Benevolence Ministry Hours
The recent study of Helping Without Hurting has led to the formation of a benevolence team. This team will be holding office hours on Tuesdays from 1-3 for the specific purpose of building relationships with the many people who come to Central in their time of need. If you would like to support this ministry, please lift it up in your prayers. Further, we are looking for people to pray here at the church during these hours. Finally, if you feel led to join the ministry, please talk to Pastor Joseph or Pastor Jen about reading the book and next steps.
Shalom Sessions
With so much dividing us in our world today, the church can and should offer a third way of uniting us in following the way of Jesus. There has been much in our world on the matters of race, we will be continuing the conversation. Join us on the 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 12:05 in the Fellowship Hall for a brown bag lunch as we discuss and listen to the matters and efforts breaking and making the Shalom of our community. On April 20th, we will be giving space for race and the history of the church. We look forward to hearing your stories and taking requests for future topics of conversation. May we all find ways for all to be part of God’s shalom.
MASKS & MORE
The Governor has dropped the mask mandate for Indiana. We are still asking people to wear masks as we move around the building here at Central. If a group gathers and all participants have been vaccinated (or all but one participant who is healthy and willing) then feel free to take off your masks for the gathering, as you desire. Or, if you are in a group and all participants are distancing more than 6 feet apart, you may remove your masks during that time. However, we will continue to refrain from congregational singing for the time being. These are all small ways that we can continue to love our neighbor by making room for those who have not been or cannot (yet) be vaccinated.
Church Luncheon on April 18th
Please join us for a church luncheon following our worship service on April 18th in Fellowship Hall. The Endowment Committee will be providing the meal. There will be a presentation on Estate and Gift Planning by Indiana Foundation President Manet Shettle and our very own Doug Oler. There is no cost and you can invite friends who could benefit from this presentation. For more questions, please contact the office.
UMW Garage Sale Update: Yes, UMW is planning to hold a GARAGE SALE on Saturday, June 5th (the Saturday of the US40 Garage Sale). While UMW holds a garage sale to raise money for our local missions and as a service for our congregation to “recycle” our gently used and once loved items, it will be scaled back this year. Please help us by going through those boxes you plan to donate and give items a “second” look. Bring your donated items and leave them in the coat area outside the church office. We will have an antiques and collectibles area. We will NOT be having clothes and shoes. More information to come and thank you!
Volunteers Needed
Drug Free Wayne County’s Sr. High Youth Coalition, C2 is offering the 2021 Community Dodgeball Tournament on Sunday, April 25th. This event requires volunteer support and we are asking for community members who are interested to contact us to discuss the opportunity. Details to know- Volunteers signed up by 4/16; Time slots are between 1:30 and 4:00 pm for middle school ages & 4:30 and 7:00 pm for high school ages. Volunteers need to be signed up by 4/16. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tim Pierson, Youth Coordinator for Drug Free Wayne County at 765-277-4684 or by email at tpierson@bgcrichmond.org
Blood Drive at Central
The next blood at Central United Methodist has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 28 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. As always, the need for blood donations is high. COVID-19 precautions will be in practice as they have been in the past. The bar has been set high as we have forty-six time slots to fill. To register, go to redcrossblood.org enter CUMCRICH in the box that says find a drive, select your time and put it on your calendar. Central has been recognized by the Red Cross as a strong supporter. Blood donations is a great way to continue our support.
Musical Reminders/Announcements:
Tuesdays at 10:00am: Experience a time of weekly worship and virtual fellowship from Madeleine’s home in Brookville, Ohio! We pray, read Scripture, sing hymns, and hear meditative piano music. Streams live from Central’s Facebook page.
Devotionals and Testimonies
We are taking a break from the Lamplighter for the coming months. In the meantime, please check out our BLOG, Realm or Facebook pages to stay in touch. During this time, we are asking you to share your thoughts and inspiration. Please send your devotionals, stories, artwork and testimonies to Carla’s email address at carla@richmondcumc.com
Where are you in your journey with Jesus?
Virtual 5K
Run, walk, or crawl and record the results on Saturday, April 3rd. The fee is $25 per person. You can participate as a donation to missions fund or let Sheri know which student you are supporting. Register at TRIBEyouthIndiana@gmail.com. If you have PayPal, you may pay using the above email address or if you prefer, send a check by March 31st to Central UMC-TRIBE, 1425 E. Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374 *Flyers will be available for youth to share on Social Media or to hand out*
