1

March 2018 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: Burrell 719-660-1652, Sherry 480-298-3132; C0-Church Council Chair: Elaine Adams 719-539-1237 and Eduardo Brummel 719-539-9332; Treasurer: Randy Bergstrom 719-539-5305; Financial Secretary: Paul Wilson 719-221-1923

Pastor’s e-mail: pastor@salidaumc.org Church website: www.salidaumc.org Church e-mail: office@salidaumc.org

Pastor’s Ponderings

The Most Important Time

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. Greater preparation equals greater impact. We are currently in the season of Lent that began on Ash Wednesday, February 14th. This season of preparation goes until Easter morning on Sunday, April 1st. 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. 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. The truth is, we NEED all of the experiences and stories of Holy Week. We need to hear the story of

the betrayal of Judas, because we too are capable of selling out each other for 30 pieces of silver. We need to see Peter abandon and deny Jesus, because life is full of moments of stress when we fall short. We need to feel the pain and suffering of the crucifixion, because we live in a world where we still use violence against each other. We need the full experience of Holy Week because the events of those days are a reflection of reality. Life is not about going from high-point to high-point, and completely skipping over the painful parts. We need Holy Week because it shows us the full glory of Easter and the full power of The Resurrection. When we arrive at the empty tomb, we come there with the words from the table of Maundy Thursday still ringing in our ears, “This is my body, which is given for

Pastor Ponderings continue on pg. 2…

2

Pastor Ponderings continue from pg. 1…

you.” When we see the stone rolled away, the bloody images of Good Friday are still fresh in our minds. But despite all the drama and human failure and sin and violence that Holy Week holds, on Easter Morning we experience the beauty and the mystery and the glory and the awe when we see that Christ has overcome all things! I want to encourage you to experience Holy Week this year.

Mark your calendars for the following dates…

Palm and Passion Sunday Worship will be on March 25

th at our regular worship time of 10:30am. This

important day sets the rest of the week into motion.

Maundy Thursday Communion Worship will be March 29

th at 7:00pm in our Methodist church

Sanctuary.

Good Friday will have two opportunities for reflection on March 30th.

1) The sanctuary of the Presbyterian Church will be open from 12-5pm with a self-paced meditative Stations of the Cross prayer experience.

2) At 5:30pm there will be a contemplative worship service, also at the Presbyterian Church.

Easter Sunday we will celebrate the risen Jesus on April 1

st at 10:30am.

Friends, may each of us be transformed by this season of Lent, the most important time.

Peace,

Rev. Calob Rundell pastor@salidaumc.org 719-539-2755 office 720-879-2267 cell

Faith Book Club

Tuesday, March 13th at 10:00AM

This group meets at the home of Catherine Hayden. Please call Catherine for more information:

(719) 539-8561

Remember… to turn your clocks FORWARD

1 hour on Saturday night March 10th. Daylight Savings time begins on

Sunday, March 11th.

Sharing Our Prayers, Praise, Needs & Celebrations

Message from Olivia Harrington – Beth Urban and Olivia Harrington and the nine others from First UMC of Waxahachie requested prayers as they traveled to Baldwin LA and Sager Brown UMCOR for a mission in February. They worked in the warehouse checking all the kits that had been sent from UM Churches to go around the world and parts of the US. Some of the volunteers worked in the sewing room making school bags, others will work in the community building ramps, or in Sager Brown offices. Thank you to the members of Salida UMC for their donations toward this trip. Some cut out school bags, others made them and others sent financial help. Many thanks for their help. Also, thank you to the Salida Walmart for 75 boxes of crayons at the end of school supply season. These were added to the school bags we made to take with us. It was a full week of mission work. We had a successful trip, worked hard, played hard and are exhausted! Here are a couple of photos… Olivia

Message from Mary Lou McCausey – Dear Friends, I want to “thank” everyone for their cards and prayers during my recent fall. Your love and friendship means so much to me. Mary Lou McCausey

An Announcement – Felice Larsen, at 92 years young, passed away peacefully in the early hours on February 13th. A Celebration of Life service is being planned for Saturday, July 7th, here at the Methodist Church. Details will come later.

Sharing our Prayers, etc… continued on pg. 3…

3

Sharing our Prayers, etc… continued from pg. 2…

Prayer Request – Jim & Gayle Greene Please keep Jim & Gayle Greene and their family deep within your prayers. Jim’s brother-in-law, George (his sister Joyce’s husband), passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 27th in Oklahoma City, following surgery. Jim, Gayle and Mary Lou are there to support each other and their family. Please pray for all those who are gathering to comfort each other and remember the life of George. May their memories of George and the love of Christ bring them peace and comfort during this difficult time. If you would like to send Jim & Gayle a card their mailing address is:

Jim & Gayle Greene PO Box 4793 Buena Vista, CO 81211 Easter Lily Order Forms – We will once again be ordering Remembrance Easter Lilies, “In Honor of…” or “In Memory of…” loved ones. These beautiful lilies will bless our beautiful sanctuary on Easter Morning! An order form is included in this newsletter and will also be available in Sunday bulletins and in Century Hall. Easter Lilies are $15.00/ea. Time Change – Spring Forward 1 hour – On Saturday, March 10th be sure to turn your clocks FORWARD one hour as Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 11th!

Annual Church Celebration & Pot Luck – Thank you to everyone who participated in the Annual Church Celebration & Potluck luncheon, which took place on Sunday, February 11th following worship. We had so much to celebrate which 2017 provided and it was joyous to look toward 2018 as the strong, loving, faith-filled community that we are. May the year of 2018 be a blessed year! And as usual….The delicious food was amazing! Thank You! Supporting Salida Troops – Thank you SO much for the generous donations of items that were given last month for the boxes sent to Salida Troops through the Operation Spirit project with the Lutheran Church. There must have been something in the air, because abundant donations came from the general community as well! We are already set for next month, so there won’t be a need to collect in the month of March. We will resume collecting items in April for the April boxes, if needed.

Please send your prayer requests, updates, celebrations and announcements to Licia at: office@salidaumc.org

COME SEE WHAT GOODNESS IS

HAPPENING DURING THESE EVENING

SERVICES!

When: 2nd

and 4th

Sundays of each month, 6:30-7:15pm What: We sing, pray, talk about Jesus. And then we offer communion (optional) in the sanctuary. Where: At the church building in Century Hall.

EVERYONE IS INVITED BRING A FRIEND!

Birthdays

March 3 Dick Isenberger

March 4 Jim Rees

March 7 Susan Little

March 10 Bob Campbell

March 12 Virginia Imig

March 12 Ginny Cunningham

March 12 Randy Bergstrom

March 13 Debbie Jackson

March 20 Licia Iverson

March 28 Alan Adams

Anniversaries

March 21 Norris & Pat Miller

March 25 Judith & Ed Kinzie

֎֎֎֎֎֎֎֎֎֎֎ Ever wondered how you might be of service to the church? Please consider being on the volunteer rotations for one of these three areas of service!

For more information, please contact the following coordinators:

Ushers Ginny Cunningham (719) 539-5243 Liturgists Karen Yerkey (719) 539-3427 Fellowship Barbara Zechman (719) 285-4251

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

Ushers - Coordinator: Ginny Cunningham March 4 Jerry & Ginny Cunningham March 11 Jim & Gayle Greene March 18 Flora Parsons & Ginny Cunningham March 25 Larry & Barb Williams

March Liturgists - Coordinator: Karen Yerkey March 4 Judy Naviaux March 11 Linda Bergstrom March 18 Ed Kinzie March 25 David Hearn March Fellowship Hosts – Coordinator: Barb Zechman March 4 Available March 11 Available March 18 Licia Iverson March 25 Available

4

A Sharing from Lori Isenberger A little more than five years ago, our youngest daughter, Gwen Rich, was diagnosed with stage four metastasized breast cancer. It was something which did not show up on previous mammograms. And as you can realize, it was difficult to accept by all of us. But as the time went by, Gwen began doing things which kept her mind and body occupied on something other than her cancer. She began to design handbags and totes to sell on line with the profits going to Cancer Research. She began to investigate what things might be more helpful for her, and has come up with foods and diets which have proven for her to be more helpful.

The online site is where you can see her just published E-Book "Stop Complaining and Make Your Own Luck”. There are other articles for sale, some videos to view, some bios of cancer survivors and much more.

You may find that some of the information will be helpful to someone you know. Check it out. https://www.therichsolution.com/

It’s that time of year for all of us to get ready for the tax year

2017. Were happy to announce that the IRS Volunteer Income

Tax Assistance (VITA) program is again, being offered in

Salida. VITA is set up in the basement of the Methodist

Church at 4th and D Street (228 4th Street) just as they were

last year, to provide free income-tax return preparation.

The program in Salida continues to be run by two

knowledgeable VITA volunteers who moved to Salida from

Iowa in December of 2013. The couple - our very own -

Randy and Linda Bergstrom, have worked with the VITA

program for 16+ years and are very excited to be able to work

with the IRS and continue VITA in a location to take care of

community members in Salida. They also have some great

returning volunteers to help and some new volunteers.

Tax preparation includes state and federal returns, free e-filing

and direct deposit of income tax refunds. In order for married

couples to e-file a joint return, both spouses must be present.

Taxpayers should bring all of their 2017 tax records including

W-2 and 1099 forms, a copy of their 2016 tax return if

possible, photo identification and social security cards for

themselves, and social security cards for all dependents. If

child-care expenses are to be claimed, bring the providers

tax identification number or social security number. For

direct deposit of refunds, bring a check or deposit slip for

the deposit account. Information on health insurance will

also be required as it was last year.

The VITA Program will meet most Saturdays through April

14th

and is available, by appointment only, 8:00am-3:00pm

and Call (719) 221-2393 to make an appointment or ask

questions.

EVERYONE INVITED TO ATTEND

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

QUESTIONS? CONTACT: JEAN HANFELT

(719) 539-6467 JAHANFELT@OUTLOOK.COM

2018

STEWARDSHIP / PLEDGE UPDATE

Thank you to everyone, for your continued financial support of our church and its ministries. Many of you participated in our Stewardship Drive in the fall of 2017, by offering your financial pledges for 2018. If you have not yet sent in your pledge for 2018, it is not too late. We have available pledge cards on the information table in Century Hall. You may leave them in the office or mail them to: Salida UMC PO Box 945 Salida, CO 81201, Attn: Paul Wilson, Finance Secretary. Please know that your financial information is kept confidential. It is through your faithful giving that we are able to meet all our expenses and continue to do God’s work in the world. One beautiful example of what we’ve been able to do together, is… Did you know that our current parsonage mortgage balance is down to $49,212.99 from its starting balance of $204,000 in July 2015? Thank you, Thank you! It is our intention to return to providing you with a monthly financial summary in the Monitor each month and we are working on that. Hopefully, you will see that information showing up in the Monitor very soon. Financial reports provided by the accounting firm we use are always available in the office for your review and finance committee meetings are scheduled every other month, or more if needed. Our next Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13th at 1:00pm.

5

Arkansas River Valley

Low Vision Support Network

Dedicated to supporting people with visual challenges

Next Meeting: March 7, 2018 – 1:00pm Salida United Methodist Church.

We are an independent mutual support fellowship. We provide friendship and support to people with visual challenges of all ages.

Discussions: We meet the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM. Open to those with visual challenges. Topics center on what group members wish to discuss: such as magnification, daily living challenges, reading, writing and safety for a few examples. Caregivers, family and invited guests welcome.

Occasional Social Events: Open to all. Networking and friendship making strongly encouraged.

Donations for room rent requested. Volunteers welcome.

For more information: Contact Michael Email: information@arvlvs.network

Call: 719-398-1690 Visit: http://arvlvs.network/

1900-1910 Interesting Events Submitted by: Lori Isenberger

When you read some of the writings of the attendees of the 50th anniversary celebration, two specific events are noticeable; in 1906, the Billy Sunday evangelism sessions and in 1908 the Chautauqua weekend.

In 1905, the religious leaders of Salida, met at the Presbyterian Church to discuss and make plans to secure Billy Sunday for a series of evangelism meetings in Salida. Cost was a big item for the planners. They joined together and legally created an organization that would be able to sell bonds to Salidans and cover the cost of bringing Sunday to Salida in October of 1906. Billy Sunday had been contacted, and was willing to come to either Grand Junction or Salida. The latter community was preferable to Mr. Sunday because it was a railroad town and needed salvation worse than other communities.

The time came and a large tent was erected on E and Third Streets, opposite of where the post office is today. The tent was able to hold several thousand people on weekends. During the week, local churches would open their buildings to the public for individuals who wanted to attend prayer meetings. The actual number of days was almost four weeks and Billy Sunday and his choir were very well received. But then on the last Saturday of the sessions, a snow storm with wind hit Salida and the tent fell down, forcing the last four sessions with Mr. Sunday to be held in the Opera House on First Street. But the series of meetings proved to be very well received. Many Salidans found God and numbers of the church members increased. Our Methodist Church gained at least 150 new members.

The 1900 Census had the Salida population at 3700. Salida had six churches, mainly in the 3rd through 5th streets off D Street. In July of 1908, members of the Salida community found their way to the park to be entertained and educated by Chautauqua, an organization which made sure that rural communities were on the circuit of Chautauqua. In previous years, the programs were held at Smeltertown, but that proved to be too long a walk for most attendees. Some people came from outside the town and put up tents for the weekend. Events were held at Alpine Park and Riverside Park. A choir sang sacred and popular songs. A speaker lectured on landscape gardening, but the final speaker for the weekend was Carrie Nation. Carrie Nation was for Woman’s Right to vote, anti-smoking and anti-liquor. She is known for her axe and shutting down liquor stores and pubs. And she held the attention of the crowd. But then wouldn’t you, with an axe in your hand?

So that gives you an idea of what the town was like during the early years of our church history.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Message from Lori, Larry & Licia….

If you have in your possession, any information documenting the history of this church, such as photos of past events at our church, any church records or any written information from any areas of the church, which you may have been of service. Please consider sending it to us at the church so that it may be included in our archives. We have the ability to scan photos and documents and would greatly appreciate your help with this.

To mail these items to us, you can send it to: Salida United Methodist Church PO Box 945 Salida, CO 81201, or call the office at: (719) 539-2755 to arrange to drop them off. Thank You!

6

It’s Really Easy!

Many reasons to buy reloadable Safeway Cards 1. 5% of all purchases are given to the SUMC 2. Cards may be used for pharmacy, groceries or anything else

sold at Safeway. 3. If refilled with a credit card you will still collect any rewards

offered such as frequent flyer miles or cash back offers. 4. Remaining amount on card will be reflected on each receipt. 5. If card is lost it can be replaced. Notify Barb or the church

office immediately. We will call Safeway and have the card deactivated and a new card will be issued to you with remaining funds.

6. Easy to use, just swipe and go. 7. All cashiers know how to add funds. They will walk you

through the process which I will list at the close of this article.

8. Add funds if needed prior to checking out groceries.

9. A tax receipt will be issued toward your tax refund.

The cards may be purchased from Barb Williams or the church office for $10 which has $10 worth of funds on it for purchases. To add funds: Tell cashier you want to add funds

1. Swipe Safeway card. 2. On the screen punch add funds 3. On keypad 4. type in amount that you want to add 5. Punch enter 6. Swipe credit card and sign 7. A receipt will be issued to you by the cashier 8. Go forth and shop!

This is an easy way for our church to raise money with no cost to the individual. Please consider a reloadable card to help our church. Thank You - Barb Williams, Coordinator

(Mark your calendars NOW!)

Ongoing Weekly Scheduled Items Include:

Sundays: Choir Practice, 9:15am Worship 10:30am Children’s Program is held during worship Youth Program – High School, 6:30-8:30, Collaborative Program with First Presbyterian Church Wednesdays: Women’s Bible Study, 9:30am, Century Hall Youth Program – Middle School, 7:00-8:30, Collaborative Program with First Presbyterian Church Thursdays: Church is closed for cleaning, 12:00-2:00pm Salida Brass, 6:30pm, Choir Room Fridays: Church Office is Closed Saturdays: VITA Program: Feb. 3 – April 14, 8:00am-2:00pm, Basement, Call (719) 221-2393 for an appointment

Fri, Mar. 2 Fiber Arts Guild Mtg, 9:00am-12:00pm, CH

Fri, Mar. 2 World Day of Prayer, 1:00pm, St. Joseph’s Church

Sat, Mar. 3 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) BEGINS 8:00am – 2:00pm, Basement, Call: (719) 221-2393 for an appointment.

Sat. Mar. 3 District Gathering, 10:00am-3:00pm, SonRise UMC at Pueblo West

Sun, Mar. 4 Worship Service with Communion

Wed, Mar. 7 Low Vision Support Gp., 1:00pm, Parlor & CH

Sat. Mar. 10 NO VITA TODAY!

Sun, Mar. 11 Daylight Savings Begins – Spring Forward 1 hour

Sun, Mar. 11 UMCOR Sunday

Sun, Mar. 11 Sunday Eve. Worship Svs, 6:30-7:15pm, CH

Tues, Mar. 13 Faith Book Club, 10:00am, Catherine Hayden’s Hm.

Tues, Mar. 13 Finance Mtg, 1:00pm, Century Hall

Sat, Mar. 17 Salida/Aspen Concert Bd. Mtg, 9:00-11:00am, CH

Mon, Mar. 19 Monitor Articles Due!

Mon, Mar. 19–Thurs. Mar. 22 Wamego, KS FUMC, overnight, B.

Wed, Mar. 21 Memorial Easter Lily Orders Due!

Tues, Mar. 20 NEW TIME – Church Council Mtg, 3:00pm, CH

Tues, Mar. 20 NAMI Support Gp., 5:30-7:00pm, Parlor

Sun, Mar. 25 Palm & Passion Sunday

Sun, Mar. 25 Sunday Eve. Worship Svs, 6:30-7:15pm, CH

Thurs, Mar. 29 Maundy Thursday Communion Service, 7:00pm, Sanctuary

Fri, Mar. 30 Good Friday Reflection Opportunities at the First Presbyterian Church, 12:00-5:00pm - Self-Paced Stations of the Cross 5:30pm – Contemplative Service

Sun, Apr. 1 Easter Sunday! Come Celebrate the Risen Christ!