As summer approaches, things are opening up and restrictions are being lifted which is great news for the Youth Group.  They will get the opportunity to travel to Houston this year to take part in a Mission Trip.  Read more about their plans in our first article.

If you're getting antsy to get out and are fortunate enough to have spare time (or can flex your work schedule), consider volunteering in the community.  There are plenty of opportunities such as the Food Bank, Community Kitchen or our churches own Mission Starts at Home.  If your work week is filled, you could always join FUMC at Habitat for Humanity one Saturday this year.  Reply to this email if you have suggestions or would like more information.

Projects completed by The Restoration Team

before and after

These mission trips are truly life changing for the teens and adults that go on them. They learn practical life skills like cleaning, cooking, construction, and working with different personalities. It is something that they look forward to every year. We appreciate all the support the church gives us for these trips.

Ann Kessler

Let's hear from the Youth Group about their upcoming trip

"A mission trip to me is a way to spend time with the church while being able to help communities that need it. Even though the work we do is tiring and difficult, it’s so rewarding seeing all the work we get done knowing we had fun working together to complete it."

— Erick Robinson (6 trips)

"Going on a mission trip was probably the best decision in my life. I learned valuable skills, made great friends, and was able to really help people in need."

— Ryan Hennings (6 trips)

"Mission trips have been a great experience. I’ve absolutely grown as a person from these unique chances that most haven’t been given the honor to do. It feels like I’m putting good out into the world as I feel we get less chances by the day. Also, I cherish each moment spent with my youth group on these endeavors."

— Christian Williams (5 trips)

"I want to go on a mission trip because it is a good way to help people and do good for a community. It is also a great opportunity to socialize with people and with recent events that is very important."

— Brandon Fidler (6 trips)

"I want to go on the mission trip because I love being in Texas and have never gone to the beach before. I would also like to go because I had a lot of fun last year at Wyoming."

— Kane Kenders (2 trips)

"I like mission trips because we get to visit places different from our own and have a positive impact on people."

— Bryn Morgan (7 trips)

"There are a couple of reasons I enjoy going on mission trips. First of all, is getting to spending time with all of my close friends from church that I have made through the years. Second, I’ve always enjoyed working and helping others because it just feels natural for me, as though it’s something I was made to be a part of."

— Cannon Leitz (7 trips)

"When I come home from mission trips, I have always learned something new. I come home with new friends and memories that will be with me for the rest of my life. Getting to go on these trips humbles me and gives me the opportunity to give back to God, who has given me so much."

— Karissa Fidler (5 trips)

H4H Unmasked!

On May Day, volunteer Workers United at a home in Loveland just off Denver Ave near Walmart to put some finishing touches on a rare Habitat for Humanity renovation.  Five volunteers from FUMC and two from Immanuel Lutheran joined H4H staff and Becky, the future owner of the house, to paint and stain doors, wipe down cabinets and haul out materials prior to the final cleaning.

It turns out that Becky's grandmother was the first to own the house.  Becky, who had fond memories of the place, kept tabs on it and was fast-tracked by H4H when it became available.  She was looking forward to taking possession soon so her growing family could settle in.

As you can see from the photos below, our FUMC volunteers were not wearing masks.  May 1st happened to be the first day that Habitat for Humanity greenlit a mask free work environment in cases where everyone has been fully vaccinated. 

Only a couple of slots remain!

Join FUMC for a H4H Faith Build Day this year

Sign up here

It's great to see a lot of familiar faces signed up for H4H, but we'd also love to see new faces as well.  If you would like to be added to the FUMC H4H volunteer mailing list or you are curious and have some questions, simply reply to this email or contact Mark Elliott.  Also, if the signup is filled for a day you'd be interested in volunteering, get in touch to see if more slots can be opened up.

Homeless Outreach

In April, Reverend Steve attended the monthly Missions Committee to propose a program near to his heart that he had been contemplating for quite some time.  Steve had recognized that access to basic amenities such as showers are limited for the homeless population in our community.  His idea is to open up the church facilities to allow the homeless to take hot showers.

Access to showers in the basement of the church would be scheduled and supervised.  He envisions 15 minute time slots scheduled in advance.  A couple of volunteers would be on hand to grant entry to the church, monitor the area and provide help or supplies as needed.

The first step was to get approval from the Board to proceed.  With that approval, the Missions Committee will be coordinating with other community programs serving the homeless to work out how to implement the program.  Soon you may be asked to volunteer to make this program a success.  If this program resonates with you, the Missions Committee is looking for someone to champion it, so reply to this email if you'd be interested in helping get this on its feet.