United Methodist Church of Evergreen
Rev. Deb Olenyik, Pastor

Sun day, December 23, 2018
Services 8:30 & 10:30 am
Monday, December 24, 2018
Services 3:00, 5:00 & 7:00 pm



Ministry Jottings by Pastor Deb can be found later in this newsletter. Please scroll down to see what Deb is sharing this week.
 

WHEN WILL MY FAVORITE
 CHRISTMAS CAROL HYMN BE SUNG? 

  

December 2
O Come, O Come Emmanuel & Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
In the Bleak Midwinter & Hail to the Lord's Anointed  
People, Look East
 
December 9  
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus & Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates
Love Came Down at Christmas & There's a Song in the Air
What Child is This?
 
December 16
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks & Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
 
December 23
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear & He Is Born
Angels We Have Heard on High & There's a Song in the Air
O Little Town of Bethlehem
 
December 24 Christmas Eve
O Come, All Ye Faithful & Away in a Manger
The First Noel & Joy to the World
Silent Night
 
December 30
Go Tell It On the Mountain & The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
Angels From the Realms of Glory & Sing We Now of Christmas
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!
 
January 6
We Three Kings

 

UMCE CHANCEL CHOIR
Rehearsal and Performance Schedule for December


Sunday, December 23
Rehearse at 9:15, Sing at 10:30

Monday, December 24 - CHRISTMAS EVE
Rehearse at 4:30, Sing at 5:00

Sunday, December 30
No Rehearsal and No Performance

 

UMM AND TRUSTEES INDOOR WORK DAY
Breakfast at 8:00 / Work Begins at 8:30
Saturday, January 5th 



United Methodist Men and Trustees will meet on Saturday, January 5 for breakfast at 8 am in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring your work clothes because after breakfast we will be doing some basic church maintenance along with some cleaning and painting projects. All church family and friends are welcome to attend.  Below is a list of the projects to be completed:
  • Wash windows in Kitchen and elsewhere
  • Paint walls in Fellowship Hall and cupboards by coffee area
  • Organize Library
  • Strip, wax and polish floors in bathrooms and Great Escape classrooms
  • Paint walls in staircase by Narthex
 

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Sunday, January 13th from  9:15 - 10:30

 

The Membership Team is sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast after the holidays. Enjoy fellowship and breakfast in between services on this Sunday in January. 

 

YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S EDUCATION 
AND ACTIVITIES

NO YOUTH GROUP ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Action Pack
Preschool-5th Grades 9:30 am
Youth 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

Youth Group
6th-12th Grades Noon - 3:00 pm



WEDNESDAY CHILDREN'S PROGRAM


Feed My Sheep Preschool - 5th Grades
4:00 pm
 

ADULT OFFERINGS
 
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY (Rm 12)
No Women's Bible Study on December 26 and January 2
New study starts on January 9 from 9:30 - 11:30 am
 
THE MEN'S BAGELRY FELLOWSHIP GROUP
No Bagelry Fellowship on Tuesday, January 1
Next Fellowship will be on Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 am
 

LIBRARY ADULT STUDY CLASS (Rm 12)
Sundays, 9:30 - 10:20 am

December 23 & 30: No Session
 
January 6: The Way Forward Commission
Facilitator: Katie Zapotoczny
Katie will lead a further discussion of The Way Forward Commission, as we get close to the special General Conference, Feb 23-26 in St. Louis.
 
January 13: No Session - Pancake Breakfast
 
January 20: Social Principles of the United Methodist Church:
The Political Community
Facilitator: The Rev. Joyce Snapp
 
January 27: Social Principles of the United Methodist Church:
The Economic Community
Facilitator: Robin Roberts
 

MINISTRY JOTTINGS BY PASTOR DEB
 






The "W" in Christmas

Five year old Kara was excited for the "Winter Program" at her school. The class had been practicing their song for weeks. The day of the program finally arrived. The parents and grandparents settled into their seats, and each class, accompanied by their teachers, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the school had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas", those in the audience didn't really expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when Kara's kindergarten class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," those watching were slightly taken aback. The class was aglow, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters and bright snowcaps on their heads.

Those in the front row, came center stage, and held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, with each child holding up his letter, so that one by one there was the complete message "CHRISTMAS LOVE."

The performance was going smoothly, until Kara held up her letter, the letter "M". But, unknown to her, the letter was upside down, so instead of an "M" it appeared as a "W". The adults in the audience began to murmur. The rest of the students 1st through 5th grade, not so subtle, began to snicker. But Kara had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".

Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued-until the last letter was raised, and all saw what it said together. A hush came over the audience and all the students' eyes widened. In that instant, it became clear to those gathered why they celebrated the holiday in the first place.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S   L O V E"

And, he still is.            
                                          
--from a mother who was present

In Christ's Grace,
Pastor Deb
 

OFFICERS & ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMS FOR 2019
 
Officers & Administrative Teams for 2019  
  • 11/18/18 Approved by Church Council & 12/2/18 Approved at Circuit Charge Conference
  • New people or new terms in Italics
  • The program ministry teams will provide their 2019 team membership & chairpersons/reps to Church Council by 1/10/19. These are-- Missions, Church & Society, Lay Care, Membership, Worship, Children & Youth, and Adult Learning & Fellowship 
Church Council
Chairperson   Dave Loomis
Secretary   Carol Wood
Lay Leader/Conf Member  Jeanne Ambrosier
SPR  Andrew Zapotoczny
Finance/Treasurer   Matt Sailor
Pastor/ Chr of Nominations   Pastor Deb
Youth Rep  Shannon Roamer
Young Adult Rep {under 45} TBA
Trustees Rep
Adult Learning & Fellowship Rep
Children & Youth Rep Sarah Sailor
Church & Society  Rep
Lay Care Rep   Janice Vickery
Membership Rep
Missions Rep
Worship  Rep Jo Ann Dunn
UMM  Glen Stoll
At Large   Jan Thurling, Carolyn Hohne, Steve Gallup, and Ruthanne Huber

-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

Finance
Chairperson/Treasurer Matt Sailor
Lay Leader/Conf Member Jeanne Ambrosier
Financial Secretary  Vickie Borden
Church Council Chr. Dave Loomis
SPR Rep
Trustees Rep
Accountant {staff}  Jennifer Eliasson
Pastor   Deb Olenyik
At Large  Paul Roamer, Karen Morales, John Olson, Ted Miller and Chuck Hoffman

 
-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -

Trustees  {chr. elected by group in January}
Class of 2019: Penn Gildersleeve, Glen Stoll, Donna Mullins
Class of 2020: Lauren Alter, Debbie Roamer, Mike Gregory
Class of 2021: Judy Welch, Fred Bloemendaal, Peter Lindquist

Staff Parish
Class of 2019: JoAnn Vogt, Andrew Zapotoczny {chr}, Pem Dunn
Class of 2020: Ann Thomas, Marilyn Gildersleeve, Ed Hornfeck
Class of 2021: Bob Gerteis, Roxie Wheeler, Dixie Miller
 
Nominations & Leadership Development
Pastor/Chr Deb Olenyik
Lay Leader Jeanne Ambrosier
Class of 2019: Carol Wood, Ann Gerteis
Class of 2020: Janice Vickery, Kurt Hornbecker
Class of 2021: Charlene Hahn, Jim Ament
 

EAGLE PROJECT GAGA BALL COURT 
NEARING COMPLETION
 

 
Jackson Browning's Eagle Rank project of refurbishing our picnic tables and building a gaga ball court in the lower grove on our property is nearing completion.   Jackson and the Scouts of Troop 888 have worked hard over the past several weeks for this accomplishment. Remaining is for the net to be hung between the trees {to catch errant balls}.
 
We are blessed by this addition for ministry and fun.   Thanks to all who contributed funds for the project. Once spring comes, look to us hosting a gaga ball activity event so we all can watch and learn how this popular game for elementary age, youth and adults is played.   And remember the picnic tables for small group outdoor gatherings or a place for rest and reflection.    
 

UMCE ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS FAIR 
RAISES $3,470  FOR OUTREACH MINISTRY PROJECTS
   
Twelve ministries and non-profits we support will be blessed by Christmas gifting totaling $3,470. The gifting honoring friends and loved ones was made by our church members during our annual Alternative Christmas Fair sponsored by the Missions Team over two Sundays.   Thank you for your great support. Special thanks to Marilyn Gildersleeve who coordinated the event along with Michael Eaton, Janice Vickery and Linda Schroeder.
 

CIRCUIT CHARGE CONFERENCE REPORT
 
The Mile High West Circuit Charge Conference was held on December 2 at First UMC of Golden. It brought together the churches of Applewood Valley UMC, Deer Park UMC, UMC of Evergreen, First UMC of Golden, Green Mountain UMC and St. James Central City UMC for the annual meeting to receive reports from the District Superintendent, hold discussion among the churches gathered and conduct specified business areas for each church. Seven of our members and Pastor Deb attended. Short videos from Bishop Oliveto and the historic uniting annual conference in June were shown. A presentation of the three plans coming before the special conference in February was given, followed by a message from D.S. Paul on why our Cabinet is supporting the One Church Plan option and then small group discussion.
 
The business areas for our church approved were the Pastor's Compensation for 2019 and Administrative Teams & Officers for 2019. A Membership Report was also received.
 

UMCE ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING
SET FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 AT 6:30 PM
   
In light of the change to circuit charge conferences, individual churches are convening church annual meetings to celebrate ministry which occurred in the past year by receiving reports from our various ministries as well as acknowledging the program ministry teams moving forward, the 2019 budget and future ministry directions.   Our Church Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, January 22 at 6:30. Dessert will be served. We hope you will join us.
 

MOUNTAIN SKY CONFERENCE NEWS! 
The Land hosts first annual Puppy Christmas Pageant
 


Many people are familiar with Christmas pageants featuring costumed children around a newborn Jesus, singing to celebrate His birth. The Land, a new church in Aurora, Colorado, hosted a similar event during its Dec. 15 service.  At this pageant, however, Mary and Joseph, along with each of the wise men, shepherds and angels, all had four legs and a tail. Even swaddled baby Jesus donned long, floppy ears. Keep in mind dogs were not exclusive to these key roles, as both a squirrel and duck also made appearances.   This was the first annual Puppy Christmas Pageant at The Land. Dogs participated in full costume as both actors and audience members in this special service.

Pastor of The Land is former UMC of Evergreen associate pastor Stephanie Price. The Land consists of a nine-and-a-half-acre piece of raw land where the church community focuses on faith, farming and food. The new congregation meets under a tent each Saturday at 10 a.m. Canine companions are not only welcome for special events like the Christmas pageant, but are encouraged to attend regularly.

In the spring of 2019, The Land will become more accessible with construction starting on sidewalks and parking lots. Looking forward, a two-and-a-half-acre edible labyrinth add to the space, as well as an outdoor amphitheater.  The church is located at 840 S. Powhaton Road, Aurora, CO 80018.

 

FINANCE UPDATES

Attendance & Stewardship Report
-------------------------------------------------
Children, Teachers and Nursery 12/16/18
Worship Services 12/16 / 18
-------------------------------------------------
Needed Weekly
Received 12/16/18
                                                Difference
-------------------------------------------------
                     2018 Budget
Needed Year to Date
Received Year to Date
Difference Year to Date
12/21/18
--------------
16
134
--------------
$6,368
$6,466
$98
--------------
$331,144
$318,400
$304,582
($13,818)

 
REMINDERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND YEAR END

IRA Rollovers - Great News for you and for our church!!
You could give some of your IRA dollars to support God's Kingdom before the end of 2018. A few years ago Congress made permanent the opportunity to make a charitable gift from an IRA to a qualifying non-profit. You can convert your required minimum distribution (RMD) to a charitable distribution by rolling over part of an IRA to UMCE. In doing this you avoid paying any additional tax.
 
You must be over age 70 ½. These tax-free gifts can be up to $100,000 and satisfy the required minimum distribution (RMD). All you need to do is to contact your IRA custodian and request an amount be transferred to UMCE or to the Mountain Sky United Methodist Foundation for the benefit of UMCE. This would be a great way to save on taxes and complete your pledge, increase your gift or create a new gift, at the same time!

Amazon Smile
Amazon Smile is another way to donate to UMCE. Many of us order things from Amazon. The next time you order consider using Amazon Smile. This is how it works: You just log into  www.Amazonsmile.com  (instead of  www.Amazon.com). Then you will see a screen that will ask what charity you support. You will enter our church name, "United Methodist Church of Evergreen." If you've ordered on Amazon Smile before, your charity name will automatically be registered and you won't get this screen. The church will then receive .5% of your purchase price. This may not seem like much, but it all adds up!
 
Grocery Card Purchases
Purchase a King Soopers or Safeway reloadable gift card at the church. Use it and keep reloading it to buy your groceries and gasoline at King Soopers or Safeway. Buy the grocery cards for family members, friends, service providers, etc. Encourage them tot he reload the cards and use them to purchase their groceries and gasoline. The church makes 5% on grocery card purchases.  
 

AROUND THE CHURCH
DECEMBER & JANUARY

Monday, December 24


3:00 pm
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
Spontaneous Christmas Children's Pageant
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Monday, Dec. 24 -
Tuesday, Dec. 25

OFFICE CLOSED FOR
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Monday, Dec. 31 -
Tuesday, Jan. 1

OFFICE CLOSED FOR
NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY
Saturday, January 5

8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Work Begins
UMM and Trustees Indoor Work Day

Sunday, January 6

After 10:30 Service

HELP NEEDED! Cleaning up the Sanctuary after Christmas
Sunday, January 13 9:15-10:30 am Pancake Breakfast Sponsored by Membership
Monday, January 21


OFFICE CLOSED FOR
MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY 
Tuesday, January 22 6:30 pm Annual Church Meeting
 

TEAM MEETINGS
DECEMBER & JANUARY

Tuesday, January 8 10:30 am Staff
Tuesday, January 8 7:00 pm Trustees
Thursday, January 10 7:00 pm Finance
Sunday, January 13 12:00 pm Church Council
Tuesday, January 15 5:30 pm Lay Care
Tuesday, January 15 6:30 pm Church & Society
Thursday, January 31 6:00 pm Membership
 

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 [email protected] 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  third 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 by contacting the church office.

REMEMBER TO USE AMAZON SMILE  when you shop at Amazon. Go to www.amazonsmile.com and designate The United Methodist Church of Evergreen as your charity of choice. Amazon will then donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to UMCE.

EQUAL EXCHANGE FAIR TRADE COFFEE is served during our Sunday morning fellowship but you can also order it. Please contact the church office with requests or questions. Also, please drop some change in the coffee pot to help pay for Sunday morning fellowship coffee.
 
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