New Palestine United Methodist Church
November 2017 Newsletter
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Greetings in the Name of Jesus!
Once again Christians all over the world will be celebrating All Saints’ Sunday. Christian celebration of All Saints' Day stems from a belief that there is a powerful spiritual bond between those in heaven and those on earth. Our practice of celebrating this occasion begins on the evening of October 31—All Hallows Eve—better known as Halloween in the secular world. My experience always has been to celebrate on the first Sunday in November.
While All Saint’s Sunday is a time to remember all the special saints who have completed their journey on earth, during our Worship Services, we will pause to remember those who have gone to be with the Lord within the last 12 months. The liturgist reads the person’s name. A candle is lit and a bell is rung as the minds of the living are flooded with pleasant memories of the deceased. It is a special and emotional time. As a pastor, my heart goes out to those who continue to grieve the loss of their loved one. I know personally what it feels like because my wife, as many of you know, died right before I became your pastor. While I sobbed liked a baby when Brenda’s name was read and her picture shown, it was a cathartic moment for me. And I believe our observance is meaningful to all who have experienced it.
The author of Hebrews writes, Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith…[12:1-2a]. The saints in my life, which have included my Sunday School teachers, church leaders, and pastors have pointed me in the direction of following the pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Throughout my life, in times of struggle and in good times, they have encouraged me to keep the faith and to grow in my faith. They nurtured me as a child. They groomed me for leadership as a young adult. They set the foundation for me to eventually answer the call to full-time ministry. To this day, I continue to be surrounded by saints, both living and dead, who guide me along in my spiritual journey. Who are your saints? Listen to them!
Blessings and peace,
Pastor Mark
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Sermon Schedule
Nov. 5th "Max on Life: Humanity" I Corinthians 1:26-31
Nov. 12th "Blessed Are the Saints" (1st & 2nd) Matthew 5:1-12
Patriot Musical (3rd)
Nov. 19th "For Granted or Gratitude" II Corinthians 9:6-15
Nov. 26th Guest Pastor - Connor Neel
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Service Leader & Children Moments
Nov. 5th Service Leader - Brad Brown
Nov. 12th Service Leader - Bob Mitchell & Children Moments - Brandon Rosenbaum
Nov. 19th Service Leader - Teri Lauman & Children Moments - Teri Lauman
Nov. 26th Service Leader - Lee Collier & Children Moments - Korey Collier
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Celebrations is currently hiring for several positions. We are a faith-based program that places emphasis on the development of the whole child including their spiritual growth. We offer free or reduced child care, a flexible schedule, and free tuition through the TEACH Indiana program to help work towards your CDA, associates or bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. So if you have a passion for teaching children in an environment where you can share God's love on a daily basis then please call us at (317) 861-0635.
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Honor Flight Veterans Group
Saturday, November 11th
You may not know that we have a very active Honor Flight Veterans Support Group at NPUMC. Attendance is by invitation. There next meeting Saturday, November 11th at 9:00 AM. The Pacer's are sponsoring breakfast for the Veterans.
After the breakfast at 10:00 AM, SCE Vision's Choir will be performing a Veteran's Day program for the Veterans. All members of NPUMC are welcome to attend the performance. If you do plan to attend please arrive around 9:50 AM.
If you have any questions about the Honor Flight Veterans Group or the Veterans Program please direct your questions to Lee and Nancy Collier at (317) 861-6903.
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The United Methodist Men will host the 10th annual Chili Cook Off and Auction on Saturday night, November 11.
All church members are invited to enter their best chili, or just attend and enjoy all the chili you care to eat. Categories for the chili contest will be “Just Like Grandma’s”, “Most Unusual”, and “Spiciest”. New for this year will be an “Open” category for those who wish to enter their favorite soups, stews or casseroles
Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each category, and there is no fee for entering the contest.
Again this year a Kid’s Cookie and Brownie Bakeoff Contest will be held. All entrants should bring three dozen of their favorite decorated cookies or brownies. A “People’s Choice” award will be given for cookie and brownie judged the best decorated by all those who attend. Those children wishing to enter should see Kimmy Phillips.
The cost of this event is $7.00 for adults, and $3.00 for children 5-12. Children under 5 can eat chili for free. The admission fee will include your entrance to the auctions and all the chili you can eat, and a drink. Other food items available for purchase will be hot dogs, a selection of soft drinks, and desserts.
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Serving begins at 5:00 p.m. and will continue until 7:00 p.m. when the winners of the chili contest will be announced. The silent auction also begins at 5:00 p.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m... The live auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. and continue throughout the evening.
Sign up sheets for food and drink donations will be in the narthex. Items needed include pies, cakes, shredded cheese, sour cream, peanut butter, saltine crackers, cheese and veggie trays and dips. Items for the live and silent auctions are also needed. Theme baskets, gift certificates, cash donations make perfect items for the auctions.
For more information regarding the Chili Cook Off and Auctions, please contact the church office at 317-861-4390 or Lee Collier at 317-861-6903.
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Hello, Fletcher Place Supporter,
Please join Fletcher Place Board of Directors on a Dusty Boots Tour on Tuesday, November 14th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm. This event will showcase our upcoming construction project which will triple the size of our Pre-K Program and re-imagine our food pantry and free thrift store. There will be libations and craft brews from local Fountain Square vendors and yummy appetizers from up and coming chef, Paul Dickens Jr. The link to the Evite with more information is included below.
We hope to see you there!
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Sunday - November 26th @ 11:30 AM
We will be decorating the church for the Christmas Season on November 26th following the 3rd church service. Come and bring your family for PIZZA, followed by decorating. We can especially use some of the youth that might be better for climbing ladders. It will be a festive time with Christmas music to get us in the spirit! Please come and help, because as you know, many hands make for light work…or something like that.
Pizza and Beverages will be provided. Please plan to bring a salad or dessert to share with the group.
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One of the missions the UMW support is Fletcher Place Community
Center. At Christmas they sponsor a “store” families can “shop” at to
get gifts and food for their families. They need new clothing for
children, toys and games and blankets as well as food items. The UMW
will be volunteering to help set up the store November 27 th . If you are
interested please call Barb Woods (861-5619.) Check the bulletin board
for a list of items requested. We will also put out a tree again this year
with ornaments with various items needed. Take an ornament and
return the item by Sunday, November 26th. These items should not be
wrapped.
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Donations Requested
Each year the UMW Katherine Group prepares our shut-ins for Christmas by filling baskets with small gifts. As a way to countdown the days until Christmas, small wrapped gifts are placed in a basket with instructions to open one each day for 25 days until the day we celebrate Christ's birth. In order to prepare these baskets, small gifts are needed. This year we will assemble five baskets. In the Narthex, there is a large basket for unwrapped donations to be placed. If at all possible five similar gifts make assembly easier, but any donation is appreciated. Please contact Judi Walsh ar (317) 861-4138 with any questions. As always the UMW is very appreciative of any donation.
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WE NEED YOU!!!
Christmas Caroling
We have been asked to sing Christmas Carols during the New Palestine Christmas Walk that will be held on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 AM - 2 PM. We are meeting at the American Family Insurance at 48 W Main St Ste C, New Palestine, IN 46163 at 9:30 AM to pass out books and get our group together. Please wear Christmas colors. Hot Chocolate, Refreshments, and restrooms are being provided by John Lytell of American Family Insurance. Parking will be available at the Lions Club or New Palestine High School. Please let Leah Everett at 317-861-4390 or Stacy Boyd at 317-408-7854 or Connor Neel at 317-965-7593 know if you are planning to attend!
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UMW NEWS
ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT
December 3rd
Traditionally Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks prior to Christmas. The Latin meaning of Advent is "coming" as in the coming of Christ Jesus into the world. Christians use the weeks prior to Christmas day to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.
Advent has three meanings. The first is when baby Jesus was born. The second happens NOW as Jesus wants to come into our lives now. Third is when Jesus comes back as King and Judge.
Some advent traditions include opening small gifts daily for the 25 days prior to Christmas Children enjoy this as a countdown to Christmas Day. Some families read books or view movies that are significant to the season. Here at NPUMC, we celebrate with food, fellowship, and entertainment on the first Sunday of Advent.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. Each person is asked to bring an appetizer or light entree to share with the group. Volunteers willing to host a table provide a dessert for their table. These hosts are encouraged to set the table and decorate it. The variety of table decorations add to the festive spirit.
Back by popular demand, the New Palestine High School choral department will provide our entertainment. Mr. Beebe always showcases a selection of both traditional and contemporary song selections. You won’t want to miss this event.
Please reserve your table or seats with Cindy Gray at 317-430-2895 or cellgray@comcast.net.
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SCRIP NEWS
The holiday season is rapidly approaching. What a great time to order Scrip cards to make your holiday shopping easier.
For the holidays a limited supply of low denomination cards are available. These are great gifts for those hard to buy for people like the paper man, teachers, etc. They are fun or for stocking stuffers or gift exchanges. Of course, you can always use them yourself.
The following cards are now available for a limited time so don’t delay in ordering:
$5.00 Panera Bread Cards, Starbucks Cards, Barnes and Noble or Regal theater cards.
$10.00 cards are available for Amazon, Applebee’s, CVS, Home Depot, IHOP, Meijer, Red Lobster, Target and Walmart. Cards that can be redeemed at multiple restaurants include Outback/Bonefish Grill/Carrabas or Flemings. Also, Olive Garden/Longhorn Steakhouse/Cheddars are a new addition in this denomination.
We continue to have many cards on hand. Cards ordered on Sunday are available for pick up the following Sunday.
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UPCOMING UMW SCHEDULE
November 6th 2:00 Creative Adventures
November 8th Lucille Raines Tour and Lunch - Please contact Cindy if you are interested in going to this educational and inspirational tour. See your hard work and support working to help others in need.
November 13th 7:00 PM Seekers
November 16th 6:00 PM General Meeting and Installation of Officers followed by Katherine Group at 7:00 PM for the assembling of the Advent baskets
November 29th We will provide supper at Brightwood for their students who receive after school tutoring. If you would like to participate please contact Cindy
December 3rd 4:00 PM Advent By Candlelight
December 9th 8:00 AM Cookie Walk. This year Santa will be at the cookie walk ready to hear all requests!
More details will be in upcoming bulletins and the December newsletter.
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Missions’ Update:
The last category that the NPUMC Missions support is the Local Commitments
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With roots in the United Methodist Church, in 1872 Fletcher Place Community Center was started as a small outreach in the South side of downtown Indianapolis. Since then our dedication has been to ease the pain and struggle of poverty and hunger for families, the homeless, and youth. Today, one of our main activities is helping people on their worst day. Fletcher Place Community Center tries to help out until more substantial help is on the way. Our free clothing store, food pantry, garden project, hot meals, Pay What You Can Preschool, all work to help ease the pain and worry when life isn't going as expected. Fletcher Place Community Center is located at 1637 Prospect Street in Indianapolis. Brightwood Community Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization compassionately dedicated to building stronger families and vibrant communities. Our new Mission Statement is "Brightwood Community Center transforms lives through the love of God by providing to the community a safe haven for educational, spiritual and physical growth." Our goals are to cultivate and expand opportunities, skills, resources, and connections to enrich lives. We believe that each person should be empowered to become their best in order to help others. Brightwood CC provides the following essential programs and resources for low or no cost: SPARK After School Homework/Tutoring Program, SPARK Summer Camp, Sharing Space Food Pantry and Clothing Closet, and a Parent Empowerment Program. Brightwood is located at 3130 E. 30th St. in Indianapolis.
The Hancock County Food Pantry’s mission is to secure and distribute food to the needy in an effort to alleviate hunger in Hancock County. The Hancock County Food Pantry is a 100% volunteer organization with over 100 volunteers. The Food Pantry is governed by a Board of Directors who meet bi-monthly. The Food Pantry secures food and non-food essentials (toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, etc.) through purchases and donations. The Food Pantry purchases about half of what is distributed at significantly reduced costs through organizations such as Gleaners Food Bank and Save-A-Lot. Donated items are received from individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations as well as the Midwest Food Bank, Abrahams & Sons, USPS food drive, 40,000 Pounds of Giving, the USDA, and local grocery chains. We serve residents of Hancock County who meet government minimum income guidelines during six weekly open hours. We give each household in their monthly visit to the Food Pantry food for 7-10 days; enough to tide them over until their next month’s paycheck or SNAP vouchers.
The Hope House exists to serve the homeless residents of Hancock, Henry, Rush, and Shelby counties. Established in 1991, the Hope House has been serving the homeless men, women and family units of these counties for the past 24 years. Our shelter has a bed capacity of 35 with 15 of these beds serving our male residents and 20 beds serving the women and family units. Upon entering our shelter, our residents commit to a support program that assists them in returning their lives to a sustainable housing situation. The average length of stay for our clients is 60 days. In 2015, we provided nearly 4,500 nights of shelter to the homeless men, women, and children.
The Hope Guidance & Practical Help mission is to affirm life by sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ and His plan for sexuality, marriage and the family. We are committed to meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of those we serve; offering hope, guidance and practical help. Our Services
• Free Pregnancy Testing
• Counseling on Life Choices for raising the baby and adoption with referrals, education, and on-going support through the Word of God.
• Counseling on parenting, finances, relationships, abstinence and healing from previous choices
• Referrals for free testing for HIV, STD, and PAP
• Referrals to community resources such as Medicaid, physicians, and other healthcare referrals. Referrals are also offered for recovery programs, churches, and support programs
• Diapers, formula, baby food, and infant clothing
• Ongoing support with follow-up, counseling, and referrals
• Speaker’s Bureau offering speakers for information about the Center, abstinence, relationships and God’s plan for sexuality, marriage, and family
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Talitha Koum offers a recovery program for women eighteen and older who desire to live free from addiction. Talitha is a home that will give women a safe, family-like environment to rebuild their lives and learn how to live sober.
The Landing is for students (13-18 years old) who want more out of life than they’re getting.
A safe place to find hope, healing, and freedom when life gets crazy or you want to deal with “stuff” in your life.
• For some, that means dealing with pain.
• For others, it could mean finding freedom from an addiction.
• Others might just be hung up on something you can’t seem to move past.
At The Landing, we value Christ, confidentiality, and deep connections with others plus the occasional fun event to blow off some steam.
The aim of The Landing is to helphurting teenagers get closer to Jesus as they learn key principles during a journey towards a happier life.
When do we meet?
Every Wednesday night
6:00 pm – 8:45 pm
Love INC of Greater Hancock County is part of a national movement of other Love INC affiliates across the United States and beyond. Since 2004, our phone clearinghouse has been helping churches reach out into the community to share hope and effect change. Love INC of Greater Hancock County serves Hancock County churches. Love INC serves the church – the church serves those with needs. Love INC, through church volunteers, serves anyone with a manageable need in their service area.
Meals on Wheels mission is to help the citizens of Hancock County maintain an independent lifestyle through the delivery of nutritious meals in accordance with prescribed dietary needs and provide a point of personal contact with the community.
The Kenneth Butler Memorial Soup Kitchen is to Serve the Sheep of Jesus Christ regardless of their race, religion, gender, orientation, medical diagnosis, mental capacity or criminal history by providing their immediate need for nutritious meals. The soup kitchen was inspired by the spirit of Kenneth Butler who was once a fire chief in Greenfield. He was a man who dedicated his time to helping those in need through truck-stop ministries, prison ministries, and taking in homeless people. So, when a small group of dedicated people initiated the renovation and creation of the soup kitchen, they felt there was no better person to memorialize than Chief Butler. Remodeling of the building began in December 2008, and the kitchen opened its doors to the public on October 12, 2009. All remodeling was done by volunteers and funded by the community. The support of our volunteers and the community continues to be amazing.
Wheeler Mission Ministries helps the homeless in Indiana. Wheeler is a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides critically needed goods and services to the homeless, poor, and needy of central Indiana without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, or religion. Wheeler Mission Ministries is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Alternatives: Working to End Domestic Violence. This agency provides Shelter Services, Outreach Services, and Children’s Advocacy.They also have a 24-hour toll free crisis line.
Before school Christian Gatherings in Southern Hancock Schools
BWE: Believers
DCMS: New Pal Life
NPE: Breakfast Club
NPHS: Club A
SCE: Meet Me At The Creek
These Christian Clubs meet before school at all of Southern Hancock Schools. They are led by volunteers without any funding.
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Save the Date!!!!!
11/5/2017 All Saints Sunday - All Services
11/5/2017 OCC Packing Party @ 9:30 AM
11/11/2017 SCE Veterans Program @ 10:00 AM, Fellowship Hall
11/11/2017 UMM Chili Cook-Off @ 5:00 PM
11/17/2017 Rooted Lock-IN w/ Trinity Park UMC
11/23 & 11/24 Church Office & Celebrations Closed
11/26/2017 Hanging of the Greens @ 11:30 AM
11/26/2017 Poinsettia Sale Starts
12/2/2017 Christmas Caroling @ 9:30 AM
12/3/2017 Advent by Candlelight @ 4:00 PM
12/9/2017 Cookie Walk w/ Santa @ 8:00 AM
12/10/2017 Christmas Music Concert @ 6:30 PM
12/24/2017 Services 10:00 AM, 7:00 PM, & 11:00 PM
12/25/2017 Church Office & Celebrations Closed
12/31/2017 Combined Service 10:00 AM
1/1/2017 Church Office & Celebrations Closed
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The Church Office & Celebrations will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 23 & November 24th. Please plan accordingly.
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December Newsletter Submissions
All submissions are due by November 23rd for the December Newsletter.
All bulletin submissions are due by Wednesday of each week.
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