Apologies that this edition of Happenings is coming to you later than usual. Please enjoy!
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United Methodist Church of Evergreen
Rev. Deb Olenyik, Pastor
Sunday, December 1st, 2019
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Ministry Jottings by Pastor Deb can be found later in this newsletter. Please scroll down to see what Deb is sharing this week.
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A Gift for You -- An Advent Daily Devotions Booklet.
Available in the church narthex.
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| CHILI/SOUP LUNCH & ANNUAL ALL CHURCH MEETING |
 On
Sunday, December 15th @ 11:40 am, join us for a chili/soup lunch & our annual all church meeting. We'll hear from our dedicated leadership on the ministry of the past year, look ahead to 2020 & have a bit of discussion about our strengths in ministry & fresh directions God might be calling us to follow.
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WHEN ARE WE SINGING MY FAVORITE CAROL?
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Dec 1
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
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Angels from the Realms of Glory
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Dec 7
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?
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Dec 24 Christmas Eve
O Little Town of Bethlehem
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
O Come, All Ye Faithful
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Joy to the World
Silent Night
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While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Sing We Now of Christmas
He Is Born
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly
Angels We Have Heard on High
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Dec 29
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!
AND a Carol Sing {one more time to sing your favorites}
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INTERESTED IN HELPING IN ONE OF OUR MINISTRY TEAMS?
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 This is the time our outstanding ministry teams are organized for the coming year. If you are interested in helping in one of these teams, we invite you to contact Pastor Deb or a chairperson before December 15:
- Adult Learning & Fellowship [Dean Penrod]
- Children & Youth [Sarah Sailor]
- Church & Society [Carolyn Hohne]
- Lay Care [Jo Ann Dunn]
- Membership [Terry Vogt]
- Missions [Michael Eaton]
- Worship [Marleen Eggers]
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ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS AT UMCE
DECEMBER 8TH AND 15TH 2019
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 For over thirty years the United Methodist Church of Evergreen has offered the option of presenting Christmas gifts to friends and relatives in the form of a donation to non-profit organizations we support. This most Christian celebration gift is truly a way to recognize family and friends while at the same time benefiting worthwhile causes in honor of the Christmas spirit. Special cards will be available for the gift recipients.
An Alternative Christmas order form is being provided as a Sunday bulletin insert. The completed form can be given to a member of the Missions Committee at the Alternative Christmas table in Fellowship Hall after church Sunday, December 8th or Sunday December 15th. If you are unable to be in church on those dates, you can still deliver your form to the church office. Checks should be made out to the United Methodist Church of Evergreen with the note "Alternative Christmas" on the memo line.
SPONSORED THIS YEAR:
Bethlehem Bible College:
Bethlehem Bible College is an interdenominational college which uses Arabic as its primary language of instruction. Courses are accredited through the Middle East and North Africa Association for Theological Education (MENATE), the Palestinian Ministry of Higher Education, and several international theological organizations. The college exists to train people to serve Christ in the world, advocate a Palestinian evangelical perspective, and model Christ through community development. UMCE church members visited the college on their 2009 trip to the Holy Land.
Blue Spruce Habitat for Humanity:
This ecumenical Christian affiliate of Habitat utilizes volunteer labor and local donations to build homes in Evergreen and the surrounding area with and for local low-income families.
Center for Health and Hope:
An ecumenical Christian and inter-faith organization (formerly Center for the Church and Global AIDS) founded by Dr. Don Messer working to address the challenges of the global HIV and AIDS pandemic and related health needs in the world through programs of awareness, education, prevention, care, and treatment. Our own Bill Graf is a recipient of their "Hero of the Year" award.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless:
The Coalition was established in 1984 with the belief that all persons have the right to adequate housing and health care. Their integrated approach combines high quality and safe housing, with free of charge health and mental health care, along with individualized support services for each resident. The Coalition opened Downtown Lofts in June 2018, their 18th residence in the Denver area, to house 100 formerly homeless individuals.
Evergreen Christian Outreach:
Evergreen Christian Outreach (EChO) assists people in our community with their basic and urgent needs and helps them realize their potential on a path to self-sufficiency. To that end, it provides a food bank for weekly grocery shopping, holiday meals, a "summer lunch for kids" program, energy assistance (utilities, fire-wood), financial assistance for clients with temporary loss of wages, a job center to assist with workforce development and job search skills, a cold weather emergency shelter program for those experiencing homelessness, and specific assistance Veterans. EChO was named 2019 Non-Profit of the Year by the Evergreen Chamber of Commerce.
Family Promise
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An organization providing temporary shelter, meals, and services through local church and volunteer support for greater Denver area families experiencing homelessness. UMCE volunteers provide support during the year for Arvada/Wheatridge/Lakewood families sheltering at Jefferson Avenue UMC.
JOY International:
Founded in 1981 by Dr. Jeff Brodsky to be involved in, or help coordinate, the rescue, restoration, reintegration, and prevention of commercial sexual exploitation of children, both domestically and internationally. Trafficking in people, especially women and children for sexual exploitation, is the fastest growing industry in the world, grossing more than 150 billion dollars annually.
Kenya Youth Sponsorship (KYS):
Formed in 2003 by UMCE's Heather and Donna Mullins to sponsor underprivileged secondary students in Ekwanda Village in Western Kenya, where Heather lived in 2002. Since its inception, KYS has sponsored 100 students, with as many graduates, many of whom have gone on to post-secondary schools and have children of their own. While there are still several students in college, some who have graduated, many with families, are struggling to find work in Kenya and need some support.
Mean Street Ministry:
Mean Street Ministry is a non-profit Christian organization serving the working poor and homeless along West and East Colfax Avenue. They are dedicated to bringing the love of Christ to those who feel disconnected from family, community, and God, providing winter shelter and a prison ministry. Mean Street Ministry provides a safe environment for lay Christians to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Some of our UMCE members prepare burritos to serve to the 1000 people fed weekly by Mean Street Ministry.
Mountain Resource Center (MRC):
The MRC vision is to deliver long-term solutions for Conifer, Bailey, and Evergreen families that i
nspire hope, resilience and independence
. Their services include family advocacy, crisis assistance, financial coaching, workforce services, two-generation family education, Parents as Teachers home visitation, healthy living programs, veteran support, and a Resale Store and food pantry.
By working in collaboration with local businesses, private and public organizations, churches, schools, and individual volunteers and donors, MRC serves as a hub to address community needs
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Pura Vida Ministries:
Pura Vida facilitates the sharing of resources with communities in Guatemala in a meaningful, respectful, and long term way. Their primary focus is on providing educational opportunities for children in rural villages through scholarships, tutoring, and support of local schools. They encourage others to work with them in giving time, knowledge, and resources to help poor rural communities attain a standard of living in which children can thrive. UMCE members traveled to Guatemala last summer to help local Mayan students learn English.
Urban Peak Youth Shelter
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Founded in 1988, Urban Peak is the only non-profit organization in Denver that provides a full convergence of services for youth ages 15 through 24 experiencing homelessness, or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Their goal is to help youth overcome real life challenges and become self-sufficient adults by providing essential services at little or no cost to the youth: an overnight shelter, a daytime Drop-In Center, street outreach, education and employment programming, and supportive housing.
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EVERKIDS 2020 VISION PLANNING
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On
Saturday, December 14th at noon we will meet to brainstorm and plan for our UMC EverKids Program in 2020. Our small but mighty children's program needs the support of each EverKids Family as well as our gifted and loving EverKids volunteers from the wider congregation. Please plan to attend!
Some of the programs we will discuss:
- New ideas for the Action Pack hour
- New approaches to the EverKids Sunday School Curriculum
- Teacher and volunteer sign ups
- Special events
- The Early Birds Program for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Upcoming plans for the Weekday program
Also, keep up with the latest news for our UMC EverKids Program by following our blog at
umceverkids.family.blog/
and following us on Instagram at umceverkids!
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UMM BREAKFAST PRESENTATION & SANCTUARY SETUP
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 On Saturday, December 7th Cynthia Latham from Latham Consulting Services will be on hand to present "In Harms Way." Here is a summary of her presentation: It's been one year since wildfire destroyed the community of Paradise, California. Ninety percent of the buildings were destroyed, only six percent of the toxic debris has been removed, and there won't be any safe drinking water until 2022. The Camp Fire is considered to be one of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in California history. There are important lessons to be learned because the parallels between Paradise and Evergreen and adjacent communities are too close to ignore. We live in one of the highest wildfire risk areas in the country, and it is time to work together to get our communities prepared for wildfires.
Breakfast will be served at 8:00, and all members and friends of UMCE are invited to the 8:30 presentation.
Afterwards, please stay to help us prepare the sanctuary for the Christmas Dinner.
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SPONTANEOUS CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 2019
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Calling all children! It is a UMC Evergreen Christmas tradition to hold a Spontaneous Christmas Pageant every Christmas Eve. All children present are invited to participate and no rehearsals are necessary.
The pageant begins at 3pm on Christmas Eve. Children who would like to participate should arrive at 2:45pm to select a role and a costume.
Adults: bring your cameras and your Christmas spirits! This is a Christmas experience you will never forget! |
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T-SHIRT TOTE BAG YOUTH MISSION FUNDRAISER
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 Be a part of our next mission project! The UMCE Youth Group is conducting a fundraiser for our next mission trip! We will be making upcycled tote bags out of donated t-shirts.
This idea came to us while we were visiting Heifer Project International on our 2019 Youth Mission. HPI used cotton t-shirts to insulate their headquarters because cotton t-shirts create so much waste from over-production. This inspired us to find a way to lengthen the lives of Evergreen's cotton t-shirts.
If you have t-shirts that you no longer use, please bring them to church and drop them off in our donation bin. We will give them a second life as a washable, reusable tote bag! All proceeds from sales of the tote bag will go to our Youth Mission 2020. We will take any t-shirts: any color, design, sleeve length, we'll even take t-shirts with holes and/or stains! |
| YOUTH GROUP 2020 VISION PLANNING |
On
Saturday, January 4th at noon we will be meeting to plan the upcoming year for our youth program. We need your input and participation to make this an exciting and enriching year for our youth group! Lunch will be served. Please contact Sarah so we know how much food to have prepared.
Some of the topics we will cover are:
- Curriculum for Devotionals
- Special Events Planning
- Fundraising and Mission Trips
- Structure for Weekly Youth Group meetings
- Volunteering and Chaperoning
Keep up with the latest news for our UMCE Youth Program by following our blog at
umceyouth.home.blog/ and following us on Instagram at umceyouthgroup!
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| SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING |
Our UMCE family will again have the opportunity to ring bells for the Salvation Army this Christmas season. Our local Salvation Army chapter is working hard year round to assist those in need in our mountain communities with crisis support for housing, medical care, utilities, transportation and disaster relief. UMCE's own Lauren Alter and former Pastor Dick Vickery are on the Board of Directors of the local Salvation Army. Did you know that the Red Kettle is the primary way the Salvation Army raises money and that 90% of the donations collected stay here in the Evergreen area!
If you are able to sign up for one or more one hour bell ringing slots, please go to the following SignUpGenius site HERE, then:
- Search for the dates (from now until Christmas Eve), times and locations (Safeway, King Soopers and Walmart are posted now and Walgreens will be added very soon) that work best for you, then
- Click "SignUp" for the slots you choose, then
- Click "Submit and Sign Up" at the bottom of the page, then
- At the information page to which you are taken, fill in your name, email and cell phone number. You will receive an email with further information.
It is as simple as that! Bill Graf will be in the UMCE Fellowship Hall before and after the 10:30 service this Sunday if you would like help signing up. Or you can email Bill at [email protected] or call him at 303-246-8330 with questions.
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EVERGREEN CHORALE CRISTMAS CONCERT
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 Season of Light is the theme of the Evergreen Chorale Christmas concert. Join your friends on Sunday, December 15 at 4:30 pm to hear this beautiful performance. It will be held at Friedhoff Hall in the Green Center at Colorado School of Mines in Golden. The group ticket prices are $20 for adults, $19 for seniors and $18 for students. You may sign up in the Fellowship Hall or contact Jo Ann Dunn at 303-503-5978. She would need the money by December 8.
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YOUTH AND CHILDREN'S EDUCATION
AND ACTIVITIES
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
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Action Pack Sunday
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Preschool - 5th Grades |
9:30 am |
| EverKids Sunday School |
Preschool - 5th Grades |
10:30 am |
Wednesday Children's Program
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Preschool - 5th Grades |
4:00 pm |
| SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP |
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Youth Group
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6th-12th Grades |
Noon - 3:00 pm |
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Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am
Location: Church Library (Rm 12)
Starting September 4th, we will be studying the book "Grounded: Finding God in the World" by Diana Butler Bass. The author, a proponent of hopeful religion, shows us how to understand the sacred nature of the natural world and the unity with the spiritual world in the formation of human faith. We will learn how to love this world more deeply and see God everywhere we look. 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.
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LIBRARY ADULT STUDY CLASS (Rm 12)
Sundays from 9:30-10:20 am
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An Advent Bible Study
Facilitator: Carolyn Hohne
{Suggested donation for materials $15.}
Dec 1:
Trusting with Hope -
Recognizing that hope requires trust.
Dec 8:
Faith and Hope -
Hope can look foolish without faith.
Dec 15:
Hope for New Things -
Opening ourselves to God's surprises.
Dec 22:
Hope Fulfilled -
Celebrating the divinely given hope that is "God with us".
NO CLASS December 29th.
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ADVENT STUDY: THE NUTCRACKER
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Advent Study led by Pastor Deb
The Nutcracker:
Looking the beloved Christmas
classic
through the lens of faith
WHEN: Mondays beginning December 2 for 4 weeks
- Noon- 1 p.m. Brown Bag Lunch Study
- OR 7 -8 p.m. Evening Study
$10.00 for study guide collected at first session.
Minimum 6 people registered in the class time slot for it to be held.
Register in the narthex or by contacting the church office.
- Clara: Waiting for Christmas
- Drosselmeir: A Godfather's Love
- The Mouse King: Changing Perspectives
- The Nutcracker: The Greatest Gift
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MINISTRY JOTTINGS BY PASTOR DEB
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Courtesy of member Roger Quayle
Blessings,
Pastor Deb
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Attendance & Stewardship Report
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Sunday School & Nursery 11/24/2019
Worship Services 11/24
/20
19
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Needed Weekly
Received 11/24/2019
Difference
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2019 Budget
Needed Year to Date
Received Year to Date
Difference Year to Date
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11/29/2019
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23
108
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$6,309
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$328,086
$290,214
$265,878
($24,336)
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AROUND THE CHURCH -
DECEMBER
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| Saturday, December 7th |
8:00 am |
UMM Breakfast |
| Saturday, December 7th |
7:00 pm |
Christmas Dinner |
| Sunday, December 15th |
11:40 am |
Chili Lunch & Annual All Church Meeting |
| Tuesday, December 17th |
6:30 am |
Men's Bagelry Group |
| Sunday, December 22nd |
10:30 am |
Choir Christmas Pageant |
| Tuesday, December 24th |
3:00 pm |
Children's Christmas Pageant |
| Tuesday, December 24th |
5:00 pm |
Christmas Eve Service |
| Tuesday, December 24th |
7:00 pm |
Christmas Eve Service |
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| Tuesday, December 3 |
6:00 pm |
Missions |
| Tuesday, December 3 |
7:00 pm |
Trustees |
| Sunday, December 8 |
11:40 am |
Staff Parish Relations |
| Tuesday, December 10 |
11:00 am |
Staff Christmas Luncheon |
| Thursday, December 12 |
7:00 pm |
Finance |
| Sunday, December 15 |
11:40 am |
Annual All Church Meeting |
| Tuesday, December 17 |
6:00 pm |
Church & Society |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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