Monthly Newsletter

… And why you do not want to miss out!

Come experience Holy Week with us —this is more than a series of services; it’s a journey you won’t want to miss.

From Palm Sunday to Easter morning, we’ll walk together through the story of Jesus—celebrating, remembering, and rejoicing as a community.

• Palm Sunday – Joyful celebration and the turning toward the cross
• Holy Thursday – Fellowship at the Table
• Good Friday – A moving Tenebrae (Service of Shadows)
• Easter Sunday – The pure joy of the empty tomb

Dear friends, 

I’ve had such a joy-filled year with our preschoolers in chapel. They are curious, energetic, and wonderfully full of life—and when we gather in the prayer chapel, they are full of questions. They notice everything: the stained glass, the big Bible, the eternal flame … and the keyboard (they really love the keyboard). Together, we’ve been learning about Jesus—about hope, praise, and prayer—and even how to sing and pray at the same time.

But what I treasure most are their questions. Some of the most meaningful moments we’ve shared haven’t come from what I planned, but from what they’ve wondered aloud.  Their questions remind me that curiosity is not something we outgrow—it’s something that can deepen our faith.

Sometimes we assume that faith means having all the answers. But more and more, I’ve come to believe the opposite is true. Faith—and God’s grace—creates space for our questions whether we are in preschool, high school, or long past school.  

Truth is, life is complex and can lead to lots of faithful questions: 

What do we do with bad things that happen to good people?  

How many chances does God give us before his patience (and grace) runs thin? 

Can God really love everyone - even when we do things that seem unforgivable?

And, even as long-time followers of Jesus, the questions don’t stop. 

How do we know we’re living faithfully? 

Are we reading Scripture the right way? Following the right path? Surrounding ourselves with the right influences? 

This winter, I partnered with one of our high school students, Ella Peppler, to create our next sermon series that will lean into these very questions. We’ll reflect on what the Bible says about suffering, salvation, doubt, identity, and hope - trusting that God’s grace is present in the asking.  

If you’ve ever wondered whether your questions belong in church, this series is for you. And because good questions often lead to great conversations, I invite you to join us at Brew’ha at 3:45 p.m. Wednesdays during the series to continue the conversation. There’s a place for your voice, your story, and yes — your questions.  Because maybe the only “bad” question is the one we carry alone.

Join us, and invite your friends, as we discover the grace that meets us right in the middle of life’s complexities.

Trusting grace to guide us,

Pastor Christi

Do you pass by Deer Chase or Oak Pointe on your way to church?

For some, transportation is the only thing standing between them and being part of Sunday morning worship. By offering a ride, you can help remove that barrier and make it possible for them to attend.

If you’re willing to help, please contact the church office at 260-244-7671 and share your availability.

Remember the excitement of school carnivals—games, treats, and lots of laughs? Let’s bring that joy to life for our Preschool families on April 26 after church!

We need your help to make the day extra fun and memorable:

• Donate yummy food
• Help prep and serve 
• Run a game booth and bring the fun!

This is a great chance to share smiles, laughter, and a warm welcome with our Preschool families. Let’s show them how much we love having their kids with us!

Want to jump in and help? Reach out to Tammy Taylor—we’d love to have you on the team!

A Mother’s Day breakfast will be served before worship on Sunday, May 10.  Mark your calendars.  This event is hosted by John Kleinman and his team. More information coming soon.

Columbia City First Friday’s are an opportunity for us to practice our mission and vision in a BIG way. If we are truly committed to welcome all, grow in faith, and reach out in love a monthly community event is the perfect way to do that!

• Exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor
• Welcome Authentically – meeting people where they are, building relationships without judgement
• Grow Intentionally – discipleship that spans generational gaps
• Reach out Passionately – youth, young people, those in the margins

We are still in need of a planning/point person to organize the activities for the monthly First Friday events.  

Please let Tammy Taylor know you are interested.

Everyone had a fantastic time at the Chili Cook-Off! With around 60 people in attendance, the event was full of great food, laughter, and friendly competition. It was clear that this was a hit, and everyone is excited to see more fun gatherings like this in the future.

There was $424 raised to support our Food Pantry Ministry! Thank you to everyone for their support!

Birthdays

Lenna Burnham - 2

Kent Davison - 7

Sandy Thomas - 7

Angie Metzger - 13

Linda Sevier - 13

Marilyn Brick - 14

Dave Bilger - 15

Sue White - 15

Debby Minier - 16

Anita Hadge - 24

Ron Berry - 24

Eileen Eberhart - 30

Anniversaries 

Cheryl and Mike Copp - 13

Joyce and Dale Lawrence - 14

Karen and George Coppens - 15

Robin and John Kleiman - 21

Tam and Mark Parker - 22

Kris and Ron Richey - 30

Anita and Rick Hodge - 31

Oak Pointe Assisted Living:  Francis Bundy, Dee Green, Harrison & Natalie Harker, Barb Gillman

The Oaks Skilled Care:  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), Joyce Lawrence, Chick Harker, Marilyn Fry, Joyce Butler, Ellie Lambert

* 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.

Follow up to Fellowship event

Sloppy Joe dinner and Chili cookoff - 60 people attended each. It was agreed to host more of these events. 

The next two Fellowship events will be CityKids Celebration and a Mother’s Day breakfast hosted by the men.

City Kids Celebration Sunday - April 26th

Food and games after worship - Hot dogs, chips, and cookies.

Other ideas for future events

White elephant gift exchange, Ice cream social, Summer picnic, Back to school night.

Visioning work

Revisit from January Discussion: What will it look like in 3-5 years if we were successful at making disciples of Jesus Christ in our church, community, world?

• 80% of active constituents regularly volunteer in roles that improve CC or Whitley County
• 50 annual baptisms or professions of faith
• Active youth group with consistent regular programming across generations
• One event minimum per day in building 7 days/week - internal an external community focused events (parking lot full most of the time)
• Participants would directly reflect the demographic of our community
• Fully funded ministry budget
• Robust discipleship for all ages - opportunity/variety of on-ramps
• Church that is ALIVE - Activities, Discipleship, Services to families - Financial, Date night, Parenting, Emphasis with youth
• Multigenerational applicability - programming that all generations can participate in, more variety, does not have to be here, ability to fall on our face.
• Fail fast and with flair, dress for the job you want, focus on worship with intention, think about movement - meet needs
• More multigenerational activities, use the space we have, maximize outdoor space, sports, drama/theater; open spaces for free access

Expect Doodle Poll to schedule a retreat with Council members to work on planning.
 

Pastor report

• District Day is April 19th in Muncie from 2-5PM, 2 collaborative workshops, Discipleship and Stories of Grace
• Annual Conference - 1st week of June
• Retirement Celebration for Russ Abel June 20th 2-5 PM, 5396 St Joe Center Rd
• Pastor Christi vacation dates for 2026 - May 18-29, 2026 and June 14-21, 2026

(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

Ashley Bailey, Communications Specialist — ashley.bailey@columbiacityumc.org

Gary Shanklin, Bookkeeper – Shanklin.gary@gmail.com