the contact december 2015
DESCRIPTION
Carmel United Methodist Church Monthly Newsletter December Issue 2015TRANSCRIPT
At CUMC we are CONNECTING with God and others, GROWING in faith and love through Biblical learning, and SERVING our community and world, as followers of Jesus Christ. Carmel United Methodist Church Fax: 317-848-8790 621 S. Range Line Rd. phone: 317-844-7275 Carmel, IN 46032 e-mail: [email protected]
DECEMBER 2015
TheContact
A Christmas Story
Isn't there one story that we as Christians love to tell and hear every year at Christmas time...that long ago in Bethlehem in a manger a little boy was born to teenage parents who named him Jesus. Long ago in Bethlehem love came down to be born among us and to teach us how to live. Long ago in Bethlehem God-in-skin came down so that He would then die to save all who believe.
I love hearing children tell the story in their own words. I share with you a story I found years ago about a Russian child who first heard the Christmas story told by missionaries. As the children at that orphanage heard the story for the first time, they sat in amazement. Following the story the children created with cardboard pieces and yellow napkins a crude manger to keep for themselves. A "baby" was cut from tan felt.
Six-year-old Misha finished his project and in the manger there was not one, but two babies. Misha began to repeat the story very seriously. He related the story very accurately until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger. Then Misha started his own ending as he said:
"And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mama and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much so I thought about what I had that I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus would that be a good enough gift? Jesus told me if I kept him warm, that would be the best gift anybody ever gave him. So I got into the manger and Jesus looked at me and told me I could stay with him for always."
The missionaries said that as Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed with tears. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table and his shoulders shook as he sobbed.
Wouldn't it be beautiful if this year when we hear this same story that we do so with a fresh heart as if having never heard it before?
Wouldn't it be beautiful for you to have the opportunity to share this story with someone who is abused or abandoned or lost so they would know that there was someone who would stay with them "for always" ?
At Carmel UMC we are about Connecting and Growing and Serving as disciples of Jesus Christ which has its foundation and beginning from that baby who was born long ago in a manger.
I wish for you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!!
~ Pastor Patti
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Pastoral Staff Senior Pastor: Rev. Patti Napier Associate Pastor: Rev. Mike Collins Director of Stream Worship: Scott McDermid Director of Youth Ministries: Scott McDermid Minister of Children & Families: Rev. Aj Mildenberg Minister of Adult Ed. & Discipleship: Sandra Andrews Minister of Music Chuck Shockney Minister of Youth: Kevin Andrews Minister of Local Outreach: Mike Podgorski
Office Staff Church Administrator: Kevin Sweeney Office Manager: Pat Morrison Financial Secretary: Elizabeth Shiverdecker Communications & Media Specialist: Rachel Ferry Membership Secretary: Karen McTaggart Building Superintendent: Art Enlow Preschool Director: Marian Fales Preschool Administrative Coordinator: Nicole Todd Minister of Shepherding & New Mem-ber: Barbara Krueger Minister of Visitation: Jim Shirey Retired Pastor in Residence: Jack King
To send an e-mail to any staff member, use their first initial and last name @carmelumc.org For example, Patti Napier is: [email protected]
Leadership at CUMC:
IN THIS ISSUE:
Church Governing Council
The Church Governing Council meet-ing schedule is posted outside of the Church office.
Governing Council
Winter Course Guide
WINTERBLAST!
Christmas Play
Advent Happenings
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2016 Carmel UMC Governing Council Members
Executive Board: 2018 Chair of Governing Council Jennifer Elkin 2018 Vice Chair of Governing Council Travis Severson 2017 Chair Trustees Pete Gray 2016 Chair of Finance Chuck Schalliol 2017 Chair of Staff Parish Mike Irwin
Operations: 2016 Trustees Janet Boyd 2018 Trustees John Borland 2017 Finance Brian Williams 2018 Finance 2016 Staff Parish Frank Baker 2018 Staff Parish Eric Stickford 2017 Youth/Young Adult Jasmine McDonald
Non-voting members: Senior Pastor Patti Napier Associate Pastor Mike Collins Business Administrator Kevin Sweeney Office Manager Pat Morrison (taking minutes)
*Governing Council consists of 12 voting members
*year listed is last year of a three year term
Congratulations….
Births…
Hunter Joshua Jackson, born November 3, 2015 to Garrett & Bethany Jackson. Proud grandparents are Steve & Marian Fales.
Liam George Enlow, born November 8, 2015 to Michael & Emily Enlow. Proud grandparents are Art & Jayne Enlow.
Madelyn Marie LeVora, born November 12 to Matt & Jennifer LeVora.
Baptisms…
Stanley Grider, son of Eric & Kari Grider, was baptized November 8, 2015.
Olivia Kidder was baptized November 15, 2015.
Vivienne & Emilia Kidder, daughters of Lance & Olivia Kidder were baptized November 15, 2015.
With Sympathy To…
Mary Jo Hoffman & family on the death of her husband, Bill Hoffman, who passed away October 30, 2015.
Marie Roth Henderson & family on the death of her grandfather, Lon Cushman, who passed away November 17, 2015.
Marian Pethe & family on the death of her husband, John Pethe, who passed away November 22, 2015.
Jan Ayers & family on the death of her mother, Harriett Batdorf, who passed away November 29, 2015
New Members….
Jennifer & Robert Andrews Rodney & Kara Benson
Greg & Beth Boylan Stephanie Collins
Ben & Angie Eberhart Tim Eckert
Lance & Olivia Kidder Katherine McShea
Marybeth McShea Jim & Connie Rentschler
Carolyn Robinson Travis & Amy Severson
Joe & Faye Thomas Eric & Karla Walsworth
Suzanne Weir
After 5 Giveaways and 2 days of Post-Giveaways, the numbers are in: Kid’s Coats of Hamilton County distributed: 1761 coats; 469 families were served.
Kid’s Coats would like to thank all of the volunteers from Carmel UMC. Without our volunteers and donations, this program would not happen. So, “Thank YOU!”
Kid’s Coats is continuing to give out coats through the end of February 2016. For Hamilton County families that missed the opportunity to shop for coats on Nov. 7 & 14 in Car-mel, Noblesville, Arcadia, Sheridan, and Fish-ers, you can still go to:
Merciful HELP Center Nov. 21, 2015 to Feb. 27, 2016 Saturdays 9-11:30am Tuesdays 5-7pm 1045 West 146th Street, Suite A Carmel, IN 46032 317-663-4039
Merciful HELP Center CLOSED DATES: 2015: 12/19, 12/22, 12/26, 12/29 2016: 1/2, 1/23
The Transportation Ministry is in full swing! This ministry is designed to help friends of Carmel UMC at the Barrington arrive safely at church to worship or enjoy Sunday School. If you’re a resi-dent at the Barrington, and would like to partici-pate in this ministry or if you’d like to volunteer as one of the drivers, please contact Jim Shirey 317-217-0172
The bus schedule currently running is: Bus Arrival at The Barrington: 8:45 a.m.
Depart from the Barrington: 9:00 a.m. (sharp) Depart CUMC following worship: 11:00 a.m.
Arrive at Barrington: 11:15 a.m.
Join Carmel UMC throughout Advent to prepare to GO into our community and serve those in need. Carmel UMC is asking that for the next three weeks you drop off specific items to the Mission House Donation Room (Boxes will be marked) for a LOCAL IMPACT MISSION! We are collecting:
Band-Aids Single Use Neosporin or other antibiotic
ointment Men’s T-Shirts (size Large or XL, plain,
colors are ok) Hand lotion for chapped hands Individually packaged toothbrushes/
small toothpastes Travel-size toiletries Chapstick style products (any brand, in-
dividually packaged) Warm Men’s Socks Pre-packaged snacks (i.e. granola bars)
The three weeks following Christmas, all of these items will be assembled (yes the blankets!), sorted, and packaged after each worship service, in the Gathering Place. Once we have packages ready for delivery, Carmel UMC will be delivering these to organizations we have partnered with who support the homeless in our community.
As Christians we are called to work as Jesus
did. At Carmel UMC our vision statement states
that we “serve our community and world as fol-
lowers of Jesus Christ”
This Sunday, December 6th at
12:15pm
in the Sanctuary
Service
The "Not So Silent Night" is the Christmas Play that we will present this
year on Sunday, December 13, 5:30pm in the Sanctuary. Shepherds who
visit baby Jesus on the night of his birth are so excited about the events
of the evening that they make a great deal of noise and are arrested for
disturbing the peace. The play takes place in the court room where the
shepherds are on trial. You will laugh out loud at the witnesses for the
prosecution, especially Dr. Sigmund Fruitcake! The dialogue is cleverly
comic keeping the audience engaged and wondering what wacky charac-
ter will be the next to be cross-examined. Come see over 40 of our cleverest and fun children sing,
dance and tell you about the birth of our Savior!
Immediately following the play: Stay for Hot Cocoa to warm up before the All-Church Christmas Caroling! Bring your holiday spirit as we visit neighborhoods within walking dis-tance of Carmel UMC to share the spirit of Christmas through Caroling! The caroling will begin at 6:30pm.
The Gathering Place displays varying artists beautiful work. It is time for the children! Art must be Christmas related and accompanied by name, age and
explanation of the piece. It also must be framed. You may sign-up for 1 piece
per child. Pastor Aj needs to have all pieces by December 6. The artwork will be displayed before Christmas through mid- January.
We need some children for readings and drama parts without words for the Family Christmas Eve service at 5pm. Children must be able to read and have
no fear of being in front of large groups. SIGN-UP HERE
We need greeters and ushers (families) and acolytes for the Family Christmas
Eve service at 5pm. SIGN-UP HERE
Each Sunday for the 9:30am service we have children light the altar candles. If your child would like to be an acolyte, please email Pastor Aj or let her know on a Sunday morning and they may if someone else has not already requested. Email: [email protected]
December 27 there will be a large group Sunday School following the children’s moment at 9:30am. Please have your children bring a toy they received as a present to be blessed that morning! (Please nothing that is easily breakable or scary.)
Children’s Christmas
Play
The next session
of M&M’s begins
January 10 at
6pm
REGISTER HERE!
What is M&M’s?
Missions:
Each week kids 1st through 5th grade will meet to
discuss missions and work on projects together.
This Mission Club will include Bible memorization,
ideas to do mission projects and character build-
ing. Each time a child does 5 hours of service to
one of the following and scripture memory, they
will earn a charm.
Music: (under the direction of Nathan Hood)
Carmel United Methodist offers a comprehensive
choir program for children from age four through
5th grades. The Children’s Music Program is de-
signed to encourage children to grow in faith,
serve in worship and praise through song. Choir
will meet on Sunday evenings, in the choir room in
the basement and participants must register and
commit to the entire semester.
Sundays at 6-7:30pm, this is not a drop off event,
a parent must remain in the building.
M&M’s meets on the same Sundays as Intersect.
Parent Bible Study on the Book of James by
Francis Chan
Sunday evenings at 6-7:30pm beginning Janu-
ary 10 (during M&M’s)
True faith produces fruit. A faith without action and
without life change is ultimately a dead faith. The
Moms Bible study be-
gins January 14 at
9:15- 10:30am in the
confirmation room in
the basement. This is a
study that one needs
no prior biblical
knowledge. Childcare
is available. Questions? Email Pastor Aj at
book of James speaks to the realities of a liv-
ing faith in Jesus - the kind of roll-up-your-
sleeves and get-your-hands-dirty discipleship
that is borne out of an authentic relationship
with the risen Lord. James writes to believers
who know suffering, who've faced trials, and
who ultimately desire a deep relationship with
God.
Francis Chan unpacks the dense truth con-
tained in the book of James in front of the
iconic backdrop of San Francisco, the city
where he lives and ministers. Through 12 ses-
sions, Francis works through James verse-by-
verse, challenging followers of Christ to move
beyond a private, intellectual knowledge of
God and His Word, to a vibrant faith that im-
pacts every square inch of life
Matt Bays, speaker and author
The event of the year is quickly approaching – WINTERBLAST 2016! SAVE the dates and
keep a look out for more information via email and the Sunday bulletin. January 16-18 will be
a weekend with winter activities, speaker and author Matt Bays, Airband, and a weekend
away at Gull Lake Retreat Center. Bringing friends is ENCOURAGED!
CHRISTMAS TREE SALES! Sign up to vol-
unteer HERE to help sell Christmas Trees!
Remember the amount equal to $10/hr
goes toward your tuition for the SLAM Mis-
sion Trip this summer! Proceeds go to
youth missions. Next Sunday ends our
2015 sale.
Girls Gingerbread House Christmas Party.
December 13th starting at 3:00 in the Hub.
Bring your own house to decorate and a
snack to share. Invite your friends to this fun
event! Prizes go to voted upon winner!
Grades 6-12 welcome.
Intersect is a weekly Youth
Group for Jr. & Sr. High
students - Sunday nights
starting at 5:15pm. Come
worship, have a bible study, and enjoy dinner with your friends.
Intersect is held in the Hub in the lower level of the Church.
SIGN-UP ONLINE TO VOLUNTEER
FOR GLEANER’s DAYS!
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Seeking volunteers for Soup's On Sunday December 20th from 10:00 am till 2:30 pm. This incredible mission serves ap-proximately 250 meals weekly to those less fortunate at Rob-erts Park UMC in Indianapolis.
Please call John Greene at 727-403-7069 or Email John at [email protected] to learn more and get involved by serving at the event or providing food.
ESL @ Carmel UMC wishes to THANK the wonderful volun-teers who are transforming
lives through education!
Wishing everyone a blessed
Christmas and New Year!
If you are inserted in learning more contact [email protected]
MORE Volunteers are needed for the Food Pantry! The pantry is in need of regular volunteers to work during open pantry hours, to assist visi-tors. Additional volunteer opportunities are available for various tasks at the pantry, like stocking shelves and organizing (this would be a great family activity). If interested, please contact Lisa Williams to arrange a time to volunteer via email: [email protected] or call: 317-507-7410
Women Monthly Circles.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The prayer shawl ministry meets every Tuesday from 12:30 until 2:30 in room 124. Anyone is welcome to join us. More than a dozen shawls have already been given to church members and friends to demonstrate our love and God's love thru whatever they are facing. Call Jenny Andrews at 989-0586 for more infor-mation
Ruth Anna
Ruth Anna Circle will have our Christmas meeting and pitch-in lunch at the church beginning at 10:30am on Tuesday, December 8. We welcome new members and guests to join us in celebrating the birth of our Savior. Our first meeting in 2016 will be on Tuesday, January 12.
Mom’s Circle
The Moms Circle is December 10th from 9:15-10:30 in room 122. Karla Walsworth will be leading a yoga class for us and then we will have some breakfast items to eat! Questions? Email: Christy Nowlin at: [email protected]
Lydia Circle
Lydia Circle Meeting will meet Tuesday Jan 5th in the Gathering Place to watch the encouraging movie "90 Minutes in Heaven" ... a true story about Pastor Don Piper's car accident and his perseverance in the chal-lenges of life and death.
Meet at 6:15 pm - Bring a snack to share and enjoy discussion after movie until 8:15 pm!
Quilters Group
Quilters group have completed quilting one quilt and are ready to start another, we meet each Friday from 9:30 to noon, and we welcome new members, even if they don’t know how to quilt. Any questions please contact Marie Harris at: [email protected]
UMW CHRISTMAS DINNER!
You are invited to the Carmel United Methodist Church UMW Christmas dinner on December the 8th!
Come enjoy dinner, fellowship, play some games and sing some Christmas carols!
We will also enjoy live music and a professional photographer will be onsite to take complimentary pictures!
Dinner is $15 per person.
RSVP HERE
We look forward to seeing you at the party
Coming Up During the Christmas Season:
Advent Study in Sunday School Rm
121/122
Sunday Mornings thru December 20
9:30am - 10:30am
Christmas Tree Sales Now thru December 13
Blue Christmas December 6 at 12:15pm
Christmas Cantata December 6 at 6:30pm
UMW Christmas Dinner December 8
Angel Tree Delivery December 12
Children’s Christmas Play December 13 @ 5:30
Christmas Caroling December 13 @ 6:30pm (All Church)
Walk to Bethlehem (preschool) December 14 - 18
Christmas Eve 3:00 The Stream, FLC
Christmas Eve 5:00 Children/Family, Sanctuary
Christmas Eve 7:00, 9:00 Traditional, Sanctuary
Christmas Eve 11:00 Communion, Sanctuary
The Christmas Season is right around the corner and Carmel UMC has some amazing events that
you’re not going to want to miss! Mark your calendars today for these upcoming dates!
A Growth Group is a small group of people who
meet weekly in host homes to grow in faith and
love through Biblical learning.
You can join a Growth Group anytime!
Now Availa-
ble!
Interested in learn-
ing more about the
Bible? Have ques-
tions you want answered? Find a class that fits
where you are in your spiritual journey. Whether
you are looking for an introduction in a 100 Level
Class, something in between, or a more in-depth
Bible study in the 400 Level, you can find a
course listed in this Catalogue of all of the clas-
ses offered this fall semester. If you have ques-
tions or need help deciding what would be a
good fit, please contact Sandra or another staff
member and we would be happy to help.
Grab your copy of the Course Catalog at the Growth Table in the Gathering Place on Sunday! Registrations will be open soon for the various classes.
Is there someone at the
church who’s missing out on
RightNow Media?
After being invited by her husband, Lisa
loved going through Pulling the Thread
with Jen Hatmaker in her women's small
group and encouraging each other to
live out their faith throughout the week.
Ryan, a college senior, got an invitation
from his dad and is now watching con-
victing and challenging sessions from
the Passion Conference with his friends
in their dorm, on his phone.
Nate is a 5-year old who's learning bibli-
cal history in a fun way by watching
What's in the Bible? on the iPad after
school.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
621 S. Range Line Road
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317-844-7275
Fax: 317-848-8790
E-mail: [email protected]
www.carmelumc.org
At Carmel UMC we are connecting with God and others, growing in faith and love through Biblical learning, and serving our community and world as followers of Jesus Christ.
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Advent
Christmas Cantata Dec. 6
Christmas Play Dec. 13
All Church Christmas Caroling Dec. 13
Christmas Eve
UPCOMING EVENTS