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February 2016 First United Methodist Church of Salida

“Love, Live, Give As You Have Received”

4th & D Streets (P.O. Box 945)

Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-2755

Ministers: Everyone; Pastor: Calob Rundell 719-539-2755 (O), 720-879-2267(C); Office Administrator: Licia Iverson; Organist: Rod Schleicher; Organist Emeritus: Virginia Imig;

Lay Leader: Van Ricketts 719-395-6329; Church Council Chair: Ken Leisher 719-221-3691 Pastor’s e-mail: pastor@salidaumc.org Church website: www.salidaumc.org Church e-mail: office@salidaumc.org

Pastor’s Ponderings From Rev. Calob Rundell

It’s Time To Get Ready

Dear Friends,

I recently made a big change in

my life. A change that will

impact how I spend my time

and how I look at the world

around me. With the start of

2016, I joined the volunteer

fire department here in Chaffee

County.

Now, you won’t see me riding

in any fire trucks or responding

to any auto accidents anytime soon. I have a lot of things

to learn and training to go through before I’m going to

be an asset to the other fire fighters and be able to help

anyone in an emergency situation. Between now and the

start of June, I am in a time of preparation. I am

spending every Thursday night, and most Saturdays,

learning about fires and ladders and equipment and

procedures. For me, it’s a time to get ready.

Whenever we encounter something that will bring

change to our lives, it is helpful to have a time to get

ready. The more prepared we are, the greater impact the

change will have. The more time we take to study about,

reflect on, or practice something, the greater prepared we

will be when it is time to act.

This is true of more than just practical things like

learning how to hook up a fire hose to a hydrant or take

a ladder off a truck. It is true in our spiritual lives as

well. Greater preparation equals greater impact.

Beginning with Ash Wednesday on February 10th we

enter into the season of Lent. This season of preparation

goes until Easter morning on Sunday March 27th.

When most people think of Lent, they think of a time to

voluntarily give something up that they think is bad for

them, like chocolate or wasting

time on the internet. The practice

of fasting from something can be a

helpful part of Lent, but the season

is so much more than that.

Lent is an intentional time to get

ready for the events of Holy

Week. Holy Week contains the

most powerful days in the life of

the church and in the life of all

who follow Jesus. It is because

Holy Week is so powerful that we need the season of

Lent.

In the span of just 8 days in Holy Week, we encounter

Jesus riding triumphantly into Jerusalem on Palm

Sunday as the crowd shouts His praise. We see Jesus

cause a violent ruckus in the temple. We hear Jesus say

things that are hard for everyone to listen to. We gather

with the disciples to take part in the Last Supper. We

watch helplessly as Jesus is betrayed, taken to trial, and

His followers are scattered. We cower as Jesus is

crucified as a criminal. We are overcome with fear as we

wait through the anxiety of Holy Saturday. And then we

experience the power of victory with the empty tomb on

Easter morning.

That is A LOT in 8 days. All of Holy Week is powerful,

and all of it can be life changing.

Pastor’s Ponderings continued on pg. 2…

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Pastor’s Ponderings continued from pg. 1…

So we must be prepared. During Lent, we are called to

do the things that will prepare us for Holy Week. Pray.

Pray a lot. Pray intentionally. Read the Gospels. Engage

with the poor and the lonely around you. Fast. Give

something up that is bad for you. Take something on that

is good for the world.

If we do some of those things (or all of them), we will be

ready for the full power and impact that Holy Week

brings to our lives. And we will be changed.

Peace,

Calob

pastor@salidaumc.org

P.S. If you want to talk more about what you can do

during Lent to get ready for Holy Week, you are most

certainly welcome to be in conversation with me.

Our Men’s Group is sponsoring a

Saturday, February 13th at 9:00am

Century Hall

All Single Women are invited to attend as guests of the men’s group. All couples are invited to attend and the $6.00 tickets are available for purchase in the Church Office or through a men’s group member. Please let the office know if you are planning to attend so then know how many to plan for! If you have any questions, please call Leon Stanton 539-4242.

Faith Book Club

Tuesday, February 9th

at 10:00AM

in the Parlor.

Everyone is invited.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

February Ushers - Coordinator: Ginny Cunningham February 7 Ginny & Jerry Cunningham February 14 Mary Lou McCausey & Flora Parsons February 21 Burrell & Sherry Welton February 28 Julie Moss & Norma Ricketts

February Liturgists - Coordinator: Karen Yerkey February 7 Ed Kinzie February 14 Tom Yerkey February 21 Karen Yerkey February 28 Mary Reeves

February Fellowship Hosts – Coordinator: Barb Zechman

February 7 Available February 14 Available February 21 Norma Smith February 28 Available

Sign-up sheet for “Fellowship Host” is on the bulletin board in Century Hall.

PLEASE consider signing up with a friend!

UNITED IN ORANGE!

The Broncos are going to the Super Bowl to challenge the Carolina Panthers. You can be a part of the friendly competition between the two teams and their fans.

Our church is participating in the United In Orange food drive challenge. Methodist churches across Bronco country are challenging Methodist churches in the Carolinas in a contest of collecting the most food for area food pantries.

The contest runs through Super Bowl Sunday – Feb. 7th.

To help cheer on the Broncos and support our community, bring non-perishable food items to the church. We have tables set up in the Century Hall where you can place your donations.

In the contest, each item donated counts as 1 point. The food will then be given to The Grainery and the Presbyterian Church food pantry here in Salida.

It will take a lot to win this contest, because a farmer in the Carolinas donated 45,000 potatoes in support of the Panthers. But just like the Denver Broncos on the field this season, we'll find a way to win!

Everyone is invited to be a part of this friendly competition to tackle hunger. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors.

To learn more about this contest, or to make a monetary donation online, go to: unitedinorange.org

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You’re Invited to Lift!

Our new small group worship experience, called Lift, is up and running. Lift is a very non-traditional and informal time of prayer, song, storytelling, and sharing the sacrament of communion.

When: Mondays, 6:34-7:15pm Where: 1110 East Sabeta, Poncha Springs. In the Little River Ranch neighborhood.

You’re invited to check out what Lift is all about, and to invite others to check out Lift. To help in inviting others, we have business-card sized invitations to Lift that you are welcome to have. You can get some in the church office or from Pastor Calob.

All the details about Lift can be found at salidaumc.org/lift

Our February Celebrations

February Birthdays are:

February 2 Myrtice Long February 8 Dixie Stanton February 10 Terry Frank February 12 Bill Reeves February 16 Claudia Keim February 17 Tom Breunich February 28 Flora Harrison February 28 Alvin Edlund, Jr.

February Anniversaries are:

February 11 Jack & Sandy Gordon February 28 Sherry & Burrell Welton

“Heaven at 11:00”

Join us each Wednesday at 11:00am in the Parlor for 20 minutes of Contemplative Prayer (Silence)

Any questions please see Licia Iverson or Sherry Welton

Our Annual Church Conference is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 7th

immediately following worship. Please plan to attend

this gathering as we celebrate 2015 and look to 2016.

By design, this will be an efficient and effective brief meeting!

Thank You!

A NEW YOUTH MINISTRY PARTNERSHIP

With the New Year, our church is partnering with the First Presbyterian Church here in Salida to connect with the youth of our community. We will be helping with the 7th-8th grade and high school youth groups that our Presbyterian friends already have established.

Right now, there are two ways that we need people to be a part of this new partnership. 1. Help provide dinner for the high school group

(about 20 people). 2. Be willing to show up, help, and be present for

either group.

The high school group meets on Sunday nights from 6:30-8:30 and has dinner, games, and conversation.

The 7th-8th grade group meets on Wednesday nights from 7-8:30 and has snacks, games, and conversation.

If you are willing to help provide dinner, contact Ginny Biglow at 539-6537 or if you want to support this new partnership in any other way, please contact Pastor Calob soon and he will get you all the details. Email: pastor@salidaumc.org ; Cell: 720-879-2267

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Preparing for Raft Guide Dinners 2016

Yes, I know it is only February, but the planning wheels are definitely turning as we prepare for Season #5 of our Summer Raft Guide Dinners.

Last summer, throughout 10 weeks of dinners, we served over 713 meals to the guides and volunteers who shared their Wednesday evenings with us. The guides were from 38 different states and one was from Japan. They represent many different rafting companies who serve our summer visitors and residents throughout the entire valley. It is quite an inspiring sight to see, when they come together weekly, here at the church. The 2016 Raft Guide Dinner season will begin on Wednesday, June 8th.

Our Raft Guide Dinners are purely financed through your donations and the donations of the guides on the nights of the dinners. Thank you to those who contributed financially to the Raft Guide Dinners fund at our 5th Sunday Giving opportunity, during our worship service on January 31st. The Raft Guide Dinners fund received $295 in your donations. We welcome any and all financial donations to help cover expenses of supplies, food and hygiene items, and reimbursable expenses to volunteers. And of course there are MANY, MANY ways for you to get involved during the Raft Guide Dinner season. It takes LOTS of volunteers and the rewards are abundant. Each month, in these Monitor articles, you will learn ways you can get involved and support this ministerial outreach.

Here is a heartfelt message from one of our faithful volunteers, Barb Zechman!

Thoughts on the Raft Guide Dinners by Barb Zechman

I always look forward to the raft guide dinners and helping out with these young people. I remember one gal told me she only has one meal a day. This was an eye opener for me as I never think of these young people not having three square meals. They are so appreciative of a nice warm meal and my heart goes out to them. Also, I enjoy meeting other volunteers from out-of-state as I have learned so much from them, as well as becoming great friends. I like the interaction as I have always been a People Person.

It is only one night each week. I wish helpers could just take that time to encourage these young

people about how important their training and knowledge is to their customers, no matter what age level. Their customers are of ages from 10-75, or maybe even older. The rafters tell me about their experiences and how they had to jump into the water to save that individual and may come in with a bruise or two. The rafters put themselves out there to be certain everyone is safe and having a wonderful vacation with family and friends.

The Senior Rafters are valuable to this organization and some of them like the entertainment of just relaxing, playing cards, chess, and various other games. Sorry, I get carried away when I think of what we have accomplished. Please join this wonderful mission next summer.

My blessings, Barb Zechman

Here are a few comments from the guides themselves expressing what these dinners mean to them!

Honestly, the dinner you all provide is something we all look forward to each and every week! The relationships we have as a group is a powerful thing.

These dinners create such a welcoming environment! I love that your faith is presented & shown through your actions but not “pushed” on anyone. Thank You!

Food is SO delicious. Love that we have real salad and vegetables every week.

Thank you so much for hosting the raft guide dinners. This is my second year coming and something I always look forward to. My parents were quite shocked when I told them I was going to a “church” dinner. Everyone is so nice and supportive and non-judgmental. My favorite dinner was definitely the Thanksgiving in July! It was delicious. Especially since I haven’t been able to go home for Thanksgiving in three years! Love all the volunteers!

This is a great thing you all do here. It means so much to the rafting community. It is a wholesome night we all look forward to. Thanks.

This is my fourth time to church dinner. This time more than any other, I am especially thankful for the people who fund and put on the dinners. I am flat broke today and almost out of food, so a nice warm

meal, warms my soul.

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WELCOME TO OUR FELLOWSHIP COORDINATOR!

Barb Zechman has graciously consented to serve as coordinator for our fellowship time after worship each Sunday. Barb will be calling individuals to ask them to serve cookies (or other refreshments), coffee, juice and water.

The fellowship host/hostess is responsible for making coffee, serving the food and cleaning up. There are always cookies in the freezer, or the host/hostess may wish to bring something else----please remember that the food need not be 'fancy'----just something to munch on with coffee and juice.

If you would like to serve on a particular Sunday, please call Barb Zechman, 719-371-3513.

Thanks to all of you who already serve and will continue to do so, along with those who will be saying 'I would be glad to help', to Barb!

Ash Wednesday

Services

Feb. 10th

Lent, the season of preparation for Holy Week, begins with Ash Wednesday on February 10th. You are invited and encouraged to partake in this tradition that helps to ready your soul.

This year, there are two types of Ash Wednesday services our church is participating in.

There will be a service in our sanctuary at 6:30pm. This service will be a collaboration with other Salida churches.

Pastor Calob will also be joining the Reverends Michael Fay and Courtney Shucker, our Episcopalian neighbors, to administer ashes during the day outside on the corner of 4th and E streets.

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Operation Spirit

From

The Heart of the Rockies

Salida Troops Donations

We are helping to collect items for a project at the Lutheran church for our Salida troops.

All donations need to be here on or before Sunday, February 21st

Collection box is in Century Hall. Packing of Boxes will take place on Tues., February 23rd at 9:00am at

the Lutheran Church, in their basement.

Thank you so much for your help. Items needed are:

Cotton Swaps – travel size pkts.

Hard Candies (Something that won’t melt) Chapstick

Popcorn Pkts. AA Batteries Coffee pkts.

Travel Wipes & Travel Kleenex

Flexible Individual Band-Aids Blister pads

Pringles Singles Homemade Goodies Razors

Snack Bars Rice Krispy Treats Toothpaste

Cocoa Pkts. Sm. Games or Cards Tuna

Individual Soups Jolly Ranchers Bubble Gum

All items travel size, if possible.

Special Request: Monetary Donations are needed to cover the cost of shipping the packages to our troops!

Make checks payable to: First Lutheran, write TROOPS on memo line.

Mail to: First Lutheran Church, 1237 F. St. Salida, CO 81201

Prayers, Praise & Celebrations

Jody West – Jody is recovering quite well from her hip replacement surgery in early January. Jody wants to express her deep gratitude for all the prayers, calls, food, cards and visits. She is getting better and better every day.

Lori Isenberger – Lori is very happy to announce that she is home now! She had sent the following message to be shared with you just before she was released. “Getting well. I couldn't be making it to

the door way of Columbine Manor without the calls, notes and visits. No one plans to get sick or have an

accident. But knowing that you are all there waiting for me to show up in church soon, is helping me to get to that door to my home. I thank you so much.” We are SO thankful that Lori is at home and continue to pray for her speedy recovery!

Peggy Pooley – Some of you may have heard the news that Peggy Pooley passed away over the Christmas holiday. There will be a memorial service to honor Peggy on Monday, February 15th at 1:00pm. Please keep Peggy’s family and friends in your prayers as they grieve.

Judith Kinzie – Continued prayers are requested for Judith Kinzie’s complete recovery following her recent surgery. We are so glad that all went well and that she is back home in Salida.

Dixie & Leon Stanton – Both Dixie and Leon have recently been hospitalized, but are now home and back at church singing in the choir! Please continue to pray for their restored health and well-being.

From Catherine Hayden & Doris Donkle – We wanted to let you know that our nephew, Michael Rout, who lived in Roanoke, Virginia did pass away recently. Thank you for all the prayers.

Please send your prayer requests, updates, celebrations, or announcements to

Licia in the office at: office@salidaumc.org

TRINITY

VIEWS

Dear Friends,

Evangelism is a concept that carries a lot of baggage for many of us. But it’s a vitally important process for us to engage in, for this is how we share the gifts of love that we’ve received… helping others to be similarly blessed… and also helping us to grow in the process.

It’s actually easier to do this than many of us think. Consider talking with people you know well. Family, friends, colleagues, neighbors… folks who matter to you… people who’ve already shared their hearts and lives with you. First, tell them how much Trinity Views continued on page 7…

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Trinity Views continued from page 6…

you care about and want the best for them. Second, share how following Jesus has impacted your life. Third, share how you see specific ways the journey of faith would make a difference to the challenges confronting them. Finally, make an invitation for them to “come and see” a slice of life in the community of faith that is meaningful to you: small group gathering, Bible study, service project, worship, etc.

Realistically, this is probably a series of conversations taking place over a few weeks or months. I suspect that you already have good ideas about how to tell folks you love them and have quite a bit of practice in doing so. Woohoo! You’ve already crossed the first hurdle!

It’s the second point that many of us are less familiar with. So let’s talk about how to do this part. The key here is START WITH WHY. Why do you follow Jesus? Why do you love God in Christ? Why does all this God/church stuff matter to you? To get you started on thinking about your “why” I’ll share part of mine.

One of the reasons I love Jesus is because of how he cares for broken, hurting, marginalized people. He didn’t just offer them platitudes, he gave life-changing healing and forgiveness. He empowered them to transform how they related to the people and world around them, making them conduits of his own grace and power. Amazingly, he didn’t just do this in first century Galilee, but continues to do this for ordinary folks like you and me today. Over time, I have been healed of wounds that once crippled me. Today, I see hope and possibility where once I encountered only obstacles. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the assistance of many people of faith (aka the church) I have experienced life-with-a-capital-L that I could never have dreamed of, much less created, all by myself. Jesus has made all the difference for me.

How has Jesus made life better for you? How have you been blessed and fundamentally transformed? This is your WHY. I encourage you to receive it as a gift and to be bold in sharing your story with others. Prepare to be amazed at how eagerly others listen and respond.

Blessings on the Journey from your District Superintendent,

(Mark your calendars NOW!)

Ongoing Weekly Scheduled Items Include:

Mondays: Men’s Bible Study – 10:00-11:00am, Century Hall Lift – A Small Group Worship Experience, 6:34-7:15pm, Poncha Springs – Ask Pastor Calob for directions Wednesdays: Bible Study, 9:30-10:30am, Century Hall Heaven at Eleven! Contemplative Prayer Gp. 11:00am 20 min. Silence, Parlor Thursdays: Church is closed for cleaning, 12:00-2:00pm Fridays: Church Office is Closed Saturdays: VITA, 7:00am-3:00pm, By Appt. Only Call: 221-3161; Basement Sundays: Choir Practice, 9:00am, Choir Room

Fri, Feb. 5 Fiber Arts Guild – 9:00-12:00, Century Hall Sun, Feb. 7 Communion Sunday with Church

Conference after worship Sun, Feb. 7 Deadline for United in Orange Food Drive

Donations, Century Hall Tues, Feb. 9 Faith Book Club, 10:00am, Parlor Wed, Feb. 10 Outreach Committee Mtg., Century Hall Wed, Feb. 10 Community Ash Wednesday Service,

6:30pm, Sanctuary Sat, Feb. 13 Sweetheart Breakfast, 9:00am, Century Hall

$6 tickets available in office

Sun, Feb. 14 Happy Valentine’ s Day

Mon, Feb. 15 Care Team, 10:00am, Parlor Mon, Feb. 15 Memorial Svs. for Peggy Pooley, 1:00pm Tues, Feb. 16 Finance Committee Mtg, 10:00am, Basement

Wed, Feb. 17 Monitor Articles Due! Thurs, Feb. 18 NAMI Support Gp, 6:30-8:30pm, Bsmt. Sun, Feb. 21 Troop Donations Due, Century Hall Tues, Feb. 23 Pack Troop Boxes, Lutheran Church Bsmt.