Grand Valley United Methodist Church
August 2021 Newsletter
In this newsletter:
1. Celebration of Betty
2. Sunday School for Children
3. National Night Out
4. Pancake Breakfast/Bake Sale
5. Grand Valley Days schedule
6. Back to School Shoe Drive
7. Proselytizing and Discipleship
8. Thank You from Bonnie
9. Update on the Friday Family Gathering
10. Annual Conference
11. Birthdays
12. Calendar
13. Event Details
14. Pastor’s Report
15. Church Reports
16. New Swap Section
17. Just for Fun
There will be a Celebration of Life for Betty Birdsill held here at GVUMC on Saturday, August 14th at 10:00 a.m.
We are once again holding Sunday School for children here at GVUMC. It will be held from 9-10 Sunday morning in the Faith House during our regular worship time. We hope to see you!
Meet your local law enforcement at the annual National Night Out being held on August 3rd from 4-7 p.m. in the parking lot of Clark’s Market. This is your chance to interact in a positive way with police officers. There will be a police canine demonstration during this event – come see what the department’s 4-legged officers do, plus lots more!
Grand Valley Days will be held on August 27th-29th this year, and historically on that Saturday, Grand Valley UMC men have done a pancake breakfast from 7:00-10:00 – cost is $6 – and the women do a bake sale from 9:30 until they sell out. Well, it’s back again this year!!! Proceeds from the pancake breakfast are used for general operating expenses.
Baked items will be needed for the bake sale, which begins at 9 a.m. under the tent. Please bake up a storm and bring your items to the Church on Friday or Saturday by 9. The proceeds from the Bake Sale will be used for UMW’s mission support.
With both of these events, they will need help. If you can help out with the pancake breakfast, please contact Fred at (970)285-9096 (or the church office), and for the bake sale, contact Michelle at 216-7949 (or the church). Without your help, these events can’t happen.
Grand Valley Days
Friday, August 27th-Sunday, August 29th
Rockin’ in the 50’s
Concert, Parade, Festival, Ice Cream Social
SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have started collecting funds for our drive for shoes for our local students. We will be working with the Family Resource Center in identifying those in the community that have a true need for shoes. Last year we were able to purchase over 125 pairs of shoes. This year’s goal is $2,500.
Please help us with a generous check made out to the church with the wording of shoes on the memo line. All funds need to be received by August 1st. We can do this!!!! Our distribution date will be Friday, August 13th.
Proselytizing and Discipleship
I received a note recently asking for the clarification between proselytizing and discipleship and thought it was a great question since both relate to the great commission.
To proselytize, is to invite, induce, recruit, or persuade someone to convert to one’s faith, institution, or cause. While to disciple is to teach, transform, develop or to lead someone in a belief.
For the purposes of Grand Valley UMC, we might consider our outreach activities as the initial stage of proselytizing. Our goal is to meet people in a way so that they experience the love of Christ. One way to convey this is to listen in a non-judging, accepting way. When we accept someone just as they are, setting aside issues or distractions the other may present, we are showing them the love of Christ. There are so many people in our world that just want to be listened to and accepted as they are.
At some point in the relationship, someone might ask, “Do you know about Jesus Christ?” or “Who is Jesus Christ?” This is the perfect opportunity to share one’s experience with Jesus and invite the other person into a relationship with Christ. For them to receive Christ, they ask Him to forgive them of their sins and invite Jesus into their life.
Notice how I have described proselytizing as a 2-step process, first building a relationship where someone experiences the love of Jesus and second an invitation to accept Christ as their savior. Think of this as meet my friend Jesus (experiencing the love of Christ through you) and get to know Him, then accepting Jesus as their savior. This is a “relationship” approach to spreading the word of Jesus and is better received in our times than a “pushy” direct approach we once used.
Once someone has accepted Christ as their savior, discipling begins, the learning about Christ’s teachings, what it means to be a Christian and to be formed into the likeness of Christ. This is a lifelong journey as each day we experience the risen Christ, we learn and become more like Christ.
Please realize this is a general description of the differences between proselytizing and discipling, not a comprehensive study or specific action plan. Perhaps this would be a good primer for a discussion about these two important parts of the great commission, inviting and being formed.
Peace be with you,
Pastor J.R. Atkins
Five years ago I found my way home when I began helping out in the Soup Kitchen here at our church. Ever since that first day, I have continuously witnessed the love, support and kindness this church is quick to show toward others and how quickly everyone jumps in to help whenever and wherever needed.
With tears in my eyes today, I don’t know what to say to you all for your incredibly generous gift. The words “thank you” cannot begin to express my appreciation and I wish I could thank each of you individually to let you know how much you all mean to me. It’s going to be very difficult to move away from you, my church family, and this beautiful part of the country God created for us. Please know you will always be in my heart and prayers.
Bonnie
Our Friday night gatherings have been quite successful! Please feel free to join us at 6:00. Each week there is a new topic of discussion, video and potluck. We welcome everyone!
Mark your calendars!! The Mountain Sky Conference Annual Conference will be held in Ogden, Utah on October 21st-24th. More information will be coming, but feel free to read more about it now at www.mtnsky.org/ac21.
August Birthdays:
2 – Liz Larson
4 – Sharon Temple
7 – Mary Miracle
11 – Jim Landrum
12 – Sam Parker
22 – Al Reuter
25 – Dan Temple
28 – Ron Olson
The next UMW meeting will be held on Thursday, August 5th at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall. We hope you can join us!
Prayer Partners meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 10:00. If you have anyone that you would like to add to the Prayer Partner list, please contact either Bert Botkins at (970)216-8682, the church office at (970)285-9892 or send an email to: [email protected]
Join us for Bible Study every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We started a new study on June 30, but all are welcome at any time through the study. We will be considering ways we can overcome life’s every day challenges with the power of God.
Our Bell Choir and Choir are on summer hiatus, starting up again after Labor Day. We are always looking for participants, so if you would like to join either of these wonderful musical groups, please contact the office at (970)285-9892 or by email: [email protected]
Rev. J.R. Atkins
Grand Valley United Methodist Church
July 2021 Pastor’s Report
1. Vision to Goals – Thank you to all who have been praying about the future of our church. The Staff/Parish Relations Team has been working with the Pastor on a few specific goals for the next 12 month and other will soon be invited into this process before we share the goals with the entire congregation for review and consideration. If you have something God has place on your heart, please send it to the Pastor of Church office for inclusion in this process.
2. Autopsy of a Deceased Church Book – It has been a few weeks since the 2 discussion sessions were held on the book Autopsy of a Deceased Church and the pastor would like to reconvene this group and whoever else wants to join us for a recap and discussion on what is next. Please mark your calendar for Tuesday August 10, 10:00-12:00 in the Fellowship Hall.
3. Young Family Gathering – The Young family gathering on Friday evenings continues to grow and mature as a body of Christ. If you would like to see what occurs and support this family ministry, see Michelle Foster to sign up to help in the kitchen or with the children. We need 2 to 4 people each Friday evening for support and encouragement.
4. Center for Pastoral Effectiveness – I will be in Denver August 11-13 for the kickoff workshop on Pastoral Effectiveness. I received a $750 grant from the Mt. Sky Conference, from the Ministerial Education Funds, which is funded from our conference apportionment/giving, each year.
5. Hatchathone – I have been selected, along with 3 others from Palisade UMC, to participate with 11 other churches in an event to “hatch” new ministry ideas. Although the focus will be on the Palisade church, I feel confident I will learn material that will help us as we seek to attract new people in our church. The event dates are Aug 24, 25 and 26 and will take place in Denver. The conference is covering all the cost.
6. Events and Church Growth – As we role into August and Fall, the church has several opportunities to engage with new people who may choose to visit our church. The key to an event bringing people to church is the volunteers who staff our “booth” or serve at our events. For example, we could have 2 people at the table for the church at the National Night out Event on August 3rd. This would be enough, so the church is seen as participating in community events and handing out items with the church name and logo. Yet, this minimum presence is not likely to generate much growth in our church or in people becoming “Disciples of Christ.” Or, we could have 8 or more people at our church booth who engage in conversations with each person. In these conversation we ask questions, listen, share church activities, and demonstrate the love of Christ through our caring presence. This approach is effective at all our events. It happens naturally on Sunday mornings when we receive visitors and guests. We have a very loving and caring congregation. When we engage with others, they find and feel the love of Christ. When you see the request for volunteers to serve at events, please consider participating and sharing the love of Christ.
Peace be with you,
Pastor J.R. Atkins.
UMW Report
The next big project for UMW is the Bake Sale during Grand Valley Days, August 28th. We will need the help of the whole church to make this project a success. We hope everyone will contribute some cookies, bars, breads, etc. We will need folks there to assist with the sale as well. It’s a great place to watch the parade! It’s shady under the tent and we have chairs available, too. You may bring your baked goods to the Church on Friday morning or on Saturday when you come to the pancake breakfast and parade.
UMW will be assisting Laurel and the Mission and Outreach committee in every way we can with the “Shoes for School” project.
UMW meets again on Thursday, August 5th at 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome!
Church Council Report
JULY 27, 2021
The meeting was brought to order at 2:05 p.m.by president Ron Olson. In attendance were Ron Olson, Penelope Olson, Ted Birdsill, Bert Botkin, Michelle Foster, Mary Jane Wahlman, Dan Temple, Laurel Koning and Pastor J.R. Atkins who joined by Zoom. Pastor Atkins led us in prayer.
The minutes from the June 22, 2021 were approved as printed in the newsletter.
Treasurer’s Report – The month of June was good. Pledges were near budget and unpledged giving was way over budget. The Church participated in the Government Employee Retention Credit for the second quarter which paid for its share of social security taxes and 63.8% of non-clergy salaries. For the year, revenues have exceeded expenditures by almost $6,000.
Finance Committee – They have not met but will be soon.
Trustees – Front door has been fixed so it doesn’t stick. The gate on the playground has been adjusted so it will close and latch.
The floor in the sanctuary was tackled with heavy duty wax remover and a scrubbing with a floor machine, only to find that the wax is bullet proof. Eagle One wound up giving another coat of wax. But it looks like a blotchy mess.
Memorial Committee – There is one new stone on order. There is one other person who would like one.
Missions and Outreach – The garden is doing well. The food is being split between the Family Resource Center & Lift Up.
The committee is preparing for Participation in Movies Under the Stars on August 6th. Help is needed for the concessions.
The committee has started the collection for the shoe program. This year’s goal is $2,500. Funds need to be received by August 1st. Distribution is August 13th. Help will be needed for that.
Worship – They need to order more mugs since so many have been given out recently. They have purchased a box to be mounted outside the back door. This will hold newsletters that anyone may pick up.
SPRC – They have set some goals for the committee and J.R. These will be shared with the congregation soon. There is one application for custodian. Ted will get some others to interview the candidate with him. A personnel issue was discussed.
Christian Education – Sunday School has started. There is a group getting together to discuss curriculum. Those tending the children on Friday night would like to have a curriculum for the older children also.
Music – Mary Jane is working with the children on Friday night. When they sang this last Sunday, it was well received. They will be singing again. Choir members are needed.
Pastor’s Report – The Staff/Parish Relations Team has been working with the Pastor on a few specific goals for the next 12 month and others will soon be invited into this process before the goals are shared with the entire congregation for review and consideration.
The pastor would like to reconvene the group who were reviewing the book Autopsy of a Deceased Church. They will meet Tuesday August 10, 10:00-12:00 in the Fellowship Hall.
The Young family gathering on Friday evenings continues to grow and mature as a body of Christ. If anyone would like to see what occurs and support this family ministry, see Michelle Foster to sign up to help in the kitchen or with the children. We need 2 to 4 people each Friday evening for support and encouragement.
The pastor will be in Denver August 11-13 for the kickoff workshop on Pastoral Effectiveness. This is being funded with a $750 grant from the Mt. Sky Conference, from the Ministerial Education Funds, which is funded from our conference apportionment/giving, each year.
The pastor has been selected, along with 3 others from Palisade UMC, to participate with 11 other churches in an event to “hatch” new ministry ideas. Although the focus will be on the Palisade church, he feels confident he will learn material that will help GVUMC as we seek to attract new people in our church. The event dates are Aug 24, 25 and 26 and will take place in Denver. The conference is covering all the cost.
As the Church rolls into August and Fall, it has several opportunities to engage with new people who may choose to visit our church. The key to an event bringing people to church is the volunteers who staff our “booth” or serve at our events. For example, 2 people could tend the table for the Church at the National Night out Event on August 3rd. This would be enough, so the church is seen as participating in community events and handing out items with the church name and logo. Yet, this minimum presence is not likely to generate much growth in our church or in people becoming “Disciples of Christ.” Or, 8 or more people could be there who engage in conversations with each person. In these conversations we ask questions, listen, share church activities, and demonstrate the love of Christ through our caring presence.
Old Business
The Finance Committee’s Needs Assessment was reviewed. No consensus was reached as to priorities. It was requested that each member take a close look at the items and prioritize them, with the most important item being number one, next one, number two, etc. and do it within the next few days. They are then to send the list to Penelope who will summarize the findings. The findings will be shared with the Council Members and some decisions can be made via email before the next meeting.
New Business – None
The meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Penelope E. Olson
Acting Secretary
Mission & Outreach Report
The committee is hard at work getting ready for their busiest time of the year. A huge thank you to all for their dedication!!!!
The garden is doing great – even if we have struggled with water issues for the last several weeks. We are gathering a large amount of zucchini and squash. Cucumbers are beginning to be ready as well!!!! And when those tomatoes start ripening up….they are huge and will be highly sought after. The food is being split between the Family Resource Center and Lift Up.
The committee is also preparing for the participation in Movies Under the Stars last movie that is scheduled for August 6th. We will again be hosting the concession area and will be giving away hot dogs, chips and a soda to all that attend. If you would like to help, please contact a member of our committee.
SHOES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We have started collecting funds for our drive for shoes. We will be working with the Family Resource Center in identifying those in the community that have a true need for shoes. Last year we were able to purchase over 125 pairs of shoes. This year’s goal is $2,500. Please help us with a generous check made out to the church with the wording of shoes on the bottom line. All funds need to be received by August 1st. We can do this!!!! Our distribution date will be Friday, August 13th.
Thanks for the support that we receive from all of you thru out the year!!!!!
Treasurer Report
GOVERNMENT %AS HELPED US BE IN THE BLACK
The Church has been able to participate in the Government’s Employee Retention Credit program. This is because our receipts for the second quarter on 2021 were less than 80% of the 2019 second quarter receipts. So, what does the credit do for us? The government pays for our portion of social security taxes and 63.8% of non-clergy salary. We also used this credit for January and February payroll because the Church was closed. Sound complicated? It is, especially when it comes time to file the quarterly return. But the credit, along with your giving, and giving of friends, has kept the Church in the black by almost $6,000 through June. This was not expected at all, so it is very welcome. Thank you very much.
Our investments are doing well, also. This year, the long-term investment has increased by $12,800, an increase of 7.12% through June. The current balance of this account is $192,816. Along with $23,100 in money market accounts, the Church has $27,200 invested in two Certificates of Participation, which are similar to CD’s. Except for a money market at Alpine Bank, our investments are invested at the Methodist Helping Methodist Foundation, formally the Mountain Sky Foundation.
As always, if you have any questions about the Church’s finances, please feel free to contact me at 231-383-0488, [email protected], or after church. Thank you. Penelope Olson
This is a place to list things you’re either looking for or are not needing anymore. Please email the church office: [email protected] or drop off the information in the office W-F, 9-noon if you have anything that you would like put it in the newsletter.
In need of: White Cloth Napkins – at least 4. Please drop off at the church
Not needing anymore: Electric weed eater – contact Michelle Foster
A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of this father as to when they could discuss his use of the car.
His father said he’d make a deal with his son, “You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.” The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer and they agreed on it.
After about 6 weeks his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.”
The boy said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair, and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”
Love the father’s reply:
“Did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”
Church Contact Information
PO Box 125
Parachute CO 81635
(970)285-9892
[email protected]
www.GrandValleyUMC.com
OFFICE HOURS:
Wednesday – Friday
9:00 – noon