"We have found by long and consistent experience that a frequent exchange

 of preachers is best. This preacher has one talent, that another; no one whom I ever

 yet knew has all the talents which are needful for beginning, continuing and 

perfecting the work of grace in a whole congregation."

John Wesley

This is the basis for the very familiar 'preacher change' we Methodists have long experienced; and we're preparing to experience it once again. After nine years at Central, Pastor Scott has been appointed to a new position with the Texas Methodist Foundation. He will be the first Area Representative for the New Mexico Conference. As such, he joins the existing six Area Representatives of the Texas Conferences. Scott explains that one of these representatives drives across Houston to visit his churches; Scott will cover the entire state of New Mexico. This new position evolved from the New Mexico Foundation, familiar to many Centralities as the foundation directed by both Bill Hutchison and Sanford Coon.

Area Representatives are charged to 'connect congregations with resources and organizations that complement each church's strengths. They help clergy and laity leadership to engage in self-directed learning and work with congregations to develop Cultures of Purpose and Generosity'. They do this by establishing strong and trusting relationships with church leaders, and Scott is looking forward to this new challenge. He explains that, "I plan to spend my first year listening to people, not entering the relationship with the idea that I'm the expert." He especially looks forward to the opportunity to 'pay it forward' by mentoring newer clergy.

The Texas Methodist foundation is a vast operation with financial assets of over $550 million; human assets helping provide leadership training and stewardship resources; loan and grant programs and much more. Please visit the website TMF-FDN.org for more information on this amazing Methodist resource.

Scott doesn't have a definite schedule as to when he will be moving to this next step in his ministry career. Like all good Methodist pastors, he will go where and when he is called - because that's the way John Wesley wanted it!

A Fool for Christ

One of our Helping Hands friends recently announced that Ash Wednesday was on Valentines Day and Easter on April Fool’s Day this year. It seems appropriate for Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday to fall on the same day because they both celebrate love. Entering the season of Lent is a reminder of Christ’s love for us and our love for Christ. However, Easter falling on April Fool’s Day? At first thought they don’t seem so compatible, but Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 4:10 that he and his fellow apostles were “fools for Christ”.

What did Paul mean by that? 

We can go to the book of Proverbs and find a long list of wise versus foolish behaviors. For example, from Proverbs 28:26 the wise trust in wisdom and the foolish trust in themselves and in 29:11 the wise control their anger and the foolish unleash their anger. This is not the kind of foolish Paul was speaking of. 

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 says this, “my message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.” 

Being a fool for Christ meant trusting God, not himself, for everything he said and did.

In 1 Corinthians 4:10-13 after he tells the crowd that, “We are fools for Christ…” he continues in :11, “To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.” 

Being a fool for Christ meant loving Christ and following in His footsteps by sacrificing a normal, comfortable, successful-in-the-eyes-of-the-world life and doing it gracefully. 

Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:21 – 12:10, says he spoke as a fool when he dared to boast about the suffering he endured for Christ. The list is long including imprisonment, floggings, near-death experiences, beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, constant danger as he was constantly on the move (Paul traveled more than 10,000 miles as a Christian missionary). At one point he says he pleaded with the Lord to take away a “thorn in his flesh” but Jesus’ reply was, “My grace is all sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul, became even more ecstatic and delighted about his suffering and his weaknesses for that reason. 

Being a fool for Christ meant being willing to be weak and to suffer so the power of Christ’s love and mercy and grace could be revealed to all the people God placed in front of him.

Paul would consider our own John Wesley a fool for Christ. In an article about Wesley in Wikipedia it says the following about him:

What would it mean for us to be fools for Christ?

When looking at both Paul and Wesley’s lives it is obvious they had an over-the-top, all in, love for and trust in Christ and therefore an overwhelming desire to share Him with others. 

In pondering the answer to this question for ourselves it is important to first remember that Christ was a fool for all of us. Paul tells us, “For while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Maybe the fact that Easter falls on April Fool’s Day this year is not such an odd coincidence after all. It opens our eyes to the many others that we have read about in the Bible or history books or those who are living in the world today that we would say are fools for Christ, each one in unique and individual ways. Maybe we see ourselves that way or at least desire to be that way. Fools for Christ, all in, reflecting Christ’s love and grace and mercy to the world.

Over the past couple of months, the elected leadership of Central and our Pastors have been engaged in the process of exploring the proposal by Pathways Academy to lease some classroom space on our lower floor near the YMCA Children’s Center. The initial proposal was considered by our Compass Points Team and shared with our Trustees for their consideration. Between the two, it was determined that the Thrift Shop would most likely need to relocate to accommodate the proposed lease. At this point, the Thrift Shop Board was informed of the proposal and they were asked for their recommendations to meet the needs for the lease. Needless to say, there was disagreement over the proposal within the ranks of this wonderful thirty year ministry.

At this point, the proposal was presented to the Executive Committee made up of our church committee chairpersons for vetting and was determined by the group to meet our mission mandate defined in our Vision Pathway document. The Committee then passed the proposal to the Governance Team for their consideration.

At the February Governance Team meeting the Trustees were invited to hear a formal presentation by Jim Hering, the Principal of Pathway Academy, and two members of their Board of Directors. After hearing the presentation, the Trustees left the meeting to discuss the proposal and determine the feasibility of the proposal and return with their recommendations to the Governance Team. Due to the short time allotted for their discussion they were unable to make any recommendations. At that point a motion to table the proposal was approved.

Between the February and March Governance Team meetings, the Trustees, Compass Points, Finance and the Thrift Shop met with sufficient time to explore the proposal and develop their recommendations. At our March Governance Team meeting, the Trustees, Compass Points and Finance Committees recommended approval of the Pathway Academy proposal. The Governance Team accepted their recommendations by vote and charged the Trustees to develop the lease and make the space allocations that address the needs of the Thrift Shop, Helping Hands, Pathway Academy, and Children’s Sunday school.

As you read this, the process continues. All concerned parties are in dialogue to develop the final plan that will answer the needs of Central. Along with Pastor Scott I too thank all who have stepped forward and fulfilled their roles throughout the process.

George

2018-2019 COMMITTEES

Lay Leader Jim Sumner

Treasurer Karl Jarvis

Annual Conference Denise Dockendorff, Nadia Dockendorff, Jim Sumner

Delegates

Governance Team

George Faulhaber - Chair; Don Link - VP Chair, Jim Dines, Glenn Small, Sandy Garcia, John Kees, Virginia Nymeyer, Maxine Todd, Del Calhoun, Nadia Dockendorff, Sue Ellsworth, Suzanne Lawson, Clergy representative

SPRC

Jean Hawk - Chair, Denise Dockendorff, Berry Jo Nye, Larry Wills, Raymond Irwin, Angus Jordan, George Meineke, Jim Stephens, Debbie Tixier, Clergy representative

Trustees

Maurice Ikle - Chair, Steve Gough, Cathy Swain, Scott Everett, Kyle Harder, Joan Sheets, John Brooks, Rob Lasater, Eric Lawson, Clergy representative

Nominations and Leadership Development

Scott Sharp - Chair, Donna Faulhaber, Jim Hering, Ken McVey, Jean Hawk, Janice Honeycutt-Hering, Maurice Ikle, Clergy representative

Compass Points

Janice Honeycutt-Hering - Chair, Betty Jo Nye, Ed Vigil, Nadia Dockendorff, Judy Williams, Sabrina Carrillo, Kristen Dockendorff, Marc Davidson, Ellen Skrak, Clergy representative

2018-2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE

Ken McVey - Chair, Claudia Ryan, Martha Bedeaux, Robin Harder, Sandy Roberts, Peggy Murtagh, Bob Waldman, Pat Wilkins, Karl Jarvis (Treasurer). Meetings:4th Tuesday of every month, 5:30 If you would like to attend the meeting, please inform [email protected]

Will the real Ken McVey please stand up!!

There's the Ken who 'does nothing, knows nothing, says nothing." Then there's the Ken who does a bit of everything, knows more about finance than most and says a lot - often in rhyme. It's an individual decision as to which Ken is the real one and which is his doppelganger! Visiting with the one is short and puzzling, visiting with the other is fun, interesting and informative. He offers no clue as to which one is in front of you.

Born, raised and employed in California, Ken moved to Albuquerque 20 years ago when his contract employer moved it operations to Space and Missile Center at KAFB. Ken had been augmenting his engineering with accounting/math course work and pursued this interest in business accounting to a Master of Accounting Degree in Taxation. He is currently retired from his engineering work, is working to finish his CPA certification and works 'part time' doing taxes with a local firm. He explains that, "The traditional 4 month has now grown to a 12 month due to extension fillings. Part time is now 40+ hours a week." He has no immediate plans to retire again, stating that he "enjoys what he's doing," though that could "change at any time." He does have one specific future plan somewhere in the works: hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650 mile hike from Mexico to Canada. He calculates it will take him 14 weeks with a resupply stop at 11 day intervals. You decide which is the 'real Ken'!

The Finance Committee is made up of wise folks who take the financial condition of CUMC very seriously. Our finances aren't the most popular topic, but without healthy finances the work of Central would grind to a halt. If you remember how the delay in air conditioning was received by the congregation you get a small inkling! While Ken and his group are responsible for the final budget, Ken stresses that this work is not done in a vacuum but with direct consultation (and sometimes negotiation) with the various groups of the church. The committee monitors the expenses and income during the year and makes suggestions/adjustments as necessary. If you're interested in a full description of the duties of this committee, reference the Book Of Discipline.

Ken feels it is vital for every member of the congregation to understand that the financial picture of Central is fully transparent. If you ever have a question or a concern, all you need to do is communicate that and the answer will be given. This is true - no matter which Ken you approach!

The CUMC Newsletter celebrated it’s one-year birthday in January!  Starting in June 2018, the CUMC Magazine format will debut! It will come to your email inbox every other month. The newsletter committee decided that this type of format will be more user-friendly and will allow for more articles, photos, and information! The magazine will still come to your email inbox and a few copies will be printed and available at the Welcome Desk in the gathering area. As we are preparing this new format, there will be no May edition.

Baptisms:

Sunday, March 4: John Duke Yarbrough (Parents, John D. & Kelly Yarbrough)

Sunday, March 11: Diana Mercy Feldman (Parents, Adam & Dana Feldman)

New Members:

Sunday, March 18: David & Karen Canada 

Sunday, March 18: Carl Stenger & Leslie Elmore-Stenger

Jesus – place Ruth’s photo with this article, sent in separate email

Ruth Cook, former super volunteer at Central, wants everyone to know that she is out of the hospital and back in her assisted living apartment at Elmcroft. She is eager, once again, to welcome visitors. She said she is doing well, is being well taken care of and the food is good! She misses her church home and is sad that she can’t get our services on TV. There aren’t any church services at Elmcroft. She talked about how her Partnership Class, United Methodist Women and the Thrift Shop volunteers are like family to her. She feels very blessed to have a view of the Sandia Mountains out her window.

Ruth's address is:

Elmcroft Senior Living

7101 Eubank Blvd. NE

Apt. 68

ABQ, NM 87122

We're all familiar with the "Best" lists - best ice cream, best doctor, best wind, best foot rub - everything seems to have a best. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don'; Central is privileged to have one of these 'Bests' - one that we can all readily agree on! JIM HERING has been selected for an "Above and Beyond Teacher Aware" from Albuquerque The Magazine. Jim states that he is "surprised and humbled at being selected"; two of the man reasons this selection is warranted. Jim is both teacher and principal at Pathways Academy, a 'web of education' for children who struggle in more traditional schools. Pease do two things:

• buy a copy of the Magazine and read all about this well-deserved honor,

• congratulate Jim whenever you see him - on this well-deserved honor.

WOW - Women of the Word

WOW is a welcoming group of women that meets at church on Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30 for bible study and fellowship. We will begin a new study on April 11, Three Simple Rules for Christian Living: “This small group study by Jeanne Torrence Finley is based on Rueben P. Job's book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living. Six sessions provide extended reflection for adults on three principles of Christian life: do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.”

March 28, 2018 Lowell Food Bank

MORE Ways to Support Your Pastor’s Well-Being – excerpts from Wespath (wespath.org/cfh/thirteen-factors/)

Following is the third month (and final month – see above website for more ideas) of more of the suggestions from the “50 Ways to Support Your Pastor’s Well-Being” that the Pastor/Staff/Parish Relations Committee and the congregation can use to support their pastor’s health and well-being in all of its dimensions – physical, emotional, spiritual, social and financial – and thereby also support the mission and ministry of the congregation.

Physical Dimension

Ensure healthy food choices are available at potlucks and other church events.

Emotional Dimension

Respect the pastor’s responsibility to keep many issues and information confidential (i.e. details of member illnesses, certain financial information, etc.)

Spiritual Dimension

Pray for the pastor and his/her spouse/family and let him/her know that you are doing so.

Social Dimension

Respect the pastor’s time set aside to spend with his/her spouse, family, friends, etc.

Financial Dimension

Understand that the pastor’s spouse may also work to support the family financially in order to reach long-term goals, such as sending children to college, retirement, etc.

Silent Auction Items Needed

Central United Methodist Women will be holding their annual luncheon on Saturday, April 28 . A Silent Auction will be part of the festivities. Please keep this auction in mind and look for items such as home accessories, jewelry, CD’s, DVD’s, event tickets, services and homemade items to donate for this fun activity.

Call 255-2405 if you have any questions.

Celebrate and Say Farewell to Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp and his family

During the Sunday School hour on April 29, join us in the Welcome Area to celebrate the ministry and say farewell to Rev. Dr. Scott Sharp and his family.

Summer Camp at Sacramento Methodist Assembly!

Join Pastor Scott and Pastor Kelly for King's Kids Camp! Kids in Elementary school are invited to the mountain June 8-10th . Travel to and from King's Kids Camp will be provided by CUMC. Other camps at SMA this summer include: Horse Camps, Youth Camp, Family Camp, Music Camp, and Camp Sunshine (for those with mental challenges).

Please visit Pastor Kelly or sacramentocamp.org for more information.

Do you want anything in the June Magazine?

Deadline for the June edition is May 22, 2018 . (There is no May edition))

Any questions, please ask the Communications Team. 

Contact information is at the end of this newsletter.

Visit the Welcome Desk in the gathering area for: answers to your questions from a member of the governance team, printed copies of the newsletter (also, in the Narthex), and other written information. Classes and ministries consider placing informational flyers for a study or event at the desk. Connect cards are available at the desk and in the pews to update your contact information for the church and so we can email the newsletter to you.

Email:  [email protected]

Phone #: (505) 268-1009 [Briggs Family]

Co-Chairs: Chris Briggs & Pat Briggs

Current Team Members:

Donna Faulhaber, Barbara Fuller, Jesus Valdez,

Rev. Scott Sharp, Rev. Kelly Brooks