JANUARY 2016

Bring People to Jesus

to know Him and make Him known

Hi there! Wasn’t the Devotion great today?! HAPPY JANUARY! HAPPY NEW YEAR! Welcome to 2016! I hope

you are preparing for an incredible year of seeking and serving Jesus Christ! Thanks for all you do to help us

focus all our resolve and resources on “Bringing People to Jesus to Know Him and Make Him Known!” through

all our people, programs and property! Thanks for helping us push aside every “lesser thing” so we can bring

the full-force and focus of Indian River City to his GREATER THING!

For 2016 God is calling the exciting Indian River City Church God to continue to ratchet-up our focus on our

mission! I believe with all my heart that our Smaller Groups are absolute game-changers in the ongoing ef-

fort to ready us for that mission! One of the greater things is how much more we can do when we work to-

gether to serve that mission! I really encourage every person to involve themselves in a Smaller Group of

people like ourselves who are continuing to develop a greater commitment to the Great Commandment

and Great Commission so we can all “Bring People to Jesus!” Smaller Groups are foundational!

The Bible tells us about four folks bringing their hurting friend to Jesus! (Luke 5:17-26) It’s a really great story of

a Smaller Group taking action steps to “Bring People to Jesus!” In this account, we find some special shared

characteristics that God uses to help us do what he calls us to do! This month we’re going to look at three of

them, and we’ll look at the rest in February! SSSSOOOOO...what are they?! WWWWEEEELLLLLLL...

1) COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVING: The guys brought him to Jesus because they cared about him! It all starts

with caring about people who are “without Christ and without hope! (Ephesians 2:12) The Bible says, “We

should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord!” (Romans 15:2) They were sensitive to their

friend’s need! And he’ll use you and me when we start caring more about others than we do ourselves!

2) FRIENDSHIPS OF FAITH: These guys really believed Jesus could and would bring new life to their friend! The

Bible says, “When Jesus saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven!’” (Luke 5:20) It wasn’t the hurt-

ing guy’s faith that made him well; they lived what they said they believed! How many people do you know

who are so paralyzed they can’t bring themselves to Jesus?! That’s when we have to have faith for them!

3) PRACTICAL PARTNERSHIPS: It’s not enough to pray for someone who can’t come to Jesus on their own

faith or power! We put feet to our faith! Jesus says, “Go out into the country lanes and behind the hedges

and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full!” (Luke 14:23) There’s a bunch of examples

of folks bringing others to Jesus! Everybody is not a soul winner, but everybody can be a “BRINGER!”

For us to become more like Jesus we will “resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ while we’re here!”

(1 Corinthians 2:2) Let’s continue to focus ourselves on that one thing! We can more easily identify all the

“lesser things” that steal our time, talent, treasure and things from God’s GREATER THINGS! Let’s give all

we are and have to “Bring People to Jesus to Know Him and Make Him Known!”

Now that’s...RADICAL!

Bill

JANUARY 2016 INDIAN RIVER CITY UMC NEWS

New Adult Classes Beginning in January & February

The New Year is a great time to get connected with others and God through joining a Bible Study. There are several studies to choose from with more being added, so continue to check the weekend bulletin and website. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY WITH BILL begins on January 6, 6:30-7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Dis-cover how practical and applicable God’s Words are as Bill teaches from the books of the New Testa-ment. Bring a friend or two and join in this engaging study. AGENTS OF THE APOCALYPSE by Dr. David Jeremiah. This 10-week study takes a riveting look at the key players of the end times as revealed in the book of Revelation. This study’s purpose is to reveal the culmination of history: victory for Christ and His Kingdom. Class starts Monday, January 11, 10:00 AM in Wesley Hall, room 212. Class facilitator: Kathy Yohn. BIBLE STUDY ON THE BOOK OF JOHN. This 8-week course begins on Monday, January 18, 9:30 – 11:30 AM in Wesley Hall, room 209. Class facilitator: Jennifer Taylor DUCK DYNASTY: FAITH COMMANDER Join the Robertson men of the hit television show, Duck Dynasty, as they tell stories and discuss some of the Bible’s most-loved parables. In this 5-session DVD Bible Study you will learn about faith-based values and how to apply them to your life. Study be-gins on Wednesday, January 20, 6:30 PM in Wesley Hall, room 212. Class facilitators: Steve and Lisa Baggett LADIES OF FAITH & TRUST Bible Study begins on Wednesday, January 20, 6:30 PM in Wesley Hall

Room 210. Study to be determined but will be biblically based and center around issues relating to women of all ages. Facilitator: Jennifer Allen To register for any of these classes or for information on other adult opportunities contact Dawn Schissler, Adult Ministry Leader, at 321/267-7922x20 or at dschissler@ircumc.com.

REFUGE Summer Camp

Refuge Summer Camp sign up begins on January 10th! REFUGE is taking CAMP off-campus this year to Stetson University, where they will join other student ministry communities serving, connecting and experi-encing God together. Free t-shirts, service projects, recreation, small groups, music and bands and compelling speakers. The cost is $259. Limited spots available. Middle and High School students are wel-come. Camp dates: 6/20 - 6/24, 2015. For more details and online sign up, please visit www.wearerefuge.org. Contact Heather at htrapp@ircumc.com with questions.

Super Bowl Chili Cook-Off

The Men’s Ministry will have their Family Super Bowl Party & Chili Cook-off on Sunday, February 7, 6:00 PM in Wesley Hall. All the guys out there

should get busy working on their favorite chili recipe, so they can be ready for the contest. Men just need to make their favorite pot of chili and bring it to be judged by those who come. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 7 and watch for additional information in the weekly bulletin and Eblast. For more information con-tact Steve Allen @ 954-732-6453.

JANAURY 2016 INDIAN RIVER CITY UMC NEWS

Sunday Mornings

Sunday morning opportunities for children: First Steps Nursery, Little LINCS, Kindergarten/1st Grade, and Kid LINCS (2nd-5th grade), SR 56 at 9:30 AM; and First Steps Nursery, Little LINCS, Kindergarten/1st Grade, and Kid LINCS (2-5th grade) at 11:00 AM.

ZIP for Kids

ZIP for Kids workshops begins Wednes-day, January 20, 6:15 - 8:00 PM in Wes-ley Hall, the Loft. Children in Kindergar-

ten - 4th grade are invited come and learn skills, talents, crafts, have fun activities, and a lesson. For formation contact Linda Benson at 267-7922 x19 or lbenson@ircumc.com. Like our Facebook page to stay up on current news! www.facebook.com/irckids

SR 56

SR 56, (5th & 6th graders) meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM in Wesley Hall, room 217.

Crosstrainers for 5th & 6th graders begins on January 13, 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the West Parking lot with a bonfire. For more information contact Linda Benson at 267-7922, x19 or lbenson@ircumc.com or Sandi Bledsoe at 267-7922 x14.

Are you expecting and/or the mother of child through elementary age and looking to connect with other moms? Indian River City United Meth-odist Church’s Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)/MOMSnext welcomes you. This group equips, encourages, and develops moms. MOPS/MOMSnext meets the second Monday of the month, January 11, 9:30 to 11:30 AM in Wes-ley Hall. Children can be dropped off starting at 9:15 AM.

Come and join us at Panda Express on Monday, January 11, from 5 - 8 PM. En-joy dinner and help MOPS raise money.

Just tell them you’re with MOPS!

For more info contact our MOPS/MOMSnext coor-dinator Darcia at Darcia9581@hotmail.com or 321/621-6799. Check out their website at www.titusvillemops.weebly.com.

Refuge Student Ministries Where Students Connect with God

and One Another

Sunday Mornings - classes for 7th - 12th grade from 9:15 - 10:45 AM in Wesley Hall, High School is room 215/216, Middle School is room 218. Join us Wednesdays starting January 13, 6:30 PM for a Bonfire in the West Parking lot. Confirmation Class for 7th grade and up be-gins on Sunday February 7, 9:30 AM. The class includes a weekend retreat. For more infor-mation contact Heather Trapp.

For more information about any youth event, see the website wearerefuge.org contact Heather Trapp, Student Ministry Leader, 362-4408 or 267-7922 x21 or htrapp@ircumc.com.

JANUARY 2016 INDIAN RIVER CITY UMC NEWS

Library News Happy New Year! Our goal as a Library Team is to provide you with good, no make that excel-lent, reading and study material. To do this we need your feedback, please let us know how we can improve our inventory. We can’t make promises, but we certainly will do our absolute best to make the Indian River City UMC Library a place you enjoy visiting. So, stop by and browse our inventory, speak with one of the Library Team or a volunteer. We want to meet you. See you soon!

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Now we have a question for you. How old do you think the Indian River City UMC Library is? Stop by and take a guess. We will reveal the answer next month.

Book Chat

Our Book Chat, is always the 3rd

Friday of each month. So our next one is January 15, 11 AM in the library! Wow, that will be very soon. Our selection for this month will be Vendetta by Lisa Harris. You will not want to miss, what promises to be an interesting book chat. Lisa Harris is an award winning author, who has written over 20 books since 2000. She is a 2011 Christy Award Finalist. She currently lives in Mozam-bique with her family where they work as missionaries.

NEW ARRIVALS

Luther and Katharina: A novel of Love and Rebellion by Jody Hedlund Midnight on the Mississippi (Secrets of the South Mysteries) by Mary Ellis Just Show Up: The Dance of Walking Through Suffering Together (non-fiction) by Kara Tippetts Murder at the Courthouse: A Hidden Springs Mystery by Ann Gabhart If you would like to learn more about our library, please stop by or contact Linda Stuck 321-368-4006.

Alpha

Alpha will have a group meeting for any one who wants to explore Christianity in a friendly, open and informal environment on Thursday, January 21, 6:30 - 8:30 PM in

Wesley Hall. Crandall Cunningham is the ministry leader and welcomes your ques-tions. All are welcome to attend. It is a time of a simple dinner, fellowship, and sharing from the speaker about the basic beliefs of Christianity. For more information contact Crandall at 321-431-8997 or cunning-ham1722@bellsouth.net. The Alpha website is www.alphausa.org for anyone wanting more information. Feel free to come along and invite your friends.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Indian River City Church has two prayer shawl gatherings, one even-ing and one daytime. Everyone, experienced or new learner, is invited to knit or crochet prayer shawls. The Daytime Gathering meets on Wednesday, January 20, 10 AM - Noon in Wesley Hall, Studio 153. For more information contact Judy Reyn-olds, 267-1722; judy2@cfl.rr.com. The Evening Gathering meets Tuesday, January 26, 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Wesley Hall, Studio 153. For more information contact Debbie Miner; 269-1926; minerdl@cfl.rr.com. If you know of someone needing the encourage-ment of a prayer shawl or throw, contact Judy Reynolds at 267-1722 or judyr2@cfl.rr.com.

JANUARY 2016 INDIAN RIVER CITY UMC NEWS

Divorce Care

Divorce Care is a support group for people who are estranged, sepa-rated, or divorced, no matter how long ago the divorce happened. They conduct video seminars by people who understand what you

are experiencing. Most importantly, in this group you will learn how to deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life. Divorce Care is non-denominational and features biblical teaching for recovering from divorce and separation. The group meets on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Park Avenue Baptist Church in the con-ference room. The next 13-week session begins January 13, 2016. Child care is provided. Workbook cost is $5. To register or for more information, please call Jeannette Ahmie 626-9320.

Grief Share

Grief Share is a special seminar and support group for people grieving the loss of someone close. This group is sponsored by Park Avenue Baptist Church, led by peo-ple who understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and en-

couragement during this difficult time. Each Grief Share session includes a video and seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. These videos also include on-location video and the real-life stories of people who have experienced losses like yours. Meetings are Tuesday nights from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Park Avenue Baptist Church Office conference room. The next 13-week session begins January 26, 2016. Cost of a Grief Share workbook is $20. Schol-arship are available. For more information call (321) 269-6702 ext. 405 and leave a message.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (GRG) support group begins in Friday, January 8, 9:30 - 11:00 AM in Wesley Hall, room 212. The meetings are an open forum to dis-cuss the challenges, concerns, joys and issues of raising your grandchildren in a non-judgmental and caring environment with others in the same situation. Through the

GRG organization, people will also have access to the rights, financial assistance and resources availa-ble to grandparents in these caregiver roles. For more information contact Lisa Baggett at lbag-gett@ircumc.com or 321-267-7922 X 24.

Car Care Ministry

Car Care ministry will be closed on Saturday, January 2 for New Years. Car Care will be open all other Saturdays in January from

9:00 AM - Noon in the west parking lot provid-ing inspections and minor repairs on cars owned by single moms, widows, and others in need. The ministry welcomes those who would like to service in this ministry area. For more infor-mation contact Alice at angelchal@aol.com.

Women Alone

Women Alone, a group for wom-en who have lost a spouse, will meet on January 24, 3 PM in Wesley Hall, Studio 153.

This group meets monthly for a time of fellow-ship, activities, and snacks. For more infor-mation contact Sharon McClelland, facilitator, 383-8868.

INDIAN RIVER CITY UMC NEWS JANUARY 2016

Sock Collection

The homeless need your help! The Brevard Homeless Coalition is col-lecting new adult size socks and undershirts and hygiene products from January 2 through January 15. These will be distributed during the homeless census. Any leftover items will be de-livered to agencies serving the homeless com-munity. Please bring items to the church office.

Hospitality Gathering

All volunteers who serve on the Greeter, Café, and Ush-er Team from all the worship

services are invited to a Hospitality Gathering on Saturday, January 9, 8:30 - 11:00 AM in Wesley Hall, Studio 153. Anyone who would like to join the team is welcome to attend. Join us for food, fun, and fellowship. For more information, please contact Jennifer Taylor at jtaylor@ircumc.com or 267-7922 x17.

Your Indian River City

UMC Staff

Homeless Census

The 2016 Point in Time Count (Homeless Census) is a count of sheltered and unsheltered home-less people on a single on Mon-day, January 25. HUD requires

that Continuums of Care conduct an annual count of the homeless people on a single night. The count will be 4 hour shifts begins at day-break. The Titusville command center is DAV Chapter 109. The Command center will manage five routes and numerous stationary locations. Each shirt requires at least two volunteers (preferably with one who has past experience. Every volunteer must provide their cell phone number for quick access. Volunteer will be re-quired to attend one of the PITC trainings held during January 12 - 16 (even if you have done it before). Much of the funding for the prevention and elimination of homelessness is determined by having an accurate count complete. If interested in volunteering to help with Home-less Census RSVP to kheinly@uwbrevard.org.

Missionary News

Pick up the latest news from our mis-sionaries, the Ebners and Fawzi, from the worship center lobby. Find out what is happening with them and see some pictures of events they have been involved in.

JANUARY 2016 INDIAN RIVER CITY UMC NEWS

01/03 Samuel & Carmen Saez 01/04 Howard & Kathleen England 01/06 Su-Anne & Gordon Grooms 01/08 Chris & Kelley Broome Doug & Elizabeth Kitsch 01/16 Scott & Julia Diesel 01/17 Amy & Mitch Baker 01/21 Dick & Dinah Bryant 01/22 Susan & Flint McCain 01/24 Ken & Betty Weaver 01/25 Omer & Adair Cloutier 01/30 Kenton & Tricia Smith Jr. 01/31 Nathan & Sarah Hillard Josh & Candace Taylor

Unused and Expired Prescriptions

Now citizens can go to any Sheriff’s Office precinct to discard unused and expired medications in a se-cured drop box that are located in the precinct lobbies. These collection boxes are aimed at addressing the problem of prescription drug abuse while pro-tecting the environment. Please don’t keep unneeded medications:

keeping old medications in the house can lead to accidents.

Please don’t’ throw medications away: Drugs thrown in the trash are a public and environ-mental safety concern that can wind up in the hands of children, drug users, or consumed by animals.

Please don’t flush medications down the drain: it is very harmful to the environment.

The Sheriff’s Office will accept all non-prescription over-the-counter medications, prescription medi-cations, and even pet medications. You can bring pills, ointments and lotions. You can leave the medications in the original container or put it in a sealable plastic bag. The medications can be combined. No identification or signatures are required. For more information contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 321-264-7755.

Prayer for the New Year Lord, at the beginning of this New Year, I offer you my life. Come take my voice, may the words I speak be filled with encouragement and good-ness. Come take my hands, may the work they create be generous and giving. Come take my feet, may the journeys I walk be led by your Spirit within. Come take my life Lord, for I love your goodness, your kindness and your leading. Amen.

Back to School Planning Team

Indian River City UMC has held a Back To School event to help fami-lies from our neighboring schools

to prepare by providing the necessities along with the Gospel before school starts. We have part-nered with 5 other churches near us and have served over 400 students in the past years. In order to hold this event again we need a key leader to serve as the Event Manager. Our previ-ous leader served seven years and is called to serve in a new area. Also sections leaders or as-sistant section leaders are needed in other areas. The first meeting will be the week of January 11 with our partner churches. Meetings are held as needed every two weeks to monthly in the eve-nings. Anyone interested in serving please con-tact Jennifer Taylor at jtaylor@ircumc.com or 321-267-7922 x17.

JANUARY 2016 INDIAN RIVER CITY UMC NEWS

It is the 2016 - a new year. A time for new beginnings and resolutions. A time when we reflect on those things we want to change or do better. Many times, resolutions are financial in nature. If you are planning some financial resolutions, here are six financial planning principles from Adam Hamilton. He discusses these principles in his book Enough – Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. 1. Pay your tithe and offering first. 2. Create a budget and track your expenses. 3. Simplify your lifestyle (live below your means). 4. Establish an emergency fund. 5. Pay off your credit cards, use cash/debit cards. 6. Practice long-term savings and investing habits. Is God calling you to adopt one or more of these financial principles in the new year?

Laurie Blair

Church Accountant

2016 Offering Envelopes 2016 offering envelopes are now available from the church office. If you do not have envelopes and would like to have a set, contact Laurie Blair or the church office at 267-7922 (church office), or by email lblair@ircumc.com.