Published: November 20, 2009 05:14 pm         

Church briefs: Nov. 21, 2009

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Blessed Hope Baptist

Please join us for services at Blessed Hope Baptist Church on Sunday. We will be welcoming Evangelist Bob Hamblin as our guest preacher all day on this exciting Sunday.

Blessed Hope Baptist 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 a.m., Sunday and Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. If you have any questions, call the church office at (812) 665-3282.

Terre Haute

St. Stephen’s Episcopal

Services Sunday in the historic church at 217 N. Seventh St. include Eucharists at 8 and 10 a.m. Afterward, join the camaraderie, coffee and conversation in the Great Hall.

There is also a noon Thursday service in the chapel.

For more details, visit www.ststephensth.indydio.org or call (812) 232-5165 Tuesday through Friday.

The Sixth annual parish Thanksgiving Day pitch-in dinner for individuals, couples and families who don't like to eat alone starts at noon Thursday.

One family cooks the turkey for all and everyone else brings sides and desserts to share.

If you would like to participate, signup in the Great Hall with your name, number of people and what you would like to bring.

Maple Avenue

United Methodist

Pastor David Rockhill welcomes you to hear the sermon titled “Different King, Different Kingdom” Sunday morning at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. This week’s sermon theme will take a deep look at scripture John 18:33-37 and raises the idea that our King is eternal, and our gratitude is therefore eternal. The Adult Sunday School Fellowship and all Children’s Sunday School classes meet at 9:30 a.m. and Junior Church will meet during the 10:30 a.m. worship service so kids have the option of attending Junior Church or staying in the on-going worship service. Also, at the 10:30 a.m. service, the Chancel Choir will sing and the children’s sermon will be given.

For more information, visit www.gbgm-umc.org/maple_ave_umc or call (812) 232-7263.

Rio Grande Baptist

The church on 4411 E. Rio Grande Avenue invites you to their Thanksgiving Service on Sunday.

Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. with worship at 10:30. The Thanksgiving theme that morning will be based on Luke 17. The sermon, “An Attitude of Gratitude”, will be given by the Rev. Ron Riggs. Also, there will be special music.

Rio Grande is an American Baptist Church and may be reached at (812) 466-1110.

Centenary United Methodist

The congregation of Centenary at 301 N. Seventh St. welcomes you to our beautiful 144-year-old church. We invite you to worship with us in our “Prayer and Praise Time” at 9 a.m. Then at 9:30 a.m., hear the Rev. Paul Wagner preach, this Communion Sunday, on “Joyful Thanksgiving.” Also during the service, listen to Bill Cain’s organ mastery and the Chancel Choir, directed by Dr. Scott Buchanan, sing “Remember Me” (by Stephen J. Penney).

Refreshments and fellowship 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., in the Friendship Class, Ann Bloxdorf will teach and lead discussion on “A Faithful People” (2 Peter 1: 3-15). The Pastor’s Class is continuing their study of “Growing a Heart for God” (1st and 2nd Samuel). The College Class, under the leadership of Steve Hardin and the Rev. Phyllis Peters, will discuss issues about religion, asked by students. The Sojourners’ Class is finalizing their study of Adam Hamilton’s book, “Conflicts and Controversies.”

The Church’s Seventh Street entrance is handicapped accessible, child care is provided, and ample parking is behind the church. Also, please consider participating in our “Prayer and Meditation Time,” led by Lay Preacher Tom Barnett, on Thursdays, 11 a.m. until noon. The Prayer Shawl Ministry group will meet on Monday at 10 a.m.; come and enjoy the fellowship while creating an item of great value for someone ill.

If you have interest in Centenary’s special music events, including singing in the Chancel Choir (choir rehearsals at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings) or taking part in our Christmas Cantata; playing in the Handbell Choir; or participating in Sunday School, youth activities (directed by Noah Coley), or in our active women’s ministries, call the Church office, any day, at (812) 232-2319.

Northside Community UMC

Faith Building Hour at 9 a.m. and Celebration of Worship at 10 a.m.

This week, Pastor Frank will serve on the Chrysalis Weekend. However, Rev. Steve Seitz, a retired elder in the Indiana Conference will be filling the pulpit and bringing the Good News to the people. We invite you to come and experience passionate worship, intentional faith development and radical hospitality. Pastor Frank’s Sunday Sermons are also available online every Tuesday. Our mission at Northside Community is a Mission of Compassion and Hope as we intentionally “Reach the lost, Renew the Church and Reveal the Love of Christ” with compassion, hope and community. We are located at Maple Avenue and Fruitridge Avenue.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study at 10 a.m. We are studying the Book of Job. This study is open to anyone in the community.

Adult Children of Alcoholics Support Group. If you are an adult child (male or female) 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 meets on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. and is working through The Twelve Steps of Adult Children of Alcoholics. Workbooks are $11 each. If you are interested in joining us, call (812) 232-2478.

Wednesday Evening Life Group at 7 p.m. The Life Group is studying how to experience God in our lives and ministry by working through Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God. If you are interested, call (812) 232-2478 for location of study.

We have several activities and small groups taking place. For the calendar of events and our Newsletter, The Mosaic, go to our Web site www.northsidecommunityumc.org.

Join us today for our 11th Annual Turkey Dinner in the Terre Haute North High School Cafeteria. The dinner is 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are still available. Tickets are $7 for adults; $4 for children; kids 4 years and younger are free. Tickets will be available at the door. A country store with crafts and goodies will be available during turkey dinner.

Seelyville United Methodist Church

Seelyville United Methodist Church is a Christian community of Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors. We are at U.S. 40 and Second Street in Seelyville, one block east of the stoplight.

Rose-Hulman students are invited to an end-of-classes homemade meal today at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall on the lower level of the church.

Please join us for 9:30 Sunday morning worship as we look at the Christian life that remains focused on Christ our King. A time of fellowship follows worship with Sunday School for all ages beginning at 10:45. Nursery care is provided beginning at 9:15.

Share Food orders can be picked up this morning from 9 to 10:30.

For more information, visit www.seelyvilleumc.org, e-mail seelyvilleumc@verizon.net, or call (812) 877-1868.

Central Christian Church — Disciples

of Christ

Today our Scrap ‘N’ Blessing group will meet at the church. This is a group that meets monthly on a Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to scrapbook, quilt, sew, or any craft or hobby. The day includes fun, fellowship, and a chance to get away for some rest and relaxation. The charge is $5 and each person is asked to bring a dish to share. Each month’s food has a theme and this month’s theme is hot dogs/Coney’s. There are door prizes and raffles. This event is open to everyone.

Our Sunday worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m. We will celebrate Reign of Christ Sunday and the last Sunday of the Christian year. “Children’s Moment” will be led by Rev. Rebecca. We will collect and dedicate our Thanksgiving Offering which benefits students of Disciples of Christ universities and colleges and leadership development. Communion is served every Sunday, and all believers are invited to partake. Nursery care is provided during worship and Sunday School.

Sunday School will begin at 11 a.m. Classes are offered for children of all ages as well as two adult classes. One of our adult classes studies books of the Bible while the other adult class is focusing on sharing our faith and how we can strengthen our relationship with God. This Sunday during the Sunday School hour our Young Church and Youth begin practice for our Christmas Pageant.

We will have our annual Hanging of the Greens on Sunday at 5 p.m. We will gather for a brief worship service and then decorate the church for the season of Advent. Please bring a snack to share along with the fellowship.

On Nov. 29, as part of our Outreach Ministry, we will provide and serve the noon meal at the Lighthouse Mission. We encourage people to sign up to donate or assist with this ministry.

Please join us at 4950 E. Wabash Ave. The church office or our minister, Rev. Rebecca Zelensky, can be reached at (812) 877-9959. Our church Web site is www.cccthdisciples.org.

Unity Presbyterian Church

Worship service at 1207 E. Springhill Dr. is 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to Christ the King Sunday. Pastor Linda Peters’ sermon, “The Alpha and The Omega,” is based on Psalm 93 and Revelations 1:4-8. After worship we will prepare our church for Advent with Hanging of the Greens

Sunday School for the adults and older youth is 9:30 a.m. Child care is available. Fellowship follows the worship service. For the month of November, Unity will pray for the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa. This week we are asked to pray for Southside Presbyterian Church in Vincennes and Riley Elementary School.

Amie Ellison is our choir director, Andrea Marlow is our organist. Choir rehearsal is each Thursday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m.

Come explore our outdoor sanctuary behind the office building for a time of rest and quiet.

Join us for Potluck and Praise each Thursday evening 6 p.m. Church office (812) 299-2206.

St. George’s Episcopal Church, West Terre Haute

The Rev. Chuck Ellestad will continue his look at the covenants during Adult Christian Education on Sunday with the topic “The Covenant with Abraham Fulfilled.” Ellestad’s series on the covenants has been fascinating and each Sunday that he is at St. George’s, Ellestad brings a new perspective to what was thought to be a familiar topic. Adult Christian Education is from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall.

Ellestad also will be celebrant for Holy Eucharist, Rite II, which begins at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary. All are invited to stay for coffee, conversation and refreshments in the parish hall after the service.

Ellestad retired in 2006 as rector of the Church of the Ascension in Frankfort after serving more than 16 years there.

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, (at (217) 826-5439); kellyjo829@yahoo.com or go to www.stgeorgeswth.indydio.org.

Trinity Lutheran

Come and join us during our September through May worship times at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. each Sunday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church at 2620 Ohio Blvd. Sunday School for all ages also is offered for one hour each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. After each worship service there is time set aside for Coffee and Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.

We are excited to share with you that our Advent Church season, in which we anticipate and celebrate the arrival of Jesus, will begin on Nov. 29 with our Lessons and Carols Worship Service which we will use at our usual Worship times of 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Come and join us as we lift our voices in praise as we hear the Word of God and respond with joyful and uplifting music and song. Communion will also be celebrated at these Worship Services.

The children in our congregation will also be collecting Pennies for their Penny Power ministry during both services on Nov. 29th to help feed hungry children around the world through the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) World Hunger Organization.

Our Trinity Women are also sponsoring the Angel Tree for Christmas again.



Gifts such as clothing, games, puzzles, toys, school supplies, etc., may be purchased and each gift is attached to an angel from the Angel Tree and is then given to CODA (Council On Domestic Abuse) for distribution to children living in their safe house. The Angel Tree will be located in the Fellowship Hall and all gifts need to be brought to Trinity by December 20th.

For more details concerning Trinity Lutheran Church or our ministries, call (812) 232-7628.

The Church is also the home of Small World Day Care. For more information about the Small World Day Care, call (812) 235-3228.

First Unitarian

Universalist

Congregation

of Terre Haute

9:15 a.m. Turkeys, Eagles, Doves & Chickens: Non-Christian Symbols Behind Our American “Thanksgiving” will be the topic of the Rationalist Free Thinkers Group which meets in the Library.

Also at 9:15 a.m., the Wisdom Circle meets in the educational wing. Sacred space is created for sharing and inviting the spirit of joy and discovery into our lives. Rotating leadership provides a surprise topic each week.

At 10:30 a.m., Gratitude – Rev. Amy Kindred, Minister. “On Gratitude: Thanks to Whom for What?” Unitarian Universalists are committed to appreciating diversity of thought and belief. While we uphold reason, science and the human endeavor, we also seek a resting place for our feelings of gratitude. For some of us, we are beholden to God. For others, we lift our grateful eyes to the universe of mystery and for still more, we look at one another and say, “Thank you for walking with me in this my one and only life.”

Tea for 2,000: Oh, what a night to hear great music and to cradle a cup of hot tea and a dessert of choice. All for free when you bring a canned good or boxed item of food in order to help us reach our goal of acquiring 2,000 packages of food to deliver to the 14th and Chestnut Community Center on Monday from 6 to 9 p.m. during Tea for 2,000 (items of food).

Music is provided by two fine groups of local performers: the “Madrigal Choir” from Terre Haute North High School and the ”Women of Erin.” Come and watch us fill the truck throughout the entire two hours or just stop by for a short time. If you are a member of another organization with interest in participating, let us know and we’ll add you to the roster of other groups who have decided to make a difference. The economy is no better than last year and the holidays are fast approaching. Hunger is universal but so is hope.

Central Presbyterian Church

Central Presbyterian Church at 125 N. Seventh St. will gather Sunday for worship at 10:30 a.m. On this Sunday, designated “Christ the King” or “Reign of Christ” Sunday, we consider Christ as the ruler of all that is. Pastor Davis’ sermon, “Not from This World,” will be based on John 18:33-37, in which Jesus describes his kingdom to Pontius Pilate. During morning worship we will receive from our members their financial pledges to the 2010 operating budget of the church. Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:30 a.m., including a class taught by Pastor Davis for prospective members of the church. Nursery care is provided. Korean worship begins at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday in the church sanctuary, followed by a communal meal downstairs in Fellowship Hall. On Sunday evening at 7:30, the Crossroads of America Youth Orchestra will present a free concert in the sanctuary; the public is cordially invited. On Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. a Korean praise and prayer service will take place at the church, followed by homework help. The church office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving. For more details, call the church office (812) 232-5049 or visit www.thcpc.org.

Christian Science

This week is a glorious time for expressing gratitude for all of the blessings received when we put God first in our lives. This Sunday at 10:30 a.m. the lesson sermon titled, “Soul and Body,” will explain the relationship between Soul, a synonym for God, and body. Since there is one God, there can be only one Soul and God’s image, man, is a reflection of that perfect, glorious Being.

Sunday School is also at 10:30 a.m. and invites young people to find a closer relationship with God and the Christ by learning more about their place in God’s creation.

On Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. the lesson subject is the nature of God’s image. How we see ourselves as spiritual beings improves our health and our lives. There is always a period at this service to express gratitude for healings accomplished by the application of prayer as taught in Christian Science.

Thursday at 10:30 a m., we will hold our annual Thanksgiving service. Gratitude and giving thanks for the good received are important to spiritual growth. Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, placed great emphasis on heartfelt gratitude. In our textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” she wrote, “Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have and be fitted to receive more.” The community is lovingly invited to join us at this service.

First Congregational Church

First Congregational Church at 630 Ohio St. invites everyone to worship with us this Sunday as Rev. Donald Mullen shares the message of Thanksgiving Sunday. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we should “in all things give thanks.” Some years, that’s easier than others. During these difficult economic times, it’s often difficult to remember to say “thanks” to God for his many gifts. Perhaps that makes our thanks sweeter.

On Thanksgiving Day, everyone is invited to share the annual 1621 Thanksgiving Day service, remembering the celebration our Pilgrim mothers and fathers shared after a difficult landing and settling the Plymouth Colony. Join us for this First Congregational Church tradition. The 1621 service begins at 9:30 a.m. and lasts less than an hour.

We have two morning services, the 8:30 meditative service and the 10:30 traditional service. Children’s Sunday School is at 10:45, after the Children’s Sermon.

Members and guests are encouraged to support “With One Can We Can Make a Difference,” our ongoing food drive, bringing non-perishable canned and boxed foods to support the area food banks.

First Congregational Church is a member of the National and Midwest Associations of Congregational Christian Churches, founded on the principles of “Faith, Freedom & Fellowship.” Join us in worship at Terre Haute’s longest-worshipping congregation, celebrating 175 years of worship and service.

You can find us on the Web at www.FirstChurchTH.org or call (812) 232-8880.

First Baptist Church

A traditional service is at 9 a.m. and an informal/reflective service is at 11:15 a.m. Rev. Bernie Jackson is preaching a series of sermons on Christian community and the topic for this Sunday is “What to Take Off, What to Put On” with scripture text from Colossians 3:1-17. Music at the first service will be provided by The Sanctuary Choir as they sing John Rutter’s setting of “For the Beauty of the Earth.” The First Baptist orchestra will also provide music at the first service and the Youth Bell Choir will play at both services. Children’s Church, for grades K-3, is held during the 9 a.m. service and a children’s story is provided at both the traditional and informal services. Sunday School, with classes for all ages, is at 10:15 a.m.

The church Thanksgiving Feast will be shared on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. followed by a Thanksgiving Communion Service at 7. This will be a joint service with members of the Rio Grande Baptist Church and will include the official commissioning of a ministry partnership between the two churches. Music for the evening service will be provided by The Youth Choir and Sanctuary Bell Choir.

First Baptist Church is an American Baptist congregation located at 4701 E. Poplar Drive. We offer traditional and informal styles of worship; a strong program of Christian education, a comprehensive music ministry, a beautiful facility with a well equipped and staffed nursery, Wednesday evening dinner and programming, and a balanced ministry for people of all ages with very active children’s and youth programs. We invite you to join us in hopes that you will experience God’s presence within a caring community of faith. Further information is available at www.thfbc.org.

Barbour Avenue UMC

Barbour Avenue UMC is holding their 4th Annual “Christmas at Church” Yard, Craft and Bake Sale on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will be serving Biscuits and Gravy for breakfast, and lunch will also be served featuring Chili, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, and Free Wassail and cookies will also be available. The sale includes hundreds of Christmas items, Crafts and a Bake sale of many Homemade goodies.

We are at 1401 Barbour Avenue.

United Methodist Temple

Join us: Traditional Worship begins at 8:45 a.m., Sunday School for all ages is at 10 a.m., Contemporary Worship at 11 a.m.

Special events: Hanging of the Greens Service, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m.; Children’s Christmas Program Dec. 6 at 10 a.m.;

“Sowers of the Word” Puppet Company Schedule: Sunday, Donkey’s Christmas, during both Worship Services at United Methodist Temple

Pastor Alan Rumble will be preaching from the book of Revelation 1:4b-8 titled“ Grace & Peace.”

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

For your convenience child care will be provided for both worship services and Sunday School in the Nursery.

Food drive: We are collecting food to assist the families, of the14th and Chestnut Community Center. All donations may be dropped off in the Narthex in the barrels.

If you need a ride to church please call the church office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at (812) 299-1898, Ext. 10, and leave a message.

Join our youth fellowship on Sunday evenings at 5:30 for youth in middle through high school.

We have many activities scheduled for this time.

For more information see the church Web site: www.terrehauteumtemple.org, e-mail: thumt@verizon.net or Call (812) 299-1898

Wabash Valley Friends

Wabash Valley Friends Meeting (Quakers) meets every Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Congregation building at 1875 S.Fruitridge.

Our worship is unprogrammed: a silent worship during which we practice expectant waiting for Divine guidance. Sometimes those present may feel led to share a short, plain spoken message. For more information call Charles at (812) 894-3571, visit thquakers.wordpress.com, or e-mail thquakers@gmail.com.

Foursquare Gospel Church

The Foursquare Gospel Church, pastored by Reverend Merrillyn Smith, will celebrate their 75th anniversary on Sunday. The church at 800 N. 13th St. will begin services at 10:15 a.m. with a luncheon following and 2 p.m. time of Remembrance. Mayor Duke Bennett will bring greetings and Dr. Glenn Burris, president of The Foursquare Church will bring the morning message. Former Pastors and Friends will gather with the present Congregation to celebrate this historic day. All are invited to attend.