FAITH ACADEMY & DINNERS Session 1 begins January 17, 2018
IN THIS ISSUE... •
Resolutions Page 2
Faith Academy classes begin on Wednesday January 17 through February 7, 2018. Dinner will be served in the Fellowship Hall, 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.
THE BOOK OF JOB: STRUGGLING WITH EVIL
FAITH, LITERATURE, AND THE BODY: THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE
Are you hungry to study the Scripture? During this class, we will examine the Book of Job and look at its themes of suffering, evil, and faithfulness. We will look at its historical roots, how it was put together, and what it means for us today. Bring your favorite Bible and join us for a look at this important biblical text.
Leader: Samuel Stephenson Founder of the Converge Lecture Series (www.convergelectureseries.org) Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Join us for a four week study of literature and the body. The study features essays, short stories, and excerpts from the novel Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (who will speak at The Pinery in Colorado Springs on February 2, 2018). We will be asking the questions: How are the body and the soul connected? How do we care for and dignify the body? What does it mean to be made in the image of God? The text will be provided and the class will be led by Samuel Stephenson, founder of the Converge Lecture Series. We hope to see you there!
Leader: Rev. Kent Ingram Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
•
Around the Church & Beyond Page 3
•
Around the Church & Beyond Page 4
•
Calendar of Events Page 5
•
Around the Church & Beyond Page 6
•
Mission Ministries Page 7
FAITH ACADEMY 101 JUST FOR KIDS
•
Page 8
Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. We are offering this class to children during Faith Academy classes on Wednesday nights, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. All K-6th graders are invited to come up to Kingdom City!
Children’s Ministries
•
Youth Ministry Page 9
•
Sled Day at The Ranch Back Cover
Resolutions By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor
“I am going to be I’m not much of a resolution maker. I’m even worse as a resolution keeper! I am always amazed at people who create long lists of New Year’s resolutions with the intention of keeping them. I admire those, albeit few, who do manage to keep their resolutions.
I am going to worship better. That might sound strange, but there is a danger in my job to spend worship focusing on the details, what happens next, who is up, is the sound okay, is this hymn ever going to end, how much time do I have to preach, why is it so cold in here? Things like that go through my mind. And I forget why I am here. I do lead worship, to be sure. But I think I can better lead worship if I am engaged in worship. I am going to go to each worship service focusing on God, on giving thanks and receiving what God has for me that day.
more grateful.
I am among the
most blessed people
I do, however, reflect at the beginning of the year on where I can improve my life and those around me. It’s not so much a list as it is a reorientation of my energy toward things that are positive and helpful, personally, in my family, and professionally. As I reflect on 2018, these are some thoughts I have that might make me a better person. I don’t offer these to you for your list, but to help and invite you, to think about those areas that might be helpful to you.
I know...”
I am going to be more grateful. I am among the most blessed people I know. I have a great job and work with wonderful people. I have an amazing family who loves and supports me. I live in a beautiful part of the world and I am surrounded by signs of God’s presence. And I tend to move through life taking most of this for granted. I am going to pause to give thanks more often. I am going to consume less news. I find that I read about a lot of stuff that I have absolutely no control over. I find myself just getting angry, upset and frustrated. I need to know what is going on, but it is too easy with a smart phone app to read story after story, after story about the same thing. I am going to lower my blood pressure by not fixating on news stories.
I am going to re-connect with some friends that I have neglected for a long time. I have lived in a lot of places, and served in the ministry with a lot of great pastors. I was close to some of them at one time, but I have moved, gotten busy in my new place, and lost touch. I am going to connect more deeply than just a Facebook post. I am going to email or call these friends and catch up on their lives. I’m sure there is more I need to do, but these are the things that I have been reflecting on as we come to the end of this year and the beginning of the new year. Where is your heart leading you? See you in Worship, Kent
First United Methodist Church 420 North Nevada Avenue. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-471-8522 • www.fumc-cs.org
Considering Membership at First UMC? If you are interested in membership at First United Methodist Church or have questions, please call 719-471-8522 ext. 270 for more information.
Sunday Worship Service Times 7:30 am Early Riser in the Chapel 8:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Contemporary in the Sanctuary 11:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary Live broadcasts of the 11:00 am service on FOX, channel 21.2 (cable 7) and CW 57. Closed captioning available.
The Encounter is printed and published once a month by First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Materials for inclusion are due three weeks before publication date and are subject to approval. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be included. Articles, comments, or suggestions are welcomed by emailing, annaliec@fumc-cs.org or calling, 719-471-8522 ext. 272.
Sunday School Classes are at 9:30 & 10:45 am
2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
Cover Photo: Wednesday Nights at FUMC
WORDS FROM
JAN CAFFEY, LAY LEADER Happy New Year Everyone! I’m eager to serve the congregation as lay leader. Maybe that’s because I don’t know what all the job entails yet! I’d like to thank all the volunteers who became bus drivers in 2017. This wonderful ministry was really struggling. We got several new drivers and are thrilled to have them! The ministry is thriving. Now we just need a working handicapped bus… Family Promise (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network) is another vital mission of the church. We host up to four homeless families in our church for a week usually three or four times a year. The committee needs one or two new members who would serve as evening hosts, from 5:00-8:00 p.m., once per hosting week. Other opportunities include set up team and overnight hosts. Katy Adams, committee chair, can answer questions at 719-471-3484. There are so many ways to serve, learn and grow in this church. We’re doing God’s work locally and abroad. If you’re looking for your place, I’d be happy to help you find it. You can reach me at 719-527-4290 or jan.caffey@comcast.net. You may also contact Rev. Tiffany Keith, Minister of Evangelism, at tiffanyk@fumc-cs.org. Jan Caffey
CONTEMPLATIVE GATHERINGS Time: 5:40 to 6:25 p.m. *Note the new time Place: Prayer Room
NO CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP January 3 or January 10
HAVE I LOVED WELL? Wednesday, January 17 The Bible tells us our two main responsibilities are to love God and love others. Yet nothing is more difficult to actually do. It is easy to say we love God, maybe as easy to say we love others. But such words can become meaningless when we realize that the love God requires, the love Jesus modeled for us, calls for sacrifice. And we often consider this too difficult, too costly. We will slow down and look inwardly for promptings of the Spirit as we each consider the question: Have I loved well?
NATURE SPEAKS Wednesday, January 24 Psalm 19 reveals how the natural world around us can reveal the Holy: “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech…their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth…” We will slow down, meditate and pray using nature’s gifts of rocks, sand, flowers cones and more. What will their voices say without words?
SPIRITUAL FAMILY TREE
With every story we hear at Stories @ The Edge, we create a personal prayer activity to go home with each attendant. These activities are created from the stories we hear. They are deeply powerful ways to see God at work in our lives in ways that we would not be able to see otherwise. How can we keep something this meaningful to ourselves? Over the next few months, we will be sharing gifts from The Edge in a couple of ways. First, we will be selling them to creative, spiritual types that find the presence of God in prayer stations and other prayer activities. Do you know anyone creative that we could give a free gift to? Let me know! We would be happy to send them a small gift. Second, we are going to start gathering together in prayer, worship, and community to create these gifts together. Digging deep into our lives and faith to find God’s presence in all we do. Would you like to join us? If you have names to share, or would like to join us in these prayer activities, contact Tiffany at Tiffany@TheEdgeDowntown.org.
Wednesday, January 31 Many today are fascinated with researching their family histories and how those histories may have contributed to shaping who they are. Another venture could be around the question: Who has shaped me spiritually? If you were to create your spiritual family tree, who would be included in it? Who might consider you a part of their spiritual family tree? We will each take some time to prayerfully journal around these questions, begin creating our spiritual family trees, and ask God to shed new light on our lives and the how God has used others to shape our souls.
WATER Wednesday, February 7 Water takes on many forms – mountain snow, rivers, lakes, seas, clouds, glaciers, swamps, ice. Water is so basic and powerful that no plant or animal life is possible without its presence. Its lifegiving, life-shaping character makes water a deeply worthy metaphor for God and our longing for relationship with the Sacred. We will meditate and pray using the presence of water, and consider how our souls “thirst…for the living God (Psalm 65:9).
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 3
CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY PROGRAM
BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY LUNCH 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 join us for lunch on Sunday, January 21, from noon to 1:30 p.m., with those currently serving in this ministry. RSVP to Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204 or pattyw@fumc-cs.org by January 15.
AN INTRODUCTION TO CENTERING PRAYER WORKSHOP January 20, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 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 mean 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. This event is free and 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 January 13.
Learn more about FUMC
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, beginning January 11 through April 19, at FUMC, on Thursdays, from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Cost for CJ 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.
HUMAN RELATIONS DAY SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERING Sunday, January 14, 2018 Together, we extend a helping hand to those in crisis so we 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. And 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.”
programs and events at
Please prayerfully consider a special gift on this special Human Relations Sunday.
www.fumc-cs.org
“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
4 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
Monday,
January 1
CHURCH IS CLOSED — Happy New Year!
Thursday,
January 4
NOAH Breakfast — Maggie Mae’s Restaurant
9:00 am
Sunday,
January 7
Claude’s Birthday — Kingdom City Sunday School
9:30 am
Thursday,
January 11
Contemplative Journey Weekly Program Begins
9:30 am
Saturday,
January 13
Annual Bangladesh Dinner — Kingdom City
7:00 pm
Tuesday,
January 16
NAP Time - Mom’s Group — Kingdom City
10:30 am
Tuesday,
January 16
NOAH Lunch — The Mason Jar (2925 W. Colorado Avenue)
11:30 am
Wednesday,
January 17
Contemplative Gatherings Begin — Prayer Room
5:40 pm
Thursday,
January 19
Contemplative Journey Program — (See details on page 4)
9:30 am
Friday,
January 19
T4G– Chili Making Day! — (See details on page 8)
5:30 pm
Friday,
January 19
ManUp! Group at The Ranch
6:30 pm
Saturday,
January 20
Sled Day and Chili Cook-Off At the Ranch— (See details on back cover) 10:00 am
Saturday,
January 20
Introduction to Centering Prayer Workshop — (See details on page 4)
Sunday,
January 21
Bereavement Luncheon
January 22 & 29 February 5 & 12 Wednesday,
January 24
9:00 am 12:00 pm
Parent Wellness Workshop — (See details on page 8)
9:00 am
Bass Pro Shop Bowling for Tweens
3:00 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!
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
NOAH BREAKFAST Join us for breakfast at The Egg & I (733 N. Academy), at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4. No reservations are needed. See you there!
NOAH LUNCH Our January lunch will be at The Mason Jar located at 2925 W. Colorado Ave. We will meet there at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 16. No reservations are needed. Come for a great time of fellowship!
MANUP! AT THE RANCH Once again this year our ManUp! group will be helping Children’s Ministry with the “Sled Day at The Ranch.” We’ll head up Friday, January 19 for dinner at 6:30 p.m., have a time of Bible study and some great fellowship. Saturday morning, we will help get the slopes in shape for the families before they arrive for a day of sledding fun. We’ll head home mid-afternoon. Cost for the event will be $15 per person. You can register by contacting Jerry at the church or signing up at the table on Sunday mornings.
WELCOMING VISITORS Last spring, we started inviting people to become sections hosts. These are people that attend regularly, usually sit in the same place, and are willing to welcome visitors with a warm smile. Are you interested in becoming a section host? If you are, let Rev. Tiffany Keith know at Tiffany@TheEdgeDowntown.org.
WORSHIP SUPPORT TEAMS Over the course of the last few months, we have been restructuring many of our ministry teams into worship support teams. The 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. service teams have leaders that are committed to getting to know the people that attend their service and bring us together as worshipping communities within the larger church. I wanted to take a moment to thank the leaders that have committed themselves to you and the worship communities to which you belong. If you see them in service, stop and introduce yourself so they can put a face to the names of the people they worship with week after week. Rev. Chuck Stephens and Janita McGregor will lead the 8:00 a.m. worship service. The leaders of the 9:30 a.m. service are Rev. Tiffany Keith, Kimberly Walker, and Mike Reeder. The leaders of the 11:00 a.m. service are Rev. Tiffany Keith and Debbie Lloyd. We are still looking for one more leader at the 11:00 a.m. service to organize quarterly gatherings. Thank you all, for helping make this transition! If you have any questions, you may contact Rev. Tiffany Keith at tiffanyk@fumc-cs.org.
6 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
FUMC MUSICAL ENSEMBLES All of our musical ensembles will resume rehearsal the first week of January. We would love to have you join our music program. Please check out the schedule. For more information, please contact us. CHANCEL RINGERS (adult handbell ringers) Thursdays, 6:20-7:20 p.m. Resumes January 4, Rm. 7 CHANCEL CHOIR (adult singers) Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Resumes January 4, Choir Room CHERUB CHOIR (ages 4-5—Pre-K) Sundays, 10:15-11:00 a.m. Resumes January 7, Kingdom City CHORISTER CHOIR (Grades 1st-3rd) Sundays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Resumes January 7, Rm. 7 CATHEDRAL CHOIR (Grades 4th-6th) Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Resumes January 7, Choir Room CHORISTER CHIMES (Grades 1st-3rd) Sundays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Resumes January 7, Rm. 7 CATHEDRAL RINGERS (Grades 4th-6th) Sundays, 4:00-5:00 p.m. Resumes January 7, Rm. 2 YOUTH CHORALE (Grades 9th-12th, by audition only) Sundays, 2:45-3:40 p.m. Resumes January 7, Choir Room YOUTH SINGERS (Grades 7th-12th, open to all youth) Sundays, 3:45-5:00 p.m. Resumes January 7, Choir Room CHAPEL RINGERS (Grades 7th-12th, with little or no previous experience on handbells) Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Resumes January 7, Rm. 2. CELEBRATION RINGERS (Grades 9th-12th by invitation only for advanced handbell ringers) Sundays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Rm. 7. Resumes January 7 CROSSROADS PRAISE BAND. Adult Praise Team members: vocal/instrumental (by audition only) Sundays, 8:00-9:00 a.m. Resumes January 7, TV Ministry Rm. INFORMATION: Rev. Steve Harter, Music & Arts Minister 719.471-8522 x222 steveh@fumc-cs.org
MISSION NEEDS YOU! Family Promise is one of First United Methodist long-term and most dynamic mission ministries. It engages nearly 60 people, at least three times a year, in a caring ministry to people without homes. These people are hosted by various churches in town, a week at a time. This service offers these family, while they work, a chance to receive case management and save to be able to get into homes. Our faithful group of volunteers has always been there to help prepare and host mealtimes, set up and clean up, and offer to spend an overnight. This ministry is lead by five dedicated women. When some of our “regulars” are unable to help, other volunteers faithfully step up and fill in the slots. One of them was here five out of the seven nights the last time we hosted. We are looking for a couple more people who would like to help out the core committee. As a core member you would be asked to lead one host night during the three weeks we have families and to help with sign up. If you are not able to make this commitment, please prayerfully consider if you might be able to volunteer during our next host week which will be this month. You will find a sign up table in the friendship lounge. For more information about this mission, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org. Mission council is in need of giving, loving hearts. This council is comprised of leaders of various mission areas in our church and other members who are interested in supporting the work we do in missions. We meet the first Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. During this meeting, we review upcoming events, offer support to each others missions, coordinate efforts and help areas of the church needing support. Your voice will also be instrumental in guiding our annual budget process for the missions in which we are engaged. If you might be interested in the big picture of FUMC missions, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org.
living with HIV or has a family member or friend who would benefit from this time together. For more information, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org.
FAMILY PROMISE OF COLORADO SPRINGS NEXT HOST WEEK: January 28 – February 4, 2018 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 pm and leave at 7:00 am 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. We are enormously grateful to our warm and generous volunteers who continue to provide supplies, meals, set-up labor, and host our “families” during evenings and overnights. This mission COULD not operate or be as successful without you! Our Next Host Week at FUMC is January 28 – February 4, 2018. Please stop by the Family Promise table on Sunday, January 14 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. Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
HONORING OUR EXPERIENCE On December 1, we remembered World AIDS day. The Rocky Mountain Conference of the United Methodist Church, in cooperation with FUMC is sponsoring a three-day retreat for all people affected by HIV, the weekend of April 27 at John Wesley Ranch, regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof. This experiential conference will be led by Gregg Cassins. Gregg has been a leader of “AIDS, Medicine and Miracle” seminars in the 1990’s and now works at the Shanti Project in San Francisco and attends Glide United Methodist Church. He is a nationally known speaker on HIV and healing. He facilitates this conference several times a year in the Bay Area. You or someone you know maybe
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 7
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) In January, Sunday School returns to the regular rotation format. We will discover what it means to be in covenant and how important covenants were and still are today. Our Sunday School is an age-based rotational style curriculum for ages K – 6th grade, which features scripture as it foundation, while offering learning opportunities such as: cooking, science, art, games and much more. We also have Sunday School for birth – age 5 in the Kingdom City Nursery. There is something for everyone on Sunday mornings in Kingdom City. Come and join us!
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the liturgical scripture being used in the main service, our 11:00 a.m. children’s worship is a place for children to begin to understand and experience worship. This is a multiage large group worship service in Kingdom City.
EPIPHANY SUNDAY – JANUARY 7 Claude’s Birthday Celebration at 9:30 a.m.
ANNUAL BANGLADESHI DINNER All children are invited to the annual Bangladeshi Dinner at FUMC Saturday, January 13, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Dinner will be Bangladesh style (hands only) and we will make a Skype connection so our kids can meet face to face with the ABC students. A slide presentation will be made using pictures my wife and I took during our visit last year to Dhaka. Please RSVP via email at davidf@fumc-cs.org. If you cannot attend but wish to help with this children’s advent mission, all donations help immensely. It takes $250 per child per year. This money not only changes the child’s future life, but changes his or her current family situation. In addition to a K-8th grade education, the kids receive donated clothing from manufacturers in Dhaka, medical services through agreements ABC school has with local doctors and dentists, 10 kg (over 20 pounds) of rice for their family each month for perfect school attendance, and an education beyond 8th grade for students who wish to attend high school and even college (there are around 15 children currently in this category). All this is happening for about 135 street children of which 26 are totally supported by FUMC! 100% of your money goes to these kids. There are no administrative fees. The school has a governing board of local Bangladeshis, expatriates and a representative from the US Embassy. Local volunteers, including US Embassy personnel also come to the school daily to help the teachers and kids. This is truly a wonderful program and I am hoping that you will
8 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
find yourself in a financial situation this Advent season whereby you can give our ABC School some money to continue its work. Last year, we sponsored 26 children! For a tax deduction, make checks out to “FUMC” with a memo that it is an ABC School contribution. If mailed, our address is: First United Methodist Church. Attn: David Fussell. 420 N. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
NAP TIME – MOM’S GROUP Attention moms! Yes, you! Mom, (aka step mom, grand-mom, or aunt-mom) you are invited to join us for NAP Time, 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 (January 16) 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. 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.
T4G – CHILI COOK-OFF PREP AND SLED DAY AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH Friday, January 19, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., our tweens will be in the Kingdom City kitchen preparing the chili for the Chili Cook-off contest. Our children are ready to defend their title as the FUMC’s Top Chili Chef this year! Saturday, January 20 is the sled day at the Ranch, from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Remember the weather in Divide is usually colder than here in the Springs, so be sure to wear long johns, warm socks and cold weather gear! For information, please contact Janita at janitam@fumc-cs.org or 719-884-2466.
PARENT WELLNESS WORKSHOP Monday Mornings, January 22 & 29 and February 5 & 12 This is a FREE workshop from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. We need a minimum of 5 people to be able to offer it. To sign up, please contact Dianna Flaherty, Preschool Director a 719 471-8522 ext. 225, or diannaf@fumc-cs.org.
BASS PRO SHOP BOWLING FOR THE TWEENS January 24, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
GIVE IT UP (URBAN PEAK) Each month we are selecting items to donate to Urban Peak. This month, we will be collecting snacks. Please feel free to drop them off in Hibbard Hall.
WELCOME BACK Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Meal Included). The Zone WELCOME BACK! Let’s get together, eat, play, and play some more. This night, we’ll just have some fun, be back with friends, and enjoy the beginning of a new semester.
A YEAR IN REVIEW Wednesday, January 17. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Meal Included). The Zone We will look back on the year 2017. The highs, the lows, and the presence of God. With an appreciation for all that was, we can continue to look forward to what is to come. After dinner, games, and music, we will be digging into what made 2017 something to remember with our small groups.
CHILI COOK-OFF/SLEDDING DAY WITH TROOP 777 Saturday, January 20. 3:15 - 5:30 p.m. John Wesley Ranch
CONFIRMATION CLASSES SUNDAY SCHOOL - SONG & SCRIPTURE Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. This Youth Sunday School class focuses on being intentional. Intentionally listen to God, for God, and seeing him anywhere and everywhere. We take the songs that make it on the radio. Listen for what God can teach us through others, as we share scripture, ideas, and stories, that not only inspire, but remind us that God is not just at Church. This month we will be looking and listening to “The Civil Wars” and “The Avett Brothers.”
Monday, January 22 and 29. 5:30 -7:00 p.m. The Zone We welcome all 7th-12th graders!
SPEAK UP: PART 1 Wednesday, January 24. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Meal Included). The Zone Esther. She didn’t want it. She became queen. She was torn. She was the voice that saved her people. Esther is a terrific story of growing up, stepping up, believing in the power of your own voice. After dinner, games, and music we will be digging into speaking up with our small groups.
URBAN PEAK STAND — FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
WINTER RETREAT 2018 “CARRYING THE TRUTH”
STAND (Students And Nourishing Dinners) is our youth mission of making dinners at Urban Peak (a shelter for homeless teens). Our next monthly meal will be Friday, January 12. We are looking for youth to volunteer with the cooking from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in helping, please text Sam Brooks at 494-3303.
Friday, January 26, 5:00 p.m. through Sunday, January 28, 3:00 p.m. John Wesley Ranch. We will leave from and return to FUMC north parking lot. Cost: $25
BOY SCOUTS TROOP 777 Boys between the ages of 11-17 interested in joining our program are invited to attend any of our regular meetings with their parents on Tuesday nights. Troop 777 meets at FUMC, in Hibbard Hall at 7:00 p.m. For information contact our scoutmaster, Tim Berry, at 719-439-9101.
YOUTH ADVISORY TEAM MEETING No January meeting.
YLM MEETING Wednesday, January 17, 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Zach’s Office (Room 50)
Register by January 19, by turning in your Trip Forms (download from www.fumc- cs.org) and $25 (checks made out to FUMC). Come get away with us to our place in the mountains - John Wesley Ranch. We’ll grow closer to God. We’ll grow closer to each other. We will learn from the movie "A Monster Calls." Are you ready to rest, play, eat, and worship?! Friends always welcome!
SPEAK UP: PART 2 Wednesday, January 31. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Meal Included). The Zone Moses. In a world where his people are enslaved. He isn’t sure who he is. He doesn’t know what to do. Moses is an amazing story of what we can do and become with a little encouragement. After dinner, games, and music, we will continue our two-parter on speaking up with our small groups.
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 9