Colony. Communiqué. From the Pastor s Office... HE IS RISEN HE IS RISEN IN- DEED!! Pastor Fred. Upcoming Events. Volume 1, Issue 4 April, 2015

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1 Colony Monthly Newsletter First Brethren Church, South Bend, IN Communiqué Volume 1, Issue 4 April, 2015 From the Pastor s Office... HAPPY RESURRECTION WEEK!! Easter is such a wonderful time of the Church year. We can focus on so many aspects of the life of Christ, but there is none better that the Victorious Resurrection of Our Savior Jesus Christ. His resurrection is much more than victory over death, but it is victory over sin everyday of our lives as we follow Him. I am looking forward to celebrating Holy week with my First Brethren family as we shout Hosanna, partake of the Lord s table, pray and meditate on Saturday, and celebrate the resurrection the next morning. I pray that we are getting ready for a great day of celebrating the best thing that ever happened!! May I also take a moment to remind you of our focus back in March. As I spoke on fasting, I pray that we will not take this as only instruction, but actively participate in fasting as we hunger for God. I would love to hear your stories of how God has used fasting in your life to be Holy Spirit dependent. Please write them down and share them with me if you will, because I would like to rejoice with you on how the Lord is working in your life. April is already a busy month according to the calendar. May I encourage you to avail yourselves to the many activities that are available for you to be involved with. First, is Holy Week; second is New Second Hour classes; third is District Conference at Camp Shipshewana; fourth is a new sermon series on Vision. I encourage you to be faithful to the Lord s work and to be open for the Lord to teach and lead you to where He wants you to grow and serve. Proverbs 29:18, Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law. We will be looking at the need to have vision, so as HE IS RISEN HE IS RISEN IN- DEED!! to see what God wants for us to do and where we are to go, both individually and corporately as FBC. We will be looking at our vision in the areas of evangelism, exaltation, encouragement, exhortation, equipping and executive. So get your glasses on so we can look into God s Word for what He wants us to see, and also let s pray for God s leading at FBC and His ministries here. Well, it was a year ago this week when God called us to FBC. We are so excited to be here with you and to serve you as His servants. We love you all and pray God s blessings upon you. If there is anything that I can do for you, please contact me ( or fyoungen@att.net). Keep serving the RISEN ONE. God Bless. Pastor Fred Inside this issue: Weekly Schedules 2 Upcoming Opportunities/ Birthdays/Anniversaries Monthly Volunteer Schedule Monthly Calendars 5-6 Family Ministry 7 Youth Pages 8-9 SCRIP Fundraiser 10 News from Benjamin 11 Upcoming Events Friday, April 3, Passover Seder celebration at 6:30pm. Saturday, April 4, Prayer Walk from 9:30-11:30am. Sunday, April 5, - 7:30am Sunrise Service - 8:30am Breakfast - 9:30am RESURRECTION CELEBRATION Tuesday, April 7, SOS Youth Fundraiser ALL DAY at Red Robin on Main St, Mishawaka. Sunday, April 12, Back-toschool bash meeting at 12:00pm Saturday, April 18, 9:30am, Women s Brunch Friday-Saturday, April 24-25, District Conference in Shipshewana. Monday, April 27, 6:30pm, Deacons Meeting 3 4

2 Page 2 Colony Communiqué Sundays WEEKLY SCHEDULES 9:30 a.m. - Our morning worship service blends the musical styles from our heritage with some of today s musical styles. 10:30 a.m. - Come join us for some fellowship time before heading to our 2nd Hour classes. 10:45 a.m. - We have 2nd Hour classes for all ages. We entitle this time M.O.R.E. which stands for Mentoring, Outreach, Relationships and Experiencing God. 2 nd HOUR / M.O.R.E Classes offered April July 2015 Refreshing Your Marriage, led by Adam Richard, A video class series by Jim Burns and Doug Fields offered from April 12- May 10. A How to Guide for Living Happily Ever After. Basic (Biblical and spiritual Instruction Class) led by Pastor Fred. This class is great for new believers who are learning to study the Bible. Friends, led by Bev Baker. A discussion of the Bible and it s stories in an atmosphere of learning and acceptance. Missional, led by Jennifer Kary and Kris Wright. A class with the mindset to seek out opportunities in our community where we can minister on a short-term and long-term basis. In addition to the missional opportunities, they are studying the book, Love Does by Bob Goff. This book is about having an extraordinary life in an ordinary world, and as the title implies showing love through action. Table Talk, led by Phil Plaia. A discussion of the sermon or other topics of interest. Through the Bible, led by Joyce Birk. A weekly study of the book of Isaiah. **Nehemiah- By Fred Youngen *June 7- Aug 30, We will extend the study to one or more 2 nd Hour classes and to organized small groups that would meet during the week. Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. - P.A.C.E. (Praying, Acknowledging, Caring, Encouraging) - this ministry sends cards to people to welcome, encourage or send them greetings. A time is also set aside to pray for individuals receiving the cards. 12:00 p.m. - Prayer time in the Sanctuary with opportunity to receive the Bread and Cup. 5:30 p.m. - meal provided for kids/youth/adults attending Haven and Roots ministries. 6:00 p.m. - Roots children s program for grades K-5th. Haven youth ministry for grades :30 p.m. - Music Team rehearsal PORK CHOP DINNER will be coming up on Saturday, May 2nd from 4:00-7:00pm. This is a carry-out meal only. The cost is $9.00 per meal and includes a pork chop, potato salad, beans, applesauce, & dessert. More information and tickets will be available soon. Please tell your family and friends. Sign-up sheets will also be coming for volunteers to help set-up, cook, work in the kitchen, help with the carry-out orders, clean-up and make cookies. OUR FOOD PANTRY is a weekly ministry on Fridays from 10:00amnoon. To help make this ministry possible, we need volunteers to staff the Pantry to assist people coming in, and we need donations of food or finances. We would appreciate any assistance that you are willing to offer. If you have any questions, please contact Sherrie Benko or the church office. JUST A REMINDER... Any announcements for the newsletter need to be submitted in a complete format so they can be easily inserted into the newsletter. Please watch the bulletin for the due date for the newsletter announcements. Thank you!

3 Colony Communiqué Page 3 LIBRARY NEWS I may be on vacation but the library is still open and waiting for you to check out books. We added some more books for children and youth such as Anne of Green Gables, The Dangerous Canoe Race and a few Lee Roddy books. There are family friendly DVDs like Seven Deadly Words, Bonhoeffer, and Puppy Love. It s hard to find good movies at this price. That is free for those of you that didn t know. I also want to remind everyone that we now have a library annex, otherwise known as the Conference Room, adjacent to the library. We have put all of our reference type books and books dealing with theology. Due to the recent influx of these types of books from Pastor Larry we have made this our annex. Most of these books may be checked out but you are always welcome to use this room to study whenever the church is open and the room isn t being used for other purposes. Please check it out. April BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES Birthdays 4/1 - Tom Housouer 4/1 - Lauren Swanson 4/2 - Paula Freed 4/3 - Jennifer Kary 4/6 - Ardyce Kreider 4/8 - Greg Galbreath 4/9 - Kendall Carlisle 4/11 - Joyce Trygg 4/12 - Betty Vervaet 4/14 - Paul Doerr 4/15 - Bev Wolf 4/17 - Ron Ginter 4/20 - Larry Barber 4/21 - Beatrice Haenes 4/22 - Ernie Jewett 4/22 - Joan Crofoot 4/23 - Rose Whittaker 4/25 - Beulah Bozenski 4/26 - Jennifer Carlisle Anniversaries 4/8 - Victor & Nancy Hollister 4/14 - Robert & Jan Smith 4/17 - Dennis & Connie Wood DID YOU KNOW? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * You can now donate to the church online through our website firstbrethren.org. Simply click on the Giving tab on the right side of our home page and follow the prompts. THANK YOU! ************************************* If you are willing to donate items to help our Veterans at this Veteran s Center, please see the list of items at the Information Station in the foyer. Items can be placed in the designated box at the Donation Center in the Small Hall. Thank you in advance for what you re going to do to help these individuals! Upcoming Opportunities NO Men s Prayer Breakfast this month. Women s Brunch will be Saturday, April 18 at 9:30am. All ladies are invited to share in this time of food, fellowship and encouragement. WMS District Gathering will be Saturday April 25 at 12:00. Please contact Judy Rose-Walley if you would like to attend this free event at our Brethren Retreat Center in Shipshewana. Please make note... The 2 ladies groups, WMS and Women Meant to Serve have merged and are now one group under the name of WMS. This is for all ladies to be part of. Please come to our next brunch to find out what we are all about! THIS MONTH S S.O.S FUNDRAISER will be all day on Tuesday, April 7 at Red Robin Restaurant on Main Street in Mishawaka. By mentioning S.O.S or using a voucher, 20% of your purchase price will go toward funding this summer Youth ministry.

4 Colony Communiqué Page 4 April Volunteer Schedule Greeters 4-5 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Sandy Lehman 4-12 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Sandy Sherrod 4-19 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Beulah Bozenski 4-26 Jeaniece Bumgardner & Sally Wagner * * If anyone else is interested in being a Greeter on Sunday Mornings, please contact Bonnie as soon as possible. Thank you. * * * Hosts 4-5 Jeaniece Bumgardner 4-12 Ellen Gilbert 4-19 Bev Wolf 4-26 Jan Kary This ministry that expands hospitality to our Sunday morning guests. Any questions please contact Ellen Monday Morning Mailers 4-6 Sandy Sherrod 4-13 Sandy Sherrod 4-20 Jan Smith 4-27 Sandy Sherrod If you have any questions, please contact Sandy Sherrod, We are looking for additional volunteers to help one Monday per month. Trustee of the Month Kris Wright Van Drivers We are in need of additional drivers. If you can help please contact the church office at Dennis Wood 4 12 Dennis Wood 4 19 Rich & Kathy Hollister 4 26 Jack Kary, Jr. Blood Pressure Screening This will be available on Sunday, April 19 in the Conference Room next to the library starting at 10:30am. Nursery 4-5 9:30am - Lora & Dana Richard 10:45am - Linda Kohman & Cindi Jewett :30am - Angela Scott & Corinne Freel 10:45am - Fawn Robertson & Connie Wood :30am - Peggy Baer & Jessica Richard 10:45am - Peggy Baer & Hanna Galbreath :30am - Kris & Claire Wright 10:45am - Kris & Claire Wright If you are unable to serve on your assigned Sunday please contact Peggy Baer, We are in need of more volunteers to help in the nursery. Please see Peggy if you can help. Financial Stewards 4 5 Charmaine Lange & Kathi Ginter 4 12 Bev Wolf & Linda Kohman 4 19 Jack Kary, Sr. & Becky Reynolds 4 26 Lora Richard & Jack Kary, Jr. If you have any questions, please contact Charmaine, Service Opportunities Are you available to take food to help families in our church with care needs? Please contact Sandy Sherrod at Are you available to bring in refreshments for the 2nd Hour Fellowship time? Please contact Ellen Gilbert at Stamp out Hunger Drive will be on Saturday May 9. There are 2-3 hour shifts available at various post office locations to help collect the food and also help sweep the neighborhoods to collect food the carriers pick up. If you are interested in helping, please contact Shelley at the Food bank at ext. 138 or smarker@feedingamerica.org. Thank you.

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10 WHAT: SCRIP is a fund-raising opportunity that allows you to buy gift cards to places you already shop and raise money for the church. WHO: Anyone can participate. All you do is buy the cards and use them like any other gift card. WHEN: Cards ordered by Sunday evening will be available for pick-up the next Sunday. WHERE: This all benefits the ministry of First Brethren Church. Gift cards are available to a multitude of different places where you already shop such as Martin s, Meijer, Walmart, Target, Kohl s, Applebee s, Starbucks, Lowe s, Staples, Panera, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Speedway, etc. HOW: There are 3 ways you can order your SCRIP cards: 1. In person, see Lora Richard at church to order your cards. 2. On-line: A. Go to shopwithscrip.com B. Register for an account using Family Enrollment code 5C This designates First Brethren Church as your group for this fundraiser. C. Select which cards you would like to order. You will have to pay for them with a credit card. D. Some cards can be ordered as e-cards and are available immediately as paper printouts. Other cards will be sent to the church via mail and will be available for pick-up at a later date. 3. By phone. Call toll-free at , choose option 2, and speak to an operator during normal business hours. So how does this all work? Example: - you order a SCRIP card for Bob Evans Restaurant. The cards are available in $10 increments and the rebate percentage is 10%. - you decide to order $30 in cards. 10% of this order will be $3. That is the amount that the church will receive as their benefit for the fundraiser. You will be given the $30 in gift cards that you can use at the restaurant just like any other gift card. A full listing of businesses participating in the SCRIP program will be available on the Information Table in the church foyer. If you have any questions, please contact Lora Richard. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

11 God bless everyone! Spring is here. Even if it hasn t looked like it, Spring will soon pop out everywhere so I will be a happy church mouse this month. I love to watch everything turn green and watch the colorful flowers bloom. As I am writing this, we are still looking forward to Holy Week. Palm Sunday was March 29. Everything was exciting as we heard about Jesus entering Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, with children shouting, Hosanna! I hope you will be able to come to the Seder Celebration on Friday, April 3 at 6:30pm. It s going to be different but there is going to be Brethren Communion, footwashing, a meal and more - many things that you may have never experienced before. Remember on Saturday, April 4 from 9:30-11:30am there is going to be a Prayer Walk. This will be a self-guided open house activity that you can come anytime during those hours and stay as long as you want. Sunrise Service will be at 7:30am on Easter Sunday, April 5th. Breakfast will be at 8:30 and the Resurrection Celebration will be at 9:30am. Remember these services will be different from what you are used to. So come to everything that day and invite your family and friends. We will not be having 2nd Hour classes that day. Sunday, April 12 will start our new quarter for 2nd Hour classes. Remember you can choose a new class or keep on going to the one you have been going to. If you haven t been involved in a class, please consider starting to attend. A new choice will be a 6-week class on Refreshing your Marriage led by Adam. District Conference will be April at the Brethren Retreat Center at Shipshewana. (Us Brethren Church mice will have our meeting too so I will have to hitch a ride with someone.) Please be in prayer for the District Conference. I heard the SCRIP Fundraiser will start soon. If you have any questions about what this is all about, it will be explained to you. I do know about those Pork Chops that will be available at our Pork Chop Dinner on May 2nd. I know help will be needed with many areas of this fundraiser. One of the most important things is getting the word out that we are going to be selling pork chops. Please do all you can to help with these fundraisers to help support the ministries of FBC. It has been over a year now when everyone met Pastor Fred, Janna and family at the candidating weekend and God has been faithful. Keep praying and pulling together as we go forward in God s will. Remember I can t share everything so be sure to read all of the newsletter and come to church every week so you don t miss anything. Love, Benjamin

12 4909 S. Ironwood Dr. South Bend, IN (574) Return Service Requested Non Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID South Bend, IN Permit Number 242 We re on the web! firstbrethren.org Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18