In recognition of Black History Month, we welcome African-American soprano, Courtney Caston as the featured singer for worship on February 28^th at our 10:30 service.

Courtney was born and raised in Mableton, Georgia. In May 2019, she obtained her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Colorado. Previous UNC Opera Theatre credits include Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte and Agathe (Cover) in Der Freischütz. During the summer of 2019, she travelled to Germany to perform with the professional opera company, Opera Classica Europa. In Germany, she performed as the High Priestess in Aida and Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte. She has also performed with the Simpson College Opera Theatre, the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, the Atlanta Opera High School Institute, and The Boston Conservatory Vocal/Choral Intensive Summer Program.

Historical Background of Spirituals (provided by guest singer Courtney Caston & includes information on the pieces she’ll be singing on February 28th.)

 

Spirituals (also commonly known as Negro Spirituals, spiritual music, or African-American spirituals) is a genre of songs created by enslaved Africans during the times of chattel slavery. Most of the songs in this genre can be traced to enslaved Africans living in the southern states of the United States during the 19th century, prior to the Civil War. Many of the spirituals contained hidden messages about freedom and veiled references to escape, and thus were also sometimes called Underground Railroad songs. The Spiritual “Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray” was sung specifically as a warning signal to other slaves: a fellow slave would soon be making a run towards freedom, leaving others behind. Another popular Spiritual, “Were You There,” contains a religious meaning that directly references our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. This Spiritual highlights the pain and suffering the slaves endured, and how slaves could relate to the pain and brutality that Jesus Christ suffered while on the cross. Finally, the Spiritual "Ride On, King Jesus," contains a text whose purpose appears to be a strictly spiritual one, one however, that raises the slaves' ultimate worth to that of their owners with the words that Jesus "died for the rich and He died for the poor." Spirituals today still retain a strong cultural significance within the Black community. They seek to stir the soul and connect us back to the ancestors who died for following generations of Black people's right to be free, whole, and full of cultural pride. 

"And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8

The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice; in fact ,John Wesley was a noted opponent of slavery. Today the UMC has mounted a denomination - wide campaign, "United Against Racism". For more information on the Church's successes and shortcomings on social justice, and to learn how the UMC is working to dismantle racism today, please see link HERE.

The Church and Society Team here at UMCE formed the Journey Toward Racial Justice Group last year to prepare ourselves to follow Jesus' example: to speak up for those who can't speak for themselves, those who have been left out and those left behind. With God's help we seek a ministry of reconciliation, and invite others to join us in this journey.

Over the next year, and beyond, we will create more opportunities for education about racism and inclusivity, of black, indigenous and people of color. As we are predominantly a white congregation, we look forward to more diversity in our worship services and ongoing small group studies. 

Rev. Ken Brown, of Trinity UMC, says, "We honor God with the choices we make; keep what is true in sight." We are the same family - The Human Race. LET US LOOK AND SEE THE HUMANITY IN EACH OTHER.

Jan Thurling, for the Church and Society Team

Engagement: Each week, you will be asked to review articles, videos and/or websites online and then have a conversation about the assignment on a 1-hour Zoom gathering. The assignments should take 60 minutes or less each week to complete. During the 8 weeks, it is our hope that you will:

Option One, facilitated by Heather McGaughey:

Option Two, facilitated by Carolyn Hohne:

Please contact Rev. Bich Thy (Betty) Nguyen, Multicultural and Advocacy Ministries Developer, bnguyen@mtnskyumc.org

Here is a link to the Bishop's press release sent out this morning.

**If you would like help navigating the online sites to make an appointment, please contact Jessica in the church office. She is happy to provide her expertise!

Vaccine Finder: check it out here. Website scans all available location in one place.

If you find a place which has open appointments. After you register, it would be great if you could send a text or email to others in our church asap who might be eligible and needing a vaccine telling them about the location and open days you saw. 

Safeway -- Their online site is the easiest to navigate. Between 9:30-10:30 a.m. seems to be the best time to try, but you can try throughout the day. Goggle "Safeway COVID vaccination". Enter your zip code. Enter that you are willing to travel up to 15 or 30 miles. The Evergreen or Conifer store will come up first [depending on your zip code]. If it doesn't have appointments, open the dropdown box and keep clicking down the store list one by one until open appointments appear. Don't pick the first appointment available as it will be filled by the time you complete the registration questions. Though if they tell you your appointment spot is filled, don't panic, they keep your registration, you just have to go back and pick a new time. Make sure you download and print the CO form you need to complete and bring with you.

King Soopers -- Their online site is a bit more complicated as you have to go store by store to search for availability. Goggle "King Soopers COVID vaccination". Go to the Colorado section and click. Don't begin until after 9:30 a.m., as they haven't had time find out what is coming in and get it on the site much before then. When there's no availability at a store you have to go back to step one to pick another store. Still, folk are having pretty good luck if they are willing to do this. Try the listings for Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Littleton. I haven't heard if the Bergen Park or Conifer stores are giving the vaccines yet, but they could also be considered.  

Stride Community Health -- Register online [stridechc.org] or by calling. [303-360-6276]. When appointments become available, they will contact you and find out which sites you are willing to go to. They have several clinics on the westside of the Denver areas. They will find an appointment for you at the clinics you are willing to go to. They also have a satellite clinic in Bailey. 

From Dianne Donelson:

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. He will send out recordings for you to sing a long with and you will have until the 14th of March to get your recording back to Nathan.

Contact Nathan at music@evergreenumc.org with any questions or to sign up!

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.

The March/April edition of Upper Room is now available! You can pick up a copy in the narthex, or email the church office to mail you a copy. There is also a digital version available if you are interested!

Visit us on the web:  www.evergreenumc.org