LITTLETON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 5894 South Datura St. Littleton, CO 80120 (303) 794-6379 Tel (303) 795-7047 Fax littletonumc.org NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LITTLETON,CO PERMIT #1 The Littleton United Methodist Monthly Connection April Edition / Vol. XX VI / No. 4 CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS: ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED What is your legacy? 125th Music Premiere pages 2 Easter Sunrise Service page 3 Youth Summer Missions page 4 E IT D ME THODIST CH U End of Life Workshop page 7 R C N Seniors On the Town page 5 U H LITTLETON PASTOR’S PEN Resurrection Living E E R C S 1890 - 2015 L BR ATI NG 125 YE A INFORMATION FOR THE CONNECTION If you are looking to place info for an upcoming event in the Weekly or Monthly Connection, please follow these deadlines and instructions. For the Weekly: Dates: info runs 3 weeks–provide start date Deadline: close of church office Monday Contact: direct info to Jenny Robillard at [email protected] For the Monthly: Deadline: the 15th of each month Contact: direct info to John R. Morrison at [email protected] The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The one whom they saw taken away, beaten, hung on a cross, exhaling his last breath, buried and put in a tomb is not dead. He lives on. Some people in those days found that hard to believe. People who believed in those days argued about just what it meant to be resurrected. People still do. In the meantime, the people still believe. No matter how you understand what happened 2,000 years ago, you cannot deny that whatever happened changed our world. For many who believe, it changed their lives. Still does. I believe that Jesus lives on. As a person who has studied theology, science, psychology, history and even calculus (not that I remember any of that or that it’s relevant in this case!), I don’t explain the resurrection using traditional terms. But I don’t think I have to explain it at all. I believe it is sufficient to know that Jesus died a horrible death, after living an extraordinary life, and what was essential in him and to him lives on by a very real sense of his presence. “He lives” is a statement of fact acknowledging that his influence on others, his revelation of God, his challenge to the way we think and his spirit of truth, grace and love is very much alive. We are a part of that living, breathing witness. We are Jesus’ legacy. We keep alive his life, his influence, his revelation, his challenge, truth, grace, and love. So my question to you is this: what is your legacy? In the days after Easter, I invite you to consider what you will leave behind when you pass on. I know that many of us feel like were way too young to consider dying, and many of us would much rather never consider dying, no matter what our age. Yet as people who believe, A Big Welcome to New Littleton UMC Members! Bill & Phyllis Klein 40 Eagle Drive Littleton, CO 80123 Continued on page 2 Ray & Ora Trefethen 4515 S Delaware St Englewood, CO 80110 The Monthly Connection April 2015 2 ALL CHURCH NEWS Continued from page1 we must recognize that there’s nothing to fear, deny or avoid about dying. And as people who believe, we have a responsibility to consider what we will leave behind for those who follow behind us. To help us consider some of these thoughts, we have invited some guest speakers to present a conversation on the end of life, topics including how do you begin the conversation with family, do I have a will, what are my last wishes, where will my body find its final resting place and what might I leave to the church. The conversation begins on Sunday, April 26th from 9:45–10:45 a.m., continues on Sunday, May 3rd from 12:15–2:00 p.m., and finishes up on Sunday, May 31st from 9:45–10:45 a.m. See the full article and schedule on page 7. We are resurrection people! So, what lives on from your life? – Rev. Trudy 125th Anniversary Piece to be Premiered In anticipation of our church’s 125 anniversary year, composer Michael Bedford was commissioned to set a special hymn text by poet Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. This special piece will be performed by our Chancel, CrossFire and Rainbow Express choirs with organist Kathy Forsberg and the Chancel Ringers. The text describes our appreciation for all of God’s gifts to our church, and our desire to remain servants of Christ into the next century: th Our God, we sing and celebrate! Your grace to us is clear! For we recall your faithful love for all your people here. We’ve worked together, yet we know it’s not the things we’ve done, But you, who give us life and hope in sending us your Son. Lord Jesus, in this broken world, you teach us how to heal, And in a world where pride abounds, you call your church to kneel. Amid the hate, we’re called to love; amid the fear, to pray. You call us to live differently; transform us every day! You give us gifts to be your church; we follow as you call. Here some are teachers, others preach, to speak your truth to all. Some reach to help the sick and poor, while some are called to lead; Yet by your Spirit, we are one, in word, in prayer, indeed! How easy to look back and see your graceful, constant care, And yet we’re called to look ahead, to grow, to serve, to dare! What is your will in this new day? God, help us pray and search, For as we seek to walk with you, we are your faithful church. 125th Anniversary History Spotlight: Founding of LUMC The first commercial building in Littleton was constructed in 1872 a large white frame building that is now occupied by the Three Chimneys and Natural Surroundings gift shops at the eastern end of Bowles Avenue. The second floor of that building may have been the initial meeting place of Methodists in 22st Annual LUMC Art Festival The 2015 LUMC Arts Festival is scheduled to run from Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19 in Grant Fellowship Hall. In addition to a community Art Show, this year’s celebration of visual and performing arts will feature performances of a play by the Encore Players, a special recital and the premiere of a new piece to honor LUMC’s 125th. This year’s play will be Love Letters performed by Richard and Lisa Hendry, directed by Annawyn Shamas. Friday, Apr 17 6 p.m. Show Opening 7:30 p.m. Love Letters Saturday, Apr 18 10:30 a.m. Show Open 11:00 a.m. - Alex Raab studio recital featuring talented young string players 2:00 p.m. Love Letters Sunday, Apr 19 8:00 a.m. Show Open 8:30 & 11 a.m. - Worship with special 125th Anniversary premiere of “O God We Sing and Celebrate” by four LUMC choirs 2 p.m. Love Letters Registration forms for artists of all ages are available in the church office. Littleton, other than in individual homes. Meetings were apparently held off-and-on and at various locations. The Rev. John Collins was the English-born organizer of many Methodist churches in Colorado, and he eventually succeeded in organizing the Littleton Methodists in 1890. The Methodists rented a room above O-Brien’s Store; a newly constructed building located at the northwest corner of Main and Sycamore, and held the first Sunday services there at 10 AM on November 2, 1890. John Collins was the first minister and served from 1890 to 1894. We hasten to reassure readers that the Methodists occupied the upstairs hall of O-Brien’s Store some nine years before the first floor became a tavern - the “First and Last Chance Saloon”. a place where faith and life come together The Monthly Connection April 7 2015 ALL CHURCH NEWS CONTINUED The End of Life Workshops: The Conversation Project and the Will-Power Program On Sunday April 26th from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., our Director of Senior Adult Ministries Beth Corn will guide us through The Conversation Project, a program dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for endof-life care. We know no guide and no single conversation can cover all the decisions that you and your family may face. What a conversation can do is provide a shared understanding of what matters most to you and your loved ones. This can make it easier to make decisions when the time comes. This workbook style kit will help you answer key questions for yourself that you can then share with those most important to you. A conversation starter, a way to communicate in a very loving and kind way your wishes, the kit has questions and proposals for us to start with. We will journey this path together, helping each other with recommendations that may help get the process started. The conversation continues on Sunday May 3rd, at 12:15–2:00 p.m. The United Methodist Foundation Representative Dale Levy will present the Will Power Program. This program covers questions such as how to choose a personal representative, how to choose a guardian for your children, and the overarching question, how to plan your will and trust. We will consider what it takes to leave a gift to the church as a witness to your faith. We will also learn about the church’s Columbarium as an option for those who want to be buried at their church home. LUMC Member and Estate Planning Attorney Bonnie Bowles will be present for planning and conversation to help us act on what we’re learning. A follow-up session on Sunday, May 31st 9:45–10:45 a.m. will help resource and empower us to keep the conversation going. Please join us for these important and special opportunities. Native American Sunday On April l9th LUMC celebrates Native American Sunday. An envelope will be provided in the bulletin for this special offering. Your generous gift will help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within the annual conference. Sponsored by the LUMC Mission Committee, this important ministry of the United Methodist Church supports scholarship for Native Americans attending seminary Administered by the General Board of Higher Education and of Ministry and expansion of the number of target cities included in the Native American urban initiative. Also, on Native American Sunday, we would like to recognize the native Mayan culture of Guatemala. During the upcoming LUMC immersion trip to Guatemala the team will be working with local people and families and experiencing the rich and vibrant culture first hand. To find out more about this opportunity or how you can support the team, contact Diana Castellion, [email protected] or 720-283-6862, or Rev Mary Beth. Plain Proposal by Beth Wiseman This book is part of a series of novels called the Daughters of the Promise Series. Each novel focuses on an individual journey into an Amish community where they discover the way of life and customs of the Amish, adding new meaning to the words faith, hope and love. Miriam has been raised in the Amish traditions. She and her family welcome her cousin, Shelby, an English (non-Amish person) who has been in trouble at home and whose parents recently divorced, into their home. Miriam has had a long standing attraction to Saul, who is Amish. He has a once in a lifetime offer of an apprenticeship in Pittsburg with a chef in a large restaurant, which is a dream come true for him. This love story shows how the characters resolve the many difficulties they must face in their new lives. Dear Glenn, Rita and LUMC Church and Society, Thank you so much for your yearend gift to the Day Break Cafe at St. Paul’s. Because of generosity like yours, we were able to provide over 10,000 meals to the homeless in 2014. Our mission in 2015 is to add a one-on-one mentorship program with homeless vets to guide them through the complicated VA system into a better life. We would love for you to come visit the Day Break Cafe or bring a volunteer team to see your gifts in action as we feed the body and soul of those in need in Denver. Blessings, Rev. Jesse Boyce, St. Paul’s UMC blessed to receive, blessed to give The Monthly Connection The Monthly Connection April 2015 6 April 3 LITTLETON UMW NEWS Faith Circle UMW Reading Program Lamplighters Circle United Methodist Women have an extensive Reading Program emphasizing five areas of study: education, leadership, nurturing community, social action and spiritual growth. Books are purchased every year and added to our library. In 2014 a challenge was proposed to see which circle group would have the most participants reading and the most books read. Congratulations to Lamplighters Circle. In April, they will enjoy supper served by the other circles. Date, Time & Place: April 14 at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor Program: Tying Quilts Contact: Marilyn Ansted can be reached at 303-803-0352 or [email protected] Date, Time & Place: April 14 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parlor (NOTE TIME CHANGE) Program: Salad Supper and Tying Quilts Contact : Sue McKnight can be reached at 303-283-8459 or [email protected] Loving Hands Circle Date, Time & Place: April 9 at 12:30 p.m. in the Parlor Program: Tying Quilts – Collecting School and Health Supplies for UMCOR Contact: Karen Almanza can be reached at 303-973-8811 or [email protected] New Sunshine Circle Date, Time & Place: April at 9:30 a.m. in the Parlor Speaker: Tying Quilts – Collecting items for Florence Crittenton Services Contact: Marlene Sommer can be reached at 303-795-6963 or [email protected]; Irma Parham can be reached at 303-979-5835 or [email protected] UPCOMING UMW EVENTS Meal of the Upper Room Thursday, April 2, 5:00 p.m. in Parlor/Fellowship Hall For all Women of the Church Reservations in the office by March 31 UMW Spiritual Life Retreat in Estes Park, April 24-26 Contact Patricia Graham for registration information 303-734-0942 By Our Presence ... LUMC OPTIMIST CLUB NEWS April 1, 8:45 a.m. in the Parlor We will welcome the top three winning students in the essay contest. They will read their entries to us. April 15, 8:45 a.m. in the Parlor A high school exchange student from China will come talk to us about life in China. May 6, 8:45 a.m. in the Parlor Will be the Littleton Mayor talking about Urban Renewal. May 20, 8:45 a.m. in the Parlor Joann Holden from the Tri-Country Health Wic will be our guest speaker. All members and friends of Littleton United Methodist Church are reminded of the importance of regular worship attendance. Should you anticipate an absence for an extended period of time due to illness, vacation, etc., please contact the Church Office, so that we may best minister to your needs. Don’t forget to register your attendance on Sunday morning. February 2015 Attendance Averages: Average attendance for the 8:30 Service – 146 Average attendance for the 11:00 Service – 218 Average Total attendance – 364 BY OUR PRAYERS... We lift up the family and friends who have lost loved ones recently: Michelle Wyeno, niece of Hank & Ruth Wyeno; Cindy Green, daughter of Rev. Phil Green; and Ken McWhorter. a place where faith and life come together 2015 ALL CHURCH NEWS CONTINUED A Good Friday to feature “The Seven Last Words of Christ” t 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 3, the Littleton UMC Chancel Choir and soloists, along with LUMC organist Kathy Forsberg, will perform Dubois’ Seven Last Words. Dubois’ setting of the final sentences that Jesus uttered from the cross has been continuously performed in Europe and the U.S. since its composition in 1867. The work is highly dramatic, and employs the soloists and chorus to play all of the roles associated with the crucifixion. The powerful LUMC organ expertly played by Kathy Forsberg will depict everything from angelic harps to the rancorous crowd and an apocalyptic earthquake. Théodore Dubois (1837–1924) was an important organist, composer and teacher in Paris. In 1861, he was awarded the prestigious Prix de Rome for composition, and was director of the Paris Conservatory from 1896– 1905. He was a contemporary of Charles Gounod, Gabriel Faure, and Camille Saint-Saens. His best-known work is Seven Last Words. This special Holy Week performance is part of the church’s 125th anniversary celebration. Seven Last Words was one of the most beloved masterworks of the previous century—and it has been performed through the decades in one of Littleton’s original churches. Robinson, share a special snack, play some games and make some crafts before going on an egg hunt! At the end of the egg hunt the children will turn in their eggs for a special goody bag before being picked up by their families back downstairs in the children’s area at 10:45. An infant friendly egg hunt will occur in the nursery for children under 2. Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m. at Gallup Gardens An Easter Sunrise Service will be the first opportunity for you to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Littleton United Methodist Church Sunrise Service will be at Gallup Gardens (just east of Bemis Library) and will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 5. The Sunrise Service will feature a meditation by Nathan See, LUMC’s Director of Youth Ministries. The music will be led by LUMC’s Youth Choir, CrossFire. Those planning to attend the Sunrise Service should plan to dress warmly. Casual dress is encouraged. A limited number of chairs will be provided at the Sunrise Service site. In the event of bad weather the Easter Sunrise Service will be held in the LUMC Sanctuary. All participants are encouraged to invite their friends and neighbors. Following the Sunrise Service an Easter Pancake Breakfast will be served in Grant Fellowship Hall. The Pancake Breakfast is sponsored by the LUMC Cub Scout Pack #114. The breakfast begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 a.m. The cost is free. For more information about LUMC’s EasEaster Egg Hunt on Easter morning! Join us for a kid friendly Easter egg hunt on Eas- ter Sunrise Service, please contact Nathan See or Becky ter morning during the Sunday school hour. The Lichlyter @ 303-794-6379. Join us for this wonderful children will hear an Easter story with Rev. Trudy Easter celebration at sunrise! Rev. Dr. Harvey Martz to Preach On April 12th, we welcome guest preacher, the Rev. Dr. Harvey Martz, as part of our year-long 125th anniversary celebration. Dr. Harvey Martz has been a United Methodist Pastor for 43 years in our Conference, and his first appointment was as associate minister here at Littleton United Methodist Church when Fred Venable was Senior Minister. Harvey and Judy moved from here in 1972 to be pastor in Colorado Springs where, over a 22 year pe- riod, he helped that congregation grow from 130 people in worship to 600 in worship and led the church through relocation and three major building projects. Harvey has just retired recently from an 18 year pastorate at St Andrew Church in Highlands Ranch where the worship attendance increased from 600 to 1100 and where the church received over 2700 new members, most of them on profession of faith or reaffirmation of faith. Under Harvey's leadership, St Andrew relocated and went through a $26 million building program as well as graduating over 2500 people from Disciple Bible study groups. Harvey has chaired our Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry as well as our New Church Development. He is a longtime friend and colleague of Reverend Trudy Robinson. Harvey and Judy are the parents of Meredith who lives in New York City and is getting married this summer, and Todd, who passed away in August of 2014. blessed to receive, blessed to give The Monthly Connection The Monthly Connection April 2015 4 Youth Summer Mission Trips April 5 YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS Middle School Mission Trip / June 8-13 / St. Louis, MO / Cost: $150 Middle school youth (currently in grades 6-8) are invited to join us on an amazing summer mission experience as we travel to St. Louis, MO to work with a ministry called Harvest. Harvest works with refugees from Nepal and Burma by helping them build community gardens. We will be working alongside these refugees to create raised garden beds that not only promote food sustainability, but a relationship between the communities, as well. The cost of the trip is $150/person. Registrations and $50 deposit are due on or before April 6th. High School Mission Trip / Albuquerque, NM / July 11-18 / Cost: $250 High School youth (currently in grades 9-12) won’t want to miss this summer’s mission trip to Albuquerque, NM! Youth will be working with a couple of different ministries that help fight poverty and homelessness in the Albuquerque area. The cost of the trip is $250/person. Registrations and $50 deposit are due on or before April 6th. Mission Trip brochures and registration are available by contacting Nathan See or Becky Lichlyter @ 303-794-6379. Friends are always welcome to join us for these life-changing mission experiences. Consider giving up a week of your time this summer to help change lives! S E NIO R MINIS T RY NE W S CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS Club 435 meets on April 12! See you for dinner at 4:35 in the children’s area. We are working on Mother’s day cards for Interfaith Community Services and Mother’s day gifts for the ladies of Someren Glen. Posters for summer mission project due on May 3rd meeting so we can vote in Sunday school! Need more information? Just ask Lisa Perkins, Director of Children’s Ministries. VBS, Summer Fun & Camp Day forms will be coming out once we line up youth and adult volunteers to provide a safe, fun environment! Need a form to volunteer? Let Children’s Ministries know and we’ll get one to you right away! VBS, as always, is the final week of July from Monday the 27th to Thursday the 30th. Save the date cards for Summer Fun / Camp dates available downstairs in the children’s area. Seniors on the Town J oin us for a delightful trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Tuesday, April 14. We will experience Mythical Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, and Mermaids. Legendary creatures have captured imaginations and inspired stories, music, art, and many theories! This exhibit includes life size models, paintings, preserved specimens and fossils. Tickets are $10.75 and include the entire museum. The bus will take us and costs $2.25 leaving the church around 9 a.m. Sign up by March 31. Downtown Aquarium is our next trip, Tuesday, April 28. This entertainment and dining complex features an aquarium with more than one million gallons of underwater exhibits, 500 species of animals, a string ray tank and fantastic restaurant where we will have lunch. Tickets are $12.95 and lunch is separate. Please make your reservation in the church office by March 31. The bus will pick us up around 9:30 and return about 2 p.m. Join us for Tuesday Game Day in the Parlor on April 21 at 1 p.m. We will have a big Bingo game and lots of fun. Friends are always welcome! Bring a snack to share. No reservations, no charge, just fun! Any questions about Senior Adult ministries, contact Beth Corn, 303-794-6379 ext. 239 or [email protected]. ALL CHURCH NEWS CONTINUED Middle School Youth attend YouthQuest Retreat On April 17-19, Middle School Youth from LUMC will travel to Frontier Ranch in Buena Vista, CO to participate in a Rocky Mountain Conference retreat experience called “Youth Quest.” This year’s theme is “Break Free!”. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Chebon Kernell, an ordained minister in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference of the United Methodist Church. Contact Becky Lichlyter for more information ([email protected] / (303) 794-6379 x.249). 2015 Dinner for 8 We will begin the next session of the Dinner for 8 program at LUMC in May 2015. The idea is to provide an informal way to meet and get to know other LUMC members and families. People who join will be assigned to a group with 7 other folks (it could be 4 couples or various individuals) and the group decides when and where to meet for a meal 4 times over a four month period. In the past the groups typically went to people’s homes - but restaurants or picnics are fine. The idea is to have a social gathering that involves food. If you are interested in participating please send an Email with your name, email address and phone number to [email protected] or call Barb Lee at 303-734-0756. The groups will be assigned in late April and your group should start meeting in May 2015 with plans to finish by August. Choristers Guild Festival 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19 Children and youth from around Colorado will perform at this choral festival, which is an annual event of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Choristers Guild. LUMC is hosting the event for the second time. Participating choirs are from churches of all denominations. Young singers will work A HUGE thank you for a wonderful first Talent Show as Director of Children’s Ministries. Your participation and attendance helped raise $1,345.00! After meal expenses, Children’s Council netted nearly $1000.00 to underwrite future family fellowship opportunities! – Lisa Perkins under special guest conductor Dr. John Yarrington of Houston Baptist University and First Presbyte- Sa n dw i ch M i n i s t r y I t e m o f t he Mont h: B ROWN P AP E R LUNCH BAGS S and wich Ministry Item of the Month: BRO WN P A P ER LUN CH B A G S a place where faith and life come together blessed to receive, blessed to give rian, Houston. The Festival Service begins at 2 p.m. and is open to the public.
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