A Chance to Make a Difference! By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor
I have been a pastor for over 35 years. I have worked with a lot that comes with no sacrifice? Or are you willing to really make a of wonderful people over the years and a few cranky ones! I’ve difference? Can you maybe double that amount? Or give more? shared painful moments and joyful moments. I’ve seen people Our gift on September 11 is not the end of our relationship with struggle with their faith and soar in their faith. I’ve been with Urban Peak, but only the beginning. It is my prayer that it will be people who have had more questions than answers and some the beginning of a partnership that will give us here at FUMC who were convinced they had it all figured out. I’ve have been the opportunity to encounter Christ as we serve homeless teens pastor to all kinds of people, but it seems that people who make through this organization. I hope that we it into the church have one thing in common. become so connected to their work that we They want to make a difference! If they didn’t, “I’ve have been pastor want to walk beside them for years. And I they could stay home on Sundays. They could to all kinds of people, hope that our commitment will inspire other save their pledges for vacations and their congregations to do the same. hours for personal pleasure. But somehow but it seems that people On thing is certain, Urban Peak’s work fits who they gather week after week because deep are. We are committed to being and inside they want to be a part of something who make it into the we serving downtown. We love the children that makes a difference. The mission statement and youth of our community. The homeless of the United Methodist Church is making church have one thing teens are our neighbors, walking and living disciples of Jesus Christ for the transforon our streets downtown. They live in our in common.” mation of the world. Now, this month, we shadow, and I believe that God has placed us have a chance to do just that and make a here for a time such as this. difference. You have been reading and hearing about our commitment I don’t want this for our glory or our growth. But wouldn’t it be to help Urban Peak get homeless teens off of the streets of wonderful if, when people hear “First United Methodist Church” Colorado Springs. You will be hearing more in the next few in our community, the first thing they think of is “that’s the weeks. On Sunday, September 11, you will have the chance to church working to get homeless teens off the streets.” With all make a gift or a pledge, to make that promise a reality. Have you of us working together, that is exactly what can happen! been praying about what you can give? Do you have a dollar See you in worship, figure in mind? Is it just an amount that you can easily give, one Kent
First United Methodist Church 420 North Nevada Avenue. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-471-8522 • www.fumc-cs.org
Considering Membership at First UMC? If you are interested in membership at First United Methodist Church or have questions, please call 719-471-8522 ext. 270 for more information.
Sunday Worship Service Times 7:30 am Early Riser in the Chapel 8:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Contemporary in the Sanctuary 11:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary Live broadcasts of the 11:00 am service on FOX, channel 21.2 (cable 7) and CW 57. Closed captioning available.
The Encounter is printed and published once a month by First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Materials for inclusion are due three weeks before publication date and are subject to approval. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be included. Articles, comments, or suggestions are welcomed by emailing, annaliec@fumc-cs.org or calling, 719-471-8522 ext. 272.
Sunday School Classes are at 9:30 & 10:45 am
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Cover Photo: MIRACLE SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
WORDS FROM
LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER I recently participated in a ManUp workday at John Wesley Ranch. After dinner, we sat around the fireplace and several of the guys began to talk about some of their childhood experiences of growing up on a farm. Our discussion brought back many memories that I had not thought about for a very long time and after going to bed, I continued to reminisce. Life then was good but there was a great deal of physical work that usually lasted from sunup to well-past sundown. The worst job on the farm was cleaning out the henhouse and my parents usually reserved it for punishment. It was an awful job as we usually had over a hundred chickens and a rather large henhouse. The hens would reduce the hay that covered the floor to itchy fine chaff that was damp from water they had spilled and mixed with lots of poop. Where there are chickens there is lots of poop! I did my share of cleaning out the henhouse... Jesus, when describing hell, likened it to the Hinnom Valley just outside of the Jerusalem city wall. In those days, it was a place full of filth, refuse, dead carcasses and smoldering fires. I have had an opportunity to visit Jerusalem and see the Hinnom Valley. I must admit that it was difficult for me to imagine what it must have been like during Jesus’s life but, if it is anything like cleaning out the henhouse; I DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT! See you at Church, Leland Reece
Gathering † Worshiping † Being Every community has many ways of expressing itself; whether through song, prayer, or by sharing the story that holds them together. One of the ways we express ourselves at The Edge is through individual handmade prayer stations that we create for each story told at our monthly Stories @ The Edge. These are small creative objects meant for you to use to actively pray. We would love for you to stop by the Prayer Room in the South wing, on the second floor, to see what prayer stations we have to offer and we encourage you to take some home with you, for yourself or someone you know who would benefit from a simple activity like this. Blessings,
“PIPEDREAMS” IN COLORADO SPRINGS Featuring works by Handel, Barber, Albinoni, Dupré and Guilmant The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs is once again beginning its “Organ Spectacular” season at First United Methodist Church. This glorious concert will be Saturday, September 10, 7:00 p.m. and will feature Thomas Wilson as Music Director and organists Joseph Galema, Deke Polifka and Carol Wilson. A definitely “must hear”! There’s more than one organ symphony. Before Saint-Saëns, there was Guilmant. For those who long for the surge of an extra octave of bass that only an organ’s 32-foot pedals can impart to a rich orchestral tapestry, you live in the right town. You may think the number of relevant works for organ and orchestra works is small. It isn’t. The repertoire for organ and orchestra is vast. Michael Barone, the host of the public-radio show “Pipedreams,” has drawn up a list of more than four hundred scores, not least being three centuries of organ concertos ranging from Handel to Hampton. “A broad array of composers understood that the palette of orchestral tone color remains incomplete without the sometimes subtle, sometimes seismic impact of a pipe organ.” The list is deep with major composers contributing significant works. Most of these works have been recorded. Now it’s time to hear them live. The largest instrument in Colorado Springs, the 4 manual, 88 rank, 5100 pipe organ, built in 1955 by Reuter Organ Company and restored in 2014 by Salmen Organs, is right here at First United Methodist Church. For a second year in a row, the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs is capitalizing on this formidable instrument, the vast repertoire for organ and orchestra, and the talent of our own Principal Organist, Joseph Galema, for this ambitious Season Opener. Deke Polifka, Organist and Choirmaster at Grace and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and Carol Wilson, Organist at First Christian Church will also be featured soloists. A large community of music lovers is ready to experience why Mozart said, “in my eyes and ears the organ will forever be the King of instruments.” Specially priced tickets may be purchased in the Hospitality Center on Sunday, September 4.
Learn more about FUMC programs and events at www.fumc-cs.org
Ashlynn Vallin, The Edge Intern
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CHILDREN’S CHOIR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 7 Music Ministries offer singing choirs for children ages 4 (by September 1) through Grade 6th in three different choirs:
Cherub Choir are 4-5 year olds Chorister Choir is for Grades 1st-3rd Cathedral Choir is for Grades 4th-6th Cathedral Ringers (hand bells) for Grades 4th-6th.
The Cherub Choir will begin rehearsals on September 11 at 10:30 a.m. in Kingdom City. The Chorister and Cathedral Choirs begin rehearsal on September 7, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., on the Lower Level (Choristers meets in Room 7 and Cathedral in the Choir Room). We are excited to announce a new choir for 1st-3rd graders, Chorister Chimes. This choir will learn basic techniques of reading chime/handbell music as well as good ringing techniques, which will give them an excellent training for the Cathedral Ringers (4th6th graders). The Chorister Chimes will be in Room 7 at 5:30 p.m. (same as Chorister Choir) and the Cathedral Ringers will rehearse in Room 8 at 5:30 p.m. Both of these rooms are located on the Lower Level (same hallway as the Choir Room).
Rehearsals (and meal!) for both bell choirs also begin on Sunday, September 11. The Youth Chorale (auditioned from Youth Singers) is open to 9th-12th graders. Auditions for the Chorale will be Sunday, September 25 at 2:30 p.m., in the Choir Room. Rehearsals will begin Sunday, October 2 at 2:45 p.m.
YOUTH SINGERS PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER Join us for the annual Youth Singers Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, Sunday, September 18, 9:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. The Youth Singers will be serving delicious pancakes, sausage, and fruit salad! All proceeds will help support the Youth Singers and their summer tour. The cost is a suggested donation of $7 per person, or $25 per family. Thanks for your support!
CHANTICLEER — “AN ORCHESTRA OF VOICES” Friday, September 30 at 7:00 pm
CHANCEL CHOIR POT LUCK AND REHEARSALS The annual “Back to Choir Pot Luck” for the Chancel Choir is Thursday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. New members are invited to come as our guests (don’t bring anything but yourself!). Current/returning choir members need to bring enough food for their family plus 4. We always eat well at these Pot Luck Dinners! Drinks/table service will be provided. Our first full rehearsal for the fall will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. NOW is a GREAT time to join as we will be well into music for the fall/Christmas in the next few weeks. Join us now to start learning the music of the season!
YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSALS Our magnificent youth choirs will resume regular rehearsals this month and there is room for YOU! Youth Singers (our singing choir for all 7th12th graders) will resume rehearsals on Sunday, September 11, 3:45 5:00 p.m. in the Choir Room (Lower Level). We have two handbell choirs for youth: Chapel Ringers is for 7th -12th graders students with minimal or no previous experience; and Celebration Ringers is for 9th-12th graders (advanced/by invitation). BOTH bell choirs rehearse from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Sunday. There is a meal served to all bell ringers at 5:00 p.m.
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Chanticleer, called “simply one of the world’s best ensembles” by the San Francisco Chronicle, will perform in Colorado Springs for the first time since 1992. Now in their 39th season, Chanticleer has earned unstinting praise from audiences around the world for their tonal beauty and clarity of sound. Named for the clearsinging rooster in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer has won three Grammys and was included in Billboard Magazine’s Top 10 Best-Selling Classical Artists. The September program entitled My Secret Heart presents a wide diversity of music from the Spanish and French Renaissance to our own time. Songs by Cole Porter, Noel Coward, and Stephen Foster, Augusta Read Thomas, and music composed specifically for Chanticleer will delight the audience as well as the special musical surprises that are a part of any Chanticleer concert. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Chanticleer as they begin their nation wide tour with a concert right here at First United Methodist Church! TICKETS: $35 - Preferred / $30 - General / $15 - Students (18 and under) Tickets are available online at www.fumc-cs.org; and in the Music and Arts Office. For additional information, contact Jeanna Wearing at jeannaw@fumc-cs.org, or at 884-2504.
Thursday, September 1 Monday, September 5 Wednesday, September 7
NOAH Breakfast — Village Inn (3902 Palmer Park)
9:00 a.m.
Church is Closed in Observance of Labor Day Children’s Choirs Rehearsal Begin — See details on page 4
Thursday, September 8
A Journey with Jesus Bible Study — Large Conference Room (3rd Floor)
1:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 8
“Back to Choir” Pot Luck — Fellowship Hall
6:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 10
Chamber Orchestra of the Springs “Organ Spectacular” Concert
7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 11
Miracle Sunday! Building a Future for Homeless Teens
Sunday, September 11
Youth Singers, Chapel and Celebration Ringers Rehearsal begin — (See details on page 4)
Wednesday, September 14
Faith Academy and Wednesday Night Dinners Resume — (See details on page 10)
Wednesday, September 14
Grief Support Group — (See details on page 10)
Saturday, September 17
ManUp! Paint Day at ESM — (See details on page 9)
8:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 17
“Healing and Strengthening the Soul” Conference — (See details on page 11) 10:00 a.m.
Sat & Sun, September 17 & 18 3rd Grade Bible Event — (See details on page 6) Sunday, September 18
Youth Singers Pancakes Breakfast Fundraiser — Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, September 21
NOAH Trip to the Rockies Game — (See details on page 9)
Wednesday, September 21
Calling All Moms! — Kingdom City
Saturday, September 24
9:00 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
T4G - “Faith, Food and Fun!” — (See details on page 6)
Sunday, September 25
UMW Sunday — (See details on page 9)
Sunday, September 25
Auditions for the Chorale — Choir Room
2:30 p.m.
NOAH Trip to Glenwood Springs — (See details on page 9)
8:00 a.m.
Chanticleer Concert — Sanctuary
7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 26 Friday, September 30
PLAN YOUR LEGACY: WILL POWER SEMINAR Sunday, October 9 Everyone needs a current will! To help you focus on getting yours in place, the First United Methodist Foundation is sponsoring another Will Power Seminar on October 9, following the 11:00 a.m. service. Like the program last May, this seminar will focus on topics like: Who needs a Will? What is the difference between a Will and a Trust and how to decide what best fits your circumstances? Why do you
need a will even if you have a Trust? How do I start making a will and what do I need to complete it? Dale Levy, Planned Giving Director at the Rocky Mountain United Methodist Foundation, and Doug Goldberg, a local attorney specializing in estate planning and charitable giving, will be making the presentations and answering your questions. Lunch and child care will be provided. To ensure more time for individual questions, participation in this seminar will be limited to the first 36 people to sign up. To register, please call the church at 471-8522 or register online at www.fumc-cs.org.
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL
(9:30 AM)
September 11, 18 ,25 Did you know that there was ONE judge and a prophetess in the Old Testament who was a woman? Her name was Deborah and we will spend 3 weeks in September looking at how her leadership was very important during this tumultuous period in Israel’s history.
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the lectionary text that is preached during Sunday’s services, Children’s Worship is a wonderful mixture of traditional, contemporary and just plain fun ways to learn about God’s word. We hope that you will join us!
T4G – “FAITH, FOOD AND FUN”
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS INFORMATION
Saturday, September 24 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 BELLS/CHIMES, 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Chorister Chimes: 1st-3rd, Room 7 Cathedral Ringers: 4th-6th, Room 8 CHOIRS, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Chorister: K-3rd, Room 7 Cathedral: 4th-6th, Adult Choir Room SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Cherubs: ages 4 & 5, Kingdom City Music Room Questions: contact Janita McGregor, Director and Children’s Choir Coordinator at 471-8522, ext. 246, or at janitam@fumc-cs.org.
3RD GRADE BIBLE SUNDAY On Saturday, September 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., we will host a mini-retreat to discover how to study the Bible. And yes! We will have pizza! Then on Sunday, September 18, at the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. service, we will present our 3rd graders with a beautiful Bible to help them learn the wonderful stories of Jesus. If you have a child that is entering 3rd grade this year, we would love to give them one of these Bibles. Please send your child’s name to Janita at janitam@fumc-cs.org, or you may call the Children’s Ministries office at 884-2466.
CALLING ALL MOMS! It's NAP Time again! Nurturing, Accepting, Praying moms will kickoff its fall program on Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Parent's Place in Kingdom City. All moms, step moms, and mother figures are welcome to join us!
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Tweens for God is a social and spiritual experience EXCLUSIVELY for our 5th and 6th graders! By building these bonds, we strive to make the transition to the Youth Group easier! Join us for “Faith, Food and Fun,” as we get to know each other a little bit better and as we learn a little bit more about God! For more information, please contact Janita McGregor at Janitam@fumc-cs.org.
CALLING ALL GRANDPALS FOR PRESCHOOL & MMO The school year has just begun and with it, we welcome a precious group of little ones into our FUMC family. A few years ago, FUMC preschool began the Grandpal program to build relationships for our young ones with positive male role models. Often times, these children do not have grandparents close by; or in military families, there may be some deployed family members. We are looking to form a new group of Grandpals to continue this great experience with our little ones. If you are interested in being a Grandpal, the requirements are simple: love God and love the children. Please contact Dianna Flaherty, Preschool Director, at Diannaf@fumc-cs.org, or at 884-2500 to join this amazing group of volunteers!
FUMC PRESCHOOL Registration is now open for fall 2016. There a few spots left in our 2 ½ to 3year-old class and our 3 to 4 year-old class. Registration forms are available online at www.fumc-cs.org, or at the Preschool Office. For more information, contact Dianna Flaherty, Preschool Director, at 719-884-2500, or at diannaf@fumc-cs.org.
September HOPE IS SWEET DESSERT Wednesday, September 7 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. (Serving our supporters 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.) Fellowship Hall Come early tonight (6:00 p.m.) and help us host “Hope is Sweet Dessert.” We will be thanking all of the amazing supporters who donated toward FUMC Youth Missions last spring during the Hope in an Envelope fundraiser. We’ll decorate the space, serve up a tasty dinner, share our Summer 2016 video and have a great time. We have the best congregational supporters around. Let’s make sure they know it!
GETTING TO KNOW ALL ABOUT YOU Wednesday, September 14 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Meal included. The Zone
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO – WORSHIP Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Led by Bruce Phillips. Room 52 Every Sunday, countless churches have worship services that can be dramatically different. Even in our own church, we have four different services. This fall, at 11:00 a.m., we will work together to discover what makes a gathering a worship service. We will look at sources, traditions, and other church approaches to worship as we develop our own understanding and practice.
Youth Mission Trip San Francisco 2016
After dinner, games, and some music, we will explore what it is to approach new things and new people with curiosity, wonder, and excitement. What question arise when you meet new people? Do new experiences bring a smile to your face or a touch of fear to your gut (or both?). After some large group time, we will break up into small groups as we continue to get to know one another better.
LISTENING FOR FAITH Wednesday, September 21 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Meal Included. The Zone After dinner, games, and music, we will explore parables about faith from the Gospel of Luke. We start off with a challenging text, as we explore the meaning of faith from the parable “The Rich Man and Lazarus” (Luke 16:19-31). We will talk about the stories and then break into small group time to get to know one another and the parable a little better.
INCREASING OUR FAITH Wednesday, September 28 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Meal Included. The Zone We continue our series on faith from the Gospel of Luke with the disciples begging for Jesus to increase their faith. After dinner, games, and music, we will listen to this parable, brainstorm questions that arise as we hear the story, and then break into small group time to get to know one another and the parable a little better. Feel free to bring a friend!
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NOAH BREAKFAST
UMW SUNDAY
Join us for the monthly NOAH breakfast Thursday, September 1. We will meet at Village Inn, 3902 Palmer Park, at 9:00 a.m. Reservations are not needed. Just join the great fellowship!
Sunday, September 25 is United Methodist Women Sunday at First United Methodist Church. Members of our UMW will be assisting in worship leadership on this day. Our UMW will have an information table in the Hospitality Center to help you know all about their mission, educational and fellowship events. Stop by and learn more about the meaningful work this group of ladies does throughout the year.
A JOURNEY WITH JESUS The Book of Mark This September, the “In The Word Bible Study” will be focusing upon the life of Christ through the words of Mark. Join us in this spiritual journey, which will not only offer you insights into Christ’s character but also a desire to draw closer to Him. We will begin our studies on Thursday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m., in the Large Conference Room (3rd floor). We use “The Joy of Living” as a reference guide. This group is made up of those who encourage, praise and rejoice in each member being “In the Word.” Please call Betty Howard at 531-6315 or e-mail bghoward@aol.com if interested. Everyone is welcome to join us!
MANUP! PAINT DAY Our ManUp! group is going to do some painting at Ecumenical Social Ministries (ESM) on Saturday, September 17. You don’t need to bring anything except a bottle of water. Just come ready to paint! The more men we have, the quicker the paint job will get finished. So please join us at 8:00 a.m. and let’s get the job done! ESM is located at 201 N. Weber St. Rev. Ann Lantz, Director of ESM, will have coffee, juice and donuts for us.
THANK YOU MANUP! The Ranch appreciates your hard work during the ManUp! Work Day in July. The Ranch now has a new path between the Lodge and Chapel and a new fence to prevent accidents on the retaining wall! Everyone is welcome to the Ranch to see the results of their hard work!
NOAH ROCKIES GAME The NOAH group is headed to Denver to see the Rockies play St. Louis Wednesday, September 21 at 1:10 p.m. We will leave from FUMC at 11:00 a.m. and return around 6:00 p.m. The cost for the trip is $15 per person. You will also need money for lunch in the ballpark. We have a limited number of tickets. Don’t miss this opportunity! Contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522, or at jerryh@fumc-cs.org.
GLENWOOD SPRINGS NOAH TRIP Our NOAH trip to Glenwood Springs is almost here! For those who signed up for this trip, we will leave on Monday from FUMC at 8:00 a.m., September 26 and return Wednesday, September 28. We will go to Aspen on Tuesday for some sightseeing and shopping. You will need money for Monday’s lunch & dinner, Tuesday’s lunch & dinner, and Wednesday’s lunch. You will also need money for any shopping you choose to do. We will return to Colorado Springs late Wednesday afternoon. Please pack in small suitcases so that we can fit everyone’s belongings in the overhead racks on the bus. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at 471-8522, or jerryh@fumc-cs.org.
RANCH BATHROOM FUNDRAISER GOAL We have reached 66% of the $10,000 goal for the Ranch renovation project! There is still time to be part of this fundraiser for the Ranch. We will start the renovations as soon as we get closer to our goal. No matter the amount, your donation makes a difference in reaching that goal. Let’s all support this project that will improve the Ranch facilities for years to come. Questions: Contact Chris Thornton at 719-687-2148, or at christ@fumc-cs.org. Ways to contribute: By mail: mail your check into the church (Attn: Finance Office. 420 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903). Make checks payable to FUMC with the note on the memo line "Ranch Bathroom Reno." At church: Drop your check in the offering plate during worship. In person: Give your check to Chris Thornton. Online: www.fumc-cs.org, click the GIVE tab on the top menu, select ‘Contributions’, and select ‘The Ranch’ from the drop down menu (add "Ranch Reno" to the comment box).
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Faith Academy classes ands Wednesday Night Dinners begin Wednesday, September 14. Dinner in Fellowship Hall will be served from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. Classes are from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Some exceptions apply. See class description for more information.
FAITH ACADEMY CLASSES: How We Worship Leader: Rev. Kent Ingram Experience 104. Room 133 S. We will examine how worship in the church has evolved and changed over the years. Why do we do the things we do in worship? How has it changed from our beginnings as a small Jewish sect? What will worship look like in the future? Come learn more about the worship that shapes us as Christians.
The History of the Music of the Methodist Church Leader: Rev. Steve Harter Tradition 202. Choir Room (North Basement) This four week class will explore the history of music in the Methodist tradition. As Methodists, we experience our hymnal as more than just a “collection of songs.” Many times, the hymnal is used as a devotional book. In our time together, we will examine early hymnody, the Circuit Riders, the use of hymns to spread theology, Camp Meetings, Gospel hymns, and how the United Methodist Church came into being. If you have your own United Methodist Hymnal, bring it! Otherwise, there will be hymnals that belong to the church for you to use each week.
Are you grieving? Grief Support Group Leader: Rev. Patty Walker. Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. If you are grieving please know that we would love to surround you with support and care. Grieving folks are invited to participate in a grief support group that will run for 8 weeks on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., beginning on September 14. In addition, we might be able to offer a day group if there are enough people who prefer that option. The cost for the materials,
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book, and course is $40. Scholarships are available. This support group will provide a place for people to integrate their loss, educate themselves around grief misconceptions, as well as provide information that helps affirm, honor and normalize what the grief experience brings. For more information and to sign up for the support group, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org, or 471-8522, ext. 204. This group will be a closed group (meaning you need to pre-register, it is not a drop-in class you can join half way through), in order to create a community of trust and cohesion among its members. Also, it is a support group specifically for those grieving a death. If you need help locating a support group for other losses, such as divorce, unemployment, etc., please contact Patty.
Nothing Minor about the Minor Prophets Leader: Bruce Phillips Scripture 201. Room 234 S. Habbakkuk, Obadiah, Hosea, and nine more – prophets and books of the Old Testament that we rarely acknowledge. Yet God’s message to His people that He shared through them still speaks to us today. Which prophet was swallowed by a great fish? Which prophet married a woman of the streets? Which prophetic book is only one chapter? Join Bruce for a look at the Minor Prophets.
A NEW WAY! WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS Wednesday Night Dinners will resume September 14. We are excited to announce that Katherine Richardson with Sunnyside Occasions will be preparing dinners again this year! The menu will be posted monthly on our website and throughout the church. Each week, we will serve a plated dinner, with a fresh salad and dessert. Upon request a healthful gluten free option will also be available. Dinner is served from 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children K-6th; children 5 and under eat free. There is a family maximum of $20 for members of the same household. Military Families with a valid military ID will be able to eat for free on September 14, 21 and 28. Everybody is invited to come enjoy a mid-week break and a time of fellowship! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED — SIGN UP TODAY! Become part of a fun team and help with Wednesday Night Dinners! If you are a looking for a fun way to get involved in the church, come help out for an hour or two once a month. An informational meeting on Wednesday, September 7, from 7:00 7:30 p.m. will be held in the Wesley Memorial Room for anyone who is thinking about supporting Wednesday Night Dinners. Please contact Melissa Williams at melissaw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 237 for more information.
HEALING AND STRENGTHENING THE SOUL: Mission and Ministry with Veterans Conference The Mile-High Pikes Peak District is sponsoring “Healing and Strengthening the Soul: Mission and Ministry with Veterans” on Saturday, September 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at FUMC. Faith communities are uniquely positioned to heal the soul and strengthen the spirit of the veterans and their families. This workshop will help clergy and laity develop skills to welcome and journey with our veterans and their families toward well-being, healing and wholeness. The workshop will explore the needs of our returning warriors and their families, provide awareness and education of the challenges facing returning service men and women, and assist the local church in creating ministries and resources to help them find meaning and reconciliation. The concepts and models of care for veterans who have experienced trauma have relevancy to those in our congregations who have endured other traumatic experiences such as natural disasters, sexual violence, etc. The presenter for this conference is Chaplain (Colonel) David Smith, who served as a senior leader in the United States Army Chaplaincy for 30 years, was deployed 9 times, and is currently the Coordinator of the Soul Care Initiative for Just Peace, in Washington, DC. Registration information may be found at the Mile-High Pikes Peak District website: www.mhpp.rmcumc.org
ESM FOOD SUNDAY The number of families being served at the ESM Food Pantry is dramatically increasing. Since April 2016, ESM has served 21% additional families compared to the same period last year. Executive Director, Rev. Ann Lantz said, “ESM works with people to regain their dignity through help with finding jobs and access to basic needs like bathrooms, showers, laundry, and food. It’s nearly impossible to focus on finding a job and being a reliable employee if your stomach is empty or you cannot feed your children at the end of the month because your money or Food Stamps have run out.” We are struggling to provide food to everyone who is seeking assistance. ESM solely represents the local mission efforts on behalf of the eight “First Churches” of Colorado Springs. ESM relies heavily on your food and monetary donations. Rev. Lantz noted, “With the dramatic increase in need for all services, we are grateful to all of those who feel compelled to step forward to help in any way they are able. First United Methodist Church is a very kind and generous congregation, and we are most grateful!”
COULD GOD BE CALLING YOU TO BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER? Stephen Ministers are laypeople who receive Christian caregiving training and then provide one-on-one care to hurting people. Stephen Ministers provide care to individuals facing a variety of crises or life challenges such as grief, divorce, cancer, financial difficulties, chronic illness, job loss, disabilities, loneliness, a spiritual crisis, or other life struggles. A new class of Stephen Ministers will be trained (20 sessions) at First United Methodist Church starting in January 2017. For an application or for more information stop by the Stephen Ministry booth in the Hospitality Center on September 4, or contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or 471-8522, ext. 204.
DO YOU KNIT OR CROCHET? The Prayer Shawl Ministry Needs You! The prayer shawl ministry prayerfully knits and crochets shawls that are given to church members who are grieving, hospitalized, or hurting for a variety of reasons. The blessed prayer shawls are tangible reminders of God’s love and our church care. The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets to make the shawls on the first and third Mondays of the month, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., in the Prayer Room. If you have questions or are interested in joining, please contact Edie Davenport at 238-0056, or at ediesd@msn.com.
ALTAR FLOWERS The beautiful flowers we enjoy each Sunday in the Sanctuary are donated by many individuals who wish to honor the memory of love ones or recognize love ones’ anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Placing your order soon will assure your reservation for a Sunday of your choice. The bulletin will include the name(s) of those whom you choose to remember or honor. You have the option of donating one bouquet for $40 or both bouquets for $80. Regardless of which option you choose the bulletin will include the names or event you are commemorating. After these flowers enhance the church’s worship experience, you may choose to take the flowers home, or have them delivered to a homebound or hospitalized FUMC member by a “Flowers of Love” ministry volunteer. Should you desire to participate in this ministry either as a donor or a “Flowers of Love” ministry volunteer, please call Jana Brink at 471-8522 at the Welcome Desk, Monday - Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email her at janab@fumc-cs.org.
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Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Chanticleer as they begin their nation-wide tour right here at First United Methodist Church! Details on page 4.