Tidings of Peace. Tidings of Peace. In This Issue Pastor s Paragraph Page 2. Text and Themes. Updates: From the Council President

Transcription

1 June 2015 Friedens United Church of Christ In This Issue Pastor s Paragraph Page 2 August Worship Page 2 Text and Themes Ministry Team Page 3 Updates: From the Council President Lunch Bunch Page 3 Discussion Group News Youth Ministry Page 4 News: Revive Confirmation News Page 4 Children, Youth & Page 4 Adult Education Connecting at Page 5 Friedens Community Page 5 Groups at Friedens Volunteer Spotlight Page 6 Safe Sitter Recap Page 6 Save the Date Page 6 News: Church-wide Fun Night and Pitch in Oktoberfest Global Ministries Page 7 Update In Our Community Page 7 1 P a g e Glenns Valley Tutoring Program Starting Back Up Again Soon! Perry Township s school year is underway and this means that Friedens third year of providing tutoring support for Glenns Valley Elementary School is also about to kick off. In each of the program s first two years volunteers from Friedens have provided over 360 hours of in-class tutoring support for the students and teachers at Glenns Valley. We are reaching wider and making a big difference in our community! The kick off for this school year will be a meeting at the Perry Township Education Center (PTEC) on Wednesday, August 12 at 10:00 AM. We are providing tutoring services as part of Perry Township s Help Our Pupils Excel (HOPE) program, and this meeting will provide information regarding being a tutor for Perry Township s schools. PTEC is located at the corner of Banta Road and Orinoco Avenue, just east of Perry Stadium and Southport High School. If you cannot attend this meeting, don t worry! Please contact Jeff Brodzeller at or jeffbrodzeller@sbcglobal.net for further information on getting started with this important program. Many thanks to the youth who participated in Summer X. This year the Summer X participants served at Vacation Bible School, Uspiritus Children s Home, the Boys and Girls Club, and Exodus Refugee. They worshipped together, ate together, and enjoyed an afternoon at Kentucky Science Museum and an afternoon at Freedom Springs water park. They prepared the liturgy and messages for Youth Sunday with teachings from Ephesians 2: We are grateful for the community partners who hosted us, parents and grandparents who made the time possible, Bob Craig who helped with Summer X, Steve Mojonnier for the prayer books, and the congregation for your prayers. ~Pastor Sarah Today (June 24) I went to a children s home. When we went to the children s home we (Adelle and me) ate lunch with three children. One kid Zach, and the other was Cameron. I did not get the 3 rd ones name. They were all boys. We talked about our favorite subjects, movies, and books plus lots of other things. I probably learned lots from the kids. I am glad they are so well taken care of. Today I also saw where they were being taken care of. The cottages were all very nice. They all have a nice home and school. That is great because they are all wonderful children. ~Carissa writing about USpiritus (formely know as Brooklawn)

2 Pastor s Paragraph Will you help me regain Sunday morning for worship? When religious affiliation was a norm of American citizenship Sunday morning was set aside for church participation. Cultural norms have changed and Sunday morning is no longer reserved for the church. Many of us feel this is to the detriment of our lives as individuals and as a society. For instance, the abandonment of weekly Sabbath rest leaves us feeling tired and empty; a lack of regular connection with our Creator undermines a sense of meaning and purpose; missing out on the weekly instruction of our ancient scriptures and the practice of sacred rites and rituals drain joy, mystery and wisdom from life and relationships; a week that lacks sitting down together in a sanctuary as a family may well be a week without meaningful time together as a family. In sum, we are poorer for schedules that make worship a low priority. Of course, things can change. They can change beginning with us. We can inform our children s coaches and directors and activity leaders that our children are not available for Sunday morning events. We can request Sunday mornings off from our employer so that we can be in worship. We can let our extended family members know that planning Sunday morning family events are in conflict with our priority for worship. The more of us who begin to speak up for Sunday worship the more the message will be heard that Sunday morning should be reserved for worship. At Friedens UCC we are doubling our efforts to make worship worth speaking up for. September 6 th will begin a trial period when we are making some changes to enrich the worship experience. The 8:30 liturgical, communion service will remain as usual but at 10:30 the worship staff and leaders are working together in new ways to enrich one, combined service in the sanctuary. This 10:30 unified, sanctuary service will feature our usual order of worship and the sacred and joyous tone that has marked worship at Friedens for over a century. We are not eliminating the Shalom Service but coming together for greater strength and richness in worship. We will enhance the service with more instruments and a little wider variety of hymns and anthems. We will add ancient rituals like candle lighting and testimonies of faith. We will invite our youth to play an even larger role in leading and praising. If you will make worship a priority, our worship team at Friedens is already working to provide a truly meaningful, inspiring and welcoming service that revives our faith and commitment. I look forward to a new and growing season in the life of our beloved community of faith. See you in worship! Pastor Marc. August Worship Text and Sermon Titles 8/2 Ephesians 4:1-6 A Letter of Hope: Equipped for Service 8/9 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 A Letter of Hope: Lived in Kindness 8/16 Ephesians 5:15-20 A Letter of Hope: Always Thankful 8/23 Ephesians 6:10-17 A Letter of Hope: With Divine Defenses 8/30 Ephesians 6:18-20 A Letter of Hope: With Boldness 2 P a g e

3 Dear Congregation: Ministry Team Updates From the Council President As you know, each year we have a number of available council positions that come open. This year, there are several ministry team vacancies and, because of the two year term of office, all four officers will be leaving: President, Vice- President, Secretary and Treasurer. Please prayerfully consider whether you would be able to serve on the council. The term for officers is 2 years and one year terms for all other ministry team council members, with the possibility of adding a second year if so desired. The council has been blessed over the decades with many talented and dedicated people. I hope that you will consider using your talents by joining the council. For more information, please contact myself or Pastor Marc. On behalf of the council, Joe Walterman We are starting up budgetary discussions and if anyone wants to propose changes to the budget for next year to please contact Barry, council treasurer, or any other council member. Lunch Bunch Discussion Group The Wednesday Discussion Group meets from 12 PM-1:15 PM. All are welcome. You may come once, once in a while, or all of the time. Starting August 12 we will be reflecting together on the 7-week video series Animate Faith. It presents thought-provoking questions for adult faith formation (going deeper). It invites reflection and sharing on perspectives of God, religion, Jesus, Salvation, the Cross, the Bible, and the church. Individuals in the group have experienced that the voices of others help us all grow so please consider attending. If you have any questions please contact Pam Taylor, or pamtaylor@me.com; or Sharon Hedegard, or hedegard@msn.com. 3 P a g e

4 Youth Opportunities at Friedens Youth Ministry Update and Changes Revive: An Experience of Discipleship and Worship for Middle School and High School Youth All middle school and high school youth and their friends are invited to a Sunday morning discipleship-oriented and worshipfocused experience. The first six week session is from Sunday, September 6 th through Sunday, October 11 th, 9:30-11:30 AM. Here is what you can expect at Revive: A simple breakfast with other youth and mentors served at 9:30 in the CLWC. An engaging and interactive activity with other youth and mentors focused on helping everyone follow Jesus way of love, compassion and integrity. A time to get organized and ready to participate and lead in worship. Leading in worship at 10:30. During the week a mentor will reach out to youth to provide encouragement and support. After each six week session will be a Discipleship Day. This service and learning intensive will be fun and challenging, helping youth and mentors revive their faith and spirit. The first Discipleship Day is Saturday, October 10 th. For more information contact: Heidi Richmond (Christian Education Ministry Team chair at ), Trisha Gilbertson (Student Pastor at ) or Marc Hayden (Sr. Pastor at ). Confirmation 8/2 at 11:45 AM the current confirmands, parents, and mentors will gather in the CLWC for lunch and their first meeting Pastor Sarah s Notes: For many families August means a return to the routines of the school year. For many that also means a very busy and fastpaced schedule. Are there ways that Friedens UCC can help you stay connected to God, our source of strength and peace even as the school year gets underway? Perhaps we can pray for one another and share ideas about how we can continue to stay focused on our mission of sharing the love of Christ with others. We hope that you will continue to join us each Sunday in worship. I d also invite you to find time to share the blessings and challenges of each day with one another and then to offer them up to God together in prayer. Please be in touch with any ways we can offer you encouragement or support and any ideas you have that might be helpful as we journey together as disciples of Jesus. Thank you! Sarah pastorsarah@friedensucc.org Children s Education Opportunities Treasure Seeker Text for August: 8/9- Ephesians 4:25-5:2 Speak with honesty and words that build on another up 8/16- Ephesians 5:15-20 Be wise and give thanks at all times 8/23- Ephesians 6:1-3 Honor your father and mother 8/30- Ephesians 6:10-20 Be strong in the Lord and in the power of the Lord August Memory Verse: Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:17-18 August 30-11:45 AM Treasure Seeker Leader Training This training will introduce our Treasure Seeker leaders to the new curriculum being used beginning in September. It is highly encouraged that all leaders attend this important training to find out more about the curriculum and the plans for fall. We will meet in the CLWC for lunch with the training to follow. Opportunities for Children to Serve To all 2 nd to 5 th graders: If you would like to serve as an acolyte please be in touch with Pastor Sarah To all 4 th & 5 th graders: If you would like to serve as a Treasure Seeker Worship Leader please be in touch with Pastor Sarah 4 P a g e

5 Connecting at Friedens Are you looking for a way to be more involved at Friedens but don t know where to start? Dad s Group Meets the 3 rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM Most month the gathering is at Shallo s just north of County Line Rd August 20 Monthly Men s Breakfast Meets the 3 rd Saturday each month at 8:00 AM in the Community Life and Worship Center August 15 Book Group Do you like to read and discuss books? Contact Sharon Hedegard to be put on the book club list and find out what their next book will be, sharonhedegard@gmail.com or August Book: Contact Sharon Hedegard for selection August Discussion Date: August 24, either at church or someone s home, please bring a refreshment to share. Friedens Folk A monthly gathering of our retired folk. Bring a dish to share at the pitch-in lunch and come enjoy fellowship. August 27 at 11:00 AM in the narthex Ladies Night Out To better serve our ladies we have moved this gathering to the Second Wednesday of EVEN months. Still meeting at 7:00 PM at various locations around the south side and Greenwood. August 12 at McAlister s on SR 135 just south of the church Women s Guild Meets the 2 nd Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM in the Adult Classroom to make bears for local hospitals. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy great conversation! August 13 Community Groups at Friedens Mondays Yoga- 6:00-7:15 PM, Contact Mo Barkely for more information: mobarkley@sbcglobal.net Boy Scout Troop 183-7:30-9:00 PM, contact Scoutmaster Scott Kroger at skroger6977@gmail.com to for information Tuesdays Young Champions- 5:45-8:45 PM, contact Vickie Sutton at vsutton@ycoami.com for more information Wednesdays Cub Scout Pack 183-6:30-8:00 PM, contact Erica Shoop at scoutmom183@gmail.com for more information Tuesdays and Wednesdays Kindermusik- various times, contact Jody Treadwell at jtmusik@comcast.net for more information Thursdays Yoga- 7:00-8:00 PM, Every Thursday in May. Contact Whitney Hayden at whitneymhayden@gmail.com for more information on dates. Meeting in the Kendall Center and is $8.00 per class or $35 for a 5 class pass. Fridays and Saturday Women s AA Group- Fridays at 6:30 PM in the Adult Classroom AA Group- Saturdays at 6:00 PM Like us on Facebook at Don t forget to check out our website 5 P a g e

6 Volunteer Spotlight Determination with a smile. This is what comes to mind when I think about Phyllis and Ray Jenson. In the short time I have been a part of the Friedens family I am privileged to be able to get to know these two wonderful people. Phyllis and Ray like so many others in our congregation freely give their time, talent, and treasure. While I was the building and grounds chair I would often go to church and find Phyllis and Ray steadfastly serving the church by sweeping the front entrance, picking countless weeds in the playground, happily painting our outdoor furniture, and many other unseen acts of service. Each time they were both so cheerful and glad in their work. Thank you Phyillis and Ray for being outstanding examples of how to cheerfully serve God. ~Ben Roberts (Outreach Ministry Chair and former Buildings and Grounds Chair) Safe Sitters Every summer Janet Raker brings the Safe Sitter course to Friedens for two days. She invites those children in the congregation who are 11 years old to join the class. Founded in 1980, Safe Sitter is the only national nonprofit training program exclusively devoted to preparing young teens to be safe in unsupervised settings, whether babysitting, sibling sitting or home alone. Church-Wide Pitch-in and Fun Night Please join us for a night of food and fun at the church (Community Life and Worship Center) on Saturday, September 5, at 5:00pm. Weather permitting; we'll participate in some outdoor games - perhaps even an all-ages game of Hide-and-Seek! Mark your calendars, and look for more details soon. Contact Trish Gilbertson at trisha.gilbertson@gmail.com if you have any questions. Save the Date - September 27, 2015! The Fellowship Committee will sponsor an all church pitch-in celebrating Oktoberfest. Please mark your calendar and plan what you would like to bring. The church will furnish meat, drink and table service. Watch the bulletin for updates. 6 P a g e

7 Global Ministries Update Akpekakaka By Kristine Tisinger on June 08, 2015 Let the kindness of the Lord our God be over us. Make the work of our hands last. Psalm 90:17 CEB Akpekakaka means thank you greatly in Ghana. The students at the school are so grateful for the many ways Global Ministries has supported them in school and at home. I am teaching English in the Activity Centre, a two-year program for teenage mothers located on the grounds of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church Headquarters in Ho, Ghana. The program has young women from around West Africa every year and focuses heavily on skills training and entrepreneurship so graduates can support themselves and their family. The second year students are very busy taking the National Vocational Training Institute exams that take place between April and July. These national exams determine whether or not the girls are able to graduate and whether they are eligible to receive certification in dressmaking, catering, and batik fabric dyeing. A new student was added to the first year class. Mawusi, whose name means in the hands of God, joins Benedicta, Love, Believe, Catherine, Victoria, Lawrenda, and Jennifer to make it a full class of 8 students. Last week during grammar class, the students learned how to play Bingo, used to learn irregular verbs. Catherine won a bottle of 7-Up for first place, Love won a Pepsi for second place, and everyone got a small piece of Ghanaian chocolate for participating. It was our most fun class of the term. On behalf of the Activity Centre School, thank you for your support of Global Ministries missions. Kristine Tisinger serves with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana, working with education and women's empowerment. Her appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples' Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts. In Our Community Encouraging Healthy Bodies, Minds, and Spirits of your Toddlers and Preschoolers Thursday, September 24 th 7 to 8 p.m. At Baxter YMCA Joins us for a new workshop in which a pediatrician, child psychologist, and pastor offer ideas to support you. We appreciate all you do to raise healthy children and want to encourage you. The workshop is free and open to the community. Registration is appreciated. Please register by Questions Please contact Sarah at pastorsarah@friedensucc.org 7 P a g e

8 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 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 Third Sunday of the Month at 6:00 PM Sabbath Service 8 P a g e Marc Hayden, Senior Minister - pastormarc@friedensucc.org Sarah Haas, Associate Minister of Children and Youth Ministries pastorsarah@friedensucc.org Erica Bair, Youth Ministry Directorericabair410@gmail.com Trish Gilbertson Student Pastor