Hi Folks,

Well. the holidays are over and we’re back to (somewhat) normal. But Lent will be starting soon and we’ll be hearing about Jesus’ entry
into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. I like donkeys! As long as they don’t step on me. I think they are a gentle “invention” from God.
I guess you all know that God made all creatures big and small – even me! Isn’t God a wonderful creator? But I don’t know why God
gave us cats. They chase me and I have to hide when they’re around. How about the weather we’ve had? It was mighty cold around here
for awhile. I’m glad it’s warmed up some, but I don’t think winter is over yet. Be sure to help those folks who can’t do their own shoveling
or get out when the temperatures drop below freezing. I know you will help others whenever you can – that’s what United Methodist
Christians do. We try to live out the lessons Jesus taught us. And we have a wonderful community of Christians at this church. That’s
why I chose to live here. And besides there are no cats at this church. I’m try to love cats, but it’s hard to love some animals (and people,
for that matter). Sometimes when they do things that hurt us we have a hard time overlooking it.. Jesus said to forgive and I’m really
trying! On a different note, I have to say the treats have been pretty scarce around here lately! Please bring something to eat soon! I’m
wasting away here. folks! Just tell Pastor Jamielee you will bring treats SOON! In the mean time I’ll scour the kitchen and parlor to see
if anything got missed. See you in church!

Muffy, the UM Church Mouse

PS: You might be a United Methodist if you’ve never heard a sermon on Hell and don’t feel you are missing out.

FINANCE
 SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

Church family, you have supplied us well on the snack front, and we so greatly
appreciate you! We are all set for now, but please be on the lookout for our new
Sunday school "Giving Tree," which will have detachable "leaves" that list any current
needs that we might have, should you want to support our children's ministry in that
way. We thought this might be a better form of communication rather than a broad ask.
:) Thank you for always loving our kiddos so generously in every way!

Parents, this one's for you. Starting in February, we would greatly appreciate it if you
could help our kiddos out. We're kicking off some new programs in class that are goals-
based. If you could help your child/ren out by filling out (or initialing when they've
filled out) their bucket-filling slips, they will get to take a trip to our Goals reward
bulletin board for every 4 slips that they turn in. (We'll make sure to send them home
with extra slips!) Church family, you could also submit slips on behalf of the kids!

What belongs on said slips, perhaps you're wondering? Essentially catch them doing
good. Did they pitch in at home without being asked? Did they extend a special
kindness to a friend or sibling? Were they especially helpful without complaint? Did
they extend a kindness at school or out in the world? (We will also continue to literally
fill up their buckets with warm fuzzies in class)

COMING UP IN SUNDAY SCHOOL | MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

FEBRUARY 16
4-8pm | Friday Fun Night! (Dinner, Crafts, Minute to Win It Games, & Snacks!) Please
RSVP by noon on Wednesday, Feb 14 so we have a proper headcount for food. The kids
are welcome to stay for the whole evening or come for a little while; bring a friend (or
2)!
FEBRUARY 18
9am | Praying Arm Pretzel Sunday - Our most favorite Sunday of the year! Kiddos, be
sure to bring a friend as we kick off the Lenten season with our traditional pretzel-
making!
MARCH 24 | Palm Sunday
8-10am | Pre-show rehearsal
10:15am | Children's Easter Program
As you can see, for the first time, we're adding an Easter Program into our Sunday
school year! Because this is such a busy season for our families, we are not planning to
hold a Saturday dress rehearsal, rather, we'll be doing short, weekly rehearsals during
what was once our Chapel Time in Sunday school (9-9:20am) every week leading up to
the program, and, as you can see, we'll tuck a longer rehearsal into performance
Sunday. (Breakfast nibbles will be provided!)
2024 VBS | JULY 22-25, 6-8PM
Trustees
 And on the other hand...

N.T. Wright: "A Church filled with diverse human hearts that casts aside worldly
categories to simply recognize one another as fellow children of God is like a
glittering diamond splashing color into a black-and-white world. "

One of our shut-ins, Ilene Rehling, continues to make quilts for Tumbleweed youth. She also
makes pet beds for animals being placed in foster care. She would appreciate donations of fabric and
batting so that she can continue to make these wonderful gifts for youth and pets. Please call Gail
Richardson 406-633-2246 and let her know if you have material/batting you would like to donate to
Ilene for her projects. Her talents give purpose to her life, yet the expense of the necessary materials
challenges her budget. Gail will happily pickup what you have directly from your home, or we can make
arrangements to get the supplies to Ilene. She is now residing at Hygate in Billings and her living
room/dining area has been converted to her sewing. Help her, help others if possible. Thank you!
Gail Richardson

Richard Klose is very active with the American Legion organization. He wants to provide
information and service to any veteran or veteran’s family that might need assistance or
information. He is also associated through the AM Legion with their suicide prevention
service. He can be contacted directly on his cell phone, 406.671.1814.
 SPRING WORSHIP
CALENDAR 2024
MARCH
3/3—CALLED TO MORE: YOU ARE NOT YOUR SIN // JOHN 8:1-11
3/10—CALLED TO MORE: THERE IS MORE // MARK 1:35-39 & PHIL. 3: 12-16
3/17—CALLED TO MORE: THE GOD’S WE MAKE // EXODUS 32:1-14
3/24—CHILDREN’S PAGEANT: IT’S ABOUT TIME
3/28—CALLED TO MORE: MAUNDY THURSDAY MEAL & TENEBRAE SERVICE
HOSTED BY LAUREL UMC, SOUP SUPPER WITH SERVICE TO FOLLOW
3/29—GOOD FRIDAY JOINT SERVICE AT GRACE UMC AT 6:30 PM
3/31—CALLED TO MORE: EASTER SUNDAY // MATTHEW 28:1-10
SERVICES AT 7 AM AT SOUTH POND PARK & AT 10:15 AT LAUREL UMC.
*REMEMBER: WEDNESDAYS UNTIL MAY 20TH WE HAVE SOUP SUPPER & SERVICE
AT OUR SAVIORS LUTHERAN AT 5:30 PM

APRIL
4/7—THE EARLY CHURCH IN EASTERTIDE: AWE AND WONDER
ACTS 2:43-47 & ACTS 9:1-19
4/14—THE EARLY CHURCH IN EASTERTIDE: TOGETHER IN COMMUNITY
ACTS 8:26-38
4/21—BEING THE CHURCH—SHUT IN SUNDAY
SPEND THE SUNDAY GATHERING WITH OUR SHUT INS
4/28—THE EARLY CHURCH IN EASTERTIDE: ENOUGH FOR ALL
ACTS 10:1-24, 34-48

MAY
5/5—THE EARLY CHURCH IN EASTERTIDE: GLADLY BREAKING BREAD // ACTS 5:1-11
5/12—THE EARLY CHURCH IN EASTERTIDE: PRAISING GOD // ACTS 2:1-13
5/19—PENTECOST: DISTRICT GATHERING WORSHIP
AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE
5/26—WHEN THE SPIRIT MOVES: TRINITY SUNDAY //JOHN 3:1-17