United Methodist Church of Evergreen
Rev. Deb Olenyik, Pastor

Sunday, March 3, 2019
Last Sunday after Epiphany 
Services 8:30 & 10:30 am

 
SANCTUARY OPEN FOR PRAYER, SOLACE AND REFLECTION FRIDAY EVENING

Our sanctuary will be open for private prayer, solace and reflection Friday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. [March 1]. This is to provide a needed sacred time around the division and heartache following the outcome of General Conference.
 


"A Preliminary Understanding of What Happened at the Special General Conference of the United Methodist Church by Pastor Deb can be found later in this newsletter. Please scroll down to see what Pastor Deb is sharing this week.
 


Spring forward!  Don't forget that Daylight Savings Time beings Sunday, March 10th.  Remember to set your clocks one hour ahead Saturday night.
 

A DAILY DEVOTIONAL
 


A daily devotional for a personal spiritual journey through Lent is available in the narthex.

 

UNITED METHODIST MEN/FINANCE TEAM BREAKFAST
Saturday, March 2nd - 8:00 Breakfast/8:30 Program
 








Program: Mountain Sky United Methodist Foundation

Join us to hear about the work and offerings of the Mountain Sky UM Foundation which offers investment and loan opportunities for churches and individuals, as well as church endowment building and  personal financial legacy guidance. Our Foundation manages multi-million dollars of portfolios for churches and individuals in our four state region. We are fortunate to have the executive director of the foundation, Kristi Kinnison, as our presenter. We currently partner with the Foundation as our primary investment  agency. Breakfast begins at 8:00 and the program at 8:30.
All are invited.

 

MISSIONS MEXICAN LUNCH
Sunday, March 3rd  after the 10:30 Service
 




The UMCE Missions Team invites you to attend its annual Mexican Lunch on Sunday, March 3rd after the 10:30 service. Please stay after church and treat yourself to a hassle free lunch of chips, salsa, tacos, tortillas and other scrumptious Mexican dishes. There is no charge, but donations are always welcome. This year your donations will go to support the UMCE Youth Summer Mission with Heifer International. 





 

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE - LENT BEGINS
Wednesday, March 6th - 6:30 - 7:00 pm
 


Join us in the sanctuary for a brief, meaningful service which includes the imposition of ashes as we begin our Lenten journey towards Easter. 

 

LENTEN STUDY LED BY PASTOR DEB
"Short Stories By Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi"
Mondays beginning March 11 for 6 weeks
When: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Brown Bag Lunch Study  OR 
7:00-8:00 p.m. Evening Study

 

Minimum 6 people registered in the class time slot for it to be held. Register in the narthex or church office.
Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Professor Amy Jill Levine of Vanderbilt University. Professor Levine provides a short video to lead off each session. As for the content, Jesus was a skilled storyteller and perceptive teacher who used parables from everyday life to effectively convey his message and meaning. We will go back in time to understand how the original Jewish audience understood certain parables and how they also challenge us today. COST: $10.00 for study guide collected at first session.
   

 

LEADERSHIP ORIENTATION & VISIONING SESSION
Sunday, March 10th, 11:40 - 3:00 pm
 

Church Council members and two representatives from each ministry team are invited to gather for a  Leadership Orientation & Visioning Session led by Pastor Deb.  We will look at what is currently valued in our ministry approaches and what God might be leading us in new ways to accomplish in the next year or so.  We will also look at basic team operating procedures. Lunch will be included.

 

"SIP AND PAINT" WITH ARTIST ROGER AMBROSIER
Saturday, March 16th from 6:00-8:00 pm
Price: $35 per person
 

We are very excited to have one of our local artists, Roger Ambrosier, teaching a "Sip and Paint" pastel class in March. Roger will be giving away two of his pastel paintings at this event and this will be included in the price. Painting supplies, heavy appetizers and warm and cold (non-alcoholic) beverages will be included in the price. This is a class for adults, and there will be childcare provided. Please RSVP to  office@evergreenumc.org . Please let us know when you RSVP if you will need childcare. Lastly , this is a fundraiser for UMCE. All proceeds will go to the UMCE general fund.

 

UMCE SNOW TUBING EXCURSION AT ECHO MOUNTAIN
Sunday, March 17th from 12:00-3:30 pm
Price: $25 per person
 








The UMCE Youth Group will be going on a snow tubing excursion to Echo Mountain, on Sunday, March 17 from noon until 3:30 PM. Everyone is invited to join us: youth, EverKids, grown-ups, friends, family-we are all-inclusive! The cost is $25/person, unless you have an Echo Mountain Pass.  But we do have to reserve space! If you plan to attend, please email or call Sarah at youth@evergreenumc.org or 303-717-2053 . If we have more than 20 people, we get a group discount on everyone's ticket. 

 

METRO MILE HIGH DISTRICT GATHERING
Saturday, March 30 from 9:30 - 3:00 p.m. at Littleton UMC
 


To register contact Pastor Deb or visit www.mtnskyumc.org/district. We will offer a car pool from our Evergreen church.
The 19 sites throughout our 4 state region will be connected through technology, including the presentation by our keynote speaker, Diana Butler Bass. Diana is an award-winning author, internationally known public speaker and thought leader on issues of spirituality, religion, culture and politics. She has her doctorate from Duke University.

In Grateful: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks, her latest of ten books, Bass offers suggestions for reclaiming gratitude that can lead to greater connection with God, our loved ones, our world and even our souls. These themes will provide a helpful message we look forward to hearing in this time of deep anxiety and division.

Tentative Schedule:
 Time
 Event
 9:30 a.m.
 Gathering and Hospitality
 10 a.m.
 Welcome
 10:30 a.m.
 Gratitude keynote speaker Diana Butler Bass
 12 p.m.
 Lunch and district agenda {Quiet Disciple recognition}
 1:30 p.m.
 Processing GC2019
 2:30 p.m.
 Closing worship with Bishop Oliveto, event preacher

 

GUATEMALA ENGLISH CAMP - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
JUNE 28 - JULY 7, 2019
 

COTH is very thankful and excited about the 13 volunteers they have so far (including 3 adults from UMCE with two granddaughters).   However, they are hoping and praying for more volunteers so that they can add a new group of students for this year. You can still sign-up for this wonderful, amazing mission trip with Pura Vida Ministries:   https://www.puravida.org/trip.html?trip_id=75. Volunteers pay their own way, but you can also help by donating to Pura Vida towards a volunteer's trip. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Eaton (303-669-0063) or Joanna Cook (303-588-4137). The English Camp grew out of Church of the Hills and COTH is still considered the sponsor of this great program, but it is exciting to see this become an inter-church mission trip! Your prayers are vital to this work!

 

SPECIAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HELD FEBRUARY 23-26, 2019
 


Penn Gildersleeve & Bill Graf in St.Louis as local church observers to the Special Conference Conference of the United Methodist Church held February 23 - 26, 2019.

 

LUNCH BUNCH IS ON THE MOVE!
 


Lunch bunch is on the move and looking for our next place to gather & enjoy each other's company!   Do you have a favorite dining spot in town or surrounding area? Send us your picks and arrangements and sign ups will be started. We all like to eat (some of us more than others) so we might as well do it together and make it fun. Not looking for anything fancy, just good food company.   Contact Marcia Loomis at 303-898-3748 text/call or Mloomis.64@gmail.com or drop your suggestion in the Fellowship Hall box next to the info board.

 

FOOTLOOSE & FANCY-FREE FUN!
 




Yes!  Back by popular demand!  Footloose & Fancy-Free Fun
 
If you've been involved with this group of mostly retirees in the past, (but we'll let you go if you're not quite there yet) then you know how much fun, food & fellowship we have had! If you've not heard of some of our adventures of the past, check the Fellowship Hall info board.   We make plans for a day out, a weekend, and even a week in the past. We always have a good time together. If you have a place or adventure that you would like to do, just put it out there and we'll see how many we can get to participate and then JUST DO IT! It's very informal, go on the adventures you like or pass for another one.
 
We welcome ideas from everyone for a fun time someplace. Don't hesitate to put out your ideas and then be ready to join in the fun and get to know that person that sits "on the other side" by more than a handshake on Sundays!
 
Don't Panic--This group does not have meetings ! (unless we need one for special event plans) ALL EVENTS ARE FUN AND OPTIONAL! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!   WE CAN CARPOOL & OR USE THE UMCE VAN!
 
The following is just some of the ideas of places to visit & learn about. Even if you've been to some of these before, it's fun to go with a group. 
 
Denver Zoo, Hammond's Candies, Hudson Gardens, US Denver Mint, Art Galleries, Museums, State Capital, Brewery tours, Wildlife Sanctuary, Trains: summer adventure or fall color-Tourist Trains in Colorado, Tours of the Sports Facilities, Coors, Mile High, Pepsi Center, Attend a Rockies or sports game, Mesa Verde, Four Corners, Group Jeep tour of Garden of the Gods, Colorado National Monument, Western Slope, Scenic drives with historic stops, Santa Fe, NM week-end arts & crafts fests.
 
There is no end to enjoying Colorado & we're not getting any younger!!
 
Plans are in the making, make them yours!  LET'S GO!!
         
If you have suggestions, drop them in the box in the Fellowship Hall or contact Marcia Loomis at 303-898-3748 or  Mloomis.64@gmail.com. 

 

A Preliminary Understanding of What Happened
at the Special General Conference of the United Methodist Church 
held February 23 - 26 in St. Louis
 







 
Dearly Beloved,
 
What follows is:
1. A summary of the facts out of the Special General Conference from United Methodist News sources
2. My initial reflection for our congregation
                                            - In the mercy & peace of Christ, Pastor Deb Olenyik
 

1.  A Summary of the Facts

 

In a 438-384 vote, delegates to The United Methodist Church's top lawmaking assembly approved a plan that affirms church policies on homosexuality and strengthens enforcement. In selecting the Traditional Plan, as amended, it affirms the church's current bans on ordaining LGBTQ clergy and officiating at or hosting same-sex marriage. Going down in defeat was the One Church Plan, backed by most of the denomination's bishops. It would have allowed U.S. churches and conferences to host same-sex unions and ordain openly gay clergy. Forty three percent of the voting delegates were from outside the United States, with strong leadership voices from Africa, Russia and Asia, indicating the global character of the denomination.  

The effects of the legislation that passed are unclear given constitutional questions that will be addressed by the Judicial Council, the denomination's supreme court, which meets in April. Near the end, delegates voted on a process for disaffiliation.

Council of Bishops President Kenneth H. Carter said that bishops will have to do a lot of outreach after this General Conference, especially to progressives who feel hurt by what transpired.

Bishop Scott Jones of the Texas Conference said that the vote resolves a long-standing debate about how the church "can best accomplish our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This decision is consistent with our denomination's historic stance on human sexuality, outlined in the Book of Discipline since 1972. We will continue to welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and queer persons to our churches and affirm their sacred worth."

"Catastrophic" was the summary judgment of the Rev. James Howell, a Western North Carolina Conference delegate. "The church as we've known it will not be. It's going to fracture in ways - different ways," he said.

Bishop Grant Hagiya lamented the passag e of the Traditional Plan, but said that United Methodist polity, combined with deep divisions about LGBTQ inclusion, almost guaranteed an unhappy outcome. "We have to find a new way to do this," said Hagiya, who leads the church's Los Angeles Area.

The Rev. Adam Hamilton, a Great Plains delegate, said he's heard from many people who wonder if they can remain with The United Methodist Church, given the Traditional Plan's passage. "I'm not ready to give up on the church at this point, but I do think that enforcement with teeth is going to have a lot of people thinking about leaving," he said.

The Rev. Donna Pritchard, delegate from the Pacific Northwest Conference, promised that the Western Jurisdiction - which elected the Rev. Karen Oliveto, a lesbian, as a bishop - would remain and keep to its progressive path."The Western Jurisdiction intends to continue to be one church, fully inclusive and open to all God's children across the theological and social spectrum," she said. {Full statement from the leadership of the Western U.S. Jurisdiction is provided in a separate mailing.  The Western Jurisdiction Leadership gathers in two weeks to consider steps forward.}

The Rev. Rob Renfroe, president of Good News, the unofficial traditionalist advocacy group within the denomination and an organizing force behind the Traditional Plan said he was glad it passed but sorry for the circumstances. Renfroe put much of the blame on the bishops, saying the One Church Plan was essentially a reprise of efforts that had failed at previous General Conferences.  He insisted traditionalist groups had been open to new ideas, but not to an "agree to disagree" approach. "They forced a fight on us," he said. "We're not going to walk away from what we think is important for the church. We had to create a strong effort to defend what we think is biblical."

 

2.  My Initial Reflection for Our Congregation

 

"I will strengthen and uphold you with my righteous right hand." -- Isaiah 41:10

The lines have been drawn in the sand. Those who desire to continue in the fold of the United Methodist Church will have these identifiers associated with them: "Traditional in social issues, and conservative in theology and Biblical interpretation. Stronger in enforcement of the entirety of the Discipline."   Those who desire to align with the leadership of the annual conferences which makes up the Western Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, or others who will be seen as break-off groups, will have these identifiers associated with them: "Progressive and inclusive across the theological spectrum. A flexible to approach to church organization and polity."

As individuals here and our church as a whole consider steps forward, I look to providing a safe and nurturing space for those of both directions. If we could house for over twenty years a Christian {us} and a non- Christian {Jewish Congregation Beth Evergreen} congregation together, we surely can embrace moving forward and respecting both approaches for the foreseeable future. What that will look like is to be determined. However, as a pastoral leader for both, I am committed to bringing my best pastoral and leadership skills so that we can find vibrancy through our faith and strength through God's guidance for the journey.

For those who feel they will not be able to align with the Traditional approach the denomination is moving in, I encourage you to email me so that I can put together a group of those who would like to have dialogue, and gather in a safe and respectful way to share current frustration and pain, as well as look to steps moving forward. This will be an invitation-only gathering, so be sure to email me at deb@evergreenumc.org .

For those who are new to our faith community or who just want to come to experience meaningful and inspirational worship, I know this is confusing and discouraging for your faith needs. Please be assured that while what is unfolding at the larger church and its impact will be communicated succinctly on Sunday mornings as needed, the focus of our worship and the message will continue to be glorifying God and growing in our individual walks as followers of Christ.

I also want all of us to be aware that for some of our faithful members who have long embraced the teachings and approach of the United Methodist Church, the exclusion of LBGTQ persons moving forward is causing deep personal pain, and this is first a time of grieving and acknowledging the significant loss and sadness. My prayers are with each of you in a powerful way. Please know that not only me, but many in our congregation are saddened by the suffering you are dealing with, and want to provide our love and support through this time. Know how valued and important you are to God and to us. Please let me know if you would like to talk or have pastoral support during this time.

I am planning to provide regular reflections around this moving forward. It is a time of endings and beginnings. It is a time of loss and grief, and a time of new approaches and possibilities. I know that in this, as in all things, our God is with us to strengthen us, to hold us close, and to give us wisdom for who we are to be in the days ahead.

Blessings,

Pastor Deb Olenyik

 

NEW CHAPLAIN POSITION FOR REV. TODD EVERHART 
IN FLORIDA
 

Rev. Todd Everhart, former pastor of our church, is serving as a chaplain at the VA Hospital in Tampa, Florida as of the beginning of January.  He is the chaplain of long-term care, hospice and rehab.  He shares that he is really liking his new ministry.  Wife, Pam, will be joining him from Texas in the summer and is looking forward to serving a UM church in the area. 

 

~ IMPORTANT NOTE FROM TRUSTEES ~
 


Penn Gildersleeve, Chair of UMCE's Trustees, is asking that everyone who uses the church building be aware that Penn is the point of contact for after-hours access to the church building and the rooms within the building.

Please do not contact pastor Deb, the church office manager, or the custodians if you need access. Penn is the sole contact for these types of needs/requests. If Penn is away on vacation or business he will designate someone to be his contact in his absence. 
 
Penn's cell phone is (303) 902-9959 and his land line is (303) 674-4899.  He can be to the church in a couple of minutes.
 
Just a reminder that there is an updated church directory next to the phone in the church kitchen with Penn's numbers. Thank you for your understanding. 

 

CONDOLENCES
We invite prayers of sympathy and support for Pat Webers on the passing of her mother, Rosemary Brown, age 99, who was living in Tennessee. 
 

NEW OFFICE MANAGER
 


The UMCE Staff Parish Relations Committee is happy to announce that Allison Caldwell has accepted the role of serving as our church office manager.  She has been training with Carol Wood and will officially take over as Office Manager on Feb. 18.   
 
Allison was selected from a large group of truly outstanding applicants for the office manager position.  Her past experiences include working as an account executive in New York City as well as multiple positions with financial advisors in the Denver area.  During the interview process, Allison's ability to create a welcoming environment as well as her administrative skill set both stood out.  Allison's family attends the Church of the Transfiguration Episcopal Church here in Evergreen. Her 2 year old son, Weston, will be beginning at the Great Escape in the near future.    Allison will be attending our services one Sunday in the near future to be introduced and welcomed by the congregation.  
 
Many, many thanks go to Carol for her flexibility and willingness to help train Allison during this transition.  Carol's dedication and love for our church have been evident throughout this transition process.  Thanks Carol!   If you have any questions about this transition, please don't hesitate to reach out to myself or Pastor Deb. 

Allison Caldwell's Bio

Allison was born and raised in Scottsdale, AZ and is the oldest of five children. She moved to Colorado to attend college at the University of Colorado-Boulder where she majored in Operations Management. After graduation she moved to New York City where she was a Fashion Executive for almost 9 ½ years. Eight years ago, she moved back to Denver where she met her husband, Paul Caldwell. She worked at a financial planning firm in Denver until she had her son two years ago.  Allison has lived in Evergreen for almost 7 years and shares her house with her husband, son, and their three dogs.


New office hours will be Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.  and Friday the office will be closed.
 

YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S EDUCATION 
AND ACTIVITIES

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
Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am
Location: Church Library (Rm 12)
Author, Adam Hamilton, has updated his book  Christianity and World Religions. This is a study of four major world religions; Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism-comparing their beliefs to Christianity. For more information, please contact Jeanne Ambrosier: 303-674-6377 or  rjambro@estreet.com.
 
THE MEN'S BAGELRY FELLOWSHIP GROUP
Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 am
Location: The Bagelry in Bergen Park
The Men's Bagelry Fellowship Group meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at the Bagelry in Bergen Park, across from King Soopers. Contact Bill Graf at (303) 246-8330 for more information.
 

LIBRARY ADULT STUDY CLASS (Rm 12)
Sundays, 9:30 - 10:20 am
March 3, 10, and 17: History of Belief in God
Facilitator: Bob Gerteis
In these three sessions we will study the growth in the understanding of God as the Jews perceived and experienced their God. We will view the Karen Armstrong's History of God, as shown on YouTube, as a study guide for our discussion.

March 24: Social Principles of the United Methodist Church: 
The World Community
Facilitator: Donna Mullins & Ann Gerteis
 
March 31: TBA

 

FINANCE UPDATES


Attendance & Stewardship Report
-------------------------------------------------
Sunday School & Nursery 2/24/19
Worship Services 2/24 / 19
------ -------------------------------------------
Needed Weekly
Received 2/24/19
                                                Difference
-------------------------------------------------
                     2019 Budget
Needed Year to Date
Received Year to Date
Difference Year to Date
3/1/2019
--------------
16
78
--------------
$6,309
$9,343
$3,034
--------------
$328,086
$50,472
$52,389
$1,917 







 
 

AROUND THE CHURCH -  MARCH

Saturday, March 2 8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Program
UMM/Finance Team Breakfast
Program: Mountain Sky UM Foundation
Sunday, March 3

After 10:30 Service

Missions Mexican Lunch Benefiting the UMCE Youth Mission
Wednesday, March 6 6:30 - 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service
Saturday, March 16

6:00 - 8:00 pm

SAVE THE DATE! Sip and Paint with UMCE Artist Roger Ambrosier
Sunday, March 17 12:00 - 3:30 pm UMCE Snow Tubing Excursion
Saturday, March 30 9:30 - 3:00 pm Metro Mile High District Gathering at Littleton UMC
 

TEAM MEETINGS -  MARCH
 
Tuesday, March 5 10:30 am Staff
Tuesday, March 5 6:00 pm Missions
Tuesday, March 5 7:00 pm Trustees
Sunday, March 10

11:40-3:00 pm

Leadership Orientation & Visioning Session (Lunch Included)
Tuesday, March 19 6:30 pm Church & Society
Thursday, March 21 7:00 pm Finance
Thursday, March 28 6:00 pm Membership
 

CHURCH INFORMATION

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 1:15 pm
Friday: CLOSED
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  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