Here we are with one month behind us in the year 2012; we are February 2012 all talking about

how mild the winter has been and what will it be Cicero United like in February and March. We know that there will be changes Methodist Church in the weather because we live in Indiana. Oh, how hard it is to deal with changes! In this period in our lives we see changes hapP AST OR B yron Frit z pening daily, every time a new phone comes out on the market, the P . O . B o x 6 1 7 next day it changes. We look back and see how weve done things C i c e r o , I N . 4 6 0 3 4 differently in the last five years. Weve gone from email to text, from Web page to Facebook. I get requests to join other types of Pastor 1 social programs that I have never heard of before. I remember General News 2-9 when I came to this church; I would contact the youth on their email addresses, and before long no one was looking at their Those Serving 5 emails because everyone had a cell phone. Then I would talk to them personally, then it was texting, and I did not text so I was out Birthdays & of the loop. Now, if you do not have a Facebook account, then you Anniversaries 6 can just forget it. Yes, these changes are even affecting the church. What we have always done is changing because of changes in Prayer Requests 7 our society. For many of us it was difficult when credit cards came Committees & Council out and we said we dont need one, we are doing fine with our Members 12 & 13 check book. The other day I was purchasing some items for the youth with the youth check book at Walmart. As I was writing the 14 amount in the check register and then writing the check, I felt like Just for Kids every person in line was staring at me because it took so long. Just Calendar 15 try booking a flight without a credit card, forcing many of us to get one. Then came the Debit card, and many no longer feel the need to carry cash. So, you see, our society is changing and with it comes change in the church. There are probably a few in the church who still do not own a credit card, and are living fine without it; there are some who have not asked for a Debit card from their bank. But please understand that, as our society is changing, there are many who live with a plastic card in their billfold or purse, have all their bills paid online and would not even know how to write a check. So when the church offers people the opportunity to give to the church online, it is not a push away from people tithing and giving to the church out of their love for God, but it is the way they have become accustomed to. Please dont make this change into a battle among the people of the church. If you wish to write a check, praise God! If you wish to place money in the offering plate, praise God! If you wish to have your giving withdrawn electronically, praise God! Just remember the next time you go to Walmart and you see me with the youth checkbook, you might want to jump in another checkout lane if you are in a hurry. The most important change is the change in our hearts. Matthew 15:18,19

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WEATHER ALERTS The season for bad weather is upon us. We may have to notify you of delays or cancellations. Any delay or closing will be publicized on Fox 59 & CW 4. Please tune in to one of these stations if you are unsure.

IMPORTANT
All Committees Meet 11:00 - 12:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11th. Church Council Meets 12:30 - 2:00p.m. Sunday, March 11th.
A light lunch will be provided for those staying after church to meet.

It is important that everyone involved plan to be present at their meeting!

IMPORTANT L L Update

Our 2012 Wed. night meals began on Jan. 4. The Feb. meal teams are being planned. If you would like to make a Crock Pot of your world-famous (or not-so-famous) chili for LOL, please contact Jeannie Ecker. We can always use a hand with cleanup and dishes and servers to relieve our 6:00 team so they can eat dinner about 6:30. We have a heart shaped basket in the back of the sanctuary, if you would like to make a donation to help defray the LOL expenses. We do NOT need any more plastic containers for take-out or leftovers at LOL. Thank you for your support.

A HEART FOR LOL

At the back of the sanctuary, you will notice a heart shaped container. This is for donations for LOL expenses. Nearly every week, someone gives us a small donation. We are grateful for these gifts and use them to purchase meat for the LOL meals. The $65 we collected last fall was used to purchase several turkeys, which we are enjoying on Wednesday nights in various forms. Because we do NOT want our Wednesday night guests to feel any obligation to make a donation, we will not be placing this basket out on Wednesday nights. Thank you for your generosity.

OUTREACH / NURTURE TEAM Outreach/Nurture: Our team met on January 8th. We are busy with LOL, the welcome center, shut-in visitation, Care-a-grams, and fellowship opportunities. We are looking for a volunteer or two to help organize the CUMC shepherding program. If you have questions, please see Jeannie Ecker or Rev. Byron.

The return of the Fellowship Dinner!

Yes! Everyone is invited to stay after church on Sunday, February 12th for our first fellowship dinner of 2012. The rules are simple. The committee, you know who you are, will provide the meat and main dishes, drinks as well as bread. We ask everyone else to bring the side dishes, salads and/or desserts. It is just that, a time for fellowship and sharing a meal together.

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Angels Attic
What a difference we can make by each of us donating one item a month. It quickly adds up with all pitching in to help. Those coming to Angels Attic receive information on our Wednesday night meals and activities. Just another way we are helping others. Angels Attic is at 105 East Main Street in Arcadia. They have a food and baby pantry open to all. The pantry opened in 2003. They have clothing, housewares, books, toys, baby items and shoes. It is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. To donate or volunteer please call Kim Beaver 317-62-attic. We will be collecting cans of soup for Souper Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5th. Please bring cans of soup for them. You can also bring other canned goods for the pantry. Thank you. Mission Committee.

LAY LEADER / CHURCH COUNCIL CHAIR As I write this for the February newsletter, the month of January is half over. We are having the cold weather that we should have been having for a month or so. I don't mind the cold weather, just not the bitterly cold like we have suddenly been exposed to, and the key word here is suddenly. I like the various seasons as each has their own beauty for us to enjoy, which, God, in his infinite wisdom, created. I know many of you think me crazy, but having grown up in snow country and being exposed to lake effect snow, I like the snow. It is winter - it is supposed to snow - not be 50 degrees! There is a beauty in a winter's night. You can step outside and there is a quiet in the air that is not present in the summer. The snow crunches under your feet as you walk and your breath can hang in the air. All this is a part of God's creation that was meant for us to enjoy. But I wonder, how many of us do not appreciate what God has created, including myself at times. (Go back a couple of sentences and you will see my complaint about 50 degree weather.) I try to take every day as it comes and welcome what God's creation has to offer that day. How about you, how do you greet each day? Do you complain about the weather - that it is too hot, or too cold? We are so blessed and we need to stop and give thanks for those blessings each day. Sometimes we may be affected by the weather and maybe it is God's way of telling us to slow down and look at what he has created and blessed us with. We should not succumb to our human nature and whine or complain, but instead thank God for what he has created for us. Enjoy the rest of the winter season. I know I will. Dennis Schrumpf, Lay Leader/Church Council Chair

COPIES OF THE UPPER ROOM ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX If you have changed e-mail addresses or have never given your e-mail address to the church office, please do this so we can keep our mailing list updated.
Valentines to our College students: We want to encourage our CUMC college students during their busy Spring semester. There will be a bulletin enclosure on Jan. 28 and Feb. 5 listing those addresses that have been given to the church office. Please send a card to each student during the month of Feb. Even if you don't know the student, they will be happy to receive actual mail at college. If your college student is NOT on our list, please notify the church office so we can add him/her to the list for next time.

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North Central District United Methodist Men Lenten Breakfast Series

Schedule: All programs begin at 7:00 a.m. and conclude by 8:00 a.m. or shortly after.
Saturday, February 25 - District-wide Kick-off, First UMC, 1500 N. A St., Elwood - Speaker: Rev. Dr. Frank J. Beard, North Central District Superintendent Saturday, March 3 - Union UMC, 19090 DeShane Ave., Noblesville - Speaker: Mr. Craig Wood, North Central District Co-District Lay Leader Saturday, March 10 - St. Mark's UMC, 4780 E. 126th St., Carmel - Speaker: Pastor Charlie Hoover, Boxley UMC Saturday, March 17 - Christ UMC, 318 N. Union St., Westfield - Speaker: Rev. Ed Coover, retired Saturday, March 24 - Emmanuel UMC, 16000 Cumberland Rd., Noblesville - Speaker: Rev. Greg McGarvey, First UMC, Carmel Saturday, March 31 - Fishers UMC, 9690 E. 116th St., Fishers - Speaker: Rev. Kevin McKinney, Fishers UMC KAIROS A Ministry to the New Castle Prison on the weekend of February 16-19, 2012. Rev. Fritz will be the Spiritual Director for this Weekend. Dennis Lafferty and Ed Catron will also be serving on this weekend. What do we need from the church family? To go on the prayer vigil go to http:// www.3dayol.org/Vigil/. Click on Prayer Vigil on the bottom left column. From this link click on Check out a list of Prayer Vigils and scroll down to New Castle Correctional Facility, then click that link. Scroll through the list of available time slots and click on Sign Up. Enter your name, city and an email address where the Agape Coordinator can contact you. Make Posters: Use a normal sheet of Poster Board. We need nine from our church. Make Place Mats: We need 60 handmade placemats from children. Cookies: From a specific recipe or from GFS we need 210 dozen chocolate chip cookies. Prayer Chain: We will be passing out slips of paper for you to sign, making a commitment to pray for the Kairos Ministry that weekend.

Shut-In Visitation Ministry

There are slips of paper by the Care-a-Grams each week. Each one has the name and contact information for one of our shut-ins. Please take one as often as possible and send a card, or visit, or call the person listed. Just sign the card From your friends at CUMC if you dont know the person. We all know what a card or visit can do to brighten our day! Thank you.

Count your Pennies for the Holy Land

February 5, 2013 there will be a Holy Land Trip led by our Bishop Mike Coyner. It will be a 10 day trip to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee. The starting cost is $2698 from New York, but you can get some discounts by signing up early. Rev. Fritz is planning to go as a host, so if you want information, he has brochures. Begin to ask your family to help you to go on this wonderful trip in 2013.

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NAOMI CIRCLE Naomi Circle will meet, Thursday, February 2nd, at 7:00 p.m. in the church parlor. All are welcome to join us.

GriefShare
A Grief Recovery Support Group People loving each other in the midst of their hurting. Classes will begin on February 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at: Cicero United Family Wesleyan Church 210 Washington Avenue Call for further information: 984-4817 or 317-753-0244 GriefShare is nondenominational and features biblical teaching on grief and recovery topic. THOSE PERSONS SERVING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 1st Sunday, February 5th: 10:00 Greeters & Ushers: Monte & Sandy Alexander, Keith Ecker, Jay Dunbar 10:00 Liturgist: Paul Gibson 2nd Sunday, February 12th: 10:00 Greeters & Ushers: Janneane Veger, Mary Johnson, Carol Taylor, Chris Osborn 10:00 Liturgist: Dennis Schrumpf 3rd Sunday, February 19th: 10:00 Greeters & Ushers: Dar & Melanie Gilmore, Ed & Pat Catron 10:00 Liturgist: Lonnie Whitehead 4th Sunday, February 26th: 10:00 Greeters & Ushers: Lonnie & Karen Whitehead, Brad Hanni, David Wallace 10:00 Liturgist: Judy Mace The Penny Raiders offering will be for Local Compassion Fund (gas cards) If you cannot serve as listed, please contact the Secretary. Please notify Karen Rice at 317-755-8700 if you would like to be added to our list of liturgists. We have a bakers dozen of volunteers for the moment so it allows for a quarterly rotation which is great. However, we encourage anyone interested to apply.

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Kudos this month go to:

Those who took the Christmas decorations down on Jan. 8th. Dennis Schrumpf for working the "penalty box" (technology) during our weekly worship service Dan Grose for his work on the CUMC website Paul Gibson and Bob Mann for fixing the step down to the basement and helping with wiring of a new router in the old side of the church

If you would like to be on the church e-mail list to receive prayer requests and other church news, please send your e-mail address to the church office: ciceroumc4u@gmail.com. If you do not have e-mail but wish to be on the prayer/information list, please call the church office, 984-4971.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY:

BIRTHDAYS: 2 - Steve Probst 3 Marge Marquis 6 - Martha Clanton 7 - Justus Foster 9 - Jane Rupel, Susan Peterson 11 - Ethele Wheatley 12 - Allen Richards 14 - Bo McKinney 15 Kinsea Hanni 16 - Abbey Webster 17 - Steven Peachey, Ethan Shotwell 21 - Marci Rice, Elizabeth Probst 24 - Jane Morton 26 - Harold Chattin 27 - Megan Whitehead 29 - Chris Osborn

ANNIVERSARIES:

13 - Bob & Brenda Webster

If you are not presently on our birthday & anniversary list, and would like to be added, please let us know. We will be more than happy to add you.
From the Pine Ridge Indiana Reservation in South Dakota: "Thanks for all you do for our school. Toiletries are very useful as many students don't have much. We also run a school store. Students earn Batesland Bucks for good deeds like holding the door, picking up after themselves, helping others, returning their homework, etc. They use their Batesland Bucks to purchase items at the store. We try to keep it stocked with a few toys, lots of books, toiletries, games, etc. If you wanted to help in that area, that would be great too. We are trying to let the students learn about earning and paying their own way." We will continue to have a Batesland box in the Narthex for toiletries (no liquids, please), small toys, games, light-weight books, winter accessories, etc. Thank you for your continued help. It is much appreciated! ~Your Missions Committee

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Youth Group meets at 3:00 p.m. every Sunday, here at the church.
Dear Parents, This month we started a four-week series called "God's Big Story." This series will provide teenagers with a big-picture view of God's story, with the goal of giving students a healthy understanding of what the Bible is about and how it applies to their lives. In this first week, we are looking at Genesis 1-2 and examined the picture of how God created the world. The world is broken, but God didn't create it that way. He created a world that was truly "good." It's important for our teenagers-and for adults-to remember how God meant things to be. We live in a world filled with pain and difficulties, but God designed a world that was good. Each week in our series, we're giving students two key words to help them remember the big idea. This week our key words were CREATION and GOOD. Simply put, God created the world, and it was good. Here are some questions you might use this week to engage your teenager in some conversation about this week's lesson: What main idea stuck with you from your small group meeting this week, and why? What is one way that you see God reflected in your own life? If all of humanity is created in God's image, how might this affect or shape the way you at other people? Thanks for your trust as you allow your child to be a part of our ministry!

Prayer List policy: Those added to the prayer list will remain there for two weeks. After two weeks they may be deleted. You will need to call the church office in order to reinstate your prayer concerns.

CICERO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRAYER LIST

Dorothea Bowers (6220 E. Broadway Road, Apt. 238, Mesa, AZ 85206) Marge Marquis (Harbor Manor, 1667 Sheridan Road, Room # 218, Noblesville, IN 46062) Ethele Wheatley (The Lodge, 1667 Sheridan Rd., Noblesville, IN 46062) Lena Ketring (c/o Sanders Glen, 334 Cherry Room #231, Westfield, IN 46074, phone 896-9777) Elna Alexander (Monte Alexanders mother) Jo Brown (7269 Riverwalk Way S., Noblesville, IN 46062) Margie Hunt (c/o Mark Hunt, 760 S. 9th St., Noblesville 46060, phone 674-8894) Ruby Fetty (610 S. Pearl Street, Cicero, IN 46034) Tom & Anna Davis (The Lodge, Cabin #31, 1667 Sheridan Rd., Noblesville, IN, 46062 Doug Bures Our Country and its Leaders The Young family Our Missionaries & families Allegra and Ken Hibma Our Servicemen and Women & their families Kyle ONeill Thomas Richards Bill Nelson Owen Morey Gordon Robertson The Martin family Linda Williamson (Cancer Treatment) Don Swickert (cancer) Tyrll Hoopingarner Carl Hagg (Dan Grose brother) Sarah Peachey Connie Brown Bill Bales (Susan Petersons father) Grant Stafford Kathy Tate Ramone Turner, (four-year-old with seizure issues) Princess Spencer Leonard Lee (pancreatic cancer) and wife Mary (dear friend of Sherry Neavear) Melanie Gilmores father Mike is in intensive care with heart & lung problems. Doug Neff

Prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders.

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Away In The Basement

October 21, 2012 Doors Open: 12:00 noon Buffet at: 12:15 pm Coffee, tea, lemonade included - Desserts extra Curtain: 1:00 pm
As part of our 100 year anniversary in the building, we thought it would be fun to take a road trip to Beef and Boards on Laity Sunday. The price of $45 per seat may intimidate some of our folks and we want as many to at tend as possible. The thought is to set up a special fund for this that we can all give to during the next few months. The signup sheet is to just reserve a seat. If you reserve seats, we invite you to contribute an additional $1.00 per week minimum to the B&B fund for each seat reserved. By doing this, we would be able to collect $4000 by the time of the event and each person would only have to pay an additional $5.00 (based on 100 attending). This should be affordable for anyone. Just put B&B and the $ amount on your check. If you give electronically, then email cicerorice@gmail.com and we will see that your dollars are transferred. You can also give more to help others. You can designate this by putting OB&B and we will place undesignated giving into a miscellaneous fund to

Scouting News
February is the birthday of the Boy Scout Program in the United States. This February the Boy Scouts of America celebrate their 101st birthday. When I say the Boy Scout Program, I am not referring to just Boy Scouting, but the entire program which includes Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, Venturing and Exploring. Cicero United Methodist Church sponsors three parts of the program - Cub Scouting through Pack 103, Boy Scouting through Troop 103 and Venturing through Venture Crew 103. The Scouting Program at CUMC reaches young men from first grade through age 21 and young ladies from 8th grade through age 21. The Scouting Program is owned by Cicero United Methodist with the Boy Scouts of America providing support through the District and Council level. As Cicero United Methodist Church's representative to the Boy Scout Program, I am responsible to see that there are committees for each unit, as well as qualified leaders for each unit. We are very fortunate to have very active and qualified leaders for each unit. I am proud of the fact that we at Cicero UMC have chosen to adopt the Scouting Program as a ministry to the youth of this area. I have many great memories from my days as a Scout and feel very strongly about the quality of the program. I thank you for this opportunity for me to give back to the program as those adults who mentored me gave of their time. You are always welcome to any of our Units meetings or activities to see Scouting in action. On behalf of the Scouts and Scouters involved in the Scouting Program - Cubs, Scouts & Crew - thank you for supporting Scouting in the Cicero area. Dennis Schrumpf, Chartered Partner Representative

WEBSITE NEWS
Webmaster, Dan Grose, will place your event on our website. Please provide all the details of the event along with contact information. Photos, web-links, etc., may also be included. Place your information in the WEBSITE MAILBOX at the church, call him at 317-606-8310, or e-mail it to: grosechef@gmail.com Please allow 7 days for Dan to enter information on the website. The church Facebook link is as follows: http://www.facebook.com/pages/ manage/#!/pages/Cicero-IN/Cicero-United-Methodist-Church/300048687866

Please check out our new website. . . . www.ciceroumc.org

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Finance Committee February 2012

2 Corinthians 9:7 - New Living Translation (NLT) 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And dont give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. It also helps if you can process the cheerful gifts cheerfully. This is the goal of the finance committee as we greet this brand new year. I can share this comment, so far, so good. As I stated on January 15th, we have had successful processing of the payroll which has allowed our staff to experience direct deposit for the first time. We have also been able to process our check deposit directly to the bank from the church twice now. The challenge to our financial group is the need to update our internal procedures and controls. I have to thank them for their patience and dedication to do it more efficiently and economically Our duty is to protect your stewardship and to report back whether we have enough to meet our obligations. When it was decided we could eliminate giving envelopes, it was an effort to support the churchs quest to be more environmentally aware or green. I believe we have accomplished the first step. ACH, or electronic giving, is the second step. With this, we fill out one form and eliminate those weekly checks completely. This reduction of paper is a true gift to our children and grandchildren. Now that we have found this, it will be easy, yet secure, to manage. I definitely encourage you to try this. The truth of the matter is that the ACH giving is the same as writing a check. The only real difference is that the order to give weekly is entered into the computer once instead of repetitively. The process for the bank is the same. I believe this is why how we give was never mandated. God knew about all these improvements and the resistance to them. So God is ok with all styles of giving as long as these are willing gifts. My goal as Finance Chairperson this year is to support, not only changes, but also traditions.

2012 Mission Committees Proposed Penny Raiders and Special Offerings Beneficiaries
Feb 5 SPECIAL SUN. - Souper Bowl Sunday/Angels Attic Feb 26 PENNY RAIDERS - Local Compassion (gas cards) Mar 25 PENNY RAIDERS - Nothing But Nets / Imagine No Malaria Apr 22 PENNY RAIDERS - Birthright of Cicero Apr 29 5th SUNDAY - CUMC Compassion Fund May 27 PENNY RAIDERS - Batesland School, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation Jun 24 PENNY RAIDERS - Hope Family Care Center Jul 22 PENNY RAIDERS Uganda/Rose Martha Jul 29 5th SUNDAY - CUMC Compassion Fund Aug 26 PENNY RAIDERS Gas cards Sept 23 PENNY RAIDERS - Operation Christmas Child (info from Kerrie Ecker) Sept 30 5th SUNDAY - CUMC Compassion Fund Oct 28 PENNY RAIDERS - Holiday Sharing Nov 25 PENNY RAIDERS - Bishops Christmas Offering Dec 23 PENNY RAIDERS - Meals on Wheels Dec 30 5th SUNDAY - CUMC Compassion Fund WE ARE SEEKING SOMEONE FOR THE POSITION OF MISSION CHAIRPERPERSON. Susan Murphy, our present Mission Chairperson, will work with you to make the transition go smoothly.

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LETTER FROM UGANDA

Dear Rev. Byron and Mama Carol, My heartfelt greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus. I hope you had a wonderful time at Christmas. Thank you for all the support you extended to us in the year 2011. We pray that the Lord abundantly blesses you with His Grace, Love and Favor throughout the year 2012. I wanted to update you about our plans for 2012 at the Womens Centre. Following a meeting with some of the women with whom well be working, we observed that besides the piece of land for cultivation, currently, we have three rooms ready for use though not well furnished. Two of the rooms are lockable. Following our discussions, we resolved that for a start at the new premises: 1. We have the nursery school running in the morning hours since women can only at tend in the afternoon. 2. The women in the afternoons will train under the non-formal programme in craft making, mushroom growing, piggery, vegetable growing and growing of maize and beans. 3. If we must have poultry keeping, then we shall have it as an extension programme using one of our members premises and thus this member will be our host farmer. 4. As the rains come, we shall have to plant some trees including fruit trees. Bee keeping will be transferred to another site which we may acquire in future. Otherwise if the extension programme does well, then we shall get a host farmer among the members. 5. In case we realize some more funds, then we need a three-phase generator so that we introduce welding & metal fabrication for the youth and other interested women. 6. In the interim, we have to put up play materials for the children of the Nursery School. 7. Formal training will be taken on after creating more room for training. 8. The premises will be open for training with effect from 30th January 2012 following the Ministry of Education Calendar. With the funds you sent, I was able to deposit on the order for a Merry-go-round, make some posters and deposit on the signposts. More information will be sent to you as we go along. Thank you for your continued support and guidance. Rose

FREE CHILI SUPPER

February 4, 2012 - Time: 6:00 pm to 8 pm at

Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

at the Corner of Pearl and Neal Streets in Cicero, IN

FREE Chili Supper with delicious Desserts Join us for a fun evening and a free dinner. Free will offering will be collected to benefit the Sacred Heart of Jesus Food Pantry.

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Food for Thought

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
~Anne Bradstreet

Faith is a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.

~Kahlil Gibran

To love another person is to see the face of God.

~Lyrics from Les Miserables, Claude-Michel Schonberg

Refocus for Lent Give up complaining - focus on gratitude. Give up harsh judgments - think kind thoughts. Give up worry - trust God to provide. Give up discouragement - be full of hope. Give up bitterness - turn to forgiveness. Give up hatred - return good for evil. Give up anger - be more patient. Give up pettiness - become mature. Give up jealousy - pray for trust. Give up gossiping - control your tongue. Give up sin - turn to virtue. Give up giving up - persevere. ~Author unknown Old Enough to Serve

In a worship-committee meeting, much debate occurred about the minimum age for acolytes. If kids cant reach the pulpit to place the Bible, then they shouldnt be allowed to carry it, some said. Others complained that young participants didnt carry the cross straight enough or that their childish delight seemed irreverent. The conversation seemed to overshadow the central question: Who gets to serve? Does Gods calling have limits? Shouldnt our faithful, joyful hearts, not our talents or abilities, define the quality of our service? Perhaps we can learn from the child standing eagerly in the back of the sanctuary, clutching a Bible to his chest and asking, I help God? I dont want to be the one to tell him no.

PACK WELL
During Lent, as we focus on Christs journey to the cross, lets also examine the journey of our lives. The first task when leaving on any adventure is packing. What have you placed in your bag? Are you weighed down with temptations, self-doubt, money worries, relationship troubles? Have you overlooked any important items? Maybe your bag feels too empty for the challenges ahead. Remember to pack mercy, grace and forgiveness. Thanks to Easter, we know that our journey in Christ continues, even when the road becomes difficult. So as you prepare for Lent, carry with you the hope made possible by Jesus sacrifice on our behalf.
~Based on the Journey to Hope sermon series, www.rethinkchurch.org/lent

Walking with God

The essence of the Christian life is knowing God and walking with Him. Its about sticking with Him when the sky is blue and also when its filled with clouds or choked with smoke. Its about walking with the Lord through thick and thin, and pressing on through every heartache and trial that happens to come our way.
~Greg Laurie

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2012 CUMC LEADERSHIP

PRESCHOOL EDUCATION
Chairperson Dennis Lafferty Adult Ed. Monte Alexander Youth Dan Grose Rachel Sayers Jason Sayers Megan Green Marilyn Gerber Betty Hann

Chair: Lisa Rose Brad Hanni Margaret Smith Susan Peterson Byron Fritz

Director: Teachers:

Susan Adda Susan Adda Carrie Gschwind Assistants: Cassie Comforti

TRUSTEES
2012 Jerry Cook Tiffany Lafferty (Secy) 2013 Penny Patterson Paul Gibson (chair) Grant Stafford 2014 David Wallace (vice chair) Ann Sigler

MISSIONS
Chairperson Susan Murphy Angels Attic Su Simpson Birthright Lea Israel UMCOR Jo Kidwell Holidays Susan Murphy Fish Fry Susie Browning Uganda Craft Judy Mace Jen Dunbar, Karen Whitehead Pat Catron

LAY LEADERSHIP 2012 2013 2014 Jeannie Ecker Lea Israel Tammy Baitz Karen Rice Betty Hann Nadine Stafford Dennis Schrumpf Angie Jordan Sherry Neavear

FINANCE
Chairperson Finance Secy Asst Secy Treasurer Asst. Treasurer Karen Rice Janneane Veger Candy Riley Rusty Miller Matt Tebbe

HEALTH & WELFARE

Al Dupont Chris Osborn Carol Taylor Julie Ward

TECHNOLOGY
Chairperson Dan Grose Website Dan Grose Technicians Jay Dunbar, Matt Tebbe, Brent Harrison

WORSHIP
Chairperson Liturgist Altar Guild Choir Dir. Music/arts Music/arts Prayer Room Ushers Flowers Banners Susie Browning Karen Rice Marilyn Gerber Susie Browning Earline Gibson Sondra Fruth Bob Mann Bob Mann Jen Dunbar Peggy Spraker

2012 Loretta McDowell John Kidwell

STAFF PARISH 2013 2014 David Baitz Lonnie Whitehead Kerrie Ecker Mel Gilmore Jen Dunbar

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE Nancy Cook Karen Mann Sarah Peachey

Chair: Jeannie Ecker LOL: Sandy Alexander Kip & Rosie Lewis Ed Catron

OUTREACH Welcome: Joe Veger Alicia Berridge Chris Miller Mike Murphy Peggy Richards Jane Morton Darlene Hall Nadine Stafford

Evelyn Schrumpf Doug & Linda Neff Mary Johnson

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN - 2011

Naomi Circle (meet in evenings)

President Vice President - Su Simpson

Secretary - Jeannie Ecker Treasurer - Jo Kidwell

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2012 LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY CHURCH COUNCIL

Pastor Church Council Chair Trustees Education Worship Lay Leader Lay Delegate to Annual Conf. Membership Secretary Missions Staff Parish Treasurer Finance Chair Financial Secretary UMW / Naomi Circle Preschool Scout Coordinator Recording Secretary for Church Council Rev. Byron Fritz Dennis Schrumpf Paul Gibson Dennis Lafferty Susie Browning Dennis Schrumpf Mike Murphy Janneane Veger Susan Murphy Jen Dunbar Rusty Miller Karen Rice Janneane Veger Karen Mann Margaret Smith Dennis Schrumpf Nancy Hartley

Share Jesus without Fear Feb. 7, 14, 21 7:00 pm

When we think about witnessing to someone our heart beats fast, and your mouth goes dry. Why because many times we are trying it without Gods lead. This study will help us to approach people in a kind, gentle and non- judgmental manner. We will learn the five share Jesus questions, seven basic scriptures, ten questions to ask a new believer and responses to common objections. Most importantly we will learn to wait upon God and be and open and obedient servant for the kingdom of God. Come join us for a wonderful time of fellowship and growth in your faith.

This number appears many times in Scripture, often indicating a time of trial or testing, or simply marking something significant. It rained 40 days and nights during the Great Flood. Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. Jesus fasted for 40 days and was with the disciples for 40 days between his resurrection and ascension. Taking this symbolic number to heart, the Christian church has long observed 40 days of Lent (not counting Sundays).

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G O D IS SO G O O D
Humorous Incidents
BOY: Must have been lonely on Noahs ark! SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER: Couldnt they have done a lot fishing? BOY: Whatwith two worms?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

During Jesus time in the wilderness after his baptism, Satan tempted Him to do three things. Which of the following was not one of the temptations? A. To change water into wine so wedding guests would know he was Gods Son B. To throw himself down from the top of the temple, expecting angels to save him C. To turn stones into bread to satisfy his hunger D. To worship Satan in order to gain all the Worlds kingdoms (See Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13.)

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, What do we learn from the story of Jonah? An eight-year-old put up his hand. Travel by air, he said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A boy of four was warned by his slightly older sister that he wouldnt be allowed to talk in church. They just wont let you say a word, she said. Who wont? the boy asked. Came the reply, The hushers!

2012
Sun
Feb. 2nd 1 6-7:30 L.O.L. & The Dog Park 7:30 Choir

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu
2 9:00 Tri-Town Ministerial 6:30 Disciple II Bible Study 7:00 Naomi Circle 9 6:30 Disciple II Bible Study

Fri

Sat

3 Rollin Church Social 7:00 pm at Coopers Stardust Bowl

4 Free Chili Supper 6-8:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church

5 Offering for Antels Attic 3:00 Youth Group Meets 3:00 Disciple I Bible Study

6 6:30 Boy Scout Troop 7:00 CUMC Emmaus Prayer Meeting 7:00 Share Jesus Without Fear Bible Study 13 6:00 Webelos Scout Den Meeting 6:30 Boy Scout Troop 7:00 Share Jesus Without Fear Bible Study 20 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 6:30 Boy Scout Troop 7:00 Share Jesus Without Fear Bible Study 27 6:00 Webelos Scout Den Meeting 6:30 Boy Scout Troop 7:00 Tiger Cub Den Mtg 14 7:00 Share Jesus Study

7 7:00 Share Jesus Study

8 6-7:30 L.O.L. & The Dog Park 7:30 Choir 15 6-7:30 L.O.L. & The Dog Park 7:00 Troop Adult Leaders Meeting 7:30 Choir

10

11 United Methodist Mens Lenten Breakfast

12 Boy Scout Sunday FELLOWSHIP MEAL 3:00 Youth Group Meets 3:00 Disciple I Bible Study 19 1:00 Set up for Cub Scout Blue & Gold Banquet 5:00 Cub Scout Banquet 3:00 Youth Group Meets 3:00 Disciple I Bible Study 26 PENNY RAIDERS Local Compassion/gas cards Angels Attic) 3:00 Youth Group Meets 3:00 Disciple I Bible Study

16 6:30 Disciple II Bible Study

Kairos 21 7: 00 Share Jesus Study 22 6-7:30 L.O.L. & The Dog Park 7:30 Choir 28 Feb. 19th Feb. 20th 23 6:30 Disciple II Bible Study

17 Rollin Church Social 7:00 p.m. at Coopers Stardust Bowl Kairos 24

18

Chrysalis Weekend Kairos Weekend

25

6 pm Venture Crew Lock-in until 10 am Saturday

Feb. 22nd

Feb. 26th

February 2012 Cicero United Methodist Church P. O. Box 617 100 E. Jackson Street Cicero, IN 46034 PASTOR Byron Fritz 1-317-440-1391

Phone: (317)984-4971 Fax: (317)984-4971 Website: www.ciceroumc.org Email: ciceroumc4u@gmail.com

Address Service Requested Want on or off the mailing list? Call (317)984-4971

Gods Valentine Gift Gods Valentine gift of love to us Was not a bunch of flowers; It wasnt candy, or a book To while away the hours. His gift was to become a man, So He could freely give His sacrificial love for us, So you and I could live. He gave us sweet salvation, and Instruction, good and true-To love our friends and enemies And love our Savior, too. So as we give our Valentines, Lets thank our Lord and King; The reason we have love to give Is that He gave everything.
By Joanna Fuchs