January Pastor s Ponderings

Transcription

1 January 2019 First United Methodist Church of Salida Love, Live, Give As You Have Received 4 th & D Streets (P.O. Box 945) Salida, CO (719) Ministers: Everyone; Pastor: Melinda Roberts (O), (C); Office Administrator: Licia Iverson; Accompanist: Rod Schleicher; Choir Director: Mary Sandell Co-Lay Leaders: Burrell & Sherry Welton: Burrell , Sherry ; C0-Church Council Chair: Elaine Adams and Eduardo Brummel ; Treasurer: Randy Bergstrom ; Finance Secretary: Paul Wilson Pastor s pastor@salidaumc.org Church website: Church office@salidaumc.org Pastor s Ponderings Dear Church, Happy New Year! I am so excited to begin 2019 with you! Kasey and I have been learning the ropes and getting our feet underneath us these past six months with you. Now that we are starting a brand new year, I am excited to see what we can accomplish together. I want to encourage you to join us on Sunday, January 20 following the morning service for a potluck lunch and our Annual Church Celebration where we will reflect on our past year of ministry. We will also be looking forward to the ways that we will get to Know Christ more in As Methodists, there is another important date coming up early in the New Year that needs to be on our radar. February in St. Louis, MO there will be a special called General Conference to respond to the work of a special committee that was designated to present A Way Forward for the UMC in the area of human sexuality. There is a great deal of anxiety surrounding this session from the right, left and moderate positions. I wanted to make you aware of an informational meeting with the delegates from our conference prior to the General Conference in St. Louis. The format of this meeting will be to help our folks understand the three primary plans that will be presented at the General Conference. This will be a time to dialogue about the plans rather than debate them. I am planning to attend this meeting and would invite any of you to join me at this meeting on Saturday, January 26 at SonRise UMC in Pueblo West. I understand that this is a long way to go for a meeting. If 1 you are interested in learning more about what will be before the delegates in St. Louis, but cannot make this meeting, I would be happy to share my limited knowledge on the inner workings of the polity of the UMC, again, as a dialogue, not a debate. Or feel free to check out this informational page which was put together by the conference: CLICK HERE (or: use this web address: ward None of us, including the delegates, know what will happen in February with our denomination. The best we can say, and trust, is that God knows. For me personally, I know for sure how I will respond following the General Conference. Whatever happens, or doesn t happen, I pledge that I will respond with love. I will continue to lead in a way that is influenced by my quest to know Christ more in this life. As Paul states in Philippians 3:14-15, But one thing I do (know) : forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. May this be our quest through all of 2019 whatever changes we may face. Be the church, Mel Melinda Roberts, Pastor pastor@salidaumc.org; (505)

2 Sharing Our Prayers, Praise, Needs & Celebrations Please continue to hold these prayer requests deep within your hearts. We will keep you posted, as we know more: Jim Rees We are so very grateful that Jim has completed his treatments and rehab in Denver and was able to return to their beautiful mountain home in Salida. Please continue to keep Jim and Barbara deep within your prayers as he continues his physical therapy here in Salida.getting stronger and stronger every day! Patsy Madzey (Wayne Iverson s cousin) had her second cancer related surgery in December and is preparing for her radiation treatment to begin in mid-january. Please keep Patsy and her family in your prayers as she takes necessary steps to restore her health. Judy Naviaux continues to heal from her knee surgery and is about halfway through with the procedures on veins in both legs to address her phlebitis. Judy appreciates all your prayers, calls, cards & visits. Please continue to keep Judy deep within your prayers. Constant pain is NO fun and we know that Judy is used to having FUN! We hope that Judy is out and about very soon AND pain free! Carolers! -Thank you everyone who went Christmas Caroling on December 16 th. We had such a good time singing at the hospital and at the homes of several church members and friends. Special thank you to Mary & Scott Sandell who welcomed us all in their home at the end of the day for a delicious chili, cornbread and dessert supper! It was so great! Church Decorating - Thank you to the many volunteers who helped to decorate the church for this year s Christmas Season! It is always a very special time of the year when we all come together in preparation for Christmas. We will be UN- DECORATING the church on Saturday, January 5 th at 9:00am. Volunteers are needed and your help will be greatly appreciated! Any questions please see Licia. Poinsettia Orders - Once again, thank you to everyone who ordered a poinsettia (or two) in Honor of or in Memory of your loved ones. They have added such beauty to the sanctuary. If you would like to take yours home, you are welcomed to stop by the church during office hours to pick up your plant or if you need us to hold it for you, just let us know. Fudge Update Fudge money and a few final expenses are still coming in and we are so grateful! We still have some fudge left, so if you are in need of an after holiday treat or perhaps you bought fudge for everyone else, but not yourself, please stop by the church to pick some up. Thank you to Patio Pancake for making our fudge available for purchase at their cashier counter! Next time you are there, please express our gratitude. Soon we ll be able to let you know how effective this fundraiser was.so far, it is looking GOOD! Please send your prayer requests, updates, celebrations and announcements to Licia at: office@salidaumc.org 2 Ever wondered how you might be of service to the church? Please consider being on the volunteer rotations for one of these three areas of service! For more information, please contact the following coordinators: Ushers Ginny Cunningham (719) Liturgists Karen Yerkey (719) Fellowship Barbara Zechman (719) THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS January Ushers - Coordinator: Ginny Cunningham January 6 Jerry & Ginny Cunningham January 13 Paul & Cindy Wilson January 20 Debbie Jackson & Cynthia Hearn January 27 Judith Kinzie & Ginny Cunningham January Liturgists - Coordinator: Karen Yerkey January 6 David Hearn January 13 Mike Orrill January 20 Carol Mumma January 27 Phyllis Massee January Fellowship Hosts Coordinator: Barb Zechman January 6 Available January 13 Available January 20 Available January 27 Available Faith Book Club The Faith book club will meet Tuesday, January 8 th at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Catherine Hayden The book will be chosen at the meeting. Everyone is invited to join us.

3 Remember to purchase your Safeway cards or at the Church office or from Barb Williams. JANUARY CELEBRATIONS Birthdays January 1 Calob Rundell January 2 Fred Jackson January 2 Wilbur Richardson January 11 Linda Bergstrom January 12 Leon Stanton January 16 Christine Richardson January 22 Karen Yerkey January 23 Jean Rodenbeck January 29 Judy Naviaux Please consider using our Safeway gift cards for your purchases at Safeway. Your participation in this program helps to raise money for the church! And it is really EASY! You can also use these Safeway cards to purchase other gift cards for convenient gifts. Your Safeway card can also be used at the Safeway pharmacy. You may purchase a reloadable gift card for $10 and it has $10 available on it. Then just have the cashier (before scanning your items) add your desired amount to the gift card and you re ready to go! You can also do this at the Customer Service desk before shopping! We also have gift cards in denominations of $50 or $100. Our church receives 5% of your purchases. This is a very convenient fundraiser for our church and your participation is greatly appreciated! If you have any questions, please see Barb Williams or you may inquire in the office. Your gift cards are waiting for you. Anniversaries January 1 January 6 Mary & Bill Reeves Judy & Ralph Eyler Request from Licia: Please be sure to let the office know about the dates of the birthdays and anniversaries in your family! We love to celebrate such joys! Saturday, Jan 5 th 9:00AM Volunteers needed to help UN-Decorate the church! Hope you can join us to help! Thank you for your prayerful consideration regarding your financial support of our church for this New Year It is through your generosity, that we are able to do God s work through this beautiful community of faith. If you are in need of a 2019 Financial Pledge Commitment Card, they are available at the church entry way, in Century Hall or in the office. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and your faithful support! Please know that your pledge information is held in strict confidence. If you have any questions, please speak with our Finance Secretary: Paul Wilson. You may reach him via at: pwilson54@aol.com or call on his cell: (719)

4 TRINITY VIEWS A Message from our District Superintendent, Margaret Gillikin Happy New Year and Epiphany Greetings! As we enter 2019, I pray this finds you in good health and spirit, still treasuring the gifts of heart and life that came to you this Christmas. I hope that you have room for one more Holy Day (the origin of holiday) tradition perhaps not one you ve encountered before. In some places around the world, it is the custom on January 1 st for people to return home and receive a blessing from their parents. It is a lovely practice, with mothers and fathers placing their hands on their children s heads and praying for them, whether they are 5, 15 or 50 years old. Granted, not all of us still have parents to return home to at this stage of life. But this is a gift that nurturing soul-friends might provide one another in the life of our congregations. And, any of us who have young people we connect with might consider offering them a blessing, whatever the official relationship. Frankly, I don t believe it s possible for young people to have too many adults who love them. Bring on the borrowed grands and aunties and uncles! Scripture is filled with blessings that can be prayed for and with one another. One of the most famous comes from Aaron s words from Numbers 6: May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord s face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. I suspect that many of you might have these words memorized from regular use in some way. If these exact words feel overly formal, or just awkward to speak aloud over someone, you might consider how you would naturally express the deeper meaning they convey. How does this person bring you and God delight? How are the bonds of relationship between the two of you and with God a gift? What hopes for well-being and goodness in life do you hold for this person? Truly, how would you bless the space between you? this calendar year with a spiritual gift, blessing those who matter to you. While you re at it I request that you join me in offering prayers of blessing for Sarah and Major Rettig, our newly hired Trinity District Congregational Resource Ministers (CRMs). They begin their work with the District this month, even as they continue serving as pastors of the Hugo and Limon churches. As we live into a new season of growth together, I pray that we may all find abundance of hope and vitality as we serve in Jesus name. Blessings on the Journey from your District Superintendent, A Message to all SUMC Committee Chairs Please have your 2018 Annual Report turned in to Licia or Melinda by January 9, 2019, so that we can compile our 2018 information to be shared at our Annual Church Celebration on January 20 th, after worship. We will take a look at the gifts and opportunities provided in 2018 and we will prepare the way to receive the gifts and opportunities of Any questions? Please see Mel or Licia. MAY 2019 BE A YEAR OF Whether you actually lay hands upon a beloved one, or simply pray blessings in your heart, I invite you to begin 4

5 Operation Spirit From The Heart of the Rockies Salida Troops Donations We are helping to collect items for a project at the Lutheran church for our Salida troops. All donations need to be here on or before Sunday, January 20 th Collection box is in Century Hall. Packing of Boxes will take place on Tuesday, January 22 nd at 9:00am at the Lutheran Church, in their basement. Thank you so much for your help. Items needed are: Important Request: All items travel size or individually wrapped. Dental Floss Batteries Oatmeal Granola Bars Razors Tuna Packets Chips of all kinds Chocolate Hand Sanitizer Mole Skin Nutella Hand Warmers All items need to be in small packages. Monetary Donations for Postage see info below Thank You for Supporting this Outreach!!! We are always looking to add other troop members (who are stationed out of the country) to receive these monthly boxes. Please let Ginny Biglow know if you have someone in mind! Special Request: Monetary Donations are needed to cover the cost of shipping the packages to our troops! Make checks payable to: First Lutheran, write TROOPS on the memo line. Mail to: First Lutheran Church 1237 F. St. Salida, CO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Please consider becoming a volunteer for OUR CHILDREN S PROGRAM We need your help, please! Each Sunday, during the worship service, children in attendance have the opportunity to come up to the front of the sanctuary for the Message for Young People. Following this special time, all children are invited to leave the sanctuary with our Sunday School teachers & volunteers, to go to the children s classroom. Parents may pick them up there after worship. On Communion Sundays, the children, teachers and volunteers will return to the sanctuary to participate in Communion with their families. Currently, Licia and Ginny have been the primary volunteers. We would welcome additional volunteers who 5 could work with Ginny or Licia on a given Sunday, so that occasionally, they could each attend the worship service. It is our policy to always have two volunteers with the children at all times. Age appropriate activities are provided each week. Children benefit from the small group and large group activities which include: exploring life lessons and virtues through Bible Stories, creative art projects, playing with manipulatives (floor or table games), and experiencing the joy of music! Come play, have fun, be inspired and help demonstrate to the children what living a life in faith can be about. You will be blessed and will be a blessing! If you are willingly interested and/or need more information about the Children s Program please speak with Pastor Melinda, Licia Iverson or Ginny Biglow. Thank You!! Sundays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Tues, Jan. 1 Wed, Jan. 2 Sat, Jan. 5 Sun, Jan. 6 Tues, Jan. 8 Tues, Jan. 8 Wed, Jan. 9 Sun, Jan. 20 Sun, Jan. 20 Mon, Jan. 21 Tues, Jan. 22 Wed, Jan. 23 Sat, Jan. 26 (Mark your calendars NOW!) Ongoing Weekly Scheduled Items Include: Choir Practice 9:15am Worship 10:30am Women s Bible Study, 9:30am, Century Hall Heaven at 11:00am Contemplative Prayer Gp. Church is closed for cleaning, 12:00-2:00pm Salida Brass Rehearsal, 6:30pm, Choir Room Church Office is Closed HAPPY NEW YEAR! Church Office Closed Sophia Circle, 5:00-7:00, Parlor UN-Decorate the Church, 9:00am Worship with Communion Faith Book Club, 10:00am, Home of Catherine Hayden, Finance Mtg, 2:00pm, Century Hall SUMC 2018 Committee Reports Due Salida Fiber Fest Mtg., 9:00-11:00am, CH Church Council Mtg., 3:00pm, Century Hall NAMI Workshop, 5:00pm, Century Hall NAMI Connections Gp, 5:30pm, Century Hall NAMI Support Gp, 5:30pm, Parlor Troop Donations Due! Annual Church Celebration with Fellowship Potluck Luncheon. Monitor Articles Due Pack Troop Boxes, 9:00am, Lutheran Ch. Bsmt. NAMI Crisis Planning Wkshp, 6:00-8:00pm, CH Informational Mtg. with UMC Delegates, 9:00am at SonRise UMC, Pueblo West. Interested in attending? See Pastor Mel for more information!