The Spire - Irvington United Methodist Church

The Spire
Irvington United Methodist Church
March 2015
A KINDER AND GENTLER PLACE
I love it here. Something’s different. Several have mentioned to me
that they sense a calmer and happier spirit. Not sure why. Perhaps it’s last
year’s focus on CARL (Care, Appreciation, Respect, Love). Maybe we are
just now reaping the benefits of that short term vision.
It might be our new short term vision to “Remember the Sabbath
day, and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). The February Church Council meeting
had several joys voiced about the value of getting business out of Sunday
and reserving that day for a true focus on God.
Or it could be Joy. Now don’t get a big head madame Choir Director,
but a lot of people have mentioned that your joy is contagious. Thanks. It
has also been noted that this is the first time the church has ever had a
Choir Director who is United Methodist. Theological comfort goes a long
way.
And maybe it’s just that we have entered into the season of Lent.
That traditional time for introspection. To look inward and seek to clear
out the darker areas. Spiritual growth is surprisingly easy when accompanied with emotional maturity.
Maybe that’s how we are growing, into the stature and fullness of
Christ. It is not just a good idea, it is what we are called to do. Too often
Christians know that their thoughts, words, and deeds are anything but
Christian and then do nothing about it.
This Lenten Season may we examine ourselves daily as to whether
or not we are living with Christ in us. May we seek to recover God’s image
in us. May we choose to listen to the nudges of the Holy Spirit and act on
them, thereby becoming ever closer to one another and the LORD.
In His Love,
Keith
The Spire
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March 2015
2015 JOINT EVENING LENTEN SERVICES
SPONSORED BY THE IRVINGTON ASSOCIATION OF MINISTERS
We begin each week with a soup supper at 6, followed by a worship service at 7.
The following chart shows the dates, locations, texts, and preachers.
This year’s topic is
DATE
The Love of Jesus Christ.
LOCATION
TEXT
THEME
PREACHER
March 4
Irvington
Presbyterian Church
Luke 22:14-31
Greatest Love
Noah Casey
March 11
Emerson Avenue
Baptist Church
Luke 23:1-24
Love on Trial
Andy Rutar
March 18
Downey Avenue
Christian Church
Luke 23:26-43
Crucified Love
Justin Thornburgh
March 25
Irvington
United Methodist Church
Luke 23:45-56
Dying Love
Alan Blakemore
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday, March 6, 2015
10:00 AM
Good Shepherd UMC
2015 S Arlington Avenue
Free Luncheon @ 11:30 AM
Please call Nancy O’Haver (357-4271) or Kim Fulton (356-7231) to make a reservation for the luncheon.
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The Spire
March 2015
Old Rugged Cross
In the Niche is a rugged old cross covered in wire mesh. The wire mesh symbolizes
coldness and aloofness, and the wire itself represents the pain.
Jesus Christ endured on the cross.
On Easter morning celebrants will place a flower in the empty wire mesh on the cross
and gradually fill it with flowers. Suddenly, this cross will come alive with flowers full of
life and conveying a message of hope!
This flower filled cross sends the message that Jesus' death is not the end. He gives us
new life with God the Creator. Each flower demonstrates that through Christ's death,
people’s lives are not limited by death.
No one flower makes the cross unique; a plethora of flowers together
makes Jesus visible.
People are as diverse as flowers. They have different family backgrounds, cultures and
lifestyles. Christ would encourage us to appreciate diversity.
Because we are the body of Christ, our individual work pales unless we work with other
Christians to make a huge impact. Easter is all about new beginnings, new life and
hope!
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March 2015
Special Lenten Offering - A Dollar A Day
The Lenten Season is one of the most important seasons in the Christian faith. It is a
period of 40 Days, starting Ash Wednesday and ending at Easter. During this period,
Christians around the world participate in a season of penitence, prayers, fasting and
self-denial, just as Jesus did when he spent 40 days in the wilderness.
(Matthew 4:1-25 and Luke 4:1-13)
Many believers pray and fast during the 40 days of Lent. Others pray, meditate and give
up daily rituals, such as soda, candy or coffee.
In the past, the finance committee has asked for a special Lenten offering to help offset
the Church's operating budget. This year we would offer you a challenge to save one
dollar a day for 40 days. We encourage you as part of your spiritual practice to place
each dollar in an envelope, say a prayer for each dollar and place that offering in the
plate on Easter Sunday. If 50 people will offer $40, we could collect $2,000.00.
Please prayerfully consider this church-wide spiritual exercise in remembrance of Jesus
spending 40 days in the wilderness. This will serve as a symbolic sacrificial gift, as a
reminder of Christ’s sacrifice for us and we will be blessed individually and collectively
as members of the body of Christ.
Envelopes will be available in the hall outside the Church office. Or you can make your
own, just write Lenten offering and A Dollar A Day on the outside. Thanks for your
consideration.
IUMC Committee on Finance
UNITED METHODIST MEN NEWS!
Mark your calendar, come join the fellowship and “get to
know” the men in our church family. The UMM of Irvington can make a
difference in the future of the church and local community. We look forward
to spending time together to grow and serve.
Mondays, March 2, 16 and 30, 8am “breakfast social”
Steak and Shake (E. Washington St and Franklin Rd.)
Saturday, March 7, 8am “breakfast and organization meeting”
IUMC fellowship hall
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HOLY
WEEK
2015
DATE
TIME
EVENT
Palm Sunday
March 29
9:15 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Sunday School.
Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor.
Worship, including children’s palm
processional, handbells, and choir. The
sermon is entitled “Persevering to the
End.”
Adult Confirmation Class in the Library.
11:30 a.m.
Good Friday
April 3
7:00 p.m.
This service will feature the choir and the
“Seven Last Words of Christ.”
Easter
Sunday
April 5
9:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
Easter Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall.
Easter will begin with a handbell
processional. The service will include
Easter Lilies, the Choir, Bells, New
Member Reception, and Communion.
The sermon is entitled “Transformation.”
March 2015
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The Spire
March 2015
From the Worship Team
The sanctuary screen has been up and running for about a year and a half now.
The glitches have been dealt with and it runs seamlessly (for the most part!) every
Sunday.
But it could be more…
It could include pictures of our "shut-ins"
Pictures of people needing prayer
Pictures of activities going on- the Valentine dinner, Wednesday Night Suppers,
Preschool Dad's Day, serving lunch at Fletcher Place, the choirs performing,
pictures of the babies that are baptized, weddings, Trustee Work Days, dinners
at Applebee's, pictures of the fellowship at Coffee TimeThe list goes on and on!!!
The problem is that some savvy "tech" person is badly needed who would be able
to coordinate and develop the use of the screen. We have program in place called
Media Shout. It would initially require hours of learning the program. Once
trained, it would probably take someone 3 hours a week to set up the Sunday
program.
This is an opportunity to use your skills, be creative and provide a ministry for
our congregation. Please prayerfully consider this need!
Contact Dr. Adkins with questions and ideas at 356-7231.
From IUMC Library
Barbara Brown Taylor is an American Episcopal priest, professor, author
and theologian and is one of the United States’ best known preachers.
In 2014, TIME magazine placed her in its annual TIME list of most
influential people in the world. Read her books and you will be satisfied. Here is a story
of a life told with clarity, beauty, and honesty. She describes doubt, faith, and vocation,
their limits, and how the church both blesses and muddies the waters. Those who
attend church, those who do not, and everyone in between will find here the
satisfaction of an eloquent voice speaking the truth.
Our library has three titles: Leaving Church, An Altar in the World, and Learning to Walk
in the Dark. These will be available on the display shelf in front of the windows.
Sherrill Franklin, Church Librarian
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February 2015
A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:
LEARNING FROM WESLEY
A Lenten Sermon Series
Kind of ‘blah’ right now? Sort of apathetic? Vitality gone? Spiritual life at a
low ebb? Faith a bit dormant? Here at IUMC our concern has been dominated by
attendance, finances, and the building. Perhaps it is time to plant the seeds of revival.
Join me as we go through the key events in the life of John Wesley to find lessons for
our own spiritual journey. I will be preaching biblical texts from a new book by
Adam Hamilton entitled Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It. Let us make an effort to
revive our spirituality by attending all through Lent and bringing a friend.
Date
Sermon Text
Sermon Title
March 1
1 Peter 1:13-16
A Longing for Holiness
March 8
Romans 4:3-5; 5:1-2
A Crisis of Faith
March 15
Ephesians 2:8-10
The Necessity of Grace
March 22
James 2:14-18
Works of Mercy
March 29
Proverbs 31:8-9
Persevering to the End
April 5
Mark 16:1-8
Transformation
2015-2016 REGISTRATIONS
Registrations are now being accepted for the IUMC Preschool 2015-2016 school year.
Preschool classes are available for children aged 18 months - 5 years. Informational
registration brochures can be picked up on the table in the main church hallway or you
can visit our web site at www.irvingtonumc.org (just click on the preschool link). Additional information can also be obtained by calling the preschool office at 356-7232.
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March 2015
Fun and Fitness! Come join us!
MONDAYS NEW TIME! 4-4:45PM
IUMC Fellowship Hall
Fun and fellowship while getting healthier. Are
you curious what we are all about? Have you been
thinking you want to be more pro”active”? Come
see how much fun we have with music, moderate
exercise.
Can’t hula hoop? We can show you how to modify
this exercise without a hula hoop.
Your first class/demo is free. Classes are $5 and
all proceeds go to the IUMC general fund and
room use.
( casual attire and supportive shoes )
Show up or for questions contact Kathy Fulton @
506-0723.
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March 2015
FRIEND SUNDAY MARCH 1
YOUTH PASTOR FUND
Who did God place on your heart to
invite this year? Did you write down three
names? Did you take three invitation cards?
Will you invite? Just ask people to come give
us a try. You might even offer to pick them up.
What a great way to remember the Sabbath
day and keep it holy!
The Staff Parish Relations Committee will be looking for a Youth Pastor for this Fall. The position is funded
in a specially designated fund outside
of the general budget. We look to get
back to paying $100/week for about 8
hours of work like we did with Deb
Hall. The Fund will be depleted by the
end of May, so we need to begin now
raising funds for our youth.
ADULT MEMBERSHIP
CLASS
Interested in joining Irvington United
Methodist Church? The pastor is conducting
an adult membership class on Palm Sunday,
March 29 at 11:30 am in the Parlor. New
members will be received on Easter.
GOOD FRIDAY PREACHERS
This year we will be doing the “Seven
Last Words of Christ.” If you would like to
share a 3-5 minute devotional on one of the
seven last words, just let the pastor know.
NEW DAY, NEW TIME,
NEW BOOK
The Book Discussion Group is
going great. We now meet on Thursdays at 10 am in the Library. On March
12 we begin “Would You Baptize an
Extraterrestrial?” If interested in joining us, please purchase this book. It is
available at Amazon for about $19 new
and $14 used. Hint: the discussions are
more important than the books.
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The Spire
March 2015
ANNA CIRCLE
Meetings are throughout the year for Christian fellowship. Monthly
meetings are led by volunteer officers and hosted by circle
members. Over the many years Anna Circle ladies have made a
difference by supporting our church maintenance, donating to
many mission projects and programs and organizing our well known
IUMC and community outreach, Strawberry Festival and fundraising
Fall Auction. Please feel welcome to fellowship with us. Circle
meets the 4th Tuesday of most months at 1pm. The next circle
meeting will be hosted at the home of Joanne Lisle on March 24th.
Kathy Fulton, Anna Circle Leader
All Church Work Day
Saturday, March 7th
9 am—Noon
Lunch Included
Church Ladies...HELP!
With a Soup Supper and an
Easter Breakfast coming up, the
dish rag and towel drawers in the
big kitchen are empty, all gone!
So, please donate some towels
and dish rags you no longer use
or don’t like. If you forgot to
return some after laundering
them, this would be a great time
to bring them back. I will be
glad to put them away. Thanks
ladies!
Margie Reed
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March 2015
ADULT CHAPERONES NEEDED IMEDIATELY!!
YOUTH EVENTS MARCH 2015
(Check the Youth Group Facebook Page for latest News)
March 1 – Craft Night
5-8 grade meet 5-6pm, 9-12th grade meet 6-7:30pm
th
March 8 – St. Patrick's Day Party
5-8 grade meet 5-6pm, 9-12th grade meet 6-7:30pm
th
March 15 – No Group
March 20 (Friday) – Winter Jam Tour 2015,
@Bankers Life Fieldhouse
March 22 – Skit/Talk/Sand
5-8 grade meet 5-6pm, 9-12th grade meet 6-7:30pm
th
March 29 – Cookout
Both groups meet together. Invite family and friends!
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The Spire
HONEY BAKED HAM FUNDRAISER
FOR MISSION GUATEMALA!
Purchase a honey baked ham gift card
for $25 between now and March 22nd and
receive your card on Palm Sunday. $5 of
each gift card will go to support the Mission Guatemala team. Sign up for a gift
card with a Team Guatemala member and
turn in your money before March 22nd.
March 2015
Troop 9 Eagle Scout project Fundraiser
Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, February 28th 8-11 AM
IUMC Social Hall
Joshua Tingle is hosting this fundraiser to help
fund a picnic shelter that he will be building as
his Eagle Scout Project @ St. Mark’s UMC.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
BEGINS ON SUNDAY, MARCH
8TH.
Spire Subscription
If you are a church member that is a
shut-in or live out of town, we will mail
you the newsletter every month at no
cost.. If you don’t qualify for the free
mailing, you may purchase a subscription
for $12 per year. (The price of the subscription, will cover postage.)
The newsletter will continue to be
emailed out and copies available in the
main hallway in the church.
If you would like to add your name to the
email list, call Kim @ 356-7231. If you
would like to purchase a subscription,
mail a check to the church office.
CALLING ALL SOUP MAKERS &
COOKIE BAKERS!!!!
Please sign up to bring a pot of
soup and/or a plate of cookies for
the final Lenten Soup Supper here
at IUMC on Wednesday, March
25th. See your Nurture Team
representative in the main hallway
to sign up.
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March 2015
EASTER LILIES - 2015
DONOR:________________________________________________
IN HONOR OF:___________________________________________
or
IN MEMORY OF:_________________________________________
___I will pick up my lily on Easter Sunday after 10:30 AM service.
___Please deliver my Easter Lily to a shut in.
___I would like to help deliver Easter Lilies to shut ins.
Cost: $10.00 per plant
Please return your order forms with payment to the church office or put them in the offering
plate. Orders must be received in the church office by Monday, March 30th.
—————————————————————————————————————————
EASTER LILIES - 2015
DONOR:________________________________________________
IN HONOR OF:___________________________________________
or
IN MEMORY OF:_________________________________________
___I will pick up my lily on Easter Sunday after 10:30 AM service.
___Please deliver my Easter Lily to a shut in.
___I would like to help deliver Easter Lilies to shut ins.
Cost: $10.00 per plant
Please return your order forms with payment to the church office or put them in the offering
plate. Orders must be received in the church office by Monday, March 304th.
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March 2015
Start saving your donations!
Rummage Sale and Bazaar
Saturday, August 22, 2015, 9am-2pm
Spring is just around the corner, time to reorganize all those storage
areas. This year we are going to offer “love made” items also. Think about
making crafts and gather your favorite recipes for cookies, candies and
baked goods. Reserve a table to share your talents!
The Irvington community looks forward each year when our church doors
open for a day of bargains and treasures for everyone!
It is always nice to reflect how our rummage sale proceeds provided
opportunities for outreach ministries and missions.
2007 AED machine for IUMC, 2008 South Dakota Mission Trip,
2009 Church Council for distribution, 2010 Memorial Lounge,, Youth
Program ,Preschool Scholarship, Mission Trip, Screen and Projector, 2011Youth Program, Hope Counseling, UMCOR, 2012 Habitat for
Humanity, 2013 ICAN, 2014 ICAN
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March 2015
Easter Breakfast
VANCO
Easter Breakfast will be April 5th @ 9:0010:00 AM in fellowship hall. We need your
help to feed the masses. On March 22nd &
29th we will have sign-ups for your donations of breakfast casseroles, pastries &
fresh fruit. Sign up in the main hallway. We
appreciate your support.
Giving Choices Available for regular offering and additional offerings:
One Great Hour of Sharing
March 15
Celebrate 75 years of giving to those in
crises by giving generously to the One Great
Hour of Sharing offering. Your gift covers
the operating expenses of UMCOR and allows 100% of your designated donations to
get to those who need them most. The
journey of another 75 years starts today.
It starts with you. Please give generously.
1. Give in the regular offering on Sunday.
2. Have your weekly or monthly budgeted
giving automatically transferred from your
checking account to the church account You will not miss a week or month
and you won’t need to write a check every
time you give. (Call the church office and
have Kim set it up for you.)
UMC Market
UMC Market is available for those who
shop online and want to apply those
purchases for donations to the church.
(Information about signing up for this can
be provided upon request. Call the
church office and get connected with an
instructor so it can be a seamless action
for you.)
NOTE: The Marsh cards have been
discontinued because so few were using
them.
Bible Study Group
Join us and feel comfortable coming into the group any Sunday evening. Each week is an individual
lesson concentration, so you won’ t be coming into the middle of a scheduled series. Contact Ellen
Foster or Carol Cromer for the schedule of where we will be meeting each week, as we will be in
homes or other designated spaces.
Age specifications: Early adult to late maturity.
Time: Starts at 6:30pm
Date: Sunday evening
Needed: Bring your Bible and be ready to enjoy.
NOTE: If you are interested in a Bible study, but Sunday morning and Sunday evening are not good
times, please contact Ellen Foster or the church office so we can start planning a more convenient time
when you can take part.
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March 2015
Are You Coming?
Well, It's almost here, and I cannot wait!
Of course I'm talking about the Bob Farr "Renovate or Die" Event that will be
occurring at Christ UMC in just two weeks, on Monday and Tuesday, March 9
&10!
At this event, all Central District lay persons and pastors are invited to hear
celebrated author, church growth pastor, consultant (and humorist!) Bob Farr.
This church leader and Director of the Center for Congregational Excellence in
the Missouri Annual Conference will be with us these two days to help YOUR
CHURCH to discover what it must do if it wishes to move forward in the years
to come. (A reminder: six Central District churches have closed down their
ministries in the last six years, so the title Renovate or Die is true!)
You'll notice that there is a Monday morning session for Pastors Only, and an
evening session with dinner on Monday for Lay Persons (and pastors if they want).
On-site registrations are $25.00.
Here's an overview of the schedule:
Monday March 9 - 9:00 check-in
Session 1 - 9:30-12:15 Pastors session on Renovate or Die
lunch 12:30-1:30 Lunch provided
Session 2 - 2:00-5:00 Clergy and Laity session on Get Their Name
Dinner provided - 5:30-6:30
Session 3 - 6:45-8:30 Laity Session on Renovate or Die
Tuesday March 10 - 8:00-8:30 check-in
Session 4 - 8:30-noon Clergy session on 9 Things Effective Pastors Do Differently
Please don't miss this outstanding event!
For the only cause that matters,
M. Bert Kite, Superintendent
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IRVING
Hello everyone!
It’s another night of food, games and fellowship. B I N G O !!!! That’s what
I hope to call out, or maybe I can help pass out prizes. The food will be good
and there may not be too many crumbs for me.
(This event has been postponed until April.)
Speaking of food, what about all that food at the Sweetheart Dinner? Yum,
yum. A lot of you two legged folk are bringing cookies to the Sunday fellowship time. It is what keeps me up and running.
They say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. I’m not
sure what that means. Keith told me I was the only four legged one allowed
in the building. I work really hard to keep the other ones out. Lions are
pretty big. Bruce said that it had something to do with snow. Anna Circle
took over getting the snow shoveled and they didn’t have to ask a lion to do
it.
I found some warm clothes in the Turnover Shop and I’ll need them to go
camping with the scouts. I am adding something during Lent. I want to visit
others, maybe some like you, want to join me?
I’m going to move again, did you find me last time I moved? Let see, the
clues are:
* Not in the kitchen (either one).
* Not in the Choir Room
*Not in a restroom.
*Not in a closet
Look around, I’m here.
Don’t forget to wave,
Irving
March 2015
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March 2015
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March 2015
Historic National Road Yard Sale
IUMC will be taking part in the US 40 Yard Sale again this year
Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2015
***We will be renting space on the north, south,
west and sections of the east sides of the church
yard for those who want to have their own booth.
Space Size:
Rental Fee:
Contact:
10ft X 10 ft. with street frontage
$40 for one day/$50 for both days
Ellen Foster through church office
Office phone: 317-356-7231
Start saving items you want to donate to be sold!!!!
Donations of items for the church sale area will be in the
same area as last year; the east circle drive and parking
spaces from the church to the street.
›› 100% of sale money from items donated to the church
will go to the church repairs.
›› Individual booths will pay rental fees and the proceeds
from their sales is entirely their personal choice.
*Income from the sale goes toward the expenses to make needed repairs to
the church building. Extensive repair is needed to the interior and exterior
of the building. This cannot cover all that is needed, but it is one effort to
take responsibility as stewards of the physical building we have been given.
*Be checking your calendar for ways and times you will be able to help
with the items to be sold by the church. The helper sign-up list will be
available starting April 12, 2015. Items can be brought to the church anytime after April 12.
Check picture displays on posters in
the parlor for exterior repairs needed.
Irvington United Methodist Church
30 N Audubon Road
Indianapolis IN 46219
9:15 A.M.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30 A.M.
WORSHIP
Our Staff
Dr. Keith Adkins, Lead Pastor (Cell: 847-5041)
Rev. Andy Rutar, Associate Pastor
Director of Choirs/Organist: Joy Goetz Conners
Kim Fulton, Office Manager/Financial Secretary
Lori Steuer, Preschool Director
,
We are on the Web at::
www.irvingtonumc.org
Our email address and telephone number are:
[email protected]
(317) 356-7231
Visit us on Facebook
*Spire deadline for April will be
March 25th.
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Our Stewardship
March 2015
Condolences to…
January Weekly Average
2013
2014
2015
Sunday School
56
49
46
Worship Attendance
117
107
120
General Budget Offering * $3,828
$4,774
Neal Danison on
the passing of his
father on
January 29,2015.
$5,660
* Weekly needed for 2015—$4,784
Dining to Donate
The eastside Applebee’s has discontinued their Dining to Donate
program. Ellen Foster will be searching for a new restaurant to
continue our program. Stay tuned!
.