Announcements

Prairie is Chartering as a UMC Congregation! 
May 10, 10 AM - Prairie UMC will hold a constituting charge conference with our District Superintendent, Rev. Bun Koo Lee, and the Superintendent of Vitality and Leadership Development, Rev. Annie Arnoldy. This will be the official launch of Prairie UMC and will consist of a combined worship/formal founding of our new church. Please plan to be part of this rare and wonderful event marking the evolution of Prairie.

May 31, 10 AM - Come celebrate with Bishop Kristin Stoneking! We are delighted to announce that we will be joined by Bishop Kristin on May 31 worship for a joyous celebration of our chartering. Bishop Kristin has been a wonderful support of Prairie since her arrival in the Mountain Sky Conference. She is excited to welcome us to full connection as a UMC congregation, and we are excited to share a very Prairie celebration with her! Please come!

Click here to learn everything you need to know about what’s ahead for Prairie’s Chartering Journey. 

Become a Charter Member of Prairie UMC
We’re excited to invite you to become a Charter Member of Prairie UMC as we become an independent church on May 10. Charter members will be recognized as Prairie’s founding community, and the original list will be kept as part of the church’s permanent history. Charter members will get to vote Prairie UMC into existence on May 10th! Adults and youth age 16 and older may join by profession of faith (which includes baptism if not previously baptized) or by transfer of membership. Youth ages 12–15 are invited to participate in Prairie’s next confirmation program, which will conclude with an opportunity to join. Those who previously joined Prairie as a campus of First UMC Downtown are invited to “opt in” and transfer their membership to the new church, Prairie UMC; otherwise, membership will remain with First UMC. We would be honored to have you stand with us as we begin this Spirit-led journey. Please use this form to indicate your interest, or pick up a membership form at the worship connect tables.

Due to grants from Methodists Helping Methodists, and Genesis Equipping Ministries, the new English Language Learning program is off to a great start! There are 47 registered for the Tues/Thurs classes, and over 30 who show up each week, including the women from our 3 "sponsored" Afghan families! We’re so excited! There’s a Pre-Literate class, Levels 1 & 2 reading/ writing and a conversational group. Childcare provided. Prairie and Peoples UMC folks are volunteering for teaching, childcare, and transportation. We’re in need of $5 gift cards to incentivize attendance and learning. Wendy's, Walmart, and Dollar Tree are popular. If you can pick up a card or two, please drop them in the offering plate till March 31 or give them to Prairie member Beth Reasoner (an ELL teacher) who will take them to the program. Thanks so much!

Bring donations of toilet paper, canned fruit, bags of dried beans, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and crackers of any variety to support our neighbors in need! Our collection for April has been moved to the second Sunday to accommodate Easter celebrations.
When: Sunday, April 12 Where: Collection bin available at worship

While we typically have a potluck on the first Sunday after worship, next month’s is cancelled so that we can celebrate Easter on April 5! Join us for cookies, Easter bunny photos, and an egg hunt! 

ESCO District Gathering | Saturday, April 18, Central UMC | 9 AM - 3 PM
4373 Galley Rd, Colorado Springs
Theme: “God Restores My Soul”. Join your United Methodist Church siblings for a meaningful day of worship, workshops, fellowship, and district connection! Registration Fee ($25), includes lunch. Register here. A District Gathering in the UMC is a regional assembly bringing together clergy and lay delegates from local churches within a specific district. Prairie is a part of Eastern/Southcentral Colorado District. Pastor Patty will be attending and would love to see you there. Come meet our new District Superintendent, Rev. Bun Koo Lee, and Bishop Kristin Stoneking!

Friday and/or Saturday, Nov 20-21, 2026
This event, our 4th annual retreat, is for all Prairie women; a time to unwind, recharge, and connect in a beautiful, new to us, secluded setting! Mark your calendars now for your future needed break, before the holiday rush begins. We'll be meeting at Cathedral Ridge in Woodland Park in a mountain lodge with lots of semi-private rooms (each with a connected bath), linens provided. And as last year, pay what you can, pay more if you can. More to come!!!

Are you interested in trying out a small group but are concerned about the commitment?  Then this 3-week, short term small group is a great option for you.  Pastor Patty will lead the group on 3 Wednesdays - April 29, May 6, and May 20 (note that we are skipping May 13) from 7 to 8:15/8:30 pm.  We’ll meet at Jerry and Karen Oyer’s home on the northside of town.  Each week, we’ll spend some time getting to know each other and sharing a little bit about our life journeys. This group is geared toward newcomers at the Prairie Campus (anyone who has started coming in the last 12 months) who are longing to connect. To join the group, sign up on the sheet at worship in the back of the gym or email Pastor Patty at pattyw@fumc-cs.org and she will give you the address. 

First Congregational Church welcomes Rev. Dr. Serene Jones as the speaker for the 2026 JWW Lectureship Series. Dr. Jones is the 16th President of Union Theological Seminary and the first woman to lead the historic institution. A past president of the American Academy of Religion, she came to Union after seventeen years at Yale University. She is the author of several books, including Trauma and Grace and, most recently, her memoir Call It Grace: Finding Meaning in a Fractured World. Her work draws on theology, politics, women’s studies, economics, race studies, history, and ethics. Her work is shaped by scripture, lived experience, and conversation with thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Reinhold Niebuhr, John Calvin, James Baldwin, James Cone, Luce Irigaray, and Teresa of Ávila. Pastor Patty has a special connection with her: Dr. Jones was one of her professors at Yale Divinity School and even married Patty and Roger in 1994. Pastor Patty plans to attend the Friday night lecture and would love for others from Prairie to join her. Come deepen your theological understanding!

Event details:

• Fri, April 24, 7–8:30 pm — Lecture in FCC sanctuary

• Sat, April 25, 10 am–12 noon — Discussion, brunch, book signing

Held at First Congregational Church, 20 E. Saint Vrain St. Free and open to all — no registration required.

Interested in exploring membership at the newly chartered Prairie UMC? Current Prairie Members need not attend. A time to get to know each other and learn more about the UMC. When: Sunday, April 26 11:10 to 12:30 pm. in Room 149 Note: If you require childcare, please let Patty know RSVP by 4/19 via the Connect Table at worship or pattyw@fumc-cs.org.

A constant seems to be the ongoing tragic conditions that make us cry out, “Why must this continue?” For Women’s History Month, our lament to God takes shape as both protest and proclamation of solidarity, calling us to compassion where we see injustice. Allies for Racial Equity will offer Lament Tables to draw awareness to the injustices borne by women in Afghanistan and elsewhere. During communion, you’re invited to pray for our sisters living under gender oppression. The tables include images, a statement for reflection, 3 candles symbolizing the Trinity, and water to touch in remembrance of your baptism. May this prayer time remind us of the work still before us through the power God has placed in each of us.

 
Dust off your glove! Prairie is sponsoring a coed softball team for the late summer season with the Colorado Springs Park & Recreation league. We intend to play in the Friday night "Red League" (the most casual/recreational level) at Cottonwood Park. We typically hold practices on Wednesday or Friday evenings leading up to the season.

• When: July 6 – August 23 (Practices begin sooner)

• Cost: $50 per player (Covers registration and umpire fees for 8 games)

• Sign up at the Connect Table or email Coach Stuart Strong at stuart.l.strong@gmail.com.

Sat, April 11, 9:45 am, 200 S. Sierra Madre Street. Our private tour will last 60 minutes and will offer a journey through the key moments in Olympic and Paralympic history. For those who want to explore afterwards, your admission is good for the day. For those who wish to grab a bite afterwards, there is a cafeteria connected to the museum. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about Olympic history at a discounted price! Cost is a suggested donation of $20 (basket at arrival), pay what you can, more if you can! Carpooling available to reduce your parking expense (adjacent parking $7.50 day OR metered parking along S. Sierra Madre St. and Vermijo Ave.) Sign up at the Connect Table or RSVP to Karen Oyer at karenoyer@gmail.com. Please note in RSVP if you wish to carpool. For all Prairie women, 18+. New attenders are welcome and expected!

Join us for a simple potluck supper and service in remembrance of the night Jesus washed his disciples' feet. We will share communion and offer optional foot washing as we learn again the humble way of serving one another. Please note that while we are meeting in a café, the barista bar will not be open; you are welcome to bring your own warm beverage. When: Thursday, April 2 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Where: Treehouse Café (5965 N. Academy Blvd #20) What to Bring: Soup or bread to share (if you are able). Please RSVP at the sign-up table during worship or email tamit@fumc-cs.org.

Our precious four-legged friend is returning to Prairie for Palm Sunday! We will celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with a humble donkey as part of our palm processional. Following the service, children will have the opportunity to take individual rides during Sunday School to re-enact the journey. When: Palm Sunday, March 29 Where: Prairie Campus Be sure to bring the kids for this special interactive morning of worship!

 
Easter at the Prairie Campus is going to be "egg-citing!" We invite you and your friends to an uplifting worship service followed by a community egg hunt, photos with the Easter Bunny, and delicious Easter cookies. The hunt will be held on the BLPA football field with staggered starts for different age groups (and will move indoors in case of bad weather). When: Sunday, April 5 | Worship at 10:00 AM (Egg Hunt follows) Where: Prairie Campus / BLPA Football Field Don’t forget to bring your own Easter basket or bag for the hunt!

Help us transform our Lenten cross into a beautiful symbol of new life! We are inviting everyone to help cover our chicken-wire cross with fresh flowers before our Easter worship begins. This "flowering" of the cross is a beautiful tradition that represents the beauty of the resurrection. When: Sunday, April 5, prior to the 10:00 AM service Where: Prairie Campus Simply bring as many flowers as you like to place on the cross. We will also have some extra flowers available for those who might forget.

We are beginning to collect donations for our upcoming community Easter Egg Hunt! We are looking for candy or small "treasures" like stickers, tattoos, and bracelets. Please ensure all items are individually wrapped, small enough to fit inside a plastic egg, and—to keep our field clean and our kids safe—contain no nuts or chocolate. When: Drop off items from Sunday, March 15 through Sunday, March 29. Where: Collection box available at worship. If you have questions, please reach out to Tami at tamit@fumc-cs.org or sritez@fumc-cs.org.

- Whispers to God: 
Jesus’ Prayers at Supper, in the Garden, and on the Cross
This Lent, we’re practicing a holy return as we listen in on Jesus’ prayers—his whispers to God, his hopes and hunger, his joy and intimacy, his agony and wrestling. We’ll listen to what he says about praying, watch how he prays, and learn how prayer can hold us in every season of life. Week by week, we’ll follow Jesus into midnight knocks, shared tables, gardens of anguish, and even the cross—trusting that prayer isn’t only for Lent, but for the whole journey of faith.

• March 22 — Prayer in the Garden: “Let this cup pass…” (Matthew 26:36–46)

• March 29 (Palm/Passion Sunday) — Prayer from the Cross: “My God, my God…” (Matthew 27:46)

• April 5 — Easter Sunday: Resurrection Celebration

Many wounded by harsh expressions of Christianity are led to rethink beliefs about the Bible, God, salvation, etc. Interested in processing your current spirituality? Sign up at the Connect Table. Guy Moore (719-641-0513) will follow up. When: Mondays, April 6 – May 11 | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Where: Village Inn (East Woodmen Rd)

The Prairie Missions & Justice Ministries Team invites Prairie families to an Easter outreach activity with our neighbors at Melody Living Assisted Living (near Woodmen and Powers). After the Palm Sunday service (3/29), we’ll deliver cards, home-baked cookies, and cheerful socks to the residents of Melody Living. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share kindness and connection with members of our local geriatric community. Everyone is welcome to participate by baking cookies (bring to church March 29th ) or purchasing fun socks (bring them on or before March 29). Prairie families are encouraged to help with the card-making (we’ll have templates) and delivery. Sign-up sheets coming soon! Let’s celebrate Easter by spreading love to our neighbors.

Join us as we dive into The Story of the Bible -  a dynamic new adult Sunday School study from the acclaimed Great Courses series. Guided by Don Smith, we’ll journey through the Bible’s incredible evolution, uncover how history, scholarship, and technology have shaped it, and see how this timeless text continues to influence the world today. Come ready to learn, discuss, and be inspired! Drop in anytime, each session stands alone. We meet in room 149 at 9 a.m. before worship. 

This week, we explore The King James Version. In an attempt to standardize scripture-and, by extension, the religious and civic order in England-King James I marshals a team of scholars to produce an authoritative English text. The impact of the King James Bible is still felt today in English language and literature as well as in the church.

WALKING WEDNESDAY MORNINGS! Some Prairie Campus women gather every Wednesday morning to walk a few (3-4+) miles together and chat. We typically stick around for coffee or lunch afterwards if our schedules allow. Contact Kymm Hockman at kymm@genesisequipping.com to add yourself to the group!

PRAIRIE FAMILIES Prairie Families is for families with children of all ages. Their monthly get-together will be potluck style. The Prairie Playgroup (ages 0 through pre-k) will have a few gatherings throughout the year. Text Alicia at 979-204-8930 for questions, location, or details and to stay connected.

PRAIRIE GUYS Join the guys monthly, alternating between Sundays after church and weekday evenings, at 3 Agaves (formerly known as Pueblo Viejo Restaurant), 5934 Stetson Hills Blvd (off of Tutt Blvd). Next gathering is Sunday, April 19, at 11:30 a.m. Questions? Contact Co-leaders, Don (sccrdon@gmail.com) or Dave (mdman1985@comcast.net).

PRAIRIE GALS - A different gathering every month. Something for everyone. Gatherings are announced in advance in both the newsletter and bulletin. Questions? Reach out to Karen Oyer at karenoyer@gmail.com

PRAIRIE FRIENDS SMALL GROUPS - Looking for a place to grow and share life together? Prairie Friends is our small group ministry — a network of connection, community, and spiritual growth. We currently have 8 groups meeting twice a month in people’s homes, with more than 80 participants. The formation of new groups is ongoing, so as soon as we have enough people to start a new one, we do! If you’re interested in learning more or joining a group, sign up at the Connect Table at worship, or reach out to Jill Sawyer at jills@fumc-cs.org or Jay Sawyer at jays@fumc-cs.org.

JOIN US FOR QRUNCH! Prairie Queers are invited to join together at QRUNCH (Queer Brunch) for fellowship and informal conversation at Birdcall (6510 Tutt Blvd) on the third Sunday of the month right after worship. Next gathering is Sunday, April 19 is the next gathering. Contact Richard Sorrell at taxman72@gmail.com.

ALLIES FOR RACIAL EQUITY The Allies for Racial Equity team invites you to join their monthly meeting, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Please join us for the next meeting on April 12. For more information, please email Kymm Hockman at kymm@genesisequipping.com. New folks welcome, come learn about and act for racial justice.

YOUTH GROUP- GRADES 6-12:

• Meets the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 11-11:45 a.m. for Donut Days (a time of donuts, connection and growth in our faith) Our next Donut Days are March 22 and April 12 in Room 149. Occasional fun outings and gatherings are also planned throughout the year. Questions? Reach out to Sr.Ité at sritez@fumc-cs.org

Find more info on community groups and opportunities here.