CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

REMINDER!

The church will be closed on Friday, December 30^th and Monday, January 2^nd

2023 Giving Envelopes

2023 giving envelopes are available in the parlor. If you do not see yours, or would like to get envelopes, please let Christin know by calling the church office at 765-962-8543 or by email at christin@richmondcumc.com.

The 2023 Photo Directories are here!

You can pick up your 2023 photo directory in the parlor or in the church office. If you would like to access our online directory through Realm, please contact Christin in the church office at 765-962-8543 or by email at christin@richmondcumc.com.

Read the Bible in 2023!

Here then I am, far from the busy ways of men. I sit down alone: only God is here. In His presence I open, I read His book; for this end, to find the way to heaven.” John Wesley knew and lived the Bible. The Methodist movement he started had Bible reading at its core. Let us build this up afresh in the New Year. Will you schedule now time to be with God and His Word every day in 2023? Central will be embarking on reading the Bible through with the ‘One Story that Leads to Jesus’ plan from the Bible Project. This plan can be picked up in the office, found online, or followed in the YouVersion Bible App. You can go over these readings in your small group or at our Fireside Conversations every Monday at 1:30. May the love of God’s word cause us to cry out with Mr. Wesley, “O give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be “homo unius libri.”

Creative Hands

There will be no Creative Hands meeting in January. We will meeting again on Thursday, February 9th from 9am thru lunch. We will be having a garage sale in 2023 so start cleaning after Christmas! If you have any questions, contact Shanron Rider

Red Cross Blood Drive THANK YOU!

Thanks to 30 donors at the December 6th blood drive, including 6 from Central United Methodist, 29 units of blood were collected for the American Red Cross. A special thanks to David Shaw for assistance in set up; Elaine Mollenkopf, Beth Hartsough, Patty Kelley and Diane Desonie who served as greeters; and Charlie Black, Duane Locker and Gary Rogers who took care of the tear down of the donation area.

TRIBE – Winter Jam 2023

Tribe will be going to Winter Jam 2023 on January 20th in Cincinnati, OH. Join us for an evening of music and worship with We the Kingdom, Jeremy Camp and more. Tickets are $15 with scholarships available. Grades 5-12 are invited as are adult chaperones and drivers (or just people wanting to worship with 10,000 of your closest friends). Please contact Pastor Joseph with questions or to reserve your spot.

Pizza with the Pastor

Join us Today, Sunday, January 15th for an informal time of fellowship in the Fellowship Hall following worship service (approximately 11:30am). We will provide Pizza, Salad, Dessert, and Drinks. Come and meet others who follow Jesus here at Central while learning about the latest from Pastor Joseph and Pastor Ashley.

Prayer Walks

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 January 9th, 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. Contact Pastor Joseph with questions.

Lamplighter Devotionals and Testimonies

New Sunday Study

Merry Christmas from Central UMC Staff

We pray these Christmas announcements finds you well in the grace and peace of our God.  We on staff give thanks for all of you in our Central family.  Let us continue the good work of keep Jesus central in our lives.  Especially in this season of the incarnation.  God drew near to us all when he took on flesh and lived a life which led to the empty tomb.  Indeed his birth on earth has been,  “Good news of great joy to all the people.”  May it be proclaimed loudly and clearly this weekend.  Stay warm, rest well in the hope we all hold, and may God refresh your spirit with His as we turn to 2023.  Hopefully we will see you at one of our services or online this Christmas weekend.  Merry Christmas!

REMINDER!

The church will be closed on;

Monday, December 26^th

Tuesday, December 27^th

Friday, December 30^th

and Monday, January 2^nd

2023 Giving Envelopes

2023 giving envelopes are available in the parlor. If you do not see yours, or would like to get envelopes, please let Christin know by calling the church office at 765-962-8543 or by email at christin@richmondcumc.com.

The 2023 Photo Directories are here!

You can pick up your 2023 photo directory in the parlor or in the church office. If you would like to access our online directory through Realm, please contact Christin in the church office at 765-962-8543 or by email at christin@richmondcumc.com.

Read the Bible in 2023!

Here then I am, far from the busy ways of men. I sit down alone: only God is here. In His presence I open, I read His book; for this end, to find the way to heaven.” John Wesley knew and lived the Bible. The Methodist movement he started had Bible reading at its core. Let us build this up afresh in the New Year. Will you schedule now time to be with God and His Word every day in 2023? Central will be embarking on reading the Bible through with the ‘One Story that Leads to Jesus’ plan from the Bible Project. This plan can be picked up in the office, found online, or followed in the YouVersion Bible App. You can go over these readings in your small group or at our Fireside Conversations every Monday at 1:30. May the love of God’s word cause us to cry out with Mr. Wesley, “O give me that book! At any price, give me the book of God! I have it: here is knowledge enough for me. Let me be “homo unius libri.”

Creative Hands

Red Cross Blood Drive THANK YOU!

New Sunday Study

Beginning on January 15th, a new Sunday School Study will meet on How to Read the Bible at 9am. We will offer overviews, approaches, history, meditation, and seek deeper understanding.. Whatever your question, this would be the space for the conversation. This class will have ample time for discussion while diving into the Word every Sunday.

Sounds of the Season

Did you miss the live broadcast of the 2022 Sounds of the Season? Or, do you want to watch it again? You can watch the Sounds of the Season HERE or by going to our Facebook Page

Red Cross Blood Drive THANK YOU!

Thanks to 30 donors at the December 6th blood drive, including 6 from Central United Methodist, 29 units of blood were collected for the American Red Cross. A special thanks to David Shaw for assistance in set up; Elaine Mollenkopf, Beth Hartsough, Patty Kelley and Diane Desonie who served as greeters; and Charlie Black, Duane Locker and Gary Rogers who took care of the tear down of the donation area.

Longest Night Service – December 21st at 6:00pm

Lamplighter Devotionals and Testimonies

We are asking for devotionals and testimonies from the congregation to be shared in a future Lamplighter. If you feel led to share, please submit yours to Christin at christin@richmondcumc.com

Creative Hands

Shalom Sessions

Thank You!

A huge thank you to all who made the Christmas Luncheon a success. Also, we are grateful for those who took time out of their day to be with us. Fellowship within our congregation is important. Merry Christmas! UWF Officers 

Sounds of the Season THIS SUNDAY!

The Sounds of the Season Christmas concert is coming right up on Sunday, December 11th at 6:00pm in the Sanctuary. Enjoy the Chancel Choir, Wesley Ringers Bell Choir, Joysingers Children’s Choir and numerous individuals and small groups who will share their musical gifts to help you ring in the season!

Gathering Spaces

A team has been formed to work on an aesthetic update to our gathering spaces (the parlor area and main entry hallway). We have been working with a local designer and have begun by painting. We will gradually add furniture and other accessories. Please feel free to direct questions about this project to: Leanne Backmeyer, Mary Alice Bolser, Doug Jamison, or Dave Sheets

Longest Night Service – December 21st at 6:00pm

When we look at one another, many of us expect to see a smile on another person’s face and a twinkle in their eye. However, for many, Christmas can feel more like a season of great darkness and shadows. The longest and for many most difficult night of the year is December 21st. The Longest Night Service (sometimes referenced as Blue Christmas) will offer us a way to claim those feelings and still feel surrounded by the compassionate love of God.

Altar Guild

Would you like to be part of the ALTAR GUILD here at Central? Each member of the guild takes one month during the year to come in once weekly to refill the altar candles and refill pew pockets. Contact Ann Cashner at 765-994-1979 or 962-8458 if you would like to help. We need help during the following months in 2023–: February, March July, August, and October.

Christmas Poinsettias – LAST CHANCE TO ORDER!

Christmas Poinsettias are $12.50 each and come in red and white. The deadline for Poinsettia orders is December 11th. Please contact the church office or email Christin at christin@richmondcumc.com with the following information to place your order;

From:

In Honor Of:

In Loving Memory Of:

Number of Poinsettias:

Color: Red or White