PLANTING FUMC EAST CAMPUS Going Back to School!
IN THIS ISSUE... •
Page 2
By Rev. Patty Walker, FUMC East Campus Church Planter
For some people, the idea of going to church in a school building seems odd. For some people, the idea of worshipping in a school gym on folding chairs doesn’t seem like “church.” I get that. But for me it seems like a natural thing. Some of my earliest church memories as a child are of being a part of a church plant that met for a few years in Bloomington, IN, at University Middle School. My Sunday School class met in the Industrial Arts room, so I have distinct memories of sitting on a tall stool, my short legs dangling, and placing my Bible on the huge drafting table in front of me. Since I didn’t know any better, it seemed like a perfectly normal place to learn the stories about Jesus. We met there for a few years and then entered the exciting period of purchasing land, constructing a church building, and eventually moving into our beautiful, new facility. Yes, it was nice to have a
“real” Sunday School classroom now, with pictures on the wall, but I had learned an important lesson during those church planting years that I have never forgotten. A church is not a building. A church is a people.
“A church is
not a building.
•
a people...”
Continues on page 3...
Around the Church & Beyond Page 3
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Music and Arts Page 4
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A church is
As you may have heard, our church is entering an exciting new adventure of planting a new church in the Eastern Colorado Springs/Falcon area. This new campus will remain connected to FUMC as we become a multi-site congregation. These growing areas of Colorado (Falcon and NE Colorado Springs) are ideal places to locate a significant United Methodist ministry as there are many young families, as well as some recently retired folks, moving into them. These newly relocate d individuals and families will have a place to worship, discover the joy of discipleship, and provide service to the
New Things
Calendar of Events Page 5
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Around the Church & Beyond Page 6
• Missions Ministries Page 7 •
Children’s Ministries Page 8
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Youth Ministries Page 9
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Vacation Bible School (VBS) Back Cover
By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor
“
No one knows what the church is going to look like in 40 years. A lot of people have guesses, but no one really knows. If you have been around for the past 40 years, you know that no one would have guessed the rise of the mega church, the decline of the mainline church, the decline of all churches, the church’s loss of status in the culture, and the new signs of life that spring up in surprising and unusual ways. The change will only accelerate in the coming years. Where does it lead? Who knows. I am proud of this church for trying new things. For the past several years we have seen the evolution of a ministry called The Edge. When Rev. Tiffany Keith started this, she didn’t know what it would look like. If you have ever attended an Edge evening, you know that it is a powerful time of personal stories and a shared meal, with a brief sermon that pulls the evening together. There are people who have come to The Edge who have never darkened the doors of a “regular” church. There are people who come who had given up on “religious” people opening their lives to them. All find grace and love in that intimate setting. It is a wonderful time of encountering God. Ten years ago no one had ever heard of a dinner church. Thankfully we took a chance.
“
New Things
Maybe God is calling you to be a part of these new things.
Now we are embarking on a satellite ministry in eastern Colorado Springs. While it is a type of ministry that isn’t brand new, the satellite church has only been around for a decade or two. Strong, viable congregations are better able to start new ministries in growing areas than go it alone church planters. We have all seen the tremendous growth in the eastern part of our community. Rev. Patty Walker has felt a real call to lead that new ministry, and she has been working very hard to start this satellite well. I am confident that lives will be touched and changed by our work in that part of our city. Thank you for letting us take a chance; for letting us try new things. Maybe God is calling you to be a part of these new things. Look closely, listen closely over the next few months. You will be invited to help out with money, time, talent and passion. Patty will have an article each month updating you on the progress of the satellite. Tiffany will be making a request to help with creating a welcoming space in The Edge building. But I know you. I know you will step up. I know you care about the people of our community. You are a passionate church. Thank you. See you in worship, Kent
First United Methodist Church 420 North Nevada Avenue. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-471-8522 • www.fumc-cs.org
Considering Membership at First UMC? If you are interested in membership at First United Methodist Church or have questions, please call 719-471-8522 ext. 270 for more information.
Sunday Worship Service Times 7:30 am Early Riser in the Chapel 8:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary 9:30 am Contemporary in the Sanctuary 11:00 am Traditional in the Sanctuary Live broadcasts of the 11:00 am service on FOX, channel 21.2 (cable 7) and CW 57. Closed captioning available.
Encounter is printed and published once a month by First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Materials for inclusion are due three weeks before publication date and are subject to approval. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be included. Articles, comments, or suggestions are welcomed by emailing, annaliec@fumc-cs.org or calling, 719-471-8522 ext. 272.
Sunday School Classes are at 9:30 & 10:45 am
2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
Cover Photo: Planting FUMC East Colorado
WORDS FROM
JAN CAFFEY, LAY LEADER I spent last weekend at the beautiful Benet Hill Monastery for a centering prayer retreat. Centering prayer is an opportunity to open one’s whole being to God without words. The focus is deepening our relationship with the living Christ. It’s similar to meditation. I found out long after signing up that we were to be silent for almost the whole time. Yikes! I had never tried this. It turns out I’m not very good at being silent, especially around people I like. If the truth be told, I’m not great at centering prayer – yet! But I keep trying. This prayer practice is meditative and calming. It helps me to be more patient and serene in daily life and in dealing with others. We have several opportunities at FUMC for contemplation: •
Rev. Dr. Todd Spencer’s contemplative worship in the Prayer Room, Wednesdays at 5:40 p.m. (resumes in Sept.)
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Rev. Patty Walker’s Resting in God contemplative prayer group in the Prayer Room, Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.
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Holy Listening centering prayer and Lectio Divina group in the Campbell Reading Room, Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Lectio Divina is reading, reflecting, responding and resting in God’s word.
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Contemplative Journey I & II classes offered Thursdays in Kingdom City through Contemplative Outreach.
I encourage you to look into these contemplative offerings. The Contemplative Outreach’s watchwords are silence, solitude, solidarity and service. It’s about embracing the process of transformation in Christ through the practice of centering prayer.
PLANTING FUMC EAST CAMPUS Continued from front cover...
community. Initially, FUMC East will be located in a rented facility within the target area (probably a school), with the plan of eventually building a permanent church. We are hoping to launch, with our first worship services, about a year from now. So now, at this time in my life, over forty years later, I am going back to being a part of a church that meets in a school. I am the lead church planter for FUMC East campus and will become the campus pastor once this new worshipping community launches. It is going to be an exciting, exhausting, deeply meaningful, fun, challenging adventure – kind of like giving birth! I am so excited to invite you to be a part of this calling to live out the great commission— Matthew 28 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” in whatever way you might feel led. Feel free to connect with me at pattyw@fumc-cs.org or at 471-8511, ext. 204 with questions, comments, your interests in the church plant, etc. I would love to know if you are interested in being a part of this adventure. There will be many opportunities for involvement along the way. For now, I invite you to pray. Pray that as a church we will stay faithful to the call God has placed upon us to reach out to the world with the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Pray that through us – and a simple school building – God will transform hearts and lives. Let’s go back to school!
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 3
KRISPY KREME DONUTS FUNDRAISER Thanks for supporting the donut fundraiser for the Youth Singers tour. May 6 will be the last Sunday (until September) that we will have fresh Krispy Kreme donuts available. Don’t miss out! All proceeds go toward the 2018 summer tour. Thank you for your generosity! Your support allows ALL singers to go on the summer tour.
LUBBOCK, TX FIRST UMC CHANCEL CHOIR ON TOUR The Chancel Choir of FUMC in Lubbock, Texas takes a tour every four years. This year, they are coming to Colorado June 1012. FUMC in Lubbock was the first stop for the Youth Singers tour in 2017. They were a very gracious and wonderful host to us! It is now our turn to reciprocate with hospitality! Approximately 40 adults (both married couples and single adults) will be travelling to Colorado Springs in June. We are looking for FUMC hosts who will open their homes to this choir members. They will be with us on Sunday evening, June 10 (after dinner). They are planning on attending the Youth Singers Homecoming Concert at 7:00 p.m. and can be picked up to go to homes afterwards. They will need breakfast at the hosts’ homes on June 11 and transportation to the church where they will board their bus for a day of touring. They will return to FUMC for dinner and a concert followed by one more overnight in hosts’ homes. Please call the Music and Arts Office at 471-8522, ext. 221 and let us know how many you can host (number of married couples/single adults you can house).
YOUTH CHORALE CD IS COMING! Our very talented Youth Chorale is preparing to record and release a CD! This CD will contain selections from the Requiem concert in April 29, three Christmas selections, two contemporary Christian selections and the Hallelujah chorus. A total of eleven selections! Proceeds from the sale of this CD will go to help finance the Chorale’s trip to Carnegie Hall next November. The expected release date will be May 27, 2018. You may secure your advance copy of this historic CD by calling the Music and Arts Office 884-2504. The cost will be $15 per CD. We will be taking the CDs with us to sell on tour (June 1-10), so you are encouraged to secure your copy prior to tour! 4 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
YOUTH CHORALE TO SING IN CARNEGIE HALL IN NEW YORK CITY! The agency supporting these concerts (Distinguished Concerts International New York City) heard the Youth Chorale on 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 by 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! 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!
SKY SOX TIME IS COMING! Our annual “FUMC Night at the Sky Sox” will be on Saturday, June 16 at 6:00 p.m. We have a reserved section at Sky Sox Stadium just for FUMC patrons. Our discounted tickets are $9.00 each. We will also preorder parking passes for you as well ($4.00 each). To get your tickets and parking passes, call the Music and Arts Office at 471-8522, ext. 221. We only have 75 tickets this year. Deadline to order and pay for tickets is May 28.
ST. STEPHENS CHOIR FROM AMARILLO The choir from St. Stephens UMC in Amarillo will be visiting us on Sunday, June 17 and singing at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Join us in welcoming them to Colorado Springs!
VISITING YOUTH CHOIR THIS SUMMER The junior/senior high school youth choir from Custer Road UMC in Plano, Texas will be with us in concert on Tuesday, June 19 at 7:00 p.m. This youth choir is one of the premiere youth choirs from a large United Methodist Church in the Dallas Metroplex area. Their director has been with them for many years and is very respected in the church music arena. Mark your calendar!
Thursday,
May 3
NOAH Breakfast — IHOP (229 Southgate Rd.)
Sunday,
May 6
Youth Singers Krispy Kreme Donut Fundraiser
Tuesday,
May 15
NOAH Lunch — The Country Buffet (801 N Academy)
Wednesday,
May 16
T4G Last Meeting before Bridge Event
Saturday,
May 19
ManUp! Event and Luncheon — (See details on page 6)
Monday,
May 21
NOAH Trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science — (See details on page 6)
Monday,
May 28
Church is Closed in Observance of Memorial Day
Sun-Tues,
June 10-12
Chancel Choir from Lubbock, TX — (See details on page 4)
Saturday,
June 16
Chancel Choir Performance at the Sky Sox Game — (See details on page 4)
Sunday,
June 17
St. Stephens Choir Worship Performance — (See details on page 4)
Tuesday,
June 19
Youth Choir from Custer Road UMC in Plano, TX
Monday-Friday, June 25-29
9:00 am
11:30 am 6:30 pm 10:00 am
11:00 am
7:00 pm
VBS — Registration for all summer camps open in Kingdom City and at fumc-cs.org
MMO/PRESCHOOL SCHOOL YEAR 2018-19
PRESCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM The preschool is offering 4 two-week summer sessions for children 2 1/2 to 5 years old. Classes are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. For information or registration forms, please contact Dianna Flaherty, Preschool Director at 884-2500, or diannaf@fumc-cs.org. Session 1 – May 29 to June 8 Session 2 – June 11 to June 22 Session 3 – July 2 to July 13 Session 4 – July 16 to July 27
$195 (No class May 28, Memorial Day) $215 $195 (No class - July 4th) $215
We are now accepting registration for 2018-19 school year. FUMC preschool is committed to providing a high- quality, play-based, nurturing, secure and affordable, statelicensed early childhood experience. Classes are open to all families in the community. We partner with parents to develop a relationship with each child which promotes cooperation, critical thinking, literacy skills and creativity. Children experience stillness, wonder and prayer during sacred times. MMO/Young Toddlers: 18 months by October 1, 2018 Jr. Preschool: 2½ years by October 1, 2018 Preschool: 3 years by October 1, 2018 (Must be toilet trained) Pre-K: 4 years by October 1, 2018 (Must be toilet trained) For more information or to schedule a tour, contact Dianna Flaherty, 719-884-2500 or diannaf@fumc-cs.org. First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 5
NOAH BREAKFAST Our NOAH breakfast this month is Thursday, May 3 at 9:00 a.m. at IHOP located at 229 Southgate Rd. This is always a great time of fellowship. No reservations are needed. Just show up and have fun!
NOAH LUNCH Join our NOAH Lunch Tuesday, May 15 at 11:30 a.m. We will meet at Country Buffet at 801 N. Academy. You don’t need to make a reservation.
WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS A CONCUSSION? Our ManUp! group is sponsoring a luncheon on Saturday, May 19. We will have a panel presentation on “Concussion Protocol.” With so much concern about concussions from little league through professional sports, this is a topic on the minds of many parents. “Should I let my child be in sports?” “What can I do to protect them?” These and other questions will be addressed by Zach Walker, our Director of Youth Ministries, who holds a degree in Sports Medicine. Mike Wheeler, hospital administration and trained in concussion protocol, will also be with us. Patrick Mulvey, teacher and coach who is trained in concussion protocol, will add his knowledge to the panel. This event is open to all who are interested. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes with lunch. The cost is $10 per person. Reservations are required by Sunday, May 13. To make your reservation, contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at 648-1571 or jerryh@fumc-cs.org.
DEAD SEA SCROLLS On Monday, May 21, our NOAH group is going to Denver to see the special display of The Dead Sea Scrolls. Our trip will also include free time at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The cost for the trip is $20 per person. This includes transportation, admission to the museum and the special exhibit. We will leave the church at 8:00 a.m. and return around 3:30 p.m. You will need to bring money for lunch. To make your reservation, contact Rev. Jerry Hurst at 648-1571 or jerryh@fumc-cs.org.
6 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
The Ecumenical Social Ministries Food Pantry continues to serve record numbers of guests. The donations from First UMC are vital to this ministry to the families in our community who do not have enough to eat. For the month of May, the biggest needs are: dry pasta, pasta sauce, bottled water, baby diapers (sizes 1, 3, & 5), peanut butter.
UMW’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES United Methodist Women follow a different schedule in the summer. Circles do not meet in June or July, but activities continue throughout this time. A reception committee is available which graciously prepares and serves during funerals when requested. UMW ladies will be hosting their annual day at the Ranch on August 4. The fall bazaar, one of our most important fundraisers of the year, supports missions locally and worldwide. Interest groups will be meet during the summer in preparation for this event on October 28. Card Workshop meets bi-monthly to create beautiful cards to dale in the bazaar. Crafters will meet regularly to work on a wide selection of gift items. Quilters meet each Monday. A reading group offers books selected to address topics of our times. These books can be found in the church library. The jewelry department is no longer accepting worn jewelry. We will be collecting gently used household items later in the summer. All UMW groups are open to new participants. Come visit us and learn more about each Circle, enjoy the fellowship, various projects, and the educational opportunities. Schedules are listed each Sunday in First News. For more information, please call 632-5965 or 596-3778.
Like any worship service, the last thing we experience at Stories @ The Edge is a short sermon. You can now watch these sermons live on Facebook at facebook.com/ theedgedowntown. We hope you share this time with us!
CHACRASECA—MISSON TRIP TO NICARAGUA
PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY
"...there are new and intriguing people to meet whose lifestyle and coping mechanisms teach and challenge me to ponder the basic question of what is at the core of grasping and appreciating this experience of life."
“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.
First United Methodist is planning a fourth mission trip to Nicaragua on the week of December 28, 2018—January 5, 2019. Chacraseca is a 49-square-mile farming community just east of Leon, near the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. Most of the 8,000 residents in Chacraseca are subsistence farmers, averaging less than $2 per day per family in income. Life is lived constantly on the edge, but rather than despair, the community has chosen to organize to work together to realize their dreams for a better life for all. Many people have already expressed interest in this trip. Missions will be hosting an informational meeting on Sunday, May 13 at 9:30 in the Parlor. Light refreshments will be available. We will discuss opportunities and logistics of this trip. If you have not already expressed an interest and would like to join us to learn more about this mission, please contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org so we have an accurate count of attendees.
NEW MISSION OPPORTUNITY Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) is a Christian organization that provides meals to the world’s most vulnerable children. FMSC has tackled world hunger since 1987 by sending volunteer-packed, nutritious meals, specifically designed to assist in preventing and reversing malnutrition, to 70 countries. These meals are used in schools, orphanages, clinics and feeding programs. In 2016 more than 1.1 million volunteers packed nearly 284 million meals. How our congregation can help: Through FMSC MobilePack™ events, we can engage in an impactful meal-packing experience just about anywhere. People from ages 5 to 99 participate in mobile packs. It’s a compassionate, fun and meaningful way to spend 2 hours of your time. Watch for more information about MobilePack™ opportunities in the next few months. If you would like more information you may contact Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at chucks@fumc-cs.org or Barb Donnegan at barbdonnegan@icloud.com.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
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
•
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, May 27.
Learn more about FUMC programs and events at fumc-cs.org
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 7
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) As we approach the end of our regular Sunday School year there are many activities that we look forward to. In May, we will learn about the Wesleys and Pentecost (May 20). All 6th graders are invited to come and release a dove during the 9:30 Sunday School hour. On May 27, we will farewell our sixth graders as they bridge to the youth group (9:30 service only). In June, Summer Sunday School begins! Our Sunday School begins in a large group gathering where we celebrate each other and pray together. Then, we move into age appropriate groupings and follow a rotational format which teaches a different part of the overall lesson each week. Come join us at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday in Kingdom City!
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP (11:00 AM) 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 which follows the liturgical scripture used at the 11:00 a.m. service.
T4G - MEETING BEFORE OUR BRIDGE EVENT Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in The Zone Our 5th and 6th graders are invited to join us for a combined youth and tween Wednesday night get together event. We will meet in the Zone (South Wing basement) and eat dinner, play, sing and fellowship together. This will be the final event before the tweens “graduate” to youth! Mark your calendars for the bridging ceremony on May 27 at 9:30 a.m. only.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE SUMMER FUN! Registration for all summer camps is open now in Kingdom City or at fumc-cs.org.
JUNE 25 - 29
JULY 10 or 11
JULY 12-14
JULY 16 – 20
Preschool through completed 5th grade
John Wesley Ranch in Divide Completed K-3rd grades
John Wesley Ranch in Divide Completed 4th – 6th grades
There’s a Song in the Air! Completed K – 6th grades
8 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN MAY MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB Wednesday, May 2, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meal included. The Zone Doug Ingram reached the summit of Mt. Everest on May 21, 2013. He has graciously accepted an invitation to share his experience with us here in the Zone. A mountain over twice as tall as Pikes Peak, the drive and ability, adversity and enlightenment... There is always something to learn about climbing our own mountains.
PRAYER STATIONS Wednesday, MaLy 9, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meal included. The Zone This evening, we will share a meal, then participate in a contemplative time where we will encounter the divine, in various ways. Praying is making ourselves vulnerable and humbly reaching to God in times of joy and hardship.
T4G IN THE ZONE
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS — SONG & SCRIPTURE Sunday Mornings at 9:30 a.m. 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 that make it on the radio. Listen for what God can teach us through others, as we share scripture, ideas, and stories, that not only inspire, but remind us that God is not just at church.
HOPE IN AN ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meal included. The Zone The upcoming 7th graders will be joining us on this special night to get a taste of Youth Ministry as they get ready to join the us next year.
LAST DAY POTLUCK! Wednesday, May 23, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Meal included. The Zone We have arrived at the end of this semester...Summer is HERE! Let’s kick it off by sharing food, fun, and laughter! Bring something to share! NO YOUTH! Wednesday, May 30
May 6, May 13 and May 20
First United Methodist Church • The Encounter I 9
2 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church