PASTORS’ PEN

1 Corinthians 7:29 “What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short.”

Just yesterday, I held my firstborn son in my arms for the first time…or as I think about it…it seems just like yes-

terday! It seemed only a few days after his birth, a second, and then a third, brother would join him in filling our

home with laughter, love, and lessons to be learned (both by the boys and also for Brenda and myself to learn).

And in what seems like mere minutes…they are grown men living out what Brenda and I together planted into

their rich soils of life. “What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short!”

I believe that one of the most challenging and noblest of endeavors of this gen-

eration is the need to rediscover and then be blessed by the commitment of men

to live out the responsibilities of “Godly Fathers”…“Godly Fatherhood.” The

newest of the generations are crying out from their cribs, their playgrounds, their

school homework, their leisure time, their sporting and academic efforts, and

most of all in their knowledge of God and His Son, Jesus Christ…they are cry-

ing out for their Fathers to be present with them and to lead them…they are cry-

ing out to be fed the spiritual nourishment that will strengthen them and sustain

them in all of life’s pursuits. They are crying out for the men, their fathers, to be

“Men of Integrity and Spiritual Fervor”—fathers who know God’s Word and

most of all, know the Living God proclaimed in the scriptures…personally deep

in their souls, and then live their faith openly and purely every day before their

children.

Here’s the need (whether we are talking Fathers or Grandfathers…for fathering

never stops!)…THE TIME IS SHORT! Fathers, seize the moment…today…to be a Godly Father. Stop wait-

ing until you or your children are older, because by then the time and opportunities will have passed and it will be

too late—they will be grown and gone.

Fathers:

-When was the last time you told your children you loved them? And showed them?

-When was the last time you prayed with your children? Read God’s Scriptures together?

-When was the last time you sat in worship together? Had a conversation about spiritual matters?

In America today, fathers have way too many times been absent from home…and absent from the eternal and

spiritual lives of their children. Many times those reasons that have pulled us away from our children at the

moment may have seemed important and necessary (and our rationalization justified our absence), but in hind

sight, we missed the mark and our children lost out on “Us.”

On this “Father’s Day,” I, Ed Fritz, make a renewed commitment to first be the child of God I ought to be, with

all of my fervor and in all the decisions of time placed upon my life. And secondly, I commit to do a better job at

committing myself to feed the most important sheep God has place in my pasture…My Children. If you are a

man with children (regardless of their age) and of Christian integrity, will you get down and prayerfully with me

make this same commitment? If you are willing…let me know of your decision and together we will hold each

other up in prayer…God bless you “Men of Faith.” -Pastor Ed

June 2012

The Gathering

COMING EVENTS

PIZZA WITH THE

PASTORS We will be having a “Pizza with

the Pastors” lunch on Sunday, June

24, at 12:00 noon at the Life Cen-

ter, after the morning worship ser-

vice. This free meal is for those

who are new to our church and is a

way for them to meet the pastors

and staff and get acquainted with

other new families of the church.

PRIMETIMERS On Tuesday, June 26, the Prime-

timers will visit the 911 Center

and Pedal Power Museum.

In the morning we will go to the

Elkhart County 911 Center to

learn about their operations for

emergency calls for help.

Lunch will be at Dandino’s Res-

taurant in Goshen, ordering from

the menu. Lunch specials start

around $6.00.

After lunch we will go to the

Pedal Power Museum north of

Goshen to see the restored little

antique pedal cars.

The bus will pick up at Green-

croft at 9:30 a.m., and we will

leave the church at 10:00 a.m.

We will return about 4:00 p.m.

If you have questions, please call

Bob Morris at 534-2791.

MINISTRY MENU

FOR VOLUNTEERS You will find a copy of the new

Ministry Menu enclosed in this

issue of the Gathering for the ser-

vice year of September 2012-

August 2013. We hope that you

will take time to prayerfully look

over the many opportunities

available for you to serve in the

ministry of Christ through our

local church. The booklet gives

an explanation of each of the

ministries and the single sheet

form is to fill out and return.

Once you have reviewed the op-

tions, choose the areas where you

would like to serve by circling

the number on the response form.

Then drop it in the offering plate

or return it to the church office.

If you receive your Gathering via

e-mail, you may open the form

attached and print one off to fill

out. Menu forms will also be

available at worship services

during the month of June.

It is our belief that Christ our

Lord calls all who follow Him to

be involved in the ministry of the

church using their spiritual gifts

for the furtherance of the king-

dom and the glory of God. God

bless you as you volunteer and

serve!

BASH OR CHIL-

DREN’S HOME On Monday, June 11, you are in-

vited to the Bashor Children’s

Home annual meeting at 10:00 a.m.

with installation of new officers.

After the meeting, you are invited

to the Bashor Picnic. Bring des-

serts for the youth and staff.

Our church’s pink mission offering

envelopes for the month of June go

toward Bashor Home.

FREE MOVIE We will show a free movie enti-

tled, “Tangled,” on Sunday, June

10, at 4:00 p.m. at the Life Cen-

ter. Everyone is welcome!

WELCOME, KIM SHEETS! Kim Sheets will be assisting Aimee Brinson in the children’s ministry department at both church campuses. She writes the following:

“Hello, my name is Kim Sheets. I have been married to my husband, Jeromy, for 10 years and have two sons, Kaden-9 and Braxten-6. I am employed part-time by Thomas Rykovitch in the orthodontic field. I also am involved in the West Goshen PTO and being a Little League Team Mom. My hobbies include spending time with my two boys, interior decorating, and entertaining friends and family in our home. We have attended the Life Center for eight years. My family and I look forward to serving at both campuses and getting to know many of you.”

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! We are wanting to share different types of art in an upcoming sermon se-

ries entitled, “The Art of Living for Christ.” If you have pieces of folk art,

visual arts, crafts, pottery, painting, photography, etc., that you would let

us display, we need to hear from you. These will be used at both cam-

puses. If you have something to share, please contact Steve Campagna by

e-mail at: stevecamagna@goshenfirstumc.org. Please bring these arti-

cles to the downtown campus on August 1-12. Thank you!

VISITATION MINISTRY Let’s remember to visit and pray for our members who are in health care.

The following are at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen: Marjorie Cox-Room 108, Gladys Bickel-Room 103,

Charlie Sloan-Room 105, Jane Toth-Room 134, Carol Gilchrist-Room 103, Florence Guengerich-Room 240,

Dorothy Timmons-Room 502, Lois Miller-Room 244, Lena Kent-Room 512, Ruth Bullis-Room 531, Elbert

Groves-Room 550.

The following are at The Maples at Waterford: Ermadean Seltenright-Room 318.

The following are at The Courtyard of Goshen: Margaret Perrin-Room 212, Laura Miller-Room 209.

The following are at Evergreen Place in Goshen: Fran

Jessup-Apt. 137, Irene Renner-Apt. 114.

The following are at Waterford Crossing in Goshen:

Walter Aschliman-Apt. 402, Phyllis Flora-Apt. 410, Leo

Seltenright-Apt. 303, Jack Stump-Apt. 205.

The following are at other health care facilities: Vivian

Smith, Miller’s Senior Living Community, Warsaw, Indi-

ana; Wayne Smith, Warsaw Meadows Health Center,

Warsaw, Indiana.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No.136

Goshen, IN

First United Methodist Church

214 S. Fifth Street

Goshen, IN 46528

Phone: 533-9518

www.goshenfirstumc.org

www.goshenlifecenter.org

Address Service Requested

“Thank you so much for the beautiful holiday cards, visits, and my birthday flower!” -Phyllis Flora

“I would like to thank the many members who helped me celebrate my 95th birthday. A big thank you to those

who made and signed the big red birthday card. The many names were pleasant to read. Thank you to the S.S.

class that signed and sent good wishes, and those who came to my house on a Saturday afternoon for a little bit of

cake and punch. Also, I thank Janet Miller and her mother for bringing me a pretty flower, and spending a pleas-

ant time talking about our old neighborhood. Many thanks to all who cared.” -Nell Hoogenboom

“Thank you for your prayers, and know that there are lots of people out here that are sad, lonely, and looking for a

smile, a good word, and your prayers. Thank you again.” -Thirston Perrin

“Thank you for the beautiful red carnation for my birthday. Thank you for being a great church family, and for

all your prayers.” -Pat McKinney

“I really enjoyed seeing everyone during my visit to Indiana and loved hearing the Cantata on April 29th. The

choir did an amazing job and the slide show was very powerful. Thanks to everyone who came to my presenta-

tion and for the generous offering. Mateo and I are very blessed to have such a loving and supporting church

family.” -Rachel Parsons Tenorio

“Thanks for the beautiful carnation for my birthday, and also thanks to John and Lois Fidler for the delivery.”

-Betty Huffman

June 1

Dave Ogle

Bailey Null

Jarrett Griffee

June 2

Phyllis Blough

Connie Brinkruff

Dave Parsons

Ermadean Seltenright

June 4

Linda Shorthouse

Janet Taylor

Tom Conrad

Jamie Lehman

June 5

Chad Weddle

Glenda Brechtel

June 6

Marty Myers

Stacey Yoder

Madeline Li Snow

Rory Hart

June 7

Jeff Caton

June 8

Kathy Meier

Sydney Stutsman

Kaylee Shepherd

June 9

Jo Snyder

April Blankenbaker

Stan Leedy

June 10

Eric Colglazer

Alison Colglazier

Nick Ragsdale

June 11

Milton Grant

Pam Peffley

June 12

Andrew Null

Julia Giddens

June 13

Sophie Wenz

June 14

Connie Hansen

Julia Springer

June 15

Jodi Salisbury

Kris Sorg

June 16

Elbert Groves

Dan Miller

June 17

Matthew Cork

Claris Cloud

Che’ Hines

Sarah Miller

June 18

Brenda Wilkinson

Steven Yoder

June 19

Bennett Brown

Clair Motts

Kent Gunden

June 20

Jackie Lung

Bonnie Elder

June 21

Diane Miller

Brent Lewallen

Doug Snow

Chance Hanshew

June 22

Beth Pettit

Roger Meier

HAPPY JUNE BIRTHDAYS!

June 23

Michelle Eckelbarger

Elaine Anderson

June 24

Gene Weaver

Ellie Groves

Robert Andrews

Faith Gailey

June 25

Doug Bender

June 26

Lewie Weaver

Kaitlin Skelton

Kim Duca

June 27

John Fidler

Kelly Cork

Tiny Cork

John Platz

June 28

Laura Haney

Ned Starnes

Drake Crowder

Linda Stevens

June 29

Kaden Sheets

Phil Hutchings

June 30

Colfax Cannaday

Main Dishes

Children’s Ministry

D 250 Jr Church Leader

D 251 Preschool Leader

D 252 Elementary Leader

L 253 Preschool Leader

L 254 Elementary Leader

D 256 TGIW Leader

D 257 TGIW Preschool Ldr.

N 260 Easter Egg Hunt

N 262 Summer VBS

Upward Football/Cheer

N 235 Football Coach

N 236 Cheerleader Coach

N 237 Referee

Youth Ministry

N 270 Small Group Leader

L 271 Wed Night Leader

N 272 Special Events

D 280 Jr. High Teacher

D 281 Sr. High Teacher

L 282 Jr. High Teacher

L 283 Sr. High Teacher

Adult Ministries

D L 290 Sunday School Leader

D L 291 Small Group Leader

Missions—Local Outreach

N 221 Christmas Gift Ministry

D 223 Food Pantry

N 224 Handyman Ministry

N 225 Interfaith Hospitality

D 226 Rummage Sales

D 227 Thanksgiving Dinner

Missions—Outreach

N 220 Missions Committee

N 228 Foreign Missions

N 229 Work Camp

Outreach Events

N 230 Fall Kick Off

L 232 Big Bash (July 4th)

L 233 Super Bowl Party

Church Committees

N 240 Council on Ministries

N 241 Trustees

N 242 Finance

N 243 Staff Parish Relations

N 244 Nominations

Primetimers

N 295 Outing Leader

N 296 Dinner Set Up/Clean Up

N 297 Historian

Name: _________________________________________ Phone: ______________________

Email: ________________________________________________ I attend ___ DC ___ LC

Taste Test - Maybe you would like to try a ministry, but you’re not completely

sure about it. Then feel free to take a taste test (a temporary spot until you decide)

or maybe you just need more info. If so list the ministry name and number below.

Taste Test Ministry Area: ____________________________________________________

Ministry Number: ____________

Ministry Menu

September 2012 - August 2013

Ministry Opportunities

Here I am, Lord, Send me! We are all gifted by God with spiritual gifts, skills, and talents. Please pray for

God’s guidance as you select all the ministries where you feel God is leading you to

be involved and circle the appropriate letter for the service site. This includes min-

istries where you are currently involved. Please return this menu to the church

office or drop in the offering plate.

N – Not Site Specific D - Downtown L - Life Center

Appetizers

Music/Arts

N 002 Drama Team

D L 005 Pianist

N 009 Music Office Support

Worship Support

D L 101 Communion Preparation

D 102 Lay Readers

N 104 Homebound Communion

D L 105 Van/Bus Ministry

Hospitality

D L 111 Ushers

D L 112 Greeters

Tech/Visual Arts

D L 135 Decorating

N 137 Graphic Arts/Design

Administrative Support

D 143 Pews/Sanctuary Care

Maintenance

D L 157 Snow Removal

D 158 Mowing

Prayer

N 190 Email Prayer Chain

N 191 Telephone Prayer Chain

D L 192 Prayer During Services

TGIW Food Service

D 215 Set Up

D 218 Greeter

Children’s Ministry

Special Events

L 260 Easter Egg Hunt

Local Outreach

D 226 Rummage Sales

Upward Football

L 238 Sign-Ups

Youth Ministry

N 273 Chaperone Trips

N 274 Food for Small Groups/

Trips

Adult Ministries

N 292 Small Group Leadership

Training

Music/Arts

D 001 Choir

D 003 Special Music Groups

D L 004 Instrumentalists

L 006 Worship Team

N 007 The Living Word

N 008 Other Musicals

Hospitality

D 110 Elevator Host

D L 113 Newcomer Ministry

D L 114 Lay Visitors

D L 115 Visitor ID Team

D L 116 Welcome Center Host

D L 117 Donut Pick up

L 118 Cookies

L 120 Gathering Time Host

Tech/Visual Arts

D L 130 Computer Operator

L 131 Lighting

D L 132 Sound Technician

D L 133 Videographer

L 134 Video Editing

L 136 Stage Set Up

D L 138 Set Design

Administrative

D 140 Library

D L 141 Receptionist

Maintenance

D L 150 Carpentry

D L 151 Electrical

D L 152 General Maintenance

D L 153 Grounds Maintenance

D L 154 Painting/Wallpaper

D L 155 Plumbing

D L 156 Worship/Event Set-Up

Creative Arts

N 160 Calligraphy

N 161 Sewing

N 162 Photography

D L 163 Bulletin Boards

Community Care

D 170 Blood Pressure Clinic

N 171 90+ Birthday Cards

N 172 Card Ministry

N 173 Casserole Ministry

N 174 College/Military Care

N 175 Flower Ministry

N 176 Funeral Dinners

N 179 Nursing Home Ministry

N 180 Shawl Knitting Ministry

N 181 Shepherd Ministry

N 182 Stephen Ministry

N 183 Transportation Ministry

Women’s Ministry

N 200 Monthly Circle Meetings

N 202 Yes Kits

N 203 Women’s Retreat

N 204 Bible Study Leader

TGIW Food Service

D 210 Cashier

D 211 Cleanup

D 212 Cook Assistants

D 213 Dessert Maker

D 214 Ice Cream Set/Clean

D 216 Server

D 217 Pizza Pick-up

Main Dishes