At the Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference this past week, Pastor Christi was recognized for completion of her Course of Study. The presentation of her Scapular was during the Celebration of Commissioning, Ordination, and Retirement service on Friday evening.
On Saturday morning, Pastors renewed their commitment:
"In commitment and renewal to my covenant as a clergy person in The United Methodist Church, I reverently accept my appointment with a glad mind and will, and I pray that I shall be worthy of my call to the ministry, my Conference relationship, and the place of ministry to which I am appointed, Columbia City United Methodist Church."
Congratulations, Pastor Christi! CCUMC is blessed to be your ministry appointment!
Annual Conference Wrap-up Video
LOVE FIRST OPPORTUNITY
WELCOME AUTHENTICALLY
Residents turn out downtown in a big way for First Fridays. July is our opportunity to meet them right where they are and be the church that LOVES FIRST.
Volunteers are needed to plan and host for July – October. Many hands make light work, so contact Pastor Christi at christi.murray@columbiacityumc.org or Tammy at Tammy.taylor@columbiacityumc.org.
GROW INTENTIONALLY
Pastor Christi will host a four-week book study at 6 p.m. Wednesdays starting July 16.
Those who attend the study will learn practical relationship-building skills and brush up on their storytelling skills as they share the stories of their faith with one another.
Before the study starts, you can do the following:
Block out Wednesday evenings on your calendar from July 16-August 6.
Pick up a copy of Get Their Name: Grow Your Church by Building New Relationships by Bob Farr, Doug Anderson, and Kay Kotan. (Contact the church office if you would like to purchase a book through the church.)
Pray about who you could invite to attend with you.
For more information, contact the church office at (260) 244-7671.
GOOD THINGS ARE HAPPENING
IN THE COMMUNITY
Thank you for practicing your notice muscles! Let's keep sharing your Celebration Sightings each week.
Don't forget to reach out to those we lift up with encouragement or support.
Celebrations this week:
Brian graduated with special recognition from Summit Middle School.
Angie’s mom is home and doing better.
Andy Fudge is graduating from high school this week.
The CCHS Boys 4x800 Track Team placed 24th at State.
UPCOMING SERMON SCRIPTURES
June 15 -- Romans 5:1-5, CEB
June 22 -- Guest Pastor
June 29 -- Psalm 67
July 6 -- Galatians 6:1-16, CEB
BREAKTHROUGH PRAYER
WHAT'S GOING ON
Monday, June 9
6:00–8:00 pm – Bell Choir practice 6:30 pm – Property Utilization Committee in the Library
June 8, 2025 - Pentecost:Unexpected Understanding Acts 2: 1-21
Scripture tells us 120 believers were waiting and praying in Jerusalem, waiting for the Holy Spirit to come. The Holy Spirit came in a howling wind with flames of fire. THAT was unexpected but they were expecting the power of a way to spread the Good News.
The Holy Spirit enabled the believers to speak in their own language declaring the works of God. People gathered were surprised they could understand. They were connected to use the gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
We are all woven together in Christ to spread the gospel. At the Annual Conference held last week, Rev. Dr. Marti Lundy compared the togetherness with Lego building. Each Lego Piece is important. It takes time and perseverance to build something. A person is only limited by their imagination and effort.
Everyone is important in God's kingdom. Each person's gift is a gift given to them by God. The work of Pentecost continues today - 2000 years later. It continues through each of us. The Holy Spirit calls us to continue offering hope, peace, and abundant life to those lives we encounter.
Pentacost reminds us to live out our faith. Be "a people" with a burning spirit living in our hearts. June 1, 2025 - Ascension of the Lord Acts 1: 1-11
Why is this day important to us today?
Perhaps two words: PRESENCE and HOPE
At this time in scripture, the disciples were ready for something. It had been 40 days since Jesus had resurrected after his crucifixion on the cross. The Kingdom of God was before the disciples, it was time for Him to ascend into Heaven. The disciples thought Jesus was talking about the kingdom of Israel and expecting another promised land.
Jesus was preparing them for THEIR ministry. He was getting them ready, switching them from disciples to apostles, being eager for what comes next. The disciples would not have been able to move forward tethered to Jesus.
PRESENCE - out of the past into the present
Jesus is seated at the right hand of God giving him full power and authority. He pleads our case, interceding for us. He is with us everyday in a real spiritual way. We have access to Jesus, trusting him to be present with us.
HOPE - never alone, promised wholeness
Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans. He sent the Holy Spirit so we still have access to God. Our bodies are precious no matter the condition of our health and lives. One day they will be resurrected and perfect.
