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The Monitor October 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: pastor@salidaumc.org Church website: www.salidaumc.org Church e-mail: office@salidaumc.org

Pastor’s Ponderings From Rev. Calob Rundell You Don’t Have Forever To Talk About Eternity

Halloween, the holiday of ghosts and ghouls, is arriving at the end of this month.

In the spirit of the holiday, let me tell you some really scary things:

When you are reading this, there are still 5 weeks until the election

The world can quickly face shortages in the supply of chicken wings and helium (those aren’t related, by the way)

In a few billion years our sun will supernova and consume the solar system

Most people do not take the time to consider their own mortality or speak with their loved ones about their mortality

Friends, I have to provide you with a spoiler alert, because I’m about to give away a major plot point in the story of life. None of us are going to live to see the sun explode into a supernova and destroy the solar system is a giant nuclear fireball. Very few of us who are capable of reading these words will live to see the year 2100.

We are all mortal. All of our lives are finite in nature, with a beginning and an end. But the impact we have on others, good or bad, can continue long after our mortal lives have ceased.

I want to encourage all of us, of all ages, to seriously consider what plans we do or don’t have in place for

what happens to us as we approach the end of life. I also want to encourage all of us to consider what plans we do or don’t have in place for after we have passed. If you haven’t had good conversation with family and friends about what they and you have planned around the end of life, now is the time! There are lots of questions to think about. What kind of treatments am I comfortable with that can keep my body going? What do you want us to do with all your stuff when you’re

gone? What would you want your memorial service to be like?

Those conversations can be hard, but there are resources to help. I have a simple card game, called My Gift of Grace, which easily facilitates end of life questions. If you’d like to borrow it, get in contact with me and I’d be

happy to loan it out. There is also a new effort in Chaffee County, led by the non-profit Sage Generation, to help our community have these conversations.

As followers of Jesus, we know that death is a natural part of the creation God set into motion. Even Jesus Himself died. And as followers of Jesus, we do not have to be afraid of our own mortality. We have faith that Christ has gone before us and has prepared a place for us in the eternal beauty of God’s presence. (John 14:1-4)

The mortality of this life is assured. But if we are prepared, death does not have to be as scary as running out of chicken wings or helium. Rev. Calob Rundell 720-879-22678 pastor@salidaumc.org

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THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

October Ushers - Coordinator: Ginny Cunningham October 2 Susan & Rich Little October 9 Ginny & Jerry Cunningham October 16 Norma Smith & Jerry Cunningham October 23 Sandy & Jack Gordon October 30 Judith & Ed Kinzie

October Liturgists - Coordinator: Karen Yerkey October 2 Sherry Welton October 9 Dick Isenberger October 16 Leon Stanton October 23 Lori Isenberger October 30 Karen Yerkey

October Fellowship Hosts – Coordinator: Barb Zechman October 2 Licia Iverson October 9 Randy & Linda Bergstrom October 16 Norma Smith & Claudia Keim October 23 Martha Quillen October 30 The Shively Family

Faith Book Club

Tuesday, October 13th

at 10:00AM

in Century Hall.

Everyone is invited.

Prayers, Praise

& Celebrations

Frank Lanaghen - Please keep the family and friends of Frank Lanaghen in your prayers. Frank passed away Monday, September 5th after having been in a coma for a week. There will probably be a service in Salida, in October. We will let you know when we have more details. Many of you have heard Frank play the piano, alone or with Rod Schleicher.

Myrtice Long Memorial Service on Saturday, Oct. 8th at 11:00am with a Luncheon to follow. Please plan to attend as we celebrate the life of Myrtice Long. Continue to hold Jerry Long and their family in your prayers.

Message from Catherine Hayden: Catherine wants to let you know how much she appreciates all the calls, cards, visits and especially your prayers during this time of healing. She, (and her back), is doing better. Please continue to keep Catherine deep within your prayers. If you’d like to send Catherine a card, you may send it to: Catherine Hayden 525 W. 16th St. Apt. #44 Salida, CO 81201

Message from Fred & Olivia Harrington: Dear Members of Salida First United Methodist Church,

Thank you for being such a wonderful church home away from home for us. We enjoyed being here last year, but this year you really made us feel a part of you. This is such a warm and welcoming active church.

You are such a service oriented church, with the service to the community; especially, the raft guide dinners. This service gave us a new perspective to Colorado. It has been a unique experience for us. Your active small church with a large percentage of active hard workers is very impressive.

Olivia has also been impressed with the Bible study that has also drawn ladies from other denominations in the community. This study actually uses the Bible as the textbook instead of a video and another book. Hurrah for you.

It was a joy to work with your church members in preparing for and helping to make The Pig Roast possible. We were impressed with your organization, diligence and dedication to the difficult job.

Best of all is your pastor Calob who is a good pastor as well as a good preacher. Accomplishing both is a rare feat. You’re one of the big reasons we want to come back to Salida

Thank you and the Lord willing we’ll see you next summer.

A Message from Jody West: To the dearest people that have become to be the best blessings in the lives of Laurence (Larry) & Marilyn (Jody) West – The Methodist Church of Salida, CO filled our hearts in our 80+ years more than many miles of good people from California & Indiana. God brought all of us to this center and it has been a great joy knowing each one of your smiles & caregiving. Thank you with the deepest love we have for your help & your gracious giving. If what you give is what God’s will says He wants of us – you answered His command. In Jesus’ Name, Jody & Larry West

Julie Moss Update: Please continue to hold Julie Moss in your prayers as she navigates recent health challenges. In mid-September, Julie had another fall that resulted in a fractured pelvis. This was not the hip she had preplaced earlier in the year. After being home a few days she returned to the ER with abdominal pain which revealed internal bleeding. She was airlifted to Colorado Springs, where she has remained these last two weeks. She has been awaiting an additional procedure on her heart which has been postponed to allow for her body to rest. She is currently doing well on medications for her heart and blood pressure and may be coming home as early as Monday, Oct. 3rd. She may need a ride from Colorado Springs. We will keep you posted as we know more. She will also let us know how we can help her, once she does get home to Salida. You can send Julie a card to: Julie Moss, 848 W. 3rd St. Apt. A; Salida, CO 81201

Message from Tom & Donna Henning – Tom & Donna sent us a lovely thank you card and it is posted on the bulletin board in Century Hall. Please make note of their new address:

660 11th St., Unit 205; Golden CO 80401

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

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OCTOBER CELEBRATIONS

Birthdays October 4 Jack Gordon

October 4 Nancy Peters

October 8 Barb Zechman

October 16 Norma Ricketts

October 19 Lori Isenberger

October 19 Cheryl Huntington

October 22 Rhonda Plinske

October 24 Kay Goble

October 31 Jerry Long

Anniversaries October 4 Mary & Robin McConathy

October 23 Lyalla & Lonnie Pywell

“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

Operation Spirit

The Heart of the Rockies

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

All donations need to be here on or before Sunday, October 23rd

Collection box is in Century Hall. Packing of Boxes will take place on Tues., October 25th at 9:00am

at the Lutheran Church, in their basement.

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

Individual Popcorn Pkts. Coffee Singles Swiss Cocoa-Cocoa Pkts.

Individual Pkts. of Soups Tuna Packs Oatmeal Pkts.

All items travel size, if possible.

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

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

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

TRINITY VIEWS

From Margaret

Gillikin, the Trinity

District Superintendent

Dear Friends,

In one of my daily devotional resources from Father Richard Rohr, this lovely nugget appeared: “If your only goal is to love, there is no such thing as failure.” Wow! What windows of possibility does this open up for you? To be less self-critical… more generous with your time and gifts… more persistent in your efforts to bless others… to ultimately experience more grace.

What a wonderful re-expression this is of Jesus’ words to the disciples during the Last Supper in John 13:34-35 where he says, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Or, to put it in the frame of reference I learned in VBS as a child, we can sing, "Love, love, love. That's what it's all about. God loves us we love each other Mother, Father, Sister, Brother. Everybody scream and shout. ‘Cause that's what it's all about. It's about love, love, love."

One of my favorite ways to live into this aspect of our faith is through daily acts of kindness. Recently, I was challenged to up my game and do this anonymously. Hmm… this took direct words of praise or acts of service off the table and prompted me to get creative. I struck upon leaving post-it notes of encouragement in random places… cars in parking lots, elevators, public restrooms… simple stuff like “Here’s some sunshine for your day” with a drawing or sticker. I’m thinking that some form of recognition, acknowledging other folks’ good deeds is next “caught being a blessing… good job!”

What occurs to you as a way that you could bless those around you, anonymously or not? I encourage you to take on the spiritual practice of intentionally loving others on a daily basis. Your kindness makes the world a better place and makes God smile!

And remember… when your goal is to LOVE, you cannot fail.

Blessings on the Journey from your District Superintendent,

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On Halloween night, as ghouls, goblins, ninjas, and superheroes make their way down F Street trick-or-treating, our church will be hosting a “Trunk-or-Treat” in our parking lot.

To be a part of the trunk-or-treat, you decorate yourself and your car, park in the parking lot, and hand out candy as the kids come by.

We will need at least 6 or 8 cars to make this a success. Start thinking now about how you want to dress up yourself and your vehicle for a fun Halloween night! This will be super fun! The sign-up sheet to participate in this festive evening is on the back table Century Hall!

PLEASE: We will also need candy…Lots and lots of candy!! Please bring your donated bags of candy to the table in Century Hall by: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, and we will prepare packages of candy to be handed out on Halloween Night! Each package will have a label on it to let families know that the candy is a gift from the First United Methodist Church of Salida! A very sweet outreach!

Men’s Breakfast - Saturday, October 1

st

at 8:00AM in Century Hall.

All men are invited to attend!

The NEXT Men’s Breakfast will be

Saturday, November 5th

at 8:00AM

Church Finance Update

Hello Friends! Here is an update regarding

the church’s finances through August 2016.

You will find the information below shared

in a chart with descriptive information

below, about each category. 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 October 25th

at 10:00AM in Century Hall.

Receipts & Expenses August 2016 Year to Date

Receipts (Unrestricted) $21,143.00 $104,447.00

Apportionments $2,322.00 $16, 422.00

Other Receipts (Restricted) NA for this chart NA for this chart

Total Net Receipts 18,821.00 $88,025.00

Expenses - Operating $5,199.00 $26,296.00

Expenses – Pastor Salary &

Benefits, Wages, Parsonage $8,154.05 73,333.00

Total Expenses $13,353.05 $99,629.49

Net Income (Loss) $5,467.95 - $11,604.49

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 and fees

collected through building use 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, or the Summer Raft Guide Dinner Program 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 August finances was

based on July 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 (effective in September) 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 at a

deficit of $11,604.49 for the year.

At the time of this article, we are three quarters through

2016 and your faithful financial support is sincerely

appreciated. If you are interested in making an additional

financial gift to the church, please consider giving to our

Church Finance Update continued on page 5…

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Church Finance Update continued from page 4…

Faith Fund. Your contributions to the Faith Fund will

greatly help to reduce our deficit. Your generous giving

makes possible everything that goes on in the life of this

church.

Recently, we printed the 2016 Year-To-Date Financial

Giving Statements and handed them out to those in

attendance on two Sundays, September 18th and 25

th. The

remaining statements will be mailed as soon as possible.

We thought this would help you to see where you are with

your 2016 pledge.

We also wanted to let you know that within the last year,

thanks to your generous financial support of our Parsonage,

we have been able to pay an additional $115,000 on the

parsonage mortgage, bringing the remaining balance down

to $76,745.71.

Thank you to those who have pledged to pay an additional

mortgage payment in full. Our monthly mortgage payment

is $1470.91. Each month, this payment we make, is used for

debt reduction on the mortgage. We recently made an

additional pledged mortgage payment, bringing our current

loan balance to: $75,506.64. The original loan amount was

$204,000.00! We are SO grateful!

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, please speak with our Finance

Secretary, Paul Wilson. You may contact Paul at: (630)

730-8590 or pwilson54@aol.com.

Our Children’s Program is a delightful part of the

Sunday morning worship experience. Each Sunday,

during the worship service,

children in attendance have

the opportunity to come up to

the front of the sanctuary to

spend time with Pastor Calob,

during the Message for

Young People.

Following the Message

for Young Children, all children are invited to leave

the sanctuary with our Sunday School teachers to

go to the classroom. Parents may pick them up

there after worship. On Communion Sundays,

children will return to the sanctuary to participate in

Communion with their families.

We welcome new and returning volunteers who

would like to help with the Children’s Program. It is

our policy to always have two volunteers with the

children at all times. Age appropriate activities are

provided each week. Children benefit from the

small group and large group activities which

include: exploring life lessons and virtues through

Bible Stories, creative art projects, playing with

manipulatives (floor or table games), and

experiencing the joy of music!

Won’t You Come and Play? Volunteers Needed!!!!

If you would like to help with the Children’s

Program or have any questions, please speak with

any one of the Sunday School Volunteers: Licia

Iverson, Sherry Welton, Susan Little or Ginny

Biglow. Thank You!!

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

THE FIRST SUNDAY

NIGHT WORSHIP

SERVICE, ON THE 25TH

OF SEPTEMBER, WAS A

BLESSED SUCCESS!

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 the fellowship space

(Century Hall).

EVERYONE IS INVITED BRING A FRIEND!

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The Memorial Service for

Myrtice Long will be on

Saturday, October 8th

at

11:00AM. There will be a

luncheon following the service.

On Wednesday, October 12th, the church parking lot will be closed from

9:50am – 11:00am so the Salida Fire Department

can park their firetruck for the children of the library to come and explore! Such Fun!!!

We always welcome new choir members. If you have any questions, please speak with our choir director, Mary Sandell! Rehearsals are Sundays at 9:15am!

Thank you to everyone who brought delicious foods to

the Farewell Celebration for Tom & Donna Henning. We are sure going to miss

these wonderful friends.

(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 Thursdays: Church is closed for cleaning, 12:00-2:00pm Fridays: Church Office is Closed Sat, Oct 1 Men’s Breakfast, 8:00am, Century Hall Sat, Oct 1 Ute Heights HOA Mtg, 9:30-1:30, Basement Sat, Oct 8 Memorial Service for Myrtice Long 11:00am;

Luncheon to Follow in Century Hall Sat, Oct. 8 Salida Aspen Concert Bd. Mtg, 1:00pm, Bsmt. Sun, Oct 9 Worship Service with Communion Sun, Oct 9 Sunday Eve. Worship Svs, 6:30-7:15pm, CH Tues, Oct 11 Faith Book Club, 10:00am, Century Hall Wed, Oct 12 Church Parking Lot Closed – Firetruck

Visits the Children from the Library! Mon, Oct 17 Care Team, 9:30am, Century Hall Thurs, Oct 20 Monitor Articles Due! Thurs, Oct 20 NAMI Monthly Support Gp, 6:30-8:30pm Sun, Oct 23 Troop Donations Due – Box in Century Hall Sun, Oct 23 Sunday Eve. Worship Svs, 6:30-7:15pm, CH Tues, Oct 25 Halloween Candy Donations Due – place on

back table in Century Hall Tues, Oct 25 Pack Troop Boxes, 9:00am, Lutheran

Church Basement Tues, Oct 25 Finance Meeting, 10:00am, Century Hall Sun, Oct 30 5th Sunday Giving Mon, Oct 31 “Trunk or Treat” – 5:00pm; Salida UMC

Parking Lot!

The Next Finance

Committee Meeting will be

on Tuesday, October 25th

at 10:00AM in Century Hall