1. family and parenting
2. children

MOUNT COMFORT BLESSING
Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church (of the Risen Christ)
Pastor’s Corner
By Pastor David Galbraith
Without Easter, the Christian faith is a waste of
time.
That’s what the apostle Paul says: “If Christ has
not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in
your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
The reason for this is that Christ’s resurrection
not only gives us hope for eternal life, but it also
confirms that what Jesus said in his earthly life was
true. Jesus said he would rise from the dead. If he
hadn’t, who would have taken his teachings seriously
thereafter?
“But in fact Christ has been raised from the
dead,” Paul said in I Corinthians 15:20. The
resurrection was God’s stamp of authenticity on
Jesus, proclaiming, “Yes, Jesus is my son. Yes, he
has overcome death. Yes, what he told you is true.
Trust him! Follow him!”
May your Easter be filled with his hope.
Pastor Dave
Easter Egg Hunt March 23
The children of the church and community are
invited to an Easter Egg Hunt at Mt. Comfort United
Methodist Church on Saturday, March 23, at 11:00
a.m. Weather permitting, the Easter Egg hunt will
begin at the Shelter House. If the weather does not
cooperate, the Easter Egg Hunt will be in the gym of
the Family Life Center. Donations of small wrapped
candy may be dropped off at the church – no plastic
eggs are needed. Note that the Easter Egg Hunt
takes place the Saturday before Palm Sunday.
March/April 2013
Lenten and Easter Events
You are invited to join Mt. Comfort United
Methodist Church for Lenten and Easter events
and services. As we prepare our hearts to
celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, let’s
take time to remember the days leading up to His
crucifixion.
Lenten Suppers and Services
Lenten suppers and services continue through
March 21 with a light supper beginning at 6:15
p.m. followed by a short Lenten service at 6:45
p.m. Children attend a special Children’s
Worship.
Lenten Breakfast March 16
A district-wide Men’s and Women’s Lenten
Breakfast takes place on Saturday, March 16, at
7:30 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Featured
speaker is University of Indianapolis Chaplain
and Assistant Professor of Ecumenical and
Interfaith Programs, the Reverend Dr. L. Lang
Brownlee.
Palm Sunday Service March 24
Palm Sunday will be observed at worship service,
March 24 at 10:30 a.m.
Good Friday Service March 29
The MCUMC Holy Week Good Friday service
will begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 29. Come, and
prepare your hearts for Easter.
Easter Sunday Service
Celebrate the Resurrection of our Risen Savior,
Jesus Christ, with MCUMC on Easter Sunday,
March 31 at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.
Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join
us on this most holy day.
Newsletter 1
Pork Chop Dinner March 9
Be sure to purchase your advance sale tickets
for the State-Fair-Style Pork Chop Dinner, set for
Saturday, March 9, from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Church
Family Life Center. The event includes a silent
auction and door prizes. The meal includes a pork
chop, pit potatoes, applesauce, bread, and a drink.
Desserts will be available for $1.00. A children’s
meal of hot dog, chips, applesauce, and drink is
offered for $3.00. Contact Mel Branson or John
Forcum for tickets.
Trustees’ Corner
Mel Branson and Rudy Nylund, III, presented an AED
unit from the Buck Creek Fire Department to Mt.
Comfort UMC on February 3. John Bundy gratefully
accepted the donation on behalf of the Board of
Trustees, while Pastor David Galbraith looked on.
New Adult Class Begins April 7
A new adult Sunday School class will begin April 7
at 9:15 a.m. in the church parlor exploring the topic,
“What do United Methodists Believe?” Pastor Dave
and Reverend Bob will lead the twelve-session class
and will explore theology, social issues, and church
doctrine. This class is recommended for those who
are considering church membership as well as for
church members who want a review, update, or find
the topics of interest.
The Trustees have continued to work around
the church. As many of you have seen, the new
lighting is now complete in the Sanctuary. We are
continually working on weekly repairs and tasks
throughout the building, such as repairing toilets,
drainage issues, changing lights, and repairing
doors.
For those of you who may not know, I would
like to introduce you to your 2013 serving body.
John Bundy, Chair; Kevin Sheets, Vice Chair; Pat
Shreve, Secretary; Ron Hoeppner , Treasurer; also
Kathy Aldrich, Tim Waymire, Connie D'Angelo,
and Mel Branson. I would like to be the first to
thank all of the Trustees who are serving you and
this wonderful facility this year. If you get a
chance, stop one of them and thank them, or if
you have questions, feel free to ask.
Thank you.
God bless,
John Bundy, Trustee Servant
VBS Begins in June
Reserve these dates for Vacation Bible School:
Friday, June 21, 6:00-8:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 22,
9:30 a.m. -12 noon; and Sunday morning. The times
could possibly be changed, but not the dates. The
VBS farm-related theme is Hay Day. Volunteers
include the following: Music, Elaine Holloway;
Games, Jo Sullivan; Snacks, Christina Bundy; Crafts,
Pat Ringer and Rose McKinney. More volunteers are
needed. Speak to Amy Hoeppner or Rose to
volunteer or ask questions. We will offer baby-sitting
if any of those helping with VBS need it. Please pray
about how you can help make VBS a great experience
for the children of our church and community. You
can also help when the list of needed supplies is
posted closer to the date of VBS.
The new energy-efficient lighting has been installed in
the sanctuary. The project was funded with an equity
loan, and the energy-efficient upgrade will result in cost
savings over time. (Photo courtesy Tom Seng)
Newsletter 2
Notes from the
Music Director
By Elaine Holloway
Pepper Choplin is a composer, clinician, and
conductor. Many of his choral pieces are ones
written to fill a need at his church in Raleigh, NC,
where he is minister of music. Pepper’s chief desire is
“to create music that will lead people to worship in a
dramatic way.”
The Chancel Choir is presenting some of Pepper
Choplin’s works during this Lenten season. The
selections are from a cantata written for use during
Holy Week entitled, We Were There. Its intent is to
bring the characters who were there when Jesus died
on the cross “to life” and move the listener as we
witness the tragedy of Jesus’ suffering and death. A
single character will be portrayed each week in this
order.
They are Mary Magdalene – Emily
Richardson; John – Bruce Kendall; Peter – Pastor
David Galbraith; Mary, Mother of Jesus – Linda
Wynn; and The Centurion – Mike Adkins.
Hopefully, as we experience this story, we are
drawn closer to the cross. “As we share in His death
on the cross, we will surely be united with Him in His
resurrection.”
So, how is your Lenten walk with Jesus coming?
Are you preparing for His death so that we can
rejoice on that glorious morning called Easter?
I hope to see you at our Lenten services on
Thursdays. What a great way to spend time together
and do what Methodists do best – eat, sing, and pray!
Your music director,
Elaine
Eastertide Play April 7
A service of Eastertide, featuring music and drama
is set for Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. on April 7 at
Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church. A children’s
chorus, directed by Elaine Holloway, will feature the
SonShine Kids. The SonShine Kids Drama Group
will perform a one-act play written by Reverend Bob
Miller, Children around the Cross. The cast includes
children and adults. Pastor Dave Galbraith will
provide special music in addition to the children’s
chorus, duet, and solos. Everyone is invited to this
special service during Eastertide, the week following
Easter.
United Methodist Cluster to
BUILD AN ARK
You may not know that we are part of an
organization called the Northern Hancock United
Methodist Cluster. We, the NHUMC, have decided
to build an ark. Through the Heifer Project, a
mission organization that supplies animals, plants
and education, we, together will collect $5,000 to
build an ark.
Get your ARK and calendar in the narthex
(entryway) and fill it/them up! Watch for details
from the Missions Committee. The event will end
with a celebration meal at 5:00 p.m. at the Fortville
United Methodist Church on April 14.
Let us use God’s blessing for others who have so
little.
Weiler Brothers Achieve
Eagle Rank
Congratulations to Drew and Nathan Weiler,
who achieved the Eagle rank in Boy Scouts of
America Troop 236. Mt. Comfort United Methodist
Church is the chartered organization for Troop 236,
and a ceremony honoring these young men was held
February 26 at the church.
“The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest
advancement rank in Boy Scouting, and a Boy Scout
must earn twenty-one merit badges to achieve this
honor. In addition a Boy Scout must serve six
months in a troop leadership position; plan, develop,
and execute a service project for a religious
organization, school, or community; take part in a
Scoutmaster conference, and complete an Eagle
Scout
board
of
review”
(http://www.
scouting.org/About/FactSheets/EagleScouts.aspx).
Mission Statement, MCUMC
(of the Risen Christ)
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the
transformation of the world.
Newsletter 3
Birthdays
MARCH
1
2
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
23
25
26
27
Anastasia Hendrix
Candy Adkins
Debbie Berry
Larry Fentz
Maurice Jarrett
Amanda Ross
Marie Ellis
Heather Joffer
Cindy Kendall
Drew Weiler
Sheila Voelkel
Audrey Voelkel
Sharon Hensley
Donna Zering
Julie Heckman
Ashley Ross
Lori Thompson
Steve Dant
Tristen Bundy
Jeffrey Dant
Justin Piercy
Barbara Olin
Sharon Adams
Dave Holloway
Dylan Piercy
Feliz Jimmy AvilaVasquez
Connie D’Angelo
27
29
30
30
Anniversaries
Danny Dunn
Marcy Grandstaff
Elaine Poulos
Dave Thomas
APRIL
2
1
2
3
8
11
12
13
14
15
18
20
21
23
24
25
27
30
Patty Wilkinson
Kenny Thompson
William Carder
Marcia Piercy
Caitlin Grandstaff
Lauri Thomasson
William D. Fry
David Springer
Kathy Bennett
Kimmy Ellenberger
John Bales
Geth Hunter
Ev Zarse
Marty Haymaker
Samantha Ferrill
Dana Denton
Heather Meredith
Lisa Dant
John Bundy
Melody Benson
Hanna Jones
Ramsey Neer
MARCH
5
22
Jerry & Jerri Stang
Ruth & William Carder
APRIL
4
14
16
18
Drew & Jamie McClellan
Doug & Liz Hampton
Lloyd & Leona True
Dana & Sheila Voelkel
Dan & Patty Johnson
Garden Project
The SonShine Kids will plant
a garden at the church this
spring. The Lord’s Acre project
needs some donations to get
started.
You may help by
donating any of the following:
potting soil, vegetable seeds,
seedlings, and empty paper
towel or toilet roll cardboard to
start seedlings indoors. Contact
Mike or Darla Gibson if you
would like to help.
Shepherding Committee News
By Cindy Kendall
During the month of January, the Shepherding Committee recognized the passing of our sister in Christ,
Sharon Kingen, with a white carnation on the altar. Sharon and her mother Mildred wrote a booklet about
the history of Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church some years ago; you can read it on the MCUMC
website. The passing of Mary Lou Jarrett, mother of Pat Ringer, was also recognized. Most recently, our
congregation mourned the loss of fellow church member, Virginia Kuhn, mother of Sandy Abel. Our
condolences and prayers go to all the families.
In February, the congregation celebrated the birth of Aimery Leigh Pierce, granddaughter of Mike and
Candy Adkins. A red carnation was placed on altar in honor of Aimery’s birth on February 15 th.
Congratulations!
The Shepherding Committee is requesting volunteers to take food to people undergoing transitions in
their lives. We have had several requests in the past couple of months and need your help. If you are
interested in serving this way, you can sign-up at the welcome center in the narthex or see Connie Branson or
Cindy Kendall.
Please see any Shepherding Committee member if you, or someone you know, has a need that we can
help fill. Thank you! Committee members include: Doug Hampton, Jinny Waymire, Linda Neer,Newsletter
Marty4
Haymaker, Connie Branson, and Cindy Kendall.
DAYTIME MINISTRIES
By Pat Zarse
He is not here: for He is risen, as He said.
Matthew 28:6
When parents inquire about how we present
Christmas and Easter to the children, I always tell
them that we talk to the children about the true
meaning of Christmas and Easter, not Santa Claus
and the Easter Bunny. I’ve always thought that the
birth of a baby was an easy concept for them to
understand because we have all experienced that in
some way during our lives. Most children have a
sibling and may remember them being born and
coming home for the first time from the hospital.
I never thought the concept of the Resurrection
was easy for children to grasp. I’ve decided I’m
wrong. Why? At this age, children accept what
you tell them and don’t question the improbability
of death followed by life again. They have the
faith that we often lack.
A friend told me recently that she read: the
smarter the individuals, the more they questioned
the Bible and did not accept on faith its teachings.
Isn’t that sad? One would hope that the smarter
an individual, that the individual should accept the
Bible as written.
During this time of reflection and preparation
for the GREATEST EVENT, I wish you have the
faith of a small child and hope you are willing to
stand up and say, “MY SAVIOUR LIVES!!
ALLELUIA!!!”
PRE-SCHOOL
February was our “Party Month.” We spent
two weeks visiting Mexico and ended with our
fiesta celebration. Next were Valentine parties,
followed by Opposite Day and Pajama Day.
March brings a short month because of the new
school calendar and a two-week spring break.
Spring break is March 18 - 29. Prior to break the
children will learn about Dinosaurs and Easter.
Please be on the lookout for dinosaurs roaming the
hallways. Easter will conclude with a celebration
with special treats and egg hunt. Once again, I
know the children will accept Jesus’ death on the
cross and resurrection with no hesitation. If only
adults had that faith.
In April our units of study will be Spring,
Transportation, Safety Helpers, and Farm Animals.
The children will be singing in our worship service
Sunday, April 28. We’re praying for a houseful of
children and their families. Please encourage and
welcome them to our church.
CHILDCARE
Our state inspector visited on January 2 and
found no concerns. YEH! She was newly assigned
to our ministry and was extremely helpful. Thank
you to all our staff and the great work they do in
this ministry.
The children who moved at the end of the
year have been replaced, and our numbers are still
terrific. Thank God for the phone calls and visits
from the people inquiring for childcare.
We have had our share of flu and pink eye. The
staff has had to diligently clean to prevent the
spread of the infections. A big thank you to John
Bundy and his quickness in getting our restrooms
seriously cleaned and disinfected. Thank you also
to Janet and Jay Klein and Christina Bundy for
their cleaning in the Family Life Center. Also, thank
you to Dave Branson and his staff for cleaning the
doors, windows, and carpet. Everything looks so
much better. Thanks to all of you from Daytime
Ministries!!
Pat
SonShine Kids Prepare
Butterfly Garden
The SonShine Kids are preparing a Butterfly
Garden for everyone at Mt. Comfort United
Methodist Church to enjoy. Butterfly larvae will be
placed in the tent, and then from March 9 until
Easter, everyone can watch the transformation take
place when each butterfly emerges from its
chrysalis. Look for the display in the “Cry Room”
during the week and in the Sanctuary on Sundays.
SonShine Kids is a MCUMC after-school ministry
that meets on Thursdays from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
when school is in session. Volunteers are always
welcome to assist in this program.
Newsletter 5
Missions
By Rose McKinney
CHRISTMAS SHOEBOX REPORT
Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church
collected over 100 shoeboxes for Operation
Christmas Child in November 2012. As a relay
station, the church collected 1,769 shoeboxes.
Central Indiana collected 42,115 boxes at Heritage
Christian School; the Great Lakes region collected
706,766 boxes. In total 9,039,060 boxes were
collected to be sent to children all over the world
in 2012. Since 1993, a total of 103, 661,430 boxes
have been distributed.
Thanks for your
contribution to this worldwide effort. The
distribution of these boxes in 2010 resulted in
76,000 Christian teachers being trained, and
580,449 children accepting Christ.
This year’s Operation Christmas Child
collection will be November 18th through 25th.
You may start collecting for your boxes now.
FILL THE ARK
MCUMC is continuing to collect for filling the
Ark for Heifer International. It has been fun the
last few Sundays to hear the coins hit the metal
containers. We are over $500 at this point.
Thanks for your support and continuing
contributions.
MISSION TRIP
The dates for the annual
mission trip to Henderson
Settlement in Frakes,
Kentucky, are June 2-8,
leaving Sunday after
church and returning Saturday morning. On the
mission trip, we will be doing home additions and
repairs and other projects. This is a family mission
trip, so adults are encouraged to participate and
bring their children. The cost is $225 per person for
lodging, meals, and programmed evening activities.
If you are interested or have questions, contact Dan
Johnson.
FEEDING THE HUNGRY
In January a group of six representing Mt.
Comfort United Methodist Church went to
Fletcher Place to feed a hot meal to the local
people on the south side of Indianapolis. Fletcher
Place also provides a food pantry, clothing
assistance, and community outreach for people in
that area. MCUMC has committed to helping
collect food for the month of April to stock the
Fletcher Place food pantry. Please bring cereal,
canned goods (especially those with meat), peanut
butter, jelly, etc.. The grocery cart will be awaiting
your contribution. Thank you for your generosity
and kindness.
Just Reflecting
By Reverend Bob Miller
I love the church! It has been my inspiration,
my anchor, my refuge and my life for many years.
Jesus left us with two terrific tenets to live by,
and I suggest they are essential to living out our
faith. The first is the great commandment from
Matthew 22:38 “To love the Lord your God with
all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your
mind.” the first part of the commandment and the
second is like it, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
My first full-time church came along in the ‘70’s
located in an upscale suburb in the southeast part
of the state. The church had been in decline for
several years. The church authorities had sent me
to somehow revive the church; I observed a
number of churches at that time using school buses
to increase their attendance. I was able to secure
two buses, and our attendance within a year more
than doubled, but responses were not all accepting,
Kids and some adults were not respecting the
sacredness of the church; there was some extra
expense;
expense, and some untrained children had no idea
what was expected of them. But after some time,
the Holy Spirit put a calm in the church, and it is still
vital today.
Taking the call seriously to take the message of
Jesus to our world can take as many forms as there
are persons. It may take the shape of sharing the
Good News on a softball field, or putting on a roof
on a mission project, over a cup of coffee, or
through the conversation with a waitress at lunch, or
the comfort offered during a loss, or just one’s
presence after the divorce. The key to taking
forward the gospel is to do it, for someone’s eternal
life depends on your actions
Taking seriously the Great Commission and
looking after our neighbor will more than likely
require us to step outside the box. And when we
get outside the box, we usually step on someone’s
security blanket and ruffle up someone’s Holy Grail.
Is it worth it for Jesus’ sake? What would Jesus Do?
You know the answer! Follow HIM!
Newsletter 6
Kids’ Church News
Many different activities were enjoyed by
children in Kids’ Church over the last couple of
months. In January, the kids spent time working on
the song, “My Life is in Your Hands.” Later, in
February, a new and challenging song, “Testify to
Love,” was added to their repertoire. Hopefully,
sometime in the future, both songs will be
performed for the congregation.
On January 20th, Kids’ Church participants had
fun with a lesson on the tower of Babel, which
included a coloring sheet and acting out their own
rendition of the story.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the children
read and discussed the scripture from I Corinthians
13, also known as “The Love Chapter.” Afterward,
they cut out Valentine hearts and wrote messages
which were sent to Veterans at the VA Hospital in
Indianapolis. This activity is part of a program
called “Valentines for Vets” started by the famous
columnist, Ann Landers. In addition to this, the
kids also made Valentines for their own family.
UPWARD soccer evaluations have been
completed , and practices begin the week of April 1.
The season kicks off with the first game day on
April 20. Players participate in one practice per
week and eight Saturday games.
March 2 marked the beginning of 100 Days of
Prayer for 2013 UPWARD Soccer at Mt. Comfort
United Methodist Church. The 100 Days ends as
the season concludes June 9 with the awards
celebration. Participants are asked to pray for a
variety of things, including volunteers, parents,
coaches, players, teams, open hearts, new
friendships, safety for all players, and half-time
devotions. Pick up a 100 Days of Prayer sheet at
the church.
Volunteers are always needed. Plan to attend a
soccer game this spring and see this dynamic sports
ministry in action. Contact Kenny Thompson to
volunteer.
UMYF -- “On the Air for God”
During the first part of January, the cast
worked on their new series, The Good Book. In
addition, the cast and crew read and discussed
scripture from the book of Genesis, on which the
premiere episode is based. That particular episode,
“Adam’s Apple,” was shown to the congregation
on the 27th of January. The critics overwhelmingly
voted the new series a huge success, so we can
look forward to viewing more episodes in the near
future. The last Sunday in January, the youth
studied “Putting on the Full Armor of God” and
also began shooting their morning news show,
Good Morning God.
February 10th, the youth members read and
discussed the story of the Golden Calf from
Exodus 32. The group later enjoyed a football
game (Golden Calf-style) under Bruce Kendall’s
leadership. The following Sunday, youth made
collages, using pictures of things we make the
“Golden Calves” in our lives. This lesson prepared
the cast for future filming of The Good Book based
on this scripture.
Recently, parents of youth group members
started a concession stand. The stand is open
during Optimist Basketball games held in the
church Family Life Center on Saturdays. All
proceeds from concessions will be donated to the
youth fund. A sign for the stand made from
handprints of the youth is proudly displayed. A big
thank you to all the youth parents for making this
possible! As always, the UMYF can use volunteers
at any time, so if you are interested in helping,
please contact Jordan Kendall.
A highlight for this winter was a trip on
February 24th to Sky Zone in Fishers, Indiana. A
report from this adventure will be given in the
next newsletter.
MCUMC Pre-School
Registration 2013-14
Early registration for the MCUMC Pre-School
program has begun for children who will be ages
two, three, and four in school year 2013-14. The
registration fee is $75. Two-year-olds attend a
session one day per week; three-year-olds attend a
session two days per week; and four-year-olds
attend a session three days per week. MCUMC
also offers a daily Childcare program. Contact Pat
Zarse for more information: 317-894-6276.
Newsletter 7
Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church
3179 North 600 West
Greenfield, IN 46140
Mark Your Calendars for These Important Dates!
March 7
March 9
March 9
March 14
March 16
March 21
March 23
March 24
March 31
April 7
April 14
June 2-8
Lenten Supper & Service
Pork Chop Dinner, 4 – 7 p.m.
Bishop’s Youth Rally
Lenten Supper & Service
Lenten Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.
Lenten Supper & Service
Easter Egg Hunt, 11:00 a.m.
Palm Sunday, 10:30 a.m. worship
EASTER Sunday, 10:30 a.m. worship
Eastertide Church Play w/ SonShine Kids, 7 p.m.
ARK Celebration Dinner, Fortville UMC
Mission Trip, Henderson Settlement
2013 Upward Soccer Calendar
Practices Begin – Week of April 1
First Game day – April 20
Awards Celebration – June 9
Visit our website: http://www.churchatmtcomfort.org
Newsletter 8