Friday, February 5th, 2021 |
|
New Communion Offering Recipient – Resilience1220
Our communion offering this Sunday will go towards the work of Resilience1220. Resilience1220 began two years ago serving our Evergreen and mountain community as an accessible and trusted resource providing free counseling and support for young people ages 12-20 and their parents. It came out of the recognition of the level of crisis so many of our teens and their parents were experiencing in our area. They now have a group of area licensed therapists who are donating their time pro bono. Resilience 1220 provides Individual & Group Counseling for Teens, as well as various Teen and Support Groups. They also share information on a wide range of mental health issues with teens and their families through a wide-ranging speaker series, online film screenings, newsletters, social media and much more. [An offering for the Global Aids Fund will now join Africaid as our communion offering recipient for September.]
|
|
Lent Begins February 17
Ash Wednesday “Drive Through” Blessing and Imposition of Ashes
On Wednesday, February 17, Pastor Deb will offer a “drive through” blessing and imposition of ashes from Noon-12:45 outside our main doors. No need to get out of your car. Pastor Deb has a non-contact method for the placing of the ashes.
Please join us for this meaningful way to begin our Lenten journey.
|
|
Lenten Devotional Booklet
The Sanctuary for Lent 2021 contains brief readings for each day in Lent, from Ash Wednesday through Easter Day, including a suggested Scripture, a short devotion and a short prayer, with larger font for ease of reading. The readings help us faithfully journey through Lent as we prepare to experience the joy of the Resurrection. They are available at the church, or contact the church office if you would like one mailed.
|
|
Become a Member of Our Virtual Choir
Worship music leader, Nathan Jensen, is putting together a virtual choir for special music on both Palm Sunday and Easter. By singing along with a singer you hear in your ear, you record your part for these special pieces. Nathan guides you through the whole process. He then will bring all the voices together for what is sure to be a highlight of worship on these Sundays. Contact Nathan at music@evergreenumc.org.
|
|
Lenten Sermon Series – “Satisfying Our Soul’s Search for More”
Pastor Deb will bring the Lenten sermon series “Satisfying Our Soul’s Search for More” beginning the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. No matter how good life is, most Christians thirst for something more. Although we are people of faith, many of us aren't satisfied. We long for lives that are more fulfilled, more rich, more meaningful, and more joyful. These messages help us identify our individual thirsts and shows us the great adventure when we discover the freedom, promise, and rewards that come with committing ourselves to a closer relationship with God.
Feb 14: "Priming the Pump"
Feb 21: "Taking the Plunge"
Feb 28: "Tapping Into the Source"
Mar 7: "Jumping in With Both Feet"
Mar 14: "Offering a Drink to Others"
Mar 21: "Filling the Bucket to Overflowing"
|
|
Scout Sunday on February 7
We will observe Scout Sunday on February 7 at the 10:30 service. United Methodists have had a long partnership with Scouting and believe participation in Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H or Campfire Girls to be important in the formation of young people’s Christian values and life skills. We look forward to having Scouts Cami Thomas and Will Zapotoczny as liturgists and Scoutmasters John & Ann Thomas as ushers.
|
|
Passing of Sharon Goebel
With sorrow, we share that former member, Sharon Goebel, passed peacefully into her Lord’s heavenly arms on February 2, 2021.
Sharon was the organizer of the Parents Day Out preschool program, which became Great Escape, and was the director for many years. She led the Women’s Bible Study for several years and was a mentor to many of our ladies. She also held UMC Conference offices in Texas and Colorado, and was a trainer for some of the curriculum. Husband Jim, also very active in the church, who preceded her in death, made our stained glass windows that Pem Dunn designed.
Her family shared that she had a stroke last week after a few other health events. She was able to hear from her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren for the next few days to exchange “I love you’s.” Her family said “We rejoice in her life, her service, and her faith. Thank you all for loving both Jim and Sharon. The UMCE family meant the world to them. We will celebrate her life when the family can gather.”
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her son, Allen, and family at: Allen and Nancy Goebel , 15440 W. Asbury Ave., Lakewood, CO 80228
|
|
Ministry Jottings
“Love at first sight is nothing special. It’s when two people have been looking at each other for years that it becomes a miracle”
Only eighty years ago, men and women lived to be about 50 years old. When they took their marriage vows, “As long as we both shall live . . .” meant about thirty years. Now, approximately 5 out of 6 couples could live to see their 50th wedding anniversary. That means they have to work even harder to smooth out the rough edges and handle conflicts.
A woman confesses to a friend: “I’m in trouble. I broke my husband’s favorite golf club.” “What did he say?” her friend asked. “He said, ‘What hit me’”. Some couples can handle their conflicts with a minimum of bloodshed and a maximum sense of humor, like the husband and wife who were shopping when a very attractive young woman in a tight dress passed by. The husband’s eyes lingered for a moment. The wife, without looking up from what she was doing, said, “Well, was it worth the trouble you’re in?”.
A woman, celebrating her golden wedding anniversary, told the secret of her long and happy marriage. “On my wedding day, I decided to make a list of ten of my husband’s faults which, for the sake of the marriage, I would overlook.” A guest at the celebration asked the woman what some of the faults she had chosen to overlook were. The woman replied, “To tell you the truth, I never did get around to making that list. But whenever my husband did something that made me hopping mad, I would say to myself, ‘Lucky for him that’s one of the ten’.”.
{from “Amusing Grace” by K. Duncan and A. Akers}
|
|
Black History Month
Let this be a time for reflection, to learn about ourselves, and understand the systemic inequities that make the human family so much less than God calls us to be. Let this also be a time to fully appreciate and honor the contributions of Black Americans that enrich every aspect of our lives-the arts, medicine, science, law, discoveries and inventions, and those who have spent decades of work challenging racial injustice.
Also, during this month of reflection, we acknowledge that history is filled with examples of the purposeful construction of a systematic structure that grants power and privilege to those who are white, and denies this to those who are not. Recently, I heard a "flip" of the Golden Rule which is relevant: "Do not withhold from others, that which you would not withhold from yourself." (author unknown)
I have learned a great deal as a participant in the Journey Toward Racial Justice Group here at UMCE, and I now have a personal hero in John Robert Lewis, the late congressman. Born to Alabama sharecroppers, Lewis was inspired by MLK, Jr; he was leading cafeteria sit-ins before he was 20 and rode with the Freedom Riders in the 50's. He became a leader in the Civil Rights movement, served decades in the Congress and was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 2011. Here are his words to us: "Speak out for what is fair, what is just, what is right. Speak out for those who have been left out, and left behind." To be continued next week!
Jan Thurling for the Journey Toward Racial Justice Group
|
|
Alternative Christmas Fair Results
Our UMCE church family has shown itself once again to be very generous in supporting outreach to those in need. The Missions team thanks all who participated in donating Christmas honor and memorial gifts totaling $4,545.00 to the following projects and organizations:
- Blue Spruce Habitat $85
- Evergreen Christian Outreach $250
- Mountain Resource Center $1,200
- Urban Peaks Shelter $600
- Kenya Youth $50
- Bethlehem Bible College $575
- CO Coalition for Homeless $700
- Center for Health & Hope $30
- Family Promise $225
- Mean Street Ministry $595
- Joy International $30
- Pura Vida $205
|
|
Looking For A New Loo?
The Oxford Dictionary defines Loo thusly: /lo͞o/ noun INFORMAL•BRITISH a restroom or toilet.
Several months ago, as part of our Church planning process, the Trustees prepared a long list of potential improvement projects that really need to be completed as we continue our faith journey. This list was presented to the Church Council with the request to help prioritize the improvements. The number one ranked improvement calls for renovating the upstairs restrooms to modernize them and make them more functional for both able bodied and disabled “users”. This turned out to be a daunting task given the physical constraints and of course the high costs of doing this kind of renovation work. After much deliberation and reiteration of alternatives, your Church Council directed the Trustees to go forward with a plan that calls for converting the two restrooms from our current, separate, men’s and women’s into two unisex restrooms that largely will meet Americans with Disability Act guidelines. In order to provide required maneuvering room, each restroom has been conceptually designed to have a single toilet with new vanity sinks along with many sorely needed upgrades to the floors, walls, lights, doors and fixtures. Armed with conceptual level sketches, the Trustees next met with a construction contractor (who happens to be formerly from England, hence the term “loo”), and he provided us with a budget level construction estimate for the improvements.
FAQs
But What About The Cost? Glad you asked! The Church’s Finance Committee has determined that due to the gracious giving of our members during 2020, when compared to lower than budgeted expenses for the year has resulted in finishing the year in the black. This surplus, helped out mightily with several grants that we received and with additional partial funding from the Trustee’s Building Fund, has given us confidence that we are in a position to go forward with the next steps.
So What Is next? Church Council has directed Trustees to finalize the design and obtain firm bids so that we can make our number one priority a reality!
Do We Really Have All The Money Needed? Well, we think we may have enough, but the need for a supplemental fund raising campaign will be evaluated once firm costs are determined. Also, there are still many more items on the Trustee’s list of needed improvements.
Who Will Complete The Construction? We will award the construction contract to the firm that provides us with the best combination of cost, schedule and confidence that they will provide a quality final product.
What Will The New Restrooms Look Like? We will be preparing drawings and will have them posted in Happenings and at the Church in the next few weeks. Our goal is to have restrooms that are modern, easy to clean, and something we will all be proud of for many years to come.
When Can We Expect To Have The Restrooms Completed? It is our hope that the work can begin towards the end of spring or into the summer of this year, but the current construction market conditions are such that it may take a while to get it started. Total construction could easily take a full month.
Stay tuned for further updates.
Penn Gildersleeve, Trustees Chairman
|
|
Nathan Jensen Adding New Role – Assistant Online Worship Producer
We have been blessed that Jessica Coons, our office manager, has also been our online worship producer since we began our online worship service almost a year ago. She has produced the service every week, and we are now fortunate that Nathan Jensen is adding to his roles in becoming our “assistant online worship producer”. We will be able to continue to offer the online service when Jessica is on vacation or ill. Nathan will also be producing about one service every other month just to keep his skills fresh. You might note some style changes between the two of them as they will be using different software so that this important ministry can continue to happen. A big “thanks” to both Jessica and Nathan!
|
|
New Emergency Shelter Season, New Common Location, New Year, and more News!
From Tim Clancy,
EChO Emergency Shelter Program (ESP) Coordinator
$80,000 Operating Grant
EChO received the great news that Jefferson County Human Services approved our full request for funding the EChO Emergency Shelter Program from January 1, 2021 through April 30, 2021 - providing almost $80,000 for staffing, operating expenses, and guest assistance. This will assure that we will be able to continue to provide for paid overnight hosts (the most difficult position to fill) and our other expenses necessary to run the 1892 Bancroft Farmhouse in a warm and safe manner.
New Location Improves Our Operations
Being in one location for the entire season has really provided the opportunity to make the Shelter safe for Guests and Volunteer Hosts.
- The strict protocols regarding wearing new masks every night,
- The private rooms for each guest,
- The move from community dining to private room service,
- The constant flow of fresh outside air (due to the many windows cracked open in the old farmhouse),
- And the many HEPA air filters throughout the farmhouse
All make a big difference in making guests and volunteers feel safe and comfortable.
Recent Use Information
After startup on November 18, the Emergency Shelter Program is now operating smoothly, and guests are warmly received, fed, and given a warm safe place to sleep. The Shelter was open for 28 of 31 nights in December - closed 3 nights in a row early in December due to forecasted warm temperatures. Temperatures were colder than forecast – so we have adjusted our prediction calculations and based on past experience we anticipate being open steadily for January, February and March at least.
In December we provided 147 GuestNights, for 10 unique Guests. We are running six guests on average (with a capacity for 10 unique, unrelated guests, in 10 separate sleeping areas, and the ability to accommodate a maximum of 13 guests if there are couples or parents and children.)
In addition to our regular EChO clients, the Jefferson County Sherriff and 911 dispatch knows of our Shelter and has brought or referred four guests to us in the middle of the night in December (as well as a “nearly frozen” emergency guest that was brought to us in November). Without the ESP taking these emergency “rescue” guests into the Shelter, these people were facing very dangerous conditions.
Two Recent Stories:
#1 Micky (not real name) was referred to the ESP at 7:30 PM on December 10, after being discharged from a Denver area hospital and unable to return to her prior living situation. Jefferson Mental Health screened her but was unable to provide any shelter since it was after all shelter space had been allocated for the evening. They arranged for ride share up to Evergreen and she was welcomed and sheltered for the night (and morning) until she could get placed with services in Denver the next afternoon.
#2 Three nights after that, at 9 PM on December 15, Andy and Terri (not real names) were directed from Golden to the ESP by Jefferson County 911 dispatch. Andy and Terri moved to Colorado from Arizona in September for a job in Denver but were laid off in November. They had been living in their 20-year-old car, with no heater, and windows that do not roll shut. Terri called 911 in a panic feeling they were going to freeze to death in their car. 911 Dispatch directed them to the Bancroft House ESP. They were welcomed, screened, and provided a private room and meals. Andy and Terri have been ESP guests ever since. Andy was able to find a new job on December 28th, and with his paycheck they will qualify for housing assistance and the search is underway for housing.
A Volunteer Testimonial
"I feel the new setup for the EChO Emergency Shelter Program at the Bancroft House is very well thought out and the new arrangements allow for guests and hosts to feel safe during the continued COVID crisis. I feel it's more important than ever to continue to help those without shelter during this difficult season. The ESP has adapted well, and I feel very comfortable in continuing to volunteer during this time." Beth L.
|
|
Michael Eaton shared this with me from Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, Director of the UM General Board of Church & Society, posted January 28, 2021, and I thought it worthy of passing on – Blessings, Pastor Deb
Winter Reveals
This is a mercurial winter. Christmas was unusual and unsettling as we were limited in our ability to be with those we love. The New Year rang in rather quietly. Epiphany came on the same day as the storming of the Capitol. It was shocking and painful. Regardless of one’s politics or priorities, there was something so damaging to the American psyche. It is difficult to name. It was corporately wounding to the body politic just as was the killing of George Floyd, the COVID-19 pandemic, the terror of 9/11, the Vietnam War, Sandy Hook, the killings at Mother Emmanuel AME Church, and the assassination of Dr. King. These traumas are never completely healed. It will take a lifetime of trying to appropriate the causes, the meaning, the aftermath and the healing. There will always be, stories, songs, poems, vigils, memories that will be told and retold. Addressing trauma takes a long time.
The violence of January 6 was traumatizing on every level – personally, spiritually, corporately, in the body politic. The people working in the Capitol suffered in the deepest personal way because they were not safe in their place of work. It was a profound violation of those elected to serve the people of the United States and territories. It deeply harmed scores of people who revere the Capitol as the staff, cook, clean, watch, guard, protect, promote the magnificent symbol and substance of democracy. The insurgency harmed the police who are called to protect and serve. The incited mob defaced the very symbols of democracy. This violence stabbed, stomped, shattered, stole, defiled and scared this democracy. Trust was as broken as were the windows and offices.
Acts of racism and violence are traumatizing.
This global pandemic is traumatizing.
Death without family and funerals is traumatizing.
Poverty is traumatizing.
Lies are traumatizing
Injustice is traumatizing. An on and on the list goes.
Winter is a season of harshness, cold, hunger, sickness, longing, discontent and often death. This winter will bring even more. “All that summer conceals, winter reveals.” (Source unknown) Winter is also a season of quiet, of softness, warmth, of soup, of breathing, or sitting, walking, of comfort.
How as people of faith do we move from trauma to healing? This is more than being restored to the old way of life. Rather it is being healed for new life.
In this harsh, cold, lonely, sick winter, may we also find solace, comfort, guidance, assurance, and hope in the person of Jesus Christ. We hear the words from the Gospel – “Come, to me…all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest.” There is rest of the weary. There is One who carries our burdens. There is One who goes before us, beside us, behind us, above us and underneath us.
There are poems, works of art, walks in parks, family rituals, prayers of the heart, liturgies of the community, and music that help us heal. In this season of winter let us see what has been concealed in search of healing for our new birth. Leonard Cohen has a beautiful song that begins to help us heal.
COME HEALING
|
|
O, gather up the brokenness
Bring it to me now
The fragrance of those promises
You never dared to vow
The splinters that you carried
The cross you left behind
Come healing of the body
Come healing of the mind
And let the heavens hear it
The penitential hymn
Come healing of the spirit
Come healing of the limb
|
|
Behold the gates of mercy
In arbitrary space
And none of us deserving
Of cruelty or the grace
O, solitude of longing
Where love has been confined
Come healing of the body
Come healing of the mind
O, see the darkness yielding
That tore the light apart
Come healing of the reason
Come healing of the heart
O, troubledness concealing
An undivided love
|
|
The heart beneath is teaching
To the broken heart above
And let the heavens falter
Let the earth proclaim
Come healing of the altar
Come healing of the name
O, longing of the branches
To lift the little bud
O, longing of the arteries
To purify the blood
And let the heavens hear it
The penitential hymn
Come healing of the spirit
Come healing of the limb
|
|
Wreath Sales Final
As reported in the past, the church made $1,022 on the traditional wreath sales. Some of you may remember that we also offered online sales in addition to the traditional sales. The good news is that we just received the check from Mickman Brothers paying us for the online sales. There were 29 items sold online and we were paid $8 for each item sold for a total of $232. So our overall total earned from the wreaths is $1,254.
Mickman Brothers is a good company to work with. They do a lot of good for nonprofit organizations and for the environment. They are proud to report that since they founded the Christmas Wreath fundraising business in 1977 the nonprofit organizations using their fundraising have earned over $80,000,000. In 2007 they established their “Million Planting Project” which has resulted in the planting of nearly 800,000 tree seedlings in 49 states – all within State and Federal Forests and Parks. We are planning to use them again this year for our wreath fund raising and hope that you will support the project again. Thank you for your support in 2020.
Vanco Information
We want to thank those of you who have decided to use the Vanco online payment function to make payments to the church. The volume of transactions coming through Vanco has increased greatly (by about 300%) since COVID. We want to provide some information on Vanco processing costs. The church is charged 2.75% of the dollars charged on all credit card transactions, 90 cents for each ACH (bank account transfer) transaction, and 45 cents for every transaction.
Please note that Vanco has added a statement to the giving screen asking if the credit card giver would like to give an additional 2.75% to help offset the processing fee.
Thank you for your continued support of our church.
|
|
|
|
|
Words of Life Bible Study |
|
|
|
|
Words of Life Bible Study |
|
|
|
1pm @ Fellowship Hall & Zoom |
|
|
|
|
Onsite worship: 8:30 & 10:30
Online worship: Available from 9 on
Online Kid's Sunday School: 9:30
Onsite Kid’s Sunday School: 10:30
Online Youth Group: 1:30 - 2:30
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
