Services and studies
Faith Lutheran — Pastor Todd Riordan will deliver the message in the 9 a.m. Sunday service with communion at the church, 6000 State Road 46 West. Riordan also will lead a Readings of the Day class meeting Sunday in the fellowship hall.
Luke and Barbara Jacobus will lead the study of “Mark: The Serving Christ” Sunday in the conference room.
The Women’s Bible Study meeting Wednesday at the church is a video series on the life of Martin Luther.
Information: 812-342-3587 or faithontheweb.org.
North Christian — The Rev. Cheryl Cloar and director of music Elizabeth Clark will lead the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday at the church, 850 Tipton Lane in Columbus. A nursery for preschool-age children, staffed by a professional caregiver, is available if desired.
The adult class, led by Trudi Ellison-Kendall, will resume at 9 a.m. Sunday in the Blue Room to continue the study of a book, “Radical Welcome,” by Stephanie Spellers.
Scout Sunday is this weekend, as scouts will participate in the service. Scouts will offer a complementary breakfast in the lower level lounge.
Centering prayer will be 10:45 a.m. Thursday in the Prayer Chapel on the lower level.
Handbell choir rehearsal will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday in Room LL12.
Chancel choir rehearsal will 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Room LL8.
A combined Ash Wednesday service will be 7 p.m. Wednesday with First Presbyterian Church at 512 Seventh St.
The Second Saturday Labyrinth Walk will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13 in the lower level of the church.
For more information, call 812-372-1531.
Westside Community — Pastor Dennis Aud will lead the 10 a.m. Sunday service at the church, corner of State Road 46 West and Tipton Lakes Boulevard in Columbus. The title of his message will be “A Day to Remember” from Exodus 12:14, 17-30. The children’s program for those from birth through sixth grade meets at the same time as the service.
Westside is reading the “One-Year Bible” together as a church and the pastors are giving their message from the weekly readings this year. Bibles are available at the church for families needing one.
Two new studies began Wednesday as part of the Westside Marriage Enrichment series.
Information: 812-342-8464 or westsidecommunitychurch.net.
Fairlawn Presbyterian — A guest preacher, the Rev. Doug Tracy, will speak at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service at the church, 2611 Fairlawn Drive. Fellowship time will immediately follow the worship service, as well as Adult and Youth Christian Education. Child care is available throughout worship.
All women are encouraged to attend the Women’s Bible study from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday at the church.
Fairlawn’s annual Shrove Pancake Supper will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday followed by a worship service led by the Rev. Amy Artis.
Men of all ages are welcome to attend the Men’s Breakfast at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13.
First Baptist — The Rev. Dan Cash will deliver the message, “The Unveiled Freedom,” with scripture from 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday communion service at the church, 3300 Fairlawn Drive in Columbus. Music worship will be led by the Gathering Songs Team, the WAVE Ringers and the Chancel Choir. Child care is available for infants, toddlers and preschool-age children. Children’s church lesson will be about “Water to Wine,” as found in John 2:1-11.
Classes for all ages will begin at 10:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday school lesson will be “Jeremiah’s Call” from Jeremiah 1:4-10.
Zumba classes will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet at the church at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday.
The Mending Ministry will gather at Four Seasons Retirement Center at 9 a.m. Wednesday to do mending for the residents and 4TWELVE, a gathering for students in grades 6-12, will begin at 6 p.m. A five-session Cross Connections Lenten study will also begin at 6 p.m. Offered by Pastor Cash and titled “Who is This Man?” the DVD study features Pastor John Ortberg. In this series, Ortberg reveals how Jesus made an inescapable influence on the world.
The Men of Faith Bible study will meet at 6:15 a.m. Friday at Four Seasons Retirement Center. First Baptist men and their guests are welcome.
Information: 812-376-3321, fbccolumbus.org.
Petersville United Methodist — The Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry will present her message, “Display God,” at the 9 a.m. Sunday service at the church, 2781 N. County Road 500E. The message will be based on 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 and communion will be shared. Liturgist will be Teresa Covert, who also will lead the children’s message. Junior church is available for children from age 5 through fifth grade. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service.
Chats with the Pastor will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday and at 7 p.m. Thursday at the parsonage.
The Baker’s Dozen study group meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Nolting home and the Journey study group meets at the Kimerling home. Sit-n-Stitch group meets at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Nolting home. Walking Group meets at 9 a.m. each Monday and Wednesday at FairOaks Mall. Choir practice is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and the Prayer Group, led by Barb Hedrick, meets at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Information: 812-447-9357.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus — The Rev. Mary Moore will present the message, “Being Courageous and ‘Real’ with Each Other,” at the 10 a.m. Sunday service at the church, 7850 W. Goeller Blvd. Moore says it can be fulfilling to members of a Unitarian Universalist congregation when they discover that they share a similar approach to religion. However, Moore said when they share with each other what really is going on in their own lives, the depth of such heart-to-heart sharing makes for a more closely connected congregation. Her message will explore some of the ways to foster this at the church.
Information: 812-342-6230 or [email protected].
Asbury United Methodist — Pastor David Blystone will give the message, “Eagerly Waiting,” with scripture from Romans 8:18-25, at the 8:45 a.m. traditional and the 11 a.m. contemporary services Sunday at the church, 1751 27th St. in Columbus. Sunday School for all ages is at 10 a.m. JAM (Jesus and Me) for ages 3 to 12 is available during the 11 a.m. service. Nursery is available all morning. Fellowship time with coffee and snacks is between services at The Well.
Asbury Cub Scout Pack 559 will hold its Pinewood Derby from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the church.
Sunday will be the final day to purchase tickets for the Asbury Valentine’s Gala on Feb. 13. A dinner is planned with entertainment for $10 a ticket. Singles and guests are welcome.
Bible studies will begin Sunday at the church. The women’s study is “What Love Is” by Kelly Minter. It will study the letters of 1, 2 and 3 John. The men will be studying “Christianity and World Religions” by Adam Hamilton, which explores four major world religions — Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism — and compares the beliefs of each with those of Christianity.
Information: 812-372-4555, asburycolumbus.org.
East Columbus United Methodist — The Rev. Charles Aigner will present the message from the Book of Philippians at the 8:30 and 10:40 a.m. blended services at the church, 2439 Indiana Ave. Boy Scout Troop 549 will conduct the Presentation of Colors and Boy Scout Charter at the 8:30 a.m. service. Holy Communion will be served at both services.
Sunday school will meet at 9:40 a.m. for all ages and Bible interests. A staffed nursery/toddler room and children’s church is available during both morning services. Aigner will bring the message from the Book of Thessalonians at the 6 p.m. casual service.
ALL4One Youth group will meet at 5 p.m. in the Youth Room.
Tuesday Afternoon Bible study will meet at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Wednesday Evening Bible Study will not meet this week, as an Ash Wednesday service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the sanctuary. All are welcome. Family Game Night will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday in the Fellowship Hall. Organizers are inviting people to bring a friend, a favorite game and a snack to share.
Central Heights Church of God — The message series of Pastor John Marquis continues with “What Does Love Got To Do With It” this Sunday at the church, 3151 Sharon Lane in Columbus.
Organizers are inviting people to bring a friend and food item for the pitch-in following the service.
Information: centralheights churchofgodcolumbus.com.
First Lutheran — An Ash Wednesday service will open Lent at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 3600 25th St. in Columbus.
Information: 812-372-1256.
First Presbyterian — The Rev. Felipe Martinez will preach a sermon, “Star Struck,” on the Transfiguration story in Luke 9:28-43 during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday service at the church, 512 Seventh St. in Columbus It will be led by the adult choir and Moment for Mission will be given by Barb Newton about the preschool. Infant and toddler care is available from 9:15 a.m. to noon. Christian education opportunities for children in preschool through elementary begin at 10 a.m.
The Adult Fellowship and Education at 11 a.m. Sunday will begin a six-week inductive Bible study on Colossians, led by Dale Nowlin.
The youth have Sunday school at 10:45 a.m. and Youth Group from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Sunday.
The Adult Choir practices at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The Ash Wednesday service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday in collaboration with North Christian Church of Columbus. The Rev. Cheryl Cloar from North Christian will preach on Isaiah 58 and the combined choirs from the two congregations will offer special music.
The Men’s Support Group and the Women’s Support Group meet at 7 p.m. Friday. Those in need of a meal are invited to the church’s hot meal at 5 p.m. Friday. Enter through the glass doors located on Franklin Street.
Information: 812-372-3783 or fpccolumbus.com.
First United Methodist — The Rev. Howard Boles will use Exodus 34:29-35 and Luke 9:28-36 to deliver the message, “For Those Living in the Valley,” at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services at the church, 618 Eighth St. in Columbus.
Coffee Connections will be held between services in Fellowship Hall in conjunction with the annual Chocolate Sunday Celebration. This event is in honor of the children in Learning Tree Preschool.
Boles will lead the Travelers Class wrap-up session Sunday of “Jesus’ Plan for a New World” by the Rev. Richard Rohr.
To mark the beginning of Lent, Ash Wednesday services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The service will include the imposition of ashes and communion. All are welcome. During the season of Lent, Boles will offer a 30-minute worship service at noon each Wednesday in the Chapel from Feb. 17 to March 23. Bring a sack lunch for after the service.
A pancake breakfast from Boy Scout Troop 550 and Girl Scout Cookies from Troop 3063 will be available Feb. 21 for Scout Sunday.
Boles has chosen “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison for his next Book Club selection. Book discussion will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 21.
Information: 812-372-2851, fumccolumbus.org.
Flintwood Wesleyan — Scout Troop 588 will have a pancake breakfast in the Friendship Center from 9 to 11 a.m. today.
Sunday services begin with Sunday school for all ages starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by the 10:30 a.m. worship service at the church, 5300 E. 25th St., led by the Rev. Wes Jones. Prayer Ministry Team meets at 10:15 p.m. in the Prayer Room. Scout Sunday this weekend will honor the church’s Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Adult Choir practice is at 5 p.m. The church’s regular evening service is not scheduled for the next eight weeks.
A Youth Game Night meeting will be 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the church.
Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday with JAM at 6:15 p.m., youth at 6:30 p.m. and Adult Bible Study at 7 p.m. Prayer Ministry Team meets at 6:15 p.m. in the Prayer Room.
The Senior Adult Ministries Luncheon will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday.
Small groups are as follows:
“Hymns and More,” led by John Shelton, will meet at 6 p.m. Sunday in the sanctuary. Hymns will be sung and stories of origin and interesting hymn facts will be discussed. “War Room” led by Donna Jewell will meet at 6 p.m. in the Friendship Center. This is a women’s group doing a study based on the recent prayer-oriented movie of the same name.
“Ladies’ Connections” meets at 10 a.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month in the Friendship Center, led by the Rev. Teri Jones. “Stitches from the Heart” is a quilting fellowship led by Robin Bense which meets at 5:30 p.m. in the Friendship Center. “Flintwood & Friends Crochet,” led by Gretchen Loman, will meet in the Friendship Center. This fellowship does different projects throughout the year. Beginners welcome. Meeting schedule will be determined later.
“A Christian Journey with Paul: A Trip Down The Roman Road” is led by Sandy Dooley at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Friendship Center. This is a continuing series but people can join anytime.
Cub Scout Pack 588 meets at 6:30 p.m. and Boy Scout Troop 588 meets at 7 p.m. Thursday.
“Senior Perks,” led by Darlene Morford, will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Friday in the Friendship Center. This a fellowship open house with donuts, cookies, coffee and friendship for adults 55 and older. “All Creatures Great and Small,” led by Marie Brauneller, will meet Feb. 12, 19 and 26 and March 11, 18 and 25 in the Friendship Center and combines fellowship, worship and love of four-legged friends.
Information: 812-379-4287, or email [email protected].
Grace Lutheran — A Lenten sermon series: “Blessed are the Peacemakers: Living a Lifestyle of Reconciliation,” begins at the 6:30 p.m. Ash Wednesday service and continues on Wednesday evenings during Lent at the church, 3201 Central Ave. in Columbus. The series will explore what conflict is and how people should respond to it. Child care is available.
Information: 812-799-7274 or gracecolumbus.org.
Old Union United Church of Christ — The message will be “Getting Side-tracked” at the 10 a.m. Sunday service at the church, 12703 North County Road 50W, Edinburgh. Scripture will include Exodus 34:29-35, 2 Corinthians 3:12–4:2 and Luke 9:28-43. Sunday school will begin at 9 a.m. with Fellowship at 9:40 a.m.
Bible Study begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Information: 317-374-8281.
St. Paul Lutheran — The theme for the 7 p.m. Ash Wednesday communion service at the church, 6045 E. State St. south of Columbus, will be based on the message “I Will Ponder Now,” with the sermon “I Will Ponder My Sin.” Imposition of ashes will begin at 6:45 p.m. in the church. A chicken and noodle meal will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. for a free-will offering.
Information: 812-376-6504.
Music
Concert at Westside Community — Singer/songwriter and guitarist Dale Sechrest will perform a Coffee House Concert from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the church, State Road 46 West and Tipton Lakes Boulevard in Columbus. He will be playing a variety of songs in the Westside café for an informal evening of music and refreshments.
Sechrest has been a worship leader at several local churches through the years and also has performed mainstream music.
Information: 812-342-8464 or dalesechrest.com.
Sixth Street General Baptist — The Richard Harper family will sing at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the church, 2100 Sixth St. in Columbus.
Information: 812-603-3156.
Events
15th annual Winter Gala — Organized by Faith, Hope and Love Church of God in Christ of Elizabethtown, but other church congregations also participate and gala is open to the general public who make advance ticket orders. Formal attire. Starts at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20 with 7 p.m. dinner at Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 2480 Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus. Tickets are $30 each for adults. Although gala is for adults, pizza and activities will be available in a room at the hotel for children. All members of the African American Pastors Alliance will participate in program. For information or to order tickets, call Secenia Harris at 812-371-4801.
Children and youth Christian sexuality workshop — Columbus area churches are teaming with the Pregnancy Care Center to offer fifth- through eighth-grade students and their parents/adult mentors throughout the region an opportunity to equip themselves with tools to deal with sexuality in a biblical fashion.
“My Best For You,” hosted by First Christian Church this year, is an informative, multi-media workshop designed for parents and students to explore together the Biblical view of human sexuality and behavior.
Parent orientation is 6 p.m. March 3 and the workshop is 6 to 9 p.m. March 4 and 9 a.m. to noon March 5 at First Christian, 531 Fifth St.
Cost for workshop is $10 per family.
Registration is available in person, on the website at fccoc.org/my_best_for_you.php or through the mail at the church office, 531 Fifth St. Columbus IN 47201.
Information: Katie Walker, children’s minister, 812-379-4491, [email protected].
South Central Indiana Christian Men’s Fellowship — Doug Redford will be the speaker at the next meeting with a fried chicken dinner at 6:30 p.m. and his remarks beginning at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 23 at Jonesville Christian Church, 609 S. Commerce Drive.
Information: Alvin Balmer, 812-526-2071.
Games night at First Lutheran — Join in 7 to 10 p.m. Friday at the church. Children, teens and adults gather for a night of games, snacks and fun. A mix of organized games and free time is offered, including outdoor activities as weather permits. Bring your favorite game to share, and bring friends and neighbors.
Information: 812-372-1256.
Flintwood Wesleyan youth activities — The youth ares selling Chicago Pizza cards as a fundraiser for events this year. See Pastor Teri Jones or one of the youth to make a purchase.
There will be a Zone 3 Youth Rally from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17.
The annual Heart of Ministry auction and dinner is March 4. Proceeds support local and global missions projects.
Information: 812-379-4287, or email [email protected].
Petersville United Methodist — Kezia Scherer-Berry, a Petersville member, is organizing a Fat Tuesday dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 2781 North County Road 500E. The menu will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, fruit, coffee cake, juice, milk and coffee. Cost: $5 for ages 6 and older. She is raising $3,000 for a mission trip to Uganda in June and has chosen this event as her senior project. Her mother, the Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry, will accompany her on the Uganda trip, and she will be training local pastors and church leaders while Kezia will be working with children and youth.
Information and tickets: 574-780-2379.
Religion news appears Saturdays inside the Faith & Community section, and includes items from area houses of worship, plus other ministries, outreaches and groups from all faiths throughout Bartholomew County. Elements can range from sermons and study groups to special services, discussions and other programs. Submit news by 4 p.m. Mondays to [email protected]. Information: Brian Blair at 812-379-5672.
