
June 25th Updates
Posted on Jun 25, 2021 in Newsletter, Uncategorized |
Church Conversation Sunday June 27th
Community in Unity – June 29th
Patriotic Pipe Organ Concert (Virtual only)
Thursday, July 1st – 12:00pm-1:00pm
Real Discipleship Survey
We are told to follow Jesus, but how do I know where I stand in the journey…what to do next? The Real Discipleship Survey is an instrument designed to support the development of maturing disciples at both the personal and congregational levels. It measures the level of maturity in each of six dimensions of discipleship: Worship, Hospitality, Open to Jesus, Obeying Jesus, Service, and Generosity. The Indiana Conference has purchased a conference-wide license which makes the survey free for all INUMC churches and congregants! Once you take the survey, you will receive your results along with some suggestions on how you can continue to mature in journeying with Jesus. You can find the links to the Real Discipleship Survey and the Instructions on our website at richmondcumc.com/exploring/
Prayers for New Beginnings in Old Space
With the departure of the Boys and Girls Club from Central, we have a path ahead to form new ministries and reimagine the space. Yes, we are still in grief. God still calls us along the Journey. What ways can we proclaim Jesus there? Which new communities could we serve? How could our Central family grow into this space? What is God asking of Central in the months to come? If you feel called to serve the least and the lost in our neighborhood, if you would all people to know Je-sus, if you are willing to make disciples in news ways – please, spend time in prayer asking for God’s will to be revealed. Walk those now empty areas. Take time to sit there in prayer. God is good and he will show us the way.
Prayer Walk
Prayer connects us daily to a loving God moving in our midst. In his 3 rules for Methodists, John Wesley calls us to both private and public prayer. On July 12th at noon, we will have a prayer walk through our neighborhood. We will meet by the Welcome Center, divide into small groups at the entrance of the church, and proceed in different directions. Along the way, we will pause to pick up trash and renew our streets and sidewalks. Together we will listen for God’s will for Central for the days ahead. Please contact Pastor Joseph with any questions.
Community Food Pantry
Since the pandemic began, we have limited the number of hours we are open and used the same 6 volunteers to staff the pantry to minimize our volunteers’ exposure to the virus. We are open Wednesday and Thursday, 1:00-3:00 PM. Those volunteers are getting tired; the pandemic is receding — WE ARE READY FOR A FEW NEW VOLUNTEERS. Still we are keeping clients outside the pantry by passing pre-prepared sacks of food through the two east windows so there is no close contact or exposure to clients. We need several volunteers from 12:30-3:00 Wednesday and/or Thursday. TO VOLUNTEER OR ASK QUESTIONS — CALL BECKY SHAW 765-960-5028 Leave your name and phone number, Becky will return your call.
Grief Support Group
We are beginning a grief support group and welcome anyone who is in need of a little company walking through a loss. We hope to share and help each other. The plan is to meet for six sessions on the second and fourth Mondays at 2 PM in the memorial room here at the church, beginning July 12. Please contact Sherry Bailey at 765-277-6641, or sabailey7013@gmail.com to let us know of your plans to join us.
Peace Study with Pastor Keya Davis from Kenya
Welcome to a series of Bible study Wednesdays and Sundays starting next week at 6:30 pm-7:30 pm and 8:45 am – 9:45 am respectively in room 207. The purpose of the Bible study series is to bring an understanding of the ministry of peace and social transformation and being active agents of change by engaging in social justice in the efforts to make this world a better place to live. In this series, various aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ as the Prince of peace will be explored with a view to achieving the following goals that will revive and inspire the ministry of social justice in Christendom.
- Jesus is the Supreme example of social justice and peace
- Relationship With Jesus is the Key to successful ministry of social justice and peace
- Create awareness that Christianity should be up front in social justice and peace
- Create awareness that every Christian is an agent of change at home or abroad.
For more information, please contact the church office
Read more...
June 18th Updates
Posted on Jun 18, 2021 in Newsletter, Uncategorized |
Frequent flyer miles donations?
Church Conversation June 27th
Prayers for New Beginnings in Old Space
With the departure of the Boys and Girls Club from Central, we have a path ahead to form new ministries and reimagine the space. Yes, we are still in grief. God still calls us along the Journey. What ways can we proclaim Jesus there? Which new communities could we serve? How could our Central family grow into this space? What is God asking of Central in the months to come? If you feel called to serve the least and the lost in our neighborhood, if you would all people to know Je-sus, if you are willing to make disciples in news ways – please, spend time in prayer asking for God’s will to be revealed. Walk those now empty areas. Take time to sit there in prayer. God is good and he will show us the way.
Have you ever volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club?
If you have ever served with the Boys and Girls Club here at Central, they would like to invite you to sign a pillow to help remember all the great things Central has done for them. You can find this pillow in the office during normal business hours. If you would like to sign the pillow, please do so before June 30th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at 765-962-8543
Community Food Pantry
Grief Support Group
We are beginning a grief support group and welcome anyone who is in need of a little company walking through a loss. We hope to share and help each other. The plan is to meet for six sessions on the second and fourth Mondays at 2 PM in the memorial room here at the church, beginning July 12. Please contact Sherry Bailey at 765-277-6641, or sabailey7013@gmail.com to let us know of your plans to join us.
Office Support Team
From time to time Christin needs help with various tasks or coverage in the office. If you would be willing to be on an “On-Call” list to volunteer, please contact Christin at 765-962-8543 or email her at christin@richmondcumc.com
Peace Study with Pastor Keya Davis from Kenya
Welcome to a series of Bible study Wednesdays and Sundays starting next week at 6:30 pm-7:30 pm and 8:45 am – 9:45 am respectively in room 207. The purpose of the Bible study series is to bring an understanding of the ministry of peace and social transformation and being active agents of change by engaging in social justice in the efforts to make this world a better place to live. In this series, various aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ as the Prince of peace will be explored with a view to achieving the following goals that will revive and inspire the ministry of social justice in Christendom.
- Jesus is the Supreme example of social justice and peace
- Relationship With Jesus is the Key to successful ministry of social justice and peace
- Create awareness that Christianity should be up front in social justice and peace
- Create awareness that every Christian is an agent of change at home or abroad.
For more information, please contact the church office
Creative Hands
Creative Hands meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Join us for fellowship, fun, food and maybe another Pop-Up !?!
Thank You!
Thank you so much for the many cards, phone calls, and meals following my recent car accident. You are all so kind and thoughtful and these were very much appreciated. Love my Central Family. – Donna Jurgens
Patriotic Pipe Organ Concert (Virtual only)
Thursday, July 1st – 12:00pm-1:00pm
Tune into Central’s facebook page to listen live as Madeleine plays patriotic classics such as America the Beautiful, the Star Spangled Banner, the Battle Hymn of the Republic and more! You won’t want to miss this special program.
Read more...
June 11th Updates
Posted on Jun 11, 2021 in Newsletter, Uncategorized |
Frequent flyer miles donations?
Friends, we are currently interviewing candidates for our Youth and Associate Pastor positions. We might come to a point where we would like to fly in prospective candidates. Would any of you that have “stored up frequent flyer” airline miles be willing to donate them to this cause? If so, please contact Pastor Joseph.
Saying good-bye to Sheri Koyles
July Lamplighter
The Lamplighter is coming back! If you would like to have an article, testimony, devotional, or announcement published in the July Lamplighter, please submit it to Christin at christin@richmondcumc.com by June 18th. Need more time? Call the church office at 765-962-8543 and we will work it out!

Thank you to everyone who sent cards and well wishes for the birth of my son, Dexter. A special thank you to all the women of UMW for hosting a baby shower for me this past Thursday. Thanks to you, Dexter and I have 49 books to read as he grows! I am so blessed to be apart of the Central Staff and to work with such wonderful people.
– Christin Hampton, Office Manager
Prayers for New Beginnings in Old Space

Welcome to a series of Bible study Wednesdays and Sundays starting next week at 6:30 pm-7:30 pm and 8:45 am – 9:45 am respectively in room 207. The purpose of the Bible study series is to bring an understanding of the ministry of peace and social transformation and being active agents of change by engaging in social justice in the efforts to make this world a better place to live. In this series, various aspects of the ministry of Jesus Christ as the Prince of peace will be explored with a view to achieving the following goals that will revive and inspire the ministry of social justice in Christendom.
· Jesus is the Supreme example of social justice and peace
· Relationship With Jesus is the Key to successful ministry of social justice and peace
· Create awareness that Christianity should be up front in social justice and peace
· Create awareness that every Christian is an agent of change at home or abroad.
For more information, please contact the church office
Garage Sale Thank You!
Thank you to those who donated, to those who added to their collections, and to those who worked tirelessly setting up and taking down. Many in our community have and will benefit from your work!
Have you ever volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club?
If you have ever served with the Boys and Girls Club here at Central, they would like to invite you to sign a pillow to help remember all the great things Central has done for them. You can find this pillow in the office during normal business hours. If you would like to sign the pillow, please do so before June 30th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at 765-962-8543
Community Food Pantry
Since the pandemic began, we have limited the number of hours we are open and used the same 6 volunteers to staff the pantry to minimize our volunteers’ exposure to the virus. We are open Wednesday and Thursday, 1:00-3:00 PM. Those volunteers are getting tired; the pandemic is receding — WE ARE READY FOR A FEW NEW VOLUNTEERS. Still we are keeping clients outside the pantry by passing pre-prepared sacks of food through the two east windows so there is no close contact or exposure to clients. We need several volunteers from 12:30-3:00 Wednesday and/or Thursday. TO VOLUNTEER OR ASK QUESTIONS — CALL BECKY SHAW 765-960-5028 Leave your name and phone number, Becky will return your call.
Grief Support Group
We are beginning a grief support group and welcome anyone who is in need of a little company walking through a loss. We hope to share and help each other. The plan is to meet for six sessions on the second and fourth Mondays at 2 PM in the memorial room here at the church, beginning July 12. Please contact Sherry Bailey at 765-277-6641, or sabailey7013@gmail.com to let us know of your plans to join us.
Office Support Team
From time to time Christin needs help with various tasks or coverage in the office. If you would be willing to be on an “On-Call” list to volunteer, please contact Christin at 765-962-8543 or email her at christin@richmondcumc.com
Read more...
June 4 Updates
Posted on Jun 4, 2021 in Newsletter, Uncategorized |
UMW Garage Sale Update 2.0!
Yes, UMW is holding a GARAGE SALE here 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.
COME ON OUT TOMORROW MORNING AND SHOP AT OUR MASSIVE SALE!
TREASURES FOR YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR FRIENDS TO FIND AND SHARE!
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO PASTOR JEN
- On Sunday, June 6, we will be honoring Pastor Jen with a luncheon immediately after church. We will be collecting a Love offering for her. Checks should be made out to Central and noted “Pastor Jen” on the memo line.
- PLEASE PLAN TO STAY AFTER CHURCH TO ATTEND THIS SPECIAL LUNCHEON!!
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO SHERI KOYLES
- On June 13, the congregation will be having a Cupcake Party for Sheri to wish her well in her new job. A Love offering will also be collected for her. Checks should be made out to Central and noted “Sheri Koyles” on the memo line.
- CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!
Frequent flyer miles donations?
Friends, we are currently interviewing candidates for our Youth and Associate Pastor positions. We might come to a point where we would like to fly in prospective candidates. Would any of you that have “stored up frequent flyer” airline miles be willing to donate them to this cause? If so, please contact Pastor Joseph.
Rev. Paul is moving…
If you would have time to help out on June 6th, Rev. Paul would love your help moving boxes and furniture up and down stairs. Also, he is in need of a truck to move once packed. Willing to help out on June 6th? Call the church office.
Prayers for New Beginnings in Old Space
With the departure of the Boys and Girls Club from Central, we have a path ahead to form new ministries and reimagine the space. Yes, we are still in grief. God still calls us along the Journey. What ways can we proclaim Jesus there? Which new communities could we serve? How could our Central family grow into this space? What is God asking of Central in the months to come? If you feel called to serve the least and the lost in our neighborhood, if you would all people to know Jesus, if you are willing to make disciples in news ways – please, spend time in prayer asking for God’s will to be revealed. Walk those now empty areas. Take time to sit there in prayer. God is good and he will show us the way.
Prayer Walk
Prayer connects us daily to a loving God moving in our midst. In his 3 rules for Methodists, John Wesley calls us to both private and public prayer. On June 7th at noon, we will have a prayer walk through our neighborhood. We will divide into small groups at the entrance of the church and proceed in different directions. Along the way, we will pause to pick up trash and renew our streets and sidewalks. As we go keep your eyes open for what God is calling Central to in the coming months. At each corner, we will offer specific prayers for our neighbors. Please contact Pastor Joseph with any questions.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RELIEF ROOM
We continue to make connections with local agencies that will be possible sources of referrals for assistance through the Emergency Relief Room. Thanks to the material and financial donations made to this mission, the room has become organized and readily available for people referred to us. Our current need is for household and kitchen items that are used on a regular basis. As mentioned before, think in terms of what you would need to replace should you be faced with the loss of everything you owned. That is what we need for future families coming to us for help. As always, if you have any questions or want to get involved with the Relief Room, do not hesitate to contact Dana Mollenkopf at 765-277-0287 or papamole@comcast.net
FROM THE CHURCH LIBRARY:
We are happy to report that the librarian position has been filled. Elizabeth Holmes has agreed to be the next Librarian and Alisa Clapp-Itnyre will serve as the Assistant. The changes will take effect on September 1st.
Musical Reminders/Announcements:
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 about reading the book and next steps.
Read more...