First United Methodist Church
Rev. Michael Lawson & Rev. Tara Keehn
2637 McCool Road, Portage, IN 46368
(219) 762-3846
______________________________________________________________________
The Witness
Issue VII July, 2018
FROM THE PASTOR
Stay tuned, our new pastor, Michael Lawson will be here officially July 8th! Please join us in welcoming him to Portage First. Check the round table in the narthex to sign up for meet and greets with Pastor Michael. You are invited to attend a small welcome to our church reception July 8th at 10am. We hope to see you there!
Barbara and I are deeply thankful for the time we spent with you and the many gracious ways you helped us bring them to an end. Your kind expressions through cards and notes, the extravagant retirement celebration and the generous love gift helped us tie a beautiful bow as we wrapped up 32 years of leading and serving the people known as United Methodists.
We are steadily getting our home in Newburgh in order. At times it feels like trying to eat an elephant, but we remind ourselves that it takes one bite at a time. Downsizing continues as we unbox things we thought we would have room for, but now realize we may not. Still it is wonderul not having to save good boxes for future moves, I have already made four trips to the recycling center with flattened cardboard boxes and there are probably at least a couple more in my future,
It was an honor to serve as your pastor and work with the great staff and leaders of Portage First. We will continue to pray for you as Pastor Michael Lawson leads you into the future Christ calls you to.
Thank you!
In Christ and in hope,
Pastor Mark
Happy July Birthday to…
01 Leslie Marlatt 11 Bryson Welch 22 Richard Guth
02 Judi Holtzman 12 Charles Blakely 23 Debbi Russum
02 Patti Coates 12 Everett Brown 24 Samantha Cooper
02 Leigh Romanov 15 Patti Coppess 24 Heather Klaubo
03 Bill Hodgson 15 Annaliese Medina 24 Tyler Monahan
03 Eleanor Tipton 15 Isabella Medina 25 Philip Russum
03 Joe Wray 16 Dean Cunningham 26 Karen Mauer
04 Jef Halberstadt 16 Kathleen Tatlock 28 Max Keehn
04 Maverick Miller 16 Scarlette McKiddy 28 Deloris Yavor
05 Jonathan Bush 17 Joe Reynolds 28 Jacob Lenburg
06 Mike Matthew 17 Heather Buda 28 Robert Shone
09 Nick Andryuk 19 Lina Graff 29 Ronald Cutler
09 Sylvia Moore 19 Cara Reeder 31 Helen Hameetman
09 Scott Falk 19 Heather Schulz
11 Glenda Dixon 19 Jordan Bailey
Happy July Anniversary to…
08 Ray & Bridget Nadolski 15 Chris & Kim Adkins
09 Aaron & Andrea Massow 17 Dave & Jayne Mantz
10 Scott & Denisa Riley 22 Bill & Pat Hodgson
10 Keith & Janet Sharpe 25 Nick & Dee Nickerson
10 Marvin & Glenda Owens 27 Larry & Lerryn Darnell
15 Rob & Lisa Hoover 31 Phil & Debbi Russum
Community Meal July 20th at 6pm.
We are going to be having a dancing good time!
Join us for food and fellowship. More details on the meal and program to follow.
Remember your church in your will.
First Friday Fellowship will meet on Friday, July 6th, at 5:00 p.m. at:
Golden Corral
8215 Broadway
Merrillville, Indiana
R.S.V.P. to Sandra Robinson at 764-8433 no later than Thursday, July 5th.
July 4th Parade!!!
Salute our American Heroes - 4th of July Parade
The 4th of July parade will begin at 11:30am at Nativity. Due to limited parking anyone who can meet at the church to carpool should arrive by 10:30, we will be leaving the parking lot promptly at 10:30. Our floats will arrive at the parade earlier.
If you would like to help decorate our floats for the parade we will be meeting on Monday June 2nd at 7 pm at the silver barn on the Crossroads property.
Please remember candy donations can be dropped off in the baskets in the narthex, we will also accept monetary donations.
From Missions:
The Missions and Outreach Committee says thank you, everyone, for your continuous support of the food pantry! Your donations have been tremendously appreciated! The needs of some 600 families continue, and in July we will be collecting peanut butter and/or jelly. The Portage Township Food Pantry is also in need of money, now more than ever. They are currently working out of a temporary location. Plans are underway to build a new building that will be the new home for the pantry as well as several government offices that assist those in need. The Food Pantry is in the process of applying for a $500,000 grant, but in order to qualify they much raise $25,000 from the local community. Garnering strong community support is a critical factor in obtaining the grant. If you can help, please write a check to Porter County Community Foundation and write “Portage Township Food Pantry” in the memo blank. Donations will be accepted through July 20, and can be mailed to:
Porter County Community Foundation
c/o Portage Township Food Pantry Fund
1401 Calumet Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Seeking Sunday School Teachers
As we fall approaches we'll be looking to find some more teachers for our children's Christian Education. We still have a couple of classes that need teachers. If you'd like more information or to volunteer please contact Kate Blakely at 574-621-0070 or portageumcyouth@gmail.com. Sign-ups will also be available at the Welcome Center.
2018 RailCats Game Outing
"Take me out to the ball game" ok sounds like a great idea! United Methodist Men's Group invites all to attend a night at the Steel yard for their annual Railcats game. Join us on Saturday July 21, 2018 at 6:10 to see the Railcats play St.Paul.
Tickets are $9, and you have an option to purchase a hotdog combo for $5.25. There is no better deal than this. A sign-up sheet will be available at the welcome center at church starting Sunday May 27. Money for tickets is due by Thursday July 19.
Feel free to contact Tony Centracchio
(708) 275-0266 amc2203@yahoo.com
Note from Pastor Tara
I would like to start off by offering a sincere "thank you" to all of the people who helped make Pastor Mark's Retirement Party a success. Thank you for all of your work!
I would also like to offer a sincere "thank you" to all of those who have helped with scrubbing, cleaning, repairing, and preparing the parsonage for Pastor Michael. Thank you for all of your work!
Sunday July 8th will be Pastor Michael's first official service. He will be blessing the adoption of Cara Michelle and Katy Marie by Nicole and Rebecca Lawrence. In celebration of the adoption, and to welcome Pastor Michael, we will be serving cake in the fellowship hall in between services.
There will be at least 7 opportunities to meet Pastor Michael in a smaller setting, in people's homes for a "Meet and Greet." These scheduled events are posted on sign-up sheets on a round table in the Narthex, where you can sign up to attend one of them. I hope you take advantage of these opportunities to get to know and welcome our new head Pastor!
Vacation Bible School is Coming!
Calling all surfer dudes and dudettes! Starting Sunday, July 15th until Thursday, July 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM our church will transform into a huge beach party where our children will surf through the Scriptures and develop new Beach Be-Attitudes. Come have fun in the Son with us! Parents, you can pre-register on our website www.portageumc.org under the about page. We need your help in many areas; large or small, in charge or behind the scenes, every evening or when available. Remember, 85% of people who come to Christ do so before the age of 18. Please contact Heather Schulz and tell her how you can serve our children, our church, our community, and our Lord. You can reach her by phone/text @ 617-2783 or email at lilshimmer@hotmail.com
We will have an information session for helpers on Sunday, July 8 during Sunday School and also Monday, July 9 at 7:00PM. We will transform the church into a beach party after 2nd service July 8th as well.
Don't forget to pick up your July/August copy of the Upper Room.
Good way to start your day!
Rev up your engines once again!
The 14th annual car show is scheduled for Saturday August 11th this year. We are looking for another great turn out!
We do have a lot of helpers this year, thank you Portage First! There are a few things still needed though. Prayers for wonderful weather of course, but seriously, we could use some small items to put in the participants bags, key chains, air fresheners, any small car related items you might think the car guys would like.
We can also use any door prizes that you can have donated or possibly purchase. The door prizes do not necessarily have to be car-related. Thank you all in advance for making the car show year after year a successful. also raising awareness of our church hospitality and love!! Not to mention. A few dollars to help such worthy causes. This year proceeds will go to help the Royal Family Kids Camp. Your generosity will help send a foster child who has been abused, neglected, go to Epworth forest in North Webster In. for a week of fun, and being shown the LOVE of Christ through many Christian servants. Proceeds from this year’s Car show will help for next year’s camp! May God bless!!
United Methodist Women are proud to announce the following distribution of the spring rummage sale proceeds:
Portage Food Pantry - $500
Destiny Rescue - $500
Portage Backpack Program - $1000
First Contact - $1000
UMCOR - $1000
Relay for Life - $300
Family Promise - $550
Frontline Substance Abuse Center - $500
Rev. Michael Lawson & Rev. Tara Keehn
2637 McCool Road, Portage, IN 46368
(219) 762-3846
______________________________________________________________________
The Witness
Issue VII July, 2018
FROM THE PASTOR
Stay tuned, our new pastor, Michael Lawson will be here officially July 8th! Please join us in welcoming him to Portage First. Check the round table in the narthex to sign up for meet and greets with Pastor Michael. You are invited to attend a small welcome to our church reception July 8th at 10am. We hope to see you there!
Barbara and I are deeply thankful for the time we spent with you and the many gracious ways you helped us bring them to an end. Your kind expressions through cards and notes, the extravagant retirement celebration and the generous love gift helped us tie a beautiful bow as we wrapped up 32 years of leading and serving the people known as United Methodists.
We are steadily getting our home in Newburgh in order. At times it feels like trying to eat an elephant, but we remind ourselves that it takes one bite at a time. Downsizing continues as we unbox things we thought we would have room for, but now realize we may not. Still it is wonderul not having to save good boxes for future moves, I have already made four trips to the recycling center with flattened cardboard boxes and there are probably at least a couple more in my future,
It was an honor to serve as your pastor and work with the great staff and leaders of Portage First. We will continue to pray for you as Pastor Michael Lawson leads you into the future Christ calls you to.
Thank you!
In Christ and in hope,
Pastor Mark
Happy July Birthday to…
01 Leslie Marlatt 11 Bryson Welch 22 Richard Guth
02 Judi Holtzman 12 Charles Blakely 23 Debbi Russum
02 Patti Coates 12 Everett Brown 24 Samantha Cooper
02 Leigh Romanov 15 Patti Coppess 24 Heather Klaubo
03 Bill Hodgson 15 Annaliese Medina 24 Tyler Monahan
03 Eleanor Tipton 15 Isabella Medina 25 Philip Russum
03 Joe Wray 16 Dean Cunningham 26 Karen Mauer
04 Jef Halberstadt 16 Kathleen Tatlock 28 Max Keehn
04 Maverick Miller 16 Scarlette McKiddy 28 Deloris Yavor
05 Jonathan Bush 17 Joe Reynolds 28 Jacob Lenburg
06 Mike Matthew 17 Heather Buda 28 Robert Shone
09 Nick Andryuk 19 Lina Graff 29 Ronald Cutler
09 Sylvia Moore 19 Cara Reeder 31 Helen Hameetman
09 Scott Falk 19 Heather Schulz
11 Glenda Dixon 19 Jordan Bailey
Happy July Anniversary to…
08 Ray & Bridget Nadolski 15 Chris & Kim Adkins
09 Aaron & Andrea Massow 17 Dave & Jayne Mantz
10 Scott & Denisa Riley 22 Bill & Pat Hodgson
10 Keith & Janet Sharpe 25 Nick & Dee Nickerson
10 Marvin & Glenda Owens 27 Larry & Lerryn Darnell
15 Rob & Lisa Hoover 31 Phil & Debbi Russum
Community Meal July 20th at 6pm.
We are going to be having a dancing good time!
Join us for food and fellowship. More details on the meal and program to follow.
Remember your church in your will.
First Friday Fellowship will meet on Friday, July 6th, at 5:00 p.m. at:
Golden Corral
8215 Broadway
Merrillville, Indiana
R.S.V.P. to Sandra Robinson at 764-8433 no later than Thursday, July 5th.
July 4th Parade!!!
Salute our American Heroes - 4th of July Parade
The 4th of July parade will begin at 11:30am at Nativity. Due to limited parking anyone who can meet at the church to carpool should arrive by 10:30, we will be leaving the parking lot promptly at 10:30. Our floats will arrive at the parade earlier.
If you would like to help decorate our floats for the parade we will be meeting on Monday June 2nd at 7 pm at the silver barn on the Crossroads property.
Please remember candy donations can be dropped off in the baskets in the narthex, we will also accept monetary donations.
From Missions:
The Missions and Outreach Committee says thank you, everyone, for your continuous support of the food pantry! Your donations have been tremendously appreciated! The needs of some 600 families continue, and in July we will be collecting peanut butter and/or jelly. The Portage Township Food Pantry is also in need of money, now more than ever. They are currently working out of a temporary location. Plans are underway to build a new building that will be the new home for the pantry as well as several government offices that assist those in need. The Food Pantry is in the process of applying for a $500,000 grant, but in order to qualify they much raise $25,000 from the local community. Garnering strong community support is a critical factor in obtaining the grant. If you can help, please write a check to Porter County Community Foundation and write “Portage Township Food Pantry” in the memo blank. Donations will be accepted through July 20, and can be mailed to:
Porter County Community Foundation
c/o Portage Township Food Pantry Fund
1401 Calumet Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Seeking Sunday School Teachers
As we fall approaches we'll be looking to find some more teachers for our children's Christian Education. We still have a couple of classes that need teachers. If you'd like more information or to volunteer please contact Kate Blakely at 574-621-0070 or portageumcyouth@gmail.com. Sign-ups will also be available at the Welcome Center.
2018 RailCats Game Outing
"Take me out to the ball game" ok sounds like a great idea! United Methodist Men's Group invites all to attend a night at the Steel yard for their annual Railcats game. Join us on Saturday July 21, 2018 at 6:10 to see the Railcats play St.Paul.
Tickets are $9, and you have an option to purchase a hotdog combo for $5.25. There is no better deal than this. A sign-up sheet will be available at the welcome center at church starting Sunday May 27. Money for tickets is due by Thursday July 19.
Feel free to contact Tony Centracchio
(708) 275-0266 amc2203@yahoo.com
Note from Pastor Tara
I would like to start off by offering a sincere "thank you" to all of the people who helped make Pastor Mark's Retirement Party a success. Thank you for all of your work!
I would also like to offer a sincere "thank you" to all of those who have helped with scrubbing, cleaning, repairing, and preparing the parsonage for Pastor Michael. Thank you for all of your work!
Sunday July 8th will be Pastor Michael's first official service. He will be blessing the adoption of Cara Michelle and Katy Marie by Nicole and Rebecca Lawrence. In celebration of the adoption, and to welcome Pastor Michael, we will be serving cake in the fellowship hall in between services.
There will be at least 7 opportunities to meet Pastor Michael in a smaller setting, in people's homes for a "Meet and Greet." These scheduled events are posted on sign-up sheets on a round table in the Narthex, where you can sign up to attend one of them. I hope you take advantage of these opportunities to get to know and welcome our new head Pastor!
Vacation Bible School is Coming!
Calling all surfer dudes and dudettes! Starting Sunday, July 15th until Thursday, July 19th from 6:00-8:00 PM our church will transform into a huge beach party where our children will surf through the Scriptures and develop new Beach Be-Attitudes. Come have fun in the Son with us! Parents, you can pre-register on our website www.portageumc.org under the about page. We need your help in many areas; large or small, in charge or behind the scenes, every evening or when available. Remember, 85% of people who come to Christ do so before the age of 18. Please contact Heather Schulz and tell her how you can serve our children, our church, our community, and our Lord. You can reach her by phone/text @ 617-2783 or email at lilshimmer@hotmail.com
We will have an information session for helpers on Sunday, July 8 during Sunday School and also Monday, July 9 at 7:00PM. We will transform the church into a beach party after 2nd service July 8th as well.
Don't forget to pick up your July/August copy of the Upper Room.
Good way to start your day!
Rev up your engines once again!
The 14th annual car show is scheduled for Saturday August 11th this year. We are looking for another great turn out!
We do have a lot of helpers this year, thank you Portage First! There are a few things still needed though. Prayers for wonderful weather of course, but seriously, we could use some small items to put in the participants bags, key chains, air fresheners, any small car related items you might think the car guys would like.
We can also use any door prizes that you can have donated or possibly purchase. The door prizes do not necessarily have to be car-related. Thank you all in advance for making the car show year after year a successful. also raising awareness of our church hospitality and love!! Not to mention. A few dollars to help such worthy causes. This year proceeds will go to help the Royal Family Kids Camp. Your generosity will help send a foster child who has been abused, neglected, go to Epworth forest in North Webster In. for a week of fun, and being shown the LOVE of Christ through many Christian servants. Proceeds from this year’s Car show will help for next year’s camp! May God bless!!
United Methodist Women are proud to announce the following distribution of the spring rummage sale proceeds:
Portage Food Pantry - $500
Destiny Rescue - $500
Portage Backpack Program - $1000
First Contact - $1000
UMCOR - $1000
Relay for Life - $300
Family Promise - $550
Frontline Substance Abuse Center - $500
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