Lenten events and activities
Friday
March 22
Lenten sermon series
Have you given up something for Lent in the past? I’ve given up chocolate, ice cream, cussing, the Internet and numerous other things. I’ve also tried adding new positive behaviors like writing a note of gratitude to people or other acts of kindness. The last several years I’ve invited the congregation to join me in a two meal fast each week in Lent and will probably do so again.
But this year we are encouraging you to think of more significant things to give up that will be good for you and the Kingdom of God. Beginning March 10, we will launch a seven-week series and talk about things mentioned in scripture that God wants us to give up, not just for 40 days, but forever. Here are the things we believe God is calling us to give up and why:
March 10 Giving Up Control: Because our need for control pushes God and others away.
March 17 Giving Up Expectations: Because our agenda gets in the way of God’s amazing possibilities.
March 24 Giving Up Superiority: because everyone has status with Jesus.
March 31 Giving Up Enemies: Because Jesus has a better way to eliminate enemies.
April 7 Giving Up Our Lives: Because amazing things happen when we live with an eternal perspective.
April 14 Giving Up Popularity: Because it’s much easier to please one instead of all.
April 21 Giving Up Death: Because death has been defeated forever!
And don’t forget to start the season of Lent well by sharing in Holy Communion and receiving the ashes at the Ash Wednesday Service on Wednesday, March 6 at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Parish Care Pastor Mary Eileen Spence will bring the message “Enabled to Give Up” based on Psalm 51.
Your servant in Christ,
Rev. Jerry Rairdon
Pastor Jerry's Lenten Challenge
Everyone is invited to join Pastor Jerry in a two-meal fast one day each week during the six weeks of Lent. Pastor Jerry skips Friday breakfast and lunch and then eats Friday dinner but everyone is invited to do what best fits in their schedule. The purpose is not to prove anything to God but focus our hearts and minds on God instead of food. Use that extra time for prayer, reflection, reading of scripture or a great book. You might be surprised how a little hunger can bring you into the presence of God.
Celebrate the beginning of the Lenten season
on Ash Wednesday, March 6.
Lenten Breakfast
The United Methodist Women invite everyone to begin the Lenten Season on the morning of Ash Wednesday, March 6, with a delightful breakfast prepared and served by the Grace Circle and Esther Circle at 9:30am in Celebration Hall (Door #2 or #7). Our speaker is our former Pastor Todd Outcalt. There is no charge to attend but reservations are appreciated. Sign up at the information kiosks or call the church office 317-773-2500.
This year we are asking for donations of either $5 Starbucks our college students or wrapped Easter basket candy for the United Methodist Children’s Home in Lebanon, Indiana.
Learn About Lent
Join Pastor Aaron Hobbs in Whitcomb Chapel (Door #1) at 6:15pm before the Ash Wednesday worship service to learn more about the season of Lent.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Attend Ash Wednesday worship at 7pm in the Sanctuary (Door #1). In addition to receiving ashes, there will be an anointing for healing opportunity.
Canoeing the Mountains study
Explorers Lewis and Clark had to adapt. While they had prepared to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean, instead they found themselves in the Rocky Mountains. You too may feel that you are leading in a cultural context you were not expecting. You may even feel that your training holds you back more often than it carries you along. Drawing from his extensive experience as a pastor and consultant, Tod Bolsinger brings decades of expertise in guiding churches and organizations through uncharted territory. He offers a combination of illuminating insights and practical tools to help you reimagine what effective leadership looks like in our rapidly changing world. If you're going to scale the mountains of ministry, you need to leave behind canoes and find new navigational tools.
“If you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, you shall love your neighbor as your self, you are doing right.” -- James 2:8
Men of the church are invited to a series of four Lenten breakfasts around Hamilton County. Each will begin at 7:30am is will be designed around the “WHO is your neighbor” theme. An offering will be collected at each breakfast to benefit Metro Ministries.
Sat. Mar. 23 Host: Noblesville First UMC, 2051 E. Monument St., Noblesville.
Speaker: Mr. Dennis Schrumph, Certified Lay Servant
Sat. Mar. 30 Host: The Promise UMC, 12648 E. 116th St., Fishers
Speaker: Ms. Emily Reece, Conf. Coordinator, Church Development
Sat. Apr. 6 Host: Carmel St. Mark's UMC, 4780 E. 126th St., Carmel
Speaker: Mr. Craig Wood, Certified Lay Servant
Sat. Apr. 13 Host: Sheridan First UMC, 207 E. 2nd St., Sheridan
Speaker: Pastor Adrianne Curtis, Associate Pastor, Carmel UMC
Palm Sunday - April 14
8:30am in the Sanctuary (Door #1) with a Choir Ensemble
9:30am in Celebration Hall (Door #2 or #7) with the Chancel Choir
(classes and childcare available for all ages)
11am in the Sanctuary (Door #1) with the Worship Band
(Exit 11 children's ministry)
Maundy Thursday Interactive - April 18
This year for Maundy Thursday we are offering a unique worship experience involving interactive prayer stations to help us recall the key events of Jesus' last week on earth. Did you know where the name Maundy Thursday comes from? Maundy is the Anglo-French word derived from the Latin "Mandatum" which means commandment. It is chosen because on this night Jesus gave us a new commandment to love one another even as Jesus has loved us. Our prayer stations created by several church ministries, will recall the passover meal and foot washing. Our experience will be child-friendly, providing opportunities for parents to talk their children through what Holy Week means and if your child tires of the contemplative effort the Atrium will offer children's books on Jesus provided by our Preschool. The Chancel Choir will close our service with a few minutes of spiritual song.
Good Friday Prayer Vigil - April 19
It will be a day filled with prayer and reflection at Noblesville First. Give of your time on this most Holy Day to remember our Lord as He suffered on the cross for all His children through moments of prayer. Everyone is invited to share 30 minutes of their day with our Lord in prayer in the Prayer Room or Whitcomb Chapel.
Each Prayer Warrior will be given a printed guide to assist them during their time of quiet prayer. Our prayers will begin at 7am and continue non-stop until worship begins at 7pm. Sign up for a 30-minute time slot that is best for you and help us with continuous prayer.
Take time to converse with God during this very Holy Week and in your time of prayer, thank Him for all that you are and all of His care. Include in your prayer time, concerns for your family, your friends, our church and the nation.
Join us to celebrate a time for refreshment, renewal and revitalization! Sign up posters will be available outside the Sanctuary (for Whitcomb Chapel) and Celebration Hall (for the Prayer Room) beginning March 31.
“…something creative and powerful happens when we practice intercessory prayer.” -- Maxie Dunnam
Don’t miss the Annual Church Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers through 3rd grade on Saturday, April 20, 11am (don't be late!) at Teter Farm & Retreat 10980 East 221st Street, Noblesville
Please bring canned foods to donate to the Come to Me Food Pantry. There will be photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, tours of Teter Farm, and you can even help plant some seedlings.
Questions?
Contact Amber Good moc.t1553255933sriFe1553255933llivs1553255933elboN1553255933@doog1553255933a1553255933 or call the church office 317-773-2500.
Easter Sunday
8:30am in the Sanctuary (Door #1) with the Choir
9:30am in Celebration Hall (Door #2 or #7) with the Choir & Orchestra (same as 11:00am)
11:00am in Celebration Hall (Door #2 or #7) with the Choir & Orchestra (same as 9:30am)
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