Small Groups = Big Impact
Friday, August 27, 2010, 04:56 PM
Small Groups = Big ImpactBy Joe Grecu
Loss of job; first grandchild lost to miscarriage; oldest daughter forced to leave their newly leased home due to extensive water damage. These types of events are a part of life.
“Stuff” happens every day. What made these occurrences unique is that all this “stuff” happened over a period of seven days in June. It was a challenging week.
Our family rallied in support. That is normal. We have faced challenges before, like most and despite distance, our family remains close in love and commitment.
We experienced a range of emotions and feelings including anger, depression, worry, frustration. Our support for one another helped. However, I did not anticipate what followed.
Our small group met twice during the early stages of these occurrences. Comprised of former Alpha members, we all shared the desire to continue our faith journey through a small group. Prepared topics for discussion were ignored. Instead, the focus turned to recent events. Compassion flowed as we talked, prayed and read Scripture together.
Relevant passages included: James 1:2-4: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work
so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Then,
James 1:12: Blessed is the man who perseveres
under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Group members were especially supportive to our daughter and son-in-law, also part of the group. A couple was able to share their experience with miscarriage and the fact that they were later able to produce healthy children. This support continued between meetings with emails, calls, and prayers. The care and comfort provided will not be forgotten.
Help in tough times includes practicalities and emotional support; the group has volunteered beneficial advice regarding the job loss with tips on cost-cutting and job search methods.
Since the week of the “bad stuff” our group has met three times. There was good news to celebrate at the most recent meeting. First, our group has grown, up to 13 from the original 6. Additionally, three of the group members seeking employment found a job. Praise God.
Our goal in Small Group Ministry is “to create a community where members LIFT one another toward a living expression of Jesus Christ.” Our group has experienced acts of compassion, acts of worship and acts of personal devotion to God together, all elements of the small group purpose.
Small group ministry is not new. John Wesley traveled town to town establishing small groups that became the foundation for our church. You may be searching for ways to enrich your faith journey. The fellowship and support of a small group is a tool to do just that. My family has discovered first hand how small group can be a tremendous blessing.
You, too, can experience the faith-enriching benefits of small group membership. Please contact me at joegrecu@sbcglobal.net or call the church office for more information on how to connect with a small group that fits your schedule.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20
Joe Grecu
Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 11:15 AM
 Needed!
The ZUMC Youth Ministry is looking for a few good men and women who love God and enjoy teenagers to join our Merge Leadership team! Life Group leaders are a critical component of Merge. It is in these small groups that deep connections are made, friendships are nurtured, faith formation takes root and life is shared! Please contact Jeanne Chapman (jchapman@zumc.org) for more information!
Sunday, August 22, 2010, 07:34 PM
 GET READY FOR KICK-OFF!
ALPHA’s 2nd Season Opener: SEPT. 8thAfter a winning premiere season, the kick-off for Alpha at ZUMC begins with the Celebration Dinner on Wednesday, September 8th, at 6:30pm. The Celebration Dinner celebrates those who completed the previous session and welcomes newcomers with an opportunity to learn more about Alpha. The course runs for ten weeks on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30pm and ending at 9pm. The dedicated team of Alpha volunteers is warming up for the brand new season offering ten weeks of pre-game tasty dinners, followed by DVD presentations by Alpha quarterback, Nicky Gumbel. Afterward, we will break into small groups for discussion hosted by experienced Alpha wide receivers as we examine together the big question: IS THERE MORE TO LIFE? The Alpha Course . . . explore the meaning of life. Come, see.
Sign up by calling the office or add you name to sign up sheets at the welcome center later this month.
A.L.P.H.A.
All are invited for Laughter, Pasta (meals together), Helping one another, Ask anything.
Sunday, August 22, 2010, 07:20 PM
ZUMC’s Annual Car Hop!
Sunday, September 19
ZUMC East Parking Lot
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Food * Music * Fun
Join us before the Big Game!
All proceeds support the ZUMC youth ministry.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 10:30 AM
 Mark your calendar for Sunday evening, August 29 (note: new night). Pastor Scott has chosen a film probably none of us has seen - "The power of one" - a story about how one small South African boy changes the world. The Power of One is an intriguing story of a young English boy named Peekay and his passion for changing the world. Growing up he suffered as the only English boy in an Afrikaans school. Soon orphaned, he was placed in the care of a German national named Professor von Vollensteen (a.k.a. "Doc"), a friend of his grandfather. Doc develops Peekay's piano talent and Peekay becomes "assistant gardener" in Doc's cactus garden. It is not long after WWII begins that Doc is placed in prison for failure to register with the English government as a foreigner. Peekay makes frequent visits and meets Geel Piet, an inmate, who teaches him to box. Geel Piet spreads the myth of the Rainmaker, the one who brings peace to all of the tribes. Peekay is cast in the light of this myth. After the war Peekay attends an English private school where he continues to box. He meets a young girl, Maria, with whom he falls in love. Her father, Professor Daniel Marais, is a leader of the Nationalist Party of South Africa. The two fight to teach the natives English as Peekay's popularity grows via the myth. Peekay loses focus until he sees the success of his language school among the tribes. He and Guideon Duma continue the work in hopes of building a better future for Africa
Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 10:28 AM
 Do you need some time for yourself but have trouble finding a babysitter? Take a look at ZUMC Parents Night Out program, a cooperative babysitting program in which we care for one another’s children in exchange for some quality time without the kids.
PNO meets once per month from September through May. Cost is $5.00 per family for the season. For more information or to register for the 2010-2011 season, please contact Jill Reinhart at 733-0081.
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Confirmation Registration
Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 10:41 AM
 Confirmation Registration: Confirmation is a 30-week journey for 8th grade students who desire to learn more about the Christian faith and church membership. The experience offers class instruction, service projects, field trips and retreats. Regular class meetings will be on Sunday mornings at 10:10. Registration runs through August 29th. Class begins Sept. 12th. For more information or to receive a registration packet, please contact Jeanne Chapman.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 10:39 AM
 MOPS—Mothers of Preschoolers
Anyone who is interested in checking MOPS out is invited to bring lunch to Mulberry Park on Friday, August 20th. We will meet there at 10AM.
Our first meeting of the school year will be Friday, September 3. The meetings start at 9:15AM. If you have questions, please contact Jen Dell at jenkaydell@yahoo.com
Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 01:00 PM
Health Ministry - Parish Health Week is scheduled for September 20 and will include Lifeline screenings, a Red Cross blood drive and the VNS vaccination clinic. We thank Marilynn Berry-Stamm for her service as Parish Nurse & Stephen Leader. Her efforts over the years have enhanced the health and well-being of our congregation. We wish her blessings as she starts a new chapter in her life! Michele Tyring will be fulfilling the role as Parish Nurse. Michele completed the Parish Nursing Primary Health Ministry course offered at the Univ. of Indianapolis in 1999. She served as the South Indiana Conference Parish Nurse Coordinator for ten years. We are looking to expand Health Ministry! If you are interested in helping, have questions or ideas please call or email Michele. mtyring@sbcglobal.net 241-3718
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Tuesday, July 27, 2010, 12:57 PM
 Senior Adult Ministry—
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) was organized to offer fellowship, fun and friendship to all the residents of Zionsville and the surrounding communities with a calendar of two monthly events. Most all of the monthly activities consist of a program and luncheon at the Church and an event away from Church.. Our mailing membership is around 200 members who have reached their 50th birthday. Our membership not only includes couples but many single folks.
Remaining 2010 Schedule:
Aug 11 – `Beef and Board Dinner Theatre - $43.00—“Church Basement Ladies”
Aug 26 – Rob Deas – Gospel Pianist/Comedian – In House $10.00
Sept 9 - Iron Skillet and Indianapolis Zoo - $25.00
Sept 23 – Family Singers – Joyce Runyon & Daughters – In House $10.00
Oct 14- Balladeer, Tom Wright - In House $15.00
Nov 1/2/3 – Three day, 2 night coach trip to Branson MO.
Nov 18 – Thanksgiving Pitch In – Admission - you’re favorite dish!
Dec 16 – Beef and Board Dinner Theatre - $43.00—Christmas Program
SAM is making YOU an offer you can’t refuse. If you attend, as a first time visitor, any one of our in house luncheon events, we will waive your $10.00 reservation cost. In the mean time, forward us your name and address and we will add you to our mailing list for the monthly Newsletter. Please forward your name and address to either Pat Hardwick, 317-858-3262 or Bob Morgenroth, 317-293-6083.
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