BOOK creation…everything has become new” (2...

2
NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P A I D BROOMFIELD, CO PERMIT NUMBER 41 545 W. 10th Avenue Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 303-466-1719 Fax: 303-466-2068 www.BroomfieldUMC.org Submit Newsletter Articles to: [email protected] Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the com- ing age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I Timothy 6:17–19 (NIV) The “One Book, One Community” movement is taking root in cities and towns all across America, including our own. The premise is profound. For a time, a community engages in reading and discussion around a selected book and theme to engage the cultural heartbeat of its residents. “The idea is that the city that opens the same book closes it in greater harmony.” Mary McGrory, The Washington Post, March 17, 2002 Our Finance Team and I have selected The 33 Days of Stewardship Discovery Guide as our “One Book, One BUMC” read for 2007. This user- friendly resource guides Christians into a deeper understanding of stewardship. “All too often the word Stewardship is given a very narrow definition, focusing only on the management of money. It is so much more than that. Stewardship encompasses virtually every part of life. It is the wise, purposeful management of all that we have and all that we are. To understand stewardship is to grasp the es- sence of life's meaning. To practice stewardship is to fulfill that meaning in a way that pleases God and satisfies the most profound human longings. There are timeless principles of stewardship—Laws established in God's character and expressed in His Word. This book is about those Laws. It's an exploration of things that really mat- ter, things eternal. These are truths with genuine power—a transcendent power that can transform the way we think, the way we plan, the way we act. Explore them. Meditate on them. Dare to put them into practice. They can change your life.” (description from the publisher) We will begin our book study October 29 and work through the end of November as we come to a complete understanding of stewardship in the context of the BUMC community. I pray you will join us in this adventure. www.BroomfieldUMC.org One Book, One BUMC By Ken Brown, Senior Pastor 1 One BUMC One BUMC One BUMC BOOK BOOK BOOK BROOMFIELD Volume 5 Issue 19 October 10, 2007 Who We Are Drives What We Do By Thomas Cross Pastor Like many of you, I have been intrigued and overjoyed at the incredible run the Colorado Rockies have made into the playoffs. It has been a wild and improbable ride! Winning 17 of 18 games is a substantial achievement, and I have grown in my appreciation for this hardworking team—and the game of baseball. As I have thought about the Rockies’ fine players, I believe they illustrate one of the most important truths of God’s reign: Who we are drives what we do. Let me explain. At some point early in September, the Rockies began to think of themselves as a playoff team. They began to believe they had the ability and heart to compete in the playoffs. Until they understood their identity as contenders, they lacked the confidence to win consistently. Once they obtained that confidence—look out! Quite simply, my identity shapes my behavior. This foundation principle is the heart of Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians. As you know, the church at Corinth was missing God’s mark: divisions, arrogance, sexual immorality and lawsuits were marring that community of faith. Paul addresses those behaviors, it is true, but he goes one step deeper as well. He reminds the believers at Corinth, “…but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but your were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Later, he goes on to say, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation…everything has become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Indeed, Paul ends the chapter by saying that Jesus took our sin upon Himself so “we might become the righteousness of God” (vs. 21). Honestly, I have days I don’t feel like the righteousness of God, but it doesn’t change the reality of who I am. Likewise with you! As you embrace your identity as God’s beloved child (Ephesians 5:1), your behavior will change. Like the Rockies players, as you see yourself as a conqueror and overcomer (Romans 8:37, 1 John 2:13-14), you will win more victories (over sin). New and effective habits will replace old, destructive ones (Galatians 4:7, 5:1). As you see yourself as a worshiper created to glorify God, worship will become a delight. As you see yourself as one of God’s fellow workers (1 Corinthians 3:9), you will become more productive in God’s work. As you see yourself as holy (Ephesians 1:4)…(you can finish the sentence). Finally, as we see ourselves as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and God’s temple, our congregation will transform the wider community, because we are being transformed ourselves. So enjoy the playoffs, but most of all, enjoy who you are in Jesus Christ! After all, God enjoys who you are—and who you’re becoming. God’s peace be with you! Thomas United Methodist Church Want to Lead a Wesley Small Group? As we head into autumn, many Wesley Small Groups are now meeting. It is a delight to see many new people participating! I hope you are enjoying your groups. One thing you may not know is that small groups are forming throughout the year to accommodate our members’ changing schedules and needs—and all the newcomers who are joining our fellowship. I am constantly looking for new group leaders to start new groups. It is not a difficult process, and I am here to provide training and support. We have four particular needs right now. One of our Sunday morning groups is bursting at the seams, so a new Sunday morning class would be a great benefit. The target age range is 30s and 40s. accommodate the needs of working women. Preferably, this would be a Wednesday evening group (after dinner). Several singles in their 30s, 40s and 50s would like an evening fellowship with Bible study and social activities. Several young adults are interested in a weekly evening group including Bible study and social activities. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, feel free to attend the next meeting of Wesley Small Group leaders (see forward to your involvement in this vital and rewarding ministry.

Transcript of BOOK creation…everything has become new” (2...

NON PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D

BROOMFIELD, CO

PERMIT NUMBER 41 545 W. 10th Avenue Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone: 303-466-1719 Fax: 303-466-2068 www.BroomfieldUMC.org Submit Newsletter Articles to: [email protected]

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the com-ing age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

I Timothy 6:17–19 (NIV) The “One Book, One Community” movement is taking root in cities and towns all across America, including our own. The premise is profound. For a time, a community engages in reading and discussion around a selected book and theme to engage the cultural heartbeat of its residents. “The idea is that the city that opens the same book closes it in greater harmony.” Mary McGrory, The Washington Post, March 17, 2002 Our Finance Team and I have selected The 33 Days of Stewardship Discovery Guide as our “One Book, One BUMC” read for 2007. This user-friendly resource guides Christians into a deeper understanding of stewardship.

“All too often the word Stewardship is given a very narrow definition, focusing only on the management of money. It is so much more than that. Stewardship encompasses virtually every part of life. It is the wise, purposeful management of all that we have and all that we are. To understand stewardship is to grasp the es-sence of life's meaning. To practice stewardship is to fulfill that meaning in a way that pleases God and satisfies the most profound human longings. There are timeless principles of stewardship—Laws established in God's character and expressed in His Word. This book is about those Laws. It's an exploration of things that really mat-ter, things eternal. These are truths with genuine power—a transcendent power that can transform the way we think, the way we plan, the way we act. Explore them. Meditate on them. Dare to put them into practice. They can change your life.” (description from the publisher) We will begin our book study October 29 and work through the end of November as we come to a complete understanding of stewardship in the context of the BUMC community. I pray you will join us in this adventure.

www.BroomfieldUMC.org

One Book, One BUMC By Ken Brown, Senior Pastor

1 One BUMCOne BUMCOne BUMC BOOKBOOKBOOK

BROOMFIELD

Volume 5 Issue 19 October 10, 2007

Who We Are Drives What We Do

By Thomas Cross Pastor

Like many of you, I have been intrigued and overjoyed at the incredible run the Colorado Rockies have made into the playoffs. It has been a wild and improbable ride! Winning 17 of 18 games is a substantial achievement, and I have grown in my appreciation for this hardworking team—and the game of baseball. As I have thought about the Rockies’ fine players, I believe they illustrate one of the most important truths of God’s reign: Who we are drives what we do. Let me explain. At some point early in September, the Rockies began to think of themselves as a playoff team. They began to believe they had the ability and heart to compete in the playoffs. Until they understood their identity as contenders, they lacked the confidence to win consistently. Once they obtained that confidence—look out! Quite simply, my identity shapes my behavior. This foundation principle is the heart of Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians. As you know, the church at Corinth was missing God’s mark: divisions, arrogance, sexual immorality and lawsuits were marring that community of faith. Paul addresses those behaviors, it is true, but he goes one step deeper as well. He reminds the believers at Corinth, “…but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but your were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11). Later, he goes on to say, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation…everything has become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Indeed, Paul ends the chapter by saying that Jesus took our sin upon Himself so “we might become the righteousness of God” (vs. 21). Honestly, I have days I don’t feel like the righteousness of God, but it doesn’t change the reality of who I am. Likewise with you! As you embrace your identity as God’s beloved child (Ephesians 5:1), your

behavior will change. Like the Rockies players, as you see yourself as a conqueror and overcomer (Romans 8:37, 1 John 2:13-14), you will win more victories (over sin). New and effective habits will replace old, destructive ones (Galatians 4:7, 5:1). As you see yourself as a worshiper created to glorify God, worship will become a delight. As you see yourself as one of God’s fellow workers (1 Corinthians 3:9), you will become more productive in God’s work. As you see yourself as holy (Ephesians 1:4)…(you can finish the sentence). Finally, as we see ourselves as a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and God’s temple, our congregation will transform the wider community, because we are being transformed ourselves. So enjoy the playoffs, but most of all, enjoy who you are in Jesus Christ! After all, God enjoys who you are—and who you’re becoming. God’s peace be with you!

Thomas

United Methodist Church

Want to Lead a Wesley Small Group?

As we head into autumn, many Wesley Small Groups are now meeting. It is a delight to see many new people participating! I hope you are enjoying your groups. One thing you may not know is that small groups are forming

throughout the year to accommodate our members’ changing schedules and needs—and all the newcomers who are joining our fellowship. I am constantly looking for new group leaders to start new groups. It is not a difficult process, and I am here to provide training and support. We have four particular needs right now.

• One of our Sunday morning groups is bursting at the seams, so a new Sunday morning class would be a great benefit. The target age range is 30s and 40s.

accommodate the needs of working women. Preferably, this would be a Wednesday evening group (after dinner).

• Several singles in their 30s, 40s and 50s would like an evening fellowship with Bible study and social activities.

• Several young adults are interested in a weekly evening group including Bible study and social activities.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, feel free to attend the next meeting of Wesley Small Group leaders (see

forward to your involvement in this vital and rewarding ministry.

Page 2 IN STEP NEWSLETTER

Children’s Choir Is Starting! By Vicki Cromarty

Family Ministries Director

Here at BUMC we are committed to providing quality Christian Education for your children. We believe children’s choirs are a wonderful enhancement of that educational journey. Choir is an important expression of our kids’ faith and a great way for them to share their God-given gifts and talents with our church!

Beginning on Sunday, Nov. 4, in addition to our regular Sunday School schedule, your child will have the opportunity to participate in our newly formatted children’s choir. This year we have developed a schedule that we hope you will find to be very convenient and will allow for the fulfillment of the above mentioned important children’s ministry goals. For more detailed information, meeting times or to sign up, please visit our registration table in the lobby after each service or at your sign-in location for Sunday School. Or, feel free to call or email V i c k i C r o m a r t y a t 3 0 3 - 4 6 6 - 1 7 1 9 o r [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Advent Devotional 2007

Advent is quickly approaching. We’re seeking 23 people to contribute to this year’s booklet and are seeking new “authors” to share their special story or memory. Your devotional is needed by Nov. 7. This year’s theme is “Joy in the Unexpected.” Please pick up a sheet with details at the information desk in the lobby to learn more about this opportunity.

Drivers Needed

We are in need of transportation for 2 wonderful women living at Sunrise Assisted Living Center (Sheridan and 104th). They are in need of a ride to and from the 11am worship service. If you are willing to provide transportation on a regular or occasional basis, please call Nancy Fredericksen at 303-466-9556.

BUMC Office Staff Spotlight

Wish you knew more about the staff here at BUMC? Every newsletter, we will highlight a different staff member to better acquaint you with those in the office.

Say hello to Kendra Parks, BUMC’s new Communications Specialist! Kendra comes to us from Pendleton, Indiana. She received her degree in Communications/Journalism from Huntington University and worked for 2.5 years in Community Relations and Graphic Design. She married her high-school sweetheart, Jason, 3 years ago, and just moved to Colorado 2 months ago. Kendra enjoys being outside, playing with her Shih-poo puppy, helping run a business with her husband, playing music, dancing and just being creative in general! You can contact Kendra at 303-466-1719 or [email protected]

BUMC NEWS

Kendra Parks

Volleyball Mondays!

Join us on the volleyball court Mondays, 7–9pm in the Family Life Center. All abilities are welcome and fun for all. Contact: Aaron Murray, 970-389-4279 or Pastor Cross in the BUMC office.

Hope House Donations

MOPS is hosting a diaper drive for Hope House in October. Preemie and size 5 diapers are especially needed, as well as baby wipes and Desitin. All donations are welcome, though! Items can be stacked on the stage in the Fellowship Hall.

Study for 20:35

The 20:35 Sunday School Class is currently studying world religions. The class meets 11am—noon on Sundays in Room 102. You can miss a week and not be lost, as the study does not build on previous weeks. It covers about every religion and denomination. Contact: Cody, 303-772-7781.

Seminar Fundraiser for Global Hope Date Changed

Support Global Hope and learn about analyzing handwriting at a seminar taught by Sallie Bolich, Certified Graphoanalyst, on Tuesdays, Nov. 13, 20 & 27, 7—9pm. Cost of the seminar is $55, including textbook. For information or registration, call 303-466-2003 or e–mail [email protected].

ATCPK Fundraiser

Eat chicken and support Apple Tree Christian Preschool & Kinder-garten. Thursday, Oct. 11, 5–8pm it’s Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A at Flatiron, 2580 Coalton Road, Broomfield.

CROP Walk Report

BUMC was represented by 11 walkers in the recent CROP walk to stop hunger. Walkers ranged in age from 3 to 80+ years old. To date they have raised nearly $2000. 25% of the money will be given to Broomfield FISH to fight hunger locally. You may still donate to this worthy c a u s e b y l o g g i n g i n t o www.cropwalkonline.org.

What’s Happening?

Volume 5 Issue 19 Page 3

Wonderful Wednesday

Wonderful Wednesday on Oct. 17 at 5:45pm is hosted by the Mary Martha Circle. Teriyaki chicken will be served. All proceeds will go towards sponsoring a needy family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Contact: Lora Fulton, 303-439-2129.

8”x10” Portraits Available

You may pick it up your Lifetouch free 8x10 photo from the church office M–F, 8:30am–4pm or the Info Desk in the lobby during Sunday services.

Wesley Small Group Meeting

Wesley Small Group leaders will meet for fellowship, support and training on Sunday, Oct. 14 in the Fellowship Hall at 3pm. A 2nd meeting on Nov. 11 at 6pm is scheduled for all leaders who are able to attend. Topics: group facilitation techniques and how to identify an apprentice for your group. Already have apprentice or table leaders? Invite them to attend! For those unable to attend, handouts will be available afterwards, which you are welcome to share with others. Input on topics for future trainings will also be discussed. These meetings are open to all. Prospective leaders interested in starting a new group are welcome! Leaders who cannot attend are encouraged to give Thomas a call or stop by the office Monday through Thursday.

Smell That Coffee!

Open Coffee Cupboard in the Conference Room and smell wonderful Fair Trade Coffee. Drip and Whole Bean coffees are available from Tanzania, Columbia and Latin American Cooperative Farms. This coffee treats our senses, and buying it supports small farmers, guaranteeing a steady, fair price for their coffee. Directions for coffee purchasing are inside the Coffee Cupboard.

Bulletin Stuffers Needed

We are in need of bulletin stuffers on Oct. 19 & 28. If you are interested, please call the church office at 303-466-1719.

Women’s Connection

Women's Connection meets Fridays, 9—11:30am in the Family Life Center. Childcare is provided at a low cost. Classes begin Oct. 19. New members are welcome! Contact: Kelly Kehmeier, 303-460-1197.

New Member Seminar

Learn more about BUMC and what it means to be a member. The next class is Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall and is led by Pastor Ken Brown. To attend or for childcare please call the church office at 303-466-1719.

Flu Shots

Flu shots will be available in the Fellowship Hall Sunday, Oct. 21, 8:45am–12:30pm. They are provided by Colorado Partners in Health for $25. No appointment is necessary.

Pumpkin Palace

The public and BUMC families are invited for games, crafts and treat-street (a cake walk of treats!) on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 11am—2pm in the Family Life Center. Contact: Lynne Williamson, 303-403-8853 or Katie Oliver, 303-466-8365.

Spiritual Gifts

Want to know your spiritual gifts, talents, personality traits and interests? Find out how to best use them Oct. 28, Nov. 11 & 18, 1:30—4pm. Contact: Diane Johnson, 303-460-0843.

New DVD Series Oct. 23

A new 13-week DVD series entitled “Living the Questions” begins Tuesday evening, Oct. 23 at Myrna and Rod Prentice’s home at 1100 Aspen in Broomfield. The group is open to all and focuses on spiritual development and exploration with an environment where participants can discuss the revolutionary re-visioning of Christianity already emerging in the world. Each 2.5 hour session includes food, a video, guided discussion, spiritual exercises and Bible study. Contact: Myrna, 303-469-1633.

Faith Links Study

What is the situation in Israel/Palestine? Come learn more in a study sponsored by Faith Links Sunday School class. Oct. 21: “Children of the Nakba” video, about the 1948 settlement Oct. 28: “The Iron Wall” video, about the separation barrier being built. Nov. 4: Putting it all together? What does it mean? What is my response? The class will meet 9:45–10:45am in the Conference Room. All are welcome!

UMW Brunch Oct. 27

Broomfield United Methodist Women invite you to a Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 27, 9—11am. See what UMW is all about! Enjoy worship, skits and pictures. Childcare is provided. Transportation is available. Contact: Elizabeth, 303-466-3851.

Box Tops for Education

Apple Tree Christian Preschool and Kindergarten is participating in Box Tops for Education! Please clip Box Tops and place them in the envelope at the sign–in desk or on the fellowship kitchen counter. It's a great way to earn money for your school!

Marriage Encounter

The next Marriage Encounter weekend is Oct. 19–21 in Colorado Springs; registration is $50. Couples are able to examine their lives together in the framework of Christianity and the understanding of the United Methodist Church. Visit www.encounter.org to learn more and register online.