United Methodist Church of Evergreen
Rev. Deb Olenyik, Pastor

Sunday, March 24, 2019
3rd Sunday in Lent
Services 8:30 & 10:30 am
  

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


Thank you to all who supported the recent Sip N' Paint fundraiser.  We raised $870 towards our church budget and  there were 22 attendees.  Thank you to Roger Ambrosier for being a great teacher as well as donating all the art supplies, and 3 beautiful paintings which were given away in a drawing.  Thanks to our church members for donating food and drinks.  It was a successful fundraiser, plus everyone had a lot of fun. 

 
 
 
VICKIE BORDEN 
THIS YEAR'S "QUIET DISCIPLE" HONOREE
  
W e are proud to celebrate the recipient of this year's Quiet Disciple award from UMC of Evergreen - Vickie Borden. We will honor Vickie in worship at the 10:30 service on March 24.   Every church in our conference is invited to nominate someone as a Quiet Disciple who is then honored at the yearly District gathering. This year the District honoring will take place on March 30 at Littleton UMC.  
 
A Quite Disciple is one who goes about their business in ministry or service to one's church without fanfare. Quiet Disciples are considered the foundation of laity in ministry. Quiet Disciples display strong Christian commitment in many aspects of their life, not just for the ministries for which they are being recognized.
 
Vickie Borden has been a member of the United Methodist Church of Evergreen for 30 years and a life-long United Methodist. Her family was instrumental in forming churches in South Dakota. As a retired CPA for the government, our church has utilized her skills in that area by being our Finance Chairperson for 10 years and is now serving as our Financial Secretary.
 
Vickie has spent countless hours at the church recording the monetary gifts to our church and helped with many Stewardship Campaigns. She is an active member of Women's Bible Study and always comes prepared with many great comments and questions. Vickie takes it upon herself to send cards to members who celebrate birthdays or special occasions, and recognizes losses by sending sympathy cards. She is a member of our Lay Care Team and is helpful by bringing members to church from the Lakewood area who cannot drive.
 
The church can count on Vickie to bring food to Memorial Services or any special church events. We have been blessed with Vickie's many gifts and she has even performed her tap dance expertise for us which is one of her passionate hobbies. Vickie is a beautiful person inside and out!
 
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - EXPLORING GOD'S GALAXY
Wednesday, June 5 through Friday, June 7




Registration for Vacation Bible School - Exploring God's Galaxy is now open!  This year UMC Evergreen will hold VBS on a 3-day schedule.  Wednesday, June 5th from 9-3:30 pm, Thursday, June 6 from 9-3:30 pm and Friday, June 7th from 9-1:30 pm.  Half-day options are available for Preschool and Kindergarten children!  Contact Sarah Sailor at [email protected] to register.

Volunteers are also needed!  Come be part of the fun!  VBS needs you to make it a success!!  We are inviting members of our church family to join in at Vacation Bible School.  The kids appreciate having adults who spend time with them, and we provide all the materials and information you need to have a great week!  Contact Sarah Sailor at [email protected] to sign up as a volunteer.
 
LENTEN SERMON SERIES
Building Spiritual Muscle
 


March 24 "When You're Disappointed"
March 31 "Canceling Guilt Trips"
April 7 "Scared to Death of Death"
(April 14 Palm Sunday 8:30 TBA; 10:30 Choir Cantata)

 
CHANCEL CHOIR SCHEDULE

Saturday, April 6 - Cantata Rehearsal
 12:00 - 2:00 pm (Sanctuary)
Saturday, April 13 - Dress Rehearsal
10:30 - 12:00 pm (Sanctuary)
Sunday, April 14 - Cantata Performance
 9:45 am (Warm-up)
Sunday, April 21 - Easter
8:00 am (Warm-up)
Sunday, April 28
 NO CHOIR
 
PIZZA AND MOVIE NIGHT
Friday, April 5 at 6:00 p.m.
 

Please join UMCE in a Family Night of free pizza and a movie on April 5. Pizza will be served at 6:00, and we will show the movie "Mary Poppins Returns" at 6:30. Please sign up with this website: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054CAFA72CAA8-family1 or sign up on the church bulletin board.

 
UMM BREAKFAST:  SHOW & TELL
Saturday, April 6 from 8:00-12:00 PM
 

By Glenn Stoll
 
I've had an idea for some time that I'm finally acting on. I've been thinking about having a program or two each year where each of us guys would eventually do a presentation on ourselves. My rationale for this is that many of us (especially the newer members) don't really know a lot about the other guys sitting around the room. I think we all have interesting stories to tell, and familiarity will only improve our men's fellowship group. So...I have asked three of our UMCE veterans to put together some thoughts, pictures, stories, etc., and give a presentation to this extremely tough audience. Thankfully, they all gave me an enthusiastic "YES," so on April 6 we will get to know Pem Dunn, Jim Ament and Dave Loomis a lot better. Breakfast is served at 8:00, and the presentations begin around 8:30.  Bill Graf and Mac DeGuire will be handling kitchen duties.

 
LENTEN CONCERT & LUNCHEON
Wednesday, April 10 at 12:00 p.m.
 

The Lenten Concert series has been condensed into a single service this year. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 10 at 12:00 p.m. to enjoy music performed by our gifted musicians followed by a free, hot lunch. Performing selections on the piano will be Terry Vogt, Keron Sandusky, Joyce Scheel, and Karen Hines. Linda Bloemendaal will perform a selection on the flute.  This will be an excellent opportunity to invite friends to join us for a peaceful, enjoyable break from their day.  

 
JOY TEAM IN ACTION
Saturday, April 27  and Saturday, June 22
 
F or the past few months the JOY Team has been planning for 2 big events to support the lifesaving work of JOY International, the organization based in Conifer that rescues and restores the lives of children, teens and young women who are victims of sex trafficking.   As an outreach of Church and Society, our task is to raise awareness of and outrage against these crimes.
 
A community wide program, A CALL TO ACTION: FIGHT CHILD TRAFFICKING will be hosted by our church on Sat. April 27.   Dr. Jeff Brodsky, the founder of JOY International, will speak to adults in the morning {9:30 - 11:30}, and middle & high school youth in the afternoon  {noon-2pm}. His talk will be age appropriate, instructive and emotionally moving. Please plan to attend and bring friends!
 
The "main event" will be a Barefoot Mile fundraiser on Sat. June 22, starting at 9:00 am at Marshdale Park. This is a fun, family-friendly event with music, food, face painting, balloons and a great playground!  People of all ages get sponsors and walk the mile in solidarity with the children who wait for rescue. This is the FIRST  BAREFOOT MILE FUNDRAISER  in our mountain community, and we want it to be super successful!!
 
The JOY Team is comprised of 16 members representing 5 churches. From UMCE : Tracy Atlas, Bill Graf, Carolyn Hohne, Dave Loomis, Ted Miller, Arlene Sutherland, Tonya Sweater and Jan Thurling. Speak to any member for more info.  We are thankful for the members from Bergen Church, CO Life Church, Lutheran Church and Platte Canyon Community Church.  God has brought us together for this work, and we ask you to join us by spreading the word to those you love and care about.
 
SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM FOR EChO
Various dates in June, July and August
 


In October 2010, a Stone Soup ministry was started to make healthy soup for EChO clients and volunteers.   Since that time five local churches have been providing soup from September through May.   However, hungry people still come in to the food bank during the summer months.   Last year our church was asked to be included in the first summer lunch program for EChO. It was so well received by our church and EChO that we have been asked back this year for the June thru August months to prepare a meal for clients and volunteers.   Our obligation will be to prepare either salads or sandwiches twice in our appointed weeks. Last year the generosity of donations from our church family completely covered the cost of food.   The schedule for UMCE is June 24 & 27, July 22 & 25, and August 26 & 29. Contact Ruthanne Huber at [email protected] if you are interested in being a part of this project.

 
BLESSING BAG SUPPLIES NEEDED!
 


The Missions Committee is seeking travel-sized  shampoos/conditioners/lotions to use in Blessing Bags.  If you're traveling, bringing home your unused hotel supplies would be great.  We'll soon have a fresh supply of Blessing Bags ready for you to leave in your car, and when you see someone in need at a stoplight, giving them a bag brings joy to them...and you.  Donations of supplies all kinds are always welcomed.   Thank you for your support!

 
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  [email protected]. 

 
FLEA MARKET & CAR SHOW FUNDRAISER
 





Where will you take those treasures you are willing to part with?  How will you get those crafts out you'd like to sell?  While there are many opportunities in our area, consider holding some of them for the Flea Market & Car Show Fundraiser the Finance Fundraising Team is working on for this July.  If you know of others who might like to have a table at the event or who have a car-show-worthy car, please give them a "heads up".  More details to follow.  For questions contact Vickie Borden, Marcia Loomis or Karen Morales.  

 
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!

"Note: Volunteer signups by Friday, March 22 can be included in group airline booking; later signups will still be accepted, but individual air booking will likely cost more."

 
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

 
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)
The current study is about the life of Simon Peter: Flawed But Faithful Disciple. Peter was an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call and left everything to follow his teacher. Please join us for this Adam Hamilton Study of the man whose doubts and fears helped change the world. Contact Jeanne Ambrosier for more information: [email protected] or 303-674-6377.
 
THE MEN'S BAGELRY FELLOWSHIP GROUP
1st and 3rd Tuesdays 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  24: History of Belief in God
Facilitator: Bob Gerteis
In this session 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 31: Developing Leadership for the Church: Session 1
Facilitator: Pastor Deb
  • The Toughest Person to Lead is Yourself
  • When You Get Kicked in the Rear, You Know You're Out in Front
Based on the work of John Maxwell {who Pastor Deb has relied on through the years}, this is the first of occasional sessions on developing leadership for the church, no matter how much or little experience we might have. 
 
April 7 and 14:  Science and Religion
Facilitator: Bob Gerteis
Science and religion are two different ways in which we deal with reality. We will discuss how both obtain knowledge and understanding of that reality. As well as what assumptions they make and their objectives.  We need both to maintain healthy physical and spiritual lives.
 
MINISTRY JOTTINGS BY PASTOR DEB
 







 
Our Lenten Journey - Setbacks & Self-Forgiveness
 
The goal of Lent is not to make a plan for change and follow it to the letter. Rather, the goal is to make a change that sinks deeply into life, drawing us closer to self, others, and God. Lent is about intentionally opening ourselves, preparing to receive God's goodness. As hard as it may be to imagine, setbacks can bring us close to this goal - they take our journey to a deeper level.
 
One lesson embedded in setbacks is self-forgiveness - the art of being gentle with ourselves, treating ourselves as we would anyone else who has made a mistake. Jesus tells us that we need to love ourselves, to extend to ourselves the same kindness and compassion we show our neighbors.
 
Many of us are trained to treat others gently but hold ourselves to higher standards. Seeing ourselves objectively is challenging, locked as we are in our own minds. When another person hurts me, I am aware of hurt coming from outside myself. I can identify the wrong and can then choose to forgive it. But when hurt comes from inside myself - through some form of self-criticism or self-blame - understanding what happened is harder. I may not know where the feeling came from. I need to consciously monitor the ways I hurt myself, and from there I can begin to understand and forgive my own actions.
 
Setbacks give us ample opportunity to practice self-forgiveness. Every time we slip up in some new habit or goal, we have an opportunity. We come to a crossroads; we can choose to say judgmental statements to ourselves, or we can say gently, forgiving statements. Like all human beings, we deserve forgiveness for our slips.
 
As we practice forgiving ourselves, we improve our capacity for all sorts of forgiveness. With each act of forgiveness we increase in compassion and love, and in doing so become better imitators of Christ.

Blessings,
 
Pastor Deb Olenyik

 
FINANCE UPDATES


Attendance & Stewardship Report
-------------------------------------------------
Sunday School & Nursery 3/17/19
Worship Services 3/17 / 19
------ -------------------------------------------
Needed Weekly
Received 3/17/19
                                                Difference
-------------------------------------------------
                     2019 Budget
Needed Year to Date
Received Year to Date
Difference Year to Date
3/22/2019
--------------
49
100
--------------
$6,309
$5,216
($1,093)
--------------
$328,086
$69,399
$69,760
$361 







 
 
AROUND THE CHURCH -  MARCH & APRIL

Saturday, March 30 9:30 - 3:00 pm Metro Mile High District Gathering at Littleton UMC
Friday, April 5
6:00 pm
Pizza and Movie Night
Saturday, April 6
8:00 - 12:00 pm
 UMM Breakfast:  Show & Tell
Wednesday, April 10
 12:00 pm
 Lenten Concert & Luncheon
 
TEAM MEETINGS -  MARCH &  APRIL
 
Thursday, March 28 6:00 pm Membership
Tuesday, April 2 10:00 am Staff
Tuesday, April 2 6:00 pm Missions
Tuesday, April 2 7:00 pm Trustees
Sunday, April 7 12:00 pm Church Council
Tuesday, April 16 6:30 pm Church & Society
Thursday, April 25 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 [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