Encounter May 2017

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Building homes, communities and hope.

Our FUMC teams with Habitat for Humanity continue to be hard at work helping build a home for a family in need. On Saturdays, February 11 and March 1, the FUMC Apostles Build teams worked together with volunteers from St. Patrick’s Catholic and Black Forest Lutheran Churches. We had good weather both days and were able to put up sheathing on the entire outside and completely shingle the roof of the Habitat house. This was the third and fourth of a total of six assigned workdays. On April 22, we will partner with First Congregational Church and on May 20 with St. Francis Catholic Church. All shift assignments have been filled. At the completion of the house, there will be a home blessing. More information will be coming in First News.

Thanks to all the volunteers that have supported this opportunity to put our faith into action by providing a home for a deserving, needy family. If you want more information on this project, contact Gordon Kunzman at gordonkco@q.com.

IN THIS ISSUE...

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Renewal

By Kent Ingram - Page 2

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 3 & 4

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Calendar of Events Page 5

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Children’s Ministries Page 6 & 7

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Youth Ministries Page 8

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 9

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Caring Ministries Page 10

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Around the Church & Beyond Page 11

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Chancel Choir Spring Concert Back Cover

VISIT US ONLINE AT fumc-cs.org 

Renewal

By Kent Ingram, Senior Pastor

2015 marked the 30th anniversary of my graduation from seminary. For thirty years, I had been in full time ministry, I had been a student pastor and an intern for the previous four years. In 1990, I was appointed to be senior minister of a fairly large, multiple staff church in Midwest City, Oklahoma.

So for 25 years, in 2015, I had been senior minister in a large church. After all of this time, it seemed like a renewal leave was in order. The Staff Parish Relations Committee from our church agreed and encouraged me to take a renewal leave.

I was elected to serve on the General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference delegations in 2015, with those meeting occurring in 2016. There was too much work to be done to take a renewal leave until after the conferences. The conferences are behind me, although there is still a lot of work I do as the head of the delegation. Once again, I asked the Staff Parish Relations Committee for a renewal leave and they granted me my request.

I will be on leave from June 18 through September 5. My plans are to do a little fly fishing, visit my family and a few friends, maybe do a little fly fishing, take a trip with my wife, and well, maybe do a little fly fishing! I plan on relaxing and reading and renewing my body and soul.

The staff will fill in admirably for me while I am gone. We have an amazing, competent, caring staff. I don’t worry at all about being gone with them in charge. They will care for the preaching on Sunday mornings and other pastoral functions during the week. I have asked Rev. Tiffany Keith (who will be

ordained an elder June 18) to make any decisions I would have to make in my absence. But, frankly, this staff is so good that there are few crises and not a lot of need to step in very often. I trust Tiffany, as our ordained elder on staff, to make good decisions for this church.

Please know, I don’t feel “burned out” or exhausted. I do admit, that there is a little bit of a ”Groundhog Day” feeling when I come to work each Monday to do the same thing I’ve done for 27 years. The Book of Discipline encourages pastors to take renewal leaves every seven years. I’ve never taken one in my ministry. So it is time.

I also want to be clear that I am not contemplating leaving or doing anything else. I will have been here 11 years as I start my leave. It may be about “halftime” in my ministry here. I could serve as many as 15 more years, but, like anyone else, I’m not sure what the future brings as far as health and children and maybe even grandchildren! But Bishop and God willing, I will likely be here at least 11 more years! So now is a good time to recharge and renew.

Please hear this, you do not honor me by staying away from church while I am on leave! I would love to see an increase in attendance while I’m gone! We have a lot of visitors and folks looking for a church home at the end of the summer. Your presence creates a vital and lively atmosphere in our worship services. I need you here!

Thanks for being such a supportive and caring church for me and my family for 11 years. I look forward to many more with 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.

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: Habitat for Humanity 2016-2017

WORDS FROM

LELAND REECE, LAY LEADER Having grown up on a farm in western Kansas I remember my mom would purchase over one hundred chicks every year. They would be placed in a brooder house where they would grow until they were mature. The pullets would then be relocated to the hen house and the roosters would go to the table. Like any child, my brothers and I loved to play with them. We would each pick out one chick that we would call our own and usually had to place a band on its leg to distinguish which one was ours.

One year, there was a black chick in the group and, of course, I chose it to be mine. As time passed the chicks grew and developed feathers. The black chick grew white feathers between the black feathers. It looked kind of like a strutting checkerboard. I thought it was the coolest chicken ever! It continued to mature and eventually grew spurs on its legs and became aggressive. That’s when I realized it was a rooster... and we all knew what happened to them! I pleaded with my mother to save that feisty bird and against her better judgement she spared the axe.

Over the next few months, I was attacked multiple times by that barnyard fowl and never said a word about it to my mom even though it really hurt! Then one day, I saw my younger brother on his tricycle when the rooster got on the handlebars and started attacking him without mercy. My mother came running out of the house and knocked the rooster half way to the next county. That ornery bird had sealed his own fate and promptly ended up in the pot!

There have been a number of occasions that I have begged God to do something for me that I knew was not quite right. A few times He has granted my request and I have usually ended up in the pot!

Hope to see you at worship, Leland Reece

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

THANK YOU JERRY HURST! Rev. Jerry Hurst’s last official Sunday as full time pastor on staff will be May 21. After that he will be in retired status with the United Methodist Church, but will still be serving here part time (see related article). We will recognize Jerry and his over 30 years service to the United Methodist Church and over 13 years service to First United Methodist Church at all of the sanctuary services.

We are now receiving cash gifts for Jerry to show our appreciation. Please mark all checks “Jerry Hurst.” We will present him with his gift at the services on May 21.

Be sure to show your appreciation to Jerry and be here for his final official Sunday as full time pastor! This will be a time for you to stop by and enjoy some light refreshments as we congratulate this servant of The United Methodist Church, but more importantly this servant of God.

NEW STAFF ASSIGNMENTS As Rev. Jerry Hurst retires this month, there will be several staff changes taking place by July 1. Rev. Hurst will continue part time on staff. He will lead the older adult ministry, NOAH, and the men’s ministry — Man Up! Rev. Dr. Todd Spencer will move into the adult education position, with his new title being Minister of Spiritual Formation. He will lead our adult education ministry, and introduce a number of new spiritual formation opportunities and small groups for adults. He will also oversee the youth ministry. Zach Walker, a member here and former youth intern, has been hired to direct the youth program. Working under Todd’s leadership, Zach will help continue the great tradition we have in youth ministry. Rev. Tiffany Keith will take over some of Jerry’s worship responsibilities, while continuing to provide excellent leadership for the Edge and doing the evangelism work for First Church.

The Staff Parish Relations Committee is excited about this new staffing configuration, and believe it can help us grow even stronger in our ministry at First Church.

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ZACH WALKER TO SERVE AS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES After a multi-month, national search, FUMC has hired Zach Walker to serve in the position of Director of Youth Ministries.

Zach is a person of deep faith with a sincere calling to youth ministry. He’s a bright, creative, fun and warm human being and a talented leader.

Zach grew up here in Colorado Springs. He went to Cheyenne Mountain High School and was very active in FUMC Youth and Youth Singers, among his many activities. After high school, Zach went to Baylor University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2016. During the interview process, one of his professors said, “Out of 100 students, I place Zach in the top 5. He’s just excellent! He’s grounded in faith, has strong interpersonal qualities, is diligent and thorough and is just an enjoyable person to be around.”

While he was in college, Zach served on the staff at Austin Avenue UMC in their youth ministry program. His supervisor recently said, “Zach is such a good guy, from the inside out. He lives his life the way you want those kids to live theirs as they grow and mature… He’s a team player… can definitely run things as a leader and is very creative!” Additionally, over two summers during college, Zach did an exceptional job, serving as our FUMC Summer Youth Ministry Intern, under Rev. Dr. Todd Spencer.

Zach and his wonderful wife, Aspen – an elementary school teacher, who also grew up here at FUMC, are moving back to the Springs this summer. Zach will begin his position at FUMC in mid-July.

Please join us in welcoming both of them home!

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Gathering † Worshiping † Being At The Edge, we believe we get to catch a glimpse of the Kingdom of God every time we listen deeply to others stories. If we don’t create a space to listen for God’s work in people’s lives, who will? If we aren’t listening for Christ at work in the world, who will be the witnesses for us?

Because we believe in the power of personal story, we are working towards a secure financial future. Our plan is to make major moves toward the goal of financial selfsustainability for the remainder of this year and into next.

We will be working to bring in $25,000 this year, through five “streams of funding” to accomplish this goal. The majority of that amount will come from donations from supporters like you. You can help with this in three ways, first, you can donate to The Edge (mark “The Edge” on offering envelopes or checks,) you can attend one of our Stories @ The Edge events, or if you have already attended an event, you can help by telling us where God showed up for you during your connection. We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions, or would like to talk more, please don’t hesitate to text, call, or email Rev. Tiffany Keith, at 719-425-9752, tiffanyk@fumc-cs.org.

Blessings, Tiffany

VISITOR CONNECTION AND FIRST DISCOVERY We would love to help visitors find their way around our building and our community! There are a couple of ways we are making those connections easier. On Sundays, you can find Rev. Tiffany Keith and one of our Andrew Ministers by the organ console, answering questions and meeting people after service. If you have any questions, or if you know of a visitor that you’d like to introduce to them, please stop by.

We also offer a class designed for visitors, new-members, or anyone who just have questions about Methodist history, the United Methodist Church, or this church specifically. We call it, “First Discovery class.” Our next class will be this Sunday, April 30 during the 9:30 and again during the 11:00 a.m. service in the Parlor. For questions, please contact Rev. Tiffany Keith at tiffanyk@fumcs-cs.org.

Sunday,

April 30

Visitor Connections and First Discovery Class — Parlor

Sunday,

April 30

Chancel Choir Spring Concert — Sanctuary

May 4

NOAH Breakfast— (See details on page 9)

Wednesday,

May 10

Tweens and Youth Night Event— (See details on page 7)

6:30 p.m.

Saturday,

May 13

ManUp! Lunch, Bible Study, Service and Vision Sharing

10:00 a.m.

Monday,

May 15

NOAH: Jumping’ Good Goat Dairy Visit — (See details on page 9)

Sunday,

May 21

Jerry Hurst’s Retirement Recognition

Sunday,

May 21

Youth Singers Brunch — Fellowship Hall

9:00 a.m.

Wednesday,

May 24

UMW Reading Group Meeting — Hospitality Center

1:30 p.m.

Sunday,

May 28

Tweens’ Bridging Ceremony — Sanctuary

9:30 a.m.

Monday,

May 29

Church will Be Closed in Observance of Memorial Day

Sunday,

June 4

Stephen Ministry Luncheon — Parlor

12:15 p.m.

Sunday,

June 11

Homebound Visitor Luncheon — Parlor (Details coming soon)

12:05 p.m.

Mon-Fri,

June 19-23

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

Thursday,

9:30 & 11:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

All Services

ONLINE GIVING is an easy way to make contributions to the church. To access the giving page visit our website at www.fumc-cs.org and click on the ‘GIVE’ tab on the top menu. If you are a first-time visitor to the site, you will be prompted to sign-up for an account. You can easily set up your transactions as a one-time gift or a recurring donation. It’s that easy!

QUICK GIVING

THE GIVING KIOSK is also available at the Welcome Desk. This is a convenient way to donate right at church. Just select a fund, enter an amount, and swipe your card!

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:30 AM) We will be investigating Jesus’ miracles as we begin our regular rotations in May. 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.

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS in Photos

CHILDREN’S CHOIRS

Every year, our children’s choirs give their time and talent to praise the Lord! They recently delighted the congregation with a concert celebrating “This is the day the Lord has made!” (Psalms 118:24)

Our Children’s choirs will resume in September, after Labor Day. We have programs for children ranging from 4 years old to 6th grade! More information to come during the summer months.

CHERUB CHOIR (4-5yrs) meets for rehearsals on Sunday mornings, in Kingdom City Music Room, from 10:30-11:00 a.m.

This preschool choir allows the very young ones to sing and even ring rainbow bells as they begin to learn the basics about music. They are also a very precious part of our Christmas and Spring Concert programs.

CHORISTER CHIMES (Ages 1st – 3rd grade) In this group, children learn all about rhythm and basic note reading. This is a great stepping stone into our bell choir program.

CHORISTER CHOIR (Kindergarten–3rd grade) This vocal choir has the opportunity to sing in our concerts and in worship services throughout the year.

CATHEDRAL CHOIR (4th-6th Grade) The Cathedral Choir is the last Children’s Choir before this group joins the Youth Singers. While in this choir, the children learn basic music theory, musicality and spirituality.

CATHEDRAL RINGERS (4th–6th grade) This bell choir takes the children into a deeper level of music reading as they prepare to join the youth bell program.

For more information, contact Janita McGregor at 884-2466, or janitam@fumc-cs.org.

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES Upcoming Events MOTHER’S DAY AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH Following the 11:00 a.m. service, get your picnic baskets and come celebrate the day at John Wesley Ranch from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. The ranch is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon with the family, hiking, fishing or just enjoying the beauty of God’s majesty. (As a bonus, there will be no dishes for mom to wash, since it is Mother’s Day!)

T4G AND YOUTH EVENING GATHERING

‘EGGSPERIENCE’ EASTER in Photos This year, we decided to ‘Eggsperience’ Easter with a journey through Jerusalem as well as an egg hunt. Here are a few moments for you to ‘Eggsperience’!

We only have a few more opportunities to gather and grow in grace as tweens this year!

Please join us for a tweens/youth night on Wednesday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. We will have a light dinner, some games/fellowship/singing and then, we will break into smaller groups to get to know more about each other.

T4G UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDAR! On May 28, we will have a special bridging ceremony at the 9:30 a.m. service.

On June 4, our 6th graders are invited back for a special dove release on Pentecost Sunday!

The farewell to this amazing group of 6th graders will be at Camp T4G at John Wesley Ranch on July 6-8. Registrations are available online and in print at the Welcome Desk and in Kingdom City.

SUMMER CAMPS News!

Registration and volunteer opportunities available at www.fumc-cs.org, at the Welcome Desk and in Kingdom City.

ACT, MUSIC/ART/DRAMA CAMP ✓FIRST 1st - 7th graders, June 19-23, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

T4G AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH ✓CAMP 5th, 6th and 7th graders, July 6 - 8 CAMP AT AT JOHN WESLEY RANCH ✓DAY KG-3rd graders, July 11 or July 12 BIBLE SCHOOL ✓VBS—VACATION Preschool- 6th graders, July 24-28, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD: LETTERS TO THE EXILES, PART ONE: EXILE Wednesday, May 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., The Zone For the Life of the World is an entertaining, quirky, film series that explores the deeper meaning of salvation. Have you ever wondered, “What is my salvation actually for?” Is it only about getting into heaven, or something that comes later? This film series will likely have you giggling as well as wondering deeply, as it helps us look at what it means to be strangers and pilgrims living in “the now and not yet” of God’s Kingdom Come on Earth.

NEXT URBAN PEAK ‘STAND’ Friday, May 5, 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. at Urban Peak STAND (Students And Nourishing Dinners) is our youth mission of serving dinners at Urban Peak (a shelter for homeless teens). Our next monthly meal will be Friday, May 5. We are looking for youth to volunteer with the cooking from 3:15 to 5:00 p.m. We are also in need of taco ingredients and a dessert. If you are interested in helping with any of these needs please text/call Sam Brooks at 494-3303.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD: LETTERS TO THE EXILES, PART TWO: LOVE Wednesday, May 10, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone We continue with the quirky, fun and inspiring film series, For the Life of the World. Tonight’s theme: Love.

FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD: LETTERS TO THE EXILES, PART THREE: CREATIVE SERVICES Wednesday, May 17, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. The Zone We continue with the quirky, fun and inspiring film series, For the Life of the World. Tonight’s theme: Creative Services.

END OF THE YEAR POTLUCK AND PARTY! Wednesday, May 24, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Bring a dish to share and we’ll kick back for dinner and fun.

If you still have finals to study for, just come for dinner before getting back to the books, or stay for the whole evening if you can!

NO YOUTH GATHERING Wednesday, May 31 Yay, summer is here! Keep your eyes open for our summer newsletter coming to your mailbox soon.

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NOAH BREAKFAST This month, we will meet Thursday, May 4 at 9:00 a.m., at the IHOP at Southgate Center. You don’t need to make a reservation. Just join us for the great food and fellowship!

MANUP! LUNCH On Saturday, May 13, our men’s ministry will meet at the north entrance at 10:00 a.m. to install a bike rack for the church. Then, we will gather for a time of Bible study, service and vision sharing and lunch.

Cost for the lunch is $10 per person.

If you would like to make an additional donation to help with the cost of the bike rack and cement, a suggested amount is $10. We plan to adjourn by 12:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Rev. Jerry Hurst by Sunday, May 7, at 471-8522 or jerryh@fumc-cs.org.

JUMPIN’ GOOD GOAT! Our NOAH group is going to Buena Vista to visit the Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy, on Monday, May 15!

The cost for the trip is $20 each, plus money for your lunch. We will leave the church at 9:00 a.m., tour the dairy and see how they process the cheese. You can even pet the baby goats, if you want! There is a gift shop where you can buy knick-knacks and different types of cheese made at the dairy. Bring a bottle of water. After the tour, we will have lunch at Jan’s Restaurant in Buena Vista. We have two buses going on the trip with a few seats left. Call Rev. Jerry to check for available seats at 471-8522, ext. 209.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN READING GROUP The UMW Reading group participate in a reading program to educate members about issues facing humanity in our world today. It encourages critical thinking about the way of God’s mission as we attempt to strengthen involvement in the local and global Christian mission. This program was established in 1968 by the Women’s Division of Global Ministries who suggest books that expand exposure to local and global concerns. Participants are required to follow a list of books from the 5 different categories: Mission, Spiritual Growth, Community, Social Action and Leadership. Last year, nine members met the reading requirements and were recognized with certificates of completion from the District. Those receiving certificates were Mitzi Gardner, Pat Likness, Barbara Singmaster, Shirley Thompson, Loeda Westphal, Brenda Hawley, Pat Kosley, Maryann Barker and Evelyn Leachman. We congratulate these loyal readers! You are invited to be a part of this active group.

Our next meeting is May 24 at 1:30 p.m., in the Hospitality Center. For more information visit the Church Library, or call 632-5965 or 596-3778.

YOUTH SINGERS BRUNCH Join the Youth Singers for their final fundraiser of the year, Sunday, May 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. A delicious brunch of egg casserole, sliced ham, fruit, orange juice/coffee will be available! This event is always popular. Come and enjoy!

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

Preschool: 2 1/2 to 5 years old.

Session 1 – May 30 to June 9 Session 2 – June 12 to June 23 Session 3 – June 26 to July 7 Session 4 – July 10 to July 21

$195 (No class, May 29-Memorial Day) $215 $195 (No class, Tuesday, July 4th) $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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please contact Rev. Patty Walker at 471-8522, ext. 204, or pattyw@fumc-cs.org by June 1. A new class of Stephen Ministers will be trained (20 sessions) at FUMC starting in the fall of 2017.

NEW STEPHEN LEADERS BEING COMMISSIONED!

DON’T GO THROUGH IT ALONE Contact Rev. Patty Walker

STEPHEN MINISTRY Our congregation’s mission is to share the hope of God in a hopeless world and our Stephen Ministers live out that mission in a very real way. Stephen Ministers provide oneon-one ministry to people in the congregation and community who are experiencing divorce, unemployment, grief, 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 as well as their identity, confidential.

Are you in need of a listening presence and Christian friend?

To talk more about receiving the help of Stephen Minister, contact Rev. Patty Walker.

STEPHEN MINISTERS Have you ever wondered about becoming a Stephen Minister?

On Sundays, May 7 and 28, our current Stephen Ministers will host an information booth in the Hospitality Center. Please stop by learn more about this ministry.

On Sunday, June 4, join us for an informational lunch at 12:15 p.m. in the Parlor. To RSVP for the lunch, 10 I The Encounter • First United Methodist Church

On Sunday, May 7 at the 9:30 a.m. service, we will commission our new Stephen Leaders, Leanne Gamache and Alicia Jarvis. Leanne attended the week-long Stephen Ministry Leader Training in Orlando this past January. Alicia attended her training in St. Louis at the end of April. FUMC is blessed to have them join the Stephen Ministry Leadership team, which is also made up of Lori Smith and Jill Meider.

Lori, who has been serving as a Stephen Leader the last few years, will also be recognized on the 7th, as she was not previously commissioned. Stephen Leaders help guide our Stephen Ministry program by training and supervising our Stephen Ministers who provide one-on-one caring ministry to hurting persons in our congregation.

RESTING IN GOD: CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER Thursday Mornings Do you hunger for some time to just sit and be with God? In our fast-paced culture, we often find ourselves running from one thing to the next. But our souls need time to stop, to simply be, and open ourselves to the presence of God. You are invited to join a contemplative prayer group that meets in the FUMC Prayer Room on Thursday mornings, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. This time provides for a period of Centering Prayer (a silent form of Christian meditation), followed

by Lectio Divina (meditative reading of Scripture). Familiarity with the spiritual practices of Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina are not necessary as an introduction can be provided at any time to newcomers. This is a drop-in prayer group, meaning that you can come as your schedule allows. For information contact Rev. Patty Walker.

There is also a Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina group, called Holy Listeners, that meets on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in the Campbell Reading Room. For more information about this group contact Dan and Lori Lohrmeyer at 630-1809.

"In the morning, long before dawn, Jesus got up and left the house, and went off to a lonely place and prayed there." Mark 1:35

ANDREW MINISTRY

NICARAGUA MISSION TRIP 2017

If you enjoy serving God's people by extending the welcome and greeting of Christ, you are invited to learn more about the Andrew Ministry. Our Andrew Ministers are a group of dedicated hospitality hosts who are a very important part of our Sunday Worship. They serve as a first point of contact at the entrance doors and Welcome Desk. We invite you to consider helping in this important ministry area. You will serve once a month for a few hours and attend communication meetings throughout the year.

For more information, please contact Tonia Queen at ToniaQ@aol.com.

“Getting to know the people in Chacraseca, Nicaragua and working together as a team to make their lives better and more sustainable was a powerful and humbling experience,” said Rev. Dr. Chuck Stephens at his return from the mission trip to Nicaragua. Our mission team, came back with a sense of “there is still lots we can do!” but knowing that what ever they did will contribute to help this community in the future.

The community of Chacraseca was deeply touched and grateful for your gifts — monetary donations, shoes, prayers and support from the congregation of First United Methodist Church. Thank you all for the love and support.

You, once again, have shown that we can all be part of making a difference in our city and around the world.

SUNDAY HOSPITALITY CART Are you looking to find your place here at FUMC? We all love the hospitality cart.

It creates a time for fellowship and community, while welcoming all who come to worship on Sunday Mornings. Please consider helping us from 9:15 to 11:30 a.m. by signing up on a Sunday of your choice. Many of our teams are couples or friends. We can also match you up with someone to work with! To sign up or for more information, please contact Melodie Owens at 231-5473 or melodieowens@oureventsrock.com.

Please take a moment to stop by the cart on Sundays and thank the volunteers for their continued support.

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