Easter Greetings

We are looking for videos of you (and your family, if applicable) saying " Happy Easter from xxxxx family" to add to our Easter Sunday worship experience video! Thank you to those that have already sent Jessica one.

If you could please send Jessica a little Easter Greeting video via email here or text to her ( 303-720-9187) by tomorrow at 10am. OR, please join Jessica tomorrow on Zoom and she will call each family/person to do a greeting. Just click here to join at 10am Saturday (tomorrow).

Easter Sunday

Our online Easter Sunday worship experience will be posted HERE and on Facebook at 9am.

Easter – In the Best of Times & In the Worst of Times

This is the season of hope and victory for us Christians as we proclaim the power of our Lord’s resurrection. This Easter has come just as it has each year for 1,917 years {based on Jesus’s death & resurrection happening in 33 CE}. Celebrated in countless circumstances and in numerous countries over those years. For us, this is to be a year where we will say we celebrated in the worst of times. Harkening back to times of war in the Roman era, Middle Ages, Revolutionary War, Civil War, both World Wars, and the pandemic in 1918. As well as other times of plagues, famine and economic despair – and this is just looking over the history of those of us with Anglo-Saxon/American backgrounds. 

It is easy to celebrate the power of the Lord’s resurrection in the best of times. It is harder – and yet, in many ways, more profound—when we claim the power of this day in the worst of times.  We look to the resurrection, and then we look to what God has done or is doing in the present crisis. We want a Word from the Lord – and on this day we have it with an exclamation point. 

“Through Christ Jesus we are set free . . . For if God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son . . and more than that, who was raised to life.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship.  . . .No, not even death [or COVID-19] can separate us from the love of God.”   -- from Romans 8. This day, the Resurrection of Jesus, after suffering greatly and dying for us on the cross, we know of the victory not only over death, but God’s strength with us in the worst of times. We know, just as following winter is the spring, that our God promises us a spring for our families, nation and world, knowing we will come out of this crisis. 

And it is beyond having the strength of Christ in each of us for handling what we are going through in these few months. It is also about opening ourselves daily for God’s strength for the many changes we will be adapting to in the long-run. The strength we are seeing now at the local level and beyond is inextricably tied to our devotion as individuals. Wise, caring decisions by leaders do not exist apart from righteous individuals being willing do what is needed. All the kindness and compassion we see pouring out, cannot happen without a sense of individual spiritual and ethical grounding. This is why being an Easter people is more important than ever for this season we are in.  Gracious acts only come from gracious [i.e. grace-filled] people.

In these critical days, the secret, spiritual contribution of each of us Christ-followers who claim the power, hope, love, healing and victory of the Resurrection is important.  Just as important as all the tangible contributions we see all around us. Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Hallelujah!

Prayer for this Time of COVID19

Loving Jesus, you are compassionate to those in need and heal the sick in body and mind. Look kindly on those who are fearful at this time. Help us all to put away all thoughts and actions that separate us from you and from one another. Give us grace to live our lives confident in your promise that you are with us always.

Gracious God, give skill, sympathy and resilience to all who are caring for the sick, and your wisdom to those searching for a cure. Strengthen them with your Spirit, that through their work many will be restored to health.

Lord Jesus Christ, you taught us to love our neighbor, and to care for those in need as if we were caring for you. In this time of anxiety, give us strength to comfort the fearful, to care for the sick, and to assure the isolated of our love, and your love, for your name’s sake. Amen. 

THANK YOU for continuing to be faithful in your giving to our ministry. Your generosity is needed more now than in many years past. Thank you to those of you who have given above and beyond your pledged amount for the special Easter offering.  Your support of God’s work through our various ministries is vital. May your faith-walk with Christ be strengthened by your financial witness. 

THANK YOU for those who are taking the time to connect with our outreach and ministry during this time through the worship we are streaming, the classes and conversations we are holding by zoom, reading these Happening newsletters and the other items we send out, considering switching to online giving and also being in touch with your brothers and sisters in Christ in our community of faith. God is smiling upon each of these Disciple-in-training acts.

DO YOU NEED A MASK?

While there are many ways to make a mask—sewing, no-sew, using a bandanna – if you would like a cloth mask dropped off at your home, please let us know. We have several members sewing masks for patients when they leave St. Anthony’s emergency room and clinics {requested by Dr. Brian Shield} as well as for other places of need. Our mask-sewers are more than willing to share with those in our congregation who need one as well. 

What You’ll Find in This Edition:

Some Good News!! 

During this difficult time of social distancing requiring churches to be closed, our church has a new option for on-line giving. This is a simple process, which is in addition to the processes already in place.

If you have a smart phone, you can download the free GivePlus app from the Apple store or from Google Play. When you have installed the app on your phone you will be able to enter our zip code (80439) and our church will display as one of the Evergreen churches using this app. Select our church and follow the instructions to donate. 

Next, set up your profile to add a payment method in your account. There are three lines in the upper left hand corner to see profile options and one is "Payment Methods". After entering your payment method, you can choose a donation frequency: one-time, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly, the date you want to make the donation and specify the amount of the donation. This can be used for a one-time gift or for an on-going contribution. This app is part of Vanco services offerings.

The most advantageous on-line contribution method for the church is still to use your bank’s online bill pay option. Contact your bank for assistance in setting up online processing. As we've documented before, you may also make online donations conveniently and securely with an electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your checking or savings account or with a debit or credit card using Vanco services. Whether you choose EFT or credit/debit card processing you choose a donation frequency: one-time, weekly, monthly or quarterly. You specify the amount of the contribution and you may also specify the day of the month that you want the transaction to take place. Funds are transferred electronically from your designated account to the church’s bank account according to your instructions, generally within two days. To make an online donation described above, go HERE, then click on the MAKE A DONATION button and follow the instructions.

We want to thank those of you who have recently signed up for online donations during this difficult time. On-going thanks to those who have been and continue to use online giving.

Congratulations to Michael Eaton –UMCE Quiet Disciple for 2020

Each year, congregation Lay Leaders are invited to nominate a person from their congregation who represents outstanding, humble, unselfish service for the Kingdom of God through their lay ministry. Those nominated are recognized at the gathering of each District in the spring. This year we are proud to have Michael Eaton as our Quiet Disciple. Here is what we shared about his service for which we are blessed and grateful:

" Michael has been a member of the United Methodist Church of Evergreen, CO for 20 years. He has held many leadership positions over the years: Missions Chairperson, Finance Team, Church & Society Team, and Church Council. He is truly a behind the scenes man as he is often seen in the kitchen cleaning up after services, helping move furniture around, or serving snacks to the congregation. Michael uses his career expertise for the church through his attention to detail whether it be finances or social issues. He has an analytical mind and offers questions and solutions to difficult issues. Michael’s quiet sense of humor is always a delight for those of us that can detect his subtle way of looking at situations in a humorous way. He is a member of the Chancel Choir. He has a way of applying his deep Biblical and spiritual commitment to making the world a better place through his dedication to our church community. I am always pleased to work with Michael on any team because he brings his intellect and extreme Christian commitment to any idea or project that he pursues. Michael Eaton is a true Quiet Disciple."

To join, email Jessica to receive the entry code information for the offerings you are interested in.  She is our registrar and Zoom manager. 

“Coffee, Conversation & Christ”

Join Pastor Deb Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

“Study of the Parables”

New group to start again on 4/28. Details to follow.

“What Happened after the Bible Ends: A Look at Early Church History”

Day and time TBA depending on the preferences of those who are interested. Four sessions.

We are continuing all our regular programs in their usual time slots, though will be shorter. Let Sarah know if interested so she can provide connecting information. 

Youth Group Coffee Talk

12pm-1pm on Sundays with a devotional, discussion and check-ins.

Kids Action Pack

9:30am on Sundays.

EverKids Sunday School

10:30am on Sundays and includes a lesson, discussion and even a craft.

Kids Heroes of the Bible Study

4pm on Wednesdays with a short check in, Bible study, devotional, and craft.

EChO has secured housing for FIVE of our homeless clients in the past two weeks. Unfortunately, these people have nothing. Since EChO's Resale Shop is closed, as it is not considered an essential service, we're hoping you can help us provide furniture and household items to help our clients. There are a lot of up-front costs associated with moving, with deposits, utilities, application fees, etc., and it is difficult for our clients to buy these items. Please see this link to see if there's anything you can spare.

Last week Mountain Resource Center served a total of 219 families with a total of 597 family members! Their numbers continue to grow each week as the need grows. MRC will be open this week again M-Th 1-4pm. In addition to the more obvious pantry work they are doing, they are also serving folks behind the scenes.

The best way to support MRC during this crisis is definitely with monetary donations since they still can not accept physical donations at this time. They are also unable to use volunteers at this time. Thank you for your continued support and well wishes.

In order to continue to serve our community for Christ, their box truck will be parked in the east parking lot at The Bridge Church, 3101 S. Kipling St., Lakewood, CO 80227, (next to Bear Creek High School) Tuesday, April 14th for a "drive thru" style food drive for Mean Street from 3 P.M. to 5 P.M

 

Their biggest needs are: 

Donation receipts will be available. If you have the time and ability to help out, please stop by and drop off some food. They can also use volunteers serving at the office or on the streets. If you're interested or have any questions, please call the office at (303) 232 - 2500.

Buy Gift Certificates Through the Evergreen Chamber's Online Platform! To help our local businesses, they have launched a ONE STOP SHOP to purchase Gift Certificates to MULTIPLE businesses in one simple transaction all at once without leaving home. CLICK HERE to find menus, take out options, plus the gift card link all in one place.

Take-Out Guide for Restaurants in Evergreen, Bailey, Conifer! We can support our local restaurants as many are still offering take out and delivery options. Here is a great interactive map of them!

This was passed on by Jeanne Ambrosier and we found worth sharing –

Come Sit with Me at My Table

There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you well, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.

We’re supposed to pick eight people who have touched my life and who I think might participate {and copy Jeanne on your invitation}. Remember to just read the quotation. That is all you have to do. There is nothing attached. Just email this to eight people you would like to sit at your table.

Quote: "Today may there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us."

Now, send this to eight others.

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