First United Methodist Church
Pastor Mark Dicken
2637 McCool Road, Portage, IN 46368
(219) 762-3846
______________________________________________________________________
The Witness
Issue X October 2017
I love the month of October. I enjoy the pennant races and playoffs, especially since the Cubs are no longer lovable losers. I love the change in the weather, the colors of the changing leaves, and, yes, the fact that deer season begins. Be alert when driving at dusk and after dark!
But I’m also looking forward to October because this year it is a month when we can celebrate the church.
The first Sunday is traditionally World Communion Sunday. Christians around the world celebrate the Lord’s Supper or Communion or the Eucharist in different ways, but the fact that all Christians heed Christ’s command to “do this in remembrance of me” is one thing we all agree on. So we celebrate the global nature of the church and the continuing spread of Christ’s kingdom.
On the third Sunday, we will present Bibles to our third graders. We celebrate the centrality of Holy Scripture in our church and want our children to develop the spiritual discipline of reading and interpreting the Scripture themselves and with other believers in the faith community. We do well to remember that some of our spiritual ancestors literally gave their lives to establish that right many of us, regrettably, take for granted.
On the last Sunday of the month, we will celebrate All Saints, a time of remembering church members and loved ones who have finished their course in faith and now rest from their labors. We celebrate the church that has spanned countless generations.
Come join us as we celebrate the church.
See you in church!
In Christ and in hope,
Pastor Mark
All Saints Sunday October 29th
On All Saints Sunday, we will honor those who have gone to be with our Lord since October 2016. A candle will be lit for each member of Portage First who has passed away during the past year. A large candle will be lit in remembrance of all others who have passed away in the last year as well. You are invited to include your family, friends and loved ones in this special time of remembrance. Look for further information in the Sunday bulletins.
Happy October Birthday to…
01 Joyce Shone 17 Sue Jongsma 23 Sally Reynolds
03 Glenda Owens 18 Pat Glenn 23 Lil Falk
04 Carl Rodin 18 Paul Keaton 23 Sue Andryuk
04 Amity McKiddy 18 Pauly Peterson 23 Emma Burns
05 Karen Blakely 19 Tyler Dearing 23 Val Sliter
05 Rileyann Welch 19 Stephen Hameetman 24 Sande Robinson
06 Lydia Wilkening 20 Dale Tipton 25 Robert Cheeks
07 Kristina DeLeon 21 Megan Nadolski 25 Tiffany Hamilton
11 Marilyn Allen 17 Sue Jongsma 28 Vicki Evanatz
15 Sandy Morgenroth 21 Livia Kegley 29 Madelyn Lorenz
Happy October Anniversary to…
01 Bob & Glenda Dixon 19 Fred & Gloria Nystrom
01 Tony & Kortni Centracchio 19 Tod & Karen Blakely
02 Bill & Sande Robinson 19 Richard & Marcia Guth
07 Randy & Miranda Wilkening Jr. 20 Tom & Connie Ellefson
10 John & Heather Shebel 20 Don & Sandy Morgenroth
12 David & Leigh Coffey 21 George & Janice Stewart
16 Jim & Bev Reeder 30 Don & Kim Kremke
Weekly Calendar
Sundays @ 10:00am Sunday School
Wednesdays @ 11:30am Brown Bag Bible Study
Thursdays @ 6:00am Breakfast at Schoops
First Friday Fellowship will meet Friday, October 6th at 5pm at the Cracker Barrel, 6200 Opportunity Lane, Merrillville, IN (off I-65 and 61st St.). Please join us for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun. R.S.V.P to Sandra Robinson at 764-8433.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Friday, October 6 @ 9:30 am
ALL women of ALL ages please
Join us for a morning of fellowship and breakfast snacks followed by our speaker from
The Answer for Pregnancy Aid, in Hobart which is operated solely by volunteers.
Come and hear how they make a difference in a pregnant woman and her baby's life.
EXTRA EXTRA! If you would like to bring a package of
disposable diapers to the meeting it will be greatly appreciated!
If you will need child care while attending our meeting
please call the church office (762-3846) by Wed, Oct 4th
BRRR - IT'S COLD OUTSIDE (Well it will be soon!)
Many children in the Portage Township Schools don't have and can't afford hats or gloves to keep them warm during the winter months. The United Methodist Women are collecting children size
hats and gloves starting in October, which will be distributed to the elementary schools in Portage.
PLEASE PLACE YOUR ITEMS IN THE BASKET, IN THE NARTHEX!
Thank you for your generosity!
It’s that time of year again! You guessed it…..RUMMAGE SALE!
Sale dates:
• Thursday, October 12th (9a-6p)
• Friday, October 13th (9a-3p “Fill a Bag Day”)
Set-up dates:
• Sunday, October 8th – Table setup, bring in all the goodies
• Monday, October 9th – Open/empty all the goody boxes
• Tuesday, October 10th – Pricing, tweaking
• Wednesday, October 11th – Bring LARGE goodies from barn, pricing, TWEAK! TWEAK! TWEAK!
We can use as much help as possible! Helpers that donate 8 (combined) hours of time M-F will receive a FREE dinner during sale hours. YUM! M-F are also helper preview days! That’s right! If you want first pick, come lend a hand emptying boxes, sorting, and having an all-around good time! And as always, there will be food!
There are other jobs available if the “rummage” part isn’t your thing! Sign-up sheets will be at the Welcome Center for a variety of ways to help. We will especially need “homemade” desserts to accompany the dinners AND for the bake sale.
All proceeds go out to several missions. Donations are ALWAYS welcome and can be dropped off at the back of the church. Let’s make this the best sale ever and show what we can do!
WORSHIP THEMES FOR OCTOBER
October 1 I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH Pastor Mark
World Communion Sunday
We continue our series on The Apostles’ Creed and celebrate the worldwide church
as we share in the Lord’s Supper.
October 8 I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS Pastor Mark
October 15 I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY Pastor Tara
Bible Sunday
We will present Bibles to our Third Graders. If your child or grandchild
wants to receive a Bible, please let our Director of Spiritual Formation, Kate Blakely know soon.
October 22 WHAT CAESAR WANTS, CAESAR GETS Pastor Mark
Matthew 22:15-22
October 29 AMAH AMY Pastor Mark
Matthew 22:34-46
All Saints
We remember and celebrate the members of our church and others we loved who have
gone on to their eternal glory in the past 12 months.
Popcorn, get your popcorn here!!!
Boy Scout Troop 452 will be selling popcorn on October 1st after services. Than on October 15th Cub Scout Pack 487 will be selling popcorn after services. Please consider helping our boys. Popcorn will be delivered after November 11th. Any questions contact Kim Adkins
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here. It’s time to start practicing for the Christmas Cantata! This year, the Cantata will be Sunday, December 17th at both services. We need YOUR voice to help fill in our choir for this new, exciting Cantata titled, “Joy!” Rehearsals will be Thursday evenings starting in October from 6:00-7:00 and/or Sundays from 3:00-4:00. Please see Heather Schulz (617-2783) with any questions.
From the Missions Committee
Hi, Church!
Just a quick message from your Missions Committee. Thanks for your continued support of the Portage Township Food Pantry! Many thanks to Lois Finney and the Sears Outlet Store in Portage. Lois secured the donation of a shopping cart from Sears. We'll now be collecting items for the food pantry in that shopping cart, still in the Fellowship Hall. If you are compelled to give, during the month of October, we are asking for donations of canned yams or sweet potatoes (in preparation for upcoming holidays).
Please remember that the Portage Township Trustees also need nonperishable food items for people who come in needing assistance at times when the Food Pantry is not open. While they do not need nearly as much food as the food pantry, it is critically important that they have food when it is needed. Place donations for the Portage Township Trustees Office in the large, marked basket under the table just north of the entrance to the sanctuary.
We'll be doing our "Stomp Out Hunger" food drive again this year. Please watch the church bulletins and the Facebook page for more information.
Last but not least, we welcome Diana Gymrek to the committee! Your committee members now include Diana, Annette McCarty, Pastor Tara Keehn, Kate Blakely, and Wendy Smith. Please let us know if you see needs, want to toss around ideas, or have concerns.
Have a blessed month, and thanks for blessing others,
Your Missions Committee
Calling all Harry Potter Fans!
Community Meal October 20th at 6pm.
Travel to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and enjoy a Hogwarts Feast! Get sorted into one of Hogwarts’ 4 houses, enjoy crafts & games, children can visit Honeydukes sweet shop. Costumes are welcome but don’t feel you need to dress up. This is an evening for everyone whether or not you’ve read the books, seen the movies, or even heard the name Harry Potter.
Mission Possible Kids & Youth Group
• MPK: Mission Portage Kids (for kids Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
o True North Stables field trip Friday Oct. 6
Be at the church by 3:40 pm, we should return by 6:15pm
Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes
o MPK bake Sale October 15, between services, all proceeds will benefit True North Stables
• Youth Group (for youth 6th - 12th grade)
o Oct. 6 True North Stables field trip Friday
Be at the church by 3:40 pm, we should return by 6:15 pm
Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes
o Oct. 8 Rummage Sale Setup following 2nd service
o Oct. 15 Fall Fire 6-8 pm
o Oct. 23 Fall Break Movie outing to see Wonderstruck
Time TBD based on viewing times
Attention Ladies!
Women’s Bible Study
Wednesdays October 4 - November 8, 6 pm
Join us for this 6 week study based on Lysa Terkeurst’s Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely. Release the desire to fall apart or control the actions of others by embracing God-honoring ways to process your hurt, overcome the two core fears that feed our insecurities by understanding the secret of belonging. Stop feeling left out and start believing that “set apart” does not mean “set aside.”
For more information contact Kate Blakely at 574-621-0070 or portageumcyouth@gmail.com
Ladies! Save the date - Sunday November 12th, 5-8 pm
The Aspire women’s tour is coming to Valparaiso. Join us for a women only evening full of laughter, learning, stories, & music. Look for more details to come. If we can have 10 women who want to go the cost will be $20 per person. For more information contact Kate Blakley at 574-621-0070 or portageumcyouth@gmail.com
AUTUMN'S CROWN
Cornstalks, pumpkins and sheaves of grain
Are a part of nature's show,
With a backdrop of beautiful color
Adding to autumn's glow.
Sunlight on a spider web's dew
Reflects the splendor of fall.
The splashes of color reaching
From earth to tree tops tall.
Harsh winds break the spider's web
And the colors of fall disappear,
As nature paints another scene
For this special time of year.
Falling leaves and barren trees
Against a canvas of brown,
With rainy days and cloudy skies
Are a part of autumn's crown.
Bud Gray
Pastor Mark Dicken
2637 McCool Road, Portage, IN 46368
(219) 762-3846
______________________________________________________________________
The Witness
Issue X October 2017
I love the month of October. I enjoy the pennant races and playoffs, especially since the Cubs are no longer lovable losers. I love the change in the weather, the colors of the changing leaves, and, yes, the fact that deer season begins. Be alert when driving at dusk and after dark!
But I’m also looking forward to October because this year it is a month when we can celebrate the church.
The first Sunday is traditionally World Communion Sunday. Christians around the world celebrate the Lord’s Supper or Communion or the Eucharist in different ways, but the fact that all Christians heed Christ’s command to “do this in remembrance of me” is one thing we all agree on. So we celebrate the global nature of the church and the continuing spread of Christ’s kingdom.
On the third Sunday, we will present Bibles to our third graders. We celebrate the centrality of Holy Scripture in our church and want our children to develop the spiritual discipline of reading and interpreting the Scripture themselves and with other believers in the faith community. We do well to remember that some of our spiritual ancestors literally gave their lives to establish that right many of us, regrettably, take for granted.
On the last Sunday of the month, we will celebrate All Saints, a time of remembering church members and loved ones who have finished their course in faith and now rest from their labors. We celebrate the church that has spanned countless generations.
Come join us as we celebrate the church.
See you in church!
In Christ and in hope,
Pastor Mark
All Saints Sunday October 29th
On All Saints Sunday, we will honor those who have gone to be with our Lord since October 2016. A candle will be lit for each member of Portage First who has passed away during the past year. A large candle will be lit in remembrance of all others who have passed away in the last year as well. You are invited to include your family, friends and loved ones in this special time of remembrance. Look for further information in the Sunday bulletins.
Happy October Birthday to…
01 Joyce Shone 17 Sue Jongsma 23 Sally Reynolds
03 Glenda Owens 18 Pat Glenn 23 Lil Falk
04 Carl Rodin 18 Paul Keaton 23 Sue Andryuk
04 Amity McKiddy 18 Pauly Peterson 23 Emma Burns
05 Karen Blakely 19 Tyler Dearing 23 Val Sliter
05 Rileyann Welch 19 Stephen Hameetman 24 Sande Robinson
06 Lydia Wilkening 20 Dale Tipton 25 Robert Cheeks
07 Kristina DeLeon 21 Megan Nadolski 25 Tiffany Hamilton
11 Marilyn Allen 17 Sue Jongsma 28 Vicki Evanatz
15 Sandy Morgenroth 21 Livia Kegley 29 Madelyn Lorenz
Happy October Anniversary to…
01 Bob & Glenda Dixon 19 Fred & Gloria Nystrom
01 Tony & Kortni Centracchio 19 Tod & Karen Blakely
02 Bill & Sande Robinson 19 Richard & Marcia Guth
07 Randy & Miranda Wilkening Jr. 20 Tom & Connie Ellefson
10 John & Heather Shebel 20 Don & Sandy Morgenroth
12 David & Leigh Coffey 21 George & Janice Stewart
16 Jim & Bev Reeder 30 Don & Kim Kremke
Weekly Calendar
Sundays @ 10:00am Sunday School
Wednesdays @ 11:30am Brown Bag Bible Study
Thursdays @ 6:00am Breakfast at Schoops
First Friday Fellowship will meet Friday, October 6th at 5pm at the Cracker Barrel, 6200 Opportunity Lane, Merrillville, IN (off I-65 and 61st St.). Please join us for an evening of fellowship, food, and fun. R.S.V.P to Sandra Robinson at 764-8433.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Friday, October 6 @ 9:30 am
ALL women of ALL ages please
Join us for a morning of fellowship and breakfast snacks followed by our speaker from
The Answer for Pregnancy Aid, in Hobart which is operated solely by volunteers.
Come and hear how they make a difference in a pregnant woman and her baby's life.
EXTRA EXTRA! If you would like to bring a package of
disposable diapers to the meeting it will be greatly appreciated!
If you will need child care while attending our meeting
please call the church office (762-3846) by Wed, Oct 4th
BRRR - IT'S COLD OUTSIDE (Well it will be soon!)
Many children in the Portage Township Schools don't have and can't afford hats or gloves to keep them warm during the winter months. The United Methodist Women are collecting children size
hats and gloves starting in October, which will be distributed to the elementary schools in Portage.
PLEASE PLACE YOUR ITEMS IN THE BASKET, IN THE NARTHEX!
Thank you for your generosity!
It’s that time of year again! You guessed it…..RUMMAGE SALE!
Sale dates:
• Thursday, October 12th (9a-6p)
• Friday, October 13th (9a-3p “Fill a Bag Day”)
Set-up dates:
• Sunday, October 8th – Table setup, bring in all the goodies
• Monday, October 9th – Open/empty all the goody boxes
• Tuesday, October 10th – Pricing, tweaking
• Wednesday, October 11th – Bring LARGE goodies from barn, pricing, TWEAK! TWEAK! TWEAK!
We can use as much help as possible! Helpers that donate 8 (combined) hours of time M-F will receive a FREE dinner during sale hours. YUM! M-F are also helper preview days! That’s right! If you want first pick, come lend a hand emptying boxes, sorting, and having an all-around good time! And as always, there will be food!
There are other jobs available if the “rummage” part isn’t your thing! Sign-up sheets will be at the Welcome Center for a variety of ways to help. We will especially need “homemade” desserts to accompany the dinners AND for the bake sale.
All proceeds go out to several missions. Donations are ALWAYS welcome and can be dropped off at the back of the church. Let’s make this the best sale ever and show what we can do!
WORSHIP THEMES FOR OCTOBER
October 1 I BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH Pastor Mark
World Communion Sunday
We continue our series on The Apostles’ Creed and celebrate the worldwide church
as we share in the Lord’s Supper.
October 8 I BELIEVE IN THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS Pastor Mark
October 15 I BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY Pastor Tara
Bible Sunday
We will present Bibles to our Third Graders. If your child or grandchild
wants to receive a Bible, please let our Director of Spiritual Formation, Kate Blakely know soon.
October 22 WHAT CAESAR WANTS, CAESAR GETS Pastor Mark
Matthew 22:15-22
October 29 AMAH AMY Pastor Mark
Matthew 22:34-46
All Saints
We remember and celebrate the members of our church and others we loved who have
gone on to their eternal glory in the past 12 months.
Popcorn, get your popcorn here!!!
Boy Scout Troop 452 will be selling popcorn on October 1st after services. Than on October 15th Cub Scout Pack 487 will be selling popcorn after services. Please consider helping our boys. Popcorn will be delivered after November 11th. Any questions contact Kim Adkins
The most wonderful time of the year is almost here. It’s time to start practicing for the Christmas Cantata! This year, the Cantata will be Sunday, December 17th at both services. We need YOUR voice to help fill in our choir for this new, exciting Cantata titled, “Joy!” Rehearsals will be Thursday evenings starting in October from 6:00-7:00 and/or Sundays from 3:00-4:00. Please see Heather Schulz (617-2783) with any questions.
From the Missions Committee
Hi, Church!
Just a quick message from your Missions Committee. Thanks for your continued support of the Portage Township Food Pantry! Many thanks to Lois Finney and the Sears Outlet Store in Portage. Lois secured the donation of a shopping cart from Sears. We'll now be collecting items for the food pantry in that shopping cart, still in the Fellowship Hall. If you are compelled to give, during the month of October, we are asking for donations of canned yams or sweet potatoes (in preparation for upcoming holidays).
Please remember that the Portage Township Trustees also need nonperishable food items for people who come in needing assistance at times when the Food Pantry is not open. While they do not need nearly as much food as the food pantry, it is critically important that they have food when it is needed. Place donations for the Portage Township Trustees Office in the large, marked basket under the table just north of the entrance to the sanctuary.
We'll be doing our "Stomp Out Hunger" food drive again this year. Please watch the church bulletins and the Facebook page for more information.
Last but not least, we welcome Diana Gymrek to the committee! Your committee members now include Diana, Annette McCarty, Pastor Tara Keehn, Kate Blakely, and Wendy Smith. Please let us know if you see needs, want to toss around ideas, or have concerns.
Have a blessed month, and thanks for blessing others,
Your Missions Committee
Calling all Harry Potter Fans!
Community Meal October 20th at 6pm.
Travel to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and enjoy a Hogwarts Feast! Get sorted into one of Hogwarts’ 4 houses, enjoy crafts & games, children can visit Honeydukes sweet shop. Costumes are welcome but don’t feel you need to dress up. This is an evening for everyone whether or not you’ve read the books, seen the movies, or even heard the name Harry Potter.
Mission Possible Kids & Youth Group
• MPK: Mission Portage Kids (for kids Kindergarten - 5th Grade)
o True North Stables field trip Friday Oct. 6
Be at the church by 3:40 pm, we should return by 6:15pm
Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes
o MPK bake Sale October 15, between services, all proceeds will benefit True North Stables
• Youth Group (for youth 6th - 12th grade)
o Oct. 6 True North Stables field trip Friday
Be at the church by 3:40 pm, we should return by 6:15 pm
Please wear long pants and closed toed shoes
o Oct. 8 Rummage Sale Setup following 2nd service
o Oct. 15 Fall Fire 6-8 pm
o Oct. 23 Fall Break Movie outing to see Wonderstruck
Time TBD based on viewing times
Attention Ladies!
Women’s Bible Study
Wednesdays October 4 - November 8, 6 pm
Join us for this 6 week study based on Lysa Terkeurst’s Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely. Release the desire to fall apart or control the actions of others by embracing God-honoring ways to process your hurt, overcome the two core fears that feed our insecurities by understanding the secret of belonging. Stop feeling left out and start believing that “set apart” does not mean “set aside.”
For more information contact Kate Blakely at 574-621-0070 or portageumcyouth@gmail.com
Ladies! Save the date - Sunday November 12th, 5-8 pm
The Aspire women’s tour is coming to Valparaiso. Join us for a women only evening full of laughter, learning, stories, & music. Look for more details to come. If we can have 10 women who want to go the cost will be $20 per person. For more information contact Kate Blakley at 574-621-0070 or portageumcyouth@gmail.com
AUTUMN'S CROWN
Cornstalks, pumpkins and sheaves of grain
Are a part of nature's show,
With a backdrop of beautiful color
Adding to autumn's glow.
Sunlight on a spider web's dew
Reflects the splendor of fall.
The splashes of color reaching
From earth to tree tops tall.
Harsh winds break the spider's web
And the colors of fall disappear,
As nature paints another scene
For this special time of year.
Falling leaves and barren trees
Against a canvas of brown,
With rainy days and cloudy skies
Are a part of autumn's crown.
Bud Gray
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