As I look out my window today, the fall leaves are gleaming against a bright blue sky, and once again I find myself saying, “Thank You, God.” It’s nearly impossible to watch the seasons change and not feel a deep sense of gratitude — for the beauty around us, and for so much more.
As I look ahead to the rest of this year, I want you to know how profoundly grateful I am for YOU. I continue to be amazed by the generosity and compassion you show to me, to one another, our neighbors, and our church. The way you rally around those who are grieving, celebrating, or simply needing a reminder of God’s love is inspiring.
Thank you to everyone who has delivered communion packets, written care notes, greeted guests, served in worship, taught or mentored children and youth, or led small groups or outreach efforts. Thank you for showing love in big and small ways — at Oak Pointe worship, First Friday events, Christmas caroling, UMCOR donations, preschool room grandparenting, and in countless everyday conversations with friends and neighbors.
Your love shines like those bright fall leaves — beautiful, unmistakable, and full of God’s light. It changes the world around us for the better and brings the presence of Jesus right into the heart of our community. For that, I am deeply thankful.
As we turn the page to November, let’s get grounded in gratitude: for the beauty of the season, for those who serve sacrificially (especially our veterans), for the vibrance of our City Kids ministry as we celebrate on November 23, and for the hope of new ministry as we welcome 5th–8th graders to our “Friendsgiving” gathering later this month.
God is good, friends. All the time.
Grateful for you and with you,
Pastor Christi
TRANSFORMED BY GRACE CELEBRATION
What a blessing it is to serve a congregation who is not only generous in their giving but also in their willingness to commit to the ongoing work of God in this place! Thank you to everyone who made commitments on Sunday, Oct 26. For those who were unable to attend, please feel free to bring your cards to worship or bring them to the church office.
In the meantime, here’s where we are so far:
The church has received 54 cards from 76 people representing:
67 commitments to pray for the church and staff regularly
13 commitments to invite 52 people to worship next year
70 commitments to be present regularly in worship
33 commitments to share a whole variety of skills, abilities, and talents
51 commitments to give financially – totaling just over $324,100 (that’s $31,600 more than last year’s total pledges!!)
Thank you for these commitments and the faithfulness that goes well beyond what is shared on these cards!
Blessings,
Pastor Christi & Robin Wright, Finance Chair
SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS - GRIEFSHARE
The holiday season can be especially difficult after the loss of a loved one. Surviving the Holidays, a special two-hour GriefShare session, offers support and practical tools to help you navigate this challenging time. It will be held Saturday, November 16 • 3:00–5:00 p.m. in the Church Library.
Through video, small-group discussion, and a helpful “Holiday Survival Guide,” you’ll gain insight and encouragement from others who understand what you’re going through. Find hope, comfort, and connection as you face the holidays with compassion and care.
For more information, contact Debby Minier at 260-609-3317.
PRAYER CHAIN
A prayer chain is a group of people committed to praying for specific requests or needs as they arise. Through these prayers, we offer spiritual support and encouragement to those in need.
In the coming months, the CCUMC Prayer Chain will be taking on a new format. A running list of prayer requests will be compiled and shared each Monday and Thursday. In cases of urgent need, requests will be shared immediately.
Guidelines for Submitting Prayer Requests:
Email tammy.taylor@columbiacityumc.org or christi.murray@columbiacityumc.org, or call the church office.
Respect confidentiality — only share details with permission.
Be compassionate and considerate in your wording.
Provide updates when possible so we can continue to pray meaningfully.
Thank you for being part of this vital ministry of care and connection.
THANK YOU FROM BARB SILER
To my church family at CCUMC,
I and my family were deeply touched by your good wishes and beautiful reception for my retirement and many thanks for my services over my lifetime of playing the organ to God’s Glory!
I appreciated the extension of “Thanks” given to my colleagues who served along with me here at Columbia City over the years. There was always a feeling of unity between us as we gave of our talents to enhance the service of praises to our God.
It did require time from our family, but the benefits far exceeded any loss. My kids knew what was needed to “be about serving our God” and have gone on to serve in their way, along the same path today, as they use musical and leadership gifts they’ve been given.
I hope you find ways to use your special gift. It’s not hard. I’ve loved every moment. Any praise I receive I send on to God … to Him be the glory!
Barb Ragen-Siler
MAKING ROOM FOR ALL
How will you make room to share the love of Christ in your holiday season? Here are some ways to make room in your timeline!
All Saints Sunday, November 2 will begin the season with gratitude for those who have gone before us — people who showed what it means to live faithfully, love deeply, and persevere in hope. We give thanks for their example and for how God worked through their lives.
Christmas Mission Project – This year, our Christmas Mission Project will benefit local families. On November 9th, a Christmas tree will be set up with specific needs/wants for four local families. More information will be coming soon in the Sunday bulletin and weekly TWAC.
Advent begins November 30th. Make Room for All, share the love of Christ with others. Invite a friend, family member, co-worker, neighbor to be a part of the Advent celebration this year.
Friendsgiving – Friends, food, and fun. On November 30, 1:00-3:00, 5th -8th grade students are invited to bring a friend to celebrate Friendsgiving. The main dish will be provided and students are encouraged to bring a snack and a friend. Please encourage your children, grandchildren, or neighbors in 5th – 8th grade to come and bring a friend.
Lawrence E. Wolf Bell Choir – December 7, the Bell Choir will share in Worship.
Blue Christmas – December 21, at Mission 25 in partnership with Churubusco UMC.
Christmas Eve – December 24, Candlelight service at 7:00 pm. Christmas Caroling to follow the service at Whitley Parkview Hospital
Oak Pointe Service – November 23 and December 28 at 2:00 pm. Join us in December as we sing carols with our Oak Pointe friends.
Food collection – Ongoing, showing God’s love by providing for those in need. Canned and boxed foods are needed for the community. Pick-up a few extras the next time you are at the store. A list of suggested foods are in the narthex at the food collection table.
CITY KIDS UPDATE & THANK YOU
We are so grateful for the continued support of our congregation for the City Kids Preschool program! Your generosity and prayers make such a difference in the lives of our little ones each week.
A special thank you to everyone who has provided snacks—your kindness keeps our kids happy, energized, and ready to learn!
We are also incredibly blessed by our amazing Grandparent Helpers: Greg Lawson, Chris Buchanan, Cindy Kumfer, Vicki Jones, Carol Schaefer, and Deanna Grigsby. Each week, they share their time, wisdom, and love with our preschoolers, creating such a nurturing and joyful environment. Their presence reminds our children of the beauty of community and faith in action.
Thank you, church family, for continuing to pour into this ministry. Together, we are helping our City Kids grow in faith, friendship, and love!
With gratitude,
The City Kids Preschool Team
WALKING TRACK BACK IN ACTION
Back by popular demand, the CCUMC Walking Track will reopen, upstairs, on November 3.
Participants are required to complete an initial Wavier form and then sign in for each visit.
The hours for the Walking Track are the same as the office hours, Monday through Thursday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays
Averie Meyer — 3
Jon Gotz — 5
Megan Devito — 8
Allan Simmons — 11
Mike Lemon — 11
Ella Peppler — 18
Nancy Graft — 18
Judith Hays — 20
Suzie Priest — 24
Donald Pequignot — 25
Robyn Wright — 25
Cheryl Copp — 26
Wendy Meyer — 29
Anniversaries
Scott and Leah Myer — 7
Harrison and Natalie Harker — 23
Chris and Vicki Jones — 26
Jeff and Lenna Burnham — 28
HOMEBOUND & CARE HOMES
Oak Pointe: Francis Bundy, Dee Green, Harrison & Natalie Harker
The Oaks: Bette Reed, Elaine Beard, Joanna Sims
Byron Health Center: April Snyder
Ossian Health & Rehabilitation: Jill Chapman
Autumn Trace: Evelyn Stemen, Karen Bucher
Homebound: Ron Reed, Donna Toole, Florence Linn, Louise Walter, Barb Bilger (cards only), and Betty Mosher (cards only)
* If you know anyone that is homebound or in a care facility, PLEASE let the office know. We want to be sure we are reaching out to all.
CHURCH COUNCIL
October Church Council Summary
Staff Parish Report
The council members are to fill out the clergy assessment form and submit it to Megan Devito before the November Council Meeting.
Finance Report
Church income for September was $29,662 and monthly expenses were $38,378 for a net operating revenue of -$8,316.
The group discussed options for additional communication on church financial status.
Utilization of available, open church space was discussed including renting out building space and renting out space in the bus barn.
The church has 3 sets of drums. Greg Lawson made a motion which was seconded by Megan Devito and unanimously approved by the council to sell the older church set for $400 or best offer.
A balanced budget will be developed for 2026 and brought to the Council in the December Council Meeting for review and approval.
Trustee Report
A fall work day is scheduled for Saturday, October 17.
Mission Updates
First Friday’s outreach in 2025 was successful. We learned a lot and plan to continue to participate in First Fridays in 2026 with potential seasonal activities to involve the community, such as a fall coat drive or start of school back pack donation.
Monthly services at Oak Pointe are going well with 19 attendees participating in the last service.
Pastor’s Report
Pastor Christi shared the agenda for the upcoming All Church Meeting after the October 19th service. The following topics will be covered: recap of 2025 ministry, finance update, and Q & A.
Pastor Christi reviewed her 2025 goals. The Council will discuss 2026 goals in the November meeting.
Other Discussion Items
October 19th –the District Charge Conference is at 2:00 pm at the First Wayne Street UM Church located on 300 E. Wayne St. Fort Wayne. All Council Members are to attend.
(260) 244-7671 • www.columbiacityumc.org
605 Forest Parkway Columbia City, IN 46725
Christi Murray, Pastor — christi.murray@columbiacityumc.org
Tammy Taylor, Director of Administration and Discipleship — tammy.taylor@columbiacityumc.org
