Monthly Newsletter

Dear friends,

Over the past few months, your church council has been prayerfully discerning 12-month goals to help us live out our vision to Love First—within our church and in our wider community. These goals are:

1. Engaging all ages in worship so everyone feels welcomed and cared for.

2. Engaging our community through at least one off-site relational ministry each quarter.

As we begin this work, I find myself reflecting on my family’s recent beach vacation. We’ve stayed in many beach houses over the years, but this one stood out. The owners were so intentional—stocking essentials, leaving notes with activity and restaurant recommendations, and providing books, games, beach gear, and even a stash of pool floaties. Every detail said, make yourself at home here.

It made me wonder: what would it look like for every person—of every age—who comes to CCUMC or engages in our ministries to feel not just welcomed, but truly at home?

Beginning Sunday, July 5, we will introduce updates to our worship order to create a more engaging experience for all ages. Over the summer, you will continue to notice changes in how the morning and our worship service flow—thoughtfully designed for both lifelong worshipers and those new to church. We will rely on your feedback along the way. These efforts will also support the development of off-site relational ministries.

Unlike traditional “programs,” these ministries will take shape through listening, relationship-building, and responding to real needs in our community—slowly and intentionally. I look forward to sharing more with you in August.

For now, I invite you to reflect: Where do you spend your time? Who might you get to know more deeply—simply to love them, because God does?

I’m still struck by how something as simple as books, games, beach chairs, and thoughtful notes could create such a deep sense of belonging in a temporary beach rental. Those small, intentional acts made me feel welcomed, expected, and truly at home.

It is my earnest prayer that, as we live into these goals, we would offer that same gift—through simple, intentional engagement—to everyone we encounter.

As we continue to pray for hope and courage, I invite you to consider how you might take part. Together, we can ensure that all feel Loved First in the name of Christ.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Christi

August 1 is almost here, and the Whitley County Resource Fair is right around the corner.

July is the month to make it happen.

We need helping hands to pack backpacks on July 14 and July 22, with two shifts available: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Ready to jump in? Sign up using the link below.

Want to support in another way? Donations of school supplies or financial gifts can be made using the links below.

Every backpack filled is a step toward setting a child up for success. Together, we can make a lasting difference in our community!

Rev. Koelsch is a graduate of Ball State University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and she has served the following churches: Auburn First (as associate), Elkhart Calvary, Galveston Covenant UMC (Fort Wayne), and Elkhart Trinity on Jackson. She has served in leadership roles in the Board of Higher Education, the Board of Ordained Ministry, the District Board of Ordained Ministry, Bashor Children’s Home, and North Indiana Emmaus Community.

Rev. Koelsch said, “I am excited and humbled for the opportunity to serve the Church in this new role and am honored to care for the amazing churches, clergy, and community of the Eastern Rivers District of the Indiana Conference. I look forward to seeing what God is doing.”

Royal Family Kids Camp is coming in July. Please pray for the children attending and each volunteer. Faith in Christ is behind everything at RFK. Everyone at RFK Northeast Indiana is a volunteer that is joyfully ready to show campers the love of Christ. Volunteers are motivated by the example Christ set to share a common goal, of caring for those Jesus referred to as “the least of these.”

Royal Family Kids Camp helps children in foster care build resilience, self-esteem, hope, and positive memories. The goal is simple: to give each child a week filled with encouragement, support, fun, and meaningful moments during the five-day camp.

One week can make a lasting difference as the children experience genuine care and connection. During that week, campers enjoy activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, archery, and a camp-wide birthday celebration—all designed to make every child feel valued, celebrated, and treated like royalty.

Want to learn more? Visit https://www.rfknortheastindiana.com

BIRTHDAYS

Susan Frickey - 1

Doug Graft - 1

Carol Schaeffer - 1

Sharon Pequignot - 5

Denny Boggs - 6

Carrie Meyer - 11

Joyce Lawrence - 13

George Coppens - 15

Jim Fleck - 18

David Richey - 18

Ron Frickey - 20

Cindy Webster - 20

Sue Cooper - 25

Danielle Oliver - 25

Jeff Burnham - 26

Kathy Daniel - 27
 

ANNIVERSARIES

Megan & Kenny Devito - 11

Doug & Cathy Daniel - 14

Erin & Scott Fudge - 26

Karen & Kevin Hedrick - 28

Bill & Roxanne Thomas - 27

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

The Oaks Skilled Care: Francis Bundy, Joanna Sims

Byron Health Center: April Snyder

Ossian Health & Rehabilitation: Jill Chapman

Autumn Trace: Evelyn Stemen, Karen Bucher

Homebound: Ron Reed, Florence Linn, Louise Walter, Joyce Lawrence, Chick Harker, Marilyn Fry, Joyce Butler

Cards only: Barb Bilger and Betty Mosher

* 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.

June Council Summary

Growing Younger Program:

• CCUMC has been invited to participate by current and incoming District Superintendents.
• August 2026 through November 2027
• Lilly Foundation Thriving Congregations Grant will the provide funding.
• Nathan Lundy, Meghan Devito, and John Snyder participated in Zoom informational meeting.
• This opportunity is for churches of all sizes and can impact all ages.

Vision Work:

Two areas of focus, two teams: Sunday Morning and Off Site Ministries

• Sunday Morning team focus: three main pieces, Worship Service, Hospitality, and Measurement

Goal: Intentionally engage all ages in worship with a priority to make all feel welcomed and cared for.

• Worship Service discussion included:
• Experiment during summer: explain well and invite feedback
• Order and flow of worship with smooth transitions
• Adding a worship song leader
• Worship Service in Block format: Gathering/Celebration, Worship, Proclamation and Response, Sending
• Children’s message through summer with slide shown online for security
• Middle School age: meet in Cafe for short discussion; Tammy will recruit volunteers

Hospitality:

• Check best practices model
• Tammy Taylor and John Snyder will check in with hospitality team
•  Offer rides to church
• Evaluate arrival time for taking communion to people off-site
• Measurement:
  •  Goal: 30% of first-time visitors will return within 90 days

Off-Site Ministries:

• Get-togethers are not scripted
• No permission needed to begin a group

Preschool Governing board – in place by fall of 2026

Pastor Report: Pastor Christi is celebrating connections made. These ministries are vital. There is hope.

Finance Report (May 2026):

Total Revenue: $39,845.76

Total Expenses: $48,654.77

Net Revenue (May): -$8,809.01

YTD Net Revenue: $27,632.42 vs $4,336.35 budget Includes $13,000 gift, Maintenance costs: $31,244.92 vs $25,000 budget (includes $5,000 water heater), Endowment Committee - Robin Wright approved to fill open position

John Snyder — Council Chair

Megan Devito — Staff Parish Chair

Jamie Peppler — Lay Person

Brenda Marty – Secretary

Carl Siler – Trustee Chair

Wendy Meyer – Finance Chair

Ron Richey – Treasurer

Nathan Lundy – Endowment Committee Chair

Chris Jones and John Kleiman – Members at Large

(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