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1 Delphi United Methodist Church Feb Father Daughter tickets Tickets go on sale Sunday, February 5th. Dad s tickets are $8.00. Daughter s tickets are $6.00. DO NOT DELAY! Tickets sell out fast. Join the Prayer Community for the United Methodist Church details inside Investment in your marriage is priceless

2 Letters to Home Hi Mom and Dad, Prayer, what exactly is this communication with God all about? It is not meditation where we center ourselves on some focal point. It isn t a calming stress reliever. Instead, prayer is the invitation all believers have to approach God and express our gratitude for grace, to express our needs before the merciful God and to honor the majesty of God. Prayer shapes us, because we are submitting to the awesome God and we are listening to the God who loves us. Prayer was central to the Art of Marriage workshop last month. It undergirds our youth ministry and it directs our mission efforts. Seeking God is first in determining our ministry direction. God calls us to worship Him in our walls and to take the ministry out into the world. Prayer is the signpost giving us our direction. In these types of prayer, we cry out with three important needs: God, reveal where our hearts need aligned to your spirit. God, break our hearts to your concerns. God, give us eyes to see people with your eyes. When we seek the Lord, the Lord will answer. The question we ourselves must answer is, are we willing to seek God in prayer? Peace, Todd, Rhonda, Jordan, Elijah and Hannah Join the Prayer Community for the United Methodist Church This prayer movement is a response to the Council of Bishops initiative called Praying Our Way Forward. We are called to a posture of prayer, praying for God s leadership to guide us effectively in fulfilling the mission of the church. We invite you clergy and laity, conferences and congregations across the denomination to pray for God s guidance. In prayer, we can be one in Christ. Over the last six months, during phase 1 of this program, our bishops have been praying daily for the work of the Commission on the Way Forward. It s now time to launch a second phase that involves the whole church. Starting January 1, 2017, with the help of The Upper Room, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, and United Methodist Communications, this prayer movement will grow and move across the church. Bishops Debra Wallace-Padgett of North Alabama Conference and Bishop Al Gwinn serve as co-chairs of the Praying Our Way Forward movement. Bishop Wallace-Padgett says, Our prayer focus is two-fold: We are praying that God will help us to fulfill the mission of the church, and we are praying to be one in Christ. If there is ever a place where we can be one, it s in the space where we meet God.

3 Creation Care Ministry Thoughts Go Green, Save Green 2017 Resolutions Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, Or what is my place of rest? Acts 7:49 NSRV Do you make New Year s resolutions? This year my focus is on how I can live a greener lifestyle; saving myself money while I m saving God s green earth! The money I save will be pledged to the Missions of our church. Here are a few things that I resolve to do in 2017: Recycle more stuff! Electronics and batteries: (Carroll County Transfer Station, Oscar Winski) All paper, cans (Aluminum and tin), plastic containers, etc. (Curbside recycling, Carroll County Transfer station.) Clothing, Household goods and furniture: (Jacob s Closet-Delphi, Flora Thrift Shop, Trinity Mission, Goodwill, etc.) Save Water and $$! Turn off the water when brushing teeth, wash only full loads in washer and dishwasher, take shorter showers. Install a rain barrel: Clean and free water for gardens and flowers. (Can be homemade or purchased check online.) Garden and home: Money saving ideas Plant more vegetables to can and freeze Compost more vegetable scraps, yard waste for free fertilizer Install a clothesline-save energy by not using the dryer as much Have an energy audit on my house to see where I can save Use more natural cleaners- vinegar, baking soda, castile soap Simplify: be more conscientious about my purchases, consider my true needs vs. the wants of life (less stuff = less time, energy and $$ spent!) Shop local whenever possible (less miles on the car = more $$ in the bank) There are many small changes we can make to decrease our ecological footprint I hope that you will try these suggestions along with me! Anita *Creation Care is a ministry at DUMC, focusing on caring for our earth for generations to come to enjoy and appreciate. For more information, contact Dr. Dawn Frank, Anita Force, Jill Clothier, Keith Kalish or indicate your interest on your Connect card. Monthly Morsel There is a quote from the book, The Traveler s Gift. It says, "My friend, if you worry about what other people think of you, then you will have more confidence in their opinion than you have in your own. Poor is the man whose future depends on the opinions and permission of others." I really like that quote, because a person who lives according to the opinions of others is a slave. And Jesus came to set us free! Galatians 51 says, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm then and do not let yourself be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Through Jesus Christ, we are no longer slaves to anyone, including their opinions of us or what they think about us. The only opinion that matters is Jesus' and Jesus thinks you re to die for. So don't put more stock in worrying about what others think of you than what Christ thinks. Remember, you are free, free to live boldly, in honesty and integrity, with Christ as the Lord of your heart and mind, not the opinions of others. Who is your true love? What IS true love? February is the month for love, with Valentine s Day taking center stage. But WHAT IS TRUE LOVE? Each definition is unique, with no right or wrong answers. The one definition of true love that is universal in the world is that God loves you! Always has, always will, no matter what you do to push Him away. Men and women are flawed, but God is perfect and His love for us is perfect. In the end, God is all we need, not only in February on Valentine s Day, but every day, every moment.

4 Mission Project for February Kokomo Rescue Mission Most Needed Items Collections Music Ministry Expedition While a temporary arrangement, as we search for a director of music, the Staff Parish has met and has begun utilizing a different model for our music ministry. This model includes asking three people to take on the work of the director of music, in a compensated position. It also includes a worship planning process that will enhance collaboration amongst those involved. This is a way where we can have better clarity and direction as we seek what God is doing. As we prayed about this effort, what came to our hearts was to ask the question, Why have we not found someone yet? We believe God is directing us to have several folks involved and to also look at the people before us. Vicky Snipes will officially take on the capacity of traditional worship coordinator. She will pick hymns, lead the choir, and help coordinate the traditional service. Vicky has experience in music and has a great deal of fun with the choir. She has her hymns already picked out through May and is excited to step into this new journey. Kevin Hathaway will lead the praise team for the second service. His role is to coordinate rehearsal on Thursday and Sunday. On some weeks, he will lead from the front for worship and on other Sundays he will be in the back taking notes on how to enhance our ability to enter the presence of God. Lisa Rush will be the administrator of ALL these pieces. She will arrange and choose songs for Sundays, schedule the musicians and tech team each month, and set up the projection of words for our services. This task is very helpful in making sure everything comes off well each Sunday. During February, a collection box for the residents of KRM will help show those struggling that YES there is hope and people who care. Box will be located outside the office on the left. Items of great need include: men s deodorant, antibacterial soap, paper products, disinfectant spray and powder laundry detergent. February Food Pantry Item: Canned Meat For many, right here in our community, hunger is real, every day. Hunger knows no season. Thank you for your continuing, generous donations. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat Matthew 25:35 We are still collecting new or gently used bras for the Free the Girls program. There is a labeled bin in the office for collection. For more Information on this program, contact Linda Mylet. Thank you for supporting this ministry. FINANCES: Thank you for your continued gifts. For January 2017: General tithes/offering: $47, Debt Reduction: $19, Giving Online Quick

5 Important Dates for 2017 Delphi United Methodist Women is now one circle with 27 active members and will meet the first Tuesday of each month (except January and July) at 7PM at the church. The group of 31 General Members are those who support the projects and supply much needed assistance with meals, but do not regularly attend the meetings. Each member will receive a Pledge Card which shares information as to the scope of outreach supported by all UMW members. Our unit membership supports the Conference by giving $10 to the maintenance of Lucille Raines Home, $2 to the Million U Educational Workshop and $1 to Youth Services, which provides scholarships for youth mission projects per member. This total pledge for 2017 is $754 ($13/member). The February 7 th program is the annual Pledge Service. Linda Mylet will share details of how pledged money and gifts have been used during the past year. It s amazing to learn the avenues of outreach provided by UMW worldwide. On March 7 th, Leslie Asher, NW District past Treasurer, will share in depth information about the Channels of Giving, which carefully explores how the 5 major funds for different mission are maintained. This will be most informative and answer many questions frequently asked. Sheila Wilimitis will share highlights of her China trip at the April 4 th meeting, which will be a first person mission report. We feel very blessed to have this shared message. Ladies please mark your calendars to attend these enriching programs. You need not be a member of UMW or the Delphi United Methodist church to attend. A time to see faith, hope and love in action! Listed below are some scheduled 2017 Delphi UMC events. Mark your calendars now to see how you can get involved. January 29-Febraury 18: Mission Team Fundraiser February 5: Tickets go on sale for Father-daughter dance* March 3: Parents Night Out March 4: Women s Ecumenical Retreat, Monticello March 1: Ash Wednesday March 11: Father-daughter dance March 19: Starting Point Lunch April 16: Easter Services May 7: UMW Spring Tea June 3-10: Mission Trip to Florida for Give Kids the World June 19-22: Vacation Bible School (Monday-Thursday) August 11: Chicken Barbeque August 27: Missions Produce Auction September 8: Teen Fish Fry October 31: Fall Carnival *Tickets for the dance usually sell out within the first week. DONATIONS?? Have items you want to donate to the church or to a specific ministry? While we love to be able to help out families or groups, please make arrangements with someone on staff BEFORE DROPPING OFF any donations. We will then let you know if your donation is something that can be utilized. Sometimes we hear of specific needs within our church family, but if we do not have a definite purpose for the item, we will kindly decline and ask that you donate it to another organization or center. Thank you for thinking of us and for understanding that we want to make sure we can fill a need rather than be a collection place for items.

6 Congregational Ministry: Caring for mind, body and spirit of all Blood pressure checks When/Time: Sunday, February 5 th, between services Where: Office Area Why: Give your Valentine a healthy heart, today and everyday. Check those numbers! **Please notify the church office (765/ ) or Connie Hughes if you or a family member is having surgery and would like a church staff member to visit the hospital or home. Cold & flu season is upon us. Let s practice our good health rules. Remember to: Wash hands frequently Cover mouth when coughing or sneezing. Drink adequate fluids Stay at home in bed if you have a fever, chills, or body aches 100+ ADULTS ARE INVOLVED IN GROWTH GROUPS! CONTACT SHEILA WILIMITIS TO SEE WHICH GROUP IS RIGHT FOR YOU! TEXT SUNDAY MORNINGS 10:00-10:45am ** 9:00-10:00am The Story led by Paige and Debbie Smith Rm 200 The Story led by Gary Duff and Marty Mears Room 100 The Story led by Sheila Wilimitis Room 200 The Story led by Mary VanSickle Rooms The Story for Parents led by Pastor Sheri Rohrer Room 214 Toolmen for God (Bible study) led by Dan LePage Hallway 1C The Story led by Peggy Lewellen The Ark Left-Side Classroom EVENINGS Sundays 5-7pm Church The Story led by Todd and Rhonda Ladd Mondays 3:30pm Church The Patriarchs led by Sharon Brothers Tuesdays 6:30pm Church The Story for Women led by Sheryl Shockley Wednesdays 6:00pm Jim and Sharon Hancock s house, Flora The Story Women s Ecumenical Retreat Come and join in fellowship with women from all denominations on Saturday, March 4 th 8:30 to noon at Christian Church, 1002 S Airport Road, Monticello. The guest speaker is Carol Weaver, a retired Baptist pastor from West Lafayette. FOR THE UNCHURCHED TUESDAYS FEBRUARY 7, 21 7:00 PM WORSHIP CENTER Mike Harbeck Sheila Wilimitis Our first gathering on January 10 had 17 in attendance: adults, children and teens. We are praying for: 1. Spiritual Awakening. 2. Unquenchable fire for the lost. 3. Increase in love. 4. Guidance on who and how.

7 Prayer Ministry Thank you to all who contributed in some way to the Annual Prayer Vigil by your prayers, attendance, set-up and tear-down. It was the hopes and prayers of the committee that each one who attended was touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit and drawn closer to God in their spiritual relationship with Him. This is taken earlier this year from one of my devotionals by Billy Graham: May we share our faith more in Our faith becomes stronger as we express it; a growing faith is a sharing faith. Pray now for those you who need Christ, and ask God to help you be a witness to them----by the life you live and the words you speak. Pray for the lost and unchurched because prayer is powerful and changes circumstances and people in many different ways. Caregiver support group No registration required, just attend February9 th 1:30-2:30PM at Delphi UMC, Room 200. Edward Stachowicz, an eldercare lawyer, will share legal tips and answer questions about caregiving for loved ones. For more information, contact Sharon Brothers at: dsbrothers@frontier.com or by phone at 765/

8 *We will meet Feb. 5 th from 4-5:30* Feb 12 th and 19 th (not 26 th ) from 5 to 7pm We will finish our series on Joseph on Feb. 5 th. Then we will have a 2 week series on Dating Relationships. Upcoming Events Movie Night: Friday, March 3 rd Teen Center Dodgeball Night: Sunday, March 12 th Teen Center Justice Event, Saturday, April 8 th with Garrett Howell and an Awaken Worship band, Sunday, April 9 th in the Worship Center. Summer Camp for current 5 th to 12 th grade students is from June 25 th to 30 th at The Ark. March 5 th is the deadline to apply for the Church Camp Scholarship. This can cover up to half of the cost of camp. April 30 th is the deadline to register for camp. Marriage & Family Life Ministries Pastor Sheri Rohrer Marriage and Family Life Mission: To guide, empower, and equip individuals and families to develop Christ centered and healthy relationships. Parents Night out: Friday, March 3 rd from 6:30 to 9:30PM, here at DUMC. For infants through 5th grade. Have a date night go to the movies, go to dinner. Whatever you do, we ll watch them for you FREE! Don t let the cost of childcare be a reason to not go on a date! Sign-ups will start Sunday, February 12 th in the Rotunda. Child s registration is required, no drop-offs. Update on Art of Marriage: Fourteen couples attended, 13 of them re-investing in their marriages and one engaged couple receiving some great guidelines for a strong marriage. Each couple sat at their own private table, thanks to a generous donation of tables. The UMW provided lunch and there were snacks and goodies all weekend. The couples heard video and live testimonies about how marriage takes a commitment far beyond the I Do s. Make it a priority to re-invest in your marriage! You won t regret it. Coming Fall 2017: Family Comedy Night. Stay tuned for more details to come! A HUGE THANK YOU to the wonderful people who work so hard to keep our parking lots safe from the ice and snow. While we are at home in our cozy beds, or getting ready to come to church, they are out in the elements shoveling and plowing our lot and sidewalks. Many thanks from us all.

9 Mark your calendars for TWO dates: Saturday, March 11 th Father/ Daughter Masquerade Ball 5-8:30 PM Tickets go on sale Sunday, February 5 th. Dad tickets are $8.00, Daughter tickets are $6.00 Payment due at time of purchase NO HOLDS Tickets usually sell out within the first week, so don t miss this date! If you d like to help in any way, contact Nina. We need help with decorating and set-up, ironing tablecloths, baking and decorating cupcakes, and sewing curtains. Give Kids the World Mission Trip Fundraiser Beginning January 29 th through February 19 th, the Mission Team will be selling laundry soap to raise money for their trip to Florida in June. They will have a table set up in the Rotunda, ready to take your orders. Payment is needed at the time you place your order. Products are: 5-gallon Liquid Tide $35; 5-gallon Liquid Gain $35; 5-gallon Downy Fabric Softener $35; 5-gallon Blue Dawn Dish Soap $40; 200-count Cascade Dishwasher Pods $40; 300-count Laundry Pods $40. All products are HE compatible. Thank you for helping to support the Mission team. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Hyman at 574/ or hymandeb@yahoo.com. 80 s Game Night! Friday, February 3 rd from 7pm to 11pm at the Main Church For all 6 th to 12 th grade students! We will have 80 s music, 80 s games, 80 s prize giveaways, and 80 s TV shows. Also available: 9-Sqare in the Air, GaGa, Air Band and Lip Sync Contest (see Micah for songs available), Social areas to play Animal Crackers or Mafia or 80 s Board games, and a Photo booth. 80 s dress up contest for prizes! Think Purple, animal prints, geometric shapes, neon, leg warmers... Bring a Friend and experience the 80 s for a few hours of your life! Winter Retreat/Camp Saturday, Feb. 25 to Sunday, Feb. 26 7pm For 7 th to 12 th grade students. We will go to Camp Friedenswald in Michigan to play games, go sledding, and have a time away for worship and continuing to learn about the Holy Spirit. # of Registrations is limited. Sign up now! (Limited until more adult chaperones are confirmed.) Delphi UM Youth Ministry, Micah Hudson, Youth Director Cell # / mhudson@delphiumc.org /

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