The Messenger University Park United Methodist Church Denver, Colorado March 2017 Paradigm Shifts as a Lifestyle Recently, the lectionary has guided us through a very familiar part of the biblical text known as the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. As I have shared with you in our weekly worships, the Sermon on the Mount has not always been one of my favorite parts of the bible because it seemed to be filled with just one warm and fuzzy edict after another. However, this year, in the face of our political climate and the shocking realities of the human condition, the human heart, and our lack of unity regarding uncensored love, equality and justice, I now see this part of the sacred text (primarily chapter 5) as one call after another to a lifestyle of paradigm shifts. In other words, it seems that Jesus was inviting his disciples, all who could hear, and all who will still hear to a new consciousness, new core values and new ways of being as individuals and as a people. For example: Paradigm Shift #1 - Though we (our nation) value concepts such as power, status, and wealth, the Beatitudes shift us to values such as poor in spirit; meekness; mercy; and hunger and thirsting for righteousness. In fact, it seems that the Beatitudes reveal the heart of God, suggesting that God is a God of the Oppressed; and the God of those who stand in solidarity with the Oppressed. Paradigm Shift #2 Many of us were taught a false humility of outward denial of our greatness: our strengths and abilities. However, the teaching declaring that we are The Salt of the Earth and The Light of the World call us from a life of complacency and disengagement to a life of activism and revolutionary change. We are created and called to affect change, to positively impact the status quo, pushing forward to better. To leave spaces and people the same way that we find them negates our existence; leaving no signs that we were ever there. Paradigm Shift #3 Legalism compels many to measure success by the literal obedience to do s and don ts. However, the teachings, in the Sermon on the Mount, regarding the law and the prophets, anger, adultery, divorce, retaliation, etc. invites us to a higher consciousness of love and grace, requiring heart transformations. Alone, laws create a dangerous illusion of good, right and perfection; and conversely, bad, wrong and imperfection. Laws indict and exclude while grace exonerates and includes. We must seek a balance between laws, love and grace; and laws should never undermine and demoralize God s gift of uncensored love and grace. So, as we (individuals, faith communities and citizens of this country) approach Lenten season, let us ask ourselves: What are our core values? Are they in alignment with the heart and values of God? Do our circles of love, actions/ ministries, worship reflect our core values? Are we open to and affecting change or have we fallen into the trap of familiarity? Are we willing to journey inductively with God? What is preventing me/us from embracing a life of paradigm shifts? Today, the Sermon on the Mount, reminds us that the only thing constant in life is change paradigm shifts. Let us press toward the mark of a higher consciousness and open hearts. Amen.
Page 2 The Messenger, March 2017 Thank You! Thank you to George Gramer for his extravagantly generous donation to University Park UMC that made it possible to do a much-needed update to our computer systems and software. Through February, the church is running a deficit of $32K. This deficit will be reduced by roughly $7K-$10K, depending on the amount of contributions received on Sunday, 2/26. In a "best case scenario", the church will still be in a negative financial position through just two months of the year and will be behind budget (which already assumed a large deficit). If you have not made a pledge for 2017, please consider doing so. If you have made a pledge, please remain current in your giving. The Finance Committee will continue to monitor our financial outlook and, if necessary, will recommend to the Administrative Council that we modify programs and ministries to maintain a financially viable church. Lori Colleran, Finance Committee Chair ($ in thousands) YTD through February - PRELIM Actual Budget Variance Pledge Revenue $74 $75 (1) All Other Revenue 19 25 (6) Total Revenue 93 100 (8) Staff Parish Relations 65 68 (4) Trustees 22 19 3 All Other Expenses 39 31 7 Total Expenses 125 119 7 Net Income/(Deficit) ($32) ($18) (14)
University Park United Methodist Church, March 2017 Page 3 Our Church Family CELEBRATIONS Lola Ozman was the UPUMC Quiet Disiciple Award Nominee at the 2017 Metropolitan District Annual Celebration at Arvada UMC. Her name will be added to the plaque in the church Narthex (the space between the lobby and the sanctuary with the plaque located over the coffee cart.) CONCERNS We are thankful that there are none known at this time. CONDOLENCES We express our sympathies to the family and friends of : George Uyeno who died on January 28. A memorial service is scheduled at UPark for 2:00 p.m. Saturday March 4. Rev. Dr. J. Alton Templin who died on February 1 with memorial service scheduled at UPark for 2:00 p.m. Saturday March 11. Barbara and Cliff Creswell at the February 12th death of Barbara s father, Randolph Johnson in Minnesota. Mary Weber at the February 14th death of her youngest daughter, Carol in Kansas Choir member Carlos Arellano at the tragic death of his cousin in New Mexico. Our hearts are open to all church members, friends and family, as they experience the concerns and celebrations of life. MANY THANKS TO THE PEOPLE OF UPUMC Dear UPUMC family, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest, heartfelt thanks to all! The support shown to me, and my family, over the last three months has been incredible. The prayers, good thoughts and financial gifts are so very appreciated. I have been told many times from medical staff, family and friends that my recovery has been a miracle. I believe it, and it was due to the amazing support of many people, most particularly my U Park family! I am very glad to be back at my job. My goal is to provide the highest and best quality music program I possibly can. You all are a blessing to me, Rodney, our children, and my extended family. I am extremely lucky to be a part of this congregation, and I truly consider you my family. Again, thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! Love, JoAnn Gudvangen-Brown Director of Music
Page 4 The Messenger, March 2017 Disability Advocacy Ministry Second installment on resiliency: The resilience factor: Learn the skills and habits that can help you thrive in the face of adversity. By Vicky Uhland. Last May, Dawnia Baynes hosted a dinner party celebrating the 10th anniversary of her multiple sclerosis diagnosis. Baynes and her friends didn t focus on her MS-related vertigo or the constant numbness and tingling in her feet and hands. Nor did they dwell on the balance issues that require her to use a cane or walker, or the numbness she experiences from her chest to her ankles. Instead, they spent the evening commemorating the resilience she s developed in the decade since her diagnosis. I actually believe I ve gotten stronger, Baynes says. My diagnosis made me realize I can t just sit back and let life happen to me; I need to make the effort to do things to help myself. For Baynes, resilience means not giving up in the face of adversity. She thought she had already mastered that skill during a difficult childhood that included bouts of homelessness. But after she was diagnosed with MS at age 26, Baynes discovered she needed to augment her inherent resilience with even more coping tools. I was in denial for the first two years after my diagnosis. I wasn t consistently on medication, and I wouldn t have anything to do with MS programs or support groups, she says. But then I realized if I just gave up, I d always be thinking about what I coulda, woulda, shoulda done. So Baynes took steps to increase her mental, emotional and physical resilience. She started seeing a physical therapist, and began participating in programs and support groups offered through the National MS Society in Los Angeles, where she lives. I decided I had to stop crying and realize that no matter what happens, it could always be worse, says Baynes, who credits her strong faith as one of the key factors in her optimism. I work to find the bright side in any situation like how I may be on disability, but that means my student loans are forgiven. Some people may be more naturally resilient than others. Baynes, for example, sees herself as a naturally optimistic person. But even if you tend to be more of an Eeyore than a Tigger, you can learn to be more resilient. There is enough research to suggest that, although a good portion of resilience is due to genetic, biological and environmental factors that you can t control, much of resilience is the result of skills you can learn and practice, says Alexandra Terrill, PhD, an assistant professor in the division of occupational therapy at the University of Utah. Others living with MS agree with this assessment. I think resilience is kind of like a muscle something that develops with use, says Chuck Curry, a Bainbridge Island, Washington, resident who was diagnosed with MS in 2003. We are all probably born with that muscle, and all sorts of things can happen during our lives that lead to its development or atrophy. Strengthening your resilience muscle takes effort. But, as with any exercise, you can minimize that effort and maximize your results by following proven procedures. Here s how medical experts, along with people living with MS, recommend you increase your resilience and why they believe it s important to include resilience workouts in your daily activities. Watch for the subsequent portions of this article which will include Is Your Personality Resilient and Developing a Resilience Workout.
University Park United Methodist Church, March 2017 Page 5 Save the Date! Vacation Bible School -- June 19-22, 2017 All children 3 years of age to grade 5 (completed) are welcome. 9am to 12 pm Children s Ministry March 5th-26th: The children of University Park will be participating in a Sunday school rotation entitled "Following the Light". Children will follow Jesus, the light of the world, through events beginning at creation where children will learn that God created light. Children will discover how God foretold through prophets that a son would be given who would be light to all people. Then children see Jesus the light of the world become human. Through the events of Holy Week children learn that death cannot overcome the light of Jesus. Children explore the events of Holy Week from Good Friday through the Resurrection. Thank you to our teachers: Carole Rollins, Nicole Laydon, and Celeste Paranjape; and shepherds The High School Youth. Thank you to our teachers of the last rotation: Marilyn Meredith and Kris Green; and shepherds Carol Bedin and David Rankin. Youth Ministry UNITED METHODIST YOUTH FELLOWSHIP(UMYF): The youth group (all sixth graders through 12th graders) will continue meeting every other Sunday at 12:00 in room B03 and various locations. We will meet on March 12th and March 26th for lunch, games, and a lesson. YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS: The 6th 8th graders will meet in room BO3 at 9:30 with Bethany Hader, while the 9th 12th graders will meet in the Youth Lounge with Barb Eulenstein.
Page 6 The Messenger, March 2017 Adult Christian Education Covenant Bible Study is an in-depth group Bible study in which participants read and discuss the Bible together, learning how to love God and each other better. Covenant represents a relationship a living, breathing conversation. Facilitated by Barbara Creswell in the Conference Room. March 5 Life Together March 12 Praise and Lament March 19 Tragedy March 26 Crisis and Starting Over Journeys in Faith meets in the Bryans Room. Come join us for some interesting and lively discussions. We ll be using one of the Living the Question Series. The facilitators are Les Law and Richard Nelson. March 5 Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise March 12 Behold Your Son Behold Your Mother March 19 My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me March 26 I Thirst Cornerstone II is a class that is geared to the parents of young children although anyone can join us at anytime. The goal is to offer insights into parenting issues and to build relationships among parents and families. The class is facilitated by Jeremy and Amy Long and meets in the Cornerstone II room. March 5 Jesus Christ March 12 The Holy Spirit March 19 The Church and the Communion of Saints March 26 The Forgiveness of Sins Young Adult Bible Study meets in Osborne Parlor, led by Edward and Gladys Antonio March 5 Love s Like-for-Like March 12 Love Abides Forever March 19 When Love is Secure March 26 God Has No Cause Adult Special Needs Sunday School The Journey continues this year in the Special Needs Sunday School Class at University Park UMC each Sunday Morning at 9:30-10:30am. We meet in the Journeys in Faith classroom in the lower level of the Christian Education wing. Contact Hope Law, class teacher, for more information.
University Park United Methodist Church, March 2017 Page 7 Deacon Debby s News St. Jude s Ranch for Children Recycled Card Program We Accept New and Used, All-Occasion Greeting Cards Year-Round! St. Jude s Ranch for Children recycles your used greeting cards and creates new holiday and all-occasion greeting cards. Recycled cards are sold to support our programs and services for abused, neglected and homeless children, young adults and families. The program is beneficial to everyone customers receive fun, green holiday or other occasion cards they can feel good sending to their friends and loved ones, and the children at St. Jude s Ranch receive payment for their work and learn basic job skills and the importance of recycling. Recycled Card Program History: More than 30 years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived to turn the previous year s Christmas cards into new cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted when they received the unique thank you, that they requested to purchase the special cards. The program soon expanded to include all-occasion greeting cards. How It Works: Operated by Kids Corp., a program designed to teach entrepreneurship skills, the children at the Ranch participate in making the new green cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by children and volunteers. You may purchase cards in our online store or call (877) 977-SJRC (7572). If you have any questions about how the card program works please call (702) 294-7100 or email vhuening@stjudesranch.org. To Send Cards: Year-round, we happily accept used all-occasion greeting cards. Please review the following tips before sending in your cards. Only the card front can be used (please check to be sure the backside of the front of the card is clear of any handwriting, etc.) We can not accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards 5 x 7 size or smaller is preferred To mail large quantities in the least expensive way, use a USPS (United States Post Office) Flat Rate Box (available at your local Post Office), which holds up to 70 pounds Mail cards to: 100 St. Jude's St. Boulder City, NV 89005 Kids For Cans Aluminum CANS We ended 2016 with a total of 96 pounds of aluminum cans and other miscellaneous metals for a total of $41.84 donated to the Chaplains Fund at the Children s Hospital. We will continue to send these funds to the Children s Hospital Chaplaincy department to supply Bibles for patients and their families including Spanish Bibles and to supply other reading materials for their mobile interfaith book cart. KIDS CANS FOR KIDS BRING THOSE ALUMINUM CANS!
Page 8 The Messenger, March 2017 CROSSPOINTS UMW The next Crosspoints UMW meeting will be held on March 9th at NOON at Spirit of Hope UMC, 3885 S. Broadway. (Please note the time change.) This is our annual "Prayer and Self-Denial" lunch and program. We will have several soups and bread for a simple meal since it is our self-denial program. There will also be a business meeting during lunch followed by the program with Rev. Teresa Benedett-Farmer leading us in examining our spiritual life. Join us for a faith renewal time. All women are welcome! If you have any questions, please call: 303-419-7718. Kay Cowlishaw, Vice President. Spiritual Life Retreat Using Holy Imagination to make God s Difference. April 21-23 at the YMCA, Estes Park. Register by March 24. Forms are above the water fountain or online at www.rmcumw.org. Led by Rev. Dr. Diana Loomis. Rocky Mountain Conference Mission u July 21-22 at St. Andrew UMC in Highlands Ranch. Reserve the date for this school or one of the one day events which will be held around the district. World Day of Prayer Church Women United will celebrate World Day of Prayer on Friday, March 3 at Calvary Baptist Church. Bible Study: Wednesday, March 15 at 9:30 am in Osborne Parlor. Richard Nelson will be leading the study about Women in the Bible! Knitting or Knot Monday, March 6 and 20, 1:30 in the Cornerstone II Classroom. Bring knitting or crafts and join the conversation! UMW books and Reading Program The book shelf has been relocated to the 2nd floor as you step off of the elevator. Please ride the elevator and check out a book!!! Coffee!!! Ground or whole beans, is available in the lobby on Sunday mornings. Flavors and regular in both bean and ground. These come from UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) and help the farmers who benefit from association with UMCOR. This seniors social group welcomes anyone fitting the description of being chronologically gifted to attend. We resume our regular monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of March 8 at noon in the East Fellowship Hall to share a catered meal ($8:00/per person) and a Program. Mr. Ken Peter, co-owner of AIPlife [Aging in Place = Life] will discuss and demonstrate various assistive/adaptive devices that can aid us in daily activities of life as we age. Watch upcoming Messengers and Bulletins for reminders and information. For questions about this ministry please contact Rev. Debby Lawrence at dlawrence@universityparkumc.org or at 303-722-5736.
University Park United Methodist Church, March 2017 Page 9 Metro District Spiritual Day Together The Metro District "Spiritual Day Together" will be on Sat., April 8, 8:30 am - 2 pm at Mother Cabrini Shrine near Golden, CO. Although this event won't be until April, advance registration is required. Please register by March 24. Make check payable to Metro UMW in the amount of $15. Mail to Ramie Smith, 6665 Youngfield Circle, Arvada, CO 80004. For registration form contact Jane Dianich at janedianich@yahoo.com. Plan to attend this annual fellowship and spiritual event. More details will be in the April Newsletter. Lenten Series Finding Redemption in Our Mess- Begins March 1, at 7:00pm and continues through April 5 at UPark UMC. Sometimes our lives are in such disarray we can t envision a way through to redemption. But when we look at the mess through the eyes of Christ, we not only find redemption, we can clearly see spiritual restoration. In Restored, author Tom Berlin encourages us to reflect and meditate through our own brokenness, showing us that it is only when we focus on the cross as a place to surrender control that we can leave our mess and find true redemption. This 6-week study uses Scripture, devotional tools, and the writings of Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross, St. Augustine, John Wesley, Evelyn Underhill, and others. Sunday Night Movie Begins March 5, at 6:00pm and ends April 9. Popcorn provided! Meet at the Evanston Center for a Lenten film series. March 5: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (PG, 1982) March 12: Babette s Feast (G, 1987) March 19: Cool Hand Luke (PG, 1967) March 26: One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest (R, 1975) April 2: Harry Potter, Prisoner of Azkaban (PG, 2004) April 9: Saving Private Ryan (R, 1998) The story of Jesus has been called the greatest story ever told and film makers for decades have used elements of Jesus life to tell their stories. We will delve into the life of Jesus told through allegory in several popular movies. Join us for movies, popcorn, and discussion each Sunday night in Lent. The movies will start at 6pm at the Evanston Center. Please come for one film, or all! This Lenten series is hosted by the Peniel leadership team, the Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing, and the Foundation Campus Ministry at DU. ALL are welcome, including families, children, and youth but please note the various film ratings. Contact Liza Stoltz Hanson for questions and more information at L.StoltzHanson@gmail.com. Sand Creek Massacre Study Begins March 1, 5:00pm-6:30pm and continues through April 5 at The Evanston Center. Sand Creek. At dawn on the morning of November 29, 1864, Colonel John Milton Chivington gave the command that led to slaughter of 230 peaceful Cheyennes and Arapahos-primarily women, children, and elderly-camped under the protection of the U. S. government along Sand Creek in Colorado Territory and flying both an American flag and a white flag. The Methodist Church has a special stake in this story. Was it somehow culpable in what happened?
Page 10 The Messenger, March 2017 Sierra Leone Mission Trip Teams are being formed for this summer to go to Sierra Leone. Team dates are approximately June 8 to 22, and June 21 to July 5. Cost is approximately $3,000. Projects may include work with Heritage UMC High School/Kabala, Kabala School for the Blind, Kabala UMC Church and Primary School, and Nar Sarah Clinic. No skills are necessary, except an open mind. Each trip includes visits to remote villages and a day or two of relaxation (tourist oriented). The goal is to learn about a third world country, and how happiness is present in abject poverty. Learn how life takes place in a totally different environment. For information contact Hope or Les Law at 303 642 3693, or hopelaw@gmail.com, or hopeles2@gmail.com, or stop us in the halls of U-Park UMC. Renowned Author Parker Palmer Speaking in Denver On March 16, 2017, Parker Palmer [Courage & Renewal] will be speaking at St. Andrew United Methodist Church at 7pm. Dr. Palmer is coming specifically in support of the vision of our Bishop Karen Oliveto's Beloved Community. In 2011, Parker wrote a book entitled Healing the Heart of Democracy, the Courage to create a politics worthy of the human spirit. Following the experience of the latest election cycle, the theme of this book is more important than ever. It seems that the very core of what we hold most dear within democracy has been shaken to its very foundation. As Christians, do we have the courage to hold to/help recreate a politics worthy of the human spirit? Our Bishop Karen is challenging us to create within our local churches and our surrounding communities Beloved Community - a community which truly embraces the diversity of who we are as God's Creation. In his book, Parker Palmer invites us to embrace five habits of the heart which encourage us to truly celebrate the diversity within our congregations, to allow our congregations to be safe places where conservative & liberal voices are heard, to be safe places where all to feel welcome [majority and minority], safe places where orthodox and progressive theologies can gather together - in short, where congregations can be places in which our individual stories are heard and honored. Please mark your calendar for the 16th of March. This event will also be live streamed. Questions? Paul Kottke pkottke@rmcumc.com
University Park United Methodist Church, March 2017 Page 11 I am very pleased to announce the Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing was the recipient of one of several INC Neighborhood Stars awarded to various organizations throughout Denver who are working on community outreach and community building. The Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing received this award on January 31st, 2017 when Pastor Jackson and I attended the annual INC Awards Banquet. Pastor Jackson and I also sat a couple tables away from Mayor Hancock and the entire Denver City Council! It was a blessing to receive the award and a blessing one of our very own tenants, University Neighbors, nominated us as the best community in the DU area. Thank you to University Neighbors, the Evanston Staff, the Evanston Board, and all the past Evanston directors who developed the Evanston Center into what it is today! If that weren t enough to celebrate, then I hope those of you who read the Washington Park Profile read the incredible article featuring the English Language School and Bud Demko, the founder of this ESL program and a teacher at the English Language School. It was a beautiful article that really highlights the beauty of diversity the Center has come to represent with the English Language School as one of its tenants. Bud spoke about the various backgrounds of many of his former and current students. Some of his students included Ethiopian priests, Cambodian monks, Muslims from Iran, Catholics from Mexico, refugees from Rwanda, and political analysts from Taiwan improving their conversational English. This is what the four I s (Intergenerational, Inclusive, Interfaith, and International) look like. May we continue to build communities of love and compassion in all our neighborhoods here in Denver! Blessings, -Kevin Garman Evanston Center News
Page 12 The Messenger, March 2017 Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Valerie L. Jackson Minister of Congregational Care Rev. Debby Lawrence Administrative Assistant Jessica Carmer Director of Christian Education Duane Buys Assistant to Christian Education Hannah Westra Youth Assistant Bethany Hader The Foundation Campus Ministry Liza Stoltz Hanson Peniel Service Leaders Liza and Denton Hanson Peniel Band Leader Kevin Garman Director of Music/Organist JoAnn Gudvangen-Brown Assistant Organist/Pianist Renae Gudvangen Chorister Director Ana Spadoni Resident Caretaker/Custodian Josh Rousis Bookkeeper Sandy Schumm Wedding Coordinator MaryAnn Buys Lay Leaders Larry Grauberger, Jo Morgan, Jim Morgan Program Director of Evanston Center Kevin Garman Administrative Assistant Marilyn Stranske Custodians Robin & John Zemetra University Park United Methodist Church 2180 S. University Blvd. Denver, CO 80210 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Stay Connected With Us University Park United Methodist Church 2180 S. University Blvd Denver, CO 80210 (303) 722-5736 upark@universityparkumc.org www.universityparkumc.org Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing 2122 S. Lafayette St Denver CO 80210 (303) 722-7217 evanstoncenter@gmail.com www.evanstoncenter.com as University Park United Methodist Church, Denver, CO Editing and Production Jessica Carmer Messenger Proofreader Janet Wolfer Photos: Cindy Smith