, which 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) will resume January 11, 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) will resume January 11, in the Adult Choir Room (Basement), at a NEW TIME, 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) will resume January 11, in Room 8 (Basement), at a NEW TIME, 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. Our Youth Singers, youth choir, (Grades 7th -12th), rehearse on Sunday afternoons, from 3:45 - 5:00 p.m., in the Choir Room. They sing every Sunday (August-May) at the 8:00 a.m. Traditional service. There are two hand bell choirs for youth. The Chapel Ringers (grades 7-12th with little or no experience). They meet for rehearsals on Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m., in Room 9. The Cathedral Ringers (grades 9-12th, advanced) has no openings at this time. The Crossroads Praise Team sings for the 9:30 a.m. Contemporary service. There are openings periodically with this group. The Chancel Choir (adults) rehearses on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., in the Choir Room. This choir sings for the 11:00 a.m. Traditional worship service every Sunday and also performs 2-3 major concerts each year with orchestra. For more information, call the Music Office, 471-8522, ext. 222.
Radiate Good News By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor
“It helped me put I complain about technology. But there are times when it makes it so easy to pass along beautiful and helpful things. Rev. Dr. Todd Spencer shared this with the staff a few weeks ago. It was sent to him from a friend, Anita Dinwiddie, who served many years at St Mark's UMC in the French Quarter in New Orleans. I am not sure where she got it, but the author is listed at the bottom. I found it helpful as I contemplate a new year, a year of uncertainty and anxiety. It helped me put things into perspective and calmed my soul. Maybe you will find it helpful as well.
Bear your outrage lightly; do not cling to it.
things into
Let it lead you toward compassion, not anger.
perspective and
Pray that you may not be defeated by vengefulness, eaten by the appetite for power, destroyed by the spirit of destructiveness. Anger is not your weapon; it is your enemy.
calmed my soul.”
The spirit of violence seeps into the world. But you radiate Good News,
you breathe gentleness into the air that all others breathe, you establish trust on the earth.
"Do not be afraid to live among people who love the sword, who speak with iron hearts.
Be broken-hearted.
You have been sent to make gentle this wounded world, to live in peace among those who are afraid, to bear healing to those who are captive to the spirit of pride and violence.
the light shines in the darkness
Do not despair because of the oppressors, those who judge and despise, who will not listen, who do not know how to join with neighbors. Rejoice, for you have been given to them, to shine light into the darkness of their world. The Holy Spirit sustains you,
And through the cracks let light shine... and the darkness cannot overcome it." ~ Steven Garnaas-Holmes I pray for a blessed and meaningful New Year. See you in Worship, Kent
so that you may dwell as healers among fearful men.
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: The Music Program at FUMC
WORDS FROM
LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER Christmas is now behind us and the New Year has arrived. Many are looking forward to a more relaxed pace but there are those who may be feeling somewhat down. Some have family and friends that have now gone home leaving them lonely and empty. Others may be concerned with finances having spent more than they had anticipated for Christmas gifts. Still others may be concerned about getting out in the winter weather. We all have problems and no one will make through this life without them. The Bible says: He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. ~ Psalms 147:3 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. ~ James 5:13 It is reassuring for us to know without doubt that we have a God who loves us, understands our needs and is ready to protect, nurture and heal us. We must trust him in all things. See you at worship this Sunday, Leland Reece
LAY SERVANT AWARD PRESENTED TO CHARLEEN COLVIN Each year at Church Conference, the Lay Leader has the privilege of awarding the Church Lay Servant Award. On December 6, Leland Reese presented the “Silent Servant” award to Charleen Colvin. For many years, Charleen has been active behind the scenes in United Methodist Women, Caring Ministries, and Chancel Choir. She has served at countless receptions, volunteers weekly as a hospital visitor, and supports Chancel Choir events as Vice President. Charleen is truly a shining example of faithful lay servant ministry.
CHANCEL CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2016 A SUCCESS Once again the Chancel Choir, Chamber Singers and Orchestra presented an exciting concert filled with glorious Christmas music on December 4. This annual concert is always highly anticipated. Be sure to watch for future concerts announced in the Encounter Newsletter.
THANKS TO A FAITHFUL SERVANT It is time to celebrate a great gift of service in ministry! Diane Beard has been volunteering as a Sign Language Interpreter for our 11:00 a.m. worship service for the past 24 years. She has decided that it is time to step aside and retire from this ministry. The years of service and the time she has given have been a tremendous gift to our church family! We will miss seeing her up front helping our hearing impaired friends to enjoy the worship service. Diane will still be attending worship but she will sit with her husband as a part of the worshiping congregation. We greatly appreciate the ministry that she has provided for our church family and want to recognize her with a reception after the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services on Sunday, January 15. Please stop by the Hospitality Center to express your “Thanks” to Diane for her 24 years of service.
CONTEMPLATIVE VESPERS Contemplative services will resume in the Chapel on the third Sunday of January and February, at 5:30 p.m. This is a time of quiet contemplation on the second lectionary scripture for that particular week. It is a time where we come near to God in peace and tranquility followed by Holy Communion. Lenten Contemplative Series will begin each Sunday at 5:30 p.m., during Lent, starting March 5. This year, we may reflect on Lamentations and our need for Christ’s message of love and redemption in the world.
WELCOMING VISITORS “We have visitors every time we open the doors of this church.” You hear it week after week, “make sure no one gets out of here without being warmly greeted by a member of this congregation.” Every Sunday, we have dozens of people visiting our congregation, some first-time visitors, some occasional visitors, and some that you wouldn’t believe they aren’t members just because they are active in so many areas of church life. Do you have a passion for welcoming the stranger? Or maybe you would like to help by tracking visitor data and information? Maybe you have another idea that we haven’t even thought of yet? We are looking for volunteers who have a passion for helping visitors find their place in the life of our church. If this is an area of interest for you, or for more information, please contact Rev. Tiffany Keith, Minister of Evangelism, at tiffanyk@fumc-cs.org, or you may text or call 719.963.2974. First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 3
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY LUNCH INVITATION
FAITH ACADEMY - SESSION 1 Wednesdays beginning January 11 through February 8, 2017 Dinner will be served in the Fellowship Hall, 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. All classes meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
CLASSES: WHAT IS THE BIBLE? Led by Alicia Jarvis Room 123 S, Scripture 101. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. How well do you know the Bible? Do you know the stories? Do you know how the Bible is organized and how those texts were chosen? Have you ever thought about all the different ways people approach the Bible and decided for yourself what to think? If you said "no" to any of these questions, you will find this class of “What Is the Bible?” very useful. This six-week course in basic biblical literacy assumes no prior knowledge of the Bible and is not biased toward any particular Christian tradition.
DAVID - FROM SHEPERD TO KING Led by Bruce Phillips Room 233 S, Bible 201. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. David and Goliath, David and Jonathan, David and Bathsheba – King David’s stories are some of the most familiar in the Old Testament. He is so important that Jesus is frequently referred to as the Son of David. Join Bruce Phillips as he looks at what the scriptures tell us about this early leader of God’s people. You will hear about this man of God – his successes and failures – and what he can teach us about our relationship with God. You will hear some of the most beloved tales in the Bible, as well as stories they never told you in Sunday School.
THE GREATEST CALL STORIES Led by Rev. Tiffany Keith Room 133 S, Bible 201. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Moses and the burning bush. The road to Damascus. “Here I am” spoken into the dark of night. Jonah and the whale. These powerful “call stories” are some of the most memorable of the Bible. They touch something deep in the souls of those that hear them and they have shaped us as a people for millennia. Join us as we rediscover the power of God’s call in these old familiar stories.
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Do you have a heart for those who are grieving? Our Bereavement Ministers are lay folks who provide one-on-one care (through phone calls, visits, prayer, sending cards, etc.) for those in our church who have lost a loved one. To learn more or to join this ministry please come to our luncheon on Sunday, January 22, from 12:05 to 1:30 p.m., with those currently serving in this ministry. To RSVP for the luncheon, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204, or pattyw@fumc-cs.org. RSVP by January 16.
CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY PROGRAM Are you hungering to go deeper in your intimacy with God? Come and meet God in the silence of contemplative prayer. The Contemplative Journey (CJ) Program, offered through FUMC in partnership with Benet Hill Monastery and Contemplative Outreach, is an opportunity to explore various contemplative practices. CJ uses the wisdom and writings of Fr. Thomas Keating to explain the theology, psychology and spirituality of centering prayer and contemplation. This program consists of 11 weekly classes held at FUMC on Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m. - noon, from January 19 to April 20. Cost 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.
INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP Saturday, January 28 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 soul, resting in God’s presence. This workshop is open to those new to Centering Prayer and to those who regularly practice. The day will include periods of silence and Centering Prayer, discussion, and teachings. This workshop is sponsored by FUMC and Contemplative Outreach. 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.
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.
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 5
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.
BUILDING EMPOWERMENT The Nicaragua mission team has come together. For our trip this spring, we have been asked to consider several projects, including helping to fence a community farm, installing floor tiles and drop ceilings in their new community center or helping them expand a community based hardware store. Each of these projects will help this community of 8,000 people become more independent and self-sustaining. Currently, we have 13 committed to this team and we would welcome more but time is running short. We have already passed the deadline for our first payment to support this mission and the next will be due in the middle of January. So, if you might have an interest, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumccs.org or 472-8522, ext. 208. We will be planning a fundraising drive to pay the costs of the project.
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERING Sunday, January 15, 2017 TOGETHER, WE EXTEND A HELPING HAND TO THOSE IN CRISIS SO THEY CAN OVERCOME FORMIDABLE OBSTACLES Turn on the news or drive around the outskirts of your town and you will find what Jesus called “the least of these” - those living in the margins of society, struggling to survive. People like: An immigrant teenager in Texas’ poorest county, being recruited by a local gang A father struggling for sobriety in Little Rock, Arkansas An Oklahoma woman recently released from incarceration looking for work Over and over Jesus served people like this, embracing them. That’s what we want to model as the people of The United Methodist Church. To continue the ministry of Jesus we established Human Relations Day as a Special Sunday that calls all of our churches to participate in helping all God’s children to realize their potential. Rev. I Maliik Safir, whose church works with those gripped by addiction in Little Rock, sums up the work of Human Relations Day by recalling Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan: “to meet the poor, the disadvantaged and the underserved at the places where others have robbed them and help them to recover from the wounds of social inequality.” Please prayerfully consider a special gift on this special Human Relations Sunday.
FAMILY PROMISE OF COLORADO SPRINGS Next Host Week: January 22 –29, 2017 Family Promise provides a way for local communities to respond to the needs of their homeless “neighbors.” Congregations have found that the Family Promise mission provides an effective way to be involved in a hands-on outreach program that serves the homeless and also fosters congregational unity and interfaith cooperation. Families arrive at their “home” church each day at 5:00 p.m. and leave at 7:00 a.m. the next morning to go to jobs, school, or the Family Promise Day Center (located on Tejon Street). Upon their arrival “home” each day, families have a hot, nutritious meal prepared by meal preparation volunteers and served by evening host volunteers. Overnight host volunteers arrive at bedtime to “sleep on the job” and to be available if something is needed during the night. Other volunteers set-up the family bedrooms with cots and linens on the first Sunday of the host week, and still other volunteers take-down the bedrooms on the morning of the last Sunday of the host week. The Family Promise Leadership Team at First United Methodist Church is enormously grateful to our warm and generous volunteers who continue to provide supplies, meals, set-up and take-down labor, and host our “families” during evenings and overnights. This mission COULD NOT operate or be as successful without you! Please stop by the Family Promise table on Sunday, January 8 to volunteer or to find out more about our Family Promise mission! Please contact Katy Adams at 471-3484 to volunteer or get more information.
INTERFAITH BUILD On Saturday, December 3, the FUMC-HFH Apostles Build team consisting of Jim Egolf, Gordon Kunzman, Scott Lee, Stella Schuchardt, Robyn Strong, Stuart Strong and Valerie Webb worked together with volunteers from First Congregational Church and the new homeowners. Blessed with good weather, we were able to install a French drain around the outside of the foundation and also cover the floor and walls inside the foundation with plastic and dry wall. This was our first of six assigned workdays. We will be working one Saturday each month for the next five months. If you would like to participate, there is still one opening for the morning shift on May 20. For questions or more information, contact Gordon Kunzman at gordonkco@q.com.
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 7
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) WINTER ROTATIONS BEGIN! On January 1, we will not have any children’s programming. Enjoy worshiping together at our one collective service for the day at 10:00 a.m. The following week, we will start back with our age based Sunday School classes with a two week stained glass rotation. Together, we will look at how these beautiful creations can be a part of worship. Remember that there will not be Sunday School on the 5th Sunday of January, as families will worship together. It is our prayer that this will encourage children and parents to talk about what happens during the service, what the scriptures are about and what is discussed in the sermon.
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the liturgy being used in the main service, Children’s Worship is a place for children to understand and experience worship. This is a multi-age large group event held in Kingdom City.
ABC SCHOOL SPECIAL DINNER Saturday, January 7 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., in Kingdom City Join us for this very special authentic Bangladesh dinner! After dinner, we will Skype with our ABC School friends in Bangladesh. This is such a fun evening for everyone. Please RSVP to David Fussell at davidf@fumc-cs.org so that we have enough food for everyone.
CLAUDE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Sunday, January 8, 9:30 a.m., Sunday School You won’t want to miss this cuddly critter’s birthday celebration! Join the party!
T4G – ONLY FOR OUR 5TH AND 6TH GRADERS! Friday, January 20 It’s Snowing!! This means that Sled Day at the John Wesley Ranch will be so much fun! Be sure to join us Friday night, January 20, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., to help us prepare an award-winning (hopefully) chili in our very own Kingdom City kitchen!
SLED DAY AT THE RANCH! Saturday, January 21 It’s finally here! Dress warmly and bring your sleds, chili and the fixings to the John Wesley Ranch. Sled Day is from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This is open to everyone!
8 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS RESUME Our Children’s Choirs will be back in session beginning January 8 for Cherubs and January 11 for Chorister and Cathedral. If you have a child that is age 4 - 6th grade, we would love to have you join one of these bell or vocal groups… or both! Just call Janita McGregor to get all the details at 884-2466.
NEW!! FAMILY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE ON THE 5TH SUNDAY Starting January 29, 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 on the 5th Sunday of the month. Please note that Kingdom City will be closed on the 5th Sundays of the month 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 children ages from birth through 5 years old. 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 Sunday, April 30.
UPCOMING EVENTS FEBRUARY 12 – We will host a special Valentine’s Day guest, Sam Kaufman, during our Sunday School hour.
PINE RIDGE MISSION TRIP KICK OFF Parents and Youth Sunday, January 15, 11:00 a.m., Hibbard Hall This summer, all current 8th-12th graders are challenged and invited to help our church extend God’s love and grace to folks in need on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The trip is June 25-July 1. Like two years ago when we served in Pine Ridge, we will serve in partnership with Next Step Ministries, an organization dedicated to long-term community development. This kick-off meeting is where you and your parents will get all of the important details about the trip and pay your $100 deposit to reserve your spot. There are limited spots for this trip, so be sure to be there to sign up. For more information, go to: http://www.nextstepministries.com/pine-ridge-south-dakota-2/.
YOUTH ADVISORY TEAM MEETING Sunday, January 15, 12:15 p.m. The Zone
FLY-FISHING AND JESUS
LYM GROWING GATHERING Wednesday, January 4, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. The Zone Leaders are learners. Each youth ministry volunteer is asked to continue growing together with God and our team on behalf of our teenagers and church. We will take this opportunity to hear a presentation on an important topic facing teenagers and have an un-hurried conversation — which is just not possible during the normal course of our activities. Thank you, leaders, for your faithfulness!
SMARTPHONES, PATIENCE AND REAL RELATIONSHIPS Wednesday, January 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone Simon Sinek is a powerful and influential author and he will be our guest speaker on this evening! After dinner, games and singing, we’ll be taking in one of Sinek’s latest talks, which is about challenges young persons face and how organizations can help. Come join the conversation and the fun! You may watch his video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?=hER0Qp6QJNU&feature=share.
DEEPENING THE SKILL ADDS TO THE THRILL A YOUTH-LED WORSHIP NIGHT Wednesday, January 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone If you want to become an outstanding snowboarder, surfer or rock-climber, you can’t simply sit down and read a book — you need to follow a master. And you need to go where the master goes. Same goes for those who hunger for discipleship with Jesus. Key scripture: John 1:29-42.
Winter Retreat Deadline! Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone The moment Jesus begins preaching repentance, he also calls some fishermen to be his disciples, saying, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus casts the line, presents the fly, and sets the hook. Ever since then, from that time along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to today, discipleship, evangelism and fishing have often been spun from the same reel and rod. Tonight, Todd will impress you with his fly-fishing skills (or not) and invite us to consider how to “present the fly” for connecting human souls with God’s abundant love. Key scripture: Matthew 4:12-23
THE BEATS (OR BEATITUDES) OF THE WAY OF JESUS Wednesday, January 25, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone Last summer, many of us adventured to inner-city San Francisco to serve with and learn from the author and leader, Mark Scandrette. Mark challenged us to practice the Beats of Jesus found in Matthew 5:1-12. Tonight, we will take another look at the Beats and especially consider how they make life make more sense in the middle of a school year. Don’t miss it!
WINTER RETREAT – GODSPELL: THE MUSICAL Begins Friday, January 27 at 5:00 p.m. Ends Sunday, January 29 at 3:00 p.m. Deadline for Registration: January 18 This is our annual Winter retreat up at the beautiful John Wesley Ranch! Our theme this year is “Godspell: The Musical.” Godspell, the 1970s broadway musical take on the book of Matthew from the Bible. There will be tons of winter fun, great food, meaningful worship and time for relaxing by the fire. Be sure to pay your registration by the deadline of Wednesday, January 18 and have your parents complete your online ‘Trips and Events Registration Form’ found at http://www.fumc-cs.org/documents--forms (you will also find the ‘What to Pack for Retreat’ sheet on the same webpage). Friends are always welcome! First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 9
FUMC SLED DAY AND CHILI COOK-OFF AT THE RANCH Saturday, January 21 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join the kids on the slopes or spend the day with friends and family by the fire in the Lodge. The chili cook-off will commence at 11:30 a.m., with two categories: Red and Green Chilis. Don’t miss this fun day! For more information, contact Chris Thornton at 687-2148, or christ@fumc-cs.org.
An Event for the Whole Family!