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The Monitor December 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; Choir Director: Mary Sandell 970-217-0051
Co-Lay Leaders: Burrell & Sherry Welton 719-660-1652 Burrell, 480-298-3132 Sherry; Church Council Chair: Ken Leisher 719-221-3691; Financial Secretary: Paul Wilson 719-221-1923
Pastor’s e-mail: [email protected] Church website: www.salidaumc.org Church e-mail: [email protected]
Pastor’s Ponderings From Rev. Calob Rundell
A Time of Mystery and Wonder
Isaac Asimov, famed scientist and author, said that the most exciting phrase in science is not “Eureka” but instead is “That’s funny…” Funny in this context means something that is unexpected, peculiar, and is behaving in a way that does not fit established patterns. It is the things that surprise and confound us, the things of mystery and wonder that lead to the greatest discoveries. I am a huge fan of science. I believe in the scientific process of forming hypotheses, isolating variables, running experiments, analyzing data, and testing theories. Now, I am by no means a scientist. My understanding of math stopped three quarters through my junior year of high school when I encountered the stupid “unit circle” in pre-calculus class. (Don’t ask me what the “unit circle” is. That’s where I stopped paying attention.) I am not trained in the rigors of statistics. But what I most appreciate about science is that, no matter the discipline, the more we know, the more we know that we don’t know. Each fact or new discovery brings with it mystery and wonder, because we are continually in the process of discovering what we have yet to understand. For example, at one point we looked at the night sky and thought all we saw were individual stars. Then we learned that most of what we see in the night sky are not stars, but galaxies composed of billions of stars each. Then we learned that what we can actually see in the universe is only about 5% of what is actually there, and we are currently trying to understand what makes up the remaining 95% of the universe. The only thing we know about that unknown
95% is that some of it is “dark matter” and some of it is “dark energy.” Real specific, right? And at some point when we learn what that 95% is, that will unlock all sorts of new things to study, things we can’t even dream about yet. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas season, a good place to start our experience of the miracle at Bethlehem is with a sense of wonder and mystery. As we approach the manger in a stable, as we experience the angels singing and the shepherds quacking, a good phrase
to have on our heart is “That’s funny…” Because what we experience with the Christmas story is funny. It is unexpected, it is peculiar, and it certainly does not fit established patterns of behavior. For at Christmas the same God that spoke all those galaxies and all that “dark matter” into existence, the same God that set in motion the laws of the universe we can
never fully understand, the same God that crafted the rules of calculus, this God takes on the form of a crying, weak baby laying in a barn. At Christmas, we witness an event of mystery and wonder. The God who is all powerful comes to experience the full frailty and mortality of human existence. The God who can do all things becomes a servant to all of humanity. The God that stands outside time and space itself becomes a broken redeemer. It is something we cannot logically explain. It is not rational, it is divine. The beauty of Christmas, the mystery of Jesus, and the wonder of our faith is that there is always more to learn and understand. We will never fully understand God and God’s ways, but with each step we take along the journey we find out a little bit more. If we embrace the unending mystery and infinite wonder of God, our souls will be ready for
Pastor’s Ponderings continued on pg. 2…
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Pastor’s Ponderings continued from pg. 1…
deeper discoveries into God. And those deeper discoveries will lead to more mystery and wonder, which will lead to deeper discoveries, which will lead to more mystery and wonder, which will lead to…. This Christmas season, as we close out the year 2016, we are invited to take in the mystery and wonder of the birth of Jesus. We are invited to let our hearts be filled with befuddled joy as we experience hope bursting into the world. We are invited to journey to the manger and utter a bewildered, “That’s funny…” Peace, Calob 720-879-2267 [email protected]
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
December Ushers - Coordinator: Ginny Cunningham December 4 Judith & Ed Kinzie December 11 Sherry & Burrell Welton December 18 Debbie Jackson & Mary Lou McCausey December 25 Not Needed
December Liturgists - Coordinator: Karen Yerkey December 4 Ken Leisher December 11 Ed Kinzie December 18 Mary Reeves December 25 Not Needed
December Fellowship Hosts – Coordinator: Barb Zechman December 4 Available December 11 Available December 18 Available December 25 Not Needed
Faith Book Club
Tuesday, December 13th
at 10:00AM
in Century Hall.
Everyone is invited.
Prayers, Praise
& Celebrations
Thank You – to everyone who participated in the Gratitude Luncheon in November. As is true to our “Methodist” fashion, we had an abundance of delicious food for everyone.
Ginny Biglow – We were so sad to learn of the passing of Ginny’s (and Bob’s) dog, Wyatt. What a faithful and loving
companion he was to their family and especially to Ginny, since Bob’s passing a couple of years ago. We especially enjoyed it when Wyatt joined the Contemplative Prayer Group – Heaven at 11:00, and quietly “meditated” with us. Please keep Ginny in your prayers as she recalibrates her days without Wyatt.
Jean Hanfelt – We were so glad to learn that Noah, Jean Hanfelt’s dog, returned, although as mysteriously as he disappeared. Thanks to all those who answered the call to look for Noah and network the information about his disappearance. This sudden upset came not too long after Jean had had a fall and broke her wrist in three places requiring surgery. Please keep Jean in your prayers as she continues to heal from her fall.
Julie Moss – Julie had a brief stay in Columbine for rehabilitation after she returned to Salida from her unexpected stay the hospital in Colorado Springs. We continue to celebrate Julie’s progress. She even recently shared her joy that she had walked to church on that particular morning. Please continue to keep Julie in your prayers as she gets stronger and stronger each day.
Please send your prayer requests, updates, celebrations and announcements to Licia at: [email protected]
DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays Dec. 1 Julie Moss
Dec. 1 Julia Litz
Dec. 2 Larry Williams
Dec. 6 Susie Brown
Dec. 8 Julia Hanks
Dec. 8 Gayla Dunning
Dec. 11 Cynthia Hearn
Dec. 13 Gloria Mattix
Dec. 14 Eduardo Brummell
Dec. 14 Janice Montgomery
Dec. 27 Janet Murphy
Dec. 30 Meryl Ann Giles
Dec. 31 Vickie Morgan
Anniversaries Dec. 18 John & Julia Hanks Dec. 28 Rob & Jeannie Coe
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“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
We will not meet on Weds. Dec. 21 & 28!
Church Finance Update
Hello Friends! Here is an update regarding the
church’s finances through October 2016.
If you have any questions about these numbers,
please speak with Licia in the office or Paul
Wilson, our Financial Secretary.
Our next Finance Committee Mtg. will be on
Monday, December 12th
at 1:00PM in
Century Hall.
Receipts & Expenses October 2016 Year to Date
Receipts (Unrestricted) $15351.00 $135,710.00
Apportionments $ 1616.00 $20,669.00
Other Receipts (Restricted) NA for this chart NA for this chart
Total Net Receipts $13735.00 $115,041.00
Expenses - Operating $2941.00 $33,409.00
Expenses – Pastor Salary &
Benefits, Parsonage, Staff Wages $8439.00 $79,266.00
Total Expenses $11,380.00 $112,675.00
Net Income (Loss) $2,355.00 $2,366.00
Category Definitions
Receipts (Unrestricted): The church’s receipts are like your own paycheck or pension check. Our ongoing receipts consist primarily of pledged and non-pledged offerings and loose plate offerings. Gifts given specifically to our General Fund, Faith Fund, proceeds from our fundraising efforts through The Pig Roast and Fudge Force are also part of our receipts. These receipts are unrestricted in their use for the church.
Other Receipts (Restricted): We often receive receipts specified for outreach efforts such as the Samaritan Fund, the Endowment Fund, UMCOR, Summer Raft Guide Dinner Program, building use, as well as certain fundraising efforts such as the Windows Restoration Campaign All these receipts are restricted for the use intended and are not subject to the apportionment paid to the conference, nor do they cover monthly expenses.
Apportionments: A portion (13%) of our monthly receipts (unrestricted) listed above is then paid to the Rocky Mountain Conference to support the wider mission of the United Methodist Church. This apportionment is paid each month for the receipts of the previous month. The apportionment amount paid that is reflected in our October finances was based on September receipts.
Expenses - Operating: The church has many of the same expenses that we all have in our own homes. We have to pay for insurance, utilities, minor repairs, supplies as well as payroll taxes for our employees.
Expenses – Pastor Salary & Benefits, Parsonage, Staff Wages: The church also pays the pastor’s salary and benefits, employs an office administrator, organist, choir director and a custodian. Our parsonage, the home for our pastor, has expenses such as utilities, insurance, and the mortgage payment.
As you can see, we are currently ahead for the year.
At the time of this article, we are very close to the end of 2016 and your faithful financial support is sincerely appreciated. If you are interested in making an additional financial gift to the church before the end of the year, please consider giving to our Faith Fund. Your tax-deductible contributions to the Faith Fund will greatly help our church. Your generous giving makes everything possible that goes on in the life of this church.
Thank you to those who have pledged to pay an additional mortgage payment in full. Our monthly mortgage payment is $1470.91. The original loan amount was $204,000.00! We are SO grateful that through additional payments to our mortgage, our current loan balance to: $68,575.43.
Thank you again, for your faithful financial support. If you have any questions about the church finances and/or the status of your 2016 pledges or questions about your 2017 pledges , please speak with our Finance Secretary, Paul Wilson. You may contact Paul at: (630) 730-8590 or [email protected].
Remember …to purchase
your Safeway cards from Barb Williams or at the Church office.
As we approach this time of the year, when many of us are planning delicious meals for family and friends, please consider using our Safeway gift cards for your purchases at Safeway.
You can also use Safeway cards to purchase other gift cards for Christmas gifts. Your Safeway card can also be used at the Safeway pharmacy.
You may purchase a reloadable gift card for $10 and it has $10 available on it. Then just have the cashier (before scanning your items) add your desired amount to the gift card and you’re ready to go! You can also do this at the Customer Service desk before shopping! We also have gift cards in denominations of $50 or $100, available in the office.
Our church receives 5% of your purchases. This is a very convenient fundraiser for our church and your participation is greatly appreciated!
If you have any questions, please see Barb Williams or you may inquire in the office.
Your gift cards are waiting for you….
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Saturday, Dec. 3rd 9:30AM
Volunteers needed to help decorate the
church for the season! Hope you can join us!
Bible Studies Available
The Men’s Bible Study meets on Mondays at 10:00AM in Century Hall.
Our Women’s Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 9:30AM in Century Hall
Schedules Subject to Change: Please check in the office or with Pastor Calob to see if these groups are meeting during
the weeks of Christmas & New Years!
Operation Spirit
From
The Heart of the Rockies
Salida Troops Donations We will not be collecting donations in
December. Collection will resume in January 2017. Thank You!!!
Sunday Night Worship Service COME SEE WHAT GOODNESS IS HAPPENING
DURING THESE EVENING SERVICES! When: 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 6:30-7:15pm
(We will not be meeting on Christmas evening) What: We sing, pray, talk about Jesus. And then we offer communion (optional) in the sanctuary. Where: At the church building, in the fellowship space (Century Hall).
EVERYONE IS INVITED BRING A FRIEND!
The Noteables and You’ve Got Male will present their winter concert series, “Follow That Star” December 9-11.
Under the direction of Linda Taylor, the women’s and men’s choruses will perform a wide variety of inspirational holiday music. The program includes unusual arrangements of “Angels We Have Heard on High”, “Deck the Halls” and “Bring A Torch Jeanette, Isabella”. Seasonal ballads about wolves, snow and winter gifts are complimented by songs of peace, upbeat gospels and a hilarious selection of familiar carols about Christmas pies.
Special guest, Bruce Warren will play several Christmas selections on his hammered dulcimer. Mary Cuyler, flute, Susan Jesuroga, electric bass and drummer extraordinaire, Kurt Wipperfurth, will accompany the choruses.
Performances are scheduled as follows: Friday, December 9, 7:30PM Clearview Community Church, 457 Rodeo Road,
Buena Vista
Saturday, December 10, 7:30PM SteamPlant Event Center, Salida
Sunday, December 11, 2:00PM First Presbyterian Church, 7 Poncha Blvd, Salida
Suggested donation is $10.00 to help pay for the cost of music, publicity and our scholarship fund. Information: Linda Taylor 539-2428 or visit our website: www.salidasings.org
The Next Church Council Meeting will be on
Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 10:00AM in Century Hall
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Here are all the events happening through our church for the 2016 Christmas season. (See additional details throughout the Monitor.)
Hanging of the Greens, Saturday December 3rd, 9:30am. Come to the church building and have fun putting up Christmas decorations and trees!
Caroling, Sunday December 18th, 1:30pm. Meet at the church and then we'll head out to spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear at the hospital, nursing home, and the homes of shut-ins.
Blue Christmas Worship Service, Wednesday December 21st, 7:00pm. The holiday season can be a mixed bag of emotions and experiences. While there's plenty of joy to go around, there can also be plenty of grief, loneliness, and anxiety. You're invited to come to this special worship service where we will name, acknowledge, and hold in the light of Christ all the emotions that we have with us.
Christmas Eve Worship, Saturday December 24th, 6:00pm. Come and experience the joy of Christmas with a service of scripture readings and carols that tell of the eternal hope that enters into the world with Jesus.
Christmas Day Service, Sunday December 25th, 11:00am. For Christmas Day we will be meeting at the Presbyterian church for a short gathering, and then we will be heading out to different places around Salida to give gifts of appreciation to everyone that is working at their job on this sacred day.
New Year’s Day, Sunday January 1st, 10:30am. Start 2017 with a short, informal time of worship on the first day of the year.
Christmas Donations. Any donation designated as “Christmas Donation”, either in the memo line of a check or on an envelope, will be divided equally between our church’s Faith Fund and The Grainery.
"All are invited to participate in, or, as is your desire, listen to a performance of what is hoped to become a yearly Salida tradition: a Messiah Sing Along. Lovers of Handel's Messiah (or any who just wish to listen but not sing) are invited to come on Saturday evening, December 17, 6 to 7:30pm at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Salida (4th and E Streets); singers should bring their own score, or we there will be some that can be borrowed. New singers will be interspersed among the "host" choir. The choir will be accompanied by an orchestra and many of the familiar choruses and solos will be performed under the direction of Courtney Shucker. Please email [email protected] for more information on this free concert. Time to dust off those vocal cords, dig out your score, and enjoy singing this beautiful Christmas music."
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Meet us at the church on
Sunday, Dec. 18t h at 1:30pm
as we go caroling to a few specific
locations and to visit some of our
members at their homes.
Please sign up on the sign-up sheet
in Century Hall, so we will
know how many to plan for.
Song sheets will be provided.
Blue Christmas Worship Service Wednesday December 21st, 7:00pm
The holiday season can be a mixed bag of emotions and experiences. While there's plenty of joy to go around, there can also be plenty of grief, loneliness, and anxiety. You're invited to come to this special worship service where we will name, acknowledge, and hold in the light of Christ all the emotions that we have with us.
Come One…Come All Plan to join us on
Saturday, Dec. 24 t h at 6:00pm
for our Christmas Eve Candlel ight Service.
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STEWARDSHIP 2017
Our 2017 Financial Pledge Commitment Cards are currently available for your prayerful consideration. Thank you for your support! This year’s Commitment Sunday was held on Sunday, November 20th. Thank you to those who were in attendance and participated in the Commitment Liturgy. If you were unable to attend on Commitment Sunday, you may mail your pledge commitment card to Salida United Methodist Church, PO Box 945, Salida, CO; Attention: Finance Secretary.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration regarding your financial support of our church for this next year. It is through your generosity, that we are able to do God’s work through this beautiful community of faith.
Please know that your pledge information is held in strict confidence. If you have any questions, please speak with our Finance Secretary: Paul Wilson. You may reach him via email at: [email protected] or on his cell: (719) 221-1923.
Order Your Memorial
Poinsettias Today!
We are currently taking orders for poinsettias “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” to
beautify our sanctuary during this Holy Season!
Order forms are available in Century Hall or in the office.
$15.00 Each
Orders are due by: Wednesday, December 14 th!
Any Questions…Please see Licia in the office for more information
(Mark your calendars NOW!)
Ongoing Weekly Scheduled Items Include:
Sundays: Choir Practice 9:15am, Worship 10:30am Mondays: Men’s Bible Study, 10:00am, Century Hall Wednesdays: Women’s Bible Study, 9:30am, Century Hall Heaven at Eleven! Contemplative Prayer Gp. 11:00am 20 min. Silence, Parlor
(Heaven at 11:00 will not meet on Weds, Dec. 21st & 28th) Thursdays: Church is closed for cleaning, 12:00-2:00pm Salida Brass Practice, 6:00-7:30pm, Choir Rm. Fridays: Church Office is Closed Sat, Dec 3 Men’s Breakfast will NOT meet Sat, Dec 3 Decorate the Church, 9:30am Sun, Dec 4 Worship Service with Communion Sun, Dec 4 Lay Leadership Meeting during Fellowship Wed, Dec 7 League of Women Voters, 1:00-5:00pm
Century Hall Wed, Dec 7 GARNA Birding Program, 6:00-8:30pm,
Century Hall Fri, Dec 9 Noteables/You’ve Got Male Concert, 7:30pm
Clearview Comm. Church, BV Sat, Dec 10 Noteables/You’ve Got Male Concert, 7:30pm
SteamPlant, Salida Sun, Dec 11 Noteables/You’ve Got Male Concert, 2:00pm
Presbyterian Church, Salida Sun, Dec 11 Sunday Eve. Worship Svs, 6:30-7:15pm, CH Mon, Dec 12 Finance Meeting, 1:00pm, Century Hall Tues, Dec 13 Faith Book Club, 10:00am, Century Hall Thurs, Dec 15 NAMI Monthly Support Gp, 6:30-8:30pm Sat, Dec 17 Messiah Sing-Along, 6-7:30pm, Episcopal
Church, Salida Sun, Dec 18 Christmas Caroling, 1:30pm, Meet in
Century Hall and we’ll travel to specific locations in town.
Mon, Dec 19 Monitor Articles Due! Mon, Dec 19 Care Team, 9:30am, Century Hall Wed, Dec 21 Blue Christmas Service, 7:00pm, Sanctuary Sat, Dec 24 Christmas Eve Service, 6:00pm, Sanctuary Sun, Dec 25 Christmas Day Celebration spreading
Christmas Cheer with our Presbyterian Friends, 11:00am – More details to come
Sun, Dec 25 Community Christmas Dinner, 11:00am- 2:00pm, Salida Community Center
Wed-Sat, Dec 28-31 Baton Rouge UMC, Overnight, Bsmt. SAVE THESE DATES:
January 31, 2017 – Bishop Karen Oliveto, our new bishop, will be making a brief visit to Salida UMC. We expect her to arrive around 9:45AM. There will be an additional opportunity to spend more time with her, later in the day, at another location. More details will be available, as it gets closer.
Feb. 5, 2017 is the date set for our Annual Church Conference. It will be a brief and efficient meeting, following worship during our Fellowship Time, with our supervising District Superintendent, Dr. Melanie Rosa. We are aware that this is also Superbowl Sunday, so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare for that, after our meeting!
