Palm/Passion Sunday Worship and Holy Communion
Join us for worship on Palm/Passion
Sunday at 9 a.m. online. A message from a woman present at Christ’s crucifixion, as well as Ruthanne Huber and Steve Gallup for special music will happen. We will also have communion as the Western U.S. UMC Bishops have encouraged and authorized this so that we can still celebrate this important sacrament and part of our faith. We invite you to come to worship with a bit of juice or wine as well as a piece of bread. Following the message, we will have Holy Communion together. The service is also available for viewing at other times.
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Pastor Jottings
For Living in the COVID-19 World
God is our refuge & strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1
We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. – 1 John 4:16-17
We have each stepped boldly into this new way of living for now – or rather than stepped into it, we would be more accurate to say we were shoved into it. Inside we are the same person we were three months ago, and yet so much has been called upon us to deal with that we are a mixture of resigned, sad, frustrated, worried – and perhaps a bit creative and hopeful. It’s okay to acknowledge all of these states of being. As humans we find comfort in the rhythms of life -- having the people we love and enjoy close to us, being able to give and receive a hug or a handshake, welcoming people around us in stores – instead of treating everyone as if they have leprosy.
Where can we find the warmth for our spirits and souls during this time? God invites us each day to open the door bringing God’s presence and power into our life. Inviting us to still find wonder in the dawn of each new day. To continue to have a curious mind, an open heart and a receiving soul. Let us not become overwhelmed with the updates on TV, or the challenges of living in close extended proximity with those we truly love, yet can sometimes drive us crazy.
Life is still calling out to you. The grace and pure welcome of God is all around you. You don’t need to see this time as wasted moments or get down on yourself. You are ready to accept the challenges presented to you. Let nothing keep you from continuing to grow into the person our Lord wishes you to be. Yes, this moment might mark a big turning point in in how we live our lives in community with others, but we can be assured that God welcomes us just the way we find ourselves right now, and gives so much enabling us to strengthen ourselves, encourage others and make a difference for this wondrous world of ours.
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For Holy Week
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” – Luke 23:32-38
A Reflection from Barabbas
What am I doing here when I could be down at Jonas’s tavern celebrating with the rest this freedom I had never thought to see again. It should have been me up there, you know, against the brutal wood and nails. Was it just a day ago when the mob yelled by name; although how they even knew I existed, let alone my name—Barabbas—is more than I have been able to figure out.
The cell door was opened, my chains were removed and a Roman legion boot sent me onto the street. I lay there dazed, not understanding what had happened. T hen it was up and onto my feet dashing through the alleys.
And then I saw him, the one they were crucifying instead of me. He could scarcely walk, let alone carry that huge cross. The whips had sliced his ribs and back, and thorns pierced his head.
And then I saw his eyes. They looked at me and wouldn’t stop. They saw clear to the core of me. He knew me, knew who I was, I’m sure of that, would lay money on it. Yet there was no anger there, those eyes didn’t hold rage or anguish, just compassion and great tenderness.
He actually prayed for the soldiers as they pinned him to the word. He even spoke kind words of comfort to Demaris, my old comrade, who was right up there beside him.
Strange my new freedom doesn’t feel so free. I need to know the reason for his death, the meaning of that look he gave me, the secret of the quiet, gentle power in those words he spoke to Demaris.
The soldiers have his robe. They are dicing for his garments. Perhaps, while they are arguing, I can get a word with those women over there who appear to have been his followers. Perhaps one of them can tell me, can help me understand why he died and why I live, what I must do to find, at last, my freedom.
--adapted from the work of J. Barrie Shepherd
For a Smile
God Will Provide
A young woman brings home her fiancé to meet her parents. After dinner, her mother tells her father to find out about the young man. The father invites the fiancé to his study for a drink. “So, what are your plans?” the father asks the young man. “I am a Torah scholar,” he replies.
A Torah scholar. Hmmm,” the father says. “Admirable, but what will you do to provide a nice house for my daughter to live in as she’s accustomed to?” “I will study,” the young man replies, “and God will provide for us.”
And how will you buy her a beautiful engagement ring, such as she deserves?” asks the father. “I will concentrate on my studies,” the young man replies, “God will provide for us.”
“And children?” asks the father. “How will you support children?” “Don’t worry, sir, God will provide,” replies the fiancé.
The conversation proceeds like this, and each time the father questions, the young idealist insists that God will provide. Later, the mother asks, “How did it go, Honey?” The father answers, “He has no job and no plans, but the good news is he thinks I’m God.”
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What You’ll Find in This Edition:
- Online worship
- Quiet Disciple (new)
- Interactive Adult Conversations & Studies
- “Coffee, Conversation & Christ”
- “Study on the Parables”
- “Entering the Passion of Jesus”
- "What Happened after the Bible Ends: A Look at Early Church History”
- Youth & Kids Online Programs
- Youth Coffee Hour
- Action Pack
- EverKids
- Heroes of the Bible
- FAQ Section
- Evergreen Shelter Program
- EChO News (updated)
- Colorado Coalition for the Homeless
- Support Our Local Restaurants
- Making Masks – Needing Masks (updated)
- A “Chain Letter” of Support for the COVID19 World (new)
- PSA Grocery Shopping Tips (new)
- Individual Health Insurance Plans
- Ways to Get Involved
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We are now streaming a short worship experience and message from our sanctuary. This worship experience will be posted on
this page
and on our
Facebook page
on Sundays by 9AM.
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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."
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INTERACTIVE ADULT CONVERSATIONS & STUDIES
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To join,
email Jessica
to receive the entry code information for the offerings you are interested in.
She is our registrar and Zoom manager.
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“Coffee, Conversation & Christ”
Join Pastor Deb Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
“Study of the Parables”
Join Pastor Dean on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
“Entering the Passion of Jesus”
The Lenten class has switched to an online format. It will be Mondays at 7 p.m.
“What Happened after the Bible Ends: A Look at Early Church History”
Pastor Deb is hoping to offer this study beginning in early April. Day and time TBA depending on the preferences of those who are interested. Four sessions.
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YOUTH & KIDS ONLINE PROGRAMS
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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.
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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.
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We have been receiving many questions during this time. Please continue to check back each week for new questions and answers!
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Q: I’d like to keep current with my pledge -- should I mail a check? Or is there an online option?
A:
Thank you so much for helping our ministry by keeping your pledge current! If you would like to switch your giving to online for a period of time or longer, we work with the Vanco system. The form and process are on our website
HERE
. Then click on the DONATE NOW button and the form comes up. We are also still making weekly deposits for those pledges sent by mail to us at: 3757 Ponderosa Dr, Evergreen, CO 80439.
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Q: Where do I watch the latest worship experience?
A:
By 9 a.m. every Sunday, there will be a new worship experience video you can watch on our website
HERE
. Make sure to refresh your browser to make sure you can see the most recent one at the top!
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Q: How do I contact the church?
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EVERGREEN SHELTER PROGRAM
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With Colorado's Stay-At-Home Order, we are trying to be proactive and provide our homeless clients with a safe place to stay. Therefore, we are making some pretty significant changes to the program:
- We will be operating as an overnight shelter, as well as a day shelter throughout this time.
- ESP will not be supplying volunteers on site during the shelter-in-place.
- ESP’s sites will still supply meals to the shelter. We will still use the Sign Up Genius to sign up for giving meals.
- If you are dropping off meals to the shelter, please ring the doorbell and leave the food on the table provided.
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So many of you have reached out to ask how you can help. There are two important ways you can help us....
1.
Donate
. If you have not already donated to EChO, our donations are needed even more right now. The number of families seeking food assistance increased by 30% just last week. And we expect this will continue to grow. While our first priority is distributing food to our community, we are also receiving a high number of financial assistance requests for things like rent and utilities as businesses shut down or cut hours for employees.
2.
Spread the word. Do you use any social media? Do you have friends and neighbors who are also talking about how they can help during this time? If you can pass this request to 5 friends, it will increase the number of people who know that EChO is available to help and that EChO needs help from all of us.
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COLORADO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS
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This health crisis is placing unprecedented demands on our tight resources. This is expected to cost the Coalition an extra $1.3 million over our budget in the next four months.
Please make a donation
HERE
.
Please consider placing an order off of our Amazon wish list
HERE
for the items we are still desperately needing.
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SUPPORT OUR LOCAL RESTAURANTS
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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.
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MAKING MASKS / NEEDING MASKS
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Thanks to those of you who are sewing masks for the various needs which they can be used for. What a worthy way to help others during this time. As of this writing, we are beginning to receive word that it might be a good idea for everyone when they are out to wear this kind of mask, or at least a scarf over nose and mouth. We know that there are some among us who don’t have a mask and might like one of these being sewn. Let’s help one another by letting us know if you or someone you know needs a mask, and we will work to get one to you. If you are sewing masks, let us know. {On delivery, we suggest washing or leaving it to sit for 24 hours to ensure it is clean of any active virus.} Please contact Jessica at
office@evergreenumc.org
.
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A “CHAIN LETTER” OF SUPPORT FOR THE
COVID19 WORLD
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This was passed on by Jeanne Ambrosier and we found worth sharing –
Come Sit with Me at My Table
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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.
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PSA: GROCERY SHOPPING TIPS
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INDIVIDUAL HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
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The
Division of Insurance
and
Connect for Health Colorado
announced the
Emergency Regulation 20-E-02
that will establish a special enrollment period (SEP) for Coloradans who are currently uninsured.
The special enrollment period will begin March 20, 2020 and runs through April 3, 2020 (TODAY!)
. Coverage will be effective starting on April 1, regardless of when someone enrolls during that window. This is to help ensure that currently uninsured individuals can get covered and better protect their health and finances in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Get started here:
https://connectforhealthco.com/
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There are a lot of people in our congregation who have a desire to serve and volunteer. Here are a couple of things that you can participate in:
- The state has launched a site to help integrate volunteer needs and donations. Click here.
- The United Way has compiled a list of organizations that are primarily working with the homeless and have current volunteer needs. Click here.
- Blood Donation: There is an urgent need for blood donation as blood blanks have reported a sharp decline recently. Click here.
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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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