September 2014
Leighton’s Levity
Celebration
Times
Contemporary
8:00 AM Sundays
9:15 AM Bible Study
Worship—
Sunday School for all
ages – Sept. - May
Traditional
10:30 AM Sundays
Wednesday
5:30 PM
“We are God’s
People Sharing the
Love of Christ!”
Do you ever get tired of the church? A pastor once went to his doctor
and asked if there was a cure for his wife’s snoring? The doctor asked if it
bothered him. He said, “not only does it bother me but it bothers the
whole congregation!”
I have had a very interesting summer. I have experienced both the
highs and lows of my faith. I have seen my son get married, I have done
the graveside service of my sister, I had four new stents put in my heart
after an attack, I went on a mission trip with our youth and young adults to
New Jersey and witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. I have
been to Elementary Camp to witness the love of God through the eyes of
children, and I have had an amazing time with my wonderful family and
friends. I have been trying to hang on for the ride. Once again I have been
listening and watching for God’s amazing love in the midst of all of this. I
am reminded of the scripture, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped
for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors
received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared
by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are
unseen.” (Hebrews 11:1-3). Sometimes all we have is faith! But for me
this summer, that has been enough. It is tempting to get tired in the midst
of all that happens in our lives, but somehow God’s love has kept me
sustained. It can be quite a ride though. See you in church.
Grace and Peace,
Website:
www.fumcgreeley.org
Email:
office@fumcgreeley.org
Leighton
Rev. Leighton Mekeal
Senior Pastor
Debbie Hull
Minister of Congregational
Care and Development
T. J. Jackson
Music Director
Kathy Trevino
Director of Operations
Organist
Ginny Gingrich
Pianist
Erik Elliott
Sound Technicians
Sage Stevenson
Nursery Coordinator
Ray Garcia
Custodian
Erik Elliott
Travis Andersen
Security
Ginger Jansson
Newsletter Editor
tgjansson@gmail.com
Lydia Pyle
Parish Nurse
Greetings,
It was amazing to be able to travel to Belize to work the same mission as last year. Kim
Hilmes, Donna Hettinger and I joined the Montrose, CO, UMC adult mission team to
continue work on the Belmopan Methodist High School.
In Belmopan there are not enough high schools for the teens who wish to attend
school. So the Methodist Church took on the challenge and decided to build a school. Last
year the young adults from our church helped to tile the bathrooms, lay the sewer lines, and
paint the first floor of the school. The school opened their doors to 90 students last
September. This year we worked on the second floor getting it ready for the sophomores as
a new class of freshmen will take over the first floor this year. They plan to continue this
process until they have room for all four years of high school.
Louis was our project manager who worked with us last year. Although he no longer
works for the school, a couple of men from Montrose hired him to come and work with us
this year. He taught our team how to tile, skills that they used this year in New
Jersey. Louis lives in a 16’ x 20’ shack with his wife and five children. They had no
electricity or running water. The walls of his home are being eaten away by termites.
Last year the young adults made the decision to give Louis $500 American dollars
($1000 in Belizean monies) so that he might fix up his home. Our thought was that he would
buy treated wood so the bugs would no longer eat away his home. When we returned this
year, we found out he used the money to get electricity to his home. It was important to him
to get a ceiling fan to keep his new baby daughter cool. It also runs his washing machine
and refrigerator.
But that is not where his story ends. Louis believes in the “pay it forward” motto. No one
else in his neighborhood had electricity so he ran electrical cords to his neighbors so that
they too could have electricity. When his bill comes, he goes to each one and tells them
what they owe according how much they are using. Electricity – something that we take for
granted is a luxury for some in Belize. When we told him what he did was awesome he
responded: “It is the right thing to do.” This year some of the team members left him some
power tools. If you have your own tools, you can get more jobs.
As I have said before, you go on mission trips hoping you will make a difference in
someone’s life, but come home having your life changed. As I look around my house I
realize how much “stuff” I have and how much of it I really don’t need and could do
without. I pray that I can learn to be as humble as Louis, to keep Christ in front of me and
treat others the way that Christ showed us.
You don’t have to go to other countries to learn these lessons. I see the same thing as I
am helping flood victims here in Colorado, or in Louisiana, New Jersey, Iowa, or tornado
victims in Oklahoma. The face of Christ is everywhere if you are willing to keep your eyes
open.
Where will you see Christ today?
Shalom, Rev. Deb
The Will of God will never take you to where
the Grace of God will not protect you.
Youth Calendar:
September 7th: Regular youth from 5-7pm and Parents’ Meeting at 6:30pm
September 14th: Day trip to Horsetooth Reservoir from 3-7pm
September 21st: Regular youth from 5-7pm
September 28th: Nuba Water Project Luncheon and Presentation at 11:45am
Welcome back to the 2014 – 2015 school year! I am so excited to get started with Youth Group
again. This semester we have many great activities and worship opportunities planned. We have some old
favorites (like the Walk for Sudan, Connect, and our Christmas party) and are also adding some brand new
events. I am particularly looking forward to the Nuba Water Project Luncheon on September 28th. Martha
Riley, the Executive Director of the Nuba Water Project, will be joining us for the 10:30 service that
morning, and then she will give a presentation for the congregation after church. She is going speak about
the Nuba Water Project and how it benefits the people of Sudan. Our youth have attended the Walk for
Sudan, the major fundraiser for the Nuba Water Project, the last two years, and we have learned so much
about the horrible genocide happening there and the strength of the Sudanese people in the midst of such
terror. This is a cause that is very near and dear to our youth, and I am anxious to share their passion for
justice with the congregation on September 28th. Everyone and anyone are welcome to come! The youth
group will host a light lunch starting at 11:45am, and then Martha Riley has a 45 minute slideshow with
amazing stories from her ministry. We are planning to invite other youth groups in the area. This is a
huge blessing for our church, so I hope and pray you can come to hear about what we are doing to love our
Sudanese neighbors!
Bible Study
On Monday, September 15th at 7pm, Debbie will begin the Bible study - Broken and Blessed, - How
God used one imperfect Family to Change the World, by Jessica LaGrone. It is a Bible Study on
Genesis. Jessica LaGrone is a United Methodist pastor in Texas. She states "Every family since the
beginning of time has been both broken and blessed. In this seven week study, we will be taken on a
journey through Genesis, a book that tells the story of one perfectly imperfect family, - from Adam and
Eve all the way to Joseph and his brothers. Despite their brokenness, God chose to love and bless this
family so that they might be a blessing. As we get to know each generation, noting both the good and
bad traits that were passed down, we will see that God worked for good in their lives for the good of the
world. And we will see that God wants to do the same in our own imperfect families today, bringing
blessing from brokenness. Whether you are single, married, or divorced - with or without children or
grandchildren- you have an important job to play as part of God's family.
As we make our way through the study, you will discover that when God wants to change the world,
4
Happy Birthday!
Bill Holmes
Nancee Schweers
Pat Bornemeier
Beverly Guinn
Hana Sameshima
Annabel Glenn
Lois Satterlee
Roberta McKinley
Jeannie Merriman
Joanne Truitt
Alvin Dorsey
Pearl Ann Adams
Madalyn Hendren
Dwane Raile
80
84
84
84
88
86
80
89
82
83
82
80
84
83
09/01
09/07
09/08
09/10
09/11
09/13
09/13
09/16
09/19
09/20
09/20
09/23
09/25
09/28
FUMC FINANCIALS
COMMITTEE EXPENSES YTD THRU July 2014
Conference Apportionment
$ 4,925.00
Communication
$ 3,108.88
Personnel
$ 179,934.17
Education
$ 2,391.20
Caring & Evangelism
$
28.20
Membership Activity
$
484.50
Worship
$
954.22
Board of Trustees
$ 58,456.48
Administration
$ 6,238.29
Finance
$
987.28
Youth/College
$ 2,450.60
TOTAL EXPENSES
$ 259,958.82
GIFTS RECEIVED THRU July
$ 256,334.57
DIFFERENCE
$ -3,624.25
Happy Anniversary
Ron & Madge Randel
Dale & Flo Mikkelson
Don & Raylene Shively
Herbert & Jan Schrader
Ed & Wanda Stromberger
54 yrs.
52 yrs.
50 yrs.
50 yrs.
65 yrs.
09/01
09/01
09/05
09/12
09/25
LUNCH AND A MOVIE - Thursday, September 18th, noon
On Thursday, September 18th, at noon we will be watching Monuments Men. In a race against
time, a crew of art historians and museum curators unite to recover renowned works of art stolen by
Nazis before Hitler destroys them. Written, directed by George Clooney.
Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, and John Goodman. Based on a true story from
World War II.
So as always, bring your lunch and I will bring the drinks as we sit back and watch a great
movie!
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH AT THE
See ROCKIES
you there. ~
Deb
5
Habitat for Humanity Work Day
Our church will be providing volunteers to paint the inside of a new home for Habitat for Humanity on
Saturday, October 4, 2014. Work starts at 8 am and finishes by 3 pm. Snacks and lunch are provided. We
need at least eight (8) volunteers. If you are a willing worker, please sign up outside the church office.
Any questions, call Marian Ruge at 970-384-4199. Thank you.
Lifetime Candles
Sign-up sheets for the field trip to Lifetime Candles on September 13th will be available starting August
24 . You must be at least 21 years old & able to navigate stairs. We will be gathering at the church around
9:00 am. Lunch will be on your own. We plan on eating at the Front Range Airport restaurant.
th
CEMAC Committee
Dear FUMC family,
I wanted to express my sincere thanks to you all for the past year of fellowship. I have enjoyed
participating as the organist and accompanist in the music program. Thanks for your kindness and
friendly visits. What a wonderful group of believers you are and I feel privileged to be among you! I will be
teaching in Craig, CO so say hi if you're in the area! Wishing you all good things in the Lord.
Blessings, Billie Lockhart
Dear First UMC,
This note of thanks won’t be long enough or detailed enough but I wanted to say thank you for all the
love and care you’ve shown the Niemann family over the 23 years my parents were members there.
Particular thanks for helping and saying goodbye as my mom moved to be near us in Indiana. (The move
went well and mom is settling in fast).
Mom was particularly grateful for her UMW and choir connections but she also loved the families,
watching kids grow up. We’ve heard tales of Elderberry trips, mission trips, ball teams, etc. I also
remember my dad’s funeral and all the ministerial care shown us over the years. Thanks!
In Christ’s Love, Nancy N. Palmquist
6
Commissions
In an effort to help people know what each commission does and who are currently on those
commissions I am highlighting a commission each month to give you insights on the workings of
the church. This month the commission is the Local and Global Commission.
Local and Global is the mission committee of our church. They are a vital mission connection
between a needy world and our local church. Their role is to help educate our congregation
members about the work of the United Methodist Church in God's mission and to provide
opportunities for the members to respond through prayer and the stewardship of your time,
talents, and resources. They do this by providing mission opportunities and a greater awareness
of both global and local missions through mission education, experiences, and support.
Jesus explicitly told us "the Way" to approach this: each person must love and treat others as
he or she would want to be treated. Jesus modeled how to be in ministry with one another,
including widows, orphans, "the little children", prisoners, the homeless, the outcast, the
foreigner, the sick and disabled, the debtor, the oppressed, the soldier and even our enemies, but
especially "the least of these."
The Christmas and Easter offerings go to the Local and Global commission in assisting
people locally and around the world. Below is a list of organizations to which we contribute:
Local: Rise (United Way), Habitat for Humanity, Prison Ministries, Food Bank, Migrant Bags,
Kids Hope, church mission trips, Greeley Transitional House, Catholic Charities, Greeley
Interfaith, Abundant Life, La Puente Home, and A Woman's Place.
Global: Kenya Methodist University Scholarship, We help to support Ron Whitlach, our
missionary.
Members of this commission are: Lee Hewitt, Janet Fitzgerald, Bonnie Engel, Donna Bartlett,
Linda Beattie, Dorothy Benner, Carol Lontine, Barbara Shaw, Lynnette Wassemiller, Stephanie
Reinhart, Angie Rains, Pat Pringle, Donna Kral, Suzi Jones and Ginny West.
If you would be interested in being a part of this commission, please contact the church office
or Lee Hewitt.
PREACHING SCHEDULE
Sermon Series - Crazy Faith
September 7th - "Kiss" - Romans 13:8-10
Sermons Series - The Wesleyan Spirit
September 14th - "Living Prayerfully" - James 5:
13-16
September 21st - "Scriptural Priority" Ephesians 4:1-6
September 28th - "Use of Money" - Acts 2:43-47
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Global Young People Adopt Petitions for the General Conference
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Aug. 14, 2014 /GBOD/ – Despite enduring a devastating typhoon, United Methodist young people and
adult leaders from 34 countries successfully completed their convocation and legislative assembly in the Philippines and adopted
petitions for presentation to the next General Conference.
As participants in the Global Young People’s Convocation and Legislative Assembly (GYPCLA), organized by Young People’s
Ministries division of the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), were arriving on July 16, Typhoon Rammasun hit the Philippines,
damaging many areas, including the group’s meeting site.
“Despite the typhoon that damaged the retreat center where the gathering was to be held, we were able to move forward and
accomplish the goals of the global convocation and legislative assembly in a new location,” said Michael Ratliff, Associate
General Secretary at GBOD and head of Young People’s Ministries (YPM). “We're thankful that no one from our group was
injured during the typhoon.”
After the eye of the typhoon passed over, everyone gathered in the retreat center’s assembly hall, the only building on the
property that was intact, Ratliff said.
“During that time, young people sang and prayed and just spent time sharing with each other in spite of the storm that was
raging outside,” he said. “We were able to move the whole conference – something that had been planned over three years' time
– in three hours to a new location where the young people were willing to do what needed to happen in order for the event to go
forward.”
The legislative assembly discussed legislation submitted by young people for consideration and adopted five petitions that will
be sent to the church’s General Conference in 2016. “This is an opportunity for young people to share their concerns for the
church and the world and have those concerns be considered by General Conference without going through the filters of other
groups or organizations,” Ratliff said.
The adopted petitions are:

"Leave Room for Young People" — Asks that annual conferences ensure representation across all age
groups, by whenever possible, electing one of every three lay delegates as a youth or a young adult.
*
"Consideration of the Schedules of Young People Petition" — Asks annual conferences to consider the
schedules of young people when setting its meeting times for boards and committees.
*
"Aligning Investments with Social Principles" — Petition for the Book of Resolutions would support the
divestment of the United Methodist Church from Caterpillar, HP and Motorola due to their contracts with Israel that go
toward supporting efforts in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
*
"Beyond Resolutions to Environmental Action" — Asks all levels of the church to conduct an
environmental study.
*
"Specific Mention to Prohibit the Exclusion of Membership Based on Sexual Orientation" — Seeks to
change the list for inclusiveness of the church, in Article 4 of The Book of Discipline, to add the words "gender or
sexual orientation".
In the final assembly session, GYPCLA delegates overwhelmingly approved a “Statement of Unity” that says no one
controversy, like homosexuality, should divide the church.
“We urge everyone to seek solutions that promote our global unity as the United Methodist Church of Jesus Christ, rather
than focus only on the issues that divide us, so that we may faithfully live out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for
the transformation of the world,” the statement says.
Also attending the gathering as non-voting delegates were 42 young people commissioned by the General Board of Global
Ministries as Generation Transformation Global Mission Fellows. The fellows, ages 20-30, represented 11 countries and will
spend two years serving in mission and social justice ministries at international and domestic sites.
8
RALLY SUNDAY
Sunday, Sept. 7th is
Rally Sunday. We will have worship
outside on the lawn (bring your coats),
breakfast and a jumpy castle for the
kids. It's a time for fun and fellowship
and a time to register
for Sunday school and Bible
studies. Service times are the same 8, 9:15 - in the Chapel,
and10:30. Hope to see you all there!