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"
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness...
"
Psalm 100:1-2
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Worship is the fundamental practice of the Christian. We are called to worship God, to give God thanks and to reorient our lives away from sin towards grace. Corporate worship deepens community, grows relationships and helps us refocus our lives.
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Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
Come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his,
We are his people the sheep of his pasture
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
And his courts with praise;
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100
Worship, whether it is done in a corporate setting or sitting alone in a quiet place, is a time to:
Re-focus our hearts and minds and our very lives on God and
Re-member God created us and we belong to Him.
Worship is a time to
Re-turn to and
Re-flect on God’s Word, to
Re-Mind ourselves of what God says about us:
We are so loved – John 3:16
We are forgiven – Luke 23:34
We are saved – Luke 23:43, which helps us to
Re-place our old, worldly scripts with God’s truth about us and about others.
Therefore, worship becomes a time of
Re-newal as we come to know and trust in the transforming love, grace and mercy of God we become new creations in Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:17.
Ultimately, our worship is a time to
Re-joice and offer up our thanksgiving and praise to God for all of the blessings in our lives,
Re-alizing that worship is something we need to do again and again, often, without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
REFOCUS - REFLECT – REJOICE
Ash Wednesday falls at the beginning of Lent, the six-week season of preparation for Easter. Ashes, made from burning the palms used in Palm Sunday, are placed on the foreheads of worshipers as a reminder of our mortality and sinfulness. The ashes, the sign of the bad news of our sinfulness, is imposed as the shape of a cross, symbolically anticipating the good news of Easter.
April 9th, 8:30am and 11:00am
Palm Sunday is observed in remembrance of Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on the final week of His ministry. He road on a donkey, both to fulfill the scripture of Isaiah 62:11 and recognize the Middle Eastern custom where kings came in riding on a donkey if they came in peace instead of a white horse if they were coming for the purpose of war or as victors.
Chancel Choir sings "The Gospel Mass"
April 13th, 7:00 pm
Maundy Thursday represents the night when Jesus observed and held the Passover meal, often referred to as the Last Supper, with His disciples just before His betrayal, arrest and crucifixion.
The word 'maundy' means 'command' or 'commandment'. Through the rituals of this last meal, Jesus commands all who would follow Him to remember Him and His messages of humility, servant hood and love for each other. Holy Communion service.
April 14th, 7:00 pm
Good Friday commemorates Jesus' crucifixion and death on the cross for our sins. It is a sad remembrance of the horror of those events, but at the same time 'good' because God was drawing the world to God's self in Jesus. God was firmly in control and working out His intention for the world - winning salvation for all people. The good of the purpose in no way negates the bad of the events.
April 15th, 7;00 pm
Holy Saturday is traditionally celebrated at Central through gospel, jazz and preaching. Central's choirs join with the choir from Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church to celebrate this traditional African song about the coming of the resurrection.
Great Gettin' Up Mournin'
April 16th, 8:30am and 11:00am
Easter is the celebration of Christ's resurrection - the foundation of the Christian faith. It defines us as believers and is the most joyful day in the Church year.
Kids and Family: The Case of the Missing Messiah!
9:45am in the Life Center
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Outside The Walls
Rev. Scott Sharp
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"Worship is a noun - it's an event, a worship service. Worship is also a verb - it's a disposition of the heart, a way in which
we participate."
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Inside The Walls
Governance Team
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MOVEMENTUM? LISTENING POINTS
These are programs being discussed during our Governance Team meetings and by our Compass Points Committee. Why? Exploring the means to implement Pastor Scott’s vision for Central addressing both our immediate and future needs and identifying the resources we will need to make it happen. In this process, we will utilize our Vision Pathway guide and present a plan for our next Church Conference to approve.
Since our last meeting:
The HVAC repairs for the YMCA Children’s Center are nearing completion.
We are still wrestling to gain our City permits for the main floor ADA bathroom.
On the agenda for Governance Team support at our March 30 meeting:
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PNM proposal to update the entire CUMC lighting configuration
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Exploring Solar opportunities that might benefit Central.
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Investment of a portion of the Operations Stabilization Fund with the Texas Methodist Foundation.
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Contract renewal with Park It Place USA.
Exploring:
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Listening Points Topics and listening venues.
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Does CUMC have ‘Movementum’?
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Exploring opportunities for Lunch in and out of the church.
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Reverend Doctor Scott Sharp
In the morning of March 22, at St. Paul School of Seminary in Kansas City, Pastor Scott Sharp met with his Doctorate committee to defend his dissertation. Having completed the required coursework and reading, this was the final step in his journey toward his Doctorate in Ministry. He successfully defended Discipleship is Improvisation: From Script to Stage, and by the afternoon of March 22, Methodism welcomed Reverend Doctor Scott Sharp! We celebrate with him and look forward to participating with him as he lives out this new accomplishment.
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Peru is experiencing a humanitarian disaster unparalleled in its history. Severe flooding has devastated day-to-day life in this country. The toll of damages with loss of life and health, loss of or damages to homes, schools, health posts, transportation, water supplies and crops losses continues to rise in rural communities as rivers breech their banks.
As Christians we mourn these losses with our fellow human beings - as Centralities we have an even more personal connection. Former Associate Pastor
Sara Armstrong and Missionary
Martin Reeves find themselves fighting this devastation on the front lines. They tell of 'roads converted into rivers, adobe walls collapsing, earthen dams breaking, contaminated drinking water and bare shelves in grocery stores'. They also speak of ' gracious and kind spirits, everyone helping one another, lack of grumbling and police with a reputation of corruption going above and beyond to help.'
Sara and Martin ask for our prayers - the biggest one at the moment is prayer that the rains stop. They also ask for prayers for restoration of the water supply, prayers for funding and wisdom in how best to assist those most directly affected by the flooding, prayers for God's protection and provision.
If you would like more information on the work of our fellow Christians serving alongside 'the least of these', please see the websites for TMS Global and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
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The 5 Year Journey – A Presentation to the Governance Team September 8, 2016 by Pastor Scott Sharp. The following is a short summary from a two-page document handed out by Pastor Scott at the January 1, 2017 breakfast / town hall meeting. For those of you who were not able to attend the breakfast, this is a short summary but we encourage you to look at the complete plan. The complete plan is available on the church website and at the Welcome Desk in the gathering area.
Questions and Answers about “The Five Year Journey”:
- Why? “In our Vision Pathway document I tried to express the work of our church this way: Jesus gave us a “Great Commission” that sends us into all of the world for the sake of his love. We also have a “great permission” that The United Methodist Church describes as “making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Finally, we have a “great intention” which is to grow Christ-centered community in a distracting world. It is my belief that starting a new expression of Central United Methodist Church will allow us to engage our community in ways in which we have not been able to do.”
- Expressed need for fellowship: The discontinuation of Sunday lunch is the most mentioned item. There were reasons for this decision. Some church groups have been doing a variation of this fellowship by planning a meal in the Central to Life space bringing in food or having it catered. The church has started planning and implementing pot luck gatherings over the course of the year to provide the opportunity for fellowship.
- What is a church planter:”In our case the church planter will be a clergy person whose responsibility will be to start a new church-not a building but a group of people- who are part of Central UMC. This new congregation will eventually worship, study the Bible, serve others, pray, etc. Why I have called this a new church is because that is exactly what we are hoping the planter can produce. Initially the planter will sow seeds that build relationships with our neighborhood. Next the planter will begin cultivating those relationships into more formal groups-either for study or service. Lastly the planter will begin a worship service that will gather the multiple relationship groups together. It is unlikely that the worship service will be on Sunday.”
- The Role of Central UMC: Our strengths are clearly traditional worship with traditional music that will continue. As for a contemporary expression of worship it is the hope that our new church will be able to meet that need. The Pastor’s Bible Study at 9:45 on Sunday now includes a musical element.
- Specific ministries: The Five Year Plan did not mention all ministries that will be done or not done. The plan described a plan for the future while maintaining rich traditions.
- Children and youth: Concerns are shared regarding the fewer number of children and youth involved with the church. There are ideas about that related to programming, Christian Education, and moving forward.
- Will people leave because of this focus: The answer is unknown. The work of the church is on-going and will continue as new opportunities to worship will be explored. The potential for our congregation is almost limitless!
This summary is only meant as a taste of what is to come. Again, please read the complete plan available on the church’s website and available at the Welcome Desk. And as always, please talk to the pastors and the Governance Team
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Kelly Brooks
Executive Pastor
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A truly lifelong Methodist in our midst: attending Annual conferences
in a baby carrier (complements of her pastor mother, Donna Kay Jackson); official delegate to Annual Conferences as a High School student; appointed/elected member of boards and commissions too numerous to mention; Youth Director, Associate Pastor, Director of Christian Education; Reserve Delegate to General and Jurisdictional conferences; an ordained Deacon -
Kelly Brooks, currently Executive Pastor of Central United Methodist Church - us and ours!!
Kelly has a fascinating story of how she grew 'into' her call to Christian ministry. She, for a long time, pursued her "real career" as a licensed Counselor alongside her "part-time" work in churches. Two comments/questions posed to her in one of her many Methodist meetings set her on the path to full-time, professional ministry:
"When are you going to stop running from this?" - from a long time clergy friend
"I've been waiting for you to talk to me." - from the District Superintendent
The positive response to these comments led to Kelly's journey through her study at United Seminary (working with her mentor, Scott Sharp!) and consecration as a United Methodist Deacon. Her education continues as she works toward her Doctorate in Ministry. After her consecration she worked as Assistant Pastor at 1st Methodist and Senior Pastor at Grace Methodist. She continued in these two appointments until she was appointed to come to Central as Associate Pastor. Her current position as Executive Pastor is a new position at Central and the only such one in our Conference
.
Kelly, in her role as The Executive Pastor serves a truly unique function at Central. She is tasked with supporting and facilitating the goals of the Senior Pastor, while also having the responsibility of ensuring that every ministry and operational area of the church is running smoothly and effectively. If Scott as Senior Pastor of CUMC, is described as the Chief Executive Officer of the congregation, Kelly serves as the Chief Operating Officer. She is responsible for overseeing the entire church operation, from supervising staff and volunteers, to managing finances and the facility, ensuring that the church is available to support the many and varied needs of Central.
Kelly was born a Methodist - and she intends to die a Methodist. That 'dash' has been and will continue to be one of constant challenge and fluid, never ending ministry. Her therapy/counseling work with NM Aids Service, the Rape Crisis center, Family Promise and Saranam enriches and informs her ministry passion for outreach to the "least of these". She doesn't know where this ministry journey will take her because she believes (and lives) that God's call is fluid, never ending and ultimately a mystery. However, for the present she is ours and we are hers - benefiting and participating together in 'the beautiful life' of this lifelong Methodist.
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CUMC has Pew Mice!! What mice?? No, really…four people meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 9:30 to straighten and replace written materials and books in the pews. For more information or to help, contact the church office at 243-7834.
Central's Little Sunbeams has transitioned into Central Family YMCA.
The success of this program - at full capacity of 65 children since opening day - is due to the strong educational component of the YMCA
and to the director of this particular site - longtime, loved Little Sunbeams teacher
Joni Jansen.
Joni returned to Central as the director of Central Family Child Learning Center with two goals in mind: to make this site a beacon of excellence in the lives of the children it serves and to integrate and collaborate with Central Methodist Church. Towards this second goal, the staff of Central Family is looking forward to serving as volunteers for CUMC's Vacation Bible School. Kelly Brooks conducts Chapel weekly for the children and Gerri Foster works weekly with the children on music. Joni also shares all of CUMC's opportunities for service and worship with the families of the children in the program. It is thanks to Joni and the engagement of CUMC that the years of work and dedication to Little Sunbeams are being continued seamlessly by Central Family YMCA!
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Children/Youth Ministries
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What is a Girl Scout?
For more information, contact the NM Council Office: (505) 343-1040
Girl Scout’s began 100 years ago under the leadership of founder, Juliette Gordon Low. Girl Scouts meet regularly in nurturing and inclusive environments such as in homes, schools, civil centers, and churches. Girl Scouts participate in field trips, learn about nature and science, and explore their environments.
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Central United Methodist Men
Central United Methodist Men (CUMM) meet for breakfast and a program on the third Saturday of each month for fellowship and a program. The purpose of United Methodist Men is to declare the centrality of Christ in every man’s life. This is expressed as all men engage in Bible study, witness to Christ in daily life and service to others. Methodist Men support four youth serving agencies with formal partnership agreements with the Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Camp Fire and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America. CUMM actively supports Troop 134 sponsored by CUMC and the local council of the BSA. CUMM also supports and participates in other CUMC projects and mission projects.
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On-going Sunday School Classes – for more information, call church office at 243-7834
Leaders of Sunday school classes, please provide a short description of your class to include in this listing which will appear on a regular basis. Thanks! Pat Briggs – contact information is at the end of the newsletter.
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Arts, Literature, Faith (ALFIES)
Sunday at 9:45 in the Conference Room
Contact: Anne Downing
Celebration
Sunday at 9:45 in Room 309
Contact: Bruce Underwood
Harmony
Sunday at 9:45 in Room 312
Contact: Dodie Hawkins
Partnership
Sunday at 9:45 in Room 311
Contact: Bill Ortman
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Pastor Led
Sunday at 9:45 in the Life Center
Contact: Pastor Scott
Class of Promise
Sunday at 9:45 in Room 304
Contact: Jim Hering
Providence
Sunday at 9:45 in Room 307
Contact: Joy Hayes
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On-going Bible Studies
Friday Fellowship
Friday from 9:30am-11:30am in Room 311
Delving deeply into the Book of James, using the excellent study by Beth Moore, is occupying this group of women who meet every Friday. It is a welcoming group of women with different backgrounds and "there is always room for anyone whom God calls to join".
Contact: Joan Gustafson
WOW Women of the Word
Wednesday at 9:30am in Room 311
This group of welcoming, enthusiastic women meet weekly for Bible study and good fellowship. They have just finished a study based on the book
A Grace-full Life - God's All-reaching Soul-saving, Character-shaping, Never-ending Love. They are in the process of selecting a new study and welcome you to join them!
Contact: Vera, 242-4061
Monday Night Bible Study
Monday at 6:30pm-8:00pm in Room 311
A group of dedicated, curious 'Bible-searchers' meets weekly for an in-depth study of various books of the Bible. Currently, the group is searching the Bible for truths about a believer's relationship with God. The focus of that relationship is now centered on prayer.
Contact: George or Donna Faulhaber
Monday Night Bible Study
Monday at 6:30pm in Room 306
This study rotates focus on different books of the bible. They just completed Hebrews and are on hiatus until April 24.
Contact: Keith Smith
Lenten bible study
Wednesday at 5:15pm in the Life Center
Pastor Scott leads a Lenten Bible study on the book of James, incorporating musical selections from a
Requiem and Holy Communion. This class will continue through Holy Week.
Contact: Pastor Scott 243-7834
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Project Share at St. Martin's Hospitality Center is located at 1201 3rd St. NW. CUMC members have been providing and serving meals at Project Share for at least 25 years. On the 2nd Saturday of every month a group of 8 to 10 people will gather to serve anywhere from 120 to 150 homeless people. Sunday School classes, UMW, UMM, choir member, youth group, and members of the congregation join in to provide this much needed service to the community.
If you are interested in participating please call Cathy Swain (505) 280-5455.
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We have received VERY few events to place in the calendar. If you have any study group, meeting, book club, etc., please submit the information to the communications team. We are trying to build a strong platform for communication; however, this is a two-way street. We need the information from ALL group leaders! Thank you!
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Communications Team
Information
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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, 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.
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
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