for we walk by faith, not by sight. tidings...*suspended due to church building closure for covid-19...
TRANSCRIPT
TIDINGS
VOLUME - NOVEMBER - 2020
WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAYS AT 10:15 AM VIA ZOOM
(ZOOM access information is on page four)
REFRESHMENTS IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL*
Melissa Fisher, Pastor
JAMES WILLIAMS, MINISTRY ASSISTANT
ALAN PARR, MUSIC MINISTRY
ANGELO MANTE, PEACE AND JUSTICE PASTOR
NURSERY OPENS AT 10:10 AM*
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR AGES 4-8TH GRADE*
MISSION STATEMENT
TO BE A DIVERSE COMMUNITY IN THE HEART OF THE CITY
LOVING ALL PEOPLE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. *SUSPENDED DUE TO CHURCH BUILDING CLOSURE FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC
WELCOME STATEMENT
FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH (FAITH) IS AN INCLUSIVE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OFFERING A HOME, LOVE, AND GRACE. FAITH WELCOMES AND INCLUDES PEOPLE OF DIVERSE AGE, RACE, ETHNICI-
TY, CULTURE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY, ECONOMIC STATUS, PHYSICAL AND MEN-
TAL ABILITY. UNITED, FORGIVEN, AND SAVED BY OUR BELIEF IN JESUS CHRIST, WE OFFER COMFORT AND PEACE TO ALL SEEKING RESPITE IN GOD. WE ARE FAITH.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
FAITH UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
207 EAST DEWALD STREET
FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 46803
CHURCH OFFICE PHONE: 260.744.4238
CONNECT WITH FAITH:
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: fwmethodist.org
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/FWFaithful
YOUTUBE: youtube.com/channel/
UClW3TWEU8rSDUAbGlQSdiNA
GIFT SHOP: WWW.CAFEPRESS.COM/FAITHUNITED Faith UMC apparel, mugs, bags, magnets and more!
Melissa Fisher - Head Pastor
[email protected] 260.403.5979
James Williams - Ministry Assistant [email protected] 260.247.0864
Alan Parr - Music Ministry [email protected] 937.248.9611
Angelo Mante - Peace and Justice Pastor [email protected] 260.438.3180
Cathy Bice - Church Council Chair [email protected] 260.413.1607
Jovon Johnson - Church Lay Leader [email protected] 260.804.2359
John Agnew - Church Treasurer [email protected] 260.760.3166
Mike Bynum - Finance Chair [email protected] 260.447.2617
Tom Bice - Trustees Chair [email protected] 260.413.9840
Ed Fenstermacher - Staff Parish Relations Chair [email protected]
260.433.0782
Greta McKinney - Outreach Chair
[email protected] 260.348.0794
Angie Hayden - Nurture Chair [email protected] 260.602.5870
Carol Whitner - Dare-to-Care Coordinator [email protected] 260.749.1550
NOVEMBER Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 9:00 & 11:45 am Adult Sunday
School 10:15 am All Saints
Day Worship 5:00 pm
INUMC Charge Conference Via ZOOM
2 3 4
5:30 pm SPRC
5
6 7
8
9:00 & 11:45 am Adult Sunday
School
10:15 am Worship
9
10
11 7:30 pm
Race Relations Video Study*
12
6:00 pm 4:13 Youth Group
7:00 pm
Sing-a-long
13
14
15
9:00 & 11:45 am Adult Sunday
School
10:15 am Worship
16
17
5:30 pm Finance
18
5:30 pm Ad Council
19
20
21
22 9:00 & 11:45 am
Adult Sunday School
10:15 am Worship
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
9:00 & 11:45 am Adult Sunday
School
10:15 am Worship
30
DUE TO COVID-19, FAITH
UMC IS CLOSED
THROUGH YEAR-END.
EVENTS ARE BEING HELD
VIA ZOOM OR CONFER-
ENCE CALL. QUESTIONS?
PLEASE CONTACT:
CATHY BICE,
AD COUNCIL CHAIR.
*Race Relations Video Study group additional meeting dates will be announced at the 11/11/20 session. All are welcome to attend.
INDIANA UMC
CHARGE CONFERENCE
VIA ZOOM
Sunday, November 1st 5:00 pm
https://inumc.zoom.us/j/93314525896
Charge Conference is an annual meeting intend-ed to conduct the business of the church. All members of the Administrative Council must be in attendance as they are members of the charge conference, but anyone is permitted to attend. For more details follow the link below.
https://www.inumc.org/local-church/admin-and-financial-services/charge-conference/
Newsletter articles need to be submitted by:
FRIDAY, December 11, 2020
Please email articles or information to: [email protected]
03 TOM WHITNER
04 LOREN NIX
05 HAROLD ROBINSON
09 MINNIE BRYANT
18 DODIE GOULD
20 GLORIA WILSON
27 REBA ERVIN
EVERY WEEK AT FAITH* Sunday, 9:00 am and 11:45 am - Adult Sunday School Monday, Noon -Thursday, 6:30 pm - Friday, Noon - NA Group Monday, 6:30 pm - Scout Troop Meetings Thursday, 5:30 pm - 4:13 *Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are no church meetings until further notice. Most Faith UMC groups are meeting via ZOOM or telephone conference call and meeting schedules may have
been revised. United Methodist Women is a mission organization founded in 1869 to address the needs of women, children, and youth. A new chapter of UMW is forming at Faith Church. For more details see page 5 and 6 of Tidings and check out the national website at https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org.
NOVEMBER LECTIONARY READINGS See the link below for the lectionary calendar. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/calendar/lectionary
CONNECT WITH HOMEBOUND MEMBERS Minnie Bryant, 6723 South Anthony Boulevard, E-526, FTW, IN 46816 James Kolkman, 1308 Union Street, FTW, IN 46802 Carol Munk, 1411 Shingle Oak Pointe, FTW, IN 46814 Belle Whiteman, Coventry Meadows, 7843 West Jefferson Boulevard, Room 521B, FTW IN 46804
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS IF YOUR BIRTHDAY HASN’T BEEN APPEARING IN TIDINGS, PLEASE EMAIL
THANK YOU!
THE CARDS AND WELL WISHES I RECEIVED
FROM THE CONGREGATION DURING PASTOR
APPRECIATION MONTH WERE HEARTWARM-
ING AND UPLIFTING. IT IS MY HONOR AND
A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE AS YOUR PASTOR.
YOURS IN CHRIST,
PASTOR MELISSA FISHER
Connect with zoom...
Below is access information for all the ZOOM activities. The access information will remain the same every week. If you need technical support, please call in by phone or access the internet 10-15 minutes before the start time of the session for help.
_____________________________________________________________________
9:00 am Adult Sunday School via ZOOM Join Zoom Meeting
By computer: https://zoom.us/j/491231337
By phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 491 231 337
10:15 am Sunday Worship Service via ZOOM
Join Zoom Meeting
By computer: https://zoom.us/j/143817778
By phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 143 817 778
11:45 am Adult Sunday School via ZOOM Join Zoom Meeting
By computer: https://zoom.us/j/146622416
By phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 146 622 416
7:00 pm Monthly Sing-a-long on 2nd Thursdays via ZOOM Join Zoom Meeting
By computer: https://zoom.us/j/721255267?pwd=YWoyRHhaR3dybXFMSHU5OS8yN2huQT09
By phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 721 255 267
7:30 pm Race Relations Book Club Wednesdays via ZOOM* A video format will be used this cycle featuring the series: Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man
Join Zoom Meeting By computer:
https://zoom.us/j/790355078?pwd=YjFiWm42K1BOalBhNFVoTlB0dWl6QT09
By phone: 312-626-6799 Meeting ID: 790 355 078
*This event has been on a temporary hiatus. The study resumes on Wednesday, November 11, 2020
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW) NEW MEMBER SURVEY...
If You’re Considering Joining United Methodist Women at Faith UMC Please Complete This Brief Survey...Thank You!*
The Vision of United Methodist Women Turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.
https://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org As a follow-up to last month’s I’m Every Woman virtual retreat, this issue of Tidings features additional information on UMW, the largest denominational faith organization for women with approximately 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Now is the time to let Pastor Tracy Cain know if you want to join UMW which is undergoing a rebirth at Faith Church under her guidance. To be sure UMW at Faith Church meets prospective new member needs, she’s asking for feedback on what factors would make it easiest for you to join and be active. You may provide your responses in one of the following ways:
Email: [email protected] Phone: Call the church office at 260-744-4238 and leave your responses as a voicemail.
Mail: Faith UMC, Attn: Pastor Tracy Cain, 207 E. Dewald Street, Ft. Wayne, IN 46803
1) What meeting schedule works for you? A. Thursday evening when I serve as a volunteer for and/or bring my children to youth group B. Sunday before or after worship service C. Another day/time - Please specify and tell us why_____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
2) How often do you think the group needs to meet? A. Monthly B. Every other month C. Quarterly D. Other - Please specify and tell us why______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
3) What interests you most about UMW at Faith Church? A. The chance to get to know and fellowship with other women of the church B. Missions projects both local and global C. Leadership opportunities D. Other - Please specify and tell us why______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________
4) Please share any other thoughts you have about UMW and what would make you want to join the group? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ *For those who do not receive Tidings by email or USPS, we will be reaching out by phone for their feedback. If you would like to help with making these calls, please let Pastor Tracy know.
UMW BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT’S REPORT By ‘Ainise Isama’u, 2020-2024 Board of Directors President (Posted or updated: 10/20/2020 12:00:00 AM)
Greetings and Malo e Lelei! Kuou tuku ha Fakamalo mo fakafeta’I kihe ‘Otua Mafimafi kihe tauhi ‘ofa kuo ne fai ma’aku mo kitautolu hono kotoa. My name is ‘Ainise Isama’u, and what an honor it is to be with you all! I thank God for the opportunity and blessing! My United Methodist Women story began with a conversation with Brenda Tuita, who at the time was the California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women Limitless young women coordinator,
regarding an event for United Methodist Women. And, of course, it was regarding a Unit-ed Methodist Women event. The conversation was about Limitless. That’s when I attend-ed my first conversation with the West District Limitless team. As we know, Limitless is a United Methodist Women life mentoring program for young women. To be brutally honest, I admit I was a bit skeptical at first, because, growing up, United Methodist Women wasn’t exactly my “cup of tea.” I didn’t really see myself in United Methodist Women. I thought it was a group of seasoned women that gathered and talked about things from 1869 and had long, drawn-out meetings and spent time in a circle sewing their life away.
Little did I know that attending a conversation with Limitless would lead me to be a United Methodist Women mem-ber for the rest of my life. Today, I am a mother of an 8-year-old, a wife, a friend, a mentor, a leader. And since that conversation, life hasn’t been the same. Almost everywhere I go I meet someone with a United Methodist Women connection. I always feel welcomed and like I have a place at the table. I have served on the district level and also on the conference level. I still remember how nervous I was when I had to send out my first newsletter to all United
Methodist Women of the California-Pacific Conference. My nervousness was automatically put to peace because I never felt alone. As the former communications coordinator for California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women, the lessons I learned in this role taught me so much about being organized, working with women of all ages and making sure information is sent out in proper time. Trust me, there were many learning curves, even to today, but the California-Pacific Conference United Methodist Women were amazing teachers from day one. It’s not really that they taught me but that they embraced me and showed me the way while allowing me to have my own voice. These women have stepped into my life to continue showing me. These bold, courageous, daring and loving women opened their hearts and mentored me. When I was asked to speak at the 2019 United Methodist Women luncheon, I had to answer questions like, what does the future of Unit-ed Methodist Women look to me? What does the next 150 years look like? Attending United Methodist Women meetings, both at the district and conference levels, as well as United Methodist Women events, has opened my eyes in several ways. Mostly because I have been listen-ing, I’ve been observing and I’ve been understanding the foundation that has been laid. Because of that solid foundation, and because of the strong shoulders that have paved the way today, here’s what I’ve learned. I’ve learned our organization has always and consistently equipped women for leadership. We know that the leadership is needed, and we know that we have the capacity within us, and so we do the work. Unequal pay, women’s underrepresentation in government and on corporate boards, sexual abuse and harassment, just to name a few, are reasons for needing women faith leaders. I believe United Methodist Women is as needed today as it has ever been. So what does that mean for someone like me or even for someone like my daughter who may not know what United Methodist Women means or represents? It means show-ing up and being present. It means we have to educate and continue to tell the United Methodist Women story. It means we have to be lifelong learners. It means we have to be accountable and be responsible. You know what it also means? It means that when I attend a United Methodist Women event, my daughter attends it as well. I know that we are a solid organi-zation. Our past is a springboard—but it’s not a guarantee of our future. I’ve learned that to be the organization we want to be in the next 10, 20, 30 years we will need to invest in ourselves. It requires a lot to keep up in a rapidly changing world and a rapidly changing global system. We need to attend to it. We need to be willing, courageous and encouraged to make deep changes in our organization, because God is call-
ing us forward. I’ve also learned, United Methodist Women foremothers left a solid financial foundation for the work of women in mission today, and member’s Mission Giving is what sustains this work for women, children and youth. Now, the Legacy Fund endowment has been set up to secure funds for the future. As we have celebrat-ed 151 years of mission work to date, the Legacy Fund has been established to ensure work for 150 more years. I have learned that as United Methodist Women we have never been worried about struggle. We have a history of struggle. We know how to do this. In fact, change, and working for change, is part of who we are. Our organization leads. Our members lead. The organization as whole has given me an opportunity to lead. The organization has a role in our church and our community. And I invite you and maybe even challenge you to stretch your personal lead-ership role and to think about the ways you as a leader can engage your unit, your district, in the causes to which we’re committed. This is also a time for inviting new voices. I’m very passionate about this because today’s women need a place and a way to join this organization and offer their leadership. Harriett’s message today tells me we’re already on the way. Today’s young women are Limitless, which means we go above and
beyond. We cannot be limited. Embracing younger women like me is one way this organization is moving forward in mission. In the 21st century, it is still critical for young women to organize for mission because we have a responsi-bility to the generations after us to open doors just as those before us have opened doors for us. Jesus didn’t just tell us to spread the good news and love thy neighbor as thyself; he showed us. As we all know, the Purpose of United Methodist Women is mission, but that mission is also right here, among each and every one of us and in our local churches and around the world. We have touched more lives than you will ever know. So I end with this: I thank you for being United Methodist Women. I thank you for your dedication. I thank you for your support. I thank you for your love. I thank for you fully embodying and showing me how to put my faith, hope and love into action. Tu’a ofa atu! Blessings to all!
Ainise Isama’u, 2020-2024 Board of Directors President
“As we all know, the Purpose of United Methodist Women is mission, but that mission is also right here, among each and every one of us and in our local churches and around the world.”
“This is also a time for inviting new voices. I’m very passion-ate about this because today’s women need a place and a way to join this organization and offer their leadership. T o d a y ’ s y o u n g w o m -en are Limitless, which means we go above and beyond. We cannot be limited. Embracing younger women like me is one way this organization is mov-ing forward in mission.”
“Unequal pay, women’s un-derrepresentation in govern-ment and on corporate boards, sexual abuse and harassment, just to name a few, are rea-sons for needing women faith leaders.”
“To be brutally honest, I admit I was a bit skeptical at first, be-cause, growing up, United Methodist Women wasn’t exact-ly my “cup of tea.” I didn’t really see myself in United Methodist Women. I thought it was a group of seasoned women that gathered and talked about things from 1869 and had long, drawn-out meetings and spent time in a circle sewing their life away.”
SPOTLIGHT Spotlight is a new Q & A feature designed to help us get to know our Faith Church family. The spotlight is on Mia Stephenson! (Note from the Editor: If you would like to be featured in the Spotlight section of Tidings, please leave a message on the church voicemail at 260-744-4238.)
Name something people would be surprised to learn about you? People are sometimes surprised to find out my Grandpa’s cousin is Dee Presley. I’m distantly related to Elvis by marriage.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card? Don’t let me loose at TJ Maxx.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life?
“How to Deal.”
What's your role at Faith UMC and how did you wind up here? I am helping the church with office work, and I ended up here through Melissa culti-vating a relationship and working with her these past few months. I have a lot of gifts and graces for organization, and it was a nat-ural transition for me to become more active here at Faith.
If you could have any one superpow-er, which would you choose?
The ability to read people’s minds.
What are your hobbies?
I write poetry, I sing karaoke, and I really like cats.
Who do you find inspiring?
I definitely find Guy Fieri inspiring due to the fact that he constantly uses his celebrity in order to give back to peo-ple. He raised over 20 million dollars for unemployed restaurant workers during coronavirus. He feeds first re-sponders during wildfires. His foundation supports children learning how to effectively run not for profit pretzel carts. It’s just interesting to see someone who has a reputation on tv of being ridiculous use his fame to help oth-ers.
Favorite gospel song?
“Something Beautiful” by NEEDTOBREATHE will always be my favorite probably, because it’s really about how beautiful the relationship with God is, and how personal it is. ”
Name three things still left on your bucket list?
1. See the ocean 2. Have a family of my own 3. Get my cat group on Facebook over a thousand likes.
What's your life philosophy? Try your best to do your best. I want to leave this world knowing I did my best to be a good person.
Mia flashes a smile as bright as her surroundings.
LET’S TALK...
In light of the divisions and stress many are feeling due to the divisive 2020 election cycle, voter suppression initiatives, ongoing racial justice concerns and the covid-19 pandemic, the following self-care resource has been provided. Special thanks to Pastor Angelo Mante for making this worksheet available on Facebook.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34 (NIV)
TRUNK-OR-TREAT… More than 1,000 goody bags were passed out via no-contact candy chutes to approximately 350-400 children at Trunk-or-Treat on the Faith UMC parking lots to provide a safe and fun family
outing for the LaRez community on Saturday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Drive-up participants received their candy through the car window by chute while walk-up participants received theirs directly into their bags via chute. Much thought, planning and preparation beforehand made this socially-distanced Outreach event a success. Many thanks to those volunteers from Outreach, Nurture, Trustees and all the other Faith UMC family who contrib-uted their time, talent and treasure for Trunk-or-Treat.
ELECTRONIC GIVING OPTIONS…
Even though we’re not physically gathering at our church home every week, the expenses of operating the building and, more
importantly, our ministries, are ongoing. We ask that you continue your stewardship by giving your tithes and offerings. You
may mail checks to the church office but we ask that you consider signing up to give electronically during this time when we are
asked to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The electronic giving options are outlined below.
Church Website: Go to fwmethodist.org, click the online giving button, follow the prompts. Text Message: Text donation amount to 260-919-0390, follow instructions in message received, details are saved so going forward all you have to do is text the amount. Vanco GivePlus Mobile App The link below is a short video tutorial explaining how to set up this method. The steps are also written below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAjqUxK8YRk
1. Go to the App Store or Google Play, download the Vanco GIVEPLUS app 2. Create an account 3. Sign in with your email and password 4. Click on the + sign in the top right corner
GENERAL CONCERNS HEALTH CONCERNS OTHER CONCERNS
Upcoming election, poll workers Quarantined at home: Pastor Steve and Pastor Tracy Cain as their daughter has
Stamper-Westrick family going through foster/adoption proceedings.
The Northeast District - Rev. Dave Neckers David Miles Ben Weaver and family
The Indiana Conference - Bishop Trimble Dave Brittenham Scott Williams and Crista Rose
Pastor Melissa & Pastor Angelo Dolly Bunting Corey Bowers and Amy Bowers
Olivia Hope - pray for unity in Fort Wayne Community Florence, Judy's Mom, who is ill.
Jackie's sister's family - Cortney, Will, La'Riyah, and Lil Will
The Homeless and Shelter residents Pastor Denise Lapsley Michael - needing a safe way out
Those affected by mental illness, violence, addictions and those imprisoned Greta McKinney Belle Whiteman
Immigrant children and families separated on the border Roland Johnson Nix family - housing solution
Clergy leaders, City leaders, National lead-ers Jessie Gerke and high risk pregnancy Alexa French - for traveling mercies
The United Methodist Church Daryll and Elaine Middleton Demetria Clark - prayers for strength during an uncertain and difficult time
Alive Community Outreach Jim and Ida Wine Minnie Bryant
Faith UMC's neighborhood Chris Bolinger who is experiencing heart issues
Healthcare Workers and all Essential Workers
NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no meetings are being held at the church until further notice. Committees have been meeting via conference call or ZOOM video calls. Some meeting schedules have been modified. If you are a committee member and have questions about when and how your group will meet, please contact your committee chair. Thank you. TRUSTEES—Meets the first Wednesday of every other month at 4:30 p.m. Members are Tom Bice, Chair, Wil Hayden, James Williams, Eric Westrick and Andy Fisher. NURTURE— Meets the first Wednesday of every other month at 5:30 p.m. The Nurture team is re-sponsible for the care of church members through events, studies, and worship. Members are Angie Hayden, Chair, Katie Middleton, Barb Ashby, Dolly Bunting, Carol Whitner, Dierdre McLemore, Vivi-an Johnson, Robert Stamper, Paul Ricketts, Cathy Bice and Tracey Caldwell. DARE-TO-CARE—Please be sure to call the church yourself or have your family notify the church if you are ill, hospitalized or in a rehabilitation hospital. These facilities do not notify your church any-more so we have to rely on you and your family. Members are Jack Cullpepper, Wil Hayden, Carol Whitner and Dierdre McLemore. OUTREACH— Meets the first Sunday of the month immediately following worship service or as ad-vised by the chair. Their goal is to plan events that involve the neighborhood and other parts of the community. Members are Greta McKinney, Chair, Darryl Middleton, Tom Cook, Jomare Bowers-Mizzell, Carol Miller and Angie Hayden. FINANCE—Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30. Members are Mike Bynum, Chair, John Agnew, Church Treasurer, Milt Ashby, Carol Cartwright, Carol Miller, Jomare Bowers-Mizzell, James Williams and Cathy Bice. SPRC—Meets the first Wednesday of every other month at 5:30 p.m. Members are Ed Fenstermacher, Chair, Jovon Johnson, Jomare Bowers-Mizzell, Jim Pose, Brooke Ridley and James Williams. CHURCH COUNCIL—Normally meets quarterly. Due to COVID-19, the council will be meeting monthly. Members are Cathy Bice, Chair, Elizabeth Mizzell, Pastor Melissa Fisher, Tom Bice, Cathy Bice, John Agnew, Mike Bynum, Angie Hayden, Jovon Johnson, Greta McKinney and James Williams. YOUTH—Youth meets at 5:30 on Thursday nights, do homework until 5:45 and then have supper. Af-ter supper they break into individual groups according to age for study until 7:30. Jaci Stevens is the youth group leader. SMALL GROUPS —There is one group Sunday morning at 9:00 and one after worship at 11:45. SCOUTS —We have Scout troops for both boys and girls that meet at 6:30 on Monday nights.
Faith United Methodist Church 207 E Dewald St Fort Wayne, In 46803
Three Simple Rules:
First, Do No Harm
Second, Do Good
Third, Stay in Love with God