Encounter Newsletter - May 2019

FUMC PRAIRIE CAMPUS Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy

IN THIS ISSUE...

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9433 Vista Del Pico Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80927

The April 14th launch of FUMC’s Prairie Campus was spirit-filled and joyful!

We were blessed by the debut of the Prairie Campus children’s choir, led by Jeanne and Randy Stiles, and Jill Meider. Palm Sunday was a great day to begin this holy adventure of reaching new people with good news of the gospel!

Thank You!

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 3 & 4

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Calendar of Events Page 5

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Children’s Ministries Page 6

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Youth Ministries Page 7

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 8, 9, 10 & 11

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UMW Celebration Back Cover

To learn more about FUMC, please visit us online at www.fumc-cs.org

Thank You!

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

Thank you for your kind words of support to me in this process. I have received letter after letter, email after email, hug after hug from you. You have shared with me your kind words of support and encouragement. The amazing thing to me is how several of you said that you may not agree with me on the issue of human sexuality, but you do appreciate my commitment and leadership in the church. That’s the kind of church I want to pastor! Not one where we all agree, but one where we can love and care for one another, even if we disagree.

I love the local church. I love this local church! I’ve come to realize that, more and more in these past few months. I have spent a lot of time working to make our United Methodist Mostly, thank you for being the church in Colorado Springs. I Church more generous and accepting of people. I have been love to teach and preach, to lead this congregation as it gone to Oklahoma City, to St. Louis, to Portland, to Atlanta in reaches new people in Banning Lewis Ranch area and the past few months to try to help our continues to do great ministry right in denomination be one that is open to all Mostly, thank you for the heart of the city. We’ve talked a lot of God’s children. This is important work about the potential in the explosive for me, and I believe, for the larger church. growth out east, but our downtown area being the church in But I miss you, I miss worship, I miss is seeing rapid revitalization and growth teaching, I miss the life and rhythms of a as well. I am excited about the potential Colorado Springs. local congregation. So, I want to thank for our downtown campus to grow and you. expand its witness in the center of our city. I am thrilled to be

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I want to thank you for giving me the freedom to do the work at the general church level. Because of my experience in four conferences and three jurisdictions of the church I bring a unique perspective and a lot of relationships to the task of determining where we go as a denomination. I do feel that God has called me “for such a time as this.” I hope my work makes a lasting difference to the denomination that has nurtured and raised me, educated me and employed me, and continues to challenge me in my spiritual growth. Thank you for being so patient with me as I spend a lot of time on this task.

the pastor at this time.

There are times when I feel like I’ve been away too much, too focused on the work of the larger church. At those times I am deeply grateful for the strong staff and leadership of our church. I hope you never take for granted the amazing and gifted folks who work here. And I hope you know I never take them, or you, for granted. Thank you for being you, and for letting me be a part of this exciting ministry!

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.

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: FUMC Prairie Campus

WORDS FROM

JAN CAFFEY, LAY LEADER Loeda Westphal invited me to the United Methodist Women’s 150th birthday party that was held on March 23rd. This was quite an impressive celebration! Women from several Methodist churches in town were there.

UMW is a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. At the party, they celebrated their many accomplishments, including supporting missionaries and supporting local, national and global missions. They have a strong reading program and spiritual retreats as well.

Rev. Kent Ingram spoke and called these ladies the pillars of the church. He knows who to ask if he wants to get things done. Well said! They really make things happen.

Beyond their UMW activities, these women are involved in all aspects of our church. And I hear they are welcoming new members!

They have various fund-raising efforts. Happily, the greeting cards are back thanks to Judy Chandler and Deb Richardson! Also, who doesn’t love the UMW Bazaar? If you haven’t been, you’re missing out. Spend freely there knowing that the proceeds support worthwhile missions.

On to a different subject - The Prairie Campus is up and running! Rev. Patty Walker has done an amazing job pulling this together. She has assembled an awesome team. I’m eager to make the trek out there in May to experience it for myself. Services are at 10:00 a.m. at the Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy, 9433 Vista Del Pico, Colorado Springs 80927.

KRISPY KREME DONUT SALE Our final Krispy Kreme donut sale before Tour will be held on May 5! Come and support your wonderful Youth Singers by buying a box of fresh Krispy Kreme Donuts. Thank you so much for supporting the Youth Singers 2019 Tour!

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY Do you have passion for teaching children? Do you work well with a team? Can you recruit, love, and train volunteers? Would like to live out your calling by working in the church? If so, we are seeking a person to serve as full time Director of Children’s Ministry for the downtown campus of First United Methodist Church.

The job will be open this summer, in July or August. If you have questions or would like to apply contact Rev. Kent Ingram at kenti@fumc-cs.org. Prayerfully consider God’s calling to this important work in our church.

In December 2014, when we held our first Stories @ The Edge service, most of the people in attendance were from First UMC. We needed the support of the church to keep us vital and give us a gathering of people that would give us the feeling of life and hope. Now, it surprises me how few people are from First UMC. I hope there will always be people from this congregation. But over the years, we have formed our own community, some people from here, some from there…and we’ve become a family that loves and cares for one another. I am deeply aware of the fact that The Edge would not be where it is today without the people of First UMC supporting us with their presence.

As the Prairie Campus opens, I understand how vitally important it is that we do this same thing for them. It is us, showing up, whenever we can, once, for a year, or forever, that will give this new community the vitality it needs through the first few years of creating a new fellowship. I am grateful that you showed up for us, I hope you will do the same again.

Tiffany, founding Pastor of The Edge

Learn more about FUMC programs and events at www.fumc-cs.org First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 3

IF YOU HAVE LOST A SPOUSE . . .

Every time we lose a loved one, it leaves an empty space in our lives. For those who have lost a spouse, that loss and that empty space can be especially difficult.

There are many in our congregation who have experienced this loss, and you and only you can fully understand the pain and the hollow place that no one else can fill.

We would like to invite you to be part of a Sunday potluck get together – no agenda, no program, no cost, no RSVPs — just a chance to get with other people who understand, and enjoy food and fellowship together.

Your first lunch is Sunday, May 19, at noon in the Kerygma coffee room 236 in the south wing. Please mark your calendar for future potluck dates: July 21, September 15 and November 17. All you need to bring is a dish to share.

Laura and Ann will come to help you get started, but this is your group. Questions? Call Laura at 471-8522 ext. 206.

NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERING May 5, 2019 Most Americans today recognize that the history following the arrival of the large canoes bore little resemblance to the one all Christians identify as Creator.

That’s why the people of The United Methodist Church, Native and non-Native, are creating a new history. Through Native American Ministries Sunday, we’re able to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus.

Today, Native Americans—with many unique languages, many unique cultures—honor their heritage, and live as Jesus’ followers, led by a rotation of primarily Native American pastors. When you support Native American Ministries Sunday, you equip seminary students who will honor and celebrate Native American culture in their ministries. And you empower congregations that are finding fresh new ways to minister to their communities with the love of Christ.

Please prayerfully consider donating on Native American Ministries Sunday. Look for the special offering envelope in the bulletin on Sunday, May 5, 2019.

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NOAH BREAKFAST Thursday, May 2, is our NOAH Breakfast. Join us at 9:00 a.m. at IHOP on 229 Southgate Rd. (Southgate shopping center).

We always have a great time at these breakfast fellowships. You don’t need to make a reservation. Just join us at IHOP that morning.

NOAH LUNCH Tuesday, May 21 at 11:30 a.m., is our monthly NOAH Lunch.

Come join us at Gunther Toody’s at 5490 E. Woodmen Rd., in the shopping area just west of the entrance to the big Walmart on Woodmen Rd. and Powers.

No reservation is needed. We hope to see you for a time of great fellowship and lunch!

NOAH CHEROKEE RANCH CASTLE TRIP For those who have registered for the trip to the Cherokee Ranch & Castle, don’t forget that Saturday, May 25, is the date. We will be leaving from the north parking lot of the church at 10:45 a.m. The lunch/tea is at noon and the tour follows. Dress attire is encouraged as this is a formal tea.

We should be back at the church around 3:00 p.m. Call Rev. Jerry at 648-1571 if you have any questions.

JOHN WESLEY RANCH MELODRAMA A bus will be provided for NOAH people to go to the Melodrama at the Ranch. The event will be on Saturday, June 15.

Lunch will be available for $5. We will leave from the north church parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Contact Rev. Jerry Hurst to reserve a seat on the bus at jerryh@fumc-cs.org or 648-1571.

FirstUnitedMethodistChurchColoradoSprings

Sundays

“Wonderfully Made” Worship Service — Kingdom City

5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, May 1, 8 & 15

Covenant Bible Study — Parlor

6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 2, 9 & 16

Covenant Bible Study — Parlor

9:00 a.m.

Thursday, May 2

NOAH Breakfast — IHOP (229 Southgate Rd.)

9:00 a.m.

Sunday, May 5 Wednesday, May 15

Native American Ministries Special Sunday T4G Last Meeting before Graduation to Youth Ministry!

Saturdays, May 18-June 29 Senior Writing Group — Details on page 8 Sunday, May 19

Potluck Get Together — Details on page 4

Tuesday, May 21

NOAH Lunch — Gunther Toody's (5490 E Woodmen Rd.)

Saturday, May 25

NOAH Cherokee Ranch & Castle Trip — Details on page 4

Saturday, June 15

John Wesley Ranch Melodrama — Details on page 4

Mon-Fri, June 24-28

Tues, July 9 or Wed, July 10

12:00 p.m.

VBS — God’s Story, Building God’s Kingdom

Day Camp — God’s Big Backyard!

Thurs-Sat, July 11-13

Camp T4G, Share the Light! — John Wesley Ranch

Sun-Thurs, July 14-18

Youth Work Week at the Ranch — Details on page 7

Sunday, July 21

Potluck Get Together — Details on page 4

Mon-Fri, July 22-26

Music/Art/Drama Camp

12:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 5

SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) In May, we will learn about Elijah, Elisha and Joshua! On May 22, we will say goodbye to our 6th graders at the bridging ceremony.

Summer Sunday school is around the corner!

On June 9, we will release doves with our sixth graders and celebrate Pentecost. Our Sunday School begins in a large group gathering where we celebrate each other and pray together. We gather into age appropriate groups and follow a rotational format to learn a different part of the overall lesson each week. We hope you will come and join us at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday in Kingdom City!

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

VBS GOD’S STORY T4G - LAST MEETING BEFORE GRADUATION Wednesday, May 15, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Zone Our 5th and 6th graders are invited to join us for a combined youth and tween Wednesday night event. We will meet in the Zone (south wing basement) and we’ll eat dinner together, play together, sing together and fellowship together. This will be the final event before the tweens “graduate” to youth! Mark your calendars for the bridging ceremony on May 22 at 9:30 a.m.

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS Children’s choirs will resume in September.

FAITH ACADEMY 101 – JUST FOR KIDS Classes will resume in September.

PRESCHOOL AND MMO If you know of a family looking for a loving and nurturing MMO and preschool program for their children ages 18 months through 5 years, please tell them to call Dianna Flaherty at 884-2500. Space is limited! Registration is open now for 2019-2020 school year.

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Building God’s Kingdom June 24-28.

Ages: preschool (toilet trained) through completed 5th grade

DAYCAMP GOD’S BIG BACKYARD! July 9 or June 10 Ages: completed K-3rd Grades This year, we will be exploring the native vegetation at John Wesley Ranch in Divide.

REGISTER NOW in Kingdom City or at www.fumc-cs.org.

CAMP T4G – SHARE THE LIGHT! John Wesley Ranch in Divide July 11-13 Ages: completed 4th – 6th grades REGISTER NOW in Kingdom City or at www.fumc-cs.org.

MUSIC/ART/DRAMA CAMP July 22-26 Ages: completed KG – 6th Grades Creation Station REGISTER NOW in Kingdom City or at www.fumc-cs.org!

WORK WEEK AT THE RANCH Sunday - Thursday, July 14-18. John Wesley Ranch EARLY BIRD Sign Up by May 22nd: $100!

SIGN UP by June 30th: $125! LATE SIGN UP in July: $150!

Register NOW and plan for an awesome summer by turning in your trip forms (download from www.fumc- cs.org) and $100 (checks made out to FUMC). This week, we will spend time giving back to the Ranch! We will be working on trails, fire-mitigation, clean up and whatever else we can do to help make the Ranch a special place for all.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS PASSIONATE WITH ASTA STAR

BIBLE 101—SUNDAYS AT 9:30 AM Who wrote it? Where do I start? The Bible can be a daunting book, but we should become more aware of God’s Word. So let’s break it down together. Join us on Sundays!

YAT Sunday, May 19, 12:15 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The Zone

UPCOMING EVENTS HOPE IN AN ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER Sundays, May 5, 12 and 19 “Hope in An Envelope” is a fundraiser to support youth activities throughout the year. All youth are urged to participate in manning the table between one of the services on one of these three days. To sign up, please contact Zach at zachw@fumc-cs.org or 719-884-2488.

SR. HIGH MISSION TRIP June 15-22, Bozeman, MT. Cost: $250 This year, we will be heading north to help our fellow UMC in Bozeman for a week of VBS along with some side projects for local non-profits. Your FUMC and VBS registration is needed with a down payment to secure your spot. There is limited availability. Please contact Zach with any questions.

Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone God made each one of us unique, a part of his body with a purpose to fulfill his Glory. Asta Star grew up knowing God; however a life of abuse, rejection and loneliness led her astray. Today, Asta uses a system to hear God’s call. By using material from “The Passion Test” and “Discover Your God Given Gifts,” Asta will help you better understand your purpose by connecting to your own gifts and passions.

TYRONE CRAWFORD Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone From the rough streets of Cleveland to the U.S. military to the top of Amazon’s Best Selling Christian Rap Music chart, Tyrone Crawford’s story reads like a novel, full of passionate struggle, steadfast faith, and spiritual transformation. The nationally known Christian rapper who captivates audiences with his one-of-a-kind sound, driving beats, and powerful words has signed with Colorado Springs, Colo. – based new management and label WieRok Entertainment.

GRADUATION WITH T4G Wednesday, May 15, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone Meal provided by Children’s Ministries “Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way! - Oh, The Places You Will Go!” Together with T4G, we will welcome new faces and love on those that have made this place so special.

LAST DAY SCAVENGER HUNT DOWNTOWN Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (BRING $) We’ll end where we began, with a scavenger hunt. Running around downtown with a bunch of teenagers...? What could go wrong?!? This is a great time to celebrate each other and make lasting memories. Bring your $ for eating out.

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SENIOR WRITING GROUP Here is Your Chance to Express Yourself on Paper!

This eight-week class will begin May 18 through June 29. We will meet in the Hospitality Center on Saturdays, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. All you need is a speedy pen, a tablet and a desire to express yourself on paper! We shall concentrate on journal writing and essay to hone your skills and to later take up other genres. Folks at all skill levels are welcome.

The class will start with free writing to exercise your writing muse. Then we will have a class discussion and tips on making your writing better. We will break up into groups to read your writing to others (only if you wish).

Rule 1 - Only positive suggestions, no critiquing will be allowed. Your thoughts are important! Give it a try! Sign up by e-mailing bghoward@aol.com or by calling Betty Howard 531-6315.

COVENANT BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Thursdays, 9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

In the Parlor Rev. Kent Ingram will continue teaching this in-depth study of the entire Bible. Registrations were closed in the Fall.

We are now accepting registration for 2019-20 school year.

FUMC preschool is committed to providing a high-quality, play-based, nurturing, secure and affordable, state-licensed early childhood experience. Classes are open to all families in the community. We partner with parents to develop a relationship with each child which promotes cooperation, critical thinking, literacy skills and creativity. Children experience stillness, wonder and prayer during sacred times.

MMO/Young Toddlers: 18 months by October 1, 2019 Jr. Preschool: 2½ years by October 1, 2019 Preschool: 3 years by October 1, 2019 (Must be toilet trained) Pre-K: 4 years by October 1, 2019 (Must be toilet trained)

THE ORDER OF SAINT LUKE: NEW HEALING MINISTRY In the Chapel at 5:30 p.m.

The Colorado Springs-Pikes Peak Chapter of the Order of Saint Luke (OSL) holds a healing service on the last Monday of each month beginning at 5:30 p.m. We especially invite those who are seeking healing on behalf of themselves or others to attend our monthly service.

We open our healing service with prayer and praise songs followed by communion. After communion, the members pray over those who seek healing for the body, mind, and spirit with the sacred act of anointing persons with blessing oil and with the laying on of hands.

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PRESCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM The preschool is offering 2 three-week summer sessions for children 2 ½ to 5 years old. Classes are Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Session 1 – June 3 – 21: cost $325.00 Session 2 – July 8 – 26: cost $325.00

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A TOUR

Contact Dianna Flaherty, Preschool Director: 719-884-2500 or diannaf@fumc-cs.org.

Registration forms are also online at fumc-cs.org.

ABC SCHOOL DHAKA, BANGLADESH

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN MISSION

The ABC School in Dhaka, Bangladesh is a mission to provide education to street children who would otherwise never receive one.

The school was started in 2001 by FUMC members David and Jerrelynn Fussell. It covers kindergarten through eighth grades and has about 100 students. The ABC School is run by volunteers. The ABC children have scored very high on government grade-level tests and most go on to higher education. Some of our ABC sponsors have also paid for some graduates to attend college! $250 per year sponsors a child providing schooling, daily lunches, medical care, showers, and bags of rice. Our congregation has sponsored over twenty of these children for the past two years! Every month, we get a newsletter from the ABC School giving us details about their progress. In the last newsletter, a secondgrade student wrote the following letter:

The FMSC Mission Committee has been fast at work preparing for our August 16 and 17 MobilePack.

We are excited to have a couple of new committee members joining us! There are many different items to check off the “to do” list before we can host the From Hunger to Hope MobilePack, Colorado Springs.”

One of the larger tasks is to raise enough funding to cover the cost of the food, transportation, and logistics of bringing this mission to our church. We are offering several sponsorship amounts to cover these costs, but please keep in mind that we welcome any amount. One quarter feeds a child a Manna Pack meal. Below are the different sponsorship amounts:

“My name is Sabina and I am ten years old. I am in class two in ABC School. Before I came to the ABC School, I stayed at home and helped with the chores like washing cloths and cleaning the house. I have 1 sister and 2 brothers. My father is a rickshaw puller and my mother is a washerwoman. One of my brothers lives in village. He does not work, he has drug addiction problem. My elder brother is in class 5 in ABC School. My elder sister is 13 years old and she is married. Though study was her only dream, we came from a very poor family where my parents hardly could manage food for three times a day. So, my father started to treat my sister as a burden or another mouth that needs food. So, my father arranged marriage for her which will in turn be the reduction of one mouth. When we were in a poor situation, if Eglal’s ABC didn’t extend their hands to stand beside me through the help of sponsorship, I would never get the opportunity to study. My family loves me but does not think it is necessary for me to go to school. Instead of going to school, I could go with my mother for washing clothes in other person’s house.

Things were different for my brother, though. My father was not against for his education, because he will grow up and earn money for family. Whereas, I will get married and go to my husband’s home, so the education I receive will not be much use to my parents. But without education, I will never be able to earn enough to break out of this poverty, as all well-paying jobs involve reading and writing. Eglal’s ABC not only supported my education but also kept my dreams alive.”

Through our love and charity, we are making a big difference in some lives on the other side of the world. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, or if you would like more information about ABC School, please contact David Fussell at davidf@fumc-cs.org.

$50 purchases one box of Manna Packs. $80 feeds a child for one whole year. $365 feeds a family for one whole year. $1800 provides a pallet of food.

There are three convenient ways to make a donation: stop by our information table on the first Sunday of each month; make a check out to FUMC with “Feed My Staving Children” on the memo line; or donate online at http://give.fmsc.org/ cosprings. Thank you for supporting our newest mission!

MISSION TRIP TO THE SOUTHWEST BORDER Although our mission trips to Nicaragua have been put on hold, there is still much to do in the world. In the spirit of God’s call, the mission’s ministry is exploring a week-long trip to the southwest border area to learn about and minister to those brothers and sisters who find themselves in a strange land without resources to sustain them. Examples include: •

Arizona JFON—The Desert Southwest Conference established a mission at New Hope United Methodist Church helping people overcome the “hurdles for people who have a right to citizenship, attain citizenship.”

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The Inn Project—A UMC is home to the Inn Project, where immigrants with children come for food, rest and other relief after being processed by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and approved to pursue asylum.

We are in the early stages of formation and looking for members who might be interested in learning more about this trip and discerning their desire to be part of the team. If you feel called to this mission contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org.

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FUMC LIBRARY

UMW SPOTLIGHT

The Kerygma Adult Sunday school class has contributed two books to the church library, Born of Conviction: White Methodists and Mississippi’s Closed Society, written by Joseph T. Reiff, who interviewed Rev. Dr. Gerald O. Trigg, former Senior Pastor at FUMC, as part of his research. In this book, Reiff shares Dr. Trigg’s very personal stories of his earlier professional experiences in the South during Mississippi’s civil rights era and on the intense resistance to change. The “Born of Convictions” statement was signed by 28 white Methodist pastors and published in the ‘Mississippi Methodist Advocate’ on January 2, 1963. It offered an alternative witness to the segregationist party line. The pastors sought to speak to and for a mostly silent yet significant minority of Mississippians, and to lead white Methodists to join the conversation on the need for racial justice.

The ministry support for the United Methodist Women is shared by Rev. Ann McClellan and Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens. Their support of activities in this church and the world-wide mission field often go unnoticed. Here is an abbreviated synopsis of the FUMC UMW’s recent activities.

Ute Indian Prayer Trees of the Pikes Peak Region, written by John Wesley Anderson, author, historian, and artist; published by the Old Colorado City Historical Society. Previously, Anderson was the 26th Sheriff for El Paso County. The author acknowledges that his research is “a work in progress” in explaining “the how and why” these trees were culturally modified and cultivated. The Ute tree modifications could be used for one or more purposes—spiritual, medicinal, nutritional, prophecy, burial, message, trail marker and navigational. Modifications were done with a sincere reverence to Mother Earth, and their cultivation practices always began with a sacred prayer to their Creator.

In response to the 2019 GC, the UMW (National) Board of Directors has made it clear that they are committed to looking for ways to stay together and continue to work toward the common goals of mission, because we accomplish great things together. We are called to demonstrate supportive, creative fellowship as we move together in the bonds of love.

On March 23rd, the UMW celebrated their 150th anniversary.

We honored numerous 50 + year members and hosted additional churches at the event. A couple of men joined about 90 women to enjoy the festivities and recognition.

The FUMC UMW distributed the overage from the fall bazaar, as well as additional monies from hosting receptions, which are providing $6,425 to local, national, and global missions. Additionally, there is close to $2,800 which will be distributed to five local missions from a memorial gifts fund.

The UMW has depended on Pat Kosley to direct our bazaar for MANY years and we are now looking for new leadership.

This may be a good way to get involved with UMW as this is our major way of funding missions each year.

We have been collecting Easter baskets for Church Women United which will be distributed to needy children through the county offices.

March/April is the time we collect our offering of prayer and self-denial which goes to programs and mission institutions directly related to UMW institutions, deaconess and missionary retirement, and other projects supporting women, children and youth on a rotational basis.

Loeda Westphal hosted Kenneth Koome, one of our mission partners from Angola on Saturday, 3/30 and invited all mission-oriented folks to come spend time with him to discuss needs and the management of The Advance System.

There are eight UMW circles associated with FUMC. If you would like to be a part of this dynamic ministry please contact Ann McClellan at annm@fumc-cs.org or Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org.

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WE NEED YOUR HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL 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, and between passengers themselves 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 are in need of one new driver to allow 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 arranged to allow drivers to attend their usual Sunday school and worship service. No CDL is needed, just a regular driver’s license.

Needed: experience driving this type of vehicle or the desire to train. Your commitment would be to drive for a few hours on Sunday, about once every 4-5 weeks. Please consider becoming a part of this wonderful ministry. For more information, contact Catherine Marshall, Bus Ministry Coordinator, at catmarshall57@hotmail.com or 719-210-1167.

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, call Jana Brink at 471-8522, or email her at janab@fumc-cs.org.

A SUCCESFUL STORY At ESM we delight in hearing about new beginnings from our clients. A recent success we share is about Barney.

Barney is 28 and both his parents are deceased. His father died when he was 4, and his mother raised him in Florida.

When he was 21, his mother had a bad fall resulting in multiple internal injuries. She was unable to recover and subsequently died. Barney now had to fend for himself. He had a job, but it wasn’t much. A friend sent him a plane ticket to Colorado where he found his new home. Unfortunately, that home was short-lived as his roommate turned out to be involved in an illegal activity. Fleeing that, he ended up living on the streets. He bounced around and eventually found a trailer to bunk in. That also fell through when the owner kicked him out for a relative to take his spot.

Soon thereafter, alcohol and “meth” became his friends. He thought he could cope with the trauma of being homeless and hopeless if he were high. After three months, he lost jobs, his bike, everything. One day he woke up in the park realizing all his possessions were gone. He scrambled to his feet to find a bus to get him to a detox center where he stayed for 12 days. Then one morning he came to ESM for a sandwich. He noticed that the Guest Services Director needed some help, and Barney offered to hand out the morning sandwiches. Then he signed up to be a regular volunteer.

Talking to another worker, he learned about the state’s ReHire program. He applied and in no time, he was placed in a 12-week, back-to-work program. Because it requires selecting a nonprofit to work with initially, we now see Barney four days a week with his golden smile and his big heart. He feels he has been blessed, and dreams of becoming an EMT someday because he “likes to help people.”

The truth is we treat all our clients the same way. We offer them respect and uphold their dignity. They are nourished in body and soul. We hope that all will find a ray of hope that there is a better way, but sometimes it takes longer. Sometimes we may never know. The point is, we are here to help in the best way we know how — by showing kindness, loving our neighbors as ourselves, and providing hot, private showers, laundry facilities, fresh clothing, and food. To learn how you can be a part of our successes, contact Rev. Ann Lantz, 719-228-6782.

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN CELEBRATION The United Methodist Women celebrated its 150 years of mission work last March 23! During this event we recognized women who have been active members for over fifty years. Red rose corsages and certificates were presented to Barbara Blossey, Helen Greenley, Barbara Ross, Pat Kosley, Mitzi Gardner, Elaine Sommers, Norma Hook, Barbara Singmaster, Georgia Smith, Pat Likness, Evelyn Gamber, Betty Hye, Frances McAnulty, and Vicky Stegner. Women from East, Calvary and Stratmoor Hills with over fifty years of service were also honored. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for your dedication and service.

2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church