1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

January 2015
First United Methodist Church of
Wabash, Indiana
F
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I
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Mission Statement…To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation
of the world.
Vision Statement...To provide a loving fellowship that brings about spiritual
transformation through worship, prayer, study and action in order to know
Christ and to make Him known.
110 N. Cass Street, Wabash, IN 46992
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
I hope you are ready for the plunge because January 4 we
are diving right back into The Story. If you have forgotten,
we are on chapter 14—A Kingdom Torn Apart. We will be
following from the split between Judah and Israel for
several weeks, into the time of the prophets and the
conquering of Israel and Judah. After that, we follow the restoration of Israel into
the life of Christ and the birth of the Church.
Take a deep breath! It does not come all at once. You will get the most out of it if
you do more than just attend worship. This life of faith is to be engaged fully for
yourself and with others. The best way you can do that is by getting into a small
group. It is never too late to start. Please sign up and get into one for the new year.
If you’ve been in a small group, one of the best gifts you can give to family or
friends for the new year is to invite them to join you at the small group you attend.
I pray for you and our congregation as a whole that this year will be a blessing and
will be a year we say, “We matured so much as disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Shalom, Pastor Kurt Freeman
Senior Pastor - Rev. Kurt Freeman
Pastor of Visitation - Rev. John Cook
www.wabashfirstumc.org
[email protected]
Phone: (260) 563-3108 FAX: (260) 563-3109
Happy New Year! Welcome to a new opportunity to minister to
some wonderful children. We currently have a wonderful group of
K-2nd grade kids who would love to hear what you have learned
from The Story. We have an easy to follow curriculum, and are
looking for leaders during our 10:00 hour. You will be able to be
in worship until the Children’s moment. I know our Sunday
worship is fabulous, and you don’t want to miss a moment of it!
However, you can still hear the entire sermon at 8 a.m., or on our weekly podcast.
We are asking you to sacrifice only 3 Sundays at a time. Please volunteer today to make a
difference in the lives of these children. We have immediate openings available! Our policy is to have
two adults in the classroom, since we have up to 12 wonderful kids in the class.
Please contact Elizabeth at 563-6905 or email her at [email protected]. You can also
call the church office, and leave a message with Debbie. Volunteer today, and change your world! God
will be pleased with you for doing it.
Elizabeth Freeman, Children’s Ministries Director
A NOTE FROM KIDS FIRST CHILDCARE
We have been truly blessed with so much generosity from the congregation and our KF families. Since we
have started the weekly donations we have cut about $50.00 a week from our grocery bill. We didn’t have
huge participation in our gift wrapping fundraiser, but it was our first year and those that did participate
were very generous and made it worth our time. So we would like to take this time to thank all of you for all
of the wonderful blessings and support that you have given to us in 2014. Wishing for all of you a blessed
2015!!! Missie Edwards KF Director
3rd, 4th, 5th
Graders
COME JOIN
THE FUN
YOUTH CHRISTIANS IN
ACTION
If you are in
6th grade to 12th grade,
youth events are for YOU!
1/12/15 Movie Night at the Eagles
“God Is Not Dead” @ 7pm
1/18/15 Youth group hosted by
Treaty Church of Christ @ Treaty.
Bus leaves at 6:15 returns at 8:15 p.m.
Call, txt or e-mail Emily for details :
[email protected]
765.633.3018
Sunday, JANUARY 11
11:30 a.m. —1:00 p.m.
WINTER FUN
Andrea Schuler & Tammy Whitenack
CHRISTMAS CANTATA 2014!! “The Christmas Story”
Featuring Choir & Orchestra / Sunday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
In the Sanctuary
Plan to come, bring your friends and family for this FUMC Christmas tradition.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT FIRST CHURCH
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
5:00 p.m. Family Christmas Service “THE LITTLEST STAR”
Presented by our children
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service featuring The Chancel Choir
Message by Pastor Kurt Freeman
FUMC 2015 COMMITTEES
Kids First Childcare
Andrea Bakehorn, Cathy Cook, Brandi Stackhouse
Pastor, Director, new Parent Rep.
1 representative from each of Outreach, Staff Parish, Trustees, Finance Committee
Wesley Academy Pre-School
Whitney Myers (chair), Jennifer George,
Pastor, Director, new Parent Rep.
1 representative from each of Outreach, Staff Parish, Trustees, Finance Committee
Witness (no chair yet for 2015)
Kelly Schuler, Mike Beauchamp, Jane Hentgen, Myra Perkins, Linda Gilpin, Sondra Harrell,
Kathy Doran, Kari Halderman, Anne Curless
Outreach (no chair yet for 2015)
Bob Gillespie, Gloria McClatchey, Denise Stouffer, Esther Keffaber, Dan Stauffer, Leslie Stauffer, Carol Berg
Rep from Kids First Childcare & Wesley Academy Pre-School
Nurture
Max Highley, Donna Highley
Nominations (Chair, Pastor Kurt Freeman)
Nelda Love, Gail Bussard, Patsy Myers, Cathie Lefforge, Dick Tschantz, Sharon Jones, Alan Palmer
Trustees (elect their own Chair)
Mel Rennaker, Chuck Bair, Oren Wagner, Linda Konkle, Bob Vanlandingham,
Nick Hentgen, Chad Maple, Joe Eddingfield, Marge Young
Finance (Chair, David VanCamp)
Emily Boardman, Marc Shelley, David VanCamp, Dan Ford, Jeff Myers, Tracy Peas
Staff Parish Relations (Co-Chairs Angie Beauchamp & Jeremy Stackhouse)
Angie Beauchamp, Doug Konkle, Jim Getz, Austin Deardorff, Amy Poole,
Jim Lefforge, Jeremy Stackhouse, Ann Eddingfield, Tammy Ford
Memorial Fund Screening Committee (Chair, Cal Eichenauer)
Cal Eichenauer, Tom Ehret, Toni McKillip, James Flack, Tammy Whitenack
Tellers
Janet Leeka, Carol McVicker, Joyce Tschantz, Marge Young, Josie Ridenour, Linda Konkle,
Carolyn Eichenauer, Pat Vanlandingham
Administrative Council Secretary, Sharon Bair
Lay Leader, Larry Curless
Lay Members to Annual Conference, Mike & Angie Beauchamp
“THE STORY”
(MEET THE AUTHORS)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
Bible authors will be with us during both worship services on
Sunday, December 28th.
The Authors are Esther,
Mordecai, Jonah/sailors,
Mary and Joseph & Paul/the man in the window.
PLEASE HELP KIDS FIRST CUT COSTS
Kids First Weekly Donations:
Jan. 4-Gold Fish, Austin Crackers, Veggie
Crackers, Animal Crackers
Jan. 11-5oz cups, Paper Plates, Disinfectant
Spray, Disinfectant Wipes
Jan. 18-Canned Pineapple, Mixed Fruit, Green
Beans, Apple sauce
Jan. 25 -Ketchup, Ranch Dressing, 100%
Juice, Potato Chips
ALTAR FLOWER SIGN-UP FOR 2015
The sign-up chart to provide Altar Flowers in 2015 is on the table located in the foyer under the stairs.
These dates usually are filled quickly, so if you have specific dates you want to choose, now is the time.
Altar flowers are usually provided in memory or in honor of someone or some event. The cost is
$30 and the flowers will automatically be ordered for you. Do not pay the church, a bill will come from
“The Lovebug.” If you pay for your flowers before billing is necessary, the money saved by not sending a
bill will be added in flowers to your arrangement. If you choose to add extra flowers or have specific
requests for types of flowers you can let “The Lovebug” know and they will be happy to provide your
request at extra cost.
Feel free to take your flowers with you following the 10:00 a.m. worship service, please do not take
the inserts from the gold vases with you.
Thank you to all who provided Altar Flowers in 2014, you are appreciated.
CHRISTIAN BOOK CLUB NOVELS FOR 2015
January 20: Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory McGuire
February 17: Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole
March 17: Saint Maybe by Anne Tyler
April 21: Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter by Shelly Brady
May 19: Bonesetters Daughter by Amy Tan
September 15: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
October 20: Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas
November 17: The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin
All of these books except for Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter will be available from the Indiana
Humanities book collection. We will continue meeting at the Great Wall Restaurant at 12:30 P.M. If you are
unable to join us for lunch, we begin discussion at 1:00 so feel free to join us then. Contact Sondra Harrell if
you have any questions.
BOOK reMARKS
THANK YOU
Dear friends,
Thank you for your continued prayers and
financial support for us throughout this year.
Your partnering with us has enabled us to
continue the work God has called us to do in
Zambia. May God continue to bless you, as you
are a blessing to others.
Yours in Christ, Ken & Deb Vance
AUDIT RESULTS
Members of the FUMC Finance Committee met with
the audit group from Manchester University who
performed an audit on the church books. I am
pleased to inform you that all cash accounts are
balanced and the church books are compliant with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Marc Shelley, Finance Chair
THE STORY PAUSED FOR ADVENT TAKING OFF AGAIN JAN. 4
Plan to take off with renewed energy and interest in 2015.
January 4, 2015 begins with “A Kingdom Torn in Two” Kings 12-16.
Make a special point to invite someone to experience this amazing study in a small
group setting. Small Group sign up is still available at the table by the stairs in
the foyer.
THE DANIEL PLAN
Anyone interested in joining a class of The
Daniel Plan beginning in January on
Wednesday nights at 6:00 p.m., please
contact Cindy Hoffman or Marilyn Mitchell. If
we get at least 8-10 people interested we will
do another series of classes on "40 Days to a
Healthier Life". You will be responsible for
getting your own book by Rick Warren which
you can find at Joy Bookstore and other
places that sell books or ask for one for
Christmas! The plan focuses on Faith, Food,
Fitness, Focus, and Friends. We did this last
summer and it was a great class. Others have
seemed interested that were unable to come
last time. It will be an 8 week study
and would be a great way to start out your
year!
Cindy Hoffman
PRINTER INK CARTRIDGES AND
ALUMINUM CANS continue to be
collected at FUMC. A box for empty
ink cartridges is on the table under
the foyer stairway. A container for
aluminum cans is in the old kitchen
downstairs.
REMEMBER F.I.S.H. ON January 4
Please bring dry and/or canned items you
would like to contribute to the
Friends In Service Here food pantry
to church on January 4. Your
contributions will be delivered to
F.I.S.H. during the week.
All
contributions greatly appreciated.
GRATEFUL
Sometimes there just aren’t enough words to
describe the appreciation. Thank you so much.
We are so thankful for everything the church
has done for us. The meals, prayers, moral
support and gifts were so wonderful. God
bless you all.
Pat & John Corcoran
2015 Offering Envelopes will be available on
Friday, January 2nd in the Gathering Area.
HELP NEEDED
TO “MAN” THE WELCOME CENTER
People are needed to be at the Welcome Center
each Sunday to answer questions and guide
visitors. If you can help, sign up at the Welcome
Center.
PRAYER TIME
Join others in a weekly “prayer
time” each Monday, from 12
noon to 1:00 p.m. in the Prayer
Room.
Please feel free to come anytime
during that hour. We will meet
every Monday. Encourage all
who want to pray for our church, our country,
our state, nation & world to join us. If you
have questions, call Sondra Harrell.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
FOR FEBRUARY NEWS IS JANUARY 15.
Deadline is always on the 15th.
2014
FINANCIAL
REPORT
November
Monthly
Amount
Approved Budget
$371,437.00
$30,953.08
October
Year-to-Date
Percentage
$340,483.92
91.67%
Year-to-Date
Income
$19,400.81
62.68%
$356,911.63
104.82%
Expenses
$25,162.56
81.29%
$346,154.53
101.67%
Difference
($5,761.75)
$10,757.10
GENERAL
BUDGET
OVERVIEW
2014
Beg Balance
Income
Expense
2014
Ending Balance
$65,325.87
$356,911.63
$346,154.53
$76,082.97
GENERAL
BUDGET
November
YTD Income
INCOME
YTD Estimate
Annual Est.
Member Pledges
$ 11,471.00
$ 295,857.05
$290,130.50
$316,506.00
101.97%
Member Contribution
$ 4,567.40
$ 38,848.17
$ 27,775.00
$ 30,300.00
139.87%
Non-Member Contribution
$ 1,325.00
$ 13,886.00
$
7,333.33
$
8,000.00
189.35%
Loose Offering
$
708.01
$
4,132.63
$
3,666.67
$
4,000.00
112.71%
Sunday School Offering
$
1.00
$
85.25
$
275.00
$
300.00
31.00%
Checking Interest
$
28.65
$
236.78
$
275.00
$
300.00
86.10%
Upper Room
$
9.75
$
85.75
$
55.00
$
60.00
155.91%
Offering Envelopes
$
$
33.00
$
55.00
$
60.00
60.00%
Building Use
$
150.00
$
1,612.00
$
1,833.33
$
2,000.00
87.93%
Extra Gift Contribution
$ 1,140.00
$
2,135.00
$ 13,750.00
$ 15,000.00
15.53%
TOTAL
$ 19,400.81
$ 356,911.63
$345,148.83
$376,526.00
GENERAL
EXPENSES
-
November
BUDGET
YTD Expenses
Missions
$ 1,627.00
$
18,108.00
$ 17,800.00
101.73%
Denomination Ministries
$ 2,134.00
$
39,260.00
$ 38,720.00
101.40%
Personnel
$ 15,011.48
$ 155,447.63
$169,997.00
91.44%
$
$
15,186.87
$ 28,825.00
52.69%
$ 5,504.23
$ 113,463.93
$109,400.00
103.72%
Office Operations
$
464.44
$
2,833.56
$
4,025.00
70.40%
Finance & Stewardship
$
184.91
$
1,854.54
$
2,670.00
69.46%
Committee Groups
Council of Ministries
Building & Grounds
236.50
TOTAL
$ 25,162.56
$ 346,154.53
NON-BUDGET
MISSIONS
INCOME
November
Year-to-Date
UMCOR - US Disaster Relief
$
300.00
$
2,411.00
Access
$
200.00
$
300.00
FISH
$
20.00
$
40.00
Budget
$371,437.00
Mel Rennaker,
Church Treasurer
January 2015
B=Birthday
A=Wedding Anniversary
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
4
11
5
6
B-Jane Hentgen
B-Debbie
Wagner
12
13
7
14
B-Ariel Benner
B-Ramen
DuBois
B-Cathie
Lefforge
B-Bill Ridenour
20
Fri
Sat
2
3
B-Dorothea
Blackburn
B-Megan Palmer
8
9
10
B-Norma
Pottenger
B-Quinton
Siders
A-Orion & Mary
Jane Toepfer
B-Dorotha
Harvey
B-Cathy Cook
B-Teresa
Witkoske
15
16
17
B-Mary Corso
B-Andrea
Schuler
B-Debbie Bryant
B-Ilah Wagner
18
19
21
A-John & Cathy
Cook
A-Larry & Marge
Young
B-Henry
Beauchamp
B-Dee Byerly
B-Benjamin
Snyder
B-Larry Young
25
26
27
28
B-Sue Burton
B-Shelly Myers
B-Julie Sadler
B-David
VanCamp
B-Thaddeuas
Leach
B-Zach Simpson
B-Bridjet Rowan
22
23
B-Josie Wade
A-Darin & Lauren Hoffman
B-Marta Gidley
B-Taylor Poole
29
30
B-Nancy Kramer
24
B-David England
B-Elizabeth
Freeman
B-Claralou
Martin
31
B-Troy Payton
January 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1 NEW YEAR’S
DAY
Church Building
Closed
4
Epiphany
(white)
9am-”The
Story” (MAC)
5pm-”The Story
(Modoc’s)
11 1st Sunday
after Epiphany
(white)
9am-”The
Story” (MAC)
11:30am-Club 345
5pm-”The Story
(Modoc’s)
18 2nd Sunday
after Epiphany
(green)
9am-”The
Story” (MAC)
5pm-”The Story
(Modoc’s)
6:15pm-Youth leave
for Treaty Church of
Christ
25 3rd Sunday after
Epiphany (green)
9am-”The
Story” (MAC)
5pm-”The Story
(Modoc’s)
5 6:15pm-”The 6
Story” (Conf. Rm 6:30pm-Wesley
Academy Board
6:30pm-”The
Mtg. (Conference
Story” (Tschantz Room)
7pm-”The
7pm-Boy Scouts Story” (Mann’s)
(Scout Room)
12 6pm-Cub
Scout Pack Mtg.
(MAC)
6:15pm-”The
Story” (Conf. Rm
6:30pm-”The
Story” (Tschantz
Youth attend
“God Is Not
Dead” (Eagle’s)
7pm-Emmaus
Board
7pm-Boy Scouts
7 6pm-Daniel
Plan (Rm TBA)
6pm-”TheStory”
(Conf Rm)
6:15pm-Handbell
Choir Rehearsal
(Handbell Room)
7:15pm-Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
(Choir Room)
13
14 6pm-Daniel
Plan (Rm TBA)
6pm– The
5:30pm-Trustees Story” (Conf Rm
(copier room)
6:15pm-Handbell
6pm-Cub Scout Choir Rehearsal
Den Mtg. (MAC) (Handbell Room)
6:30pm-Kids
7pm-”The
First Board Mtg.
Story” (Mann’s)
(daycare area)
7:15pm-Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
(Choir Room)
19 Martin
20
Luther King Day
CHURCH OFFICE 11am-Red Cross
CLOSED
Blood Drive
6:15pm-”The
(MAC)
Story” (Conf. Rm 12:30pm-Book
6:30pm-”The
Club (The Great
Story” (Tschantz Wall)
7pm-Ad Council 7pm-”The
(Conference Rm Story” (Mann’s)
21 6pm-Daniel
Plan (Rm TBA)
6pm-”The
Story” (Conf Rm
6:15pm-Handbell
Choir Rehearsal
(Handbell Room)
7:15pm-Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
(Choir Room)
26 6:15pm-”The
Story” (Conf. Rm
6:30pm-”The
Story” (Tschantz
7pm-Boy Scouts
(Scout Room)
28 6pm-Daniel
Plan (Rm TBA)
6pm-”The
Story” (Conf Rm
6:15pm-Handbell
Choir Rehearsal
(Handbell Room)
7:15pm-Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
27
6pm-Cub Scout
Den Mtg. (MAC)
7pm-”The
Story” (Mann’s)
8
Fri
Sat
2
3
9
10
16
17
6:30pm-”The
Story” (Chapel)
7pm-”The
Story” (New
Beginnings)
15
6:30pm-”The
Story” (Chapel)
7pm-”The
Story” (New
Beginnings)
22
MAC
reserved
23
24
30
31
6:30pm-”The
Story” (Chapel)
7pm-”The
Story” (New
Beginnings)
29
6:30pm-”The
Story” (Chapel)
7pm-”The
Story” (New
Beginnings)