Tidings of Peace. Tidings of Peace. In This Issue Pastor s Paragraph Page 2 May Worship Text and Themes Vacation Bible School

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Tidings of Peace. Tidings of Peace. In This Issue Pastor s Paragraph Page 2 May Worship Text and Themes Vacation Bible School"

Ethelbert Wilkins
5 years ago
Views:

May 2015 Friedens United Church of Christ www.friedensucc.

Page 4 Adult Education Adult VBS Page 4 Connecting at Page 5 Friedens Community Page 5 Groups at Friedens Volunteer Spotlight Page 6 Global Ministries Update Page 6 Family Fun Run Page 7 Save the

The number for our partner school, Glenns Valley Elementary, is 63% as well.

1 May 2015 Friedens United Church of Christ In This Issue Pastor s Paragraph Page 2 May Worship Text and Themes Vacation Bible School Page 2 Page 2 Pentecost Page 3 Bread for the World Page 3 May 31 Page 3 Celebration Children, Youth & Page 4 Adult Education Adult VBS Page 4 Connecting at Page 5 Friedens Community Page 5 Groups at Friedens Volunteer Spotlight Page 6 Global Ministries Update Page 6 Family Fun Run Page 7 Save the Date- Donuts and Coffee Page 7 VBS Items Needed Page 7 Responding to Worship Page 7 Did you know that 63% of the children in Perry Township schools receive free or reduced lunches? The number for our partner school, Glenns Valley Elementary, is 63% as well. In 2015 the federal legislation that authorizes all child nutrition programs including free and reduced lunches, the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC), the school breakfast program, and summer food programs must be renewed. These programs provide funding to ensure that low-income children have access to healthy and nutritious foods where they live, play, and learn. Our weekender program at Friedens supplements these federal programs by providing meals for some of the children during the weekends. However, it is these programs that provide meals during the school week and during the summer. On May 17 we will be having our next Bread for the World Offering of Letters. Continued on page 3 Blood Drive, Sunday, June 7 th Blood Mobile in the parking lot at Friedens, 11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Every 2 seconds, someone needs blood - Every minute, patients use more than 36 units of blood or blood products. Every day approximately 40,000 units of blood are used throughout the country. The blood supply needs constant replenishment - Every day more people are diagnosed with illness such as cancer, leukemia and sickle cell disease, all which utilize blood for treatment. One pint of blood can help up to 3 people - Each unit of blood can be separated into four components - red cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate and platelets. These components can help as many as 3 different hospital patien;ts. Nearly all blood used for transfusion in the United States is drawn from volunteer donors - There is no substitute for human blood - Despite all the research, no replacement of human blood found. A unit of blood is roughly equivalent to a pint - Adult males have about 12 pints of blood in their bodies and females have about eight pints. The average blood donor gives 2 times a year - If all blood donors gave 3 times a year, blood shortages would be a rare event. Donating blood saves lives - The number one reason blood donors say they give is because they want to help others. Now is your chance to give back. Please donate June 7th and you will not only be helping others, you will be saving lives! 1 P a g e

Pastor s Paragraph What makes Friedens UCC unique? The leadership of the church has been meeting to think about the things we need to do now in order to stay vital in the future.

One way to get that focus is to think about what makes us different and unique from other congregations.

2 Pastor s Paragraph What makes Friedens UCC unique? The leadership of the church has been meeting to think about the things we need to do now in order to stay vital in the future. A key task has been to get focused on exactly how we want to live our mission of sharing the love of Christ near and far. One way to get that focus is to think about what makes us different and unique from other congregations. Here is a question someone recently asked me that might help: What are the core or essential behaviors or actions of Friedens Church? Here are some answers I ve come up with: Deep loyalty to Christ, church, family and neighbors that is expressed in actions more than words. A history of meeting big challenges with a combination of selfless generosity and practical frugality. Stepping up to meet needs in the community and beyond without a desire to be noticed or acknowledged. Appreciation for and long-term commitment to church both as a place and as a community of faithful people. Dedication to worship with a special emphasis on the ministry of music in a beautiful sacred space. Charitable giving and community service in addition to church involvement. A strong spirit of independence that is tempered by practicality and common sense. Steeped in tradition but willing to embrace evolutionary change. How would you answer this question? I would really like to know. Please give this some thought and send your response to me at pastormarc@friedensucc.org. I look forward to your input in shaping the future in line with God s unique vision and call for us at Friedens. Your partner in staying focused, going deeper and reaching wider, Pastor Marc May Worship Text and Themes 5/3/2015 John 15:1-8 Abiding in Love 5/10/2015 John 15:9-17 5/17/2015 John 17:6-19 5/24/2015 Pentecost Hymnfest One Combined 10:30 AM service in the Sanctuary 5/31/2015 Isaiah 6:1-8 Mysterious Encounter One Combined 10:30 AM service in the Community Life and Worship Center Vacation Bible School- Register by June 7 Once again Friedens will host our annual Vacation Bible School. This fun, engaging week will include lots of games, arts and crafts, Bible stories and much, much more. Vacation Bible School is a much anticipated week for many of our children from age 3 through 5 th grade. Our youth and adults look forward each year to leading and helping with this event. This year s VBS theme is Everest Expedition, conquering challenges with God's mighty power. We will be exploring bible stories that talk about how God provides for us, comforts us, heals us, forgives us, and loves us forever. We'll be making snow (yes in June) and playing some games with ice cubes. Mark your calendars for June 14 through 18, 6:00-8:00 PM! Registration is going on now and the forms can be found both in the narthex outside the parlor or in the back of the Community Life and Worship Center. To ensure proper planning for this event please REGISTER BY JUNE 7. Registration forms can also be found on our website under the Children Learning tab. Walk-in registration is available but please, if you plan to attend register by June 7. 2 P a g e

Pentecost Sunday A Celebration of the Spirit of God The celebration of Pentecost is often spoken of as the birthday of the Church because, following the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Jesus

3 Pentecost Sunday A Celebration of the Spirit of God The celebration of Pentecost is often spoken of as the birthday of the Church because, following the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on Jesus followers gathered in Jerusalem, they began to identify with one another as a group who were in relationship as believers. (Acts 2:1-12) The reality of that is seen in the fact that they stayed on in the city, worshipping and serving and breaking bread together. The reasons that there were a hundred or so people gathered together, however, are not so well-known. First, Jesus had told His followers to stay in Jerusalem and wait until He would send the promise of the Father, clothing them with power from on high. (Luke 24:49) The second reason that they were together was to celebrate Pentecost, one of the most ancient festivals of the Hebrew people. This was the festival of the harvest or first fruits and came exactly 50 days after Passover. The Christians kept that name and measure their Pentecost exactly 50 days after Easter, recalling the resurrection of Jesus as the first fruits of those who sleep by Paul (1 Cor 15:20). Here, at Friedens, we have kept that spirit of celebration alive on Pentecost with a hymn fest. Singing hymns from the various seasons of the church calendar, we re-tell His story the Old Testament prophecies about Jesus, His birth, life and ministry, His crucifixion, death, resurrection, ascension and commissioning of His followers. Through our songs and worship, we add our voices to those over the ages who were people set on fire by the coming of God s Holy Spirit, declaring the presence of God in our lives, rekindling our faith in Jesus with the flame of Pentecost. We, now, carry on those various elements of faith as we stay focused in worship and prayer, dig deeper in study and various types of service within our fellowship, and reach wider with Christ s love and power to those beyond our doors. Bread for the World: Offering of Letters (continued from front page) In our Offering of Letters you will have the opportunity to write a letter asking our congressmen and senators to support reauthorization of these important Child Nutrition programs. As with past Offering of Letters we will have sample letters people can sign to ask Congress to protect programs that help the hungry. However, handwritten letters are much more effective than form letters, so we would ask that for this Offering of Letters you consider writing a letter in advance that you could bring to drop off on May 17. We will have envelopes, addresses, stamps, etc. for you to use when you bring your letter. Handwritten letters do not have to be long. A paragraph or two can be extremely effective. The reality is that 49 million Americans live in households that struggle to put food on the table. Because children are hit especially hard by the effects of hunger and malnutrition, nutrition programs aimed at children are particularly vital. They pay rewards for decades, not only for individual children and families, but for communities and our nation as a whole. In conjunction with our Offering of Letters, we will also be doing a special Food Drive to benefit the Weekender Back Sack Program. Our Weekender Food Pack program currently helps feed more than 30 children at Glenns Valley Elementary and Perry Preschool. Items needed on a regular basis are (all should be single serve): Main dish entrees; Shelf milk; Fruit juice; Applesauce and fruit cups; Cereal and oatmeal; Raisins Pudding cups; Granola bars and snacks Watch the board by the Welcome Center for the most urgent needs of this ministry If you have questions, please contact Janet Granger, Pastor Sarah, Rick Huddleston or Mike Hastings. May 31- Celebration of Student Pastor, Steve Mojonnier You are cordially invited to share in a celebration of Student Pastor, Steve Mojonnier. Steve will be concluding his student pastorate on May 31 st. This student pastorate has been part of his preparation for ordained parish ministry in the United Church of Christ. Steve has served faithfully and well in this role and we want to show our appreciation. On May 31 st there will be a combined service of worship at 10:30AM in the Community Life and Worship Center. Steve will be preaching that day and will receive a gift in honor of his excellent service. Following the service, a reception will be held providing you the opportunity to greet and thank Steve personally. Steve s ordination will be at Friedens in the Fall, so be watching for the details of this joyous event. 3 P a g e

4 4 P a g e Youth Opportunities at Friedens Youth Activity May 17-11:45 AM- Middle School Youth, Basketball and free play, lunch provided, Please RSVP Erica at ericaba410@gmail.com Sunday School- 9:30 AM- 10:15 AM- Last class 5/17 High School- Led by Doc Rissel, meets in the high school room, #2 Middle School- Led by Susan Blossom, meets in the middle school room, #5 Youth Leading Youth Contact Pastor Sarah if you are interested in joining together to learn about leadership skills. pastorsarah@friedensucc.org Small Groups High School Youth- Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 PM at Pastor Sarah s for dinner Middle School- Contact Pastor Sarah for more details Save the Date! High School Overnight Trip to Holiday World; June (Wednesday to Thursday); Please RSVP Pastor Sarah Children s Education Opportunities Treasure Seeker Text for May: May 3: John 15:1-8 I am the Vine. You are the branches. May 10: John 15:9-17 Love one another. May 17: John 17:6-19 Jesus prays for us. May 24: Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost May 31: Isaiah 6:1-8 Joyful Noise News Children age 3 through 1 st grade are welcome to join us Sundays at 9:30 AM to practice our song and participate in the fun! This class meets in Room 8. Last class May 17 To all 2 nd to 5 th graders: If you would like to serve as an acolyte please be in touch with Pastor Sarah May Memory Verse: I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. ~John 15:5 Jesus gives us strength and energy to share God s love with others. Praise Makers News Children in 2 nd through 5 th grade are welcome to join us Sundays at 9:30 AM to practice our song and to participate in the fun! This class meets in Room 7. Last class May 17 Opportunities for Children to Serve 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 Adult Educational Opportunities at Friedens Adult Sunday School- 9:30 AM Dick Bailey leads this interactive, thought provoking class. The class meets in Room #1. Adult Class- Animate: Faith- 9:30 AM Trish Gilbertson continues to lead this new 7 week class that began April 12. If you haven t tried the class you are welcome to drop by and find out more one Sunday morning. The class runs through May 31 with no class meeting May 24 in room 3 during the 9:30 AM Education Hour. Lunch Bunch In May Sharon Hedegard will be leading a discussion based on today's cultural demands and the Scriptures. Everyone is welcome and you may attend one or all sessions. If you have any questions please contact: Pam Taylor, pamtaylor@me.com or Sharon Hedegard, hedegard@msn.com Adult Vacation Bible School Focusing on Child Hunger and Nutrition. We will be looking at what the Bible says, what child hunger looks like in Indianapolis and in the U.S, what organizations and programs are in place to fight child hunger, and what can you do to help. Pastor Marc, Janet Granger and Mike Hastings will facilitate and we will include speakers from Friedens that are involved in hunger ministries. June 14-18, 6:15-7:45 PM, drop your children off and join us in the Kendall Center

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 May 14 Monthly Men s Breakfast Meets the 3 rd Saturday each month at 8:00 AM in the Community Life and Worship Center May 16 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 Check with Sharon Hedegard for May book and discussion date. Friedens Folk A monthly gathering of our retired folk. Bring a dish to share at the pitch-in lunch and come enjoy fellowship. May 28 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. June 10 location TBD 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! May 14 Friedens Friends Meet at the Stanish s home Saturday, May 9 at 7:00 PM for bonfire and treats. Bring an appetizer or dessert to share! 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- 5:30-8:00 PM, contact Cobie Zuk at cobie.buckingham@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

helping! Volunteer Spotlight Susan Luckey and the Weekender Food Packs The idea of a child going hungry is heartbreaking.

After hearing about Friedens partnering with Glenn's Valley Elementary School, my sisters and I told Pastor Mark we wanted to help.

For the 2014-2015 school year, we added Perry Preschool to our outreach, and deliver 8 food packs a week for these very young children.

6 helping! Volunteer Spotlight Susan Luckey and the Weekender Food Packs The idea of a child going hungry is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, there are some children living nearby who don't always have enough to eat. After hearing about Friedens partnering with Glenn's Valley Elementary School, my sisters and I told Pastor Mark we wanted to help. The Weekender Food Packs program began in the Fall of 2013, with 15 bags per week going to food insecure children at Glenns Valley. That number is now 26! For the school year, we added Perry Preschool to our outreach, and deliver 8 food packs a week for these very young children. Before school vacations, we often deliver two bags for each child to both schools. Our Treasure Seekers participate in the program by filling the bags for distribution. They do a fantastic job, and really enjoy Thanks to the generosity of Friedens members, we attempt to minimize the food deficit for these precious kids. There is an ongoing need for donations of non-perishable, single- serve food items needed to sustain this much needed mission. We have a new magnetic board hanging in the narthex that lists what goes in the food packs, and highlights the urgent needs. Thank you for all of the food and monetary contributions. By the grace of God, we have made a difference and will continue this ministry. Susan Luckey, on behalf of the Outreach Committee Global Ministries Update Connected Through Christ By Daniel Lee We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to God s purpose. Romans 8:28 The first ten students enrolled in the Studies of Ecumenism and Social Transformation (SEST) program at the Graduate School of Theology at Hanshin University graduated last June. The students, from six Asian countries, each earned a Masters in Theology degree after writing and defending their master s thesis. At the commencement ceremony the students wore Korean traditional gowns and caps, following the tradition of Hanshin University. Despite different backgrounds, the students were dressed the same, signifying our unity in God. During the celebration a student from India offered a prayer of gratitude to God. One of the pastors of a sponsoring church shared how he mentored a student from East Timor and their relationship developed into collaboration between his church and the student s home church. The students were reminded that graduation signaled being sent back to their specific contexts as missionaries to further the Kingdom of God. Reverend Xiaoling Zhu, Global Ministries Executive for East Asia and the Pacific visited in May, giving warm greetings and reminding us of the presence of Global Ministries in Korea. His visit was a good measure of expanding mutual relationships between Hanshin University and other DOC-UCC related churches, colleges and seminaries in the US. The graduates are now ministering in their own countries, but remain connected to one another and involved in God s ministry through a network of ecumenism and social transformation. The newest group of students began studies this past January. Daniel Lee serves with the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (PROK), South Korea. He is chaplain at Hanshin Graduate School. His appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples' Mission Fund and Our Church's Wider Mission. 6 P a g e

Putting the Fun in Fun Run there will be game stations set up for activities such as corn hole, Frisbee golf, soccer and much more. Refreshments generously provided by Sarah Boston.

7 Family Fun Run to Benefit Adoptions of Indiana Come join us for a little exercise and lots of fun! Join us beginning at 12:30 PM on Sunday, May 3 The fun run will be held at Friedens and begin in the Community Life and Worship Center and on the grounds. Putting the Fun in Fun Run there will be game stations set up for activities such as corn hole, Frisbee golf, soccer and much more. Refreshments generously provided by Sarah Boston. Donations to the event will benefit Adoptions of Indiana Door prizes including gift certificates for free Papa John s pizza, Ella s Frozen Yogurt, and Chick-fi-la Questions Sarah Haas Save the Date! Fellowship Ministry: Coffee and Donuts- JUNE 7 Join the Fellowship ministry team June 7 at 9:30 AM for coffee, Long s donuts, and lots of fellowship time together. Save the Gallon Jugs! We need lots of milk or orange juice GALLON jugs for VBS this year. Please start bringing in your clean jugs Sunday mornings. During VBS participants will building an igloo so all donations are needed. We also need shoeboxes for VBS, bring those in on Sundays also! Responding During Lent Pastor Marc invited folks to create an acrostic poem as a way to express faith. Diane Billiard enjoyed this challenge and has agreed to share her poem with her church family. As you read her words may you be inspired to follow God s Guidance in your life too. Thank you, Diane! God s Guidance Gives me strength in the face of adversity Often I pray for guidance Does not forsake me Sometimes I am impatient with God Gives me time to reflect on a problem Usually I try to discipline my problems/thoughts Isn t God great! Don t doubt God s messages Afterwards I am grateful for the guidance Nothing boosts me more than God s love and grace Clearly God shows me the way many times Exercise Walk with God (I saw this on a church sign) 7 P a g e

8300 S. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46217-4997 Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 1591 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED (317) 881-6779 Find us on the web at www.friedensucc.

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 Steve Mojonnier, Student Pastorstevemojonnier@friedensucc.org

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

Tidings of Peace. Tidings of Peace. In This Issue Pastor s Paragraph Page 2. Text and Themes. Updates: From the Council President June 2015 Friedens United Church of Christ www.friedensucc.org 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