Our Mission is always to “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” (Paragraph 121, UMC Book of Discipline).
 

In light of this mission and Jesus’ command to “…love one another, as I have loved you…” (John 13:34-35) we are committed to LOVE FIRST as we:

Welcome Authentically 

● Engaging ALL without judgment 

● Meeting people where they are 

● Building relationships 
 

Grow Intentionally 

● Prayer and scripture 

● Engaging worship 

● Discipleship that spans generational gaps 

Reach out Passionately 

● Youth and young people 

● Shut-ins 

● The margins

Here we are, a fresh new calendar, a fresh new chance to make Love our priority - to Love First.  And while our full vision statement is nearly as new as the calendars we just opened, that doesn’t mean we can’t get started right away.

No doubt, it will take time to fully lean into loving like Jesus and figuring out what it means to choose it first before anything else.  And, while that will be an ongoing process, opportunities abound right now.  

According to our vision statement, we believe God is calling us to reach out to young people… right where they are.  What better first step than to pray for them and their teachers right in the parking lot of their schools the day before they return from winter break?!  If you haven’t already signed up, I hope you’ll join the effort!

Our new vision also compels us to grow intentionally – so that we will be better equipped to welcome authentically and reach out passionately.  What better way than to learn how to activate your spiritual gifts?!  I hope you’ll consider joining the 8-week spiritual gifts class designed to foster conversation about what spiritual gifts are and how we can use them in our everyday lives.  Your spiritual gift(s) is one of the ways the Holy Spirit has already equipped you, and us together, to make disciples through loving one another – in care, service, leadership, and more. 

I’ve said it before but I love a new calendar – it’s like a new beginning.  And this year, our new beginning comes with a brand-new vision, given by the Holy Spirit as we asked for 15 months: “Breathe on us and help us discern Your will for our life and Your church.” 

Our prayer team is working on a new breakthrough prayer to go along with our new vision but what will not change is our commitment to pray.  6:05 each and every day.  What will not change is our trust, hope, and conviction as we continue to pray for the Lord to lead us as we follow. 

I am so excited to be on this journey of faith and love with you!

Blessings,

Pastor Christi 

Thank you to everyone who prayed, wrote notes of encouragement, and donated gift cards to the ELC staff.  Gift cards totaled $1,540!  The staff were most appreciative of your kindness to them this holiday season and throughout the year.

Birthdays

1 - Pat Foy

   -Laura Lefever

2 - Mike Rush

8 - Ron McQueen

   - Tammy Taylor

12 - Joyce Beck

14 - Tim Buchanan

    - Lynda Jones

    - Bill Paulus

19 - Scott Fudge

22 - Marilyn Fry

27 - Emma Lambert

29 - John Fitzpatrick

31 - Marilyn Drew

Anniversaries

5 - John & Laura Lefever

9 - Carl & Barb Siler

16 - David & Barb Bilger

Oak Pointe: 
Francis, Dee, Harrison, Natalie, Nancy, Barbara

The Oaks:  
Bette, Elaine

Byron Health Center: 
April

Peabody Retirement Community: 
Julia, Marilyn, Phil

Homebound: 
Betty, Barb, Ron, Ruth, Louise, Donna

Autumn Trace: 
Evelyn (resident)

Church council is more than meeting once a month to discuss church business.  It is a three year commitment to empower leadership and ministry of the church.  Additionally, the church council provides alignment of authority, accountability, and responsibility in accordance with the Book of Discipline.  Three members have moved off the council Ron Frickey, Judith Hays, and Sandy Thomas and three new members, Megan Devito, Wendy Meyer, and  Chris Jones will begin serving January 7th.  We would like to thank Ron, Judith, and Sandy for their service to the council and church.

You may have wondered what training, blessing, or credentials are needed to serve communion. A servant heart is what is needed to participate in serving the sacraments.  CCUMC is blessed to have people who serve communion on a regular basis.  However, there is always room for anyone who would like to serve. 

If you are interested in serving communion once or would like to be in the rotation, please contact the office or see Judith Hays.

(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