HNEWS - Elkhart Faith United Methodist Church
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FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH / MARCH 2022
FAITHNEWS
Gather • Grow • Live • Launch
"The In-Between"
Over Presidents’ Day weekend my wife and I visited our oldest child in Washington, D.C. We left in a
blizzard and came back to rain and flooding. But as is often the case, it is what happens in the “in-
between” that we will cherish the most. For us, that meant, not only being with Emma, but marveling
at the flowers that were springing up in our nation’s capital.
As we walked the streets and took in the sights we constantly came across signs of new life and the
coming of spring. And just in case you were wondering, spring officially begins this year on March 20
at 11:33 a.m. EDT.
March is also the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. It begins on March 2 with Ash
Wednesday and ends on the Saturday before Easter, April 16. The word Lent is derived from an
Anglo-Saxon word meaning “spring.” Traditionally, it is a time of self-examination, penance, and
preparation. The goal of the season is to prepare us for the celebration of Easter, as well as the
second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Of course, the temptation is to try and hurry through Lent or see it as unnecessary as we make that
journey toward Easter. After all, Easter is the high point of the Christian calendar. It is the day we
gather to remember, with praise and thanksgiving, Christ’s victory over sin and death. Not only that,
but typically we will walk out of church that day to a world that is mirroring Jesus’ new life with
budding trees, blooming flowers, and warmer weather. But please, please don’t skip over the next six
plus weeks of Lent.
Cherish the “in-between.” “I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to observe a holy Lent:
by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and
meditation on God’s Holy Word” (The United Methodist Book of Worship, p.322, 1992).
If you are looking for some resources to use throughout this special season, the following are some I
would recommend:
The United Methodist Churches of Indiana 2022 Lenten Devotional. This includes daily
devotionals and was written by Indiana United Methodists. You can find a copy at
https://www.inumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lenten-Devotional-2022-Formatted.pdf
We will also put a link on our website.
If your marriage needs a little spring (or resurrection) read together “You and Me Forever:
Marriage in Light of Eternity” by Francis & Lisa Chan.
“Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” by Dane C. Ortlund.
Download the “YouVersion” Bible App on your phone or tablet and click on “Plans” at the bottom.
Go to “Find Plans” and use the search word “lent.” Several different Lenten plans will be available.
God Bless,
Pastor John
Discipleship Pastor John will be starting a new Lenten Bible Study called, “The Case for Easter” by Lee Strobel. This "investigation" into Christ's death answers three crucial questions seekers ask: Was Jesus' death a sham? Was his tomb really empty? Was he seen alive after his death on the cross? Pastor John will lead this study starting Wednesday, March 9th at 6:30 pm for 4 weeks. You are invited to join this study, no sign up required, just show up! Starting Monday, April 11th, Janet Miller will begin a new Bible Study on The Chosen. Together you’ll journey through the first season of The Chosen. During this study you will to delve more deeply into each episode as you explore the life of Jesus. You'll come to realize that you are called, cherished, and carried; have been made new and established; are now his witness; and more. Study will take place Monday mornings at 10am beginning April 11th . To sign up, check the bulletin board in the Narthex, or contact Pastor Sarah.
BREAKTHROUGH STUDENT MINISTRY Stewardship Report:
Annual Budget: $ 698,571
Year to Date Need: $ 107,472
March 6: Youth Group 5-6:30 pm Year to Date Rec'd: $ 117,448
March 13: Youth Group 5-6:30 pm
March 20: Youth Group 5-6:30 pm
Ways to give:
March 27: Activity TBD Watch your weekly emails!
Mail (we collect mail each day)
This month we are back to a normal weekly meeting! February Online (www.faithumc.com)
was a great month, we ran the Souper Bowl Fundraiser and Text "give" to 833-942-1919
raised about $1000, started confirmation, and hired a new Youth
director, Tyler Dew! This month we are going to spend some Online & Text options can be set
time getting to know Tyler, keep plugging away at Confirmation, up as a one-time or recurring gift.
and begin preparing for our summer trips!
Tyler, Jessica Worship
Brooklynn & Gracelynn
8:30 a.m. Traditional
Dew
9:45 a.m. Growth Studies
10:45 a.m. Contemporary
10:45 a.m. Breakout (Grades K-6)
The first Sunday of each month is
Family Worship. (No Breakout)
We will continue to live stream a
full service online at 10:45 a.m.
You will find these through
Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo,
and at www.faithumc.com.
STEPHEN MINISTRY submitted by Linda Schrock, SM Leader
Lent starts March 2, 2022. Traditionally it is a time to “give up” something such as chocolate, sweets, etc., etc. If I recall
correctly, Pastor John challenged us last year to think of Lent as a time to add something to our daily routine, such as time
dedicated to prayer, study of scripture, writing letters or notes of encouragement to another, or sharing one’s time and
talents with others. However, as you interact with your friends and acquaintances during this season of Lent, if you
perceive that a one-time contact is not sufficient, remember the caring Stephen Ministry resources available within FUMC.
There has been a significant amount of change and loss within our church family and community. For those times when an
occasional note or phone call does not meet the need on a longer-term basis, the care and support from a Stephen
Minister, who has been trained to listen without judgement and to maintain confidentiality, can make the difference in
either getting “stuck” in the pit of despair or putting events into perspective and begin to identify new way to cope with life
challenges. The mission of Stephen Ministry is: Christ caring for all people through His disciples for the transformation of
our congregation and community. Our Stephen Ministers have completed many hours of training to provide support, listen
without judgement and to bring the love of Christ to one who is having difficulty coping with whatever stresses, losses, or
life changes they are encountering.
If you want to refer a friend or relative to Stephen Ministry for Christian care and support, please obtain his or her
permission to provide their name and phone number to the Referral Coordinator so that an appropriate referral for care
can be made. The Referral Coordinators at FUMC are: Pastor John at 574-875-4438 ext. 105 or Vicki Shoemaker at 574-
226- 6903. One of them will meet with the potential Care Receiver to review the role of the Stephen Minister and listen as
he or she very briefly describes what their needs are so that the best resources can be made available.
Currently FUMC has 10 active Stephen Ministers. We also have access to the South Bend Stephen Ministry network and
Goshen Stephen Ministers for those times when all our Stephen Ministers have an assigned Care Receiver, and/or if there
is a need to reach outside our own group due to the personal desires of the potential Care Receiver.
This year we are promoting 3 different weeks of camp for our three age groups.
Elementary (grades 3-5) @ Camp Lakewood week of June 26-July 1
Jr. High (grades 6-8) @ Camp Adventure week of July 10-15
Sr. High @ Epworth Forest week of July 3-8
We have been blessed to be able to continue offering to contribute 75% of the cost for your child to attend. In order to
receive this discount, you’ll need to call the church office to receive a discount code. Payment plans for the balance are
also available through the camp registration site.
Sr. High students will need to register through a personalized link to our rented cabin which is available now from
Pastor Sarah. Payment will be collected at a later date. If you have any questions about the camping ministry or
registration, please contact Pastor Sarah.
March Missions
Birthdays Loose Coins for Faith UMC
March 1: Mahra Chris Missions Scholarship
March 2: Rich Brewton • Suzan Mortrud • Danielle Thompson In memory of Dale Stickel, we have
March 3: Vanessa DuBois the Missions Scholarship fund to
assist those going on their first
March 5: Roger Niccum
Faith UMC Mission Trip.
March 6: Marilyn Anderson • Veradine Berkey • Jeremiah Clark
March 7: Terry Alber • Dave Long Church Community Services:
March 8: Mandy Chris • Marv Clark • Missy Coleman Infant Diapers
Richard Gorsuch • Craig Stiver Adult Incontinence Products
March 9: Payton Starzyk Nonperishable Food
March 12: Brenda Horein • Louise McDowell
March 13: Pat Griffey
March 14: Jean Hilligoss Kingdom Kids
March 16: Tiffany Roa
March 17: Becky Nelson • Dan Null • Dale McDowell • Pat Shaffer Thank you to the staff and
March 21: Christy Niccum • Pat Robertson • Laura Stout volunteers from Faith that
March 23: Elaine Fair • Jan McBride
have been visiting, working,
March 24: Irene Weesner
and supporting Kingdom
March 25: Jessica Buckmeier • Laura Radeline
March 26: Larry Miller • Sandy Trindle Kids. We are growing and
March 27: Bruce Van Dyke • Phyllis Wood • Christianna Youngblood
would love to have more
March 29: Matt Simon
folks come read to the kids!
March 30: John Southern
March 31: Marilyn Smith
Anniversaries Children's
March 15: Todd & Sheila Tice
March 21: Richard & Mona Gorsuch Sunday
March 24: John & Cathy Southern
March 24: Kent & Sherri Stauffer School
March 25: Randy & Joanne Hirsh
March 25: Dean & Jan McDowell
We are ALMOST ready
to offer Children's
Sunday School classes
again. We have enough
children for 3-4 in each
of four classrooms,
which is very exciting!
Why are we only
"almost" ready? Because
we need YOU! If the
needs of our children are
laying on your heart,
contact Karen Lockhart
to ask how you can help!
In Our Prayers
Cancer Medical Medical (cont.) Other
Becky Adams Cody, Wife & Infant Twins Tim & Michelle Jones Mary Karon
Scott Armold Jaxson (8yrs old) Remington Juday Joann Vance
Jim Bellamy Alex Alber Ramona Kelly Marcus Weldy
Rudy Chapman Phil & Tonda Alwine Tyler Knudson Persecuted Christians
Becky Cline Bruce & Lynda Atkinson Diana Mathewson Our Youth & Children
Don Dailey Harry Bennett* Ian McMillan Stephen Ministers
Brittany Gasper Chelsea Burgess Larry & Karen Miller Susanna's Kitchen
Kingdom Kids Daycare
Mona Gorsuch Brayden Baker Bailey Morgantown
Ed & Deb Kiefer Maureen Bellamy Kevin Myers
Tim Kris Virginia Bennett Wendy Myers
Alyssa Lintz Karen Bohn Steve Page JOYS!*
Betty Love* Lynn Brooks* Betty Plaisted Josie Butler is doing well.
Deb Michael Bob Buckey Dawn Rider "Thank you for prayers.
Howie Morgan Allan Carlson* Nicole Robinson Surg. 3/3* Delbert Schrock is healing
Kelly Nielsen John Clark John Ruderschmidt well."
Doug Nickell Christina Cook Carley Schenk "Thank-you so much for the
Joyce Parker Gene Cook Bob Schlobohm prayers for Kevin Weldy's
recent cancer surgery. We
Cassandra Peters Diana Cunningham Pat Sharkey
are very grateful that the
Timmy Phillips Alex Derenak Lori Shay Lord has blessed us with
Jeremy Schutz Cecil Dixon Marilou Snell answered prayer."
Molly Smith Edward Dowd Kaitlin Snyder Welcome Tyler Dew
Cathy Spry Kathy Eash Savannah Speer & Family!
Christina Stevenson Sue Everett Judy Stickel
Joel Taylor Jeff Fecher Darlene Stiver
Carol Tice Carol Fort Alicia Sullivan
Linda Utley Sam Gratz Ramona Sutphin
Glen Wade Carolyn Greenwood Kurt Teggee
Marlene Whitehead Austin Groves George Valdez
Joe Williams Dwight Hamilton Ginger Vilmure
Lori Karen Hartung Joan Wagner*
Benitta Herman Chuck & Kit Waite
*New this month
Scott Hinman Shirley Weaver
Lloyd Hochstedler Sue & Paul Weesner
Eugene Huang Sue Weldy
Alain Huff Sherrill Wenger
Everett Jamison
Losses: Linda Hapner (Mark); Jim Harrington (Kathy Riker); Dorothy Kissel
Please update the office about those you have added to the prayer list. Thank you.
Military: Josh Eash, Jr. • Chris Fisher • Stephanie Hempel • Caleb Toler
Vanessa Toler • Aaron ZiglerYou can also read
