Friedens United Church of Christ

Transcription

1 Tidings of Peace Friedens United Church of Christ Giving of our Time, Talents and Treasure What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? James 2:14 Since I was a little girl in Sunday School, I ve been taught that to be a Christian means that we are to be Christ-like servants. It always sounded so easy because I ve heard it so often. But what does it really mean and how does being a Christ-like servant translate to giving of our time, talents, and treasure? What does it mean that sometimes I ve found it to be the hardest thing I ve ever done? Or that some of the hardest things I ve ever done have turned out to become my greatest rewards? Jesus was the perfect example of a servant when he lived on the earth. I can t be a perfect servant. But I can remind myself that to believe is to care; to care is to do. I can remind myself when I m feeling selfish, my pride is getting in the way, or when I would really rather be doing something else, how profoundly grateful I am to God and that I can hand on to others some of the generosity and some of the gifts I have received. I can remind myself when I really don t want to give in first, admit I am wrong, truly forgive, or want to stay angry, to be Christ-centered rather than selfcentered. I can remind myself that to be a good steward of God s gifts is not to be a passive beneficiary, but to share them lovingly. 5 suggestions for sharing your time, talents, and treasure: 1. Offer to help! Please don t wait to be asked. Go to Pastors Marc or Sarah (or the chairperson of any committee) and let them know you want to help. They have lots of ideas and suggestions. Volunteer for something you read about in this newsletter or in the Sunday bulletin. There are many more things to be done than there are people to do them. 2. Feel free to start small. You don t have to make a commitment for the rest of your life or take on the responsibility of being the chairperson of a big committee. There are hundreds of little things being done behind the scenes every day. And it takes all these things, as well as sharing our treasure, to accomplish the mission of Friedens. 3. Think about what you like to do or what you do well. We all like to do what we think we do well so focus your time and talents in those areas. For example, I love spending time with kids so I ve been a sponsor for youth groups, Confirmation mentor, Sunday School teacher, VBS director and teacher, and Treasure Seekers leader. But I can t sing. I wish I could, but I can t. So you will not see me volunteering to sing with the choir! Continued on page 2 Inside this issue: Pastor s Paragraph July Text and Sermon Themes July 2013 Friedens Youth Ministry 3 Youth and Children Opportunities Dominican Republic Adult Education Connecting at Friedens Global Ministries Update Elena Update Indiana-Kentucky Conference Annual Meeting Looking Ahead 8 Jesus was the perfect example of a servant when he lived on the earth. I can t be a perfect servant. But I can remind myself that to believe is to care; to care is to do. ~Janet Raker

2 Page 2 Tidings of Peace Pastor s Paragraph So Pharaoh asked, Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the Spirit of God? Genesis 41:38 The story of Joseph is an unlikely tale of a rise to prominent leadership and greatness. In fact, nothing could have seemed more unlikely considering that Joseph s journey took him through periods of enslavement and imprisonment. Yet, in time, Joseph became Pharaoh s most trusted and influential leader. His wise decisions saved hundreds of thousands of people from starvation during a long drought and famine. The story makes clear that Joseph s rise to power and wisdom in governance was a direct result of God s Spirit in his life. Joseph was a willing partner with God, allowing Divine purposes to be accomplished even when it seemed impossible. Through Joseph, even Pharaoh exalted God. We too are the recipients of God s Spirit. Like Joseph it may seem unlikely that we could make a positive difference in our family, community and world. Remember, it is not about our greatness but our willingness to be a vehicle of God s greatness. When we trust the Spirit of God to work through us the impossible becomes possible and those whose lives we touch are drawn to know and work with the Spirit of God too. How does God want to work through you to make a difference and bring others into Divine relationship? May God find in us willing vehicles for the living Spirit of Christ. Your partner in sharing the love of Christ, Pastor Marc 4. Be willing to get out of your comfort zone. Almost 30 years ago I was asked to be on the Church Council and be the Chairperson of the Worship and Arts Committee. I didn t feel up to the task so I prayed about it and thought about it and finally said yes. And I learned! I learned which color of the paraments belonged on the altar and pulpit for the different church seasons (Actually I had to learn what paraments were first!), how to set up the communion trays, direct the Maundy Thursday drama, teach people how to be Lay Readers, and many, many more things. Now when I worship, I somewhat have a sense of what has been done to make the service more meaningful for me and all the people sitting around me. I appreciate what others are doing now because of what I have done in the past. 5. Be open to volunteering outside of Friedens. I ve participated in many mission trips. I ve gone with a pediatrician and pediatric dentist where we set up a clinic and felt comfortable and I ve done construction (specifically tied rebar) for a future clinic and didn t feel comfortable! But all have been wonderful experiences! And I served on the Church and Ministry Committee for the Southeast Association of the UCC IN-KY Conference for 5 years. That experience became invaluable to me when I was the Chairperson for the search committee for Pastor Marc over 20 years ago. We are called to serve and we acknowledge God s generosity to us by being generous to others. The UCC Statement of Faith says God calls us into the church to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of others. Giving of our time, talents, and treasure is not only our responsibility as Christians, it is also our joy. I ve always loved the quote from Ghandi that says, The fragrance always remains on the hand that gives the rose. ~Janet Raker July Worship Text and Themes 7/7 Luke 10:1-11 Sent With Love 7/14 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 God of Comfort and Hope 7/21 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Our Weakness and God s Strength 7/28 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Reconciliation

3 Friedens United Church of Christ Friedens Youth Ministry is an active ministry filled with fun, fellowship, and learning. Whether it s our high school youth engaged in discussion with their class leader, Doc Rissel or the middle school youth serving at various organizations during Summer X there is no shortage of youth activities. Our youth ministry strives to Build relationships with God and others through sharing the love of Christ by following our values of WORSHIP: Welcoming, Open, Relate, Study, Help, Invite and Pray. Sunday mornings during the school year both middle school and high school students are invited to their respective classes to learn and engage in discussion on various topics presented by their class leaders. The first and third Sundays after our 10:30 AM worship services ALL youth are invited to Youth 6:12 for a shared meal and a wide variety of activities. The second Thursday of the month you will find our youth and families serving at Midwest Food Bank generally repackaging items for delivery to one of many food pantries Midwest serves in our area. Our youth choir, Psalm 89:1, meets twice a month to practice together and share their wonderful music several times a year at our two 10:30 AM services. We are blessed as a church family to have some many talented youth willing to share their gift of song and music with us! Our 8 th graders participate in confirmation with an adult mentor their entire 8 th grade year. Confirmation is always a wonderful experience happening Palm Sunday each year. Pastor Sarah also plans several activities a year for the youth to kick back and have fun together outside of the church building. In the past these activities have included pool parties, trips to apple orchards, hiking trips to local state parks, seeing a local high school play together, and much, much more. Page 3 Friedens Youth Ministry: Fun and Ministry ALL Year This summer our middle school youth will be participating in our week long Summer X program. Bible study in the morning with Pastor Marc and an art project led by Mari Prior and after lunch a chance to share in service at a local organization. Our high school youth had an opportunity early in June to travel with Pastor Sarah, Katie Eichelman, and Mike Devoy to Chicago overnight where they visited DuSable African American History museum, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, with dinner at Giordani for pizza. Our youth will also play a very important role at Vacation Bible School serving as leaders and helpers for your children as they learn, play, and sing together during our annual event. Responding to a need of our high school youth Pastor Sarah and Erica have opened Sarah s home for dinner and a chance to relax and just talk. Over the next 2 months planning and work will be taking place to give the high school youth their own room suitable for growing teenagers here at the church building. Watch for more details as those become available and for opportunities to help! Pastor Sarah has also been helping the middle school girls establish a small discussion group that meets once a month or so allowing the girls to be together and talk about what s going on in their lives as well as a chance to get to know each other better. Our youth ministry here at Friedens truly has something for every youth who walks into the building! We thank you for your prayers and support throughout the year.

4 Page 4 Youth Opportunities at Friedens Tidings of Peace Youth 6:12 Sunday, July 21, 11:30 a.m. Pool party at the Taylor s home Bring your suit and towel Retreat Join Pastor Sarah, Sunday, July 28th, 11:30 AM at Peace Learning Center in Eagle Creek Park for a Leadership Training Retreat. RSVP to Sarah by July 17, or pastorsarah@friedensucc.org Youth Leading Youth Contact Pastor Sarah if you are interested in joining this group and learning about leadership skills. High School Youth Join Pastor Sarah at her home, Wednesday July 3 and Wednesday July 17, 6:00-7:30 PM for dinner, games and a chance to sit back and relax Children s Educational Opportunities Treasure Seekers Worship Themes and Text 7/7 1 Corinthians 13 Love 7/14 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 God of Comfort and Hope 7/21 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Our Weakness and God s Strength 7/28 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Reconciliation Treasure Seekers is an age appropriate children s program beginning after the Children s message of both 10:30 AM services. Children gather together for music, worship, and a guided activity each week. Treasure Seekers continues all summer! July Memory Verse: May the God of hope fill you with al joy and peace as you thrust in him so you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Vacation Bible School Reminder to sign up your children for Kingdome Rock: Where Kid s Stand Strong for God! July 7-11, 6:00-8:00PM beginning in the Community Life and Worship Center Dominican Republic 2014 Trip Are you interested in going on the next trip to the Dominican Republic? Are you not sure what the trip is all about but want to learn more before making a decision? If you answered yes to either of these questions then you will want to contact Susie Engelau at or csengelau@aol.com to begin receiving trip updates now. The next trip will be June 2014 and will most likely be 6 nights and 7 days. The trip is open to travelers 16 and above and we will be able to take up to around 40 people. You do not need to make a final decision until January of 2014 so even if you don t know if you will be able to go you can Susie to be kept up to date on the latest information and then make your decision in January. The Dominican Republic trip is always a highly anticipated and highly rewarding experience and we hope you will consider joining us for the June 2014 trip!

5 Friedens United Church of Christ Page 5 Adult Educational Opportunities at Friedens Adult VBS, July 7-11, 6:15-7:45PM in the CLWC Adult Classroom A Place at the Table is a recently released major documentary about hunger in the United States. It features Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges and Top Chef Tom Colicchio and follows the lives of three people in different parts of the country as they struggle with hunger. In our class, we will use the movie to explore topics such as hunger among children, how hunger affects the classroom, the relationship between hunger, nutrition, and obesity, how the environment impacts hunger, and the changing face of hunger. We will also be looking at what the Bible says about hunger. Pastor Marc and Mike Hastings will facilitate and we will include special speakers that can provide even more insight to these topics. Come for all 5 nights or just one! Connecting at Friedens Are you looking for a way to be more involved at Friedens but don t know where to start? Check out one of our many fellowship groups! Friedens FUN July 14, 11:30 AM in the Narthex FUNGAS FUN Game After Service Bring a sack lunch for your family, games to play, and come enjoy fellowship with other families of the church! Friedens Folk Meets the Last Thursday of the Month, July 25, 11:00 AM in the Narthex. Bring a dish to share! Ladies Night Out July 10, 7PM; Location to be determined, Watch the church bulletin and website Book Group Do you like to read and discuss books in a group? Then contact Sharon Hedegard to be put on the book club list to find out what book is being read and where the next gathering will be. Contact Sharon: sharonhedegard@gmail.com or call July 22 Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See Friedens Friends July 27, Connor Prairie- Symphony on the Prairie Meet in Friedens parking lot at 5:00 PM to carpool. Concert begins at 8 PM, tickets can be purchased at gate, $28. Concert is Tchaikovsky s Symphony No. 4 Bring your own dinner and RSVP Peg Stanish at if you plan to attend Women s Guild Meets the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Adult Classroom to make bears for local hospitals. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy great conversation! July 11 at 10:00 AM Monthly Men s Breakfast Meets the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8:00 AM in the Community Life and Worship Center. Contact Ray Raker for more information. July 20 at 8:00 AM Dad s Group Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00 PM at Shallo s. July 18th No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, there s a place for you here.

6 Page 6 A New Beginning Written by Amy Lester July 1, 2013 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Global Ministries Update There are very few times in your life when you are a bsolutely sure you have chosen the right path or know you are in exactly the right place, but that is how I feel here in Hungary. There has been more hospitality and generosity poured out to me in the past four months than I ever could have imagined. I was called to Budapest, Hungary because I have a talent that directly aligns to an expressed need, and what may seem like a menial task of writing or proofreading is more helpful than we, as native English speakers, could ever imagine. I say this because Hungary, linguistically, is extremely isolated. Their language is very difficult and very unique. It is also a language that essentially does not exist outside the borders of Hungary. Yet, there is a wealth of information being showcased by the church s communication department, but because it is written in Hungarian, few outside of the borders will understand it. This means any news article or update has to be translated into English or German, which, in a time when the worldwide church is more connected than it has ever been, international ties and relations are essential. I see my place as a communicator, telling the Hungarian Tidings of Peace churches story. I see that I m a vital cog in this machine. But I often get this feeling that I am not doing substantial enough work to fit the term real missionary. I learned that the definition of mission is that our worth is a direct result of the work we do. So I ask myself, since when did productivity become the deciding factor in a relationship? Shouldn t a partnership be about supporting each other and learning from one another while our journeys of faith overlap in a certain place for a finite amount of time? I conclude, it is our challenge to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God, which means living our lives with the purpose and knowledge that we are but a tiny part of Christ s body. Let us pray that our work is focused on relationships more than the measuring of accomplishments, knowing God s mission touches all people. Amy Lester serves as a Global Mission Intern with the Reformed Church in Hungary. Her ministry is possible because of funds provided by Week of Compassion of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ. Amy serves as a facilitator of international communication, writing proposals to international organizations, and receives and guides the international guests. Update and Prayer Request from Elena Huegel Please be praying for the core group of 15 people that have committed to ongoing training in Trauma Healing and Resilience Development after the 2010 earthquake. Some are the same people who were trained three weeks before the earthquake and who lead the trauma healing ministry of the church. We have had more join and each year we have been adding courses. In August, the Shalom Center is organizing a three day workshop called "The Oddessy of Healing" which will focus on how we can accompany individuals on their healing journey. A UCC minister from Massachusetts, who has specialized in trauma healing in the church and with veterans, will be coming to teach the workshop. Please pray for this workshop and the ongoing trauma healing program of the Shalom Center. Our goal is to have 10 Chilean instructors trained who will be able to facilitate each of the different level courses within the next two years. It is humbling and uplifting to hear the testimonies of those who have been touched by the ministry of these dedicated laypeople. Shalom E

7 Friedens United Church of Christ Page Indiana-Kentucky Conference Annual Meeting This year s Annual Gathering celebrated the 50 th Anniversary of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference. The Annual Gathering is really one long worship service, starting Friday morning with the Call to Worship and ending Saturday with communion and the benediction around noon. A lot is packed in between. The entertaining and inspiring keynote address was by Rev. Michael Piazza, pastor of Virginia Highland Church in Atlanta, Georgia and CO-Executive Director of the Center for Progressive Renewal. I attended Rev. Jude Sutharshan Mahendren s workshop on the Sri Lankan Mission Partnership. He gave us a good look at the history of the UCC/ Congregationalist mission in Sri Lanka. We all appreciated his eloquent description of the problems the Christian Tamil community are experiencing in northern and eastern Sri Lanka. I also went to Rev. Jennifer Mills-Knutsen s workshop on church transformation. She pastors St. Luke s UCC in Jeffersonville. Rev. Stephanie Wiener was installed a Associate Conference Minister. The Southeast Association Committee on Ministry met with several members in discernment on Saturday morning. That was a good opportunity to meet other seminarians and compare experiences. ~Steve Mojonnier I'm relatively new to the IN/KY Conference Annual Meetings, but am somewhat obligated as a member of the Board of Directors. This has turned out to be one of the most pleasant parts of that job, however, and I have really enjoyed the variety of workshop choices where best practices and faith beyond the local church are discussed. More than the learning opportunities, it was really inspiring to have several opportunities for worship each day and to hear messages from different members of our conference staff! They are gifted preacher/teachers, and it's a treat to hear their thoughts about faith and life!! Thanks for the opportunity to represent our church. ~Sharon Hedegard The First Aid Station was fairly quiet on Friday, so that was good! I attended the Women's Luncheon which was very nice, and an opportunity to re-connect with people. They talked about the upcoming fall Women's Retreat where there will be an opportunity to create a basket and think/meditate on how our lives are woven together with God. The group also announced three areas of focus for the next year -- Human Trafficking, Gun Violence and Water. It was also good to be at the banquet celebrating the Indiana/Kentucky Conference 50th Anniversary and to see Dick receive recognition for his 40 years of ordained ministry. ~Sandy Bailey Hi, I was there as a visitor with John and Nadine Gantt. Again, I applaud the full time conference staff and participants. They had it well planned, with meaningful workshops and worship services I listened to the keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Piazza three times. He was certainly a good choice. I would recommend that more Friedens members become involved in the conference, in annual meetings and in volunteering to help. ~Jean Gantt I missed two annual meetings being in London, so I was happy to see how much Worship, how many good opportunities to learn, so many relationships to renew, and plenty of challenges, are in the revised annual meeting. It was very good to be back, in Jesus' Love ~Tom Blossom Christmas in July coming soon! Watch for the tree to go up in the Narthex around July 25 th. This year donations will benefit Wheeler Mission. More information will be coming soon!

8 Marc Hayden, Senior Minister Sarah Haas, Associate Minister of Children and Youth Ministries Friedens United Church of Christ is a caring and growing church family with a proud heritage and a promising future! Worship Services: Sundays at 8:30 AM Liturgical Service Sundays at 10:30 AM Sanctuary Service Sundays at 10:30 AM Shalom Service Silent Auction, Dinner & Entertainment to benefit Perry Senior Citizens Services July 13, 2013 at Primo Banquet Hall Tickets: $25 each ($20 seniors 60+), call to purchase 6:00 PM: Cocktail Hour, Silent Auction, Dancing 7:00 PM: Dinner Live music by Steve Elston! All proceeds will benefit: Perry Senior Citizens Services who provide hot meals to seniors and provide transportation to medical appointments. Looking Ahead August 4 Office Open August 11 Confirmation class begins August 25 Congregational Dinner Friedens United Church of Christ 8300 S. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED (317) Find us on the web at