March 4, 2009

This year Parish Health is promoting a farewell to whining and complaining during the season of Lent, inspired by A PROGRAM FOR POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION, a complaint free world organization that began in 2006 by Will Bowen. The idea is simple: put a purple rubber bracelet on either wrist and, when you catch yourself complaining, switch the bracelet to the other wrist. Scientists believe that it takes 21 consecutive days of a new behavior for it to become habitual. So, by switching the bracelet from wrist to wrist with each complaint until one has gone 21 consecutive days without complaining, a person can establish the habit of being complaint free! Purple, complaint-free bracelets are still available with instructions. Get yours this Sunday or come in during office hours.

GET GREEN WITH GROCERIES!

Green cloth grocery bags are still available in exchange for a can of food that will go to the FISH pantry. If you would like more than one reusable grocery bag, simply bring more than one can of food. Let's celebrate God through action by "going green." Reduce, reuse, recycle!

CHURCH SKI DAY MARCH 7^th!

A few folks from the congregation are heading to the Showdown hill on Saturday, March 7^th. Why don't you join them? Take a look around and enjoy a run together or a lunch break with fellow church members. It's good to get out of the pew!

Christ United Methodist still has tickets available for their annual PASTY DINNER on March 17th. Call the office if you are interested. The price is $5.00 for take home and $6.00 for the dinner.

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP

Join us Thursday, March 5th, for contemporary worship beginning at 5:45 P.M. in the sanctuary. Enjoy a time of praise and thanksgiving as well as a meditation led by Rev. Jim Petersen. Worship will be followed by a light supper at 6:30 P.M.

BIBLE STUDY RECONVENES!

Rev. Jim Petersen's Bible Study meets on Wednesdays, at 12:00 P.M. in Fellowship Hall. Handouts will be given each week. If you missed last week, stop by the office to pick up your reading assignment. The group will study the ECLIPSING EMPIRE: Paul,Rome, and the Kingdom of God. This 12-session DVD explores fresh insights into Paul's message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman imperial theology, and the apostle's radical relevance for today. Bible Study is repeated on Sundays, beginning March 8^th, in the parlor at 11 A.M.

Taiz� Contemplative Prayer

Taiz� is a form of prayer practiced around the world that bridges denominations and faith communities. It is meant to be a time set apart to be with God and help you unwind and center yourself spiritually. Led by Revs. Kama Hamilton Morton and Jim Petersen, Taiz� is held on Thursdays, from 12:15- 12:45 P.M. in the sanctuary during Lent. Come, breathe in the Spirit of the season.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 is "BRING A FRIEND SUNDAY"! If you know of a friend, neighbor or family member without a church home, invite them to ours!

Christ United Methodist is sponsoring a new basement windows project! The downstairs Sunday School wing of our facility is in need of new windows. The total cost is $8,350 for the 12 windows that need replacing. If you would like to help, please indicate so by writing "CUMC windows" in the memo portion of your check.

WHAT DO WE REAP FROM OUR CHURCH?

As written by members and friends at our Great Harvest Thanksgiving Supper on November 23, 2008:

* A family. A home. Encouragement in diversity. Promotion of education. Be nice. Don't hit. Share?
* Good fellowship, food, fun and spiritual nurturing.
* Companionship, faith, support, fellowship, acceptance.
* A true sense of a community spirit of like souls seeking to know God's will in a more meaningful way.
* Fellowship, longtime friends, the best minister ever.

LIVING WITH FAITH AND HOPE:

Reflecting on the U.S. Bishop's Peace Pastoral

Bishop Gabino Zavala, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles and President of Pax Christi USA will reflect on the continuing challenge of bringing peace to the world since the cold war era. Today, threats of violence are even more extensive. The challenges to peace are many and complex. Bishop Zavala will offer a perspective of a faith based alternative that emphasizes political and diplomatic efforts as the only real hopes for long-term peace. Bishop Zavala's presentation will be held at the University of Great Falls Theater on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 P.M. The presentation will be followed by a panel discussion with opportunity for comments and questions. Admission is free.

Red Cross Blood Draw is Sunday, March 22^nd from 9AM-1PM. Call the church office to sign up for a time slot.

Our annual Stewardship Campaign is underway. Your bright green pledge cards are due in the office by Sunday, March 15^th so that we may effectively plan for our 2009/10 year. Thank you for your support of the church, its ministries, and staff. (as you are filling out your card, are you wearing your purple, complaint-free bracelet? Did you have to switch wrists?)

FRIENDLY REMINDER

The Business Affairs Board and Christian Service Board meet on Monday, March 9 at 6:30 P.M.

Junior Youth Group (grades 3-5) and Senior Youth Group (grades 6-12) will meet regularly on Wednesday, March 11^th. Junior Youth Groups meets at 6:00 P.M. Senior Youth Group meets at 6:30 P.M.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS & ROOM PICK UP

Children begin in Worship and then go to room 7 where the Middle School kids will lead us in the Moved by the Spirit rotation. We will be playing "lion" bean bag games designed to discuss and review the lessons of Daniel. If the weather permits, we may be able to go outside!
We are always looking for volunteers! After a Sunday Special on March 15th, we will be starting our Easter Around the World rotation. It runs March 22-April 19. There is a Sunday Special on Easter, April 12. If you would like to teach any of these classes, please call Bonnie Warren at 453-4316 or 727-1380. Thank you for your willingness to share your time and talents!