Monthly Newsletter

July 2025 Newsletter
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July 2025

GET THEIR NAME BOOK STUDY

Get Their Name is a book focused on helping churches grow by building new relationships. It provides a practical guide for sharing faith and building genuine connections, with a focus on relational evangelism. The book encourages churches to foster a culture of invitation throughout the congregation. 

In order to accomplish the mission of the church, make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, we must be people who widely, continually, and fervently share our faith in Jesus with those who do not yet have such a faith.

Join Pastor Christi as she leads a Wednesday night book study, GET THEIR NAME Grow Your Church by Building New Relationships beginning July 16 at 6:00.  This four week study will enable us to live into our vision of Love First.  Books may be purchased on Amazon or Cokesbury websites.  

If you are in need of assistance navigating those websites, please contact the church office at (260) 244-7671.

HOW CAN YOU LIVE OUT 

OUR VISION OF LOVE FIRST?

Welcome Authentically … Sunday morning communications.  URGENTLY NEEDED: 

  • Floor camera operators – following the movements of worship activity up front
  • Slide operator – Second Sunday of each month.  Clicking the slides during songs and service
  • Live Stream operator – once a month.  If you use Facebook, you can run the live stream

Grow Intentionally … Get Their Name 4-week book study begins July 16, 6:00 pm with Pastor Christi 

Reach Out Passionately … Sunday afternoon service, 2:00 pm at Oak Pointe, the 4th Sunday of each month.  Volunteers are needed to offer hospitality, sing, and facilitate the worship service.  Columbia City First Friday’s volunteers are needed for two-2 hour shifts offering smiles, conversation, and hospitality to our friends in Columbia City, July – October.

Contact the office with your availability, 260-244-7671.

FIRST FRIDAYS

One opportunity to live into our mission to LOVE FIRST is First Fridays on the square. 

Residents turn out in a big way on the First Friday of the month.  July — October are our opportunities to be the church that LOVES FIRST.  What does that look like?  How can we be present in that space?  

Volunteers are needed to host the CCUMC booth in 2 hour shifts on July 4th. These shifts are from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Contact Tammy Taylor with your availability. 

OAK POINTE:
REACHING OUT PASSIONATELY

Many familiar faces attended the Worship Service on the 4th Sunday in June.  “It was good to share with members of CCUMC that we have not seen for a while” commented one facilitator of the team.

What a blessing to serve on the team and to see faces light up when singing familiar hymns.  There are still roles to fill, July – December, for the Oak Pointe Worship Team.  

Sign-up sheets are in the lobby on Sundays.  See you there.

BELOW ARE PHOTOS FROM THE FIRST OAK POINTE WORSHIP SERVICE.

LETTER FROM THE PASTOR

Dear Friends,

In 2021, I had the unforgettable privilege of leading a group on a Holy Land Tour in Israel.  It was powerful to walk in the places Jesus walked, pray in the places he prayed, and visit places I’d only read about in the Bible.  In a very real way, that trip transformed my Bible reading from black and white words on the page to a technicolor experience I relive each time I read my Bible.  

After spending the last two months focused on Acts, I am excited to offer you an opportunity to stand in places the Apostle Paul once stood, pray where he prayed, and visit places where the early church took root. This isn’t just a trip—it’s a unique opportunity to encounter the Bible in a fresh, unforgettable way. It is a chance to explore the rich history of the early Church, deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and strengthen our faith together.  

Travel brochures and a link specific to CCUMC participants should arrive in the next two weeks. I recognize this is a large financial investment that may require time to plan and save. It is for that very reason I am sharing this link to learn more about the itinerary and costs – it is important that you DO NOT register from this link, as you will not be placed in the travel group from CCUMC if you do.                 

https://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/pa26022526i57503#eotours

God is moving in so many ways as we continue to follow the Holy Spirit's leading.  This trip is just one of many opportunities we have to grow intentionally as we seek to love God and others, first.  I hope to see you all at the “Get Their Name” book study this month.  Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had to move the study to the sanctuary because there were so many of us?!  

I also hope to serve with many of you as we practice authentic welcome and passionate outreach downtown for First Fridays on July 4 and at Oak Pointe for the worship service at 2 pm on July 27.  

Oh, the places our Love First vision is taking us – I can’t wait to see where else God leads!

Blessings,

Pastor Christi

ABOVE, PASTOR CHRISTI PRAYING AT THE WAILING WALL. BELOW, PASTOR CHRISTI WITH HER GROUP AT CAPERNAUM. 

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP AS WE EMBARK ON A NINE-WEEK JOURNEY THROUGH PAUL’S LETTERS AND HEBREWS. WE WILL EXPLORE HOW LOVE SHAPES, SUSTAINS, AND DEFINES THE LIFE OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY. 

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP

United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women) is an international UMC women’s organization, descended from 1869 efforts by Methodist women to send female doctors to provide health care in India. 

There are about 500,000 members today. Members here at CCUMC meet as Phoebe Circle. They raise money for missions that serve women, children, and youth around the world and here in the United States. They are also dedicated to spiritual growth, and fellowship.  

The Phoebe group meets in the Café, the 3rd Thursday of the month at 1:30.  All women are welcome.  See Sandy Thomas or Judith Hays for more information. 

ELC UPDATE

We are very excited to welcome three new staff members to our ELC family.  Welcome Chloe Hathaway, Lexus Wireman, and McKenna Simmons.  They started Monday, June 23.  

We are also so very blessed to share that we received two grants, one from Kosciusko County Foundation for $50,000 and the other one from DEKKO for $30,000.  

Mr. Polston is working with two playground contractors to obtain quotes to help us add an age-appropriate play area for our little ones, (ages 1, 2 and 3).  The existing play area will remain for the older children.

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

July Birthdays

Carol Schaefer - 1

Doug Graft - 1

Susan Frickey - 1

Sharon Pequignot - 5

Denny Boggs - 6

John Lefever - 8

Carrie Meyer - 11

Joyce Lawrence - 13

Kati Jones - 13

George Coppens - 15

Galen Eberhart - 16

Jim Fleck - 18

Cindy Webster - 20

Ron Frickey - 20

Danielle Oliver - 25

Sue Cooper - 25

Jeff Burnham - 26

Kathy Daniel - 27

 

Anniversaries

Kenny & Megan Devito - 11

Doug & Kathy Daniel - 14

John & Donna Toole - 19

Scott & Erin Fudge - 19

Phil & Ruthie Zent - 21

Bill & Roxanne Thomas - 27

Kevin & Karen Hedrick - 28

HOMEBOUND & CARE HOMES

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

The Oaks:  
Bette, Elaine

Byron Health Center: 
April

Peabody Retirement Community: 
Julia, Phil

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

Autumn Trace: 
Evelyn (resident)

CHURCH COUNCIL

Finance Report: Robin shared that the approval to cancel the workman’s comp is done. A NP20 report was filed.  Robin also shared the budget and stated that revenue was down last month due to lower giving numbers.

Trustee Report: Greg shared that Ron McQueen secured extra help for mowing the church property.

Greg also shared Utilization Committee’s report and submitted a chart comparing venues and costs for kitchen rentals in the community. Rental costs, procedures, contract, etc. are still in the works and the committee will report back at a later date.

Pastor’s Report

Annual Conference: Christi reported that no major actions were taken during the Annual Conference other than a change in language and resolutions. Christi received her scapular. Tammy reported that there are a large number of resources available to us through the conference. 

Security System: There was a discussion about the security system, contact people, and types of calls. Additionally, the protocol for security calls was discussed.

Travel opportunity: Pastor Christi reported there will be a travel opportunity for members of the congregation to go to Rome and Greece next February 25 - March 6th for those who are interested. 

Internship: Avery Meyer will be doing a summer internship at the church. Avery will be conducting an audit of the church’s internal and external communication systems and will present protocols and recommendations at the completion of her internship.

Pastor Christi followed up on last month’s recommendation from the property utilization team. She reported that any potential proceeds from property can be used to clear debt or fund new ministry efforts. 

The council discussed an offered opportunity to engage in a Ministry Study of the church by our Indiana Conference that would help us clarify ministry goals specific to our congregation, resources, and community needs. Pastor Christi will make these inquiries.  

(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

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