A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM CARMEL UNITED METHODIST // June 2021
OUR JOURNEY WITH CHRIST
What You Do When No One is
I was late in waking up. I was trying to push off the two competing dogs who were vying for my attention in bed, both hoping it might motivate me to get up and take them out to play. But I caught CBS morning host, Gayle King, talking about the new CDC mask guidelines. All I really caught was a sentence about how she was hesitant to trust the unvaccinated to abide by an ‘honor system.’ I guess the logic is that if they have avoided taking steps up to this point to protect others and themselves by taking a vaccine, why would we assume that they will protect others by wearing a mask when out in public.
LOOKING
She didn’t say the last part, of course. That’s my supposition and honestly, those of us smugly vaccinated folks may be tempted to get a little judgy of our neighbors who have passed on what really is an important step in ending covid once and for all. Even though you’d think I would be prone to see the best of others, I also am hesitant about honor system with a populace that has proven itself anything but honorable during these last fifteen months. On the other hand, I am not hesitant at all, to trust my flock to be with an honor system that puts the needs of others on par with their own. If my folks at Carmel Church aren’t vaccinated, and if they’ve been listening as we’ve asked them to mask up when at church, then I have no doubt that they will. I don’t know everyone here very well, but I am proud to be the pastor of a * Scholar Dollars congregation of people who truly care for one another. Here’s the source of my confidence.
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Henderson Settlement
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VBS Volunteers Needed
Pastor and author, Bill Hybels, wrote, “Character is what we do when no one is looking. It’s not the same as reputation—what other * Youth Scholarship Winners people think of us. It’s not the same as success or achievement. Character is not what we have done, but who we are.” To live for Christ is to make choices, to carry on conversations, and deal honestly with the negative emotions that lie beneath(continue page 2) Carmel United Methodist Church 621 S. Range Line Rd. Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317-844-7275 Email: Caremail@carmelumc.org www.carmelumc.org
(continue cover story) the surface of our hearts. I want to please God, I want to love like Jesus, I want to follow the nudges and leadings of the Spirit. If that leads others to admire me, great. If they think I am a naïve fool, that’s no skin off my teeth. There was a scene in the Billy Crystal movie, City Slickers, in which a promiscuous, womanizing friend, Ed, asks Crystal’s character, Mitch, if Mitch would sleep with a beautiful alien who miraculous shows up out of nowhere. It’s a situation in which there would be no complications or repercussions. Mitch says No, it would break his wife’s heart, he wouldn’t do that. Ed ups the ante. What if it was 100% guaranteed that no one else would ever know about it? And Mitch says, “I would know about it. I love my wife and I intend to be faithful to her. If I were to do something like that, I would know and it would make me less of a husband, less of a father, less of a man.” Or something to that effect. (It’s been a while since I’ve seen the movie.) That’s character. Even if no one knew about it. Even if Mitch and his wife were having problems and his needs weren’t getting met in his marriage. The answer is still ‘No’. The explosive preacher and tireless church planter Paul, writes a letter to one of his favorite churches in Philippi. In chapter two he starts by saying: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit?” These are rhetorical questions. Almost humorous. Each would receive a resounding YES! Paul is describing the heart and soul of the early believers. But he goes on. “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” This is why I don’t hesitate in believing that those who aren’t vaccinated will readily and happily wear their masks in worship, study, and especially around children and youth in my church. It is because we are followers of the risen Christ. It is because we think of others as better than ourselves or at least look out for the interests of others in the same way we look out for our own interests. It’s because the golden rule is not just a piece of proverbial wisdom that’s been passed down for generations. ‘Do unto others’ is a commandment that came from the mouth of our Master Jesus. It is one of those commandments he fully expects us to do something about, even when no one is looking.
-If you are one of our regular attenders via Facebook, we hope you will take a moment to greet those who also join in worship. For example, you might say, “It’s great to see you joining us (insert name of person you see)” -If you are one of our regular attenders via our website, we hope you will consider signing up to be a “Online Greeter.” It is an easy way to serve with very little technical knowledge required. Any questions, talk to Pastor Adriane. Go Online under EVENTS to signup!
With sympathy to: -Pauline (Polly) Crumely on the death of her husband, John, who passed away on May 4, 2021. -Rick Chandler, on the death of his sister, Dana Foster, who passed away on May 3, 2021.
Pastoral Staff Lead Pastor: Rev. Tim Burchill Associate Pastor/ Director of Young Adult Ministry: Rev. Adriane Curtis Director of Music Ministry: David Morton, M.M., Ed.S. Director of Praise Team Ministry: Tom Blessing Minister of Children & Families: Rev. Aj Mildenberg Director of Youth Ministry: Rev. Matt Sherrill Minister of Missions: Rev. Barb Marshall Minister of Visitation: Barbara Krueger Preschool Director: Tiffany Lehman Office Staff
Summer is here, but life can still seem cold and dreary for those who have suffered a loss or experienced a crisis. Your Stephen Ministers are trained to help people through the winters of life, providing emotional and spiritual support during tough times. If you or someone you know could benefit from the confidential, one-to-one Christian care of a Stephen Minister, contact Debbie Carriger at dcarriger@richardcarriger.com.
Our Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!
Office Manager: Pat Morrison Building Superintendent: Carl Bruhn Controller: Myriam Boyer Communications & Media Specialist: Jennifer Hampton Preschool Administrative Coordinator: Nicole Todd Children’s Ministry Assistant: Robin Jackson Music Associate: Ray Lahrman Cherub Choir Director: Carol Getch KICK Choir Director: Sarah Daniel
Rev. Aj Mildenberg ● amildenberg@carmelumc.org
VBS ● June 20-24│6-8:30PM We are still in need of volunteers to help at VBS. Sign up for 1 night or the whole week. CLICK HERE to volunteer. TUESDAY VBS WORK DAYS We have work days and nights, each Tuesday. Please come (downstairs to LL12) to discover ways to help. Come anytime between noon and 7pm. Also, June 16 from 5-8pm is our stage build and Bible Adventure set up! Come anytime that evening.
DONATION ITEMS NEEDED ●Hand sanitizer ●mini bags of pretzel sticks (300) ●Fruit snacks - any kind! ●Individually-wrapped Rice Krispie treats (300) ●2 pack of Cookies (500) ●Honey Buns (300 total) ●Napkins ●Chewy Granola bars - any flavors are fine (300)
SUMMER CAMP Summer camps will be here before you know it! Three weeks in July, ½ days or all day options for kids 3 years old to 5th grade. Lots of fun and learn new skills too! CLICK HERE to sign up or go online under EVENTS. RIGHTNOW MEDIA Kids home for summer- and now no school! We want their device watching to be full of good values. Did you know that RightNow Media has over 100 different kids programming! All CUMC folks may have a free login! It works kinda like Netflix but Christian programming, but…. Instead of you paying, the Church does. So, if you would like a free login email Pastor Aj at amildenberg@carmelumc.org and I will add you to the list. You will receive an email and you may create your own password. Rightnow media can be seen on smart TV, computers, tablets and phones. Go online to the Children’s Ministry Page for more information on programing. Welcome Lori Butler the new Children’s Ministry Intern. She is a CUMC member and sophomore at Purdue University. Lori has been involved for many years here, she has volunteered for VBS for 8 years and the food pantry for 6 years. Lori is the daughter of Jennie and Mark Butler and the sister of Billy, a Junior at Carmel High School. Lori’s ultimate goal is to teach children. She will assist in teaching, attending ministry events, and planning the end of the summer celebration for kids and families. Contact Lori at kids@carmelumc.org.
●Kroger Gift Cards ●Lowes Gift Cards ●Meijer Gift Cards ●Duct Tape- blue, black, brown, yellow, or-ange or green. For more information about these treats please contact Shaina Murphy -s18murphy@gmail.com or Eva Jones-evamjone@gmail.com.
VBS and COVID
We are so happy to have VBS, we however will not be having a VBS worship service. There are many ways that you can see VBS, please log on to our website or Facebook and watch the opening and closing celebrations each day. Following VBS we will have a video for you to watch about the week, premiering on Sunday, June 30 at 10am (between services). On Wednesday evening, June 23 following VBS we will have a fun event outside, Covid friendly, with dye to make our VBS shirts special and unique.
This is Lori in her first grade Sunday school class.
Congratulations Fletcher Pilson on receiving the Jesus and Me badge as a Cub Scout. Fletcher created a scroll and learned about Jesus as healer, friend, teacher and storyteller. There are a number of badges that Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts can earn, contact Pastor Aj for more information.
Rev. Matt Sherrill ● msherrill@carmelumc.org CONGRADULATIONS TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS! The Carmel UMC higher education scholarship committee was pleased to announce our six scholarship recipients for 2021! Emily Carlisle, Austin Keith, Kathryn Larkin, Erin Reed, Haley Slosman, and Brooke Wiesner. In order to continue to give scholarships each year, we would love for you to consider giving! To make this easier, you can click on this link: CLICK HERE or go online under Youth Ministry for a link. You may also mail or drop off money to the church and earmark it Scholarship Gift.
Graduates in order: Austin Keith, (top) Kathryn Larkin, (bottom) Emily Carlisle (top) Haley Slosman, (bottom) Erin Reed and Brook Wiesner.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP Wednesdays ● 7-8:30PM Wednesday Night Worship is our Summer Youth Ministry weekly ministry! This is open to Rising 6th graders through graduating seniors. We will meet outside (weather permitting) or inside if the weather is bad. These will be fun times filled with games that help us connect, laugh, and grow closer to each other. We will also have snacks, music, and special guest speakers each week!
B&B Sundays ● 10-11AM SUNDAY's 10-11am in the HUB! Help Needed! This is our summer Sunday ministry to all middle and high school students. We make pancakes, enjoy eating together, and then read a chapter from the Gospel of Mark. Nothing fancy, just good food, fellowship, and Word together. SIGN UP HERE, if you'd like to help in any way or online on the Youth Ministry Page.
WILDERNESS TRAIL July 25-30 Wilderness Trail is a week-long spiritual adventure that will truly change your life! We will spend 5 nights on the trail, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and enjoying getting to know our hiking group from CUMC. We have a guys group and a girls group. We still have 4-5 girls spots open! We'd love to fill this with any middle or high school girl that wants to go for a life changing week hiking and camping together in the woods of Virginia on the Appalachian Trail. They provide everything you need. Contact Matt for more info or CLICK HERE. PARENTS SMALL GROUP Sunday ● 10-11 We have started a Parent Small Group from 10-11am and we'd love for you to join! Parents can join in the Confirmation room (room LL 12) near the HUB. This is a great time to get to know other parents, support each other, and we will discuss the same scripture the students are reading. This is led by Tom and Lenae Goeke! Invite others to join you!
CONFIRMATION COMMISSIONING We are so excited to celebrate two of our seventh graders who confirmed their faith on Sunday, May 23rd! Megan Buschemeyer and Holden Colombe! Thank you to everyone that helped with confirmation classes this year. We could not have done it without you!
Rev. Barb Marshall ● missions@carmelumc.org SOUP’S ON June 13
CUMC will be providing sack lunches for Soup’s On on June 13th. We are always appreciative of your baked goods! If you are able to provide any please bring them to Door 3, our main canopy entrance, either Sat June 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 or Sun June 13 from 9:30 to 10:15.
FAMILY PROMISE (IHN) APARTMENT PROJECT DRIVE July 1-31
Family Promise, formerly known as Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) needs household goods to furnish one two-bedroom apartment for an Indianapolis family experiencing homelessness. Since we are not hosting families at CUMC in 2021 as we have in the previous 25 years, this apartment project is the way we can help one family in need. CLICK HERE for a full list of items needed or go online under EVENTS for more information.
Rev. Barb Marshall ● missions@carmelumc.org
POVERTY 101
Beginning August 18 ● 6-8PM
HENDERSON SETTLEMENT June 6-12 ● Frakes, KY Be sure to be at worship June 6th for the commissioning of our CUMC Henderson Settlement work team. They will be leaving after the 9:00am service to head to Kentucky for the week. The team serving this year...Christine Bach, Steve Baker, Christine Keith, Wayne Lerner, Carl Lewis Cara Nowlin, Christy Nowlin, and Bob Phillips.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE June 2 ● 6:00-8PM
Your missions if you choose to accept it, is to join us on June 2nd for a fun night of food and missions. Come uncover the clues to your next mission assignment. If you would like more information, contact Barb at missions@carmelumc.org.
FOOD PANRY Carmel Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, OPPC, has joined with our CUMC Food Pantry to coordinate bulk purchases of eggs in what we now call “Eggspress”. Nancy Adams is our lead in setting up this effort. Hatch for Hunger provides farm fresh eggs in bulk to food pantries for less than half the price of retail. OPPC are able to refrigerate bulk eggs and deliver to the Food Pantry as needed. Thank you Nancy and OPPC!
Registration is open! CLICK HERE to reserve your spot for our CUMC conversation on poverty. Course creator Tim Streett has worked and lived in economically poor neighborhoods for over 25years. Having trained hundreds of volunteers in bridging across economic gaps, he will be coming to CUMC! Course will be offered on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm beginning Aug 18th and runs for 10 weeks. More information online under EVENTS.
GARDEN 17 members of the Carmel High School JV Softball team with their coach Kristin London came to do the heavy lifting on our remaining garden set-up work. They moved compost, removed weeds, laid landscape fabric, mulched the area, planted seeds and seedlings, planted at the food pantry and potted plants. We are so grateful to the Carmel HS JV softball team and team parent Jackie Dungey for making the arrangements.
621 S. Range Line Road Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: 317-844-7275 E-mail: caremail@carmelumc.org www.carmelumc.org
At Carmel UMC we are connecting with God and others, growing in faith and love through Biblical learning, and serving our community and world as followers of Jesus Christ. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
UPCOMING EVENTS *
Missions Impossible- June 2
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Henderson Mission Trip- June 6
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VBS- June 20
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Father's Day- June 20
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Poverty 101- August 18