United Methodist Church of Evergreen

The United Methodist Church of Evergreen
Pastor Russell Fletcher

Sunday, March 5, 2017
1st Sunday in Lent
8:30 and 10:30 Services

Russell's Ritings...

Are you capable of risking your life for someone?  Do it for for Christ."  Pope John Paul II

And St. Paul enjoins us all to become "fools for Christ's sake".

Lent is a time for giving our all to Christ.  It is a 40 day period of fasting and preparation for Easter.  It represents what the old gospel hymn calls "the lonesome valley".  Jesus walked it for us, and now we are called to remember Him as we walk our own valley. 

Perhaps you will give something up for Lent?  Perhaps you will take something up for lent?  Perhaps you will join with others at UMCE in praying daily at 7 a. m., inviting 7 persons to worship with you, and attending the 7 Sundays of Lent/Easter? 

Let's all resolve to make our Lent a holy fast, a sanctified time of soul - searching and remembrance of One who didn't just risk for us, but gave Himself for us!

This Sunday I will begin a Lenten series of sermons entitled, "The Christian Vocabulary".  This week the word for the week is FAITH, I Corinthians 13:13.  And also this Sunday we will celebrate our wonderful annual mission luncheon, sponsored by our Missions Team, and featuring a great Mexican meal.  I hope to see you here!

Blessings,
Russell


PRAYER VIGIL FOR "A WAY FORWARD"

Sunday, March  12 from 
12:00 - 6:00 pm

Since 1972 our great United Methodist Church has debated certain wording in our canon law, the Book of Discipline. The debate has centered around our stand on homosexuality. Specifically our church has struggled with ordination of self-avowed, practicing homosexuals and with same sex marriage. Last year the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC elected Karen Oliveto, a self-avowed lesbian in a same-sex marriage, as a bishop, and assigned her to the Denver Area. This election has been challenged and will be debated by the Judicial Council, the "supreme court" of our church, on April 25. 

Also, The Council of Bishops has appointed a cross-section of bishops, clergy, and lay persons to formulate a plan for "A Way Forward". It is hoped that we can continue as one denomination without schism and find a way forward for the church in America and around the world. 

I am hoping you will join me in a prayer vigil on Sunday, March 12, beginning after the late morning service and continuing until 6:00 p.m. We will be passing around a signup sheet allowing you to sign up for 30 minute segments. We are asking our church to be in prayer for The United Methodist Church, The Judicial Council as it does its work, the Rocky Mountain Conference, our own United Methodist Church of Evergreen, and for Bishop Karen Oliveto.

We need soul-searching prayer during this time in the church. And let us remember that John Wesley said, "Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?"

Russell


YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASSES 

CONFIRMATION CLASSES START
Sunday, March 5 at 9:30 am

As you know, our Confirmation 2017 class starts soon! All youth 5th grade and older who have not yet been confirmed are invited to participate as confirmands. All youth who have been through confirmation before are invited to attend and participate as confirmation mentors.
 
This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the liturgy and the legacy of the Christian Church, and specifically the Methodist church. Confirmation is the opportunity for people to explore the roots of their beliefs, as well as to contemplate their spiritual beliefs and their place in the church. It's important to keep in mind that confirmation class is the beginning of a process of spiritual growth. At the end of the class, confirmands will make the individual decision about whether or not they are personally ready to be confirmed in the church.
 
Confirmation Class dates are as follows:
 
Sunday, March 5 at 9:30 am
Sunday, March 12 at 9:30 am
Sunday, March 19 at 9:30 am
Sunday, March 26 at 9:30 am
 
Make-Up Session and Review:   Sunday, April 9 at 9:30 am
Confirmation Ceremony:   Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 am
 
Several of you have expressed an interest in participating in confirmation, which is great! Russell and Sarah need to get materials ordered and prepared, so will need to get a (somewhat) firm class list together. Please email Sarah to sign up at youth@evergreenumc.org.


PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS FROM
MEET THE STARS!

It might be just me, but I think the grown-ups may 
have had more fun than the kids... 

There's just something about putting on costumes 
and retelling good old bible stories!


















PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS FROM
SHROVE TUESDAY/MARDI GRAS

Make your reservations early for next year! Russell's famous Jambalaya went fast. We ran out and hour before quitting time. 









FINANCE UPDATES

Attendance & Stewardship Report

Sunday School and Nursery 2/26/2017
Worship Services 2/26/2017
------------------------------------
Needed Weekly
Received 2/26/2017
                                                Difference
------------------------------------
                     2017 Budget
Needed Year to Date
Received Year to Date
Difference Year to Date
3/3/2017

54
139
------------
$5,912
$5,068
 ($844)
------------
$313,348
$53,208
$41,276
     ($11,932)


BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION DONATIONS
It's a new year and time to renew our birthday donation program. As you celebrate your birthday you can support the church. There is a jar in Fellowship Hall by the coffee area for folks to deposit their birthday donation. During their birth month, folks can contribute a dollar for every year of their life. Or if that seems like too much money, just donate something to celebrate your time here on earth. There are envelopes in the jar. Please write your name on the envelope if you are giving cash, so you can get credit for the donation.



VEHICLE AND BOAT DONATION PROGRAM
Did you know that since starting this program last Fall UMCE has received proceeds from three vehicle donations? Going forward, these donations will be earmarked for a fund for the lease or purchase of a new church van. Please consider donating your used car, truck, motorcycle or boat. UMCE works with Donate For Charity, a national vehicle donation program (1-866-392-4483), that will pick up your vehicle or boat, sell it and provide 70-80% of the net proceeds (after towing and auction costs) to UMCE.  Please contact Bill Graf at phone 303-246-8330 if you have any questions.

Donate for Charity Website:


BENEFIT CONCERT FOR FAMILY PROMISE

"FINDING HOME: A CONCERT FROM THE HEART"
Saturday, March 18th at 7:00 pm
Arvada UMC, 6750 Carr Street

You are invited to a benefit concert for Family Promise of Greater Denver on Saturday, March 18th at 7:00 pm to be held at Arvada United Methodist Church, located at 6750 Carr Street. Here's an opportunity to support the outstanding work of Family Promise in "ending homelessness one family at a time." Enjoy an amazing evening of music and fun featuring church and community groups: instrumental, vocal, dance and theater. Donations will be appreciated. 

Please phone Jan Thurling at 720-391-9550 if you are interested in attending the concert, carpooling from the church, or for more information. 


ADULT EDUCATION

Sunday, March 5, 12, 19, 26 & April 2 & 9 from 9:30 - 10:20 am
BIBLE STUDY: PROPHETS AND KINGS
Facilitator:  Dr. Lorna Idol
Experience the Bible in historical context.  This is a six-session Bible study,  Prophets and Kings , by noted teacher and historian, Ray Vander Laan and is a part of the Faith Lessons series.  In this volume, Vander Laan explores the turbulent history of Israel's prophets and kings and draws lessons from their stories that can help build our devotion to and trust in God today.  Filmed on location in Israel, Faith Lessons is a unique video series with supporting materials that brings God's Word to life with astounding relevance.  By weaving together the Bible's fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, this exploration reveals unique insights into the Scriptures' significance for modern believers.  Related Bible readings will be suggested after each session.  


YOUTH EDUCATION AND ACTIVITIES

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Action Pack
Preschool-5th Grades 9:30 am
Youth Group Sunday School
6th-12th Grades 9:30 am
EverKids Early Elementary Sunday School
Preschool-1st Grades 10:30 am
EverKids Upper Elementary Sunday School
2nd-5th Grades 10:30 am

SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP
High School Youth Group
9th-12th Grades Noon - 1:30 pm
Regular Youth Group
6th-12th Grades 1:30 - 3:30 pm

THE STORY FOR KIDS
Wednesdays in UMCE Church Sanctuary
Preschool-5th Grades 4:00-5:00 pm


AROUND THE CHURCH


Wednesday, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29:  9:30-11:30 am
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY: "CREED"
Location: Church Library
Do you have questions about foundational Christian truths such as the purpose of life? Believing that powerful answers are embedded in the Apostles' Creed, Adam Hamilton examines it to explore what Christians believe and why it matters. Please join the Women's Bible Study as they study Adam Hamilton's book "Creed." The group meets in the church library from 9:30 to 11:30. Contact Jeanne Ambrosier at  rjambro@street.com or 303-674-6377 for information. 



Saturday, March 4:  8:00 Breakfast, 8:30 Breakfast
MEN'S BREAKFAST
Presenter: "Vinnie" Wincelowicz, 
Undercover FBI agent with the Italian Mafia in NYC
"Vinnie" Wincelowicz returns to UMM with a 2nd installment since last year, and even more detail of events as being embedded in the Italian mafia. Dr. Wincelowicz is a Professor & Chair, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Regis University. Prior to Regis, Dr. Wincelowicz was a former FBI Agent serving in multiple roles and continues to work with Public and Private Security areas in Colorado. Craig Fulford and Roger Ambrosier will be coordinating the breakfast. All church family and friends are welcome to attend the speaker's program session starting at 8:30 am.  



Sunday, March 5:  After the 10:30 Service
MEXICAN LUNCHEON HOSTED BY MISSIONS TEAM
The UMCE Missions Team invites you to its annual Mexican Luncheon on Sunday, March 5th after the 10:30  service. Please stay after church and treat yourself to a hassle free feast of chips, salsa, tacos, tortillas and scrumptious Mexican dishes. Contributions  received will benefit the Youth Summer Mission, who will be traveling this July to Spokane, Washington to work with the Spokane Tribe of Indians, through the Sierra Service Project.



Sunday, March 5:  3:00 Showtime
EVERGREEN CHORALE PRODUCTION OF 
"BILLY ELLIOT" AT CENTER STAGE THEATER
Location:  27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen
The church has 20 tickets reserved for the Sunday matinee of Evergreen Chorale's production of the musical "Billy Elliot." Carpooling is advised from the church to Center Stage Theater. 



Tuesday, February 7 and 21:  6:30 - 7:30 am
THE BAGELRY MEN'S FELLOWSHIP GROUP
Location: The Bagelry in Bergen Park 
A small, but growing group of men have started meeting on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Bagelry in Bergen Park, across from King Soopers. Please come to join us and feel free to invite someone else who might benefit from this informal men's fellowship time.  Women do this!  Why can't men? Questions?  Call or see Bill Graf (303-246-8330) or Clyde Sacks (805-451-4586).  



Friday, March 10 - Monday, March 13
MEN'S SKI TRIP TO CRESTED BUTTE
Join the Men for a ski weekend in Crested Butte at the Paradise Condo. The trip includes breakfast every  morning, lunch on the mountain and a group dinner on Saturday night. The lodging and meal cost will be prorated and is based on the number of nights each person stays. 

There are still two spots available! If you are interested in joining the group, please contact Dave Loomis at email:  dnloomis@zoho.com or phone: (303) 674-7028.


Saturday, April 1: 8:00 Breakfast, 8:30 Program
MEN'S BREAKFAST: HIKING THE JOHN MUIR TRAIL
Roland Schroeder will give a presentation on hiking the John Muir Trail in California.  Roland and his daughter hiked this trail last summer.  Roland will share photos and their hike experiences. Roger Ambrosier and Tom Clapp will be coordinating the breakfast.  All church family and friends are welcome to attend the speaker's program session starting at 8:30 am. 



CHURCH CALENDAR

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Wednesday, March 1, 8 15,
22 and 29

9:30-11:30 am
Women's Bible Study: "Creed"
Saturday, March 4 8:00 am Men's Breakfast: "Vinnie" Wincelowicz
Sunday, March 5 After 10:30 Service Mexican Luncheon Hosted by Missions Team Donations to benefit UMCE Youth Mission 2017
Sunday, March 5 3:00 Evergreen Chorale Production of "Billy Elliot"
Tues., March 7 & 21
6:30-7:30 am
The Bagelry Men's Fellowship Group
Sunday, March 12 12:00-
6:00 pm
Prayer Vigil for "A Way Forward"
Saturday, April 1 8:00 am Men's Breakfast: Hiking the John Muir Trail

MARCH TEAM MEETINGS

Tuesday, March 7 10:30 am Staff Meeting
Tuesday, March 7 6:00 pm Missions
Tuesday, March 7 7:00 pm Trustees
Wednesday, March 8 6:30 pm Staff Parish Relations
Thursday, March 9 6:30 pm First Responders
Tuesday, March 21 6:30 pm Inclusiveness Task Force
Thursday, March 23 6:00 pm Membership

LENTEN/EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES AND EVENTS

Wednesday, March 29 12:05-12:30 Lenten Concert: Joyce Scheel
Wednesday, April 5 12:05-12:30 Lenten Concert: Keron Sandusky & Joyce Scheel
Sunday, April 9 8:30 and 10:30 Palm Sunday Worship Services,
Choir Cantata and Confirmation 
Wednesday, April 12 12:05-12:30 Lenten Concert: Keron Sandusky & Suzanne Barchers
Thursday, April 13 6:00-7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Worship Service
Sunday, April 16 8:30 and 10:30 Easter Sunday Worship Services
Sunday April 16 9:30 am Easter Egg Hunt

CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSALS
These are in addition to regular rehearsal times each Sunday from 9:15-10:15

Saturday, March 25 10:00 am -
12:00 pm
Cantata Rehearsal in Choir Room
Saturday, April 1 10:00 am -
12:00 pm
Cantata Rehearsal in Choir Room
Saturday, April 8 10:00 am - 
12:00 pm
Cantata Dress Rehearsal in Sanctuary


CHURCH INFORMATION

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
Fridays: 9:00 am - noon
Please call the office at 303-674-4810, or email office@evergreenumc.org if you would like to add 
your event to the weekly Happenings.

LARGE PRINT HYMNALS, BIBLES AND BULLETINS are available in the vestibule for Sunday services. Just ask one of the ushers to help you.
 
ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES are available for Sunday services. If you would like to try an Assistive Listening device this Sunday just ask one of the ushers or a sound booth technician.

AN OPEN INVITATION TO MEMBERSHIP is extended to all persons. Please speak with the pastor about your interest in becoming part of this great Christian Fellowship.

RELOADABLE KING SOOPERS/SAFEWAY GROCERY CARDS  are on sale in Fellowship Hall on the first Sunday of each month following each worship service. 5% of all purchases made with these reloadable cards goes back to UMCE! You can also purchase these cards from the church office during regular office hours. 

 
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN
Growing a community of faith by serving a world of need and changing lives. We affirm a spirit of openness and hospitality to all, including persons of all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, financial strata, and abilities who seek a closer walk with God.
 
                                                Visit us on the web:   www.evergreenumc.org