Fundraiser for mission trip to Kenya
Larry and Carol Hauser, of Cortez, have volunteered to go on a mission trip in June to Kenya that is sponsored by the Durango First United Methodist Church. They will be spending a week in Obaga, a small village near Lake Victoria in western Kenya, helping build two huts for the widows of Obaga. Carol Hauser will also be working in the health clinic, teaching classes on first aid and other health issues, and Larry Hauser will help build playground equipment for the Obaga Primary School.
On Sunday, March 29, at about 11:30 a.m., there will be a Navajo Taco Fundraiser at Cortez First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., to raise money to offset travel expenses and buy medical and building supplies that the Hausers will need. The dinner cost will be by donation, and there will be “take home” boxes available.
A ‘time away’ for women
Learn how to cope with difficult days at a “time away” for women on Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at First United Methodist Church, 515 N. Park St., Cortez.
The program is being presented by the Reverend Suzanne Listemann and Sandy Towns, the Spiritual Growth Coordinator for the Cortez United Methodist Women.
There will scripture reading, singing, prayer, activities, and lemon snacks. The program is free and open to women
For information or reservations, call United Methodist Women’s president Eleanor Kuhl at (970) 564-0708.
Montelores Baptist hosts WestWind
Montelores Baptist Church will be hosting the band WestWind Connection for a free concert on Saturday, April 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
WestWind Connection is a country gospel band from Northern Colorado. The evening is free to all and includes a complimentary barbecue dinner with the concert.
Donations for the dinner and concert will be received.
The church is located at 18735 CR 23.5 off Colorado Highway 184 and across from Narraguinnep Reservoir.
For more information, call pastor Paul Gleason at 970-882-2418.
Presbyterian Church OKs gay marriage
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has expanded its definition of marriage to include a “commitment between two people,” recognizing gay marriage as Christian in the church constitution after decades of debate over same-sex relationships.
The redefinition was endorsed last year by the church General Assembly, or top legislative body, but required approval from a majority of the Louisville, Kentucky-based denomination’s 171 regional districts, or presbyteries. The critical 86th “yes” vote came Tuesday night from the Presbytery of the Palisades in New Jersey.
“So many families headed by LGBTQ couples have been waiting for decades to enter this space created for their families within their church communities,” said the Rev. Robin White, a leader of More Light Presbyterians, which advocates for gay acceptance.
After all regional bodies finish voting and top leaders accept the results, the change will take effect June 21.
The denomination has nearly 1.8 million members and about 10,000 congregations and is now the largest Protestant group to authorize gay weddings churchwide.