The Spire - Irvington United Methodist Church

The Spire
Irvington United Methodist Church
February 2015
OUR SHORT TERM VISION
“Remember the sabbath day, and keep it holy.”—Exodus 20:8
The January Church Council decided to create a short term
vision for our church. It is the commandment listed above. Of course,
we have a long term, four-part vision adopted in May of 2012 which
is slowly being accomplished: 1) adopt ICAN as our Major Missional
Objective (we did that by moving the administrative offices here and
still do it through quarterly special offerings); 2) hire an activities
coordinator (that is waiting on funding); 3) add upbeat, contemporary
music (we did that by hiring Darrell Day and now do that through
volunteers doing Special Music); and 4) increase our presence
through advertising (we still need to redo our website, create seasonal banners, and begin mailing post cards to the community for
special events).
Now back to our short term vision. It is really a two-parter.
We encourage everyone to remember the sabbath day. That entails a
renewed commitment to Sunday morning worship. Let’s all set aside
Sunday morning as a special time for God. Every week. Why? Because
God is worthy. So how do we make it holy? Pledge to focus on coming
to this sacred place for a sacred hour and seek to experience God.
One way Church Council offered to help was to set out a Suggestion
Box. If anyone has an idea how something could be improved, drop
your idea in the Suggestion Box in the hallway. On Monday, Kim will
forward to Trustees, or Worship, or wherever it needs to go. We
listen. We care. And maybe this way we can get business out of the
morning and make it holy for the pure purposes of praising God and
growing spiritually.
God Bless,
Keith
The Spire
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February 2015
2015 JOINT EVENING LENTEN SERVICES
SPONSORED BY THE IRVINGTON ASSOCIATION OF MINISTERS
We begin each week with a soup supper at 6, followed by a worship service at 7.
The following chart shows the dates, locations, texts, and preachers.
This year’s topic is
DATE
The Love of Jesus Christ.
LOCATION
TEXT
THEME
PREACHER
February 18
(Ash Wednesday)
Gethsemane
Lutheran Church
Luke 19:29-44
Courageous Love
Steve Moore
February 25
Our Lady of Lourdes
Catholic Church
Luke 21:1-4
Generous Love
Bob Heimach
March 4
Irvington
Presbyterian Church
Luke 22:14-31
Greatest Love
Noah Casey
March 11
Emerson Avenue
Baptist Church
Luke 23:1-24
Love on Trial
Andy Rutar
March 18
Downey Avenue
Christian Church
Luke 23:26-43
Crucified Love
Justin Thornburgh
March 25
Irvington
United Methodist Church
Luke 23:45-56
Dying Love
Alan Blakemore
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February 2015
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The Spire
February 2015
6th ANNUAL SWEETHEART DINNER
Irvington United Methodist Church
30 North Audubon Road, (317) 356-7231
Dinner, Live Music and Dancing
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY 15, 6:00 pm
$15.00 per person
Childcare provided (6-8pm)
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February 2015
Greetings from your new music director…Joy Goetz Conners
Dear IUMC congregation: First of all I’d like to express my thanks Dr. Keith
Adkins, the choir, and hand-bells for the warm welcome, as I embark on a new
musical/spiritual journey at IUMC. Irvington has a rich musical heritage and it
is a privilege to be a part of such an historic continuum of musical excellence in
this community.
I am passionate about music, and it defines who I am. In fact I can say, “I
know God because I know music”… For over 35 years I have spent virtually
every Sunday morning playing piano, organ, and directing choirs at church…it’s
in my blood, my heart and my soul. For me there is no greater pleasure than to
sit and perform music to the glory of God, and there is NO GREATER JOY (pun
intended) than to join together with others to create a magnificent musical
moment…such an experience is heavenly…PRICELESS! It’s a sheer labor of love.
I am SURE that there are others in the congregation/community who feel
similarly about music and spirituality. To those of you who used to sing in the
choir,…or you sang in high school choir,… or you played in high school band or
orchestra,… or you play in a garage band,… or you just enjoy lifting a voice in
song,.. I say to you: “There is a new music director at church and it’s time
for new beginnings.
This is YOUR season…. the perfect time for you to
jump in and join a music organization at IUMC.”
The musical groups at Irvington are 1st rate musicians, with willing hearts,
but we are a little low in numbers and we could use some support and reinforcements. So if you a have a love of music and an eagerness to learn, please consider the role you might play in the music ministries at IUMC.
Come…. and
bring a family member or friend with you. (Certainly you all know people who
would join a performing group with you.) Choir practices on Thursday evenings
from 7-8:30pm and bells rehearse after church on Sunday mornings. Make
the commitment to this worthy and fulfilling endeavor. Join us as we make
beautiful music together!
Joy
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February 2015
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February 2015
A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY:
LEARNING FROM WESLEY
A Lenten Sermon Series
Kind of ‘blah’ right now? Sort of apathetic? Vitality gone? Spiritual life at a
low ebb? Faith a bit dormant? Here at IUMC our concern has been dominated by
attendance, finances, and the building. Perhaps it is time to plant the seeds of revival.
Join me as we go through the key events in the life of John Wesley to find lessons for
our own spiritual journey. I will be preaching biblical texts from a new book by
Adam Hamilton entitled Revival: Faith as Wesley Lived It. Let us make an effort to
revive our spirituality by attending all through Lent and bringing a friend.
Date
Sermon Text
Sermon Title
February 22
Revelation 2:1-5
Precursors to Revival
March 1
1 Peter 1:13-16
A Longing for Holiness
March 8
Romans 4:3-5; 5:1-2
A Crisis of Faith
March 15
Ephesians 2:8-10
The Necessity of Grace
March 22
James 2:14-18
Works of Mercy
March 29
Proverbs 31:8-9
Persevering to the End
April 5
Mark 16:1-8
Transformation
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The Spire
January 2015
PARISH VISITOR TEAM
SCOUTING MINISTRIES SUNDAY
Pastor Keith held a Parish
Visitor Training last month and we
now have nine people on our Parish
Visitor Team. Thanks to the following people who have been empowered to officially represent the
church in caring for our people
through the ministry of visitation:
This Annual great day will be
celebrated on February 8. We ask all
scouts to come in uniform: Brownies,
Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts,
and adult leaders. The Boy Scouts
always provide a liturgist for that day
and this year our Scouting coordinator John Worthy will care for a time
of thanks and recognition.
Ellen Foster
Lisa Hedges
Cindy Stevenson
VACATION
Pat Dearing
Marsha Petry
Jeff Petry
Kathy Fulton
Kitty Stewart
Our pastor gets four weeks of
vacation each conference year from
July 1 to June 30. His first week was
in September and his second week
will be February 6-12. Andy will be
on call and preach February 8.
Dave Stewart
Call the church office if you
would like a visit for any reason. We
also need a Volunteer Parish Visitor
to coordinate the team. This person
does not have to do visitation. He
or she would need to call the church
office weekly to find any new
names, communicate with the team,
and make a report at the monthly
staff meetings.
One final reminder. Anyone
can visit anyone any time. This just
adds to the list of official ministries
we conduct at IUMC.
PRESCHOOL SUNDAY
This annual event is scheduled
for February 22. Most of the over
100 children in our Preschool attend
other churches, so we greatly appreciate when parents take time to come
worship with us as we recognize the
fantastic work our Preschool continues to do. Lori Steuer will once again
care for this time of appreciation.
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February 2015
FRIEND SUNDAY
March 1 is our second annual
Friend Sunday. Here’s the schedule of events leading up to it:
February 25—we will run
a video entitled “Strangers” on
our Facebook page.
February 15—we will have
an entertaining and useful video
entitled “Awkward First Date.”
This will serve as the Call to
Worship to help prepare us for
inviting. Then during worship
everyone will be asked to write
down the names of three people
they would like to invite to
church. We will then be challenged to spend one minute a
day praying for each of the three
names and asking God to give
us opportunities to talk to these
people and to prepare their hearts
for this invitation.
February 27—we will run
a video entitled “Friend Sunday
Invite” on our Facebook page.
February 22—our second
Call to Worship video is entitled
“The Pyramid Scheme.” During
worship we will distribute invite
cards and be challenged to hand
these cards to the people on our
list sometime during the week.
Don’t forget that 90% of people
say they would be open to
coming to church if a friend
invited them.
March 1—the day of the
event. Offer to pick up your
friend if needed and plan to
invite them into your favorite
small group, whether it is a
Sunday School Class, choir, bible
study, book discussion, quilting,
men’s group, women’s group,
youth group, handbells, or a
mission or program experience.
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February 2015
UNITED METHODIST MEN NEWS!
We are planning a new year with more opportunities to fellowship and “get to know” the men in our
church family. The UMM of Irvington can make a difference in
the future of the church and local community. We look forward
to your suggestions and spending time together to grow and
serve.
Mondays Feb. 2 and 16th 8am “breakfast social”
Steak and Shake (E. Washington St and Franklin Rd.)
Saturday, March 14th 8am breakfast and organization meeting
IUMC fellowship hall
ANNA CIRCLE
Meetings are throughout the year for Christian fellowship. Monthly
meetings are led by volunteer officers and hosted by circle
members. Over the many years Anna Circle ladies have made a
difference by supporting our church maintenance, donating to
many mission projects and programs and organizing our well known
IUMC and community outreach, Strawberry Festival and fundraising
Fall Auction. Please feel welcome to fellowship with us. Circle
meets the 4th Tuesday of most months at 1pm. The next circle
meeting will be hosted at the home of Joanne Lisle on March 24th.
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February 2015
YOUTH EVENTS FEBRUARY 2015
February 1 – No Group, Enjoy the Super Bowl
February 8 – Preparing for Sweetheart Dinner
5th-8th grade meets 5:00-6:15pm, 9th-12th grade meets 6:00-7:30pm
February 15 – Sweetheart Dinner, 5:00-9:00pm
February 20 (Friday) – Winter Jam Concert, Cincinnati
February 21 (Saturday) – 9th-12th grades, Snow Tubing, Afternoon
February 22 – 5th-8th grades, Skyzone, 5:00-7:30pm
February 26 (Thursday) – Rock & Worship Concert, Indianapolis
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February 2015
WINTER ASSISTANCE FUND (WAF) - 2015
CENTER TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
863 Massachusetts Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
And
JOHN H. BONER COMMUNITY CENTER
2236 East 10th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46201
WARREN TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
501 North Post Road, Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46219
SERVICE PHONES:
(317) 545-1204 Forest Manor
DESCRIPTION: Offers financial assistance with past-due heating bills for Marion County households
with income between 150%-225% Federal Poverty Level (gross: 23,265 - +30,260). Maximum
benefit amount is $400, and the client will be asked to pay a portion of the amount owed.
HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:30am-2:30pm ET
ELIGIBILITY:* Living in Marion County
* Current household income (all sources) 150%-225% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
* With past-due or disconnected heat bill totaling $400 or less (including any
reconnection fees or deposit)
* Have made payments toward their heating bill within the past 90 days
* Bill is in the name of an adult living in the household
* Person applying for assistance must be a member of the household, ages 18 or older
INTAKE PROCEDURE: Call and ask for Information Desk to receive a WAF application appointment
and to confirm specific documentation required at this site; NO walk-ins accepted.
WHAT TO BRING: Each application site may require slightly different documentation. In general,
the following will be required of all applicants:
* Government-issued ID for applicant (need not be from US government)
* Proof of applicant's address (if address on ID does not match that on utility bill)
* Past-due Marion County electric/gas/fuel bills
* Proof of CURRENT household income (current month's income will be multiplied by 12
to get annual income number; persons with fluctuating income should bring enough
paystubs to determine an average)
* Verification of each member of the household (could be Medicaid card, Social
Security cards, birth certificates, school records, etc.)
SERVICES:
 Electric Service Payment Assistance
 Gas Service Payment Assistance
● Heating Fuel Payment Assistance
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February 2015
Fun and Fitness! Come join us!
STARTING MARCH MONDAYS @ NEW TIME! 4-4:45PM
IUMC Fellowship Hall
We are celebrating our one year anniversary of fun and
fellowship while getting healthier. Are you curious what
we are all about? Have you been thinking you want to be
more pro”active”? Come see how much fun we have
with music, moderate exercise and best of all treating
ourselves to something that is good for our health.
Can’t hula hoop? We can show you how to modify this
exercise without a hula hoop. You will enjoy the fellowship, music and social fun!
Your first class/demo is free. Classes are $5 and all
proceeds go to the IUMC general fund and room use.
( casual attire and supportive shoes )
NO CLASSES IN FEBRUARY
Contact Kathy Fulton 506-0723
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February 2015
Start saving your donations!
Rummage Sale and Bazaar
Saturday, August 22, 2015, 9am-2pm
Spring is just around the corner, time to reorganize all those storage
areas. This year we are going to offer “love made” items also. Think about
making crafts and gather your favorite recipes for cookies, candies and
baked goods. Reserve a table to share your talents!
The Irvington community looks forward each year when our church doors
open for a day of bargains and treasures for everyone!
It is always nice to reflect how our rummage sale proceeds provided
opportunities for outreach ministries and missions.
2007 AED machine for IUMC, 2008 South Dakota Mission Trip,
2009 Church Council for distribution, 2010 Memorial Lounge,, Youth
Program ,Preschool Scholarship, Mission Trip, Screen and Projector, 2011Youth Program, Hope Counseling, UMCOR, 2012 Habitat for
Humanity, 2013 ICAN, 2014 ICAN
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February 2015
ICAN Assistance Center
Update WINTER 2015
Volume 4, Issue 1
2014 - Filled With
By Rosie Butler, MA, LSW
ICAN Director
“...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers
of Mine, you did for Me.”
Matthew 25:40b
Football season is now in full swing, and
though I’m not a big football fan, being
raised by one has given me a general
understanding of the game.
Charles
Swindoll wisely noted “(t)he church
worship service is a huddle. We run the
plays during the week. The game is not
won in the
huddle.”
The
Irvington
churches and community as a whole are
definitely playing the game reaching out
to this community through the work of
seeking
jobs
walk
through
the
doors. referrals to programs which
have expertise in job placement is
common, and
recently I was able
neighbors had in
referrals and some financial assistance from ICAN while awaiting job
placement.
different from 2014, but with the
financial and overall support of the
help
Irvington churches and community at
churches
large.
Irvington Ministerial
different
outreach to neighbors.
needs
and
A couple
recent stories concern success in job
searches. ICAN is not a job placement
ICAN Clothing Closet
employment after receiving both
of ICAN is not possible without the
about
gloves, hats, socks
and more for ALL
ages visiting the
locating viable
The needs in 2015 will be no
year
Your help brought
to hear of the success a couple
the ICAN Assistance Center. The work
Vignettes have been shared over the
THANK YOU!
from
the
which
and help
from
community
at
many
Irvington
make
the
Association,
the
large,
up
Irvington
the
ICAN
Assistance Center will be present to
“run
the
plays”
to
the
During 2014 nearly 550
visits were made by
neighbors in need to the
ICAN Clothing Closet
selecting items for
around 980
individuals of all ages.
Your donations make this
ministry possible.
many
neighbors in Irvington in need.
program, however, frequently those
Irvington Churches Advocacy Network Assistance Center
Is a Ministry of IAM* (Irvington Association of
Ministers)
Contact office at:
317-322-9645
[email protected]
Visit ICAN on Facebook for regular updates.
Financial donations needed:
ICAN c/o IAM *
@ Irvington Presbyterian
Church
55 Johnson Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46219
*tax deductible
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans
will
succeed.
Proverbs 16:3, NIV
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February 2015
TO DONATE FOOD:
ICAN Clothing Closet Needs
Current Donation Needs:

For ICAN Clothing Closet
drop off at:
Emerson Ave. Baptist
Church, 308 N. Emerson
Especially men’s
JEANS, JEANS, JEANS

New underwear for children
& adults always & any BRAS


Avenue Christian Church
111 S. Downey Avenue
OPEN: Thursdays 1– 3 PM
TO DONATE CLOTHING:
Gently used, CLEAN, Winter Clothing ONLY,
PLEASE**:

ICAN Food Pantry @ Downey
Mon—Thurs. 9 am —3 pm
&/or Emerson Avenue Baptist’s
Shoes & BOOTS -
Food pantry which is open
especially men’s
Fridays 10 —11:30 am.
Blankets of all sizes -
(both receive donations M—F)
especially for beds
Additional food pantries are
**Storage space is limited
available for neighbors in need.
2014 in Review - A Few Stats
assistance. Financially 56 eligible neighbors were
aided with utility or rent and over 100 with
ICAN Director is on location at three Irvington transportation (bus tickets).
churches
weekly:
Irvington
United
Because of nearly
Methodist, 70 individuals or groups who donated clothing, and
Emerson Avenue Baptist, and Downey Avenue Chris- the financial help from ICAN churches around
tian Church on Thursdays, 1-3 pm, during their food 980 were clothed.
The ICAN Clothing Closet
pantry hours. ICAN Assistance Center had over could not have operated without the few dedi1,040
individuals walk into the various locations cated volunteers and interns who helped shop, and
during 2014 with a variety of needs with which they kept the shelves and racks stocked. Many thanks!
Hours & Locations of ICAN Assistance Center Outreach:
Main Office Hours:
M - T - TH: 9:30 am —Noon
@ Irvington United Methodist
Church
30 N. Audubon, Indpls., IN 46219
ICAN Clothing Closet
@ Emerson Avenue Baptist Church
308 N. Emerson Ave., Indpls., IN 46219
Tues.-3 pm & Fri. 10 — 11:30 am
ICAN is open to neighbors in need
throughout the work week, except
on Wednesdays and holidays.
There are boundary limits for
financial assistance, but
referrals are made to other
programs if visitor is out of
boundaries.
ICAN Clothing Closet has NO
boundaries, any in need may visit.
To ALL who made the
work of ICAN
possible in 2015 either
through volunteer work,
financial donations or
through gifts-in kinds!
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February 2015
PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY SUNDAY
SCHOOL PLANS FOR FEBRUARY
The general lessons during the winter quarter of 2014-15 has been the same for each
group. Each group is given material and does activities and projects that are age
appropriate.
‘Unit I: Hope is Born’ was the December weeks focus, including
Mary and Joseph / Mary and Elizabeth, the Birth of Jesus
and the Wise Men.
‘Unit II: Touched by Jesus’ was the January weeks focus, which includes
Jairus’s Daughter / The Woman at the Well / The Ten Lepers
and Mary and Martha.
‘Unit III: Miracles’ is the February focus and this month has The
Wedding at Cana / Jesus Walks on Water / Feeding 5000
and The Man Beside the Pool.
This month there is special news from the class with grades (Kindergarten – 2nd grade)
lead by Marsha Petry. Lisa Hedges has been sharing leadership as well. They meet in
room 201 (the Panda Room at the top of the stairs).
We call ourselves ‘The
is always losing a tooth!
Toothless Wonders’ because it seems that someone
We designate a direction we want our collection money to go each quarter.
This quarter our class offering is being saved for St. Jude Children’s Cancer
Hospital.
Each quarter we select a new charity by voting on choices we suggest. To-date,
the charities chosen have been:
1. Heifer International – Matthew Whiteman’s school in Nepal.
2. Schools with mission Guatemala.
There are 6 active members in our group and a few visiting children who drop-in;
some are visiting friends, some are relatives, and some are new people we hope become our friends. There are plenty of chairs, so we invite more to join us anytime.
We start Sunday School by singing in the choir room the first fifteen minutes with
Ms. Ellen Foster. Practice has already begun for the next performance.
Sometimes we run late as there is so much to do and no one wants to miss
anything.
Looking for fun? Pull a tooth and join us!
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February 2015
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February 2015
Historic National Road Yard Sale
IUMC will be taking part in the US 40 Yard Sale again this year
Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2015
***We will be renting space on the north, south,
west and sections of the east sides of the church
yard for those who want to have their own booth.
Space Size:
Rental Fee:
Contact:
10ft X 10 ft. with street frontage
$40 for one day/$50 for both days
Ellen Foster through church office
Office phone: 317-356-7231
Start saving items you want to donate to be sold!!!!
Donations of items for the church sale area will be in the
same area as last year; the east circle drive and parking
spaces from the church to the street.
›› 100% of sale money from items donated to the church
will go to the church repairs.
›› Individual booths will pay rental fees and the proceeds
from their sales is entirely their personal choice.
*Income from the sale goes toward the expenses to make needed repairs to
the church building. Extensive repair is needed to the interior and exterior
of the building. This cannot cover all that is needed, but it is one effort to
take responsibility as stewards of the physical building we have been given.
Check picture displays on posters in
the parlor for exterior repairs needed.
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February 2015
Irving
Hello everyone!
Here we are into February, there’s hearts everywhere. My friend, the one
with the pink nose, and myself are going to the Sweetheart Dinner on February 15th.
There are always lots of yummy crumbs to clean up.! I think I will join Jeff Stevenson to sing a song or two.
The middle of February we will be starting a special time in the life of the
church, it’ something called Lent. This isn’t what we let someone borrow, it’s a special
time that we get ready for Easter. Many of you will ‘give something up’. Hmm, surely
you don’t mean chocolate. Maybe I will add something. Let’s see, I think that I will
be a greeter. I’ve been told that some of you are afraid of us four-legged ones, but,
Dr. Adkins has assured me that he will find a place for me to say ‘hi’. Sounds like fun.
Joy has said that she is looking into some special music for me to sing. I am looking
forward to it.
I’ve changed locations. See if you can find me, I’ll give you a hint, not in the
hall, not in the parlor, not in the sanctuary and not in the social hall. Got it?
Don’t forget to wave!
Irving
Yoga Classes Beginning in February
Be good to your Heart & Soul this Valentine’s Day! Do Yoga at IUMC
starting Thursday Feb 12th at 6:15-7:15pm also on February 19th and
February 26th. $5.00 per class. Then in March on Tuesdays and
Thursdays for $5.00 per class or $40 per month. Classes meet in
fellowship hall and class size is limited.
Classes taught by certified Yoga Instructors – Lizzy Bishop of Indy
Asanas, and Brenda Bishop-Kyle
Irvington United Methodist Church
30 N Audubon Road
Indianapolis IN 46219
9:15 A.M.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30 A.M.
WORSHIP
Our Staff
Dr. Keith Adkins, Lead Pastor (Cell: 847-5041)
Rev. Andy Rutar, Associate Pastor
Director of Choirs/Organist: Joy Goetz Conners
Kim Fulton, Office Manager/Financial Secretary
Lori Steuer, Preschool Director
,
We are on the Web at::
www.irvingtonumc.org
Our email address and telephone number are:
[email protected]
(317) 356-7231
Visit us on Facebook
*Spire deadline for March will be
February 23rd.
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Our Stewardship
February 2015
Condolences to…
January-December Weekly Average
2012
Sunday School
Worship Attendance
2013
2014
50
49
48
133
137
132
General Budget Offering * $4,912
$4,973
The family and friends
of Virginia Galyean
who passed away on
December 27, 2014.
$4,461
* Weekly needed for 2014—$4,948
NEW BIBLE STUDY GROUP
There will be a Bible Study Group meeting Sunday evenings from 7pm to 8pm followed
by refreshments. It will meet in the homes of participants each week. The first meeting
will be Sunday, February 15, at the home of Ellen Foster. If you are interested in taking
part or have any questions, please contact Ellen Foster or the church office.