Last Sunday, as we celebrated Preschool Celebration Sunday, I couldn’t help but smile at the joyful chaos—the proud wiggles, growing confidence, and the vital reminder that children flourish when they are surrounded by love and given what they need to succeed.
That same spirit guides our church’s support of the Whitley County Resource Fair, happening August 1, 2026, at Indian Springs Middle School. I’m grateful to be cochairing the school section alongside Kacey Anderson, Director of Whitley County United Way, and one of our preschool parents. Together, we are coordinating the school supply drive to serve students in all three county school corporations. These supplies, along with access to free haircuts, sports physicals, dental and vision screenings, and shoe vouchers, will help children begin school with dignity and confidence.
At its heart, this work is a reflection of our Love First Vision. Remembering that outreach to youth and young families, the homebound, and those who live on the margins is not extra—it’s essential. The Resource Fair, focused on Seniors, Wellness, Safety, Families, School, and Employment, along with a free lunch for the first 500 people through the door, is a meaningful way we can live that calling together.
I’m excited for this opportunity to extend to Whitley County families what we offer our preschool families every day: love and the resources to succeed. Together, even small acts can make a big impact. So how can you help?
Support the School Supply Drive
Donate or collect school supplies beginning May 1
Help organize donated supplies in our building
Volunteer at our First Friday June booth with partner agencies
Pack backpacks:
July 14 at 10:00am or 1:00pm
July 22 at 10:00am or 1:00pm
Support the Resource Fair on August 1
Help organize and hand out backpacks
Serve at the CCUMC booth, offering a warm welcome and caring presence
Every notebook, backpack, and smile proclaims a simple truth: You matter. You are not alone. We care. God cares. When children start school with what they need, confidence grows, and barriers fall—that’s what it looks like when we choose Love First.
I can’t wait to see how God multiplies these acts of generous love into stories of hope!
With hope and anticipation,
Pastor Christi
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME AUTHENTICALLY — On April 19, three people were officially welcomed into the CCUMC family.
Bill and Sue Lewis transferred their membership from Churubusco UMC.
Bob Reilly joined through a profession of faith. All three have shared how authentically welcomed they felt arriving here and are eager to extend that same warmth to others.
Please take a moment to introduce yourself and extend a little more of that CCUMC hospitality.
VISITATION VOLUNTEER TEAM
REACH OUT PASSIONATELY — We are looking for compassionate volunteers to share their time and brighten the day of our church family who are homebound. Many in our congregation are unable to attend services and would greatly appreciate a friendly visit, a warm conversation, or a shared prayer. Your presence can provide vital connection and comfort to someone feeling isolated from their faith community. If you have a heart for service and a listening ear, please reach out to Reisa Snyder to learn how you can help bring the warmth of our church to their doorstep.
JOIN US FIRST FRIDAYS ON THE SQUARE
Columbia City’s First Fridays kicks off on May 1st, and our church will be right in the heart of the action! Visit our booth in front of the Clugston Building to say hello.
Help Wanted for June
We are currently seeking volunteers for the June event. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our neighbors and share our spirit with the community.
No planning required: Activities are already set!
Flexible timing: Join us for the whole event or just an hour.
Your role: Simply provide a friendly face and a warm welcome.
How to Help
To volunteer, please contact Jyllian Kumfer or Tammy Taylor with your availability. We can’t wait to serve alongside you!
CITYKIDS PRESCHOOL SUNDAY
Preschool Sunday was such a joyful celebration as we connected with the teachers, children, and families who fill our building each week. The children’s message rang loud and clear—God’s Not Dead! Their excitement and enthusiasm were absolutely contagious. Thank you for your generous donations, your time, and your prayers that helped make this after-church event so meaningful!
The celebration isn’t over yet. We have another chance to show love first to these families. The Preschool End-of-Year Celebration is almost here! Join us on May 13 at 6:00 p.m. for celebration of these amazing children and families, followed by an ice cream social.
We’d love your help in creating a welcoming, joyful experience—volunteers are needed to greet families and hand out ice cream novelties. If you’re available, please reach out to Tammy Taylor. We’d love to have you be part of it!
A SUMMER OF LOVE FIRST
Jesus tells us that it is love—real, visible, Christ‑shaped love—that shows we belong to him (John 13:34–35). That’s why we commit to Love First: welcoming authentically, growing intentionally, and reaching out passionately. Every event on our summer calendar is an invitation to live that vision together.
This season begins with celebration and connection. Through our Preschool Closing Celebration, Mother’s Day Breakfast, and Graduation Sunday, we practice Authentic Welcome—meeting people where they are and honoring every stage of life.
We Grow Intentionally through worship at Oak Pointe, conversations at Brew’ha, and shared prayer and study that nurture faith across generations.
And beyond our walls, love takes action. First Fridays, the Royal Family Kids Camp Tea Party, and the Whitley County Resource Fair invite us to Reach Out Passionately, especially to youth, families, shut‑ins, and those on the margins.
This summer is more than a schedule—it’s a shared journey of Loving First. Wherever you plug in, may you see God at work through welcoming hearts, faithful growth, and love that reaches far beyond ourselves.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays
1 - Cynthia Russell
John Marty
4 - April Snyder
8 - Evan Fudge
Karen Wakeland
11 - Richard Kyler
17 - Stephanie Lambert
18 - Mark Waterfall
20 - Marcia Clupper
21 - Arlene Crosby
25 - Sue Lewis
27 - Gloria Phegley
31 - Evelyn Fisher
Anniversaries
5 - Denny and Judy Boggs
15 - Carolyn and Bob Haisley
16 Bill and Carol Schaefer
MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE
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, 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.
CHURCH COUNCIL
Discussion of Fellowship Events
Preschool Sunday – parents and children lingering after lunch at the activities for kids. One family, with a 4 and 12 yr. old, expressed interest in joining the church. Discussion about the service itself.
Mother’s Day Breakfast – Sunday, May 10, beginning at 9:00 am. EVERYONE is invited to attend.
Preschool End of Year Celebration – May 13, at 6:00 pm. Our church family will provide ice cream novelties and hospitality for the event.
Vision Work
Task force from the council will meet on May 7 at 4:00 pm to continue shaping the vision.
Pastor Report
District Day – Discipleship Vision session. Discussed the importance of clearly defining discipleship and being intentional about what we are doing and why it is important.
Whitley County Resource Fair – August 1 at Indiana Springs Middle School. Pastor Christi Co-chair of school committee, CCUMC supply collection station and packing station.
Discussion of Church Funerals Direct Network.
Planning for a church directory update in the fall.
Finance Report
Total Revenue: $51,312.96, Expenses: $44,940.85, Net Revenue: $6,372.86
Motion to move payroll to Brotherhood Mutal at a savings of $500, approved.
Audit will be complete next month.
Trustee Report
Discussion about creating facility plan to budget for expenses.
Discussion about chiller and water heater, replacements.
General Purpose Lease Agreements will be set to expire simultaneously. Current expiration is set for 8/31. Council will review what timeframe is most effective for the church calendar.
Office space currently rented – Charles Lee and Carl Siler
John Kleiman appointed Trustee until end of meeting for purposes of contract signing.
(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
