FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO

The messenger

Note from Rev. Blaine 2

News from Rev. Laura 3

Worship Themes 4

SPR Update & Guest News 5

New Church Family 6

FUMC News 7

Children & Youth News 8

Parish Visitor & Slivers 9

United Methodist Women 10

Stephen Ministry 11

Adult Learning 12-14

Committee News 15

Missions & Outreach 17-18

Thank Yous 19

How to Reach Staff 20

Fellowship Opportunities 16

Inside this issue:

Visit our website at: http://www.fumcgj.org

Our Mission Statement: Our Mission is to Worship God and Love One Another by Taking Christ

to the Community and the Community to Christ.

december 2011

Come Worship With US

Celebrative ..... 8:30 Traditional ..... 9:45 & 11:10 Children—Youth—Adults Groups ..... 9:45 Coffee & Conversation 9:20 & 10:45

It’s Christmas at FUMC

⇒ Hanging of the Greens, December 3, at 9:00am

⇒ FREE Christmas Choir Concert & Sing along. Friday, December 9, 7:30pm.

⇒ FUMC Ringing Bells for Salvation Army, December 10

⇒ FREE A Little Noon Music Concert on Wednesday, December 14, at 12:15pm.

⇒ 3rd Annual Christmas Classics Concert by High Desert Opera and guests, December 20, 7:00pm

⇒ Special Music Sunday in Worship Services, December 18

⇒ Youth Christmas Caroling, December 18

Christmas Eve traditions and worship services 4:00pm Family Service – the smiling children and adoring parents. 5:30pm Communion & Meditation. Sanctuary is open for persons to come and go. 7:00pm Traditional Christmas hymns, scriptures, candle lighting, and O Holy Night. 9:00pm Holy communion and Christmas hymns, scriptures, candle lighting, O Holy Night.

WORSHIP SERIES: THE COLORS OF CHRISTMAS (see page 4 for more details)

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A NOTE FROM REV. bLAINE

What’s Your Favorite Christmas Color? I love royal blue! The Christmas ornament balls with silver sparkles on them remind me of the stars and depth of universal love God has for the world.

Advent and Christmas take place during the least daylight of the year. It is the perfect time for colors and lights to fill the darkness with bright warmth and hope! Red changes the look and feel of a room and it is no wonder Christmas elaborately uses red, be it in, flowers, table decorations or gifts. Notice where Red is on display in Holly, ribbon, and ornaments. Rudolph’s nose?! Green is another primary color of Christmas. Having nature in the house, in the cold gloomy days of Christmas is always welcome. Evergreen fir or pine is used as Christmas tree. The wreath symbolizes a continuous cycle of life that is everlasting and hope in Jesus Christ is endless. Green can soothe us in times of uncertainty. Mistletoe, holly, ivy, display it’s beauty. All of the colors of Christmas symbolize a deeper meaning as well. Red reminds us of Christ’s sacrificial life and death given for the forgiveness and eternal life of humanity. Green is spiritual growth as we draw closer to Christ. As you decorate the home, write and receive Christmas cards, participate in the Hanging of Greens, pon-der what meaning you draw from the various colors of Christmas. It may deepen your spiritual experience of the One who came as a light and gift on that first Christmas! Spiritual Practice: While going about town, consciously bring to awareness a spiritual word or phrase for the colors you see. For example, green – growing in Christ. It may deepen the Spirit of Christmas within you!

Discover The Light of Christmas Custom-made door hangers

With Sunday and Christmas Eve schedules FREE in church bulletins to share with neighbors and friends

Christmas Eve traditions and worship services. 4:00 Family Service – the smiling children and adoring parents. 5:30 Communion & Meditation. Sanctuary is open for persons to come and go. 7:00 Traditional Christmas hymns, scriptures, candle lighting, and O Holy Night. 9:00 Holy communion and Christmas hymns, scriptures, candle lighting, O Holy Night.

Advent—what a wondrous season. Over the last 5 years or so I have come to truly anticipate this sea-son of thoughtful hope and expectancy. There is much to consider surrounding the remarkable way God chose to make an entrance and “dwell among us.” It is such a grand and eternal work that God is up to—redeeming the whole of creation!—and yet in our reading and retelling of the announcement and birth of Christ, we can’t ignore that God used truly ordinary people! Below is a poem that wondrously captures what might have been the scene the day Gabriel paid Mary a visit.

When I read this poem, I am reminded again that our great God chooses to work in and through

people—ordinary people. And like Mary, we can be, and are called to be, the instruments by which God bears the Light of Life to the world. In ordinary human experiences God’s glory shines. As we pre-pare our hearts to receive Christ yet again this Advent season, let us be attentive to those ordinary ways we can manifest the extraordinary love of God to those around us, and in so doing proclaim with our very lives that “Love came down at Christmas.” After all, “The Lord is with us,” (Luke 1:28). Hallelu-jah!

Peace of Christ be yours, Rev. Laura 

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NOTES & NEWS FROM Rev. laura

In the Kitchen Bellini has it wrong. I was not kneeling on my satin cushion quietly at prayer, head slightly bent. Painters always skew the scene, as though my life were wrapped in silks, in temple smells. Actually I had just come back from the well, placing the pitcher on the table

I bumped against the edge, spilling water on the floor. As I bent to wipe it up, there was a light against the kitchen wall as though someone had opened the door to the sun. Rag in hand, hair across my face, I turned to see who was entering, unannounced, unasked.

All I saw was light, white against the timbers. I heard a voice I had never heard I heard a greeting, I was elected, the Lord was with me, I pushed back my hair, stood afraid. Someone closed the door. And I dropped the rag. Kilian McDonnell, 2003 

Worship Together in Advent

Advent is the Christian New Year! It is the four-week period leading up to Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. Each Sunday is a journey of anticipating Christ’s birth AND Christ’s coming again in his final glory. Advent theme: The Colors of Christmas shares the varied aspects of the birth, life, sacrifice, and glory of Jesus Christ – to assist us in preparing fully to celebrate his birth. The Children’s Time messages include the day’s color. November 27th - Green: The Color of Life. Genesis 1:1-5 and/or John 1:1-5 December 3rd, Saturday - Hanging of the Greens, Devotional in Sanctuary at 11:45am. December 4th - Red: The Color of Sacrifice. Genesis 22:1-14 and/or Matthew 2:16-18. Holy Communion is celebrated. December 11th - Purple: The Color of Royalty. Luke 1:31-35; 23: 33-38 December 18th - Blue: The Color of Eternity. Romans 6:3-11. Special Music Sunday December 24th, Christmas Eve: White: The Color of Purity and Holiness. Services at 4:00, 7:00, 9:00pm and Open Communion at 5:30pm. December 25th, Christmas Day. Gold: The Color of Wealth and Riches. One worship service today, at 9:45am only. Choir singing.

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WORSHIP THEMES

A Message from your Welcome Team  Christmas is a favorite time of the year for many.  It is a time for sharing and giving to those you care about.  Christmas is the time of the year to share the birth of Jesus.  The birth of Jesus is the most precious gift that has ever been given to us.  Without Jesus being born we could never have been saved for our sins.  Share this gift with a neighbor, a family, a coworker, or a friend.  Invite them to church and help them get to know a larger family – a church family.  Share your Christmas with someone you care about and make it an experience you  will remember for your lifetime.  God is love, include HIS love in your Christmas and with those you love.

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Staff parish relations update

Last June, the SPRC followed the “Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct by Current and Former Pas‐tors” of the United Methodist Church regarding Annie Arnoldy’s transition and new relationship with the church. Those guidelines state that, “an existing pastor shall not be present or participate in wor‐ship, events, or church groups for a minimum of one year.” Additionally, the Guidelines also state, “In the case of exceptions, a written agreement will be reached by the District Superintendent and both clergy.”  The Staff Parish Relations Committee has requested an exception be made which would allow Annie Arnoldy and her family to return to our church as a part of our congregation be‐fore that year is up.  After much discussion and with Rev. Laura’s blessing, the District Superintendent has approved the SPRC request.  The Arnoldy’s return, as of December 1, will allow them to worship with their friends and family which is something they have missed very much.  We would ask the congregation’s help in making this a successful transition.  As a part of our congre‐gation, Annie need not serve in any professional capacity.  Please help honor this by not asking pro‐fessional clergy requests of her.  The SPRC would like to highly commend Rev. Laura for her graciousness, her wisdom, and her dis‐cernment in helping us make this decision.  We are very glad to welcome the Arnoldys back as a part of our congregational family and also grateful to our District Superintendent, Steve Goodier, for ap‐proving our request. For further information contact Rev. Blaine or Vicki Stites. 

A  FREE GUEST GET-ACQUAINTED LUNCHEON Sunday, December 11, 12:15–2:00pm The Welcome Team would like to invite visitors (new and those who have been attending) to come to our next guest get-acquainted luncheon, which will be held here at First United Meth-odist Church on Sunday, December 11, after the 11:10am ser-

vice, downstairs in Gaines Hall. We would like to extend to you our warm hospi-tality and give you information about our church. Please RSVP to the Church Of-fice at 242-4850 or firstmethodist@fumcgj.org by Tuesday, December 6. Child-care will be provided.

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Welcome new church family

Our New Church Family Members

Lesly Adams My sons, John and Michael, and I moved to Grand Junction on January 1, from Glenwood Springs. Previous to that we lived in Rifle where we belonged to the Rifle Methodist/Presbyterian Church. I am currently looking for employment in the area. I was a store manager for a women's clothing store. I am a knitter, weaver, and paper crafter, and have been a Stampin Up consultant for over 3 years. I have taught ballroom, swing, and Argentine Tango for many years and love to dance. My boys are both active in the music programs at Central High School and Orchard Mesa Middle School. I grew up primarily in Corpus Christi, Texas, where my father was a pilot in the U.S. Navy. I graduated from Southwestern University, a small Methodist University in Georgetown, Texas. We feel that we have found our church "home." After much searching and agonizing we knew the first time we attended here that this church was "It." Richard and Mary Vail were their sponsors. Brandy Eisenbrei Brandy survived a traumatic brain injury. She enjoys bicycling, running, and reading. She also loves to sing and learn about God. She plans to take classes at Colorado Mesa University. On Sundays you’ll find her working in the church nursery. Her sponsor was Laura TerLouw. Wayne and Vicky Holding Wayne and Vicky have four boys and five grandchildren. They love grand parenting. Wayne is a Grand Junction native and a welder. He enjoys hunting, fishing and camping. Vicky works as a medical assistant at St. Mary’s. She likes to do crafts, go camping and fishing. Sponsors: Scott and Nancy Rafferty Jessica Shaffer Jessica and her husband, Dan and baby Sophie moved to Grand Junction in May, 2011. Jessica moved to the Western Slope in 2003 and has also lived in Delta and Ouray. She is Vice President at Alpine Bank and Trust Management. She has three dogs and enjoys cross country skiing, hiking, and reading. Emily Kemp-ton sponsored Jessica. Buck and Janet Connaway Buck and Janet moved here from Delta in 1985 to start Connaway and Company, Inc, a plumbing business. They have since retired. Married for 56 years, they have two children, two grand children and one great grand child. They are members of Wheels West Car Club and have their own Model T touring car. They love to boat on Lake Powell and also love Nascar, the Broncos, and most importantly their family. Larry and Joann Huff were their sponsors.

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Fumc news

Baptisms 11/13/11 Cora Gail Garza,

child of Travis and Chancey Garza Maksim Edward Zavoico,

child of Nic and Angie Zavoico

Note: Angie is Chancey’s sister, here from North Fort Myers, Florida

11/20/11 Elijah Harris, child of Joshua and Shauna Harris

Michael Backes Liwanag, child of Wilbert and Kirsten Liwanag

Grandparents are Larry and Pat Backes

PRAYER CHAIN If you or someone you know would like to be put on the prayer chain,

you may call Phyllis Simmons at 254-1522 or the Church Office at 242-4850

Wow!!! As usual the generosity of our congregation is Wonderful. Our 5th Sunday Food Drive yielded 41 bags. The Food Bank is very grateful for our support. A special

thanks to Liz and Rex Thomas for delivering all the food, as we were tied up. The next 5th Sunday Food Drive is January 29.

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Our annual Ham and Turkey drive was a resounding success! We had a total Of 45 turkeys and 20 hams. The director of the Food Bank gave us a big hug

Each and asked us to share it with the entire congregation. So, hugs to All of you! Our church is so incredibly generous. It makes us proud to be members.

Bruce and Monica Peers

Church Office will be closed on the

following holidays: Monday, December 26 Monday, January 2

Wedding Congratulations

Emily Jean Nelson and Kyle Douglas Maier will unite in marriage on December 28, 2011, at Willow Ridge Manor just out-side of Morrison, Colorado. Emily’s par-ents are Paul and Robin Nelson.

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY (birth through f ifth grade)

Hanging of the Greens Advent Calendar family craft: Join us on Saturday December 3rd, during Hanging of the Greens at 10 a.m. to gather as a family and cre-ate a one of a kind advent calendar with your kids. Please see the Children's Ministry board outside the office for an example. We will then join everyone for a simple meal and small dedication service. Parents, need a night out to get some shopping done or for a date night?

Santa’s Sitters is back! Santa’s Sitters is an annual event where the youth group puts on a night of fun for your little ones! Make sure you sign-up on the youth bulletin board if your children would like to come for games, crafts, movies, baking, and hanging out with the big kids! Nursery staff will be provided for itty-bitties (three and under), too. Bonus: Santa is coming at the beginning, so bring your cameras for this photo opportunity! Friday, December 16 5:00-9:00pm $5 per hour per child -Pizza provided or pack a separate sack lunch for your child

FYI: The nursery will not be open on Christmas Eve. Children are always welcome in service with their families. A child-centered service will be held at 4pm on Christmas Eve. Come with your kids and they can partici-pate in the service as a part of the Christmas Story. The nursery will be available on Christmas Day, December 25th, during the only service that day at 9:45am. There will be no Sunday School classes on December 25th or January 1st. Classes resume on January 8th.

Youth Calendar of Events: December 3 10:00am Hanging of the Greens & worship service 3:30PM Parade of Lights night, meet at church to set up hot cocoa, etc. December 4 4:45–6:30pm Serve dinner at Homeward Bound

YOUTH MINISTRY 6TH-12TH GRADES

December 11 5:00-7:00pm – Destination Unknown 7:00-8:00 – Youth Worship Service December 16 4:30-9:15pm – Santa’s Sitters December 18 4:00-8:00pm Christmas Caroling and Party *Time is tentative

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Parish visitor news slivers of silver

How to get On the Parish Visitor’s List The Parish Visitor services those who cannot, or choose not, to attend church regularly to worship with the congregation. The reason may include many combinations: physical, emotional, and spiritual. The Parish Visitor’s duties are to bring news of the church programs and events; deliver DVDs of the service, bulletins, and print outs of the sermon; and provide a spiritual touch through prayer, Bible study, and/or pastoral care. If you want to recommend someone for such a visit, phone Linda at 242-4805 ext. 409.

Slivers of Silver from a Pot of Gold

It is good to know we can give even when we still need healing and are incomplete in ourselves.

Dorothy Irwin 90 years of experience living

I have been in and out of hospitals since 1945 and I am still the leader and provider for my family. There are times I don’t feel adequate for this, but on the other hand, I have always felt

connected to Jesus. I think of Moses and how he argued with the Lord about how he was inadequate for the

job of leader. Then I think of how God saw the leadership in Moses even when Moses didn’t. The Lord saw his insides and chose him for the job. Moses turned out to be a pretty good leader too.

Then I think of myself as just an ordinary school teacher. I almost flunked out of the army! I just followed orders and did the best I could.

I am nothing special but the Lord knows what I am capable of. So I can lead and provide at this age of 87.

Charlie Alexander 87 years of living experience

There is a big distinction between stewardship and generosity. You can have one without the other. You can have both at the same time. Before Christ, the ten percent tithe was an act of

obedience. After Christ, the tithe applied to our whole being because he bought us at the cross. He owns us one hundred percent. Johnny and Marian Gross Combined 186 years of living experience

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

⇒ The Rocky Mtn. Conference of UMW meeting at Crossroads UMC was a great success. There were 156 UMW members in attendance. Our local unit provided the sack lunches for that day.

⇒ Our unit also received a certificate for being a Gold Medal Plus Unit. To Receive this award, the unit had to meet 15 of 18 criteria items which included mission through prayer, study, and action.

CIRCLE DATE TIME LOCATION

JOY 3rd Wednesday 9:30am Parlor

PRISCILLA 3rd Thursday 1:30pm Parlor

SARAH 2nd Thursday 6:30pm Parlor

Local Happenings in December UMW will host their annual Christmas Tea & Dessert on Thursday, Dec.ember 1, at 2pm, down in Gaines Hall. Christmas Program will feature Music of the Season with soloist, James Werner and pianist Mary Leah Chavies as his accompanist. All are invited to attend (even men)!

See You Next Year!

Next unit meeting will be, Thursday, Janu-ary 5, 2012. Lunch will be served at noon. The program will be the installation of 2012 Officers and Pledge Service.

Every month there is a unit meeting held the first Thursday of each month, which consists of a noon luncheon, program, and business meeting. This is where all circle groups and members-at-large (not affiliated with a circle) come together. Every month there are also four different circle meetings, which are smaller in size. They meet at different times (see circle schedule below) and consist of a devotion, program, and business meeting. You do not need to be a member of UMW to participate. Childcare is available upon request by call-ing Megan at 242-4850 ext. 406 at least one week in advance. For additional information, call Ellie Young at 245-8157.

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Stephen ministry

Stephen Ministry Blessings  How does one get involved in Stephen Ministry at FUMC? Call and talk to a Stephen Leader or a Stephen Minister that you know in the congregation? Stephen Ministry started at our church in 1986.  The first class was lead by Reverend Lonnie Eakle and Gayle Orr.  Seven‐teen were trained.  There have been over 100 caring souls who have been commissioned as Stephen Ministers in our church.  Find one and talk about this one‐on‐one ministry.  Look for the blue badge and ask us about Stephen Ministry.  The blessings start with your training class.  One learns lessons for everyday living, situa‐tions you encounter and real life experiences. Additionally, you will build a bond with your classmates that will last a lifetime.   Rewards continue as you work with your first care re‐ceiver.  You will use your training of listening and hearing the difficulties that can be over‐come and corrected in their lives.  Your fellow Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders will guide, support, and care for you.  All Stephen Ministers and care receivers are always in our thoughts and prayers.  A Stephen Minister gains new friends, meets challenges and walks with the care receiver as God provides the cure. You will meet, pray with, pray for, care, share and keep the care re‐ceiver in your thoughts.  But, you do not provide the cure.  A Stephen Minister allows God to provide the cure Please pray about this critical ministry.  Do you hear the call?  Please seek out a Stephen Minister or Leader and discuss this calling.  We prayerfully ask you to join our ministry   Our new class will start in January but we need to hear from you soon.  Please contact our Stephen Leaders if you are interested in this ministry. Call Sue (245‐5839), Denise (242‐5518) or Robin (245‐8833).

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ADULT LEARNING & SPIRITUAL growth

Are you interested in an introductory Bible study that begins at the beginning? Plans are under-way for a new Bible study in 2012 for anyone who wants to become more familiarized with our holy book. We are considering scheduling the study for either Sunday, Monday, or Wednesday evening. Please let us know what days and times work for you. Call or e-mail Rev. Laura at revlaura@fumcgj.org, (970) 242-4850, or Donna Nelson at njamesco@gmail.com, (970) 314-4904.

Adult Learning & Spiritual Growth Opportunities at FUMC for December 2011

Advent Study and Discussions with Rev. Blaine and Rev. Laura When: Wednesday evenings, Dec. 7,14, & 21, 7:00pm What: Our time together will be based on God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas, by Dietrich Bonheoffer. This is a 40 day devotional that includes excerpts from Bonhoeffer’s letters and Christmas sermons. Rev. Blaine and Rev. Laura will choose topics for discussion each week. How: 1. Sign up for the study, purchase your book, and join in the discussion each week, OR 2. Please feel free to purchase the book and join us in using the resource, even if you can’t join us for the weekly discussions. Resource: God is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas, by Dietrich Bonheoffer. Suggested donation: $13.00. Partial book scholarships are available. Pick up your book in the library and sign up if you can join in the dialog! Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study, recesses on December 6 and resumes in January 2012, 9:15-11:15am, Invitation to Romans, facilitated by Winona Beckner. The Bible and Andy Griffith Ice Cream Social, Dec. 4, 6:30-8:00pm, hosted by Curtis Smart and Mary Endres Smart. Gather with us for what promises to be a fun and uplifting evening for all ages. The eve-ning begins with refreshments. After viewing an episode of the Andy Griffith Show, enjoy a spirited dis-cussion of lessons learned using relevant Bible references. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study – every Friday, 7:00am. Begin your weekend by joining us for breakfast and study in at Pufferbelly restaurant near the old railroad depot. All men are invited to participate in this fellowship and lively discussion of the Bible and other books chosen by the group. For more information call Curtis Smart 243-7606.

The Adult Learning and Spiritual Growth Team is asking for your input as to suggestions for classes you would like to see held here at FUMC for the future. There is a box and suggestion forms to fill out in our library.

Love and War   Finding The Marriage You’ve Always Dreamed Of With refreshing openness that will grab you from their first words, bestselling authors John and Stasi Eldridge candidly discuss their own marriage and the insights they’ve gained from the chal-lenges they’ve faced in this six week DVD group video study. Marriage is fabulously hard! By balancing the male and female perspective that is unique to this study, couples can move past the confusion surrounding the undertaking of marriage and learn to fight for their love and happiness. God has a great adventure waiting for both men and women. This is an opportunity for you as a couple to discover how your individual journeys are growing into a story of meaning much greater than either spouse could do or be on their own. Join us for Marriage Date and Dessert Night. At this time we are planning to meet on Tuesday from Jan. 10th –Feb 14th. 6:30-8:00pm. If you are interested or have any questions, please talk to us so that we can work with you to fit your schedule. Join us for this exciting and fun time together. Contacts are listed below.

Les & LeAnn Zetmeir 970.245.6162 (home) 

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More ADULT LEARNING & SPIRITUAL growth

January 2012 Preview – Adult Learning and Spiritual Growth Opportunities – Save the dates! Sign-up information will be in the Sunday bulletins.

Reclaiming the Wesleyan Tradition, Sunday morning, 11:00-12:00, beginning January 8. This 13 week program presents the central themes of John Wesley’s theology of salvation in ways that bridge an intellectual study of his sermons with relevant application to our lives and faith. There will be opportunities to learn about theology, spirituality, and faith heritage. Facilitated by Curtis Smart.

Marriage Date & Dessert Nights, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm, beginning January 10. This fun study and fellowship is based on the book, Love and War, by John and Staci Eldridge, and includes personal prepara-tion as well as group time, enjoyable activities, DVD viewing, and discussion and dessert. Limited to six couples. Facilitated by Les and LeAnn Zetmeir.

Meeting Paul Again for the First Time, Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm, beginning January 11. Curious about Paul’s Jewish heritage and how it influenced what he wrote to early Christian communities? Want to learn more about how to read a Pauline letter and distinguish Paul’s authentic letters from those written by his followers? This study is based on contemporary scholarship and offers opportunities to learn about the historical context of Paul’s writings and his commitment to Christ. Facilitated by Rev. Laura, Carolyn Len-derman, and Cynthia Grover.

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study – Every Friday, 7:00am, Pufferbelly restaurant. All men welcome!

Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study, January 2012. Beginning in January, To Live is Christ, a Beth Moore study, suggested donation for the workbook is $15. This gathering for women of all ages focuses on spiritual growth through Bible study. Contact Marta Collazo, 434-8668, for more information.

Lay Speaker Training, Jan. 20-21, Friday night and Saturday. Lay Speaking Ministries helps individu-als grow as followers of Christ. It leads to a better understanding of how to use our spiritual gifts in ministry and encourages people to use their spiritual gifts for work in the Church. Facilitated by Glenna Brayton and Pat Backes. Contact Glenna at (970) 314-7447 or 683-8756 for more information.

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And More ADULT LEARNING & SPIRITUAL growth

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Committee news

What is the United Methodist Foundation? The Rocky Mountain Conference United Methodist Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organiza-tion incorporated in 1988 in the state of Colorado and qualified by the I.R.S. as a 501(c)(3). There are over 45 UM Foundations across the nation as recommended by the United Meth-odist Church. The purpose of all the foundations is to ensure the continuing ministries of the United Methodist Church by providing opportunities for the stewardship of accumulated re-sources through planned giving. The foundation relies on its Board of Directors to provide the business and financial exper-tise to fulfill its purpose. Directors are elected by the Foundation General Board. The ser-vices of the Foundation are funded from modest fees on investment accounts, conference apportionment's and gifts from the Board of Directors and friends of the Foundation. FUMC-GJ's Permanent Endowment Committee has invested FUMC's funds with the RMC's Foundation and works closely with the Foundation to educate, encourage, and promote phi-lanthropy within our congregation to continue the growth of our endowment funds here at First Church. For more information contact: Verne Smith, Chair, PEC or Rev. Blaine

Where God's Spirit is present, people give. John Wesley, founder of Methodism, wrote: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." For Wesley, all things belong to God. Scripture says, "You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us - in one stroke he became poor and we became rich." 2 Corinthians 8:9. Thank you for being a vital person in this body of Christ! Financial Report Through October 31, 2011 Revenue: $ 435,113 Expenses: $ 453,020

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FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Moms and Friends Playgroup

Join us Monday, December 12, at 10am, for some seasonal fun! We'll meet in Gaines Hall to decorate graham cracker houses and bake cookies. Please bring enough of your favor-ite candy or edible decoration to share (pretzel sticks, marshmallows, dried cranberries, etc.)... everything else will be provided. To reserve your graham cracker house, call Laura at 424-0290. Friends are welcome!

A LITTLE NOON MUSIC 2ND WEDNESDAYS 2011-2012 Season—Free Concerts 12:15—12:50pm

December 14

Stephanie Mientka—Viola Andrew Krimm—Viola

January 11

Scott Betts—Trumpet

The chancel choir will present their 6th annual FREE Christmas Concert and Sing-along Friday night, December 9, at 7:30pm. This year’s pro-gram, entitled “The Song of Christmas” features of course, the Chancel Choir, a Woodwind Quintet, and Philip at the organ and piano. Be sure to tell all your friends – this concert has be-come a season favorite of the whole community.

2012 FELLOWSHIP DINE TOGETHER GROUPS

The experience is worth the time when you join a FELLOWSHIP DINE TOG-HETHER GROUP. Good food great conversation are yours when you partici-pate in any of the following groups: Dine Out at Noon, Sunday Dine Out at

Noon, Dine Out at evening, Dine In, Family Friendly (includes children), and Dine Out Breakfast. The groups will dine together in January, February, March, and April. If you wish to join a group please sign up in the library by December 15th. If you have been a partici-pant and do not wish to continue please call Curtis Smart at 243-7606 to have your name re-moved.

High Desert Opera will present their third annual Christmas Classics concert in the sanctuary on Tuesday night, December 20, at 7pm. The areas best singers including Dara Fubler, Tarasina Compagni, Jim Werner, Sierra Rode, Robert Wallace and others sing your favorite Christmas Classics. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students and are available at Roper Music and at the door.

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More Missions and outreach

BELL RINGING NEWS HELP WANTED – NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY If you can smile for one hour and ring a Salvation Army bell, we want YOU! Save Saturday, December 10 for one hour of sharing. This is the 12th year of our participation. For that one hour you will receive a most re-warding experience; make it a family affair. The almanac has predicted fair weather for that day so please sign up on the poster located on the front bulletin board to volunteer. Our faithful ‘repeat’ volunteers can tell you what a rewarding experience you will enjoy. For information please call Ginny McGriffin at 434 5214.

MAKE A CHANGE OFFERING IS DECEMBER 11 The Mission Committee is pleased to share with you the Gray Gourmet Senior Nutrition Program. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital, Gray Gourmet is an award-winning meals program. Research shows that seniors eat better when they’re in the welcoming company of others. Gray Gourmet’s neighborhood dining sites (nine, all together), provide a welcoming place for seniors to gather, enjoy a hot meal and socialize. 94% of participants report improved “quality of life” as a result. However, most recipients are homebound and live alone. For those who are homebound, Gray Gourmet deliv-ers a piping hot meal right to their front door! Gray Gourmet’s 240+ dedicated volunteers are the driv-ing force behind its success. Weekdays, they deliver food all over the Grand Valley. Because they use their own vehicles, they’re reimbursed 50 cents per mile and offered a free meal. As you can imagine, volunteers are richly rewarded with smiles, hugs and non-stop expressions of gratitude. So, what do people say about the food and the service? “Gray Gourmet is the best kept secret! The food tastes so homemade. Without this service I’d be eat-ing frozen or canned food every single day. The spaghetti and meatballs -- yum!” “Being what I call “chronologically challenged” (88 years), I am slower than in years past, so getting lunch saves my energy when I don’t have to prepare food and wash pots and pans.” “I cannot say enough about the delivery volunteers. They offer a ray of sunshine, a big smile and a caring, “How are you today?” “The Swiss Steak is amazing, as well as all the jello dishes.” “We really appreciate Gray Gourmet! Not only the home delivery, but the grocery shopping, meal planning, preparation that goes into this service. Gray Gourmet makes it possible for us to stay at home. I am age 90 and husband is age 91.” “Love your turkey dishes, stuffed bell peppers and the meat loaf. The barbequed pork is good and roast beef is delicious. The volunteers that bring our meal are fantastic - bless their hearts.” For more information on volunteering, call Gray Gourmet. It’s a flexible and rewarding way to make a big difference! Please call Karen or Sheli at 243-9844.

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Help support Salvation Army's toy drive! There is a barrel in the Court Yard breezeway through December 15th accepting any new in-package toys or warm clothes/sweats for children. Any donations are appreciated!

Missions and outreach

Hat and Mitten Tree Cold weather is here! Donations of new or gently used hats, mittens, and scarves will benefit children and adults in our downtown community. Place your donations on the Hat and Mitten Tree located in the Narthex (outside of the sanctuary's main doors) throughout the month of Decem-ber.

EQUAL EXCHANGE CHRISTMAS SHOP Youth Ministries is doing a win-win fundraiser by teaming up with Equal Exchange Fair Trade Co-op. By supporting fair trade, small farmer co-ops, and sustainable farming methods, we can make a differ-ence globally to end injustice and poverty. This is an opportunity for you to stock up on coffee, choco-late, sweets and more as Christmas gifts or for yourself! Make sure you stop by coffee hour during the month of December and learn a little bit more about Equal Exchange, youth ministries, and how you can support both!

Adopt a Family for Christmas! Some families find themselves in extraordinarily difficult situations this winter, and buying Christmas gifts, or even a turkey for Christmas dinner, may simply not be possible. If you would like to help make Christmas bright for a special family this Christmas season, Hope of the Grand Valley makes it easy! Hope of the Grand Valley is a local, faith-based, nonprofit organization that helps families in need make connections with services and aid available right here in the Grand Valley. They have an application process and work in partnership with the Salvation Army, so as to help the most people and avoid duplication. Your family or small group provides a gift for each family member and grocer-ies for Christmas dinner. You can also arrange to deliver the gifts yourself, or drop them off at West-ern Colorado Community College, 2508 Blichmann, on December 20th or 21st between 4:00 & 7:00 p.m. Gather a few friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors, and sign up today. You can visit this website http://www.hopegv.org/to_adopt_a_family_form.html, or pick up a registration form in the back of the sanctuary and fax it to the number provided. If you have questions, contact Rev. Laura. Let’s give the love of Christ to some very special families in our community this Christmas, and show Grand Junction our extravagant generosity.

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“Wow!! The outpouring of love and concerns from the congregation during the past few months is nothing short of phenomenal. The Lord has really been listening to the prayers. When I was originally diagnosed, I was afraid and wanted to keep it all top secret, but Bruce and a couple friends convinced me that I was very wrong. I was. Thank you all for all the meals, phone calls, prayers, and your hugs. I do think the hugs were part of my best medicine. Bruce swears that the number of cards I've received will break the dining room table. Doctors feel very satisfied now that all is looking really great and now I'll just be going in to St Mary's every three months for repeat Mammograms, etc. No big deal. And I have a prescription for a drug that can cut the risk of re-occurrence in half. All really positive. Reverend Blaine often talks in church about our church family. We definitely have that and more so. Thank you all again.” Monica and Bruce Peers

The Holiday House Bazaar organizers want to say a great big thanks to everyone for helping to make our weekend so successful. It's bigger than any one group and we appreciate every as-pect: creative projects made and or donated, books for the Book Nook, donated supplies or money for supplies, the many workers, and, of course, the shoppers. We'll have a healthy sum to give to various missions. THAN YOU ALL!

Thank yous

We would like to give a very big THANK YOU to all of our Bazaar help. For the Choppers and Peelers on Thursday to get the vegetables ready for the soup and for the good dining room help on Friday. A special thanks to our kitchen crew: Bill Branton, Mark Branton, Wayne Smith, Verne Smith, and Steve Hickman. They make it so easy for us. Thanks to all. Dale and Pat Patton

Dear FUMC, Thank you so very much for your very generous donation of $611.53 in association with your Make A Change. This donation will help a family receive the counseling that is needed to cope with the stress, depression, and conflict associated with the father losing his job and the mom being lad off. So many of our clients can not even afford our sliding fee scale. Thank you again. Counseling and Education Center

Dear FUMC, On behalf of the Board of Directors of Community Food Bank, I want to thank you for your generous donations. We operate with one part time coordinator and 38 volunteers. Please know your donation makes a direct impact and helps us to serve those in our community who are hungry and in need. Again, thank you so much for your generosity. Please feel free to come down and see our volunteers in action. We are open weekdays from 11am to 2pm. Karen Galloway, VP, Board of Directors

NON PROFIT

U. S. POSTAGE PAID

GRAND JUNCTION, CO

PERMIT NO. 75

Change Service Requested

Church staff AND HOW TO REACH US

Don’t forget, we’re on the web :

www.fumcgj.org

Phone: 970-242-4850 firstmethodist@fumcgj.org

522 White Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Church Office hours are 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Lunch Hour/Office Closed 12:00 – 1:00pm. In addition to the listed information below, church staff can always be reached at the Church Office number - 242-4850. Senior Pastor: Rev. Blaine M. Scott (revblaine@fumcgj.org) Associate Pastor: Rev. Laura Cartwright (revlaura@fumcgj.org) Children’s Ministry: Megan Weaver (cmdirector@fumcgj.org) Youth Director: Emily Kempton (emilyforyouth@gmail.com) Parish Visitor: Linda Lovendahl Financial Secretary: Ralph Grover Church Secretary: Carolyn Campbell (firstmethodist@fumcgj.org) Treasurer: Phyllis Neff Choir Director: James Werner Organist: Philip Wyse Music Leader (8:30am) Pam Opsal Media Ministry Coordinator: Andrea Dufford Media Technical Consultant: Eric Arnoldy Custodians: Shelly Wilcox and Alicia Jirik

Sunday Services 8:30, 9:45, 11:10am