LOVE FIRST AT CHURCH -- Some of you have been wondering about the number of people in service on Sundays. Last Sunday, February 16, we had 68 in-person and 57 on-line viewers. The youth braved the winter weather to make it to church. No matter how you attend services, whether online or in person, all are welcome.
PARTICIPATE IN 'CELEBRATION SIGHTINGS'
Practice your “notice muscle” by sharing good things that are happening in our community.
Place your “Celebration Sighting” in the box each week so they can be celebrated during service. A few Celebrations mentioned in church on Sunday,
Erin Devito achieved Personal Best in both events at State over the weekend.
CCHS Girls Basketball won regionals.
Volunteers showed up to remove the snow from the sidewalks this morning.
The Columbia City workers for clearing our streets.
Want to take it to the next level? REACH OUT to those we lift up with encouragement or support.
PARKING DURING WINTER
You may already know, but the parking lot just past the dumpsters will not be plowed or treated this winter. Parishioners are encouraged to park in the lots in front of the church.
For those in need of help during wintery weather, there is also valet parking.
Also remember, if you are unable to make it into church, but still wish to watch the live service, you may do so online at 10 a.m. Here is the link to do so below:
Kairos is dedicated to changing hearts, transforming lives, and impacting the world … one incarcerated person at a time. Their goal is not so different from ours: to offer Christ’s love first - so that hearts and lives are changed.
Their next ministry event is March 13-16 at Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, IN. They need our prayers and assistance with meals.
Paper Sign-up forms will be available for meal sponsorship and the prayer vigil on March 9 at CCUMC.
Don’t want to wait? Sign up for a prayer vigil time now using this QR code. Interested in learning more about Kairos and how you can be involved in Kairos Ministry? Contact Hank Foy at hleef223@gmail.com or 260-503-8709.
Click the QR code to go directly to the website.
You also have the opportunity to take a Communion packet to one of our shut-ins on Communion Sunday as we live out our vision to reach out to shut-ins with Love, first.
If you know someone who would like to receive communion who is unable to make it to church, please contact Tammy Taylor so she can add them to the March communion list.
Please pray for our confirmands, as they live out our vision to reach out passionately to youth and young people.
Our confirmands are Amaya Hedrick, Andy Fudge, Brenna Meyer, Ella Peppler, and Matthew Peppler.
REGISTER FOR CAMP
Registration for camps in Indiana are now open. If you are interested in going, or for more information, go to https://impact2818.org/summer-camps/.
The church does have funds designated for church camp for those who need help. Contact Pastor Christi for more information about how to get this help.
UPCOMING SERMON SCRIPTURES
February 23 -- Luke 6:27-38, CEB
March 2 -- Luke 9:28-36, CEB
March 9 -- Luke 4:1-13, CEB
WHAT'S GOING ON
Monday, February 17
10:00 am – Women’s Group (Library)
6:00–8:00 pm – Bell Choir practice
Tuesday, February 18
9:00 am – Bible Study (211)
5:30 pm – ELC Advisory Team (Library)
Wednesday, February 19
Noon – 5:30 pm – BABE open
Thursday, February 20
Noon – 5:30 pm – BABE open
5:30 – 6:30 pm – Spiritual Gifts Small Group (Library)
6:30 pm – Choir practice (Sanctuary)
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
8:30 am – Flock (201)
8:45 am – Prime Time Players (211)
9:00 am – Inductive Study Group (Hearth Room)
9:15 am –Youth Confirmation, grades 6-12 (Prayer Chapel)
February 16, 2025 - Honest Love Scripture: Luke 6:17-26
Choosing honesty over flattery is exactly what Jesus did in this passage of scripture. He wanted those gathered to know that love is for all - the poor, the hungry, those on the margins - not just the well-to-do and powerful.
Love works for the good of others but that is not always easy or kind. Jesus tells us to "love one another just as I have loved you."
God raises his eyes to the sick, the poor, the hungry, the marginalized, the rejected. He tells us in the Bible that the first will be last and the last will be first. God can be trusted to put things right. He is always working.
So the question is:
Do we want more for ourselves than we do for others?
Do we accept or hold on to what we have rather than sharing?
Do we want to make sure others have what they need above ourselves?
Do we share God's priority?
We are called to use our energy (time, money) in offering blessings to others as much as we seek for ourselves.
What should we do with this honest look at God's priorities?
We are each challenged to assess our priorities this week.
February 9, 2025 - Love Takes Risks Scripture: Luke 5:1-11
In this passage of scripture, Peter had been up all night working hard, and yet, had nothing to show for his efforts. Imagine his frustration! Frustrations bubble up for each of us in a variety of ways and numerous times.
Jesus noticed Peter in his struggle. He then invited Peter to be part of something important. What a risk for Peter! But Jesus made a way for Peter. Jesus made space for Peter to take a risk.
Peter rowed out farther. The difference was who Peter fished with. Jesus loved Peter enough to include him in his ministry - to move past fear and limits.
Love that takes risks claims trust over fear. Jesus goes with us in those times. Cast out your net. See what happens. Follow and trust Jesus - one step, one risk at a time.
Jesus doesn't take a single step away from us. He takes a step toward us. Do not be afraid to trust.
Take the risk. Listen, pray, walk alongside Jesus as He goes with us. February 2, 2025 - Expansive Love Scripture: Luke 4:21-30
We are often enticed to enjoy the perks of membership (ie, Sam's Club, Costco, Amazon). It feels good to be favored as part of a community. Sometimes we feel like we deserve these favors. But God's grace has no special membership requirement.
Luke 4:21-30 is part 2 of Jesus sharing his mission statement. His mission is to transform the lives of real people. Proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, Jubilee, changing society and systems. Jesus was there to bring and be the Good News. But he struck nerves as he shared this Good News that was not just for "the favored" but for the sick, the poor, the needy, etc. People thought they had privileged membership, part of a special group.
The Good News is Expansive Love!
Expanding to ALL - the other, the outsider, the foreigner.
This can be uncomfortable. If we are comfortable with who we are with, we are not in mission with Jesus.
Today is the day! We are reminded that Jesus's mission is for us to Love FIRST. Seek the best for others, to forgive, and to love beyond our comfort zone.
Move forward! Love others FIRST!
LIVE out the words, do not just say them! January 26, 2025 - Today is the Day
Guest speaker - John Snyder Scripture: Luke 4:14-21
Who are we? What do we stand for?
What would your personal mission statement say?
In this chapter of Luke, Jesus shares his mission statement to the people gathered in the synagogue. He proclaims the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. At the end of reading the scroll Jesus said, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
This was Jesus's first time to give his mission statement - letting those gathered know he is the Good News. He is here filled with mercy and grace, here to restore a broken world, here to transform people throughout the world. Shouldn't our mission be the same?
The UMC Mission is: "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world...."
Our vision is to love one another just as Jesus has loved us.
We are called to:
*Welcome Authentically
*Grow Intentionally
*Reach out Passionately
Who are you becoming? What are you about? What is YOUR urgency?
Today is the Day to:
proclaim 2025 as the year of Jesus, share the good news to the poor, give sight to blindness, forgive, help the oppressed go free, LOVE FIRST.
January 19, 2025 - Extravagant Love Scripture: John 2:1-11
This chapter of John tells of the wedding that Jesus and his mother, Mary, attended. This was Jesus's inaugural act of ministry - celebrating life and hope with the bride and groom. Wine being served during the celebration ran out which was considered a huge misfortune for those times.
Sometimes we may think our problem or situation is insignificant (ie, running out of wine). But Jesus's love and care never runs out. It doesn't matter how big or small our concerns. Mary saw the problem and sought Jesus to fix it. Just like Mary, when we see a need, we have access to Jesus. Mary persisted! Jesus changed water into wine.
As we learn from Jesus to love first, consider making a list of ways Jesus shows his love.
- Lean in, Notice, Speak up
Jesus doesn't hold back the full measure of his love and grace.
Love celebrates -
Pays attention, notices, encourages, praises
Without glossing over the needs of people we can ask:
What does this have to do with me?
Answer: EVERYTHING
Respond with your whole self! Love doesn't hold back! BAPTISM OF THE LORD SUNDAY January 12, 2025 - God's Grace in Baptism Scripture: Luke 3:13-17; 21-22
John talks about the wheat, chaff, and an unquenchable fire in verse 17. While this could be an image of final judgment and the fires of hell, what if this was an image of God’s grace and forgiveness?
What if the chaff is our sin rather than sinful people? What if the wind that blows away the chaff is the blowing of the Holy Spirit, removing sin through the grace of Jesus Christ? What if the fire is the power of God to remove our sin and destroy its power over us?
In verses 21-22, Jesus is revealed as the Messiah as He prays, the Holy Spirit comes down in the form of a dove, and God the Father says: "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
John’s baptism was an invitation for repentance and seeking forgiveness. Jesus’ participation reminds us that He voluntarily shared in the burden of our sin.
While John’s baptism was with water alone initiated by human action, Jesus calls us to a baptism of water and the Holy Spirit, initiated by God’s action of grace.
That is why, as United Methodists, we say that baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace -- God's unmerited favor.
Through our baptisms, we are:
initiated into God’s family (the church) as dearly loved sons and daughters.
cleansed of sin, and given new life in Christ.
While it is right and good for us to reaffirm our baptisms, there is never a need to re-baptize because our baptisms are dependent upon God’s action of grace, not our own. While we may fail to live up to our baptismal vows, the grace God offers through our baptisms NEVER fails! January 5, 2025 -- Your Epiphany Awaits
Rev. Kent Lundy brought the message Sunday. "Your Epiphany Awaits!" The Magi from the scripture gives the greatest example of Epiphany. They were transformed by their 'ahha' to go be with Jesus, to bring gifts, to go home a different way.
Good news, God has many more epiphanies to give. How can we find our Epiphany?
Through humility. The Magi were "smart folk" and lifelong learners. We always have more to learn about God, His word, His plan for our life.
Through sacrifice. Our time, money, resources in the moment. Mary and Joseph sacrificed hospitality to bring in strangers, the Magi, trusting in the moment.
Facing our "Horrible Herrods".
How do you know your Epiphany? Your life is transformed, you become more loving, gentle, peace-filled.
Epiphanies/Ahha's are waiting for our youth too. Church Camp is a great place to experience those ahha moments. We are encouraged to send our youth to camp this summer. Here is the link for registration. https://impact2818.org/summer-camps/
The church does have funds designated to assist with the cost. People should contact Pastor Christi for more information.
