We live so that all people will know they are loved by God.
Good News From Gobin Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church
307 Simpson Street, PO Box 66, Greencastle IN 46135
765-658-6010 fax 765-658-6025 [email protected]
www.gobinumc.org
UMW News Rummage Sale Reminder Online Giving Through Easy Tithe
2
What’s Up with Lent? 3
March Birthdays
Directory Updates
Remembering Individuals in
Assistance Centers
Serving on Sundays
4
Look in the Eyes, A Firm Hand-
shake, and a Warm Smile
5
Nursery Volunteers
Older Adult Ministry
The Little Red Wagon
6
Gobin Activities Calendar 7
Activities at Gobin Calendar 8
Come to Support our Own Dana
Hart on Monday, March 9th
Relay for Life is Coming
9
Transformers: What Community
Leaders are Saying
10-
11
“Let’s Go Krogering”
Shop as You Normally Would,
but use the SCRIP Program
12
Peace and Justice for February
“Are You Raising Nice Kids?”
13
What is a Single-Council Model?
Got More Questions About This?
Come hear Steve Clouse on
Monday, March 16th at 7:00pm
14
I’ve Got Lent in My Pocket
Last week I did a double-take as I saw two robins frolicking outside our dining room window. It may be the case that they are now buried under a foot of snow, but this sight gave me hope nonetheless. As it does every year, spring will come again. All things will be made new. New life. New growth. New possibilities. Soon the grass will begin greening and growing. More pa-tient robins will return to their Greencastle homes. This is especially exciting to me because it means the gardening season is just around the corner. As my family spent last Spring in England, we were unable to tend a gar-den—something we missed greatly. We’ve al-ready begun making a list of vegetables we’d like to try this year. In addition, I’m also considering planting some blackber-ries and raspberries at the family farm in Parke County. I’ve never had much success with fruit trees and bushes, though, as it seems the “plant it and forget it” model doesn’t seem to work
very well! Fruit trees and bushes need a lot of care to become established. So this year I will need to try something different. Try-ing something different can be challenging, learn-ing new habits and meth-ods. But it can also be ex-citing — especially when you begin seeing buds on the branches — evidence that your work is in fact bearing fruit!
The same is true for the life and ministry of Gobin Church, as we consider how to most faithfully bear fruit. How exciting to consider the fruit that is springing up around us and the fruit that has yet to bud. For the past six months, our ministry team has been embarking upon a Fruit-ful Congregations Journey to look at the ways we are bearing fruit. We have been blessed with the op-portunity to imagine who we are as a church, and who God is calling us to be. We have gleaned much from this process so far, and will continue to do so in the future. We have discovered that some of our tending prac-tices are in fact bearing
much fruit. But some of our models need to change. And so it’s time to try some new things in order to bear fruit in our church and community. If this language of change causes concern, please know I don’t view this simply as a season to “try new stuff,” but to work toward continued growth. Together, we are thinking about new ways to align the ministries of Gobin around the Five Practices of Fruitful Congrega-tions—seeking to be a community that practices Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Devel-opment, Risk-Taking Mis-sion and Service and Extravagant Generosity. If you’ve had the chance to look around recently, you will have noticed that Gobin is already bearing fruit — even during this cold winter! Have you seen it? Then why not share it? It’s hard to fully imagine what God has in store for us this spring. But I have a sneaking sus-picion that it will be very good.
~ Rev. Bryan Langdoc
2015201520152015
MARCHMARCHMARCHMARCH
Page 2 Good News From Gobin
NUMBERS CHECK for JanuaryNUMBERS CHECK for JanuaryNUMBERS CHECK for JanuaryNUMBERS CHECK for January
January Receipts: $35.334.94
January Disbursements: $16,221.12
Year to Date Receipts as of 1/31/15 $35,334.94
Year to Date Disbursements as of 1/31/15 $16,221.12
$19,113.82
January Average Attendance: 103
ONLINE GIVING THROUGH EASY TITHE
We now accept online donations to the General Fund, Building Fund, quarterly missions, and some
other accounts. Each transaction costs the church 3% of your donation plus a $.30 charge.Each transaction costs the church 3% of your donation plus a $.30 charge.Each transaction costs the church 3% of your donation plus a $.30 charge.Each transaction costs the church 3% of your donation plus a $.30 charge. You
will receive credit for the full amount that you donate for tax purposes, but please know that the fund you donate to will
NOT receive the full amount due to the charges listed above. You can make your donations to Gobin online on our web-
site at www.gobinumc.org by clicking on "Online Giving" on the far right column of the Home Page or via text message
from your smart phones and electronic devices. If texting, please text your amount to 765-253-4477 to get started.
U.M.W. NewsU.M.W. NewsU.M.W. NewsU.M.W. News Thursday, March 12th is Legislative Day at North UMC from 9:30am-3:30pm. Carol Sweet is planning to go. If you’d like to attend, please call her or email her for details. 720-2894/[email protected]. The pur-pose of the legislative day is to provide a forum of education on justice issues, create a context for how the issues intersect with faith, and
prompt ways the faith community can respond in advocacy.
Also, please join us on Thursday, March 19 at 1:30pm for our U.M.W. Unit Meeting. Teddy Shuck will be a presentation about the “Getting Ahead” program, and how we can all get more involved in helping out with this program and other programs of Transformers. Finally, be sure to check our bookcase, across from the elevator, for information on our reading program and books that are available for your reading pleasure.
RUMMAGE SALE REMINDERRUMMAGE SALE REMINDERRUMMAGE SALE REMINDERRUMMAGE SALE REMINDER
The rummage sale will be on Saturday, March
28th. We will set up on Wednesday the 26th and
Thursday, the 27th starting at 9:00am ‘til around
4:00pm. Please come and help when you can and
stay as long as you can. It’s a big job, and we need
everybody!!! We will need hangers and grocery sacks. If you need help getting your items to the church,
please call Nettie or me.
We also will need everyone to come and help clean up after the rummage sale is over a little after 1:00pm
on Saturday, March 28th.
This can only be successful with your help!!
Thanks, Rita Ferguson
Page 3 March 2015
"Take Up" 3/1/15 “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” - Mark 8: 31-38 Jesus was very clear that following him might not be a smooth ride. He was bound to choose the just way, not the easy way, through life. To take up the cross was to lose one’s life–to let go of certain expectations of safety and acceptance in order to stand for the Gospel message of love. How are we to take up the causes of Jesus –justice, righteousness and mercy in our day?
"Raise Up" 3/8/15 Jesus answered them,’Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up...’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body.” - John 2: 13-22 The story of Jesus’ response to the temple being made into a marketplace was profound and may have been another step toward his ultimate demise on the cross. He refers to raising up a new temple in three days–something his disci-ples later remembered as a foretelling of his resurrection. How might we raise up as the Body of Christ and be a holy temple–a holy dwelling place of God–in the world?
"Light Up" 3/15/15 “For those who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” - John 3: 14-21 Verse 16 is probably one of the most infamous and oft-quoted scripture in the Bible. What follows that verse is im-portant for our Lenten journey. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world, but to offer it saving light. As believ-ers in that light, we are called to be those who will continue to light up the world through our lives so that the world might see the hope it yearns for.
"Lift Up" 3/22/15 “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” - John 12: 20-33 “When nothing else would help, love lifted me!” says the old Gospel song. To be lifted up is to be drawn into the love of God. Jesus drew all kinds of people to him during his short tenure on earth, drawing no boundaries for who was invited into that love. Ass his hour to die drew nearer, he spread the message that all things would be enveloped in his love even after he was gone. What uplifting message will we pass on to others?
"Sit Up" 3/29/15 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him... Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written: ‘Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion. Look, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’ s colt!” - John 12: 12-16 Make no mistake, the powers-that-be in Jerusalem sat up and took notice at the actions of Jesus and his motley crew of palm-waving followers on that morning. It was a show of the “power” of love and justice for the “least of these,” in stark juxtaposition to the military might of the Roman rulers. It was a non-violent action featuring a man sitting on a donkey–an action that has offered hope throughout the ages. Will we sit up and take notice of the injustice of this world and work to eradicate it in ways that honor that first Palm Sunday parade?
Current Sermon Series
MARCH BIRTHDAYSMARCH BIRTHDAYSMARCH BIRTHDAYSMARCH BIRTHDAYS
3/01 Helen Lawrence
3/01 Vic Hunter
3/03 Corinne Buchanan
3/04 Eleanor Howard
3/06 Adam Roach
3/06 Leo Hecko
3/07 Carol Krag
3/08 Marjorie Smith
3/08 Rita Ferguson
3/08 Tim Trigg
3/08 Kelly Hansen
3/11 Megan Lavely
3/17 Sarah Ring
3/20 Sage Cummings
3/22 Laddie Mayberry
3/22 Kathryn Trigg
3/26 Allison Stevens
3/28 Amber Hecko
3/29 Connor Barcus
3/30 Marianne
Savage
3/30 Heather Elkins
3/31 Melissa
Hatcher
3/31 Alys Moore
Page 4 Good News From Gobin
Congregational Directory UpdatesCongregational Directory UpdatesCongregational Directory UpdatesCongregational Directory Updates
1) P. 2 BaughmanBaughmanBaughmanBaughman, John J. * - change of address
102 W. Poplar, Room # 311
Greencastle IN 46135
765-630-5832
2) P. 7 HouckHouckHouckHouck, David* - updated email address
Gobin Membership as of February 25 is 190.Gobin Membership as of February 25 is 190.Gobin Membership as of February 25 is 190.Gobin Membership as of February 25 is 190.
Position
March
1
March
8
March
15
March
22
March
29
Ushers
Judy George
Ernie Rush
Brian Howard
Eleanor Howard
Scott Thede
Denise Thede
Michael Thede
Andrew Thede
Nettie Smithers
Dan Miller
Jim High
Sharon High
A. Isaacs-Bailey
Kathy Sanders
David Bray
Jayne Bray
Leland Zellers
Jean Zellers
Joe Ferguson
Rita Ferguson
Commun-
ion
Steward
Fellowship Pitch-In
Alisa Isaacs-
Bailey Betty McGill Jane Irwin Sally Sunkel
Counters Dick Sunkel Fran Allen Doretta Poynter Pat Clover Sally Sunkel
Assisting in
the Nursery
Danielle
Cummings Jo Ella Burns Doretta Poynter Mariette Bargen TBD
Children’s
Church Denise Thede Teddy Shuck Teddy Shuck Alisa Isaacs-Bailey TBD
Jane Irwin
SERVING ON SUNDAYS IN MARCH SERVING ON SUNDAYS IN MARCH SERVING ON SUNDAYS IN MARCH SERVING ON SUNDAYS IN MARCH
Remembering these individuals by sending a card, making a phone
call, visiting, or including in prayer would be appreciated.
Asbury Tower Residents: Asbury Tower Residents: Asbury Tower Residents: Asbury Tower Residents: John Baughman, , , , Dorothy Buechler, Pat &
Robert Clover, Dorothy Edenfield, Virginia Hanna, Suzanne Hebb,
Helen Houck, Joyce Jones, John & Jane Long, and Kent Mecum.
Hickory Creek at Sunset: Hickory Creek at Sunset: Hickory Creek at Sunset: Hickory Creek at Sunset: Loretta Bumgardner
Mill Pond Campus: Mill Pond Campus: Mill Pond Campus: Mill Pond Campus: Jocie Kircher & Carolyn Schenk
Lisa Trigg will be the Trustee of the month for March.Lisa Trigg will be the Trustee of the month for March.Lisa Trigg will be the Trustee of the month for March.Lisa Trigg will be the Trustee of the month for March.
Page 5 March 2015
Look in the Eyes,
A Firm Handshake,
and a Warm Smile It’s Just that Easy
When I was a young boy, my Mom taught my brother and me to look people in the eyes when you meet them, have a firm handshake, and smile. She would say, “They’re not going to BITE!” Lin and I taught our children and are working on teaching our grandchildren the same manners. It took me many years to see that others were often more uncomfortable when we first met than I was. I also saw how uncomfortable I was in a new place, meeting new peo-ple. And then, when those people who I did not know well all seemed to know the “routine”: they stood up, sat down, and said things without even looking at a bulletin; well, that can be really creepy. We don’t want people around us to feel “creepy” especially when they are Gobin Guests. But, it can feel “creepy”. So, what do we do? “What brings you to Gobin?” is a good start, of course, with the warm smile, firm hand-shake, and looking them in the eyes! What else can we do at Gobin, to make our guest and visitor experience as welcoming as possible? Here are some interesting ideas that may be coming in the near future to help our guests feel welcome and to build stronger relationships for all.
1. Offering coffee and finger food before worship as well as after.
2. Having the Narthex be our Main entrance with open doors and Hosts welcoming everyone inside and outside of Gobin
3. Improving directional signage so Guests can more easily find restrooms, child-care, etc.
4. Experimenting with seating in the round (adding the north and south transepts for worship seating) freeing up the back of the sanctuary area for fellowship
5. Using Peace Chapel as a spiritual part of DePauw student daily life
6. Creating soft seating pods and quiet study areas for meetings and student use
What do you think? Join the discussion. Share your ideas. How do you see Gobin be-coming the most welcoming community you know?
Drop me a note: Vic Hunter [email protected]
Page 6 Good News From Gobin
THE LITTLE RED WAGON THE LITTLE RED WAGON THE LITTLE RED WAGON THE LITTLE RED WAGON
Help us fill the Little Red Wagon each Sunday morning with your donations
of non-perishable food items. The Food Pantry is ALWAYS in need of food
to distribute.
Gobin already does some excellent older adult ministry. You all have reached out to each other in times of sor-row. You have offered transportation to essential appointments. You have listened to each other and prayed for each other and sometimes partied together! I will always remember the photo of Betty Sendmeyer in Mardi Gras beads (and mask?). She set a good example for us all.
We have some vital members of every age, but my opportunity is to invite you all to think with me about how to organize our ministry with older adults a bit more intentionally. People of all ages can deepen their relationship with God, and find joy in exploring new meaning in their lives. There are new adventures in faith and in mission available to us no matter our ages. And there are folks who need us, who have not felt the love of Gobin in times of loneliness. As seniors in the church we may have more time for loving.
I am inviting all who are interested in discussing these opportunities to contact me either after church, by email at [email protected], or call me at 765-653-9078 (h) and 765-301-0087 (c). Text me and I will also text you back! I would like to hear your ideas for outreach to older adults in our community, and to those who belong to us..... Please also gather with me for a few minutes after church on March 22.
Meanwhile, these books or DVDs may interest some of you:
Let me know if we should add them to our church library.
Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: an Inquiry Approach by Richard H. Genzler Pilgrimage in the Last Third of Life: 7 Gateways to Spiritual Growth by Jane Marie Thibault and Richard L. Morgan New Beginnings: the Gifts of Aging (DVD)
Beth Watson
Nursery VolunteersNursery VolunteersNursery VolunteersNursery Volunteers
We have a good group of 9 or 10 ladies of all ages who volun-
teer to help in the church nursery for an hour or so on Sunday
mornings every 8-10 weeks. We can always use additional
help and would be happy to add more names to the volunteer
list. The time spent there is short, and work isn’t difficult, and the children (ages 0-4)
are very sweet! Just see me at church of call me 765-653-8080 or email me at ka-
[email protected] if you’d like to do this.
Thank you,
Kathy Sanders
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 9 Fell. Time 9:15 Choir Reh.
9:30 Sun. Schl
10:30 Worship
12pm Potluck
5pm Bells Reh.
2
7:00pm Intentional
Faith Development
Meeting
3 5:30pm Fellowship at
Putnam Inn
7:00 Disciple
Bible Study
8:00 GIFT at
Spiritual Life Ctr
4
7:00pm Lenten
Service led by
Teddy Shuck
5 10am
Office mtg
7:00pm Passion-
ate Worship Mtg
6 7
8:00am Lenten
Breakfast at
Union Chapel
9am-1pm
FCJ Team Mtg
in Martinsville
8 Daylight Sav-ings Time Begins
9:00 Fell. Time
9:15 Choir Reh.
9:30 Sun. Schl
10:30 Worship—
Girl Scout Sunday
9
6:30pm
Circle of Hope
7:30pm Dana Hart
Benefit Recital at
Gobin
10 5:30pm Fllwship at PI 6:30-9:30 FCJ
Clergy Mtg in
Martinsville
7:00 Disciple
Bible Study
8:00 GIFT
11
7:00pm Lenten
Service led by
Dick Shuck
12
9:30am UMW
Board Mtg
10am Office
mtg
7pm Admin.
Council Mtg
13
14
8:00am Lenten
Breakfast at
Bainbridge
UMC
15 9 Fell. Time 9:30 Sun. Schl
10:30 Worship
12 Fund. Lunch
3-5 Prayer Shawl
5pm Bells Reh.
5:30 DPU meal at
16 5:30pm Light dinner for Trans-
formers w/ Mtg
7:00pm Steve Clouse
here at Gobin
7:00pm Staff Parish
17 5:30pm Fllwship at PI
6-8pm Gobin/
DPU Cmt Elms
7:00 Disciple
Bible Study 8:00 GIFT
18 7:00pm Lenten
Service led by
Marilyn Culler
7:30pm Genesis
Circle Stuff Eggs
at Gobin
19 10am Ofc mtg
1:30pm UMW
Unit Mtg—
Teddy Shuck on
Getting Ahead
20
21 8am Lenten Break-
fast at Rsselville
Com. Church
8am-12pm
Work Day
12-1:15 Trustee
22 9 Fell Time 9:30 Sun. Schl
10:30 Worship-
5pm Bells Reh.
23
7:00pm Missions
24 5:30pm Fllwship at PI
7:00 Disciple
Bible Study
8:00 GIFT
25 9:00am Piano Tuned
9am-4pm Rum-
mage Sale Set-
up7:00pm
Lenten Service
by Anne Kinton
26
9am-4pm Rum-
mage Sale Setup
10am Office
mtg
27
6:30pm Gobin
Game Night??
28 8am-1pm Rummage Sale
8:00am Lenten
Breakfast at
Fillmore UMC
29 9 Fell. Time
9:15 Choir Reh.
9:30 Sun. Schl
10:30 Worship
5pm Bells Reh.
30 31 5:30pm Fllwship at PI
5:30-8:30pm
Getting Ahead
7:00 Dis Bbl Sty
8:00 GIFT
March 2015 GOBIN ACTIVITIES
Newsletter
Deadline
Page 7 March 2015
Pastor’s
Sabbath
Pastor’s
Sabbath
Pastor’s
Sabbath
Pastor’s
Sabbath
SPRING BREAK FOR GREENCASTLE SCHOOLS AND DEPAUW UNIVERSITYSPRING BREAK FOR GREENCASTLE SCHOOLS AND DEPAUW UNIVERSITYSPRING BREAK FOR GREENCASTLE SCHOOLS AND DEPAUW UNIVERSITYSPRING BREAK FOR GREENCASTLE SCHOOLS AND DEPAUW UNIVERSITY
ACTIVITIES AT GOBIN
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
4:00 pm TOPS
3
9-12 Tot’s Time 4:30pm Daydream
Believers rehearsal
4 5
4:30 pm PCCS
cooking in kitchen
6
6:30-8:00pm
Lisa T Girl Scouts
7
8:00 pm AA mtg
8
9
4:00 pm TOPS
10 9-12 Tot’s Time 4:30pm Daydream
Believers rehearsal
11
12
4:30 pm PCCS
cooking in kitchen
13
14
8:00 pm AA mtg
15
16
4:00 pm TOPS
17 9-12Tot’s Time 4:30pm Daydream
Believers rehearsal
18
19
4:30 pm PCCS
cooking in kitchen
20
6:30-8:00pm
Lisa T Girl Scouts
21
8:00 pm AA mtg
22
23
4:00 pm TOPS
24 9-12 Tot’s Time
4:30pm Daydream
Believers rehearsal
25
26
4:30 pm PCCS
cooking in kitchen
27
28
8:00 pm AA mtg
29 30
4:00 pm TOPS
31
9-12 Tot’s Time
4:30pm Daydream
Believers rehearsal
March 2015
Page 8 Good News From Gobin
Page 9 March 2015
Come to Support Our Own Dana Hart on Monday, March 9 at 7:30pm
It has been so wonderful to spend Sundays at Gobin singing and being a part of a church family away from home. Now I am a junior voice major at DePauw pursuing my Bachelor of Music un-der the guidance of Caroline Smith. My musical experience includes three operas, having sung lead roles as Ramiro in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera and the roles of Fortuna and Valletto in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea. I have also sung for several living composers in mas-ter classes and workshops, including Libby Larsen and John Corigliano. I have also participated in the Indiana NATS Auditions and last year sang in a summer opera program in Bay View, MI. For the next year my main focus is getting ready for graduate school auditions… a scary thought to think that is on the horizon!
Recently I was accepted to the Franco-American Vocal Arts (FAVA) Academy, a five-week summer opera program in Salzburg, Austria. I will be singing the role of Cherubino in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro while also studying voice and acting with an internationally-known faculty. While there I hope to do some sight-seeing in Vienna, Munich, and northern Italy with friends from DePauw who are also attending the program.
As you can imagine, studying abroad is an expensive investment. The combined tuition and lodging costs $4,000 and in order to raise money for my trip, I am giving a benefit concert in the Gobin sanctuary on March 9 at 7:30 pm. I will be presenting a variety of music – foreign language works, musical theatre, and both arias that I will be singing in Salzburg. If you are unable to attend the concert but would still like to make a donation, please feel free to make an online contribution at http://www.gofundme.com/danahart.
Thank you in advance for helping me pursue my musical passion. I would love to see you there so that we can share a wonderful evening of music together!
Musically yours, Dana Hart
RELAY FOR LIFE IS COMINGRELAY FOR LIFE IS COMINGRELAY FOR LIFE IS COMINGRELAY FOR LIFE IS COMING
WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: WHEN: May 2, 2015 11:00a.m. to 11:00p.m.
WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?: WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?: WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?: WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?: It is a stroll around Blackstock Stadium for an hour (more or
less) basking in the carnival atmosphere, visiting with friends, checking out the silent auc-
tion items, and watching your children (if any) have a good time. It is a twelve hour commu-
nity event that makes raising money for cancer research, education and advocacy a fun ac-
tivity.
Above all else, Relay for Life is a celebration of health, a celebration of cancer survivorship, and a way to pay tribute for
those who have lost their battle with cancer.
Fund raised for this event make it possible for lifesaving research, education, advocacy and service programs to con-
tinue.
Gobin’s team has been registered, and you can add your name to it online , by letting me know or by Erik Krag for help.
You can pay your $10 registration fee online or give it to me to deposit for you. Your registration fee and all the money
you have raised should be given to me by April 26.
There will be a dinner for the survivors at the Inn at DePauw on Thursday, April 30th, and a special ceremonial lap on
race day. All survivors should get an invitation to the dinner.
The luminaria ceremony will be around 10:00pm on Saturday night. This is a very moving ceremony to honor the can-
cer survivors and to remember those who have lost the fight. All the walkers should have forms to order the luminaria
which cost $10.
Even if you are not a walker, we hope that you will come to Blackstock Stadium at some time to cheer on Gobin’s Team
Marge Smith, Relay for Life Coordinator for Gobin
Page 10 Good News From Gobin
TRANSFORMERS:
WHAT COMMUNITY LEADERS ARE SAYING
Transformers is changing lives in Greencastle and Putnam
County. Transformers provides compassionate and loving
service to our community so that we transform our lives and help
others transform their lives through collaboration and
sustainable relationships. Everyone is welcome and encouraged
to join Transformers. Here is what our community is saying …
1. January 21, 2015
I have had the pleasure to attend two Bridges Out of Poverty class meetings and several other events
related to the local Transformers efforts. In each case, it was obvious that the volunteers were truly
dedicated to their efforts. In addition, the program participants were engaged and eager to learn
more. One step, one person, one family at a time can make a huge difference in the success of the
individual, their family and the community. The net gain by the individual, their family, and the
community can be tremendous.
In my mind, the education efforts of the program are key to long term success. Making sure that stu-
dents make good educational choices supports their high school and post high school opportuni-
ties. Working with other participants to support their efforts to complete their high school classes or
to complete their GED sets the stage for success in the world of work and in future educational op-
portunities such as Ivy Tech Community College. It is well documented that the more education a
person has, the more opportunities for success become available. Success translates into income and
the ability to be an integral, productive and contributing member one’s self, one’s family, and one’s
community.
All of us need a helping hand from time to time. The volunteers work to help the participants and the participants help each other. I see this long term support network continuing to grow and ex-pand here in the county. William Dory Executive Director Greencastle Putnam County Development Center
2. January 28, 2015
In my years at Teachers Credit Union, I have been blessed to work with many under resourced indi-
viduals in our community. My corporation requires employees to be fully vested in our communities
and pays us to provide not only individual financial counseling but financial literacy classes to organi-
zations, employers, schools and other community groups, which I have done for many years.
Page 11 March 2015
When I was first introduced to Bridges Out of Poverty, and more specifically “Transformers”, the thing that
excited me most was that this “program” was not one that spewed information (or money, for that matter) at
the under resourced in our community and left them alone until the next “program” rolled around, which I
realized is something I had been doing without even noticing! With “Transformers” the help is there but it is
up to those participating whether or not they choose to “buy-in” and if they choose to do so, there is an abun-
dance of help to see their future stories come to fruition…and the part that is really pertinent to the sustain-
ability of this offering is that THEY do it…THEY set the goals and establish the relationships, we don’t do it
for them, we just come alongside providing resources and mentors that are available to them all along the
way! It is a beautiful thing and I am confident that it will succeed because it is not a program, it is a proc-
ess and that is something that has been missing from this equation for way too long!
Pam Lage
TCU Service Center Manager
Greencastle Service Center
3. February 3, 2015
Before I started Getting Ahead I didn't know where to look for help. I didn't have any help so I was between a rock and hard spot. I wanted to go back to school to get my Medical Assisting degree and since the class I have obtained my goals and accomplished more. My future goals are so different from when I signed up for getting ahead and I look so forward to becoming more involved in this program and many more to Help peo-ple who are facing the same problems as I faced or are going through more. Getting Ahead is a great opportu-nity to meet new people and meet helpful people who are willing to help you meet your goals and succeed I will recommend this class to anyone. Erin Sprinkle Graduate of Getting Ahead, May 2014 Ivy Tech Student
4. February 12, 2015
I am an instructor and program coordinator for the Adult Education Program at the Area 30 Career Center.
We are available to help individuals in the community who need to improve their education or employment.
We strive to assist adults who want to go on to college or increase their job skills through career certification
courses.
The Transformers have really made a significant impact within our local community. Through my involve-
ment with the Putnam County Community Coalition, I have been introduced to individuals who have gradu-
ated from Getting Ahead classes. Upon completing GA classes, each person is energized and ready to begin
the effort necessary to lift his or herself out of poverty.
Several of these students have chosen to enter our adult education program for assistance with getting a high
school equivalency diploma, or for help getting back into college courses. Other individuals have taken ad-
vantage of our WorkIN national certification programs and are moving toward their dreams of having a ca-
reer that will allow them to support the financial needs of their families. All of the Transformer programs
complement each other and are the common link in place to aid in the investigators on their journey.
Laura Elsbrock Adult Education Program Coordinator High School Equivalency Diploma Classes College and Career Planning Assistance For more information contact: Denise Thede at [email protected] or at 765-658-6003.
Page 12 Good News From Gobin
Let’s Go Krogering
If you shop at Kroger, then you NEED to get with THIS program!! It will require you to add
your Kroger Plus Shopper's Card number, this is the Kroger loyalty card with a red tomato
on it, to Gobin's Kroger Community Rewards account. So that every time you swipe your
loyalty card, your purchases go toward our Gobin Kroger Community Rewards account. Some items do not add on
such as gasoline, alcohol, tobacco, postage stamps, Kroger gift cards, lottery tickets, fuel, and sales tax.
There are two ways to get signed up and help Gobin.
1) Online - If you have access to a computer, go to www.kroger.com/communityrewards. Go to the orange button
toward the bottom that says "Create an Account" and click on it. You'll be asked to give your email address, con-
firm it, give a password, confirm it, and select your preferred store - probably at zip code 46135. Then hit "Create
Account" at the bottom. At some point you'll need to enter your Kroger Plus Card Shopper's Card number which is
on the back of your card along with your last name. Eventually a screen should come up that says "Enroll Now,"
Click on that button. Enter in "10551" or "Gobin" and Gobin's name should come up. If your Kroger Plus Card is
already linked to an organization, you can call 1-866-221-4141 and they should be able to help you too.
2) Phone - Call this toll free number of 1-866-221-4141 and choose option 3. You'll need to have your Kroger Plus
Card handy to give them your number, and tell them to enroll your card under "Gobin" or "10551" which is Gobin's
number.
So, Shop, Swipe Your Plus Card & Earn Rewards for Gobin. There will be no more adding money to your Kroger gift
card. If you still have money on it, you can still use it until it's gone. Just be sure to enroll your Kroger Plus Card and
shop, swipe, and earn rewards for Gobin.
SHOP AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD, BUT USE THE SCRIP PROGRAM Do you order from ANY of the following local businesses to the right? You could order and get these at home!!
Scrip is just another way to pay for everyday purchases using gift cards in place of cash, checks, and credit cards. You purchase gift cards from Gobin at face value, and Denise orders those cards from Great Lakes Scrip Center at a reduced price. The difference is an instant rebate for your organization. It’s really that simple! You can order Scripnow Cards and receive them much quicker. You can go to www.shopwithscrip.com. Click on the gray "register" button in the upper right hand corner. On the next page, click on "Join a Scrip Program" as Gobin already has a pro-gram. Enter our Enrollment Code "65235192142L1 ". Complete the username, a password, and some of the other account information. You will also need to include some information re: a checking account so you can have the amount of money taken directly from your account for the gift cards. AND, instead of the church pay-ing a $7.75 shipping and handling fee, you can get your information sent to you by email for $0.15 per order. It can be so simple, and it can greatly benefit the church - just by ordering gift cards for those purchases you already make daily and weekly. Why not give it a try!!
SCRIPNOW businesses:SCRIPNOW businesses:SCRIPNOW businesses:SCRIPNOW businesses:
1.1.1.1. Amazon.com Amazon.com Amazon.com Amazon.com
2.2.2.2. Bath and Body WorksBath and Body WorksBath and Body WorksBath and Body Works
3.3.3.3. Buffalo Wild WingsBuffalo Wild WingsBuffalo Wild WingsBuffalo Wild Wings
4.4.4.4. CVSCVSCVSCVS
5.5.5.5. Goody’s Goody’s Goody’s Goody’s
6.6.6.6. The Home DepotThe Home DepotThe Home DepotThe Home Depot
7.7.7.7. JCPenneyJCPenneyJCPenneyJCPenney
8.8.8.8. Kohl’sKohl’sKohl’sKohl’s
9.9.9.9. Lowe’sLowe’sLowe’sLowe’s
10.10.10.10. Macy’sMacy’sMacy’sMacy’s
11.11.11.11. Papa John’sPapa John’sPapa John’sPapa John’s
12.12.12.12. StarbucksStarbucksStarbucksStarbucks
13.13.13.13. TargetTargetTargetTarget
14.14.14.14. WalWalWalWal----MartMartMartMart
Page 13 March 2015
The Washington Post published an article with the intriguing title:
“Are You Raising Nice Kids?...”
Even though I am not raising kids anymore, I have a vested interest in kids being nice. I think the
future of our world depends on it! And in the church, I think we should all be committed to such
a project as part of our mission to Make Disciples for Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the
World! So here is what this psychologist thinks we should be doing.
Richard Weissbourd teaches in the graduate school of education at Harvard and runs the na-
tional project “Making Caring Common”. He is concerned that parents are no longer teaching
kids to be kind because they are so concerned with their child’s achievement and their happi-
ness. Dr.Weissbourd worries that we are not teaching our children to care for others. In a sur-
vey he conducted, 80% of the youth questioned said, “My parents are prouder if I get good
grades in my classes than if I am a caring community member in my class and school.” But he asserts, if we want our chil-
dren to be moral adults, we have to raise them that way. Hence his 5 strategies to raise children to become caring, re-
spectful and responsible.
1. Make caring for others more a priority. Children are not born good or bad, but they need to learn balance be-
tween their needs and the needs of others. Do you want them to stand up for a friend who is being bullied? Make
sure they know your expectations to be kind and protective of vulnerable friends. If they want to quit a sports
team, the band, or a friendship, help them understand their obligations to the group and encourage them to work out
problems before quitting. Teach them to be respectful even when tired, or angry. Ask their teachers not only about
academics but whether your child is a good community member also.
2. Practice caring and gratitude with your child. Teach them to say thank you to those who take care of them or
contribute to their lives by driving buses or coaching teams. Weissbourd asserts that “people who are in the habit of
expressing gratitude are more likely to be helpful, generous, compassionate, and forgiving…”. A bedtime/dinnertime
ritual could be to think of kindnesses done to them or what kind acts they have done that day. Talk about TV pro-
grams where you see caring and uncaring acts or where justice or injustice is evident in the news.
3. Expand your family’s and your child’s circle of concern. Is there a new kid in the class? How can your child help
him/her feel comfortable and welcome? Do you think about children in other countries and how their lives are differ-
ent than yours? Encourage respectfulness and helpfulness toward those who work to make our lives better, like the
custodian or the cafeteria workers. Help them to be aware of the vulnerable and what they can do to improve their
lot in life like including a left out child in their act for “Putting On the Hits”. Are they strong enough to enter the
“caring and courage zone?”
4. Be a role model and a mentor. Our children learn ethical values by watching our actions so practice honesty, fair-
ness, and caring yourself. And be sure to acknowledge your mistakes. This helps our children respect and trust us,
because no one is perfect. Do community service and if possible include your child. Discuss ethical problems at the
dinner table and ask your child’s opinion to help develop their moral sense.
5. Teach your child how to manage his/her destructive feelings. All feelings are normal, but there are healthy ways
to deal with anger, shame, envy, and other negative feelings. And of course, it helps if you are able to deal with nega-
tive feelings in productive ways. Do you have a way to calm yourself down? Teach your child how to do this or use
this method: Breathe in a deep breath through your nose and exhale through your mouth and count to 5. Practice
with your child when you are both calm and remind them to calm themselves down when you see them struggling
with those negative feelings. My children even learned to remind me when I was about to lose it!
Give it a try. It is worth it to have caring, respectful and responsible children and adults.
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 83
Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church
307 Simpson St.
P.O. Box 66
Greencastle, Indiana 46135
Phone: 765-658-6010
Email: [email protected]
WE’RE ON THE WEB!
WWW.GOBINUMC.ORG
We live so that all people will know they are loved by God.
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contact the church office at 765 contact the church office at 765 contact the church office at 765 contact the church office at 765----653 653 653 653----6003 or [email protected]. 6003 or [email protected]. 6003 or [email protected]. 6003 or [email protected].
At our annual Charge Conference on October 24 2014, Superintendent John Groves made a recommendation to the churches in our cluster: move to a single-council model of church governance. This recommendation was made in light of work and research done in the larger UMC, the Indiana Conference and the office of Church Development. In the single-council model, the former administrative committees of Staff/Parish, Trustees, Finance, Nominations, and Administrative Council would all combine to form a single administrative committee of 9 to 13 members. For those currently serving on these committee, this would mean more time involved in minis-try and less time sitting around a table doing committee work. Can I get an AMEN! Because this would be a major paradigm shift, we are right to have MANY questions. Please gather these questions and join us for a public conversation on Monday, March 16th at 7pm in the Gobin sanctuary. Indiana Director for Church Develop-ment, Steve Clouse, will be here to make a short presentation and to answer all of our questions. Please join us!
What is a SingleWhat is a SingleWhat is a SingleWhat is a Single----Council Model? Got More Questions About This? Council Model? Got More Questions About This? Council Model? Got More Questions About This? Council Model? Got More Questions About This?
Come hear Steve Clouse on Monday, March 16th at 7:00p.m.Come hear Steve Clouse on Monday, March 16th at 7:00p.m.Come hear Steve Clouse on Monday, March 16th at 7:00p.m.Come hear Steve Clouse on Monday, March 16th at 7:00p.m.