Steve’s Stuff (Ramblings & Program Notes)

Program Opportunities…(for additional details, please see/call me)

Stephen Walden, 303-989-3727 x203

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Adult “Confirmation” for the Conflicted

Dates: Pick-up required booklet (free) after worship, Sunday, March 7th, in the Church Office ...then head to the Youth Taco Bar
Sunday, March 14th & 21st — 11:45 a.m., #403, light lunch and not-so-lite discussion

 Some folks wear their faith like a favorite pair of jeans...a relaxed fit that shapes without bulge or bind.  Others wrestle with the fit, struggling to find a comfort that works without giving into someone else’s idea of fashion.   Still others buy from the “one-size-fits-all” rack and make do.  How does your faith fit?  Does it give comfort or confusion to your life?  Does it offer a constructive challenge, a sense of meaning, or is it mainly fellowship and a cup of reasonably priced coffee?  How does your faith fit with “reason,” do they complement or clash?  What do you want from a “life of faith”?  What does a “life of faith” want from you?

 What is a “progressive” faith journey?

  For the last several years, Green Mountain UMC has attached the label “progressive” to its approach (style?) of faith journey.  Of course, labels have limitations at best (and are divisive at worst) but we moved forward with this term not as a firm definition, but as a growing process.  So what does it mean to call yourself a “progressive Christian”?  What does it mean to belong to a “progressive Christian community”? 

 How does participation in a “progressive Christian community”
make your life, your faith journey, better?

This “confirmation” is about exploration, not explanation.  It’s about what you think and feel, not what a church or theology says you “should” think or feel.  We’ll ponder a lot of questions, share a little food, and ideally discover more about our personal and communal commitment to this mystery we call faith.  Our diversity fuels our creativity, not our conflicts.  If you want to know more about this evolving program see me, do the same if you wish to sign up (or register at the Program Table)...and thank you to those already indicating interest.  Please consider this opportunity to learn and grow as a community of faith.

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The Big Screen & Pondering for Lent
God on Trial
Wednesday, March 24, #403
5:30 soup dinner, 6:30 film & discussion

The season of Lent is all about questions...most of which begin with “why.”  Join us for a simple meal, fellowship, and the viewing of a very powerful film that does not flinch from The Big Questions.  Afterward we’ll tackle the questions left on screen...and those felt in our own hearts.  So I can plan on food and space, please indicate your interest to me or via the Program Table registration sheet.

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 The Hopeful Heretics
Tuesday, March 16th, 7:00 p.m., #403

A gathering for those who think so far outside the box,
they've put the box in the recycle bin.

 Pondering The Religious Case Against Belief by James P. Carse...
but whether you’veread the book or not, you’re welcome to join the
conversation...and eat the ice cream.

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A request for your thoughts and help…

Our world contains many needs, some that make 24/7 headlines, some that live 24/7 in our hearts.  In the everyday hustle to survive, two anxieties stand out...employment and health.  We all need the meaning and income provided by a job...we all need the assurance that caring resources are available when we are least able.  How can those needs, in a programatic way, be addressed?  In the proverbial “nutshell,” here’s an idea worth exploring…a program at GMUMC that seeks willing, trustworthy, capable candidates to attend Certified Nurse’s Aid training.  The education would be funded by our church, and the selection process would be done by a committee of church member’s who are also health professionals.  The goal being two fold, 1) to provide marketable skills in a tough job climate; and 2) to provide caring folks, with a basis of professional training, to assist our pastoral care team by helping our individuals and families with home needs.  (For those trained via the program, there would be an expectation of service time to GMUMC — not necessarily free, but at reduced compensation worked out between family/individual and aide.)  Presently, this concept has achieved two goals — 1) we have five nurses ready to form our Advisory Committee to work out details, and 2) we have $1,150 in a designated fund...not enough, but a solid start.  Long term goal:  Put two candidates through CNA training in 2010...gain assistance for our folks with needs...and assess whether this is a viable model for the future.   Your thoughts on this concept are valued...and your support (either in prayer, word, or donation) are essential.  For additional information on this idea, its progress, or to help us gain additional funds for education expenses, please see me.  Thank you for your consideration. 
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 Questions, Inc. 
 Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m., #403

A gathering for people who find the diversity of creation, ideas, and daily issues a source of faith exploration, rather than a call to spiritual isolation.  Each Sunday is topic driven, centered on a faith and meaning perspective, but not limited to formal religion.  Or put another way, isn’t everything we encounter in life a “faith issue”?  Add coffee, tea, good folks, and relaxed discussion…

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 Samaritan Rx
Gauze Pads, any size, or Gauze wrap (sold in rolls)

  As a nation we’ve spent the last many months wringing hands and gnashing teeth over health care reform.  That conversation (when it doesn’t become shouting) is long overdue.  But it’s good to keep in mind we’re pretty blessed to have a health care system to debate.  Much of the world lacks the most basic of care, and the most basic of medical supplies.  Imagine one syringe being used to inject dozens of people.  Imagine needles being “rinsed off,” if that, between uses.  Imagine bandage material that is not only not sterile, but not even clean. 

Imagine a small way to help, with a significant impact.

Please consider, if able, an occasional small purchase of one box, or roll, of gauze bandage...available at most any store for a few dollars.  These materials will be gathered in the bin located near our Aging Body, Young Mind Resource table (upper hallway, west end, near restrooms).  When full, the supplies will be delivered to Project Cure to be distributed to countries around the world where healthcare is more than a debate...it’s a crisis.

Your consideration of this mission is appreciated.

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 Front Room Ruminators (R2),
Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.

Using a video/discussion format to explore the diversity of faith, ideas, and perspectives we gather at 11:00 a.m. in Room #403, get into our topic(s), then adjourn around noon to a popular local establishment (Front Room Pizza) for lunch. 

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Pedometer Theology Thursdays, 9:15…
see me for details

Walking, talking, book store browsing, exotic coffee.  Fitness with fellowship.

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Project Cure Tour & Work Session in the planning stages...
see me or watch your bulletins for the latest.

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Coming in the future...The Really Big Questions...

                 Three sessions pondering, Does the universe have a purpose?
                                          Does evolution explain human nature?
                                   Does science make belief in God obsolete?

Looking for curious souls with a faith- meets-science interest to help develop & co-lead this effort.  Excellent materials to ponder supplied (from the John Templeton Foundation)...please see me...