Encounter june 2017

IN THIS ISSUE...

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To Do List...

By Kent Ingram - Page 2

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 3

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YOUTH SINGERS HOMECOMING CONCERT Down the Road from Texas to Colorado!

Our amazing youth choirs: Youth Singers, Chorale and Celebration Ringers will be on tour to Texas June 3-11. As they return on June 11, please join us for their Homecoming Concert, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The tour to Texas is taking them to Lubbock, Dallas, Waco, Austin (where they will sing in the Capitol), San Antonio, Abilene and Canyon. Our very talented youth choirs will delight the audience with pieces performed during their tour along with a brief recount of their tour at the Homecoming Concert. During the concert, we will also say “farewell” to our five Seniors. Come and enjoy this great evening of vocal and instrumental music!

Children’s Ministries Page 4

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Calendar of Events Page 5

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 6

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Youth Ministries Page 7

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 8

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 9

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Chancel Choir Spring Concert Back Cover

VISIT US ONLINE AT fumc-cs.org 

To Do List...

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

I want to thank all of you who have offered words of encouragement for me as I begin my renewal leave this month. I appreciate that some of you will miss me! I especially appreciate your willingness to let me have this time to renew my energy and spirits. When my wife leaves for a trip, I often get a to do list of things to accomplish. This will be my last Encounter column for a while, so I want to give you a ‘To Do List’ for while I’m gone.

1. Make a commitment to be in worship! First of all, you need to be in worship. You were designed by God to be a people who offer praise and thanks to the One who gives us life. Beyond that, you need to be present because there are a lot of visitors who worship with us in the summer who may be looking for a church home. When the sanctuary feels empty, it is discouraging and people can’t feel the real energy of our church. I also want you to support the other preachers on staff. I know it is easy to feel like you have been given a pass to miss church when the “Senior Minister” is gone from the pulpit, but we are blessed at this church to have a lot of really good preachers. You need to hear what they have to say, they need your support. As I said before, you don’t honor me by skipping church when I’m gone. I’d truly be thrilled to see attendance go ‘UP’ during my renewal leave.

2. Keep your giving current. Summer is always a struggle for us financially, and I am concerned that it might be an even greater problem this year. Our bills come every month, ministry expenses aren’t limited to the winter

months, we need income every week. It has been an up and down year for us financially, January was weak, February strong, March weak, and April strong, we can’t have three weak months in a row! If you are unable to be in worship, you can give online or mail in a check…or drop it by in the middle of the week. In any case, please keep your giving current.

3. 3. Consider growing your pledge by an amount of $4 per week. Over the year this amounts to $200. For some this is a sacrifice, but for many of us, it is not a sacrifice at all.

Most of us spend $4 a week on things that are really not that important, I know I do. In the eleven years I’ve been here, this church has been generous towards so many special requests. It is time for us to be generous to the operating budget, the basic financial engine that runs all the ministries of the church. $4 a week per giving unit is the difference we have between struggling and being comfortable. As a church, I know we can do this!

4. Begin praying for our fall emphasis, “Creating a Culture of Invitation.” This fall, we will roll out a new focus on being an inviting church, one that walks alongside people who are new to the faith, and people who are willing to share their story.

You will be hearing a lot more about this come September, but pray that our church might become, once again, a place where people are invited to participate.

Four things only... not too bad! I have complete confidence in this church to be faithful witnesses in my absence. I’m almost excited about coming back already!

See you in worship, Kent

First United Methodist Church 420 North Nevada Avenue. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-471-8522 • www.fumc-cs.org

Considering Membership at First UMC? If you are interested in membership at First United Methodist Church or have questions, please call 719-471-8522 ext. 270 for more information.

Sunday Worship Service Times 7:30 am Early Riser in the Chapel 8:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Contemporary in the Sanctuary 11:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary Live broadcasts of the 11:00 am service on FOX, channel 21.2 (cable 7) and CW 57. Closed captioning available.

The Encounter is printed and published once a month by First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Materials for inclusion are due three weeks before publication date and are subject to approval. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be included.

Articles, comments, or suggestions are welcomed by emailing, annaliec@fumc-cs.org or calling, 719-471-8522 ext. 272.

Sunday School Classes are at 9:30 & 10:45 am

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Cover Photo: Youth Singers Homecoming Concert 2017

DISCOVERING FUMC I was ordering lunch downtown a few weeks ago when the server asked where I worked. His response when I told him, made me proud to be part of this community: “I’m really grateful for you all,” he said, “my son has mental health issues and our support group, NAMI, meets there. Thank you, for all you all do.”

Did you know this vast building is one of our main mission and outreach tools? Over 132 different outside organizations are scheduled to use this building this year, for a total of 1,797 different events. These events range from nonprofit groups, to schools, community organizations, to plays, concerts, and graduations. This building is witnessing to the love of Christ day after day. In the words of our downtown neighbor, “Thank you, for all you all do.” It is your faithfulness that makes it all possible.

CHARGE CONFERENCE, A YEAR IN PHOTOS 2017 Would you like your pictures of different ministry activities to be shown at this year’s Charge Conference in December? If you do, please email your pictures, as you take them, to Annalie Ceballos at annaliec@fumc-cs.org.

You may also save them on a thumb drive, or share them online.

Contact Annalie if you have any questions on how to share your photos. We will be accepting picture of events and ministry activities until November 7, 2017. FUMC staff reserves the right to select and publish the pictures that are representative of a particular ministry area, events, and programs of the church.

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

The Edge will be doing something a bit different this summer! On June 2, we will offer our regular Stories @ The Edge (324 N. Nevada Ave.). We will begin our evening at 6:00 p.m. with a meal and end with two personal stories and a short sermon.

SO WHAT’S NEW? Starting June 16 and running through August 11, we will meet in Fellowship Hall with the youth from Next Steps Ministries. Our storytellers will be youth and young adults from this congregation and leaders from Next Steps.

We are looking forward to this amazing summer community partnership! We could use your help too. We will need help for preparing meals, crafts, and organizing all the little moving pieces! Please look for more information in the First News and You Can Count on Me as it gets closer.

NEW CLASS FOR ADULTS IN THEIR 20S – 40S Some of our adults have asked for a new Sunday School class on Sunday mornings. After talking with those interested, we have decided to start a new class on September 10 at 9:30 a.m. The class will meet in Kingdom City - Parent Room. In order to help you get to know each other, we are having a monthly fellowship event through the summer.

Families are welcome at all the events.

On Saturday, June 10, we’ll meet at noon for lunch at the Ivywild School restaurant at 1604 S. Cascade Ave. On Saturday, July 8, we will have a potluck picnic at Monument Valley Park. Come at 10:00 a.m. for some fun games and for a great potluck lunch.

On Sunday, August 13, we will meet at 2:00 p.m. at the Summit, 1180 Interquest Pkwy. This facility has food, bowling, laser tag, video games and more.

Mark the dates now and watch First News for more details.

Please contact Bekah Ingram to let her know how many are coming from your family at bekah.ingram@yahoo.com.

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) In June, we begin with the Summer Sunday School “Our Journey to the Holy Land.” We will take a virtual tour to many different places in the Holy Land. Forgot your passport?

No worries, we have some in Kingdom City! Your boarding passes are ready! Join our journey as we fly the friendly skies, sail the distant seas and explore the places where Jesus walked and talked with children just like you!

Our Sunday School program is age-based, which creates a sacred space for you to come and experience the power of Christ’s love in the world.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the liturgy being used in the main service, Children’s Worship is a place for children to begin to understand and experience worship. This is a multi-age large group event held in Kingdom City.

FATHER’S DAY CAMPOUT AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH Friday, June 16 - Saturday, June 17 We invite all fathers with their kids to come and camp out at John Wesley Ranch! For information, please contact Chris Thornton at 719-687-2148, or christ@fumc-cs.org

FIRST ACT, MUSIC/ART/DRAMA CAMP June 19 - 23 (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)

1st (completed) - 7th grades We are so excited to be holding our annual music, art and drama camp again this year! The musical we will learn is an oldie but a goodie, “It’s Cool in the Furnace!” The children will learn about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and how God’s love protected them, even in a fiery furnace! Register now as space is limited. This camp always fills up quickly!

CAMP T4G AT THE RANCH July 6 - 8 Rising 5th, 6th and 7th graders Just Breathe! The John Wesley Ranch is a perfect place to go and breathe in the beauty of God’s creation. We will take a picnic trip to the top of Pikes Peak to feel the breath of God in the wind, as well as to look around at the beautiful creation below. While at the Ranch, we will sing, hike (at Mueller State Park), have 4 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

devotionals, play, and pray. It is just a whole lot of fun! Please note that there is very limited space for this camp, as we only have two buses to bring the children up to the Ranch.

Registration is available online and in Kingdom City.

DAY CAMP AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH Tuesday, July 11 OR Wednesday, July 12 Kindergarten (completed) - 3rd grades This is a brand new event, especially for our younger kiddos! We will be offering a day camp experience to ride the bus to the John Wesley Ranch, hike, picnic, fish, play and pray. Space for this camp is limited as we only have 2 buses. Don’t miss out! Register early to reserve a spot for your child!

Registration is available online and in Kingdom City.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 24-28, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Preschool - 6th graders Are you a SERVE-IVOR? This year, our children will be headed to the Australian Outback as they experience a L.I.F.E. of SERVING GOD! Love, Inspire, Follow and Eternal are the daily biblical themes, as we learn to “Serve the Lord with gladness!” If you have a 6th grader, we invite him/her to come on the adventure as an “Outback Serve-ival Guide!” To be a volunteer, please contact David Fussell at davidf@fumc-cs.org.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION Registration for participants and volunteers for all summer activities are available online and in Kingdom City.

If you have any questions, please contact Janita McGregor at janitam@fumc-cs.org, or 884-2466.

Thursday,

June 1

Thursdays

NOAH Breakfast — Black Bear Diner (965 N Academy)

9:00 a.m.

In the Word Bible Study — Large Conference Room

1:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Friday,

June 2

Stories @ The Edge — The Edge (324 N Nevada Ave.)

Sunday,

June 4

Stephen Ministry Luncheon — Parlor

Saturday,

June 10

New Sunday School Class Summer Events (See details on page 3)

Sunday,

June 11

Homebound Visitor Luncheon — Parlor (Details coming soon)

Sunday,

June 11

Youth Choirs Homecoming Concert — Sanctuary

Mon-Fri,

June 12-23

Preschool and MMO Summer Program — (See details below)

Fri & Sat,

June 16 & 17

Melodrama at the Ranch — John Wesley Ranch

Friday,

June 16

Stories @ The Edge Summer Format — Fellowship Hall

Fri-Sat,

June 16-17

Father/Child Campout at the Ranch — John Wesley Ranch

Mon-Fri,

June 19-23

First Act, Music/Art/Drama Camp (1st-7th graders)

Mon-Fri,

June 26-July 7

Preschool and MMO Summer Program — (See details below)

Tues or Wed,

July 11 or 12

Day Camp at the Ranch — John Wesley Ranch (See details on page 4)

Fri-Sat,

July 14 & 15

ManUp! Work Retreat — John Wesley Ranch (See details on page 6)

12:15 p.m.

12:05 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

OBSERVING EARTH DAY IN THE PRESCHOOL This spring for Earth Day, our Preschool children are learning about gardening. Each classroom is planting and growing its own plants. They are learning about what plants need and how to take care of them. Last month, the children and teachers of the Sea Buddies classroom planted flowers in the church’s entrance planters. What a wonderful job they did! We hope you like them too!

My Morning Out (MMO): 18 months to 2 1/2 years old.

Preschool: 2 1/2 to 5 years old.

Session 2 – June 12 to June 23 $215 Session 3 – June 26 to July 7

$195 (No class, Tuesday, July 4th)

Session 4 – July 10 to July 21

$215

Registration for the fall program of Preschool and MMO is also available now. For more information, please visit us at fumc-cs.org.

Registration forms are available online and in Kingdom City.

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NOAH BREAKFAST ADDS SOMETHING NEW! Our regular first Thursday of the month breakfast will be on June 1 at the Black Bear Diner at 965 N. Academy.

We are now adding a third Tuesday of the month breakfast in hopes of getting some people who can’t come on Thursdays.

It will also add more fellowship time for the regulars. The third Tuesday is June 20 and we will meet at The Egg & I on north Academy by the mall. Remember, no reservations are required. Just join us at 9:00 a.m. for good food and great fellowship!

8TH ANNUAL MELODRAMA IN THE MEADOW AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH Friday, June 16: (One show) 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 17: (Two shows) 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 –7:00 p.m.

Join us for this year’s Melodrama in the Meadow at John Wesley Ranch. It’s going to be another great show put on by the talented cast of First Company. We will offer one show on Friday and two shows on Saturday. This is a FREE event for the whole family to enjoy at the Ranch! The Melodrama will be in the Lodge, for those of you worried about rain.

Meals that include a hamburger, chips, cookie and water will be available for $5 a plate. If you have any questions about the event or need directions, please contact Chris Thornton at 719-687-2148, or christ@fumc-cs.org.

FATHER/CHILD CAMPOUT AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH Join us for the FREE father/ child campout Friday, June 16.

Enjoy the great outdoors with your child(ren) at the majestic John Wesley Ranch in Divide, CO. Pack your camping supplies and food for an evening under the stars with your kids. This year, the Melodrama is on the same weekend so you will have to opportunity to see it on Friday or Saturday. If you have any questions about the event or need directions, please contact Chris Thornton at 719-687-2148, or christ@fumc-cs.org.

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MANUP! WORK RETREAT Mark your calendar! The next men’s ministry work retreat at John Wesley Ranch is July 1415. The retreat will start on Friday at 6:00 p.m. with dinner.

Come earlier in the day if you want to fish, hike or just hang out. We will end late afternoon on Saturday. Some of the men from Scott UMC in Denver will be joining us. On Friday night, we will enjoy the campfire, games and fellowship time. On Saturday, we will be cutting up some fallen trees for firewood and painting the inside of the bathhouse. The cost for the retreat is $20 per person. Reservations are due

by Sunday, July 2. Sign up at the table by the Hospitality Center on Sunday mornings, or contact Rev. Jerry Hurst to make your reservation at 471-8522, or jerryh@fumc-cs.org.

NOAH BASEBALL On Wednesday, July 19, we are headed to Denver to see the Rockies play San Diego. The bus will leave at 10:30 a.m. and we will return right after the game.

The cost is $15 per person plus you will need money for lunch at the ball park. There are only 15 tickets, so contact Rev. Jerry at 471-8522 or jerryh@fumc-cs.org to reserve a spot!

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN “MISSION u” Each summer, the Rocky Mountain Conference presents an event to further educate members on a variety of subjects about the needs of the world called “Mission u.” This year, the conference will be July 21-22 at St. Andrews Methodist Church in Denver. Participants will receive information for development of programs with resources to expand meaningful and educational programs. A spiritual growth study “Living as a Covenant Community” and a geographic study “The Missionary Conferences of The United Methodist Church in the United States” will be the study guides. Take advantage of this opportunity and learn more about mission and social action around the world and in the United States. Saturday is “Family Friendly Day” where classes for youth and children will be offered. For more information about conference fees and overnight accommodations, please call 632-5965.

NO YOUTH GATHERING Wednesday, June 7 Pray for our Youth Singers while they are on tour!

YOUTH SINGERS HOMECOMING CONCERT Sunday, June 11, 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Help welcome our Youth Singers home from tour! See additional information on the front cover of this issue.

BOWLING NIGHT AT PEAK BOWL Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone 2861 N Prospect St There will not be a meal provided. You can bring extra money if you want to buy food and drinks. Cost: $6 (includes two games and shoes). Bring a friend!

PARK CLEAN-UP AND ULTIMATE FRISBEE Wednesday, June 21, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

There will not be a meal provided. We will meet at Monument Valley Park off of Fontanero.

On this evening, we will give back by picking up trash and cleaning up the park. Then, we’ll play a fun game of Ultimate Frisbee. Bring: Plenty of water!

Directions from downtown: Go north on Cascade, past Uintah, left on W. Fontanero, go 2.5 blocks, park at parking lot where Fontanero takes a hard left curve, go down steps to field below.

PINE RIDGE MISSION AND LEARNING TRIP June 25- July 1 We are sending 28 brave and loving youth and adults on this life-changing adventure with Christ.

NO YOUTH GATHERING Wednesday, June 28

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STEPHEN MINISTER LUNCHEON INVITATION Have you ever wondered about becoming a Stephen Minister?

Come explore with us!

Current Stephen Ministers will host an information lunch on Sunday, June 4, at 12:15 p.m., in the Parlor.

To RSVP for the lunch, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or at 471-8522, ext. 204 by June 1.

ECUMENICAL SOCIAL MINISTRIES (ESM) ESM is expanding its outreach through new and innovative programs. One of those is the new WISH House (Women in Safety and Hope).

Our Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one ministry to people in the congregation and community who are experiencing divorce, grief, unemployment, a terminal illness, relocation, loneliness, a spiritual crisis, and other life difficulties. The role of a Stephen Minister is to provide emotional support, to pray with and for their care receiver, and to walk with the person for the duration of the crisis. Stephen Ministers are there to listen and care.

WISH House is a strength-based program that provides nightly shelter and intensive case management services for single women experiencing homelessness. Case Managers assist guests in the development of an individualized case plan with strength-based goals and action steps to help them reach self-sufficiency. The achievement of these goals will result in increased physical, behavioral, mental and spiritual health, employment, income, food security, transportation, interpersonal skills, and permanent stable housing. With assistance from case managers, and partnered with other Ecumenical Social Ministries services, guests are empowered to overcome barriers and challenges, and educated to achieve their goal of self-sufficiency.

A Stephen Minister typically meets with his or her care receiver once a week for about an hour. Caring relationships last as long as the need is there—perhaps only a month or two or possibly a year or more. Stephen Ministers keep everything their care receivers say, even their identity, confidential.

Programs such as these continue to provide opportunities for FUMC to support and volunteer at ESM. Currently ESM is in desperate need of pants, slacks, socks, underwear (men’s and women’s) diapers and baby wipes. Please also keep in mind, our monthly food drive every first Sunday of the month.

A new class of Stephen Ministers will be trained (20 sessions) at FUMC starting in the fall of 2017. For an application or more information contact Patty.

ISAIAH

HOMEBOUND VISITOR LUNCHEON INVITATION Many of our homebound and nursing home resident members attended church all their lives before the circumstance of their health or the health of a loved one made it difficult to attend services. Many miss church fellowship profoundly.

Are you willing to help keep their connection with their church family alive? If you are interested in finding out more about being a Homebound Visitor, please join us for a luncheon on Sunday, June 11, in the Parlor, from noon to 1:30 p.m., with those currently serving in this area. To RSVP for the luncheon, please contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204 or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.

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Prophet/Poet Does your faith need an energizer?

Are you wondering what more you can learn? Why don’t you make plans to be with us next fall?

The “In the Word Bible Study” will be concentrating on the book of Isaiah. You are invited to be with us as we engage with this wise prophet, poet, statesman, reformer and orator. Our main focus will be on the prophecy and the beauty of the language utilized. We shall, as our esteemed pastor suggests, ponder more deeply the hidden wisdom of the Bible. Those of all levels of faith are encouraged to join us. We meet at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday afternoons, in the Large Conference Room (3rd Floor). If you have any questions, please contact Betty Howard at 531-6315, or e-mail bghoward@aol.com.

CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR URBAN PEAK YOUTH

PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY

Over the last year, we have created a strong presence and relationship with Urban Peak.

Not only is our fundraising contribution being used to leverage capacity expansion, but it has also been inspiring to witness the work of several groups and individuals in our church who have chosen the youth at Urban Peak as their mission project.

“Seek Justice, Freedom, and Peace” is one of the four goals of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. United Methodists relate to this special Sunday by seeking peaceful solutions, creating, and supporting peace-related ministries in their conference and learning about peaceful and just efforts around the world.

Rev. Dr. Todd Spencer has been cooking breakfast at Urban Peak for a number of years along with volunteers from his ministry area. One Friday a month, Sam Brooks, member of the youth ministry, hosts a dinner prepared by youth for the youth at Urban Peak. The Chancel Choir continues to provide monthly donations of needed items and many of you are volunteering in other ways.

Last year, FUMC hosted six tables at the “Off the Street” breakfast, which is Urban Peak’s annual fundraiser. If you hosted last year or would like to try hosting this year, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org.

The breakfast fundraiser is July 20 at 7:30 a.m. This event is attended by over 800 people. Let’s help Urban Peak top a thousand guests by increasing our table presence. You only need to have seven friends to fill a table. Bible study groups, Sunday school classes and others are encouraged to participate.

FUMC continues to support Urban Peak with its gifts, presence and prayers.

Sunday, June 11

In Jesus’ inaugural address, standing in his home synagogue in Nazareth, he detailed his game plan, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19) Although you, and possibly even our congregation, may lack the resources alone to effect change in a broken world, your giving is vital for the UMC to continue its global ministries of reconciliation. Because of the Peace with Justice Sunday offering, the people of The United Methodist Church are able to make a difference together by sowing seeds—and yielding fruit—of peace.

When you give on Peace with Justice Sunday, your gift makes possible our critical kingdom work in the world. Because you give: •

Methodists spearhead a peace ministry uniting Arizona border communities

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United Methodists in Liberia are being equipped to implement the denomination’s Social Principles to address social-justice issues

•

Pennsylvania students are educating their community about human-trafficking at home and abroad

Please prayerfully consider financially supporting all the Peace with Justice programs by placing your special contribution in the Peace with Justice envelope on Sunday, June 11.

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

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Learn more on page 5...

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