Centenary United Methodist Church

429 Main Street, Shelbyville, KY

Vol. 20 No. 1 502.633.4510 January 2016

January Sermon Schedule

January 3, 2016 Communion Sunday Rev. Garry Polston will deliver the message this morning.

Romans 5: 12 — 17 (NAS) “Groceries & Grace”

January 10, 2016

Luke 5: 27 — 31 (TNIV)

“What It Means to Be Changed By Christ”

Week #1 of the “Vision” Sermon Series

January 17, 2016 Human Relations Day Special Offering Acts 1: 8 — 11 (TNIV) “What It Means to Change a City”

Week #2 of the “Vision” Sermon Series

January 24, 2016

Matthew 28: 16 — 20 (TNIV)

“What It Means to Change the World” Week #3 of the “Vision” Sermon Series January 31, 2016 Fifth Sunday Special Offering for UM Children’s Home 1 Corinthians 12: 12 — 31(TNIV)

“Okay...So Which One of Us Is the Spleen?”

Our Sunday Worship Schedule

Contemporary Worship Service 8:48 am

Sunday School 10:00 am

Traditional Worship 11:00 am

Wednesday Night Programming

Bible Study 6:30 pm

CYF—Youth 6:30 pm

Children’s Ministry 6:30 pm

Choir 7:45 pm

January

January Birthdays

2 Mary Elizabeth Burks

4 Dale Fitzgerald

6 Gretchen Gayle

Helena Kruer

Kurt Smith

Madison Shelton

9 Steve Henderson

Joshua Knowles

11 Fred Bond

12 Bill Bush

Michael DeCandia

14 Marcella Myatt

Brandon Horn

Bonnie Landers

18 Louise Pratt

19 Jennifer Decker

Meredith Gaither

Clara Henderson

Maddie Burbage

25 Hailey Waggener

26 Sarah Price

27 Eleanor Warford

28 Karen Crouch

Lynn Swigert

30 Connor Goodwin

February Newsletter Items Due January 20th

Quilter’s Meeting is 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on

Wednesday, January 27, 2016 in Room 206

For more information about the Quilter’s, contact

Linda Sanford 502.330.9524 or Geri Roberts

502.226.8126

UMW Harriet Poynter/Lucile Smith Circle will meet on Tuesday, January 12tth @ 2:00 pm.

The UMW Willing Workers will meet on Thursday, January 21st 7:00 pm

For more information about United Methodist Women, please contact Helena Kruer

502.939.4158, Linda Sanford 502.330.9524, or Bonnie Burks Gray 502.633.6941.

The Church Office will be closed on December 25th,

28th, 31st and January 1st in observance of the

New Year holiday.

Angela Cook/Church Secretary will be on Vacation

December 24th through January 5th and will be

back in the office on Wednesday, January 6th.

The Choir will not rehearse on Wednesday

nights during the month of January.

Enjoy your winter break!

Join us for Kids Korner

Saturday, January 16, 2016

10:00 am to Noon

Youth Winter Blitz January 29—31 2016

Keynote Speaker: Brooklyn Lindsey & Christian Band

“Rush of Fools.”

We will be staying at St. Paul UMC -- Louisville.

Cost is $40.00. Registration forms are available online,

in the Youth Office and posted outside Room 206.

Watch for more details:

February —Ski Trip

April 29 –May 1st—Youth H.S. Spring Retreat-- Smoky

Mountains (More Information to come)

Saturday, January 9th

8:00 am

Guest Speaker: Pastor Kevin Stamps

Come have a time of great fellowship, and enjoy a

good breakfast! There is a suggested donation of $5

for the breakfast meal.

Church Council Meeting Minutes Summary

October 26, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 6:34 pm.

The group shared prayer requests and praises.

The minutes of the September 21, 2015 meeting were approved. The Consent Calendar reports

were read and accepted.

Holly asked Tracy Bertram to address the Finance Committee report. Tracy stated that although we

passed a deficit budget for this year, we have taken in $451 more than we spent. He sees this as a

blessing that people are willing to step out in faith. He then asked that any additional budget re-

quests to be submitted by next week so that the committee can prepare the draft budget for the No-

vember council meeting. He stated that the draft budget will include a recommended increase to the

pastor’s salary of 2 1/2% for 2016. A motion was made that the council accept the recommendation

of the Finance Committee to increase the Pastor’s salary, the motion was seconded and approved.

Donald Durden then provided the Treasurer’s report. He stated that we are doing well thus far and

expects that the last three months of this year will be similar to those in 2014. He stated that $1931

was paid for the AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and that training for the staff and other

members will be provided.

Next, Vance Burnett from the Trustees Committee addressed the council. Vance stated that they

have major projects still pending. Currently, we are working on two issues, the main furnace for the

Sanctuary and the icemaker. Thompson Heating and Cooling will be in later this week to check out

the furnace. The icemaker is not working and we have contacted an appliance repairman to come out

and look at the icemaker, although we suspect that it may be a sump pump issue with the breaker

rather than with the icemaker.

Holly asked if there was any other business. Larry Crouch stated that he had something from SPR

(Staff Parish Relations) in Glen Dreher’s absence. The SPR Committee has been reviewing the hiring/

firing policy that was found 15 months ago. The SPR would like to abolish the church hiring/firing

policy and use the Book of Discipline for such decisions. The SPR Committee would also like to con-

tinue the 8:48 am worship service as a full blended service. (as a record of which policy is being re-

voked, this policy is officially titled: “Policy of Centenary United Methodist Church for Hiring, Evaulat-

ing, Promoting, Retiring and Dismissal of Staff Personnel.”) Larry made the recommendation to the

council to revoke the hiring/firing policy and use the Book of Discipline for such decisions. The motion

was seconded and the council approved the recommendation.

Willard Knipp then gave the Pastor’s Report. Willard stated that Committee on Lay Leadership and

Nominations has been meeting for 2016 nominations. Per the council direction they are using the

new format and ministry teams will be forthcoming. For the new 2016 format, the council would

meet quarterly for discernment and the personnel, property, and finance matters would be handled

by the administrative committee. The Stewardship sermon series is off to a good start. He stated

that Bill Decker and Brandon Pratt are tackling finding a more permanent solution to recent

Church Council Summary Cont.

technical issues with church internet. Centenary UMC will be hosting the regional charge conference for Hen-

ry, Spencer, and Shelby Counties on November 22, 2015. We are told that the business portion of the

charge conference will take about 10 minutes and then we will spend the rest of the time together looking at

the prayer life of Jesus. Willard concluded by stating that Impact Shelby will be held on July 23, 2016. At the

last meeting we transitioned the leadership and Clyde Tharp is helping Shannon Denson of Olive Branch

UMC.

Mark Burks thanked everyone for their contribution to Laity Sunday. He added that there were moving talks

on missions that morning.

Matt Bell stated that church participation for Light Up Shelbyville was discussed in the staff meeting. We

want to open the church sanctuary for school choirs to practice before performing and to have hot chocolate

available and make restrooms available for use. We will need volunteers to work 1 hour time slots. The

youth is helping with Trick or Trunk this Saturday.

There was no other business.

Holly Husband asked Willard to close the meeting in prayer.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Trisha Hobbs

Resolve to revitalize

Church revitalization is a hot topic, and ideas for congregations can bring fresh energy and

meaning to personal and family life, too. Consider the following tips:

• Have a clear vision. It’s easy to go along day to day without considering what you’re moving

toward. Beyond the everyday routine, what bigger vision does God have for you? This year, take

specific steps toward living that out.

• Ask questions. What gets you excited — even passionate? What issues or situations break your

heart? What are you good at? Resolve to use a talent or something you enjoy to help heal hurts.

• Balance history with innovation. Honor your past as God’s gift that makes you who you are, but be

open to change. Dare to step out in faith for the sake of your life’s mission. Try something new in

the spirit of the God who’s always doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19; Revelation 21:5).

The best way to revitalize a church might be to revitalize the lives of its individual members!

2015

Rent $ 1,413.89

Electric $ 3,473.35

Water $ 110.29

Gas (Heating) $ 150.00

Gasoline $ 70.00

Food $ 325.00

Other $ 237.00

Total: $ 5,779.53

The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund is used to offer aid to our members and to other people who come

to our church for help. Thank you for your generous support in helping people with short-term great

need assistance.

The Memorial & Endowment fund provides a unique opportunity to

remember family and friends. These special gifts to CUMC will

continue to fund and support the ministry and needs of the church

far beyond a members lifetime.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generous gift:

Rosella Hardin Davis in memory of her mother, Rosella Davis.

Seek first Seek first the kingdom of wealth, and you’ll worry over every dollar. Seek first the kingdom of health, and you’ll sweat every blemish and bump. Seek first the kingdom of popularity, and you’ll relive every conflict. Seek first the kingdom of safety, and you’ll jump at every crack of the twig. But seek first God’s kingdom, and you will find it. On that, we can depend and never worry. —Max Lucado, Fearless

CHRISTMAS SHOE BOXES

Thanks to everyone who filled and donated a Shoe Box this Christmas. I know this is a wonderful program. I once got a letter back from a girl in Africa thanking me for what I had sent. I would like for the church to fill more boxes next year by starting early in January. If you want to participate, bring items to the church. I will store these items in the Friendship Class Room. January is a big sale month. Suggested toys are marbles, a simple watch, a baby doll with light brown skin and no hair, a toy car, truck, airplane (matchbox cars's wheels do not do well in the dirt). Every boy wants a soccer ball. The balls can be fitted in a shoe box when deflated, include a pump.

Other items are jump ropes, bandaids, comb, hair elastics or head bands, harmoni-cas, socks, new short sleeve shirts with no writing on them, small flashlight with bat-teries, melamine bowl, plate, cup with cover, soap and soap dish, toothbrush and toothbrush holder, pencils, erasers, colored pencils, pens for school age children.

Thank you very much,

Sydney Lawson

The Shelby County Unit of the Salvation Army is grateful for your assistance with the Bell Ringing and the Angel Tree Programs.

Your compassion and generosity helped put smiles on 20 “Angels” faces this Christ-mas. Thank you for helping to make Angel Tree a HUGE success each and every year. May God

Bless each of you.

Eleanor Warford

Resolutions…

What not to take into the new year • Self-help books — Trust in God first; don’t turn to him as a last resort. (See Proverbs 3:5-6.)

• Tape measure — Consider only God’s standards; don’t compare yourself to other people.

(See Luke 18:9-14.)

• Rearview mirror — Don’t live in the past. You’ll miss out on what God is doing in your life now.

(See Philippians 3:12-14.)

• Gavel — Stop wasting time judging others. Instead, pray for them, help them and team with them.

(See Luke 6:37-38.)

• Life vest — Don’t be overly cautious spiritually. Peter experienced Jesus in a real way because he dared

to step out of the boat. (See Matthew 14:22-33.)

• Garage-door opener — We think we’re networked but often isolate ourselves. God intended for us to live

in community with one another. (See Hebrews 10:23-25.)

• Handcuffs — Don’t offer excuses about why you can’t help out. God can do amazing things through —

and despite — us. Just follow him, with no excuses. (See Mark 6:35-44.)

Beginning Wednesday, January 13th 6:30 pm

Join Meg Hughes as she begins her study of Kelly Minter’s “What Love Is?” a seven-

week study of 1, 2, & 3 John, which encourages you to remain faithful to the truth. You

will be challenged to look at contrasting themes such as walking in the light instead of

darkness, truth versus lies and deception, loving God more than loving the world, and the

meaning of true fellowship and community rather than shallowness.

Join us on Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm

Join us on Wednesday Evenings 6:30 pm

More detailed information to come!

Remember in Prayer

With our Prayer… Mark Burks Dick Burnett Chuck Cicchella

Renee Clark Joe Cleveland Cinda Compton

Melvin Cook Glenn & Renee Dreher Annie Gardner

John Gerding John Gerlach Catherine Hail

Ted Igleheart Jeremiah Jobe Mary Lou Madigan

Dottie Miller Roger & Bernice Nichols Robert Raisor

Allison Shafer Brenda Snawder Meghan Stucker

Felicia Swigert Eloise Terhune Phil Tripp

Judith Waddell

Samantha Armstrong (Friend of Joyce Cassin) Christy Bitzer (Friend of Sarah Bell)

D.O. Burden (Friend of Joyce Cassin) Frank Curry (Friend of Marilyn Macfarlane)

Matt Decker (Military stationed in Afghanistan) Sarah & Jacob Dorf (Friends of the Headley’s)

Fran Ernspiker (Renee Clark’s Mother) Alec Furrow (Grandson of Carol Furrow)

Carole Greulich (John Greulich’s Mother) Sherri Harkuss (Friend of Joyce Cassin)

Richard & Martina Hembree (Friends of Linda Ethington)

Anita Hill (Friends of the Raisor’s) Barsha Honchell (Jim Benton’s Sister)

Beth Huggins (Daughter-in-law of Jan Huggins) Marcia James (Duanne Puckett’s Sister)

Anna Jones (Barbara Scott’s Cousin) Scott Jones (Chuck Jones Brother)

Dr. Kutmah (Friends of Robert & Kate Raisor) Tracy Logan (Friend of Renee Clark)

Gary Lucas (Friend of Dickie & Pam Phillips) Kim Maddox (Geri Robert’s Niece)

JeanAnn Martin (Member of Impact Shelby & UMW)

Eric Mattson (Donna Meador’s Cousin) Norma Mescher (Friend of Don Ernst)

Robin Millard (Friend of Bill & Margaret Tuttle) Jo Murley (Judy Knowles Sister)

Sherri Nelson & Brandon Lassley (Friends of Carol Furrow & Mickey Hayes)

Linda Parson (Friend of Don Ernst) Nick Pitakis (Julie Knipp’s Father)

Gary Price (Friend of Joyce Cassin) Susan Ramey (Friend of Don Ernst)

The Reed Family Carson Richardson (Mark Knowles Nephew)

Crystal Rogers (Bonnie Landers Cousin)

Jennifer Settle Reese (Daughter-in-law of Jon & Janice Riggs)

Kellie Jo Shepherd & Son Alex Wente Beryl Thompson (Friend of the Polston’s)

Kristie Tolson (Kate Raisor’s Cousin) Rita Wilkins (Karen Whittle’s Mother)

Nancy Williamson’s Family Bill Winburn (Charlotte Pridmore’s Uncle)

Christians in the Middle East Our Military & Our Leaders

Our Sympathy & Condolences to Debra Oates and Family at the passing

of Debra’s mother, Wanda Pendleton on December 13, 2015.

Congratulations to Rev. Paul & Ellen Fryman at the birth of their

granddaughter, Ella Grace Harlan (6lbs 6 oz) born on December

22, 2015.