
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...
May 28th Updates
Posted on May 28, 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. 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 taking ANY clothes or shoes.
The LAST DAY to bring items to the church for the sale is JUNE 2, 2021. THANKS!!
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO PASTOR JEN
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO SHERI KOYLES
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.
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:
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.
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.
Where: Central United Methodist Church
1425 East Main Street Richmond IN
When: Tuesday June 1, 2021
12pm-2pm
Light refreshments will be offered
BE IN THE KNOW
ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE
THE COVID VACCINE IS SAFE!!!!
Only the funding was rushed by the federal government in order to make the vaccine available as quickly as possible. The science and research into coronavirus vaccines has been ongoing for over a decade. Appropriate studies were completed that show the vaccine is safe.
You may NOT be immune, even if you have previously been diagnosed with Covid-19.
A positive COVID-19 test result does not necessarily indicate you are now immune, current evidence suggests reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the first 90 days after infection. However, the immunity someone gains from having an infection (“natural immunity”) varies from person to person. Researchers are working to learn more about how long immunity lasts.
You will NOT get Covid-19 from the vaccine.
The vaccine provides your body the information needed in order for it to be able to fight off the virus – it cannot infect you with COVID-19, and does not contain live virus.
Side effects from the Covid-19 vaccine are rare.
Serious side effects are extremely rare. Any deaths that have been reported were from individuals with other extremely serious health issues that were the primary cause of death and were incorrectly reported to be related to the vaccine. The short and long-term effects and associated risk of death from contracting COVID-19 on our elderly population are much worse than any potential side effects.
The overwhelming majority of people have little or very minor effects, mostly arm soreness.
The Covid-19 vaccine is FREE!
The vaccine is available at no cost to everyone. You will not be charged any out-of-pocket expenses, whether you have insurance or not.
If you have a weakened immune system, the vaccine is recommended.
Those with immune issues should get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible and should consult their doctor if worried about their condition and how the vaccine could affect them.
Read more...
May 21st Updates
Posted on May 21, 2021 in Newsletter, Uncategorized |
UMW Garage Sale Update 2.0!
Missed Sunday morning coffee and donuts?
With your help, we are ready to bring them back!
Contact Pastor Jen to serve!
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. They can be put in the offering plate or dropped off at the office by May 30. We are also going to give her a Remembrance/Gratitude Jar. We will have colored strips of paper in a basket on the table in the parlor to write something that you are thankful for about Pastor Jen. Any little remembrance about her time here will be put in a jar so that she can take them out and read them when she misses Central and is knee-deep in boxes! Please don’t forget to do this.
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO SHERI KOYLES
- CENTRAL YOUTH TRIBE will be having their Year End Gathering on the evening of Sunday, May 23rd. Please contact the church office for times & location.
- After the services 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.
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:
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.
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.
Richmond Covid Vaccine event flier update
Where: Central United Methodist Church
1425 East Main Street Richmond IN
When: Tuesday June 1, 2021
12pm-2pm
Light refreshments will be offered
BE IN THE KNOW
ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE
THE COVID VACCINE IS SAFE!!!!
Only the funding was rushed by the federal government in order to make the vaccine available as quickly as possible. The science and research into coronavirus vaccines has been ongoing for over a decade. Appropriate studies were completed that show the vaccine is safe.
You may NOT be immune, even if you have previously been diagnosed with Covid-19.
A positive COVID-19 test result does not necessarily indicate you are now immune, current evidence suggests reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the first 90 days after infection. However, the immunity someone gains from having an infection (“natural immunity”) varies from person to person. Researchers are working to learn more about how long immunity lasts.
You will NOT get Covid-19 from the vaccine.
The vaccine provides your body the information needed in order for it to be able to fight off the virus – it cannot infect you with COVID-19, and does not contain live virus.
Side effects from the Covid-19 vaccine are rare.
Serious side effects are extremely rare. Any deaths that have been reported were from individuals with other extremely serious health issues that were the primary cause of death and were incorrectly reported to be related to the vaccine. The short and long-term effects and associated risk of death from contracting COVID-19 on our elderly population are much worse than any potential side effects.
The overwhelming majority of people have little or very minor effects, mostly arm soreness.
The Covid-19 vaccine is FREE!
The vaccine is available at no cost to everyone. You will not be charged any out-of-pocket expenses, whether you have insurance or not.
If you have a weakened immune system, the vaccine is recommended.
Those with immune issues should get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible and should consult their doctor if worried about their condition and how the vaccine could affect them.
Indiana Foster Care
The LUNCH and LEARN event will be offering one more opportunity to those interested in learning about the process of becoming licensed to foster children. The last date is May 28th from 11am—12 pm. For more information, contact Mariah Mason at 765-238-9852 or by email at mariah.mason@dcs.in.gov

Read more...
May 14th Updates
Posted on May 14, 2021 in Newsletter, Uncategorized |
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!
It is GRADUATION TIME!
Do you have a child or grandchild graduating from high school or college? Maybe you have just completed a degree? We want to make sure to celebrate these accomplishments. We will have a bulletin insert, and highlight the names of graduates, on Sunday, May 16. Your church family wants to celebrate with you but we need some information from you.
Please submit, via email, to sheri@richmondcumc.com, the following information: Name of graduate, school attended, any higher education plans, and an address so that people may send cards or notes.
THIS SUNDAY!
<<<CELEBRATE OUR GRADS WITH NOTES, CARDS or TOKENS OF CELEBRATION>>>
We would like to celebrate with these fabulous students as they graduate from one journey and on to the next! We will have a basket available on Sunday morning, May 16th for you to leave cards or notes for the grads, as you choose. Feel free to pen your cards early and just drop off in the basket today. We will make sure your cards and notes get to the graduates.
<<<Celebratory Cake and Pizza with the Pastors>>>
We Want You!
Do you fall into either one of these categories? We’d love to have you join us on June 8th from 8am-5pm at the church for the Indiana Kids Belong Event. We will be hosting children in foster care so Indiana Kids Belong give them a chance to have a day of fun and share their story through photos and video to hopefully match them with a forever home and family. Contact Pastor Jen or Pastor Joseph by May 9th to let us know you’re interested to serve. Those serving must go through the free background and fingerprint process provided by DCS.
Hospitality: 2 people to greet and show guests around to different rooms we are using during the day. 2 people to serve snacks and lunch that will already be provided.
Guides: 6 people to engage with a child (most children would be between 10-15 years old) while they have fun and do their video and photo shoot. A guide will help them feel comfortable and enjoy the day. Children will get to play games, have snacks, eat lunch, and have fun! A guide will respect privacy boundaries, be flexible/go with the flow and adjust as needed.
Pizza with the Pastors is Back Next Sunday! May 16th!
Informal time
Socially distanced

With your help, we are ready to bring them back! Contact Pastor Jen to serve.
SAYING GOOD-BYE TO PASTOR JEN AND SHERI
- 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. They can be put in the offering plate or dropped off at the office by May 30. We are also going to give her a Remembrance/Gratitude Jar. We will have colored strips of paper in a basket on the table in the parlor to write something that you are thankful for about Pastor Jen. Any little remembrance about her time here will be put in a jar so that she can take them out and read them when she misses Central and is knee-deep in boxes! Please don’t forget to do this.
- YOUTH from Central will be having their Year End Gathering on the evening of Sunday, May 23rd. Please contact the church office for times & location.
- After the services 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.
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:
After several years of serving as caretaker of the church library, Barb Harper has given notice that by September 1, 2021, she wishes to step away from the job as church librarian. She will be available to help someone new to get started with the position prior to October 1st. Barb says that it does not take much time to be the librarian and it can be done when & how one chooses!
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.
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 an invitational third way of uniting all of us in following the way of Jesus. We will be continuing the conversation about ways we can bring Shalom to our Starr and Vaille neighborhoods. 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 May 18th, we will be giving space relevant topics and matters affecting us here locally. We look forward to hearing your stories and taking requests for future topics of conversation. Feel free to invite any and all concerned about our neighborhoods. 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.
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