The Monitor. February Pastor s Ponderings From Rev. Calob Rundell

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1 The Monitor February 2017 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: Calob Rundell (O), (C); Office Administrator: Licia Iverson; Organist: Rod Schleicher; Choir Director: Mary Sandell Co-Lay Leaders: Burrell & Sherry Welton Burrell, Sherry; Church Council Chair: Ken Leisher ; Financial Secretary: Paul Wilson Pastor s pastor@salidaumc.org Church website: Church office@salidaumc.org Pastor s Ponderings From Rev. Calob Rundell The Future Is Now Friends, if you have one of the latest smart phones in your hands, you hold over 100,000,000 times the computing power that NASA used to send the Apollo missions to the moon. You read that correctly. The iphone or Samsung Galaxy you have could send one hundred million missions to the moon.all at the same time. The future is here. All those decades ago in the 1960s as modern computing was getting going, I imagine that early computer scientists dreamed of the day when so much power would fit in such a little space. Thinking of such a powerful device fitting in one s hand must have seemed like a centuries-off pipedream as those NASA scientists worked with computers that filled entire rooms. The future is now. What happened between now and then to make our tiny smart phones such an order of magnitude greater than the giants of the past? A lot of people did a lot of work. A lot of people dreamed a lot of dreams that motivated that work. Countless people spent countless hours thinking, studying, experimenting, failing, succeeding, and building to make accomplishments happen. The future is us. As a church, we aren t sending people to the moon or designing the latest technology that will amaze us. We re doing something that is much more difficult and 1 much more important. We are disciples of Jesus, joining the Holy Spirit in the work of proclaiming and building God s Kingdom. And as the Salida United Methodist Church, our future is here. Our future is now. Our future is us. Throughout the month of February, we as a church will be engaged in the ancient spiritual practice of fasting. Fasting is used as a tool to bring focus and help visions become clear. We are fasting for the future in February. I am asking each of us to give something up for all of February, to fast, and to take something on that will help us discern and move into our future together as a church. For example, one of our church members is giving up an hour of watching television each day, and will be devoting that hour to reading scripture. A fast is never about just the fast itself. It is always about the bigger picture of what God is calling us to do. When Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, it was so that He could devote that time and energy to preparing Himself for the three years of ministry that were about to start. As you fast, be praying about the future: your future as an individual; our future as a congregation; the future of the Church universal; and the future that is to come in the Kingdom of God. What can you do as an individual to walk closer with Jesus in the future? What is our future as a congregation as we serve God in Salida? What is the future of the Church universal during such a time as this? And what is the future we hope for in God s Kingdom that is to come? Pastor s Ponderings continued on pg. 2

2 Pastor s Ponderings continued from pg. 1 We will be taking the four Sundays of February to ask these four questions of ourselves. Our future is here, and we have to see it. Our future is now, and it will not wait for us. Our future is us, and no one else is going to live into it. And we are going to fast to help us be a people of the future. Here is a little worksheet to help you get started: For February 2017, I am giving up. And instead, I am going to be doing, so that my church can have a future where. I will be praying about. Use whatever you wrote on those blank lines to be a guide to your fasting throughout February. Be intentional with what you fast from and what you do in its place. You can even make a note of your fast in your smartphone, using the computing power of a hundred million Apollo missions. Your partner in the fast, Rev. Calob Rundell pastor@salidaumc.org Heaven at 11:00 Join us each Wednesday at 11:00am in the Parlor for 20 minutes of Contemplative Prayer (Silence) Any questions please see Licia Iverson or Sherry Welton Prayers, Praise & Celebrations Kirk Banghart Prayers requested for former Salida Middle School principal and teacher, Kirk Banghart, who was recently, diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a plum. He had a 6 hour surgery to remove the tumor last week at Swedish Hospital in Denver. So far, he has made good progress through several complications and was scheduled to move from CCU to a regular room and then to the therapy/rehab wing of the hospital. Everyone is SO grateful for all of the thoughts, prayers and concerns on his and the family's behalf. Profound gratitude from Kirk, Arika, Kuper and Kallister, as well as other friends and family! Please keep Kirk, Arika, their family and all those caring for Kirk, in your prayers. Thank you to Jim Rees, who recently stepped in and took care of a minor church repair. All the helping hands in our church family are so appreciated. It takes all of us to care for our beloved building! Message from Beth Urban: Hi All ~ Thank all of you for the thoughts, cards, calls and prayers for me. They worked!! I am home, feeling good and using a cane to help with my balance. I am droving now too! The only problem I have is lack of energy to do all I want to do. I use to bound ahead now I putter along. Hope that will change soon. I love and miss all of you. Thanks again for everything you have done. Love, Beth Isaac Foreman s Concert: Isaac recently performed a concert Texas Christian University, where he is a freshman. Here is the YouTube link to watch part of Isaac s performance Click Here. Other videos are also available on Isaac s YouTube page. Bishop Karen Oliveto visited Salida UMC on Tuesday, January 29 th, while touring the Trinity District of Colorado. Thank you to everyone who came out on this morning and shared in this special occasion. Here is a photo of the banner we made and signed to extend our welcome and a group photo with Bishop Karen. It was so good to see District Superintendent Margaret Gillikin, too our former pastor and our friend! Faith Book Club Tuesday, February 14th at 10:00AM in Century Hall. Everyone is invited. 2

3 Please send your prayer requests, updates, celebrations and announcements to Licia at: February CELEBRATIONS Birthdays Feb. 10 Terry Frank Feb. 11 Mary Sandell Feb. 12 Bill Reeves Feb. 16 Claudia Keim Feb. 17 Tom Breunich Feb. 28 Flora Harrison Feb. 28 Alvin Edlund, Jr. Anniversaries Feb. 11 Jack & Sandy Gordon Feb. 28 Burrell & Sherry Welton began as a group last year. There are currently 8 members who are calling one or two shutins from either Salida or Buena Vista. The phone call lasts as long as both parties want to keep it going. It begins as a call to make sure that the person is OK and not having any problems and then it just becomes conversation. As time passes the calls become a little more personal as both the caller and one receiving the call, get to know each other a little more. This program is one which Area Agency on Aging began and they meet with us once a quarter now, to make sure that everything is going well. Should you want to be a part of this group, let Lori Isenberger know. Lori s number is You will have some paper work to fill out and a background check will be done on you as the law requires. It doesn't take much time-really as much as you want it to be. Give it some thought. Sunday, February 5 th in Century Hall after worship! Following worship on Sunday, February 5 th, our District Superintendent Rev. Melanie Rose will be leading our annual Church Conference. Everyone who is connected to the life of the church is welcome to attend. During this gathering we will be discussing the past year in the life of the church and also the future God is calling us to. (And don t worry, we ll be done in plenty of time to enjoy a full afternoon and evening of Super Bowl festivities). The February Men s Breakfast will be held on February 4 th at 8:00AM at Patio Pancake Place. All men are invited! 3

4 THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS February Ushers - Coordinator: Ginny Cunningham February 5 Jerry & Ginny Cunningham February 12 Paul & Cindy Wilson February 19 Flora Parsons & Mary Lou McCausey February 26 Dick Isenberger & Larry Williams February Liturgists - Coordinator: Karen Yerkey February 5 Ed Kinzie February 12 Ken Leisher February 19 David Hearn February 26 Mary Reeves February Fellowship Hosts Coordinator: Barb Zechman February 5 Bible Study Group & Licia Iverson February 12 Leon & Dixie Stanton February 19 Available February 26 Available VITA is Here! (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Once again our church will be the Salida location for this valuable community service. VITA appointments will begin on Saturday, Feb. 4 th and Thursday, Feb. 9 th will run through Thursday, April 13 th and Saturday, April 15 th. Call (719) for your appointment! Tax Assistance in Salida It s that time of year for all of us to get ready for the tax year We re happy to announce that the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will again be offered in Salida. We will be setting up VITA in the basement of the Methodist Church at 4th and D St. (228 4 th Street) just as we did last year, to provide free income-tax return preparation. VITA will again have offices in both Salida and Buena Vista. Salida will have hours on Thursdays from 8 to 12 and again on Saturdays from 8 to 3. BV typically has hours in the afternoons on Tues and Thurs. For Salida, you can call (719) , to reserve your date and time. We estimate an hour per tax return. This year the program in Salida will continue to be run by two knowledgeable VITA volunteers who moved to Salida from Iowa in December of The couple, Randy and Linda Bergstrom, have worked with the VITA program for 15+ years and are very excited to be able to work with the IRS and continue VITA in a location to take care of 4 community members in Salida. We also have some great returning volunteers to help and some new volunteers. The IRS created VITA so that low-to- moderate income and senior taxpayers could have free preparation and filing of income tax returns that claim the deductions, exemptions, and credits for which they are eligible. VITA was started by the IRS in 1969 and since then millions of returns have been prepared by volunteers. Volunteers have been providing this service in Salida and Buena Vista for about thirty years. The IRS provides training, and tests and certifies the volunteers providing the assistance. It s not too late to volunteer to help out for this year s VITA program, in either certified (tax preparer) or non-certified positions. If you re interested, Randy or Linda at VITASalida@gmail.com. Tax preparation includes state and federal returns, free e- filing and direct deposit of income tax refunds. In order for married couples to e-file a joint return, both spouses must be present. Taxpayers should bring all of their 2016 tax records including W-2 and 1099 forms, a copy of their 2015 tax return if possible, photo identification and social security cards for themselves, and social security cards for all dependents. If child-care expenses are to be claimed, bring the providers tax Identification number or social security number. For direct deposit of refunds, bring a check or deposit slip for the deposit account. Information on health insurance will also be required as it was last year. We look forward to seeing all of you again this year. Church Finance Update Hello Friends! Here is an update regarding the church s finances through December If you have any questions about these numbers, please speak with Licia Iverson, in the office or Paul Wilson, our Financial Secretary. Our next Finance Committee Mtg. will be on Tuesday, February 7 th at 1:00PM in Century Hall. Receipts & Expenses December 2016 Year to Date Receipts (Unrestricted) $23, , Apportionments - paid -$ $ Other Receipts (Restricted) NA for this chart NA for this chart Total Net Receipts $21, $155, Expenses - Operating $3, $40, Expenses Pastor Salary & Benefits, Parsonage, Staff Wages $10, $111, Total Expenses $13, $152, Net Income (Loss) $ $2, Category Definitions Receipts (Unrestricted): The church s receipts are like your own paycheck or pension check. Our ongoing receipts consist primarily of pledged and non-pledged offerings and loose plate offerings. Gifts given specifically to our General Fund, Faith Fund, proceeds from our fundraising efforts are also part of our receipts. These receipts are unrestricted in their use for the church. Other Receipts (Restricted): We often receive receipts specified for outreach efforts such as the Samaritan Fund, the Endowment Fund, UMCOR, Summer Raft Guide Dinner Program, building use, as well as certain fundraising efforts such as the Windows Restoration Campaign. All these receipts are restricted for the use intended and are not subject to the apportionment paid to the conference, nor do they cover monthly expenses.

5 Apportionments: A portion (13%) of our monthly receipts (unrestricted) listed above is then paid to the Rocky Mountain Conference to support the wider mission of the United Methodist Church. This apportionment is paid each month for the receipts of the previous month. The apportionment amount paid that is reflected in our November finances was based on October receipts. Expenses - Operating: The church has many of the same expenses that we all have in our own homes. We have to pay for insurance, utilities, minor repairs, supplies as well as payroll taxes for our employees. Expenses Pastor Salary & Benefits, Parsonage, Staff Wages: The church also pays the pastor s salary and benefits, employs an office administrator, organist, choir director and a custodian. Our parsonage, the home for our pastor, has expenses such as utilities, insurance, and the mortgage payment. January numbers will be in March s Monitor. Thank you to those who made additional financial gifts to the church before the end of the year, Your tax-deductible contributions greatly help our church. Your generous giving makes everything possible that goes on in the life of this church. PLEDGE UPDATE: Thank you to everyone, for your continued support of the church and our missions. In 2016, you pledged financial support totaling $121,340 for the ongoing needs of the church. Actual giving towards those pledges totaled $122,184. In 2017, at this time, you have pledged support totaling $112,550 for our ongoing needs. If you have not yet sent in your pledge for 2017, it is not too late. Thank you again, for your generous and faithful financial support. You should have received your 2016 tax statement. If you have any questions about the church finances and/or the status of your 2016 pledges or questions about your 2017 pledge, please speak with our Financial Secretary, Paul Wilson. You may contact Paul at: (630) or pwilson54@aol.com. Bible Studies Available Our Women s Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 9:30AM in Century Hall The Men s Bible Study meets on Tuesdays at 10:00AM in Century Hall. Our Amazing Men s Group will host our Annual Sweetheart Breakfast on Saturday, February 11 th at 9:00 a.m. EVERYONE IS INVITED! RSVP Requested to the Church Office - (719) BY SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5 TH! Plan to experience a beautiful morning of delicious foods, fabulous fellowship and lovely entertainment by the talented Ms. Mary Sandell Tickets are $5.00 for Men and all women may attend for FREE! Make your reservation today! Sunday Night Worship Service COME SEE WHAT GOODNESS IS HAPPENING DURING THESE EVENING SERVICES! When: 2 nd and 4 th Sundays of each month, 6:30-7:15pm What: We sing, pray, talk about Jesus. And then we offer communion (optional) in the sanctuary. Where: At the church building in Century Hall. EVERYONE IS INVITED BRING A FRIEND! PLEASE Make a note of these upcoming important dates: Sun, Feb. 5 Annual Church Conference A brief & effective meeting after worship. Tues, Feb. 7 Finance Meeting, 1:00 Sat, Feb. 11 Sweetheart Breakfast, 9:00 5 If you would be interested in providing flowers for our altar on a Sunday morning, please call Norma Ricketts to schedule that date! (719) cell (719) home

6 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, February 26 th Collection box is in Century Hall. Packing of Boxes will take place on Tues., February 28 th at 9:00am at the Lutheran Church, in their basement. Thank you so much for your help. Items needed are: Ziplock Baggies: quart or sandwich size Crackers: Small individual packets Drink Mixes individual packets AA Batteries All items travel size, if possible. 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 memo line. Mail to: First Lutheran Church, 1237 F. St. Salida, CO By Lori Isenberger Last fall at one of the funerals I attended in our church, I met and chatted with a member of the Eastern Star who told me she had come to church in the 50's and was familiar with our sanctuary. I asked her if anything looked different. She said no, everything looked the same, even the pictures. I asked her if she was sure about the pictures being where they were. The thought and said, well, maybe they were somewhere else. Now, I have thought for more than a few years, that the pictures, after original purchase in 1938 and 1941, actually were placed in the Sunday School room, which we now call the choir room. I shared this and she said yes, that might be where they were. Now, the picture of The Shepherd was purchased by a Sunday School teacher. She and her husband were grandparents of a child who died suddenly in The picture was purchased in her honor. There is no 6 indication about the Blessing the Children except that it was purchased by the adult singles Sunday School class. And if you go into the room you will see an open space on the North and South walls where something might be hung. I have nothing however to verify this information. I did see a wedding picture of Doris Donkle and her spouse in the front area of the sanctuary and there they are. The two pictures are hanging in the same area as they are now hanging. I believe that the pictures took their respective places in 1958 when the refurbished organ was placed on the lower level of the sanctuary where it now is located. But, I cannot prove this either by picture or written information. So, if you know of someone who might have gone to church here in the 40.s or 50's and might just have a picture or a memory, let me know. I would like to talk to them. (Mark your calendars NOW!) Ongoing Weekly Scheduled Items Include: Sundays: Choir Practice 9:15am, Worship 10:30am High School Youth Prog. at Presbyterian Ch. 6:30pm Tuesdays: Men s Bible Study, 10:00am, Century Hall Wednesdays: Women s Bible Study, 9:30am, Century Hall Heaven at Eleven! Contemplative Prayer Gp. 11:00am 20 min. Silence, Parlor Middle School Youth Prog. at Presbyterian Ch. 7:00pm Thursdays: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), 8:00-12:00, Bsmt. Church is closed for cleaning, 12:00-2:00pm Salida Brass Practice, 6:00-7:30pm, Choir Rm. Fridays: Church Office is Closed Saturdays: VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), 7:00-3:00, Bsmt. Fri, Feb 3 Fiber Arts Guild, 9:00am-Noon, Century Hall Sat, Feb 4 Men s Breakfast, 8:00am, PATIO PANCAKE PL. Sun, Feb 5 Worship Service with Communion Sun, Feb 5 Annual Church Conference, after worship This brief and efficient meeting will follow worship, during our Fellowship Time, facilitated by our supervising District Superintendent, Dr. Melanie Rosa. We are aware that this is also Superbowl Sunday, so you ll have plenty of time to prepare for that, after our meeting! Tues, Feb 7 Finance Committee, 1:00pm, Century Hall Sat, Feb 11 Sweetheart Breakfast, 9:00am, Century Hall; Everyone Invited - RSVP Requested Sun, Feb 12 Sunday Eve. Worship Svs, 6:30-7:15pm, CH Mon, Feb 13 League of Women Voters, 11:00am-2:30pm, CH Tues, Feb 14 Faith Book Group, 10:00am, Century Hall Thurs, Feb 16 NAMI Monthly Support Gp, 6:30-8:30pm Mon, Feb 20 Care Team, 9:30am, Century Hall Mon, Feb 20 Monitor Articles Due! Sun, Feb 26 Troop Donations Due Sun, Feb 26 Sunday Eve. Worship Svs, 6:30-7:15pm, CH Tues, Feb 28 Pack Troop Boxes, 9:00am Lutheran Ch. Bsmt.