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Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Luke 10:19 We reside in the countryside, and this summer has been an invasion of critters and pests. We’ve encountered mice, grasshoppers, ants, wasps, and the other night, we witnessed a scorpion scurry across our patio. A few weeks ago, I spotted a colossal beetle on our back porch. Fortunately, it’s the only one I’ve seen so far. The tiny black ants and no-see-ums bite, the wasps and scorpions sting, and the beetles are simply ugly. Additionally, I’ve noticed the signs of mice in the house, which is quite unsettling since they’re usually only around during the spring and fall. Naturally, I’ve had to do some extra cleaning and search for more evidence of these unsightly creatures. Even the bears are descending from the Grand Mesa. There are sightings daily, even in town. The most terrifying incident for me was when our dog found a snake in the house the other night—a SNAKE! I’m so relieved that James was home to capture this hissing, creepy, crawler with my spaghetti tongs and release it outside. Come to find out it's a gopher snake and likes to eat mice. Maybe we should have kept him?... Not really! In today’s verse, Jesus offers us a comforting promise: nothing will harm us. Isn’t that wonderful news, especially in these challenging times? Amidst uncertainty and fear, it’s reassuring to know that Jesus promises us protection. In Jesus, we find our sanctuary, and through him, we possess the power to overcome the enemy. Therefore, we don’t have to be afraid; we can place our trust in Jesus. He will safeguard us and guide us through. Embrace faith today, trust in God, and know that He will see you through! Worship Him and no longer focus on all the "pesky" problems that "bug" you and "creep" into your life. Give Me Jesus! Enjoy this old Spiritual.

Dear friends and family, I know I haven’t sent an update in a while, but we have been incredibly busy since opening the community arts center in April. It has been a wonderful success and blessing to the neighborhood. Thank you so much for making this space possible! So far, over 200 children have participated in our weekly art classes! I love using the art activities as a metaphor to talk about God’s love, and I make it a point to leave my students with a question they can ponder throughout the week. For example, when we made cacti from recycled cardboard, I asked the students to consider why cacti have spines. In the same way that spines protect the cactus, how does God prepare us when we are faced with a challenging moment in our own lives? What tools does God provide us with to overcome hardship? Top: students showing off their amazing cardboard cactus! Bottom: learning to mix different tones of green to make a convincing sculpture. I would love to share a story of how your generosity directly impacts our students. This is Elías (pictured below). He is 11 years old and loves to do art. I first met him at one of our monthly pediatric clinics. His mom shared that Elías has been incredibly sad since the death of his cousin, who tragically took his own life. Elías was very close to his cousin and has felt this loss in a profound way. His mom, Areli, confided that she wasn’t sure how to help her son process his deep grief. She wished she could find a place where he could do art, but unfortunately, there are no opportunities like that in the neighborhood. As soon as we opened the art center, I contacted Areli to let her know. Elías comes faithfully every week and is one of my star students! Elías (left) with his friend, proudly displaying their collaged landscapes. Elías likes his version of Starry Night :) Donate Here! If you would like to support our family and the work God is doing in Pamplona Alta, you can use the button above to donate. Your donation helps us provide quality art programs that impact the lives of young people like Elías. We are so grateful for your contributions, big or small, as well as your continued prayers! Thank you for working with us towards the good life that God desires for His people. Love,Sarah, José, Mariapaz & Kunaq

Church services at United Presbyterian Church on North Park were suspended for 4 months during the great influenza epidemic of 1918- 1919 for health and safety. In 1939, our church no longer received financial aid from the HOME MISSION BOARD and became self- supporting. In 1940, Rev. Mark Warner was given a year's leave of absence to fulfill his duties as chaplain to the Infantry Regiment in Colorado; he was gone for six years! During Rev. Warner’s pastorate at our church, he became very involved in and a proponent of creating the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River as a national monument. Rev. Mark Waner's last regular service with our church was in 1958. (We are now 58 years old)

The United Presbyterian Church built its first church in 1910, and a dedication service was held on October 2, 1910, on the corner of North Park and North 2nd. That original building is no longer standing. A baptism for 4 people was also held that Sunday. In March of 1915, the then-current pastor, Rev. Picken, accepted a call to Boise, Idaho, and in September of that year died in a swimming tragedy. Our church was without a “called pastor" until July 7, 1918. When we were but 9 years old, Rev. Mark T. Warner began ministry at United Presbyterian Church. He remained with us for THIRTY EIGHT YEARS. Please see pictures of all pastors in Narthex.

117 years ago, in 1909, our church became a nucleus of Presbyterians from other congregations, and the Mission Board in Pittsburgh, PA, sent Rev. Mr. J. H. White, Synodical Superintendent of Missions in Nebraska, to begin the organization of the United Presbyterian Church in Montrose. The first service was held in the old courthouse on Main Street in Montrose on July 11, 1909. 34 people attended the Sabbath School, and 38 attended the first worship service with Reverend Mr. White in charge. The first service led to financial assistance from THE HOME MISSION BOARD who sent Rev. MR. R. J. Picken to serve as pastor. On September 26, 1909, our church was officially launched. December 5, 1909, Frank Lorimer was elected Clerk of Session, and 32 charter members were admitted. Names are available if desired.

From 1910 until 1958, our church, then known as United Presbyterian Church, was located on the block of North Park and 2nd. In 1965, a new church building was built next to the existing one, and in 1969, an educational wing, kitchen, and fellowship hall were added to the sanctuary. In 1984 or 1985, the building and property were sold, and we built the first part of the church where we worship today. Our name was changed to First Presbyterian Church. (We are now 76 years old) The first service at our new location was Easter Sunday, April 7, 1985, and the church was officially dedicated on June 9, 1985. In 1992, we added the current fellowship hall and classrooms to the main church through prayer and cash only. The BOB (Building Out Back) was finished in 2006/07. This concludes the historical part of our church's structures and name.

January certainly seems to have brought the cold and snow this season and our playground has become a winter wonderland. The children have been bundled up as they play in and explore the icy outdoors. Inside, lessons and activities are centered around snow, snowflakes, and ice. As we begin the year, it's clear there is a calm and settled feeling in our halls and rooms. While all of the fall and end-of-the-year holidays are fun and special, filled with exciting activities, we recognized that much progress and learning takes place during this time. Teachers and students alike are comfortable and relaxed as a steady and peaceful pace is in place. Thinking ahead, we are glad to let you know about our Literacy Day planned for February. Each month we see several families meet together for our Parent Action Committee. This group works to help support different school events and fundraisers throughout the year, and I am so thankful for their participation and dedication. Sonshine Patch Preschool is a truly blessed program. Every day we see the wondrous provisions that God gives us. There tends to be a slight increase in our numbers during the beginning of the year and I often meet with new families looking to start their children with us. A very common response from these visits is how nice and lovely the facility is. What a testament to the tender love and care that SPP receives from First Presbyterian Church. Just a quick walk down the halls and folks are ready to join this family! We continue to thank the Monday Morning Men and FPC members who make this place so great! I also see how God has brought together an incredible group of staff and teachers. There are 13 ladies employed at Sonshine Patch, a historic, all-time high. And this team so sweetly works together and serves this school so well. I am honored to do life with such like-minded women who love the Lord and all the children here. They encourage me daily with their enthusiasm for teaching, their passion for learning, and their patience in all things. They are a rare and beautiful example of the Body of Christ. I praise God for how He additionally has brought SO MANY children through our doors! We currently have close to 70 students, again a historic, all-time high with this structure (daily attendance vs. 2 or 3 days a week sessions). What a gift and joyous opportunity we have to minister to such precious children. My heart is so full as I pray that each one of our darling kiddos comes to know, love, and trust Jesus more every day. I thank Him for holding Sonshine Patch in His mighty hands, leading and guiding us each step of the way. I'm thankful as well for our family at FPC and all of your continued support. In all things, may we give Him all the glory, honor, and praise. In His love, Daisy Chell

During the month of February we have had many lessons and activities focusing on love! And what a fun and joyous topic for us all. Some specific points that our students at Sonshine Patch Preschool have been learning are how big, how special, and how important God's love is. We continued on with then learning how we can each love the Lord and those around us. This can be a hard thing for little minds to grasp, but as we look to 1 John 4:19, " We love because He first loved us," we find that God can help us with this practice. What a gift love is to be able to share with these children and their families! Also, in February, we had a special literacy day called Camp Readmore. Several families signed up to host reading and book stations for groups of kiddos to rotate through. These stations were set up in tents and displayed a variety of themes and topics such as hockey, rhyming words, and author Eric Carle, among many others. We even had special guests from the Montrose Library come visit in the Bookmobile! Children were able to each check out a book for the classroom as we all came together to support and encourage a love of reading, books, and all things literacy. As we look to March there are several things that we are preparing for and happy to share with you. We have just launched our Spring Fundraiser, Project Pi. March 14 (3/14) is a day that recognizes the mathematical number of pi, 3.1449265359.... and to "celebrate" this day, the children are selling raffle tickets for $3.14 each. Then, on Thursday the 14th, we will hold an assembly to draw three winners who will each receive a pie-themed gift. You might also note that the highest-selling child from each class will get to pie Ms. Daisy in the face!!! Oh boy! That just might almost be too much motivation for this fundraiser designed to support our scholarship fund. Everyone is welcome to join us as there is a sign-up for tickets in the church office as well as the school entryway. We are excited for this fun event to help support families in need. Then, later in March, we will hold our annual Easter event, the Journey of Jesus, which is always a highlight in our year. Teachers and students alike continue to be actively engaged in all the many and special parts that make up our sweet school. And we want to always express our deep gratitude to our family at First Presbyterian for all of your support, love, and prayers. In His Name, Daisy Chell

We are so thankful to be able to celebrate this special time with our Sonshine Family. During Holy Week in March, we had an Easter event affectionately called the Journey of Jesus. This event saw many families and FPC members volunteer to host different learning stations for our students. Stations were set up throughout the church and B.O.B. as groups of children rotated through. Each group walked through stories, crafts, games, and activities, all telling about the life of Jesus, starting with His miraculous birth and ending with His glorious resurrection! My heart is so full thinking about these tender little hearts learning and growing in faith. I'm so thankful we have the precious opportunity to love, encourage, and minister to such young minds. Looking back, March was actually a pretty full month for us! Over the second weekend, six of our preschool staff attended a two-day state conference for early childhood education. This was a very rewarding time for us as we were able to experience and grow in professional development, feel energized and encouraged, and foster a deeper love and connection for one another as coworkers and friends. What a gift this conference was for us! We also "celebrated" Pi Day on 3.14 with a unique fundraiser that helps support our Scholarship Fund and resulted in some kiddos getting to pie me in the face! Apparently, it was very entertaining for children, staff, and families!! Then, during the last week of March, we had our spring Parent-Teacher Conferences. I always love the time the families and staff get to spend together, strengthening relationships and discussing the children's progress and goals. We certainly have some pretty great folks in our community. I'm so glad God has brought each and every one of these people through our doors. These rooms and halls are full of such love and joy. We welcome you all to join us in praising our Lord for His great faithfulness, guidance, and care. I continue to be so honored and blessed for how He has called me to serve here at Sonshine Patch. And again, I thank you, our beloved church family, for all of your love, prayers, and support! In all things, may we give Him all the glory. Daisy Chell Sonshine Patch Preschool Director

How do you put a whole year into a few words? "It was wonderful" just doesn't seem to cut it. But it must be said - teachers, children, and their families really did have a wonderful year!! It's not hard to think back and recall with fondness so many special and rewarding things. We had a huge group of children attend preschool across five classrooms, each one unique as a snowflake. Our Sonshine staff skillfully and lovingly met each kiddo where he or she was and provided such support and encouragement that we saw so much growth and learning. Students in our program are now well-equipped with their ABCs, 123s, and stories of Jesus, as we worked to prepare them for Kindergarten and beyond. Not only did teaching center around basic academics, but more importantly around how to share, make a friend, follow directions, and show kindness. So many parts of child development take place in a preschool setting and I'm so very proud of our teachers and children here at the end, as we celebrate a job well done! I'm also thankful of course for the amazing families and the love and support they provided. We saw moms, dads, grandparents, and siblings of all ages help with special events and fundraisers adding to the success of our wonderful year. A few highlights to point out are: Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat, the Wreath fundraiser, Thanksgiving feasts, the Christmas Tree Lighting, our Literacy Day - Camp Readmore, the Pi fundraiser, our Easter event - The Journey of Jesus, and monthly Bless the Teacher - a special lunch for staff!! Because of our parent committee, we saw quite a list of things planned, organized, and run so smoothly. I am also grateful for the members of our school board and leadership team. This group of parents and FPC members has been diligent in their dedication to running this school. I am deeply encouraged by their guidance and support! What's another piece that's added to making up a wonderful year, you may be wondering? Why, our family at First Presbyterian Church of course!! The Sonshine Patch has had incomparable and unending support from you. The Monday Morning Men have served the facility so faithfully and people left and right have sponsored the Scholarship Fund, signed up to help with events and fundraisers, and as a whole, over decades, have not stopped praying for this sweet school! We recognize that our foundation is in Christ alone. While it is clearly evident how God has used numerous people to minister here, the true wonder of success rests reverently on His shoulders. How beautiful is it to see the work of the Lord. His love poured out, His Word spread far, and His faithfulness abundant. His grace and mercy here in this place, reaching to His precious and beloved children. There is no one like our God! My heart is bursting with thanksgiving to know how He has called us into His service to teach, care for, and love all these young minds who enter our darling Sonshine Patch Preschool. May we give Him all the glory and honor forever. Until next year my friends, Daisy

Hello, beloved church family. I hope you have been enjoying another glorious Colorado summer! Over here at Sonshine Patch Preschool, things have been pretty quiet once we fixed the sidewalk, removed a dead tree, and waxed the floors. Now that that's all taken care of we are starting to get everything and everyone else ready for a new school year! Teachers will be returning to work next week for meetings, orientation, and professional development. Over several days, classrooms will be set up, and walls, bulletin boards, and cubbies will be colorfully decorated, ready to welcome all our students!! Our preschool will hold a Back to School Night on Thursday, 8/29, for families to come meet teachers, find classrooms, pick up Welcome Packets, and ask any questions about the year. At this time, I would like to invite anyone interested in helping us provide cookies for this event. We will thankfully accept any homemade or store-bought cookies to the refrigerator in the B.O.B. multi-purpose room kitchen before Aug. 29th. I would also like to bring your attention to an opportunity to support our ongoing Scholarship Fund. Over the many decades, our school has been blessed and supported so well by First Pres. That support comes in the form of love, prayer, maintenance, and finances. I continue to be encouraged and inspired by the generosity of our church family! Through donations to the Scholarship Fund, families who couldn't otherwise enroll in preschool have been blessed to have their children placed in our quality, faith-based program. We have seen children faced with hardships such as low-income homes, broken families, or in the foster care system now thriving in our classrooms under the tender care and education of our dedicated staff. We exist to nurture young hearts and minds, prepare for kindergarten readiness, teach the Bible and the Good News of Christ, encourage exploration and imagination through play, and unconditionally love everyone who walks through our doors. We have seen God's faithfulness as He provides for our needs and equips us to serve. I am truly honored to have been called to this role here at Sonshine and look forward to how the Lord will use me, you, our teachers, board, parents, and the community to make a difference for eternity. With heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support, Daisy Chell, SPP Director

As we are greeted by lovely cool weather, I'm delighted to share that we are one month into our school year. September has been full of teachers and students settling into classes and routines. The halls are bursting with life and love. Even with the most fun and best program around, some children still have a hard time at the beginning feeling comfortable in a new environment. I'm incredibly proud of each of our staff for their flexibility and compassion to help support children during a difficult transition. We are also deeply grateful for the support we have received for our Scholarship Fund. We know that the donations that come from the apples on the Giving Tree will bless children in our community and give them an opportunity for quality education. The faithfulness of FPC is a beautiful testament to all that God is doing here in this place. I continue to see how the Lord builds and provides for us each year. As we put our trust in Him, there is much to look forward to! Teachers are busy leading lessons and activities, helping students grow in all areas of development. Every day, I see children growing in social-emotional skills as they work to make new friends, practice sharing and taking turns, explore things big and little on the playground, paint, read, build, write, count, sing, and pray. I can only imagine the joy our Father must have spending time with his precious children every day at preschool. What a gift to continue to serve here at Sonshine Patch Preschool. Daisy Chell Sonshine Patch Preschool Director