The Chimes. DON T FEAR THE NEW YEAR by Pastor Brian

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1 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The Chimes Dates to remember: Weekly Prayer & Worship Services in the Chapel on Wed & Fri Online Giving is now available Chimes deadline is Friday, January 19 Inside this issue: Don t Fear the New Year Prayer Concerns, Missions update, Thank you 1 2 Preschool News 3 Children s Ministry 4 Online Giving & 2018 Missions Giving 5 News from Josh 6 January 2018 DON T FEAR THE NEW YEAR by Pastor Brian As hard as it is to believe, this year is almost history! Some may feel sad to see 2017 go because it has been a wonderful year and they aren t sure if 2018 will be as good due to all of the depressing headlines we read and the stories we see on the news every day. Some may say Good Riddance, 2017! because this has been One of those years! and they are sincerely hoping 2018 will be better. The problem is that we just don t really know what the New Year holds, do we? There may be some fear associated with this truth for many people. The question then becomes, What are you afraid of??? Since it is the New Year and we love those Top-Ten lists they come out with and (ala Dave Letterman), I thought we could take a look at the Top 10 Strong Human Fears, based on an article written by Caty Medrano. These are the top fears shared by people everywhere and the list in many ways is self-explanatory. Here is the list from bottom to top: 10. Losing Your Freedom 9. The Unknown 8. Pain 7. Disappointment 6. Misery 5. Loneliness 4. Ridicule 3. Rejection 2. Death and the #1 fear is Failure! Many of these fears are tied together, such as death and the unknown, rejection and ridicule, pain and misery, and failure and loneliness. We can also observe that these are mostly existential fears that describe an inner condition of the heart. That is, these are tied to deep-seated feelings and emotions, but they are not fears of necessarily specific things. If you want a more specific list, I ran across a Gallup Poll answering the question, What Scares Americans Most? In order, the answers are as follows: 1. Snakes 2. Public Speaking 3. Heights 4. Being closed in a small space 5. Spiders 6. Needles and getting shots 7. Mice 8. Flying on an airplane 9. Dogs 10. Thunder and lightning (Two bonus fears) 11. Going to the doctor 12. The dark. This is obviously a much more concrete list and I can identify with #2 the most. I ve grown in this area though, while I do still get nervous sometimes, I don t fear public speaking as much as in the past (for obvious reasons). Also, I have no clue how dogs could possibly make the list because I can t imagine why anyone would be afraid of our little old poodle Rusty! ; ) Well, we all have our fears, don t we? Cady Medrano says, Fear is such a basic human emotion that many of us constantly live in the grip of fear, worry and anxiety. If we call ourselves Christians, somewhere in all of our thinking God has to figure into the equation. God s answer to our fears is found in 2 nd Timothy 1:7, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV) The Bible tells us hundreds of times (in various ways and in various places) to Fear Not! God told us to fear not because He knew that we would all wrestle with fear sooner or later. This is why when the angel first came to Mary, to Joseph, and to the shepherds, they were told not to be afraid. This is why Jesus, the Prince of Peace, told the Disciples over and over again to not be afraid. In fact, He said in John 16:33, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (NIV) Are there things happening in our world, in your personal life, which causes you to be fearful, concerned, or even anxious about this new year? To be sure, much of the world is in chaos, there are wars and rumors of wars, people are still hungry and homeless, our government doesn t seem to have many answers (and is often a big part of the problem), and the list goes on and on. However, Jesus has already overcome this world with all of our problems, all of our sins, and all of our fears though His life, death, and resurrection! God, our God, the God who created the heavens and the earth, the God who sent His Son to bring light to our dark world and commune with us personally, says Fear Not! In closing, just as a final reminder in case the message has not gotten through, Philippians 4:6-7 reaffirms God s message to us, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV) Don t Fear the New Year IN CHRIST, We Have NOTHING to Fear!!! Joy to the World, The Lord Has Come! PB

2 Page 2 The Chimes PRAYER MAKES A DIFFERENCE! Our Mission Statement: To make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world Food for the FISH Pantry Current Needs: Cereal Shampoo Peanut Butter Pasta & Sauces Donations can be left at any of the FISH Food containers or grocery carts throughout the church. Thank you for your generosity! Continued prayers: All persons connected to our church family who are con ined to their home or nursing homes, our TV Audience, Veterans, public servants, police/ ire/medical personnel, our Preschool and Scouting families, our nation, Christ s Church universal, the United Methodist Church, our congregation, our pastor and staff, Churches of the Sugar Creek Cluster: Darlington, Linden, New Market, Mace, Waveland, New Ross, Waynetown, First, Trinity, Christ and Mt Zion Prayer concerns: George Dillman, Ellen Read, Rhonda Smith, Brent Ashby, Kaleb Switzer, Velma Cann, Don Carpenter, Rural Mission, Becky Degitz, Steve Ashby, Barbara Odle, Our missionaries: Chris & Anna Pratt, Cru in Orlando, FL; Nathan & Katye Clark, LOAF Ministries, in Les Cayes, Haiti Our Sympathies to the family of Jane Titus; to the family of William Dice; and to the family of Lloyd Dorsey MISSIONS UPDATE So far in 2017, we have given $69, towards missions. These include: No Malaria Human Relations Day FISH Financial & Food Africa University VBS Trinity Life Ministries Cru New Day Charities Discretionary Fund Half Way Home SC Mission Trip Joy in the Harvest Life Light Ministries Achaius Ranch Rural Mission Heifer Food Back Packs LOAF Ministries UMCOR Elysse Keesee Midwest Mission Dist. Families Needing Backpacks Rainbows & Rhymes Scholarships Braden Smith Mission trip Montgomery County Free Clinic Kid s Against Hunger THANK YOU, LORD! For all the great people you sent our way to donate their time...talent...food/monetary donations...anyway they might have helped...we are VERY grateful!! We had another successful year and we served around 900 Thanksgiving meals again. God continues to bless us every year with the right people to help us in every way possible. Thank you so much everyone and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mark & Sheila Zachary Chairpersons of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner

3 January 2018 PRESCHOOL UPDATE What an exciting month of decorating and celebrating! On Sunday, December 10, we hosted a family friendly day at the AMC Classic Theater and many families come out to watch the Christmas movie The Star. On Saturday, December 17 we held our Christmas program with a surprise visit from Santa. Thanks to our committed teachers, to all who attended, and our dear United Methodist Women s groups who baked and served cookies. We had approximately 150 in attendance. A great big thank you to Bob Zahn who was responsible for the Santa visit and his elf friend Pastor Brian. :) Visit our site online to check out more of these cute pictures 2-YEAR-OLD-CLASSROOM NEWS- Ms. Cindy and Ms. TracyDecember has found our class making special gifts, practicing for our program, and learning about the birth of Christ. We were so blessed by all the families that came to our program. It was a joy to meet all the siblings, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who came. They all looked so adorable on stage. Let's no forget our "special" guest who came to visit. We will miss our little ones while we are on break but it is our prayer you all have a wonderful Christmas. We will return January 8. While we are on break Emma Peck will have a Birthday. Happy Birthday Emma! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all! "Good News! Today Jesus has been born" Luke 2: AND 4- YEAR-OLD CLASSROOM UPDATE- Ms. Gwen and Ms. Rachel - This month the 3 and 4 year old classes got to play and learn in Christmas-themed centers. They've had lots of fun decorating a Christmas tree, pretending to build toys in Santa's workshop, writing letters to Santa in our literacy center, acting out the nativity story, and making creative ornaments to hang on the class tree. We've read lots of Christmas books and the kids have enjoyed learning the Christmas songs and rhymes for the upcoming program. And, the children continue to enjoy healthy snacks, with fresh fruit or vegetables served almost every day. The 4 year old class earned a smoothie party for good behavior and watched the Grinch as a special treat. We hope you all will sprinkle your Grinch dust this Christmas to keep the Grinch from stealing your presents! Page 3 Yes, it s finally here! Check out our new website at: PRAYER SERVICES Join us every Wednesday from 12-2 pm & Friday s from 7-9 pm for Prayer & Worship services in the Chapel. Everyone is invited!

4 Page 4 The Chimes CHILDREN S MINISTRY Come join us as we start our new year by following in Jesus steps through JOUR- NEY WiTH JESUS! Travel with Jesus for thirteen weeks, through thirteen cities where Jesus taught, lived and ministered. As children study His attitudes and actions in-depth they will begin to develop an understanding of how to follow Jesus in their own lives. Journey with Jesus starts on January 7th and runs through Easter Sunday, April 1st. Sunday school is for children ages 3-5th grade and meets every Sunday morning from 10:10am-11:00am on the second floor in the educational wing. Children s church offered for three-year-olds--2nd graders, in the preschool room on the first floor of the educational wing, during the 9:00am and 11:10am services. We too will be following in Jesus steps as we Journey with Jesus. EXPERIENCING GOD S LOVE by Pastor Patty My mother loved to work puzzles. As a child I grew up with a puzzle on the card table to be worked by anyone. My 2 brothers and I would add pieces as we passed by the table. Many enthusiasts can tell you there is nothing more frustrating than coming to the end of a challenging puzzle of hundreds or even thousands or more pieces, only to discover that one piece is missing. No matter if the rest of the completed picture may be beautiful, your eyes are drawn immediately to the empty space. The puzzle is incomplete. I John 4:12b (NIV) states, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. It is important to understand that we are deeply loved by God. We don t have to spend time searching for love but do encourage others to know that God s love is made complete in all of us. We are a completed puzzle when we act in love, just as God designed us to be. Find a way each day to show God s love to someone today. While we often think about love as something we desire, God has already demonstrated His love for us by giving His Son to die for us on the Cross. We are made complete both by being loved by God and by giving love to others. Perhaps that is why Jesus said the two greatest commands are to love God with your whole heart, mind and soul, and to love others as yourself (NIV, Matthew 22:36-40). Blessings to all of you this new year of 2018 as we complete the puzzle of experiencing God s love with others.

5 January 2018 Page 5 ONLINE GIVING First United Methodist church is pleased to announce the introduction of an electronic option for making regular offerings. Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking or savings account (or processed using your credit or debit card). Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis. Giving online is easy to set up. Simply follow these easy steps: 1. Visit the church website at 2. Click on the Give button, 3. Click on the Make a donation button, 4. Click on the Create Profile button, then 5. Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and set up your recurring contributions. If you have any questions, contact the church office at MISSIONS GIVING In 2018, your Missions Committee will continue to highlight a different missions giving opportunity each month. During January, we encourage you to consider a donation for Pam s Promise. Sadly, yes, we do have homeless families in Montgomery County. Pam s Promise Transitional Housing Corporation is a non-profit transitional housing program offering a variety of support services for Montgomery County homeless women and their children with a goal of helping clients become self-sufficient within three to six months. Three case managers provide face to face training sessions and accountability where clients establish personal goals in the areas of housing, employment, education, finances, transportation, health, and overall self-sufficiency. Pam s Promise is currently renovating a property that when completed, will serve homeless men with children and intact families. They have waiting list of families needing a safe, healthy place to sleep, heal and grow. Can you help? Your check can be made to FUMC with Pam s Promise noted on the memo line. Thank you!

6 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 212 E Wabash Ave Crawfordsville, IN Brian Campbell, Pastor brian.campbell@inumc.org The Chimes January 2018 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN DATED MATERIAL Patty Bymaster, Assoc. Pastor patty.bymaster@inumc.org Rachel Campbell, Director of Children s Ministry & Preschool rcampbell@cvfumc.org Joshua Nobles, Director of Youth & Contemporary Worship jnobles@cvfumc.org Sherrie Lacy, Admin Assistant slacy@cvfumc.org Marsha Smith, Choir Director Cindy McCormick, Organist Randy Neideffer, Maintenance Ray Baumgartner, Custodian Service Times First 9:00 United a.m. Methodist Traditional Church Worship seeks in the to Sanctuary make disciples for & Jesus Christ. 11:10 We a.m. seek to relate The Gathering people in to the Christ, Fellowship connect Hall people to the Body of Christ, 10:00 a.m. and reach Sunday out School in love with and classes concern for all ages! to the world. 9:30-11:00 a.m. Take-Up-A-Cup in the Library & Narthex NEWS FROM JOSHUA It s here! We made it! 2018! (Cue fireworks) What is your resolution? I would imagine that many of us have the same resolution, to become somebody. Don t you remember those inspiring speeches you have heard? Be significant, be somebody, live to your potential, etc. Before you jump up to cheer yourself into this New Year, take a moment to ponder our purpose. Why were we created? The Westminster Catechism states that the chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever. This seems very counterintuitive to our normal thought as we tend to believe that we are called to do, but God has called us to be. John Piper, a Theologue of our day, states that We weren t meant to be somebody we were meant to know Somebody. This should be our driving passion, to know God. How many times do we spend our lives trying to be significant? God never asks us to be significant; rather, He wants us to know the significant one, Himself. Remember Jesus famous words in John 15 abide with me. He did not reconcile us to work; He reconciled us to be with Him. As you start this New Year, don t start it trying to figure out what you can do for God; rather, spend your time getting to know God. May the Lord bless you by revealing Himself to you in this New Year.