Published: November 27, 2009 08:24 pm         

Church Briefs: Nov. 28, 2009

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Maple Avenue United Methodist Church

Pastor David Rockhill welcomes you to hear the sermon titled “Holding Out for a Hero” Sunday morning at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. This week’s sermon theme will take a deep look at scripture Jeremiah 33:14-16 and raises the idea that during Advent we prepare for the coming of the one who will make everything right.

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. We hope you will join us for an inspirational worship service this Sunday.

Celebrating the first Sunday of Advent, the music ministry leaders and Chancel Choir will be performing a concert titled “Music By Advent Candlelight” at 7 p.m. Featured performers are Mrs. Bert Evans mezzo soprano, Dr. Tom Layman organ, Mr. Kurt Perry piano and tenor, and Mr. Dan Rodriguez baritone. This concert is free and open to the public. A love offering will be taken and will go to support the music ministry of Maple Avenue UMC.

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

Rio Grande Baptist

Advent will be recognized at the church beginning Nov. 29.

Rio Grande services include our 9:30 a.m. Sunday School and 10:30 a.m. Worship Hour. Our worship theme will be “The 4-Letter Words of Christmas: Tell” from Luke 2.

Rio Grande Baptist Church is at 4411 E. Rio Grande Avenue. We are an American Baptist congregation. Call (812) 466-1110 if you have questions.

United Methodist Temple

Traditional Worship begins at 8:45 a.m.; Sunday School for all ages at 10 a.m.; Contemporary Worship at 11 a.m.

Pastor Alan Rumble will be preaching from the book of Luke 21:25-36 titled” Disciples in an Anxious World.”

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: Dec. 5th – Temple Preschool’s Parents Nite Out, 5 p.m.; Dec. 6th – Maryland Community Church, at 6 p.m.

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.

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, call the church office between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday though Friday at (812) 299-1898, Ext. 10, and leave a message.

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

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. 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 First Advent Sunday, on “You Are Never Too Old to Change,” and listen to Bill Cain’s organ mastery and the Chancel Choir, directed by Dr. Scott Buchanan, sing an Advent anthem.

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, Brian Royer will teach and lead discussion on “A Hopeful People” (2 Peter 1: 3-13). The Pastor’s Class is continuing their study of “Growing a Heart for God: King David” (1st and 2nd Samuel). The College Class, under the leadership of Steve Hardin and the Rev. Phyllis Peters, continues to discuss issues about religion, asked by students. The Sojourners’ Class continues 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 located behind the church. This Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, family fellowship, and football — a time for praise and thanksgiving for all that God has done for us and for our great country.

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, “A Song Is Born” by Douglas Nolan; playing in the Handbell Choir, directed by Debbie Thompson; or participating in Sunday School, youth activities (directed by Noah Coley), or in our active women’s ministries, please 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 be leading the Hanging of the Greens’ service at 10 a.m. During Advent and the Christmas Season, the sanctuary is decorated with Christmas decorations with Christian symbolism. This service encourages congregational participation as members of our congregation will be reading and singing. This is not a typical Sunday morning worship service. 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.

We are at Maple and Fruitridge Avenues.

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, call (812) 232-2478.

Wednesday Evening Life Group at 7 p.m. The Life Group is studying how to Experiencing God in our lives and ministry as 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, visit www.northsidecommunityumc.org.

Unity Presbyterian Church

Worship service at 1207 E. Springhill Dr. is 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to the first Sunday of Advent as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Pastor Linda Peters sermon, “Living In Anticipation,” based on Psalm 25:1-10 and Luke 21:25-36. Join us on Dec. 6, for Joshua Vision and Dec. 11, Morris Mott concert at 6 p.m.

Unity is offering a childcare service two Saturdays, Dec. 5 and 12, Shopping Time Out for parents of children under 12, 1 to 5 p.m. For registration call (812) 299-2206.

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 Commissioners to Presbytery Assembly and Rio Grande Elementary School.

Choir rehearsal is each Thursday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m.

Join us for Potluck and Praise each Thursday evening at 6 p.m.

St. George’s

Episcopal Church,

West Terre Haute

The Rev. Deacon Deby Veach will lead Adult Christian Education on Sunday. This Sunday will be the first Sunday of Advent, and the Christian Ed session will focus on the season with “Advent Trivia.” Adult Christian Education is from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. in the parish hall.

Veach also will conduct Morning Prayer, 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.

Veach was ordained a deacon in October 2008. After Veach’s ordination, The Rt. Rev. Catherine Waynick, Bishop of the Diocese of Indianapolis, assigned Veach to serve at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Terre Haute as a non-stipendary deacon. Veach also serves at St. George’s every fourth or fifth Sunday.

Veach is an oncology nurse at AP&S Clinic Oncology located in the Hux Cancer Center in Terre Haute.

St. George’s Episcopal Church, “the friendly little church on the hill,” is at 1337 N. Smith Place (on Ferguson Hill) in 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.

First Unitarian

Universalist

Congregation of Terre Haute

9:15 a.m.: Non-Christian Meanings to Christmas and Other Major Holidays.” 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.

Sunday — Guest At your Table: For more than 30 years, the Guest at Your Table tradition has helped UUs build lasting connections to UU principles and support the movement for universal human rights. It is a simple and meaningful way to incorporate “faith in action” into your life. Guest at Your Table is for everyone! It includes a meaningful worship experience, religious education, and at-home learning for people of all age groups. (from UUSC.org Web site.)

Contact us at www.terrehauteuu.org or (812) 232-1193 or by e-mail at uuputer@yahoo.com.

Memorial United Methodist

Sunday at 8 a.m. 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.

8:45 a.m. – You are invited to join us for our traditional worship service. We welcome all people to worship God and participate in the ministries of the Church. If you need wheelchair seating, hearing assistance devices, large print bulletin, nametag, nursery and childcare areas they will be provided. Just ask an usher. Childcare is provided from 8:30 until noon for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers. During the 8:45 worship service children may remain with their adult(s) through the Children’s sermon. They are then invited to Children’s Church, a time of Bible stories and crafts. During the 11 a.m. Casual Worship Service children are encouraged to remain in the Sanctuary. Nursery for infants is provided. Located on the east side of the education wing, infant nursery, toddlers, and pre-school classes are available.

Scripture this week is: Matthew 24:36-44. Rev. Jill Moffett Howard will be in the pulpit. Her message will be “Preparing For God” We spend so much time preparing for the Christmas season, but do we really spend time preparing ourselves for God? On this first Sunday of Advent, we will ponder what it means to keep awake and be prepared for God as we prepare our hearts for the Christmas season.

9:45 a.m. – Fellowship and coffee/refreshments time.

10:00 a.m. – Sunday school begins for all ages. Children’s lesson this week will be: “A Child Will Be Born” Isaiah 9:6-7

11:00 a.m. - “PRAYZ!” casual worship service begins. Please come and Worship God in new and exciting ways, with music, videos, etc. during our family friendly service.

Central Presbyterian Church

Central Presbyterian Church (125 N. Seventh St.) will gather Sunday for worship at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Davis’ sermon, “Your Redemption Is Drawing Near,” will be based on Luke 21:25-36, in which Jesus describes the coming of the “Son of Man.” The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be served.

Sunday school for all ages begins at 9:30 a.m. 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. “Hanging of the Greens,” during which church members will decorate the church building for Advent and Christmas, will begin Sunday at 4 p.m.

On Wednesday at 4 p.m. a Korean praise and prayer service will take place at the church, followed by homework help. A service of wholeness and healing will be held on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

On Thursday, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the Clabber Girl Bake Shop, there will be an auction and sale of artwork by local artist D. Omer (”Salty”) Seamon, for the benefit of the church’s building renovation fund.

On Friday, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., the church will host a “Parents’ Night Out” event for the children of the church. On Friday at 7 p.m. the church’s male a cappella group, High Ground, will be singing at the Hilton Garden Inn as a part of the choir competition at “Miracle on 7th Street,” sponsored by downtown businesses.

For more details, call (812) 232-5049 or visit www.thcpc.org.

Christian Science

Healing in Christian Science begins with the understanding and acknowledgement, first and foremost, that there is only one God and He is all powerful. The Golden Text for this Sunday’s sermon is, “there is no power but of God:”(Rom.13:1). Christian Science also teaches that God is good and He loves His creation unconditionally. The Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. in the church at 329 S. Sixth St. will explain how to apply these truths to the healing of disease and discord.

Sunday School is also at 10:30 a.m. and welcomes all young people to learn more about how they can experience goodness and harmony in their lives by learning the true nature of God and His creation.

Wednesday service is at 7:30 p.m. The subject for this healing service is, “How to pray for healing.” After the lesson, the attendees may give testimonies of healings accomplished through the use of prayer.

The public is invited to use the Christian Science Reading Room, which is a book store and quiet sanctuary for study and prayer. The Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” by Mary Baker Eddy, and other inspirational resources are available to read, borrow, or purchase.

Additional information about Christian Science and how it can be applied to the healing of all forms of disease can be found in the following Web site: www.chruchofchristscientist.org.

Central Christian Church Disciples of Christ

Our Sunday worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m. We will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent and of the Christian year. Advent is a season of preparation as we await the coming of Christ anew in our lives. A “Children’s Moment” will be led by Rev. Rebecca. 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. Our Young Church and Youth are practicing for our Christmas Pageant.

Sunday, as part of our Outreach Ministry, we will provide and serve the noon meal at the Lighthouse Mission.

Again this year, Christian Women’s Fellowship is taking orders for the sale of cookie/candy trays. The cost remains at $10 per tray. They will be taking orders until Dec. 6 for pickup on Dec. 13.

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.

Smith Park United Methodist

Newcomers are welcome to worship with us at 9 a.m. Sunday. Rev. Bart Colwell will deliver the message. Scripture, familiar hymns and choruses will provide a joyful worship experience. The traditional Hanging of the Greens service will begin at 6 p.m. Our After School Kids (ASK) will meet at 4 p.m. on Wednesday. This program is designed for children grades K-6, is supervised by six adults, and follows a VBS format. The “church that cares” is north of West Terre Haute on Ferguson Hill at Woodland Avenue and North Smith Place. If you could benefit from Christian counseling or would like additional information, please call Ed Gladish, our parish pastor at (812) 239-2865.

First Baptist Church

A traditional service is at 9 a.m. and an informal/reflective service is at 11:15 a.m. The worship theme throughout the Advent season will be “The Cast of Christmas” and this Sunday Rev. Bernie Jackson will preach on “Simeon and Anna” with scripture text from Luke 2:25-40. Music at the first service will be provided by The Sanctuary Choir as they sing “A Prayer for Advent” by Paul Williams. Special music at both services will include a vocal duet by Micahlyn and Jordan Allen and instrumental music by cellist Allen Keathley and flutist Jackie Reeves. Both services will begin with the lighting of the Candle of Anticipation and the 9 a.m. service will also include a Parental Dedication of A Child. 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 Family Advent night will begin on Sunday evening at 5 p.m. with a Chili Supper provided by the youth group. At 6 p.m. each family will have the opportunity to assemble and decorate a Gingerbread House which can be enjoyed throughout the Christmas season.

First Baptist is once again presenting The Christmas Walk on Dec. 10-13. The village of Bethlehem has been re-created in the fellowship hall, featuring all of the sights and sounds of that first Christmas night. Candlelit tours will be conducted every 30 minutes throughout the four evenings of the walk and you may sign up for tour times by calling the church office or on the church Web site. Christmas Walk 2009 is being presented in memory and honor of Rev. Ed Randall.

First Baptist Church is an American Baptist congregation located at 4701 E. Poplar Drive. 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 our Web site www.thfbc.org.

First Congregational Church

First Congregational Church at 630 Ohio St., invites everyone to worship with us this Sunday as Rev. Dawn Carlson begins the Advent sermon series, “The Voices of Advent.” Many voices throughout the Bible herald the coming of the Messiah. One of the most eloquent and insistent voices was Isaiah’s — the Old Testament prophet who was a prophet of hope and new beginnings. Join us for this message on Isaiah’s telling of the coming of Emmanuel, God with Us.

We have two morning services, the 8:30 a.m. 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.

Visit www.FirstChurchTH.org or call (812) 232-8880 for more information.

Emmanuel UMC

Join us this Sunday for Sunday School beginning at 9:30 a.m. with fellowship and prayer preceding at 9:15 a.m. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. This Sunday, Pastor Karen will begin an Advent sermon series. This first Sunday in Advent will be on “Waiting, with scripture from Jeremiah 33:14-16.

Hanging of the Greens Service will be Sunday at 6 p.m. Please join us as we begin to celebrate the Advent Season.

Emmanuel UMC is a host site for Angel Food Ministries. Dec. 6 will be the last date to order in for the December menu. Please contact the church for further information.

Emmanuel UMC is at 6076 US Hwy 150, West Terre Haute. Call (812) 535-4218 or visit www.eumc.homestead.com for more information.

Wabash Valley Friends Meeting

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

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.