FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
We are Christians proclaiming God's love through Worship, Stewardship, Education and Outreach Ministries. Our mission is: Serving His children whenever there is a need.

310 W. 11th Street, Pueblo Colorado, 81003

Retreats

by Wanda Glover

In the early 1960’s, for several years, an all church weekend retreat was held in the summer.  Members of the FUMC would gather in Pueblo Mountain Park near Beulah.  We would stay in Horseshoe Lodge.  Under the leadership of Rev. Tom Kleen, members would brainstorm as to what they would like to see the church implement and accomplish in the succeeding year or years.  The meetings were held outside in the beautiful mountain setting.  The lodge had a main dining room and kitchen.   Mae and Pete Lawless, church members, cooked all the delicious meals for the weekend (much like Carrie and Steve Worley are doing now).  On one end of the lodge was a large dorm room which housed the women and girls.  The men and boys occupied a similar dorm at the other extreme.  Recreation included hikes, horseshoes, dodge ball, volleyball, etc.  All fun, but nothing fancy.  We would have evening vespers in the lodge with a huge fire going as our singing echoed off of the mountains.  The kids and many of the adults enjoyed roasting marshmallows and making “s’mores”

 

Later, our retreats were moved to Horn Creek Conference grounds for winter retreats.  For a good many years our planning for the church took place in the beauty of the mountains southwest of Westcliffe.  The retreats would run Friday night through Sunday afternoon.   We had talent (?) shows, great competitive games, with lots of fun, worship, tubing on a great hill with a tow to take you to the top.  Ice skating and food cooked and served by the Horn Creek employees helped to make the week-end special.   Some of our members bought bonds to help provide funds for Horncreek to continue its’ expansion.  The last retreat was held in January 2007.