Published: October 03, 2008 11:45 pm            

Church briefs: Oct. 4, 2008

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Terre Haute’s St. Stephen’s Episcopal

Services Sunday in the historic church at 217 N. Seventh St. includes Eucharists at 8 and 10 a.m. Church school starts at 9 a.m. The children’s nursery opens at 9:45.

After both services, join us in the Great Hall for camaraderie, coffee and conversation.

For more details, visit www.st-stephens-th.org or call (812) 232-5165 Tuesday through Friday.

Indiana Major State Day DVDs are now available in the Great Hall. There are two DVDs in the set. Disk 1 contains two photo albums: one is courtesy of Lisa Helfert and the Washington National Cathedral, the other is courtesy of our own James Willis. The second DVD is a video of the entire Indiana Major State Day service including the Vigo County choir performance. You may select either or both DVDs.

Thanks to Craig McKee for providing the service disk and the photos from Lisa Helfert. There is no charge for the disks, but consider making a donation to the Washington National Cathedral. Quantities are limited — one set per family.



Saints Home Church of God in Christ

The church will have a “Pastor’s and Wife” Anniversary Service on Sunday. This will be to honor Bishop Mark H. Blade and Mother Dorothy M.O. Blade for their 47 years of service in the ministry. The speaker will be pastor Samuel Diggins of South Bend. The service will begin at noon. There will be no admission charge, however a free-will offering will be taken. The members of Saint’s Home extend an invitation to the public to join us.

The church is at 2210 N. 13th St. For more information, call the church at (812) 232-3283.



Blessed Hope Baptist

Harvest Days have come to Blessed Hope Baptist Church. There is a special Sunday planned every week for the month of October. This Sunday will kick off Harvest Days with “I Love the Bus Ministry” Oct. 12th is “TNT” (Teens Need Truth) Sunday and will kick off our Youth Alive ‘08 Conference, which will continue nightly through the 15th. Oct. 19 is “Friends and Family” Sunday. Blessed Hope will conclude this month of special Sundays with “Red, White, and Blue” Sunday as we take this Sunday to honor our police, firefighters and EMTs. We hope that you can join us for one or all of these special Sundays.

The church is south of Jasonville on Indiana 59. Times of services are Sunday school at 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning preaching at 10:30, Sunday and Wednesday evening at 7. For more information, visit the church on Route 1 in Jasonville or call the church office at (812) 665-3282.



Unity Presbyterian

Worship service at 1207 E. Springhill Drive is at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome. Celebrating World Communion Sunday and Peacemaking Offering. Pastor Linda Peters’ sermon is “Yearning for a Righteous World” from Philippians 3:4-9 and Matthew 21:33-46. Several congregations in Terre Haute will sing “We Come to This Table” to celebrate World Communion Sunday. Amie Ellison is our choir director, Andrea Marlow is our organist. Choir rehearsal is at 7 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. Sundays.

Every Thursday evening we invite you to our Praise and Potluck: Praise at 6 with dinner at 6:30.

The church office can be reached (812) 299-2206; our Web site at www.unityth.com.

If you or someone you know needs food, call the Salvation Army or the church office.



Berean Baptist

The 9:30 Bible Study Hour features pastor Larry Lilly teaching an insightful lesson in the Auditorium Bible Class. This class is for adults and Lilly will teach as time and preparations for the Forgiven Trio permits. Lauren Lopez will teach the junior class with a Bible lesson designed to mold young lives for Christ. The teen class will leave the church at 9:20 for its lesson at Burger King. This class for teens has developed into a very enlightening time as the teens ask questions — often very personal — and get solid answers from the Scriptures.

The 10:30 preaching hour will feature a brief message from Lilly and a gospel concert by the Forgiven Trio. The Forgiven Trio is made up of Cloid and Debbie Baker and the newest member, Chris Little. This deeply spiritual singing group has national credentials and is highly recommended by Lily Weatherford, Scott and Becky Wiley of the Gospel Barn in Michigan, and the nationally broadcast Phipps Gospel Sing. Forgiven has performed for the Lord in some of the largest venues in the United States. Admission is free as seating is available.

At 6, Lilly will begin a series titled, “What I Believe and Why.” This is the first in a series of essential Christian beliefs with a detailed statement and insightful reasons for belief. This Sunday evening, the first message is simply, “God Is: Why I Believe.” Pastor Lilly will use the Scripture to show why a strong faith in God is not only possible, but enjoyable in this so called “Post Christian Era.”

Charlie Davis will present special music. The church is at 6770 N. Clinton St.



Central Presbyterian

The church (125 N. Seventh St.) will gather Sunday for traditional worship at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Davis’ sermon, “Law and Grace,” will be based on Exodus 20:1-21, the Ten Commandments. On this World Communion Sunday, the Lord’s Supper will be served, and we will receive our annual Peacemaking Offering. At 9 a.m. the Mission Committee will provide a continental breakfast and will sponsor a mission fair highlighting missions supported by the church. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:30 a.m. A time of light refreshment and conversation follows immediately after the worship service, downstairs in Fellowship Hall. Nursery care is provided. On Tuesday, the first “Super Tuesday” program will be presented: “Faith & Politics: What to Think?” This session will introduce the series, which continues through the national presidential election and will include meetings as well as online forums. The series will facilitate personal reflection and a prayerful exploration of political ideals within a framework of Christian values. A light supper will be served at 5:15 p.m., followed by a brief devotional at 6, and then by a program from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. For children younger than middle-school age, separate related classes will be offered. Child care will be available for infants and toddlers. For more details, call the church office at (812) 232-5049 or visit www.thcpc.org.



Prairie Park Baptist

The church will observe a Homecoming Celebration on Oct. 11 and 12. On Oct. 11, we will have our annual Chili Cook-off at 5 p.m. Various church members and guests will enter their chilis in the contest. A hayride will follow in the evening. At 10:40 a.m. Oct. 12, the Rev. Matt McQueen, associate pastor from Highland Parks Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., will deliver the Homecoming Message. McQueen is a former member of Prairie Park and graduated from the Billy Graham School of Evangelism at Southern Seminary. He is married to the former Greta Lanier and they have one daughter, Emina Kate. For more information, call the Rev. Allen McQueen at (812) 299-9483. The church is just south of the federal prison at 7140 S. State Road 63.



Smith Park United Methodist

The congregation at the church invite you to share in Holy Communion Sunday at the 9 a.m. worship service. During the sermon, Pastor Ed Gladish will explore the third vineyard parable based on Matthew 21: 33-46. Traditional hymns and praise choruses will blend into a joyful worship experience. Sunday school follows the worship service.

Children grades K-6 meet at 4 p.m. Wednesday. “The church that cares” is at 1512 N. Smith Place, north of West Terre Haute on Ferguson Hill.



Shiloh Missionary Baptist

The church family will celebrate our 76th Church Anniversary at 3 p.m. Sunday. Our guest minister will be the Rev. Clarence Tyler and the Highland Missionary Baptist Church family. The public is invited to come help us praise the Lord.



United Methodist Temple

Traditional worship begins at 8:45 a.m., followed by Sunday school for all ages at 10, and contemporary worship at 11.

Pastor Alan Rumble will preach from the book of 2 Corinthians 9:11 Titled “Extravagant Generosity.”

This week, Merry Methodist will present the children’s message.

Kids Own Worship is a worship program for children age 4 through third grade. Children will be dismissed from the sanctuary after the Children’s Message to attend Kids Own Worship.

Child care in the nursery will be provided for both worship services and Sunday school.

We are collecting food to assist the families of the 14th and Chestnut Community Center. All donations many be dropped off in the Narthex in the barrels.

If you need a ride to church, call the church office 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and leave a message at extension No. 10.

Join us for Sunday school at 10 a.m. We offer classes for all ages. Join our youth fellowship at 5:30 Sunday evenings — for youth in middle and high schools. We have many activities scheduled for this time.

For more information, visit www.terrehauteumtemple.org, e-mail thumt@verizon.net or call (812) 299-1898.



Centenary United Methodist

The congregation of Centenary, at 301 N. Seventh St. in Terre Haute's Arts Corridor and adjacent to Indiana State University, welcomes you to our beautiful 134-year-old church. Before Sunday’s service, a free-will breakfast of pancakes and sausages with beverages will be served to benefit an Indiana State University student who is an accident victim. The breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 8 to 9:15 a.m. We also invite you to worship with us in our “Prayer and Praise Time” at 9 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., hear the Rev. Paul Wagner preach on “Radical Hospitality” and listen to Bill Cain’s organ mastery and the chancel choir, directed by Scott Buchanan, singing “Behold the Lamb” (a Communion anthem). Refreshments and fellowship time follow the worship service from 10:30 to 10:45 a.m. Sunday school classes are offered for all age groups and nursery care is provided. At 10:45 a.m., Brian Royer will teach and lead discussion in the Adult Friendship Class on “Empowered to be a Community” (Acts 2: 1-17); Steve Hardin and the Rev. Phyllis Peters will lead discussion on “Christian Response to Poverty” in the College Age Class; the Sojourner Class will discuss “The Fifth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Kill”; and the Rev. Wagner will lead the study of Chapter 6 in the 1st Letter of John in the Pastor’s Class. The church’s Seventh Street entrance is handicapped accessible and ample parking is available behind the church. Also, consider joining our “Prayer and Meditation Time” from 11 a.m. to noon Thursdays.

Chancel choir rehearsals are at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays and Handbell Choir rehearsals, directed by Jennifer Shuck, follow at 7:30. For information about Sunday school, special music events and participation opportunities, call the church office any day, at (812) 232-2319.



Central Christian Disciples of Christ

On Sunday, the Christian Women’s Fellowship of the church will sponsor a pancake breakfast prior to the worship service. Proceeds from the breakfast will go toward expenses to attend the Disciples Women Quadrennial Assembly.

Our worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m. and include a children’s moment led by the Rev. Rebecca Zelensky. Children (and adults) of all ages are invited to participate. Communion is served every Sunday, and all believers are invited to partake. This week we celebrate World Communion Sunday with Christians all over the world. A special offering will be collected and dedicated for our Reconciliation Ministry. Worship will be followed by a fellowship time with drinks and doughnuts. Join us at 4950 E. Wabash Ave.

We are in the midst of our Fall Stewardship Campaign and Celebration, ”Living The Vision,” and this will be lifted up in worship each Sunday this month.

Sunday school will begin at 11 a.m. Classes are offered for all ages. Zelensky is leading our adult Cornerstone Class in a new series, “Living the Questions.” This series will include video presentations, handouts and discussions. Nursery care is provided during worship and Sunday school.

In conjunction with our Regional Assembly, we have been collecting items for Trinity Health Center for Infants and Children. This is the final Sunday as they will be taken to the Regional Assembly on Oct. 10-11 at Purdue University.

A Book Club Discussion Group is meeting weekly to discuss “Lamb,” written by Christopher Moore. The group meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays in the church.The church office or our minister can be reached at (812) 877-9959. Our church Web site is www.cccthdisciples.org.



Maple Avenue United Methodist

Worship services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Monty Barker invites you to hear this week’s sermon titled “Is he Speaking of Us?” with Scripture lessons Philippians 3:4b-14 & Matthew 21:33-46. Favorite hymns as well as contemporary praise choruses will be sung. At the 10:30 service, the children’s sermon will be given and an anthem will be sung by the Maple Avenue Chancel Choir. Adult Sunday school fellowship is at 9:30 a.m. and the children’s Sunday school will meet during the 10:30 service. Nursery care is provided during the 10:30 service in our beautiful nursery. Pick up Jonah Fish Fry tickets in the church during office hours. The fry will be 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18. Everyone is welcome. For more information on the church and its programs, visit www.gbgm-umc.org/maple_ave_umc/ or call (812) 232-7263.



First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Terre Haute

9:15 a.m. Sunday — “The New Spirituality in America” will be the topic of the Rationalist Free Thinking Discussion Group, which includes members of the congregation as well as members of the community. The group discusses current socio-political events and trends.

Also at 9:15 a.m. Sunday — The Wisdom Circle will meet in the educational wing.

Also on Sunday, “Naval Gazing: Reflections on Navy Chaplaincy,” the Rev. Bev Roddy – Will Barratt. Roddy will speak about her experiences during a 20-year career in uniform.

Roddy is a retired Navy chaplain and has ministered at Rockville Correctional Facility for more than 10 years. She was ordained through the international Council of Community Churches after earning a master of divinity from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif. Over the years, she has received additional expertise in ministering to those struggling with chemical dependency and domestic violence.

For more details, stop by the church at 1875 Fruitridge Ave., visit www.terrehauteuu.org or call (812) 232-1193.



St. George’s Episcopal

Today is St. George’s day to volunteer at The Helping Hands Store in West Terre Haute on U.S. 40, just east of the West Vigo IGA.

The Rev. Jack Brockman, retired priest from St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Plainfield, will be Sunday’s Christian Education leader as well as celebrant for Holy Eucharist, Rite II. This will be Brockman’s first visit to St. George’s and as is St. George’s custom, the Christian Education topic for “newcomers” is be “My Faith Journey.” Adult Christian Education is from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. in Taylor Hall.

The first Sunday in October celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, and Brockman will lead St. George’s in a new tradition — Blessing of the (Stuffed) Animals. After the Nicene Creed and before the Prayers of the People, the congregation, young and not so young, may bring stuffed animals or photographs to represent their pets. Brockman will bless the representations with a special collective prayer. Holy Eucharist begins at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary.

St. George’s Episcopal Church, “the friendly little church on the hill,” is at 1337 N. Smith Place (on Ferguson Hill), West Terre Haute. For more information, contact Kelly Hammonds, bishop’s warden, (217) 826-5439; kellyjo829@yahoo.com or go to www.stgeorgeswth.indydio.org.

Brockman attended the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Mass., and was received into the Diocese of New Hampshire by Bishop Douglas Theurner. He has served at St. John’s, Portsmouth, N.H.; St. Mark’s, Perryville, Md.; and St. John’s, Crawfordsville, before retiring this June.

Coffee hour with food and fellowship follows the service. All are welcome to attend all services.



Memorial United Methodist

The church is at 2701 Poplar St. At 8 a.m. Sunday, Partners in Prayer meet in the chapel with the pastors to pray for their work with the church and for their personal and professional needs.

At 8:45 a.m., the public is invited to join us for our traditional service. This week, the Scripture will be Exodus 2:1-17. The Rev. Scott Johnson’s sermon will be: “Removing the Ten Commandments.” How many of the 10 commandments can you name? Start now … you have 60 seconds. Struggling? Unsure? Forget? A recent survey shows that we know more titles of Harry Potter books than commandments. It also showed we know a higher percentage of state capitals than commandments. We are outraged at the fact that our country takes the 10 Commandments out of courtrooms and hallways, but who removed them from our memory? Our lives?

Fellowship and coffee time is 9:45 to 10 a.m. At 10, Sunday school begins for all ages. Casual service is at 11 a.m. If you missed the early one, join us for this one.



First Congregational

The church, 630 Ohio St., invites you to join our Sunday morning worship services. There are two services, a quiet service of prayers and brief homily at 8:30 a.m. and, at 10:30, a traditional service with choir, children’s Sunday school and staffed nursery.

The Rev. Don Mullen continues his four-week series titled God’s Free People: the Spirit of God. This week, he will speak about the Sacrament and its meaning for “God's Free People.” And, with Congregational churches and other Christians around this nation and the world, plan to join us in celebration of World Wide Communion Sunday.



The First Spiritualist

Pastor Karen Buchholz invites you to join us in the celebration of the communication with God and the good souls on the other side. Our church has been active in this community for over 25 years. We invite everyone who believes that God spoke in the Bible and continues to communicate with us today. Services are at 10:30 a.m. with traditional hymns, sermons of the Bible, healing circles and messages. Classes will start on Sundays after service and on the fourth Sunday, we have a pitch-in supper after service.

A special event coming up is a Fall Psychic Fair. It takes place 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 11. There will be multiple readers, hands-on healings, lectures, and we will have candles and essential oils for purchase. Admission is free and readings are only $20 for 15 minutes. Half the proceeds are going toward future events for the church.

The church is at 1120 Sixth Ave. Contact Suzy for more information at (812) 232-5758 or (812) 243-2670.



First Baptist

Traditional worship is at 9 a.m. and an informal service at 11:15. This Sunday, the Rev. Bernie Jackson will begin a four-part sermon series titled “Blessed be the Lord God” and the topic for this week is “Hannah’s Song,” with Scripture text from 1 Samuel 2:1-11. Music will be presented at the first service by The Youth Bell Choir and The Sanctuary Choir anthem will be “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need,” arranged by Mack Wilberg. Instrumental music for flute and oboe will be presented at both services by Jackie Reeves and Valli Howard. Children’s church, for grades K-3 runs during the 9 a.m. service and a children’s story is included as a part of both worship services. World Communion Sunday also will be observed. Sunday school, with classes for all ages, is at 10:15 a.m. This week, during the Sunday school hour, Tom and Valli Howard, missionaries with Mission Aviation Fellowship, will give a short presentation regarding their work for the adult classes and other interested individuals. Pre-School Sunday school and child care are available throughout the morning.

The Sunday evening, Fall Learning Series continues at 6 p.m. as does The American Baptist Youth Gathering and Children’s Choir rehearsals.

The church is at 4701 E. Poplar Drive and more information is available at www.thfbc.org.



Northside Community UMC

Sunday school is at 9 a.m., followed by celebration of worship at 10. The church no longer offers a traditional worship service at 8 a.m.

This week’s sermon is titled “The Rejected Stone.” Pastor Frank will look at how and why people reject God’s law, God’s will and God’s Son as we look at the Parable of the Evil Farmers. Additionally, points of God’s persistence and fruitful followers will also be looked at. Join us this Sunday as we seek to draw closer to God in our praise and worship. The mission of Northside Community UMC is to “Reach the Lost, Renew the Church and Reveal the Love of Christ.” If you are looking for a warm, friendly environment; a safe place for your kids, and passionate worship, Northside Community UMC is the church family for you. The church is at Maple and Fruitridge avenues.

A Tuesday Morning Bible Study is at 10. We continue our journey through the Gospel of Matthew. This study is open to anyone in the community.

A New Tuesday Evening Faith Development Group: If you are intentional about your faith development, then at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, we have a new women’s accountability and share group. Contact the church office at (812) 232-2478 if you are interested or would like to have more information.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Support Group: If you are a male adult child of an alcoholic parent or parents, we invite you to join Pastor Frank and others to discuss the characteristics and behaviors of adult children affected by alcoholism. The group will meet at 1 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month. Call the church office for more information.

Join us on Wednesday evenings as we study Philip Yancey’s book, “What’s So Amazing About Grace.” If you are interested in participating, call the office. For more information about the study, call the church and ask for extension 11. Child care is provided.

At 10 a.m. on Wednesdays, there is a chapel service for Stepping Stones Child Development Center, however, it is open to the public.

We have a Thursday Evening women’s share group called Heart Friends that meet the first and last Thursdays of each month at 6:30. If you are interested in learning more about Heart Friends, call the church office at (812) 232-2478.

The Highly Energized Anointed Teen & Tweens youth group will meet at the church at 4:30 p.m. Sunday. We invite all youth in our community to join us. We meet on the first, second and fourth Sundays of each month. The first Sunday, we meet at the church for a group lesson with snacks. We will go do some type of mission work on the second Sunday of each month, and on the fourth Sunday, we do something fun as a group. Call (812) 232-2478 for more information.

Beginning Oct. 18, we will present our new community ministry — Dinner & a Movie. This is an opportunity for families in our community and our church to share in a free meal and movie. This month, we are having soup and sandwiches. There will be a couple of different soups available including our award-winning chili from the Altrusa Chili Cook-off. Peanut butter sandwiches and grilled cheese will complement the soups. We also will watch Nim’s Island.

This is a great movie for all ages. If you are interested, sign the sign-up sheet in the lobby next to the Welcome Center or call (812) 232-2478 to make reservations. Reservations are not necessary, but they do help preparation.



Emmanuel United Methodist

Join us this Sunday for Sunday school at 9:15 a.m. and worship at 10:30. Pastor Karen Bray will start a new sermon series titled “Five Practices of a Fruitful Congregation – Radical Hospitality.”

We will take a trip to the CANDLES Museum in Terre Haute on Oct. 11. We will carpool from the church at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to come along.

Emmanuel is a host site for Angel Food ministries, where you can place an order for a unit of food, usually $65 worth, for $30. The deadline for ordering a unit in October is Oct. 12. The delivery date is Oct. 25. Angel Food offers new senior boxes for $28. They are 10 perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals. For more information or to place an order, call the church office.



New Covenant Fellowship

Prayer & Praise begins at 9:45 a.m. and is an opportunity to prepare hearts and minds to give honor to God. Blended Praise & Worship led by the Choir and Praise Team begins at 10:30 a.m. with pastor C. Ray Leach bringing the message “At the Crossroads,” from Mark 14:22-36. Sometimes when we are at a “crossroads experience” in our lives, we will go beyond the crossroads and realize we should have taken a different direction. The hymns that we sing will be more precious to us at the crossroads. This Sunday is Friends and Family Worship Sunday, and all children will participate in the service with their parents. At 6 p.m., youth pastors Jeremy and Stacy Burch will lead the Zero Gravity Youth Group during “Pulse Night,” a teen-centered worship ministry for Grades 6-12. Tuesday night Bible study begins at 7 with Pastor Leach leading the study titled “The Making of a Man of God and Handmaiden of the Lord.” Discover God’s perfect will in your life both individually and corporately in the body.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Celebrate Recovery begins and is open to the community. Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical and balanced program that can help individuals dealing with life issues to overcome their hurts, habits and hang-ups in a safe environment. Registration begins at 5:30.

For more information on any of our programs or services, call (812) 466-2800 or visit www.newcovenant-th.org. New Covenant Fellowship is a non-denominational church desiring to provide a haven for individuals struggling with spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational life-challenges and is at 3415 E. Marquette Ave.



Christian Science

All are welcome to attend Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. in First Church of Christ, Scientist at 329 S. Sixth St. This week’s lesson sermon, titled “Unreality,” teaches how we can awake from false fears and begin to walk in the light by seeing Christ, Truth, as the reality of all being. Readings from the Bible and the textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” by Mary Baker Eddy, enable us to see the true relationship between God and man in His image and to heal thoughts of hatred.

Sunday school for young people up to the age of 20 begins at 10:30 a.m.

The Wednesday service begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes a sermon on healing and a time for expression of gratitude for healings brought about by the use of prayer.

        

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