Nearly Christmas!

Here we are a week before Christmas and I have lots of random thoughts to share. First, last Sunday night our church musical groups performed a concert for anyone who wanted to hear the good news of Jesus coming into our world. It included lots of variety and was fun to do. I was told by many that it really was one of the ways they got into the "real" Christmas spirit. Christian music does that for a large number of people...including me. I was "touched" by some of the music and some of the words as well. The "King of Kings" is coming into the world as a poor little baby. This little baby would change the world for the rest of eternity! He would tell us how to live. He would tell us how to treat one another. He would show us how to share His love. How blessed we are to know Christ! It is my wish that in some small way I can lead others to this loving Saviour. I hope you will too.

This week, Wayne Johnson, father of Chris Johnson, transitioned into heaven. His family and friends will grieve and mourn his loss. Dorothy Kuhns also landed softly into the loving arms of our Lord. Her husband, Dick, longtime member of NPUMC, and all of her family will be saddened by her passing. Shouldn't we in some way be rejoicing? Shouldn't we remember that because of the birth, death, and resurection of Jesus, we have the promise of heaven. We have the promise of eternity. We are promised no more pain, no more suffering, and His comforting touch forevermore! God is good and His blessings endure forever!

In just a few days the hustle and bustle of the Christmas and New Year will be behind us. Will we forget "That Little Baby?" I hope not. Please, take some time next week and every week to be reminded of the blessed one who came to us as a little baby and became "King of Kings!"

May the perfect peace that comes only from knowing Christ be with you now and into the new year!

In His Service,

Roger

BE THANKFUL!

This is Thanksgiving week. The celebration Americans have the 4th Thursday of November each year is one that might not have been. The early settlers were hungry, tired and unsure of what the future might bring. They were in a strange and wild land. As unusual as it seemed, a group of native Americans with red colored skins helped them to plant crops for food. Now the harvest was in and these newcomers to this strange new world wanted to celebrate with a feast. So, being God fearing people, these "Pilgrims" invited these native Americans to share the bounty with them. The two groups ate, drank and celebrated together. Then they ALL thanked a greater power for their blessings. Had God not sent these new friends to help, most of the settlers may have perished in this harsh land. But...God is good and He is always with us. At this time and throughout the year, we all need to remember that no matter what the circumstances of our lives are at present, God is there for us. He deserves to be praised for His amazing love and care for us. So as we sit down to a meal this Thanksgiving, let us all recognize the greatness of our Lord. Let us all be thankful. Let us all find peace in the knowledge that He will always be with us!

Chili Cook Off 2013

The annual Chili Cook-Off was held this evening raising money for the United Methodist Mens group and the Youth/Childrens' group. There were 30, count 'em, THIRTY chilis to taste and eat. Probably 300 or more people were on hand for the event in the Community Ministry Center. While there were many NPUMC members present, there were many, many other friends there too. The silent and live auctions were a big hit. Many folks competed for the donated prizes. There was good food, many desserts, fun, and prizes. Many thanks and gratitude to the multitude of volunteer workers who provided food, desserts, and their time. I made my "World Famous Calico Bean Chili" and it was a big hit. I tasted about 10 others...all that were very good. While I didn't win anything, the Youth and Men's group won friends and lots of money to support their activities for the coming year. If you didn't make it this year, mark the date and don't miss next time!

Chili Chef winners include: Crystal Poor, Justin Stirm, Billy Clark and Pam Eccles.

A Great Week End

Yesterday was Sunday, the first day of our Christian week, according to Judeo-Christian traditions. It was a sunny and moderately warm fall day. Most of the leaves were off the trees and the air was crisp and cool. But more than all that we had a wonderful celebration in worship. Pastor Mark gave a beautiful tribute to those "saints" who have gone on before us. Names of many friends and family that have recently transitioned into heaven were read and for each name a bell rang out. I thought it was a fine remembrance of our fallen "saints." Then later (too late for me) the Colts completed an amazing comeback win. It was a great day!

Next Sunday, we'll honor all of our veterans during worship service as Monday will be Veterans Day. Our great country would not be so great without thousands of patriots who served their country. We should never forget these brave and selfless friends.

May God be with you this week!!!

Fellowship Dinner

Last night we had our September Fellowship Dinner. Over forty members of our NPUMC family were in attendance. We had good food, good fellowship, and lots of prayers for our members in need. A good meal and a good time was had by all.
We also had several folks carry food out to friends who couldn't make it to church. Our Fellowship Dinners are a true blessing to those who attend.....and a few more!

I Have Been Busy

OK, OK, OK...I have been neglecting my blog! You are so right. While I enjoy publisizing the good news of our NPUMC Caring Ministry, the blog seems to go "on the back burner" when funerals, hospitalizations, surgeries, and rehabilitations are pressing. We at NPUMC are blessed to have a new pastor who is a "go getter." Pastor Mark,as he likes to be called, has gone with me to visit, he's attended the Monday prayer breakfast, and now he is actively holding Moments with Mark sessions to get to know our church family better. I am glad to support Pastor Mark in his ministry in any way I can. This month has been busy and wild for me. We have had three deaths, nine surgeries, and four people going into rehab centers. This kind of a month consumes me and I neglect this blog. Sorry, I'll try to do better.

A Week for Mourning/Celebrating

This past week our church saw several of our members and family members pass from this earth. We mourn the loss of them but know that as it says in Romans 8:38-39, "Nothing can keep us from the love of God through Jesus Christ."
We are saddened to say farewell to Francis Kissell. She was 94 years young, could recite all the Bible, and was my personal hero. She was amazingly sharp and had a wonderful, happy spirit. We also lost Mike Proffitt's father. Most of us didn't know him but we mourn for Mike and his family. Landis Bussell passed away way too soon and his family will need our support and prayers. His grandparents, Ed and Danna Hough, are good friends. His mother, Edie, and Step-dad Tim Horan are special people, too. We all share the sadness of the loss of Landis. We also said "until we meet again" to Jim Barrett, son of John and Marge and brother of Randy and Julie. Jim was a solitary soul but knew the Lord. Our prayers go out to all these families as we all know how hard it is to lose a loved one.
In our suffering and loss, we also must remember to celebrate the time God gave us with these, our beloved family members. We must trust in Jesus and call on him to help us remember and cherish the great times we had with these...His new angels! God laughs with us, cries with us, works with us and knows all our emotions. He is the way to heaven. He is our peace. Before He left us He promised a gift of His peace. I pray that you all know the Peace only Christ can give.

IHS,

Roger

End of the line!

Congratulations to Bruce and Martha Haynes! They both have decided to retire this year from excellent careers in education. Bruce taught and coached at New Palestine for many years and has been a wonderful example for both teachers and students. He will be greatly missed at NPHS but I wish him well in his retirement. Martha has been a physical education teacher in Greenfield. She has been a fantastic leader of young people. Thanks to Bruce and Martha for their many years of dedication to kids in the Greenfield-New Palestine area. While they are at the end of the line in their educational careers, they are looking forward to new challenges in retirement...mostly spoiling their grand children!

Busy Times

I haven't blogged recently but lots is going on at NPUMC. I met our new minister Mark Wesler and his lovely wife, Brenda. They will be coming aboard in July. I think they will be well liked and I hope everyone will help them make a smooth transition as they make a new start in New Palestine. JT has been such a good friend and although I'll miss him, I plan to keep in touch.

Our Worship Department is working very hard to secure a new Minister of Music for church. We have been and are in a transitional period so there are many challenges.

I have been quite busy at home since we had serious hail damage last week. While it must be done, dealing with insurance companies, adjusters, and contractors is a pain. My truck looks like someone dropped a five gallon bucket full of shooter marbles on it. My swimming pool fence looks like swiss cheese. We have window, roof, gutter and downspout damage so we're going to be busy!

I hope your house fared better!

In HIS Service,

Roger

God Receives Another Angel

The NPUMC family lost another angel to heaven this week. Our good friend with the non-stop smile, Marcia Rehfus went to be with her Lord Tuesday, April 2. She will be remembered for her positive spirit and her love of family. Share with me in grieving our loss. Please keep her husband of 47 years, Bob, and his family in your prayers!

In His Service,

Roger





Marcia Kay Rehfus

age 66, of New Palestine, passed away April 2, 2013 peacefully at home. Marcia was adopted along with her twin brother (Michael Jay) by Charles and Mary C. Garrison in Indianapolis in 1946. She graduated from Lawrence Central High School and attended Indiana University. Marcia married Robert F. Rehfus, August 22, 1965. They had three children, Stephanie Haywood, Michael (Beatrice) Rehfus, James (Angela) Rehfus. Marcia has five grandchildren, Heather, Emily, Garrison, Alexander, and Miranda. Marcia was employed 31 years with Architectural Brick & Tile before retirement in 2010. Marcia was a 25 year member of the Englewood Eastern Star (OES) and was past matron and current secretary. Marcia enjoyed attending functions with OES and spending time with her oldest daughter, Stephanie. Marcia enjoyed going away on vacation and traveling with her husband Robert of 47 years. They have been on several vacations and often traveled with their longtime friends John and Robbie Taylor. Marcia also made several trips each year to Alabama to see sisters Phyllis and Deloris who she located in 1990. Marcia was preceded in death by her mother, father, birth mother, twin brother, and a son.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 4-8 PM at Flanner and Buchanan - Memorial Park, 9350 East Washington Street. There will be an Eastern Star service at 7:00 PM Thursday evening. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 1848, Longmont, Colorado, 80502 or to the American Cancer Society. To share a memory, please visit http://www.flannerbuchanan.com.




.
Published in the The Indianapolis Star on April 4, 2013

Baptism at NPUMC

Today at NPUMC we welcomed four new members to our family of faith through baptism. They included Charles Srafin, Ken, Luke, and Eric Ely. As a community of faith, it is our responsibility to help these folks new to our Christian family to feel comfortable here. It is our chance to challenge them to work for the Lord by getting involved in as many ways as they are comfortable. WELCOME GUYS!

Happy Valentines Day!

Over 20 NPUMC members who might not have received a valentine wish thanks to the efforts of Mary Ann Crisman and the kids at church last week. Not only did they make Valentines for their family members but also for their "church family." It was a great joy for me and all the recipients as they opened hand made and decorated cards from "our" kids at NPUMC. The cards were very much appreciated and brought a smile to many faces. Thank you kids and Mary Ann!

Barnabas Lives at NPUMC

Barnabas was a disciple who nurtured his flock. He was a great encourager. At NPUMC, I am proud to be a part of the members who serve others. Many, many of our members are now serving as "caring ministers" calling on the sick, sending cards, or making phone calls encouraging those who need us. We always get as much back as we give. When we serve the needs of others, we too are brought to a closer relationship with our God. I challenge you to join with us in this "Barnabas" effort.

Right now, anyone on our published "Barnabas" List needs us...and YOU!
Special encouragement is needed for:

Charles and Diane Marling - Charles just had heart surgery

Jack and Jean Zerkel - Jack has been in and out of the hospital for over a year

Les and Ila Mae Slinker - Ila lost a brother and sister last week and they are caring for their son Jeff who has cancer

Ginny Brosier is rehabbing at Cypress Run in Morristown


It is a joy to have God in our lives...He sends us to act on His behalf...Be a Barnabas!


In His Service,

Roger

Open my eyes, Lord!

‎"You must first remove the plank from your eye...Matthew 7:5" A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. "That laundry is not very clean; she doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap." Her husband looks on, remaining silent. Every time her neighbor hangs her wash to dry, the young woman makes the same comments. A month later, the woman is surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and says to her husband: "Look, she's finally learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this? " The husband replies, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows." And so it is with life... What we see when watching others depends on the clarity of the window through which we look. This was such a good message, I want everyone to see it! In His Service, Roger

More Barnabas's

In 2010, I started having our church secretaries publish a "Barnabas" list each month. They put it in the church newsletter both online and in print. These are the names of our Christian friends who have celebrations, losses, health issues, or just need encouragement. Since those first lists more and more NPUMC members are showing their Christian love for these folks. More people are visiting the sick, sending cards of encouragement, and calling their brothers and sisters in Christ. It was rewarding to hear how Nancy Collier went out to visit and cheer up Ginny Brosier who is rehabing a broken hip at Cypress Run in Morristown. We all are called to be "ministers" in our faith. We all have a responsiblilty to our family in Christ. It is a great celebration to know that we are truly allowing God to send us out to do His work...to comfort, to encourage, to pray! I am sure God is smiling when He sees His will being done! In His Service, Roger

Happy New Year

Happy New Year! It will be a happy new year if we are in a Christian attitude. We can all bemoan our troubles. We can get mad at others who we feel mistreated us. We can hold onto deceptions. Satan really is living it up when he sees us behaving like this. Jesus says, "Love your enemies." "Be kind to those who would do you harm." "Love,trust,believe, share..." Lord, I thank you for sending me wonderful friends who love, support, and encourage me in my Christian walk with you. Help me to persevere, stay strong, and never give up. May you use me to speak loving Words of Truth into the lives of others. I love you with all my heart! Amen In life, we are born, we love, we lose, we laugh, and we die. Some things, like losing and dying, we do not have a choice about. But we do have a choice, to love, and keep on laughing. Author Unknown