May - Center UMC

Center United Methodist Church Monthly Newsletter
May 2012
Worship Times
Traditional Worship
(Sanctuary)
9:00 a.m.
Contemporary
(Great Hall)
11:15 a.m.
Sunday School
10:15-11:05 a.m.
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 a.m.. - 3:45 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Prayer Request
Line:
317-221-3607
Office Phone:
317-784-1101
Fax:
317-784-1127
Website:
www.center-umc.org
Office E-mail:
info@center-umc.org
5445 Bluff Road, Indianapolis, IN 46217
www.center-umc.org
info@center-umc.org
317-784-1101
LINING UP FOR A FOOL’S BLESSING
I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ our risen Lord, and Savior of the world!!
Last November, on the first Sunday (the 6th) I shared in a sermon “Mountain Moving
Faith” that my faith wasn’t like our Lord’s faith. I will share a quote from that sermon
and then offer some words of explanation on the other side. The quote takes up right
after I mentioned that unlike Jesus, who challenges us to have enough faith to move a
mountain or a mulberry tree, that when I moved a river birth tree in my yard, it was not
with faith, but instead:
…I used two shovels, a mattocks, four neighbor kids – four McDonalds
gift certificates, two 15 foot chains, 2 x 25 foot ratchet straps (the kind
use by semi drivers,) some very strong rope, and eventually I rented a
bobcat like machine that is called a skidsteer, from Indy Rents, (a
Douglass Corporation). I also had to take an 8 foot section of my fence
out and then got permission from my neighbor to drive the skidsteer into
his yard. It was not a mulberry tree, it was in fact a river birch. I have high
hopes that it will live to see another Spring. I cannot even admit to having
full faith it will survive the move into a new location. I am told that you
have a 50/50 chance of a tree surviving a move…
I actually broke out in song on March 22, while cutting the grass. Normally, I do not cut
the grass during the day on a Thursday, but three days of rain were in the forecast and
instead of taking a chance that I would be able to cut it between showers, I went ahead,
took a break from sermon work, and took 40 minutes to do an 80 minute job (I was nearly running). If I would have waited, I would have had to find someone with a combine to
bale the yard for me. I know no one with a combine. Anyway, I broke out in song right in
the front yard. Fortunately for my neighbors (if any were home) with the mower running
it probably just sounded like my beagle baying at something.
It will be over a month from the time I am writing this before you read it, so who knows
what the Indiana weather will have brought? At the time of this writing, we have had
three solid weeks of weather in 60s and 70s, and right now 6 straight days of 80s. Everything is in bloom - dangerously early. Anyway, here is what I sang: “Lord of all creation,
of water, earth and sky. The heaven’s are Your tabernacle, glory to the Lord on
high” (this is a song by Chris Tomlin, God of Wonders). Standing in the line of fools, I was
given yet another blessing! My transplanted river birch was breaking forth with leaves on
every branch! Only God! I am sure there is some set of words that technically describes
what took place (I defer to my friend Tom Gary for that explanation – but he testifies it is
all up to God, too!). Yes, God blesses even the fools!!
Continued on the inside cover...
Church Staff
Senior Pastor
Daniel Rasmussen
Pastor of Prayer
and Discipleship
Dr. John Abbott, Jr.
Custodian
Ed Parr
Music Director
Bruce Haddix
Nursery Coordinator
Vanessia Carnes
Office Manager
Barb Sibbing
Organist
Ann Haddix
Dear CUMC,
Pastor Dan’s article continued:
Thank you to everyone who chose to donate
their Easter Lilies. You made several shut ins
and residents of Regency Place, Bethany Village and Plainfield Health Care Center very
happy. Also, thank you to Kyle Adamson and
Pam Ball for helping me with the deliveries.
Sincerely, Vicki Rady
In 1985, having NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE,
Julie and I planted a garden. There are no
green thumbs in my family tree, although
there are a few squirrels and those things
squirrels collect… (since most of my family
members get this newsletter I am stopping this
line of thinking). Anyway, in 1985 we harvested a garden, and since my wife is the smart
one of the two of us, it was me, the fool, most
blessed. God probably laughed when He decided to give me (this kid from the city) some
produce. Back to the story:
Ken and I would like to thank Pastor Dan
and the Mintons for visiting at the hospital
following my back surgery. Also thanks the
5 ladies who provided meals, those who
prayed, sent get well cards, to Kim Shepherd for the use of her thingy”, too and to
those who remembered us at the loss of our
sister-in-law Barb. You’re all angels to
us! We have a wonderfully loving and caring
church family!
New Members
Praise and
Worship Leader
Doug Olson
Dave & Margaret Baker:
528 Watersonway Circle,
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Youth Ministries
Director
Cheryl Adamson
Ben Webster:
1422 E Kelly St.
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Sound Tech
The Living Well
Doug Harris
Treasurer
Ken Parks
Wedding Director
Alissa Newhouse
Wedding Advisor
Financial Secretary
Connie Minton
Newsletter Deadline
15th of the Month
Bulletin Deadline
Wednesday’s
(by end of day)
Sympathies
~Our Sympathies to Gene Bricker and family on the passing of Gene’s wife Val, April
3, 2012.
~Our Sympathies to Clyde Fields, Angie
Bump and family on the passing of Barbara
Fields on April 7, 2012
Memories
So, there was a 50/50 chance: the tree was
either going to live, or die. Yes, it might have
been nursed, trimmed, babied and watered,
even fertilized, but living or dying – those
were the options. Thank you God for blessing
me, a “fool” who trusts only in You for all
things good! I trust YOU for life!
And remember the same is said about the
Lord Jesus. For the skeptic, there is a 50/50
chance in whether or not His claims are true.
They are either true, or they aren’t. If they are,
then eternal life is only in His name. If he is
wrong, our Savior has not come, we are lost in
our sins and any god or belief we want to
choose is fine. But, if He is right He is 100%
right. He can’t be partially right . If partially
right He lied. That would make Him 100%
wrong; His premises HE is Truth. He said, “I
am the way, the truth and the life” John 14:6.
Just like the river birch which was either going
to live or die. Jesus is either 100% right or
100% wrong. Being right, then we who
choose Him are going to live eternally. Amazingly, the Bible says He choose us. The alternative is less than encouraging.
Join me in the line of fools: “…God was
pleased through the foolishness of what was
preached to save those who believe” (I Corinthians 1:21).
Love,
This Is A Test
By Dr. John D. Abbott, Jr.
This test is intended to measure how well you know the family of God that
worships at Center UMC. You will be given some clues as to
peoples identity, and then attempt to name the people:
1. There is a lady member of our church who taught psychology at
Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion Indiana when it was known as
Marion College: _________________________________________
2. Jonah has been adopted by the
________________________________________________________________________________ family.
3. Name the Registered Nurses in our congregation._______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Who once delivered burgers and fries on roller skates? ___________________________________________
5. A man thought his wife was having an affair and he asked her if there was a new man in her life. She said yes,
do you want to meet him? His name is Jesus. __________________________________________________
6. Name the church family that is about to embark on a new business, a Coffee Shop and Ice Cream store.
______________________________________________________________________________________
7. There is a man in our church who is going to be disappointed when he finds out that the only car mentioned
in the bible is a Honda. Scripture says they were all together in one Accord. ___________________________
8. We have a member that annually grows 1000 lb. pumpkins. _______________________________________.
9. We have a female member of our church that has been selected to be a leader for the upcoming year of Bible
Study Fellowship. _______________________________________________________________________
10. We have a person on our staff that is currently the professor of Contemporary Worship at Indiana Wesleyan
University. _____________________________________________________________________________
11. Name three great young women of our church who dissed Pastor Abbott in the Centerview.
______________________________________________________________________________________
12. One of our male members is pursuing a Registered Nursing degree. _________________________________
13. One of our young teen ladies works with horses weekly. __________________________________________
14. We have a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel in our church. ___________________________________________
15. We have two sisters in our church that lost their husbands within two weeks of each other.
______________________________________________________________________________________
16. Name the members of the family from our church that are currently serving on the mission field in Tanzania.
______________________________________________________________________________________
17. A female member of our choir is a civil engineer. _______________________________________________
18. Name the male member of our church that is a high steel worker. __________________________________
19. Name our church custodians. ______________________________________________________________
20. One of our members has pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies. _____________________________________
Just a fun way to learn about those whom you worship with. If you get stumped the answer sheet will be posted on
the bulletin board nearest the church office shortly after the newsletter is mailed out.
UMW
United Methodist Women
2012 Meeting Schedule
May 9
9:30-2:00 Betty Redman
Clabber Girl Museum,
Terre Haute
Sept 12
9:30 am
Prayer & Self Denial Pro.
Oct 10
9:30 am
Vista Care
Nov 14
9:30 am
Thank You Program
The Lydia Circle is a group of Center
women who meet once a month to
fellowship, serve and give.
We are a part of the church’s United
Methodist Women, but we meet in the
evening on the fourth (4th) Thursday of
each month. Any women of any age is
welcome to join us. For more information, contact president
Debbie Smith, or Terri Whitehead, 317-481-5133.
May 24
June 22
6:00 pm Mystery Dinner
7:00 pm Speed
Fellowshipping
Finger foods pitch-in. Bring
onesies, t-shirts, sleepers and
gowns (non-gender colors)
Open to everyone more
information to come
January 2012 Financial Statement
Center United Methodist Church & The Living Well
General Fund:
Beginning Balance……………………………$ 46,432.90
Income…………………………………………….$ 38,819.82
Expenses………………………………………….(-83,883.20)
General Fund Balance………………………$ 1,369.52
Total Designated Funds……………………$ 73,042.84
Payroll Taxes Payable………………………$ 2,471.53
Total Funds……………………………..………$ 76,883.89
Checking Account Balance………………..$ 63,396.03
July 26
Aug 23
Concert on the
Canal...Indiana
Historical
Society
Bring non-gender baby socks
or booties for the kits.
All Church Baby
Shower for Life
Center
Money Market Account……………………$ 13,487.86
Total Bank Balances…………………………$ 76,883.89
Extra principal paid on building fund:
Great Hall
West Epler
January………………………...$
400.00 $
189.50
February……………………….$
200.00 $
370.00
Prayer Shawl Ministry Update and Thank You
March……………………………$
470.00 $
We’d like to thank everyone who has been making
prayer shawls and those who have prayed over the
shawls. We really appreciate your dedication to the
prayer shawl ministry.
April………………………………$
$
May………………………………$
$
June………………………………$
$
July……………………………….$
$
We’ve given out over 250 shawls to the church congregation, friends and
family of church members, an African missionary, people going through
chemo treatments at IU Hospital and we just recently gave over a dozen
shawls to the IU Health Hospice that includes the Methodist (Yellow
Rose) hospice and others. If you have any questions contact Connie Min-
NOTE: The loan on the West Epler property was for three
years with a final payment due this year. The Administrative
Council voted to pay off the loan using the funds available
instead of renewing the loan. This included using funds from
the general fund which reduced it to the current level. The
general fund should gradually increase the next few months.
August…………………………..$
$
September…………………….$
$
October………………………...$
$
November……………………..$
$
December……………………..$
$
Total Extra Payments 2012…$
$
Mortgage Balance………… $ 29,075.44 $
0.00
Please call Treasurer Ken Parks with questions at
(317) 888-8292.
Open Prayer Group:
We meet every 2nd and 4th Monday
of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the church library. We welcome
and encourage anyone who would like to join us in prayer as
we pray for our church, community, country, world concerns
and our youth’s, families’, and friends’ needs.
James 5:13-14
“is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.
Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
Is anyone of you sick? He should call the elders
of the church to pray over him and anoint him
with oil in the name of the Lord.”
Open Prayer Group 2012 Calendar Schedule
April 23 & May 14
The Open Prayer Group will dismiss for the
summer following the May 14th group session. When
we return in the fall we encourage everyone to come
and join us. Any questions please contact Rita Crose at
888-0859 or Carolyn Winters at 784-3590
Church Golf League
The first night of golf will be
Thursday, May 17, 2012. Normal
start time for the League will be
5:15 P.M.
There will be a brief meeting the
first night to explain rules, introduce teams and collect prize money; please plan to attend.
If your on Facebook, visit Center United Methodist Church and
click the “Like” button. It’s a great way to share
ideas with other church members and to be reminded
of upcoming events through the occasional postings
to the page.
If for some reason you cannot be there, contact::
https://www.facebook.com/CenterUnitedMethodistChurch
Adamson’s New Address:
Terry Kennedy – 882-1712 or 409 – 4184
Phil Barnhart – 513-2063
Prize Committee:
Connie Minton – 902-5960
Vanessia Carnes – 786-7628
Cheryl, Kyle, Claire and
Madeline have a new address as
of 4/23/12. 806 Ash Street,
Beech Grove, 46107
pdating Our Church Directory: We are working on updating our directory, so if you have moved, have a change
of address, new phone number or your email address has changed or you just got an email address please
email Barb at info@center-umc.org with your changes. You can also make a note of those changes on the
“Attendance Registration” form on Sunday mornings. Thanks for you help in updating our records!
May 2012
Sunday Schedule:
check out: center-umc.org
Middle School Youth
5pm-6pm
High School Youth
6pm-8pm
Calling All Princesses
May 12th at 12pm
Up coming Events:
May 6th – Confirmation Retreat
May 12th- God’s Little Princess’s
Luncheon
May 20th- Secret Agent Ice
Cream Social at 6pm
May 27th- Confirmation Sunday
June 3rd- Horse Back Riding
June 8&9th- Fish Fry- ALL
YOUTH!!!!
June 29&30th- VBS
July 1st- 10am One service, All
church picnic and games
May 2
Ice C
ream
0 th at
6pm
Socia
l for S
Agent
ecret
s and
Youth
We would like all
moms, grandmas,
aunts and etc…to
invite their favorite
little princesses to a
luncheon in their
honor
The youth girls will be hosting
the event. We will have fun activities and we will watch VeggieTales “Sweetpea Beauty, a girl
after God’s own heart” and will
also learn that no matter where
we live in the world
we are all God’s
Princesses.
All little girls are
encouraged to
dress up like a
princess.
Everyone is also ask to bring food
to donate to HUNGER INC.
Mark your calendar and bring
your favorite little princess!!
M
emory Verse: “Whoever
can be trusted with very
little can also be trusted with much.”
Luke 16:10, NIV
V
irtue:
Responsibility-showing
you can be trusted with
what’s expected of you.
VBS News!!
2 Day Vacation Bible School!
Sky-Everything is Possible with God
Mark 10:27
Vacation Bible
School is looking
different this
year we will be
doing it Friday
evening June 29th
and Saturday June 30th.
Friday evening is for the WHOLE FAMILY we will begin
with registration at 5:45pm and the program will begin at
6pm in the Great Hall. It will run until 8:30pm. The night
will be filled with singing, food, a Bible story and game for
the whole family.
This month we will learn:
Week 1: I can be trusted when
I make the most of what God
has given to me.
Week 2: I can be trusted when
I choose the right words.
Week 3: I can be trusted when
I choose to help others in need.
Week 4: I can be trusted when
I put God first
PARENTS: Please check out http://
center-umc.org/ministries/childrensministry. You can download the Parent
Cue’s and God Time devotions for each
week. We think it is very important that
you help reinforce at home watch your
child is learning in church.
Then we will meet again Saturday morning with registration
starting at 8:30am and the program starting at 9am. The day
will filled with many fun activities, snacks and lunch. Parents
are invited back at 3:45pm for the closing and then the kids
will be invited outside at 4pm to end the day with WATER
ACTIVITES until 5pm.
VBS CREW LEADERS NEEDED!!!
Of course, we can only make this all happen with help from
you. We will need several adult crew leaders for Friday night
and Saturday. Please contact Cheryl Adamson at 317-9020921 if you are interested or you can sign-up on the VBS
bulletin board in the main hallway.
REGISTRATION is available online
http://center-umc.org/ministries/childrensministry/vbs-2012-registration
Remember VBS is Friday & Saturday only:
June 29th and 30th
A Ministry of Center United Methodist Church
Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
At the corner of Michigan and Alabama in front of the
Salvation Army Building. Sack lunches will be handed out!
Questions contact Angie Harris or
Frank Everman at frankevermanjr@yahoo.com or 525-2546.
Homeless Hot Meal:
The monthly Hot Meal will be held this Saturday at the Salvation Army Center at the corner of Alabama and Michigan
Street (234 E Michigan).
We are looking for volunteers to help us set up, serve, clean
up and work in the clothing room.
Please contact Vicki Rady at vrady@ameritech.net or
881-8720 if you are able to assist with this ministry.
Thank you!
The Hot Meal is always on the 3rd Saturday of the month. If you can help please
contact Vicki Rady.
Nonprofit Org.
The May 2012 newsletter
The Center United Methodist Church
5445 Bluff Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46217
Phone: 317-784-1101
Fax: 317-784-1127
email: info@center-umc.org
Pastor Dan’s home phone:
317-882-9099
Prayer Request Line:
317-221-3607
Websites: www.center-umc.org
Traditional Worship
in the Sanctuary
9:00 a.m.
The Living Well
Contemporary Worship
in the Great Hall
11:15 a.m.
Sunday School
10:15 - 11:05 a.m.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Indianapolis, IN
Permit No. 2239
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL - 4/24/2012
PLEASE DO NOT DELAY DELIVERY
Mother’s Day
Sunday,
May 13, 2012
Services:
Traditional 9:00 a.m.
Contemporary 11:15 a.m.
Sunday School 10:15