“WERE YOU THERE…” Lenten Series 2018
Lent is an invitation to join Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, a journey that offers a number of important stops along the way. At each of these stops we learn something about ourselves, something we need to know to grow closer to God. Invite a friend and join us on this journey as we ask the question of the old hymn,
“Were You There…” …In the Wilderness? …For the Invitation? …In the Temple? Sunday, March 4
…For the Promise? Sunday, March 11
…For the Prediction? Sunday, March 18
…On the Side of the Road? Sunday, March 25
…At the Empty Tomb? Sunday, April 1
PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 25 Chapel Service: 7:30 a.m. Sanctuary Services: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Join us as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal arrival in Jerusalem. MAUNDY THURSDAY, MARCH 29
IN THIS ISSUE... •
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Communion will be served commemorating the Last Supper. The Stations of the Cross will be depicted in living tableaux.
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 8
Around the Church & Beyond Page 9
Service in the Sanctuary: 7:00 p.m.
Join us to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection.
Youth Ministries Page 7
EASTER VIGIL AND CONFIRMATION SERVICE, SATURDAY, MARCH 31
Sanctuary Services: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Children’s Ministries Page 6
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EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 1 Chapel Service: 7:30 a.m.
Calendar of Events Page 5
Candles are gradually extinguished until it is dark, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus.
Following the early Christian tradition, we will welcome the Christ light into our Sanctuary and participate in a meaningful ceremony marking the discipleship of young persons who have completed the Confirmation process.
Music and Arts Page 4
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Service in the Sanctuary: 7:00 p.m.
Around the Church & Beyond Page 3
Service in the Sanctuary: 7:00 p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 30
A Missing Season
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Caring Ministries Page 10
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Missions Ministries Page 11
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Coming to FUMC this April… Requiem by Maurice Duruflé Back Cover
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By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor
I’m afraid to write this. Just as soon as I write this, for sure, we will get two feet of snow, and probably on Easter! I sure hope not… This has been a strange “winter.” We’ve not had much winter at all. We’ve had a few cold snaps, a few brushes with light snow, one winter storm warning that didn’t amount to much (and it was on a Sunday…), but no real winter to speak of. Now I know a lot of folks might be grateful for that. They hate the cold, don’t like the snow, and wish it was summer all year-round. Like in San Diego! I like winter though. Of course, we all like the moisture, and we certainly need it! It’s more than that for me. I like the change of seasons. I like the feel of the cold, the beauty of the snow, the briskness of the night that requires a fire. I don’t like shoveling our steep driveway that faces north or low church attendance because of snow, but everything else I enjoy. So, it seems weird to be missing winter this year. At least for now. Another season we can’t afford to miss is Lent. It’s not the most popular or entertaining. The themes are difficult, and they require us to examine ourselves in ways we would rather not. It talks about things like crosses, sacrifice and service. It would be easier to go straight from Christmas into Easter, without all of this introspection and examination. It’s a lot more fun to sing O Come All Ye Faithful and Christ the
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A Missing Season
It seems weird to be missing winter this year. At least for now. Another season we can’t afford to miss is Lent.
Lord is Risen Today, than Were You There When They Crucified My Lord. But like winter, we need to go through Lent, through the cross, to get ready for what’s on the other side. You’ll be invited to special services this year, as always. We will journey with Jesus all the way to Jerusalem, to the cross, in our weekly services. And we all need to be there. We need to take a look at our lives in light of the gospel and see what ways God can work in us and through us. We need to go through the season of Lent. *** This is a great season to invite people to worship and to our special events. We are seeing a lot of new, first time visitors to our church. In part, this is because you are inviting people. Special events like the choir concerts are also great events to invite family members and friends. After this year’s Messiah, we had several folks come back to our church, impressed by our choir and our congregation. Also be aware of children’s and youth events….and the many other doors into our church. Thank you for being so hospitable! 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
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Cover Photo: Lenten Series 2018
WORDS FROM
JAN CAFFEY, LAY LEADER Our Easter services are spectacular! Easter is on April Fool’s Day this year. If you are not uplifted and inspired after church on Easter Sunday, it is impossible for you to be uplifted and inspired!
Before Easter, during Holy Week, we have deeply meaningful and passionate services for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. They are on March 29 and 30, both at 7:00 p.m. I have this weird feeling that I need to “earn” that Easter exhilaration by going to these services to be reminded of the price Jesus paid for us. His last words on the cross sum up the heart and soul of his whole ministry – forgiveness, boundless mercy and assurance of salvation. Also, his humanity is touching – feeling betrayed, suffering and especially wanting his mother to be cared for. This year, we’ll also have an Easter Eve Vigil on Saturday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m. It’s another special worship service and a wonderful opportunity to take part in receiving our confirmands into the church. If you haven’t attended these Holy Week services, I urge you to go this year. If you just go to church on Palm Sunday and Easter, you might miss the perspective of Jesus’ last week. Easter surely is about much more than bunnies, candy and a new outfit. Jesus lives! Hallelujah!
11:00 AM WORSHIP SUPPORT TEAM GATHERING Do you volunteer at the 11:00 worship service or are you interested in serving? Whether you are a communion server, usher, Andrew Minister, or you work in the hospitality center, or if you are interested in joining the team, we would love to invite you to a team lunch on March 18. We will gather at noon in the Wesley Room, next to Fellowship Hall, for lunch as we get to know one another and the people we worship with week after week. Please RSVP by phone to Charlene Champion at 495-0529, or by email to Rev. Tiffany Keith at tiffanyk@fumc-cs.org. See you in worship!
EASTER LILY ORDERS Final day to order: Sunday, March 18 Don’t miss the opportunity to purchase lilies “in honor of” or “in memory of” loved ones. The lilies will decorate the chancel area as we celebrate Easter Sunday, on April 1. You may take your lilies home with you following the 11:00 a.m. worship service on Easter Sunday. Tributes will be listed in a separate insert in the Easter bulletin. To purchase lilies, please complete the order form on the You Can Count on Me bulletin insert. Cost is $20. Payment is due at time of ordering.
COMMUNION PREP PARTY We need your help to be able to serve communion, “regular style,” on Maundy Thursday with little cups for the juice instead of intinction. Those little cups take time to fill! What better way to get them filled than to throw a “communion cup filling” party! We will gather at 6:00 p.m. on March 28 in the parlor kitchen for a light dinner, laughter, and communion cup filling! Please RSVP to Rev. Tiffany Keith at tiffany@fumc-cs.org.
UNITED METHODIST READING GROUP The United Methodist Women participate in a reading program to educate members about issues facing humanity in the world. It encourages critical thinking about God’s mission as we attempt to strengthen the involvement in local and global Christian mission. This program was established through the Women’s Division of Global Ministries, which offer a list of books that help us understand world concerns. There are five books categories: mission, spiritual growth, nurturing for community, social action, and leadership. Each year, the UMW orders books from this list which are available in the church library for those interested. This UMW group strives to earn as many certificates as possible each year. For 2017 members of the unit who received this certificate were Jan Baggs, Mitzi Gardner, Brenda Hawley, Pat Likness, Barbara Singmaster, Loeda Westphal, Rondi Suppiah, Pat Kosley, Virginia Heilman, and Marianne Barker. Congratulations to these loyal readers. All are invited to be a part of this active group that meets quarterly to discuss these books. For additional information, please call 719-632-5965 or 719-596-3778.
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YOUTH CHORALE TO SING IN CARNEGIE HALL! Our very own Youth Chorale has been invited to sing in the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. The agency supporting these concerts (Distinguished Concerts International New York City) discovered the Chorale through the live streaming of the Service of Lessons and Carols! They contacted us and we began a discussion that led to a formal letter of recognition and invitation! This is a once in a life time opportunity for our youth and we are making plans to make this dream come true! The Chorale will join with other choirs from around the country to perform the GLORIA of Mark Hayes (Mark has been to FUMC before as a performer with the Sacred Concert Series) in addition to participating in a world premiere of a new composition that Mark is writing. The dates are November 23-27, 2018. Be sure to congratulate members of the Chorale when you see them! Our very supportive FUMC Foundation has graciously given us $15,000 as matching funds. The expected basic cost will be $30-32,000. Each participant will pay for their meals and sight-seeing on their own. If you would like to help support the Chorale in this great opportunity, please send your contribution to the Music and Arts Ministry office and indicate “Chorale/Carnegie Hall” on your check. Thank you in advance for your support of our youth!
KRISPY KREME DONUTS The first Sunday of each month, the Youth Singers coordinators will be found at a table selling delicious Krispy Kreme donuts! There may also be a limited number of Youth Singers coffee mugs (with a picture of the 2017-2018 Youth Singers!) available. All proceeds go toward the 2018 summer tour. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the Youth Singers and for ensuring that all singers who want to go on the summer tour will be able to do so.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11, at 2:00 a.m. Remember to “spring ahead” and set your clocks forward 1 hour.
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Wednesdays, Feb 21-Mar 21
Faith Academy Classes and Faith Academy for Kids
Wednesdays, Feb 28 & March 7, 14 & 21 Lenten Organ Meditations — Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. 12:15 p.m.
Thursday, March 1
NOAH Breakfast — Omelets Etc. (2850 S. Academy)
9:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 3
Introduction to Lectio Divina Workshop — Kingdom City
9:00 a.m.
Contemplative Worship Gathering — Prayer Room
5:40 p.m.
Wednesdays, March 7, 14 & 21 Friday, March 9
NOAH Goes to the Play, Oklahoma! — (See more details on page 9)
Sunday, March 18
Final Day to Order Easter Lilies — (See more details on page 3)
Sunday, March 18
11:00 a.m. Worship Team Gathering — John Wesley Room
Tuesday, March 20
NOAH Lunch — Mimi’s Restaurant (3005 Center Point)
Saturday, March 24
Snow Egg Hunt at the Ranch— (See more details on page 9)
Sunday, March 25 Wednesday, March 28
Thursday, March 29 Friday, March 30 Saturday, March 31 Sunday, April 1
11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Palm Sunday — (See more details on the front cover) Communion Prep Party — (See more details on page 3)
6:00 p.m.
Maundy Thursday — (See more details on the front cover)
7:00 p.m.
Good Friday — (See more details on the front cover)
7:00 p.m.
Easter Vigil and Confirmation — (Front cover)
7:00 p.m.
Easter Services — (See more details on the front cover)
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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) We will continue our Lenten rotation in Kingdom City which will culminate on Palm Sunday with a Seder meal at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School hour. On April 1 (no fooling), we will discover the true meaning of the resurrection!
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) Following the liturgical scripture being used in our main service at 11:00 a.m., Children’s Worship is a place for children to begin to understand and experience worship. This is a multi-age large group worship service in Kingdom City.
T4G - GLOW IN THE DARK EGG HUNT Friday, March 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Our 5th and 6th graders are invited to join us for a very special glow-in-the-dark egg hunt! We will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Kingdom City and then head over to the Zone where the eggs will be hidden. We will have light snacks but a meal will not be served. Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, March 14 to Janita at janitam@fumc-cs.org if you are planning on attending. Remember to bring your Easter basket or a baggie to put your goodies in.
EASTER EGG HUNT & RESURRECTION CELEBRATION Saturday, March 24 10:00 a.m. – Noon Children birth through 4th grade are invited to participate in our annual Egg Hunt and Resurrection celebration! We will be holding this event rain or shine beginning at 10:00 a.m. We will gather in the Hospitality Center and then we will head over to Palmer High School to look for eggs! After that, we will head to Kingdom City to discover what Easter and the resurrection is really all about! We need some volunteers if you are available. There are many areas where you can help out. For more information, please contact David Fussell at davidf@fumc-cs.org.
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CHILDREN’S CHOIR This is the perfect time to join one of our vocal and/or bell choirs as we prepare to lift our voices in worship this Spring. Cherub, ages 4/5, pre-k Sunday from 10:15 -11:00 a.m. Kingdom City Music Room Chorister (Vocal) Choir, K – 3rd Grade Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Room 21
Chorister Chimes, 1st Grade – 3rd Grade Sunday from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Room 7 Cathedral (Vocal) Choir, 4th Grade – 6th Grade Sunday from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir Room Cathedral Ringers, 4th Grade – 6th Grade Sunday from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Room 8 For the Sunday afternoon choir, there will be an option to stay and eat a family dinner from 5:00-5:30 p.m. Join us!
T4G – P3 (PEDALS, PIPES AND PIZZA) Saturday, April 14, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. 5th and 6th graders are invited to this fun event with FUMC Principal Organist, Dr. Joe Galema!
FAMILY WORSHIP Sunday, April 29, 9:30 a.m. Let’s worship together!
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN Looking for a loving and nurturing “My Morning Out” (MMO) and preschool program for children ages 18 months through age 5? Call Dianna Flaherty at 884-2500. Registration is now open for 2018-2019 school year. Space is limited!
YLM MEETING Wednesday, March 14, 5:45 - 6:30 p.m. Zach’s Office
YOUTH ADVISORY TEAM MEETING Sunday, March 18, 12:15 - 1:30 p.m. The Zone
GIVE IT UP (URBAN PEAK) All month long! RED Box in Hibbard Hall Each month, we are selecting items to donate to Urban Peak. This month, we are collecting hand warmers. Please feel free to drop them off in Hibbard Hall.
BOY SCOUTS TROOP 777 Boys between the ages of 11-17 interested in joining our program are invited to attend any of our regular meetings with their parents on Tuesday nights. Troop 777 meets at FUMC, in Hibbard Hall at 7:00 p.m. For information contact our scoutmaster, Tim Berry, at 719-439-9101.
MARCH WEDNESDAY NIGHTS LENTEN SEASON: TAKE ON SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS This Youth Sunday School class focuses on being intentional. Intentionally listening to God, for God, and seeing Him anywhere and everywhere. We take the songs we hear on the radio. Listen for what God can teach us through others, as we share scripture, ideas, and stories, that not only inspire, but remind us that God is not just at church. This month, we will be looking and listening to “Pink” and “Kesha.”
STAND AT URBAN PEAK (1st Friday of the Month) Friday, March 2 3:15 - 5:30 p.m. Urban Peak STAND (Students And Nourishing Dinners) is our youth mission of making dinners at Urban Peak (a shelter for homeless teens) on the first Friday of every month. This month our dinner will be Friday, March 2. We are looking for youth to volunteer with the cooking from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. If you are interested in helping please text Sam Brooks at 494-3303.
Wednesday, March 7, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meal Included The Zone Take On. Let us take on something that brings us closer to experiencing God this Lenten season. After dinner, games, and music, we will be digging into growing closer to God with our small groups.
LENTEN SEASON: LEAVE OFF Wednesday, March 14, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meal Included Meet in The Zone Leave Off. Let us leave off something that distracts us from experiencing God this Lenten season. After dinner, games, and music, we will be digging into growing closer to God with our small groups.
LENTEN SEASON: WORSHIP Wednesday, March 21, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meal Included The Zone “Come just as you are to worship!” Do you have a song to sing, can you play flute, bass, piano, violin? Do you have artwork or a poem to share? This evening, let us celebrate our gifts God gave us, let us worship!
NO YOUTH! SPRING BREAK! Wednesday, March 28. Get some sun. Splash around. Use sunscreen!
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CONTEMPLATIVE GATHERINGS A Lenten Longing to See the Goodness of Creation Celtic Prayers from Iona Wednesday, March 7, 5:40 - 6:25 p.m. Prayer Room
A Lenten Longing for a Renewed Commitment to Christ Celtic Prayers from Iona Wednesday, March 14, 5:40 - 6:25 p.m. Prayer Room
A Lenten Longing for the Oneness of the Whole Church Celtic Prayers from Iona Wednesday, March 21, 5:40 - 6:25 p.m. Prayer Room NO CONTEMPLATIVE WORSHIP Wednesday, March 28 Please join us for our special Holy Week worship services.
I know I’ve shared this story with many of you already but it’s worth sharing it one more time. A couple of months ago we had a sulky, “you can’t make me go to church,” young person attend Stories @ The Edge. Her resolve was short lived however! By the end of the evening she had talked to almost every person in the room! She had enjoyed the food, talked, laughed, and even cried. That night she experienced a glimpse of God’s love and grace at work in her life. Now, I’m the first to admit I don’t know the significance of this statement, but on the way home that evening she said she wanted to call her mom. What I do know, is that one statement was deeply moving to those who heard it. Do you know someone that is seeking God but isn’t interested in traditional church? What if you invited them to attend Stories @ The Edge with you? We gather on the first and third Friday at 6:00 p.m. at The Edge (324 N Nevada Ave). This month gatherings are March 2 and 16. We would love to see you there! If you have any questions, feel free to email me, Rev. Tiffany Keith at Tiffany@TheEdgeDowntown.org.
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FAITH ACADEMY - SESSION 2 Conversation: Mary Oliver’s Upstream Wednesdays, February 21, 28 and March 7 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., in the Parlor Leader: Samuel Stephenson In partnership with the Colorado Springs’ Converge Lecture Series and First United Methodist Church, this three-week class will be having conversations around Mary Oliver’s book, Upstream, a New York Times Best Seller and one of Oprah Magazine’s Ten Best Books of the Year 2016. “The richness of these essays,” says the Washington Post, is “part revelation, part instruction— [and] will prompt readers to dive in again and again.” Participants in this class will need to purchase their own copies of the book and come ready for a conversational joining of literature.
History of the Methodists in America Wednesdays, beginning February 28 - March 21 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Room 133 Leader: Kent Ingram In February of 2019, we will face a monumental vote at a called session of our General Conference to determine the future of the United Methodist Church. As we prepare for that vote, it is helpful to look back and see where we have come from and who we have become as the people called Methodists in America. Join us as we look at our glorious past and as we look towards our uncertain future.
He Set His Face Towards Jerusalem Wednesdays, February 21 - March 21 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Room 233 Leader: Bruce Phillips The events in Jesus’ life leading up to Holy Week.
MOUNTAIN SABBATH RETREAT DAY Sunday, April 22, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Meet at John Wesley Ranch. Suggested Donation: $5 Adults are invited to join us for a rich and restful day of retreat up at the John Wesley Ranch. We will begin the day with worship at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel. We will learn various spiritual formation topics and have a simple lunch in the lodge. There will be time for options like napping, hiking, sitting in front of a fire, reading, personal prayer activities and more. To conclude our day, we will gather at 4:30 p.m. to share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The day concludes by 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Todd Spencer at todds@fumc-cs.org or 884-2502.
NOAH BREAKFAST Our next breakfast fellowship is Thursday, March 1. We will meet at Omelets Etc. at 2850 S. Academy at 9:00 a.m. Join us for a fun time and a good meal. No reservation is required.
OKLAHOMA! On Friday, March 9, the NOAH group will be attending the showing of Oklahoma at the new Ent Center for the Arts. Oklahoma is the first show to be presented at the new center on North Nevada. We will meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. and take the church bus to the performance. We have purchased a block of 15 tickets that will be offered on a first come – first served basis. Cost of the tickets is $30 each. To reserve your ticket, contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at jerryh@fumc-cs.org or 648-1571.
NOAH LUNCH We had a great time at our February lunch at The Mason Jar! Tuesday, March 20, we will be headed across town to Mimi’s Restaurant at 3005 Center Point. Be sure to join us at 11:30 a.m. for a great time of fellowship! No reservation is needed.
SNOW EGG HUNT AT THE RANCH Sat., March 24, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Hunt begins at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to John Wesley Ranch for a day of fun! Join us for the egg hunt and stay for the sledding. Feel free to bring food for a picnic. Please contact Chris Thornton at christ@fumc-cs.org, or 719-687-2148 with questions.
FREE HYMNALS! Some of the hymnals in our pews are showing signs of use. There are 11 hymnals in the Music and Arts office that have some pages missing (or the spine is damaged). Those hymnals would love to have a new home! If you would like one, come by and pick one out! You may also call the Music Office, ext. 222 and we’ll hold a copy for you to pick up. Get your copy soon before they are all gone!
FUMC HOSTS CELTIC CHRISTIAN AUTHOR JOHN PHILIP NEWELL RELIGION WITHOUT BORDERS: THE MARRIAGE OF EAST AND WEST April 10, 6:30 p.m. Library 21C (1175 Chapel Hills Drive). Free Event. BOUNDLESS: A CELTIC VISION OF THE SACRED IN ALL THINGS April 11, 6:30 p.m. FUMC Sanctuary. Free Event. In partnership with a number of other local congregations and organizations, FUMC is excited to be sponsoring and hosting author, John Philip Newell, to the Springs this April. Newell is a poet, peacemaker, minister and scholar. He is internationally known for his work in the field of Celtic Christianity. Newell is based in Edinburgh, Scotland, with his wife, Alison Newell and four children. His published works include: The Rebirthing of God, Christ of the Celts, The Healing of Creation and more. We hope you will join us for one or both of these wonderful evenings with Newell and with neighbors from all over the city.
NOAH SPRING LUNCHEON On Tuesday, April 17, we will host the NOAH Spring luncheon at the church at 11:30 a.m. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Michelle Eads, MD of Pinnacle Functional Medicine. Alzheimer's and its precursors can be prevented, halted, and even reversed! Come learn what is actually happening in the brain and the ways they can be very effectively addressed. Great information for anyone with a brain! Dr. Eads will be discussing Dr. Dale Bredesen's findings and protocol. Reservations are required. The cost for the event is $15 per person. To make your reservation, please contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at jerryh@fumc-cs.org or 648-1571. Reservations and payment are due by April 8.
CHURCH-WIDE BOWLING EVENT Our ManUp! men’s ministry is inviting you to a church-wide bowling event at Peak Bowl. Join us for a time of fun fellowship. Mark the date on your calendar, Saturday, April 21, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Watch for more information in the April issue of Encounter.
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INTRODUCTION TO LECTIO DIVINA WORKSHOP
DO YOU NEED THE HELP OF A CHRISTIAN FRIEND?
Saturday, March 3 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Kingdom City Are you interested in learning more about the ancient spiritual practice of praying the Scriptures called Lectio Divina? Lectio Divina, a Latin term, means "divine reading" and describes a way of reading the Scriptures whereby we gradually let go of our own agenda and open ourselves to what God wants to say to us. It is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s word. Anyone desiring to deepen his or her relationship with God through scripture will benefit from this program. The suggested donation is $20 per person. For further information or to make reservations for this workshop please contact Leslee Terpay at 720-315-8120, or co-leslee@comcast.net. Co-Hosted by Contemplative Outreach and FUMC.
Stephen Ministry is often a behind the scenes ministry at FUMC, but make no mistake, it is a powerful one. Week in and week out, Stephen Ministers from our church meet privately with their care receivers, providing a listening ear and emotional and spiritual support.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE LATEST STEPHEN MINISTRY CLASS TO BE COMMISSIONED The current class of Stephen Ministry training at First United Methodist Church is nearing completion. Debora Richardson, Wilma Smith, Judy Rogers, and JoAnne Fisk will be commissioned on March 18 during the 9:30 a.m. worship service. This group will then join our current Stephen Ministers in providing their confidential services to members of this congregation. Our trainees have worked extremely hard, and their dedication has paid off. The 50-hour course has involved pre-class reading assignments and in-class lecture, discussion, and role playing. The students have shown real growth in knowledge and skills, and in their readiness to share their gifts in service to others in need of their loving care. Stephen Ministry allows our congregation to reach out to those members and friends who are most in need of the support of Christ’s unwavering love. If you believe that you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Patty Walker or speak with one of the Stephen Leaders: Jill Meider, Lori Smith, LeAnn Gamache, and Alicia Jarvis.
• One Stephen Minister may be ministering to a grieving widower. • Another Stephen Minister may be praying with a person who is struggling in their relationship with God. • Another may be offering empathy and support to a single mother. • Yet another may be sharing encouraging words to a young man in chronic pain. • Still another may be bringing a listening presence and kind heart to a military person recently returned from deployment. Our Stephen Ministers extend the caring reach of the congregation far beyond its pastors— providing 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. 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. Are you in need of a listening presence and Christian friend? To talk more about receiving the help of a Stephen Minister contact Rev. Patty Walker.
Learn more about FUMC programs and events at www.fumc-cs.org
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UMCOR SUNDAY SPECIAL OFFERING
FAMILY PROMISE OF COLORADO SPRINGS
Sunday, March 11
Next Host Week: April 1 – April 8
Together, we reach children, families and communities who have experienced devastation in the wake of disaster. When disaster strikes around the globe— Haiti’s 2010 earthquake or Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 —so many watching the drama unfold on their living room televisions, feel entirely helpless. How could any one person make a difference in the wake of such widespread devastation? As responders around the globe scramble to help survivors, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is prepared to act. Since 1940, when UMCOR’s forerunner was established to meet the needs of those suffering overseas at the onset of World War II, we’ve continued to respond to those in desperate need — today throughout more than eighty countries around the world. That’s because your generous giving to One Great Hour of Sharing is what allows UMCOR to act as the arms and legs of Christ’s church, moving toward the most vulnerable in their darkest days. Convinced that all people have God-given worth and dignity—without regard to race, religion or gender—together we are assisting those affected by crisis or chronic need. Because you give, the United Methodist Church’s compassionate response to human suffering continues today: •
When tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma, we responded
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When children in Zimbabwe lost parents to AIDS, we responded
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When a massive tsunami devastated lives in Japan, we responded
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And when the next mass crisis occurs, we will be prepared to respond
Family Promise provides a way for local communities to respond to the needs of their homeless “neighbors.” Congregations have found that the Family Promise mission provides an effective way to be involved in a hands-on outreach program that serves the homeless and also fosters congregational unity and interfaith cooperation.
Families arrive at their “home” church each day at 5:00 p.m. and leave at 7:00 a.m. the next morning to go to jobs, school, or the Family Promise Day Center (located on Tejon Street). Upon their arrival “home” each day, families have a hot, nutritious meal prepared by meal preparation volunteers and served by evening host volunteers. Overnight host volunteers arrive at bedtime to “sleep on the job” and to be available if something is needed during the night. Other volunteers set up the family bedrooms with cots and linens on the first Sunday of the host week. We are enormously grateful to our warm and generous volunteers who continue to provide supplies, meals, set-up labor, and host our “families” during evenings and overnights. This mission COULD NOT operate or be as successful without you! Our next Host Week at FUMC is April 1 – April 8, 2018. Please stop by the Family Promise table on Sunday, March 18 to volunteer or to find out more about our Family Promise mission! Please contact Katy Adams at 471-3484 to volunteer or get more information. Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
All United Methodists have the annual opportunity to come together to make a special offering to benefit UMCOR in support of worldwide humanitarian aid. Please look for the special UMCOR envelopes in the Sunday service bulletins on March 11 and give generously. “I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.” ~ Matthew 25:35-36
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2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church