“I’ve never seen anything like it.” Those were the first words from Esma Taylor as she began to share the story of her experience on Noblesville First’s five-day Boundary Waters canoe trip.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a one-million-acre wilderness area within the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. And each year, it’s the site of a spiritual

journey for youth and adults from Noblesville First.

“It was funny to see how quiet we all were at first then how well we got to know each other by the end of the trip,” said 16-year-old Esma.

Tom Shriver, Noblesville First’s Assistant Director of Student Ministries, engaged the group

each evening in devotions, placing particular emphasis on exploring different ways to approach prayer. “After dinner and our devotion time, we would each find a place to pray on our own,” Esma explained. “It was amazing how easy it was to focus there without all the distractions we face at home. Then we would get back together to talk about the experience.”

ON THE CALENDARJuly 5 — Sr. High Pool PartyJuly 12 — Starting PointJuly 12 — Meet & GreetJuly 19 — New member take inJuly 19-24 — Middle Schl Mission TripJuly 21-23 — Organ & Drum CampJuly 22-24 — UMW Rummage Sale

See page 10 for more!

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is

anything, but only God, who makes things grow. — 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (NIV)

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS with the UM Children’s Home — page 7

GOD First PEOPLE First NOBLESVILLE First

Donate and shop at the UMW Rummage Salepage 4

High definition equipment install beginspage 5

Caring Connection meal delivery could use your helppage 6

“A story” from the Boundary Waters trip

SPREADINGTHE WORD

July 2015

CONNECT Noblesville First UMC @4NFUMC nfumc.net 317.773.2500 2051 Monument Street, Noblesville IN 46060

The following is the first in

a series of articles aimed at

sharing stories of spiritual journey.

See “Share YOUR story” on page 2.

— continued on page 11

2 Noblesville First United Methodist Church

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDYConsider starting or continuing this journey

The Disciple Bible study series takes you beyond a simple, short-term study of scripture and into a deeper under-standing about who you are, who God is, and what your relationship with God might be.

Prior Bible study experience

is not required. If you have completed Disciple 1 and are ready to continue the series, you can sign up for Disciple 2, 3 or 4 in any order.

Registration will begin next month. Groups will begin the week after Labor Day.

Conference challenge:Share YOUR storySarah Clelland, Mary Burns and Kevin Emmert represented

our congregation at the Indiana Annual Conference in

Indianapolis, where we were challenged to “Share your

story” of how God is working through each of us. Our dele-

gates attended workshops on missions, attended the

Plenary Sessions and

voted for representa-

tives to General

Conference and

Jurisdictional

Conference. New

pastors were

ordained and

retiring pastors

were recognized.

FROM PASTOR JERRY’S DESKBreaking the ice

is a publication

of Noblesville First United

Methodist Church.

HAVE A STORY TO SHARE?

Contact Kathy Tomes

e-mail kathyt@nfumc.net

call 317-225-8028

Next newsletter deadline

August Issue: July 17

You’ve experienced one of those icebreaker exercises haven’t you? If you grew up in a church youth group it was standard fare.

It is a process even employed at business meetings because we all understand the tension that exists when people new to each other meet.

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Want more information? Contact David Meats at (317) 867-4509, meatsdl@comcast.net or visit http://nfumc.net/adult-bible-studies for details.

It is nice to have some fun and perhaps offbeat activity that helps you let your defenses down so you can truly get to know the people you have been thrown together with.

We will have that opportunity in worship as we use the theme “Ice Breakers” to break down some of the barriers that arise in a change of pastoral leadership.

This month you will learn how I am approaching the challenge of pastoring Noblesville First, you will hear about my faith journey and I will share my

favorite chapter in the Bible. But I don’t want this to be all about me. I hope this theme will become an opportunity for you to break the ice with a few people in this congregation.

I bet there is someone you have run across recently that you would like to know better. We plan to create that opportunity for you each Sunday in July. So please join us for some fun in worship this month as we begin this journey together.

Your servant,Pastor Jerry Rairdon

Spreading the Word 3

Students who receive free and reduced breakfast and lunch during the school year often find themselves at a loss for those meals in the summer months.

This need struck a chord with Noblesville First’s Tina Boyum as she talked with a teacher friend at a Memorial Day get-together. “I came back to Pastor Aaron and asked, ‘Should we do something?’”

The answer was YES and the Summer Lunch Bunch was born. Working with a White River Elementary counselor and Youth Assistance of Hamilton County, the neighboring Noble Manor apartment complex was identified as having young residents who could benefit

from the program.

“We want to develop a relationship with the folks at Noble Manor and share Christ’s love with them,” Tina added. And this program gives Noblesville First a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Congregation members can contribute microwavable individual-serving macaroni and cheese, ravioli and Spaghettios, as well as fresh vegetables, fruits and home-baked or store-bought cookies that can be served in snack bags.

To find out what contributions are needed each week, contact Tina at 773-2500 ext.208 or e-mail tinab@nfumc.net.

Summer LUNCH bunch serving the community

Letter from Pastor JackI am filled with joy with the appointment of Pastor Jerry Rairdon as the new Lead Pastor for Noblesville First. Over the years our ministries have intersected on a number of occasions. For sixteen

years, he served my family church in New Albany.

Silver Street United Methodist Church was, before the 1968 denominational merger, the First Evangelical United Brethren Church. My great-grandfather and my grandfather were charter members of that congregation.

All of my Wolfe extended family were involved in the church. As you might imagine, such a strong church family did not always agree with every action, but I never heard a negative word about Pastor Jerry. My uncle, Gordon

Wolfe, worked closely with Pastor Jerry during many of his

Silver Street years.

He was one of the most Godly men I have ever known. His respect for Pastor Jerry is probably the highest qualification I have for resting in the assurance that God is at work in this ministry and that Pastor Jerry is the right pastor for this time in the life of Noblesville First.

In time, I look forward to returning to Noblesville First to sit under Pastor Jerry’s ministry. And it is with joy that I look forward to seeing the wonderful impact he will have on the life of this congregation.

Sincerely,Rev. N. Jack Wolfe

Welcome new members Philip, Sharon and Krista Klein!

For more information about Noblesville First, attend a “Starting Point” gathering. Meet the pastors, hear a little about community life at Noblesville First, and think about next steps to getting connected.

For more information, contact Brooke Crum, brookec@nfumc.net or 773-2500.

STARTING POINT:NEW MEMBER WELC0ME

The volunteer response for Summer Lunch Bunch has been wonderful.

4 Noblesville First United Methodist Church

Redecorating? Decluttering? Downsizing?The United Methodist Women

would love to have your “old” for our rummage sale!

DROP OFF ITEMSSunday, July 19 1-5:00 p.m.Monday, July 20, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.Tuesday, July 21, 9 a.m.- noon

No donations will be accepted after 12 p.m.

A storage unit is available at SOS Storage if you would like to donate your items prior to the drop-off dates.

So put your unused items to work for a good

cause. Then come

to shop for a new treasure. All proceeds benefit the United Methodist Women and the many projects they support.

SHOPWednesday, July 22: 3-7:00 p.m.Thursday, July 23: 3-7:00 p.m.Friday, July 24: 8 a.m. - noon

Volunteers are needed for the drop off times and sale times. Sign up sheets will be in the information

kiosks. For more information, contact Marianne Jacobi at 773-3112 or Janet Roberts at 773-0436.

RUMMAGE SALEOut with the old, in with the new

As a part of their Community Rewards® program, Kroger donates millions of dollars annually to local schools, churches and non-profits, based on purchases made by the organization’s members.

Signing up couldn’t be easier.

You’ll need a Kroger Plus Shopper’s Card. If you don’t have one already, visit the customer service desk of any Kroger store. Then you’re just a few clicks away!

Visit KrogerCommunityRewards.com and click “Create an Account.”

You’ll be prompted to enter your information, including your Kroger Plus Card identification number, found on the back of the card.

If you use your phone number at the register, call 800-576-4377 and select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus Card number.

Then you’ll need our Non Profit Organization (NPO) number: 45853

Once you’ve registered, every swipe of your Kroger Plus Card will earn cash for Noblesville First!

Kroger Community Rewards SCAN YOUR CARD FOR NOBLESVILLE FIRST

Have you always been curious about the organ? Are you a pianist who would enjoy “trying your hand” at the organ?

ORGAN & DRUM CAMPS

Have you always imagined being part of a drum circle? Interested in learning to play an African drum?

Cindy Romano and Marilyn Hensley are offering an organ and drum camp this summer for 3rd graders through adults of all ages.

July 21-23(Rummage Sale week)Drums 10-10:45 a.m.Organ 10:45-11:30 a.m.

Choose to do both or just one. For the organ camp, previous piano study would be helpful, but not required.

For more information, contact Cindy Romano, cindyr@nfumc.net or 727-7052.

WE WANT YOU Enjoy writing, photography, videography, graphic design? We are assembling a team of volunteers to help capture images and messages as we, as a congregation, “Tell our stories.” Interested? Contact Kathy Tomes, kathyt@nfumc.net or 317-225-8028.

Stephen Ministers are lay companions providing one-to-one Christian care for people in need due to illness, grief, spiritual crisis or any other difficulty.

It’s confidential, dependable, compassionate, trustworthy and Christ-centered.

Ongoing care continues as long as needed, even after initial crisis support has passed.

To inquire about receiving a Stephen Minister or becoming one yourself, contact Sally Kenley at sallykenley@yahoo.com.

Spreading the Word 5

CONSTRUCTION IN CELEBRATION HALLHigh definition equipment install

NEED SUPPORT? INTERESTED IN HELPING

Consider Stephen Ministry

To fulfill all our requests for Home Communion, we need to add to our list of available Communion Stewards.

We serve an average of 40 people each month in their homes, assisted living facilities and the hospitals, sharing the love of Christ and the blessings of communion.

Do you have an hour each month that you can help with carrying the sacrament to others? We have instructions and liturgy cards to aid you. If you would like to join our team, contact the office or Carol Miller, carolm@nfumc.net.

To accommodate the increased use of imagery and video during worship and to improve the viewing experience for the congregation, it was determined well over a year ago that the audio-visual equipment in both the Sanctuary and Celebration Hall would need to be upgraded to high definition.

Lead by Jeff Elliott, Noblesville First’s Director of Media Ministry, the first phase of the project in Celebration Hall is now complete.

Sincere thanks go out to Bill St. Dennis, Brandon Ridge, Chase Elliott and Jeff for sharing their skills, knowledge, long hours, flexibility and dedication on the project, as well as the generous financial support from many members of the congregation. Thank you!

The installation of upgraded equipment in the sanctuary will be complete for July 12 worship.

HOME COMMUNION

PASTORAL CARE MINISTER

Just a phone call awayNeed to talk? Need someone to listen? Facing a spiritual challenge? Would you like to pray with someone?

Pastor Dick Judson is available to help. E-mail

him at dickj@nfumc.net or call 317-773-2500 ext.207. Emergency calls, after hours calls and weekend calls can be made to his cell phone 317-385-2745.

6 Noblesville First United Methodist Church

CARE MINISTRY

Caring Connection meal delivery

SINGLE & PARENTING13-week seminar to beginBeginning August 14, we will offer a 13-week “Single & Parenting” for those that are single parents and concerned about their children while adjusting to the demands of being a single parent.

Join with others that understand the unique challenges you are facing and experience the

support of others through our weekly meetings with

a personal workbook, video and group discussions.

The cost is $20. Childcare is available. Brochures available

at the information kiosks or contact Carol Miller, carolm@nfumc.net or the church office 317-773-2500.

DIVORCECARE Our DIVORCECARE Support group will begin Friday, August 21 in the Parlor. If you are in the process of divorce, separated or divorced, join us for a 13-week program for healing and courage to move forward.

We meet Friday evenings, 6:30-8:30pm. Childcare is available with registration. Cost $20. Brochures available at the information kiosks. For information, contact Carol Miller, Bill Evers, wmevers@sbcglobal.net or the church office 317-773-2500.

VISITATION TEAM

Do you enjoy cooking? Sharing meals with others?

Join the Caring Connection group in preparing and delivery meals to individuals and families after births, illnesses, surgery or those in need of a special treat.

The group uses TakeThemAMeal.com to organize meal needs and sign-ups. Group members receive an e-mail when a need is posted. If it’s convenient for you, you register. No phone calls. Serve only when you choose.

Meals do not need to be elaborate. Often soup is a welcome comfort. For information, contact Pam Cammack, gpcammack@sbcglobal.net or Carol Miller, carolm@nfumc.net.

Our GRIEFSHARE Support group will begin Thursday, August 13. If you have lost a loved one, join us each Thursday, 6:30-8:30 for our 14-week program. Cost $20. Brochures available at the information kiosks. For information, contact Carol Miller, carolm@nfumc.net or the church office 317-773-2500.

Parrish Care Coordinatorcarolm@nfumc.net — 773-2500, ext. 202

Have you ever been lonely and longed for a visitor? Do you enjoy talking with people?

Our VISITATION TEAM needs you! Attend an introductory meetings on Tuesday, July 7, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. or 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Listen to God’s call to build new friendships and care for others.

For information, contact Donna Judson, ddjudson@comcast.net or 317-773-8839.

Spreading the Word 7

United Methodist Women have their mission-minded feet gently planted in this church and their outreach wings graciously spread all over the world. Join us and find your mission by calling our Membership Chairman, Dorothy Wolfe at 770-0018.

UMW ON FACEBOOK

Find NOBLESVILLE FIRST UMW on Facebook and follow all of our wonderful activities. LIKE

our page and SHARE posts of interest with your friends.

GETTING ACQUAINTED

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH UMW, part 4Social action committeeSchool Supplies, as listed by the Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC), Chatham, Ill., are collected throughout the year. At

the same time, our UMW ladies sew school bags.

The material for the bags is

usually upholstery or drapery type fabric and is normally donated. The bags are made according to a pattern provided by the MMDC. The bags are taken to the MMDC at least once a year. Anyone going in that direction is tapped to be our means of delivery.

We have taken over 1,500 school bags along with school supplies to support this effort. If you would like to help sew,

leave your name and phone number in the church office and someone will contact you.

A list of school supply items is available in the church office and a collection basket is located outside the Library.

Birthday party for the United Methodist Children’s Home

The first Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home opened in 1915.

CIRCLE NEWSEsther, Grace, Lydia and Priscilla Circles will not meet in July.

Esther Circle’s Bone Marrow Drive had 19 who signed up.

Rebekah Circle will be working at the Rummage Sale and getting together there on Monday, July 20.

Susannah Circle members have generously supported the Church Food Pantry with their contributions.

The Children’s Home 100th birthday

will be celebrated on Tuesday,

September 1 at 7 p.m., here at

Noblesville First!

The home, located in Lebanon, Ind.,

will bring the cake and give a short

program to thank our church for the

continued support we provide.

The Missions

Committee

organizes the

Angel Tree project for the home each

year, granting personal Christmas

wishes for the children there. Grace

Circle makes Easter baskets for these

kids, and Rebekah Circle has made fleece

pillows to give to them at the party.

Mark your calendars and plan to come

join the celebration.

This year, over 150 children experienced the love of Christ through our many wonderful volunteers!

The children raised over $1,000 this year for the New Horizon School in Paraguay! Way to go Surfers!

A huge thank you goes out to all who volunteered in crafts, drama, stage, nursery, kitchen, recreation, as class leaders, in the preschool classes, music, science, the office, and decorating.

Through these collective efforts of church members and non-members alike,

the love of God and the spirit of Christ moved through each activity, touching hearts in a way that cannot be measured.

Cokesbury, a nationwide publisher of Christian resources, once again asked Noblesville First to demo a new curriculum. This is not an easy task, but it is an honor and they

appreciated our hard work. Watch for us on their web site, featuring “The Surf Shack.”

8 Noblesville First United Methodist Church

GENTLY USED TOYS WELCOMED

If anyone is cleaning out their toy rooms this summer, the Preschool/PDO is in need of Matchbox cars, My

Little Ponies, a Barbie Play House, toy dishes and food, super heroes, and dinosaurs!

Preschool/Parents Day Out CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 24

DIAPER BANK ACCEPTING DONATIONS

Children’s MinistryCarol Getch — carolg@nfumc.net 773-2500, ext. 214 April Conard — aprilc@nfumc.net773-2500

Registration continues for our Preschool/Parents Day Out (PDO) programs. But don’t delay, as many of the classes are full or nearly full.

Parent Orientations and Open Houses will be held the week of August 17,

with school beginning for us the week of August 24.

Contact Carol Getch, carolg@nfumc.net or 773-4911 with questions.

Opened and unopened boxes of diapers in all sizes can be donated to the diaper bank at any time.

We share them with those in need in our church and in the community. Donations can be dropped in the church office during the week or in the nursery on Sunday mornings.

Vacation Bible School“THE SURF SHACK” IS A SUCCESS

Spreading the Word 9

FOREST PARK POOL DECK PARTY On July 30 we will have the Forest Park pool deck from 11am-3pm open for middle and high school youth! Email Tom (toms@nfumc.net) or Jenell (jenellh@nfumc.net) to reserve your spot. First 30 get in for free! We will grill out and enjoy the pool together.

Summer FUN for middle and high school students

Middle School youth to serve Indianapolis areaA few of our

middle school

youth will be

doing a

mission trip in

Indianapolis

July 19-24.

We will be

staying at

Butler Univer-

sity and doing various work

projects around the city.

This is an awesome way for

our youth to

serve others

and learn

that there

are a lot of

mission

projects right

in our own

back yard.

Please keep

our team in your prayers as

we spend the week in Indy!

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASHOur Back-to-School Bash will be on Sunday, August 9 in the Noblesville First parking lot. We’ll have music, inflatables, door prizes, tons of games, food, and plenty of other amazing things! Pastor Jerry will also be there, so this is a great time to meet our new Lead Pastor if you haven’t yet (and you may even get the chance to get to know him with a dunk tank). Bring as many friends as you want and get ready to have a great time!

HIGH SCHOOL POOL PARTY On Sunday, July 5, our

High School youth group will be having a pool party at the Robinsons’

home (1195 Mill Run Drive). Please bring your favorite side dish

(dessert, mac n cheese, chips, etc.) and a two-liter beverage.

Middle & High School Student MinistryJenell Hadley — jenellh@nfumc.net, 773-2500, ext. 204Tom Shriver — toms@nfumc.net, 773-2500, ext. 204

KINGS ISLAND On Saturday, August 1, we will be

taking our Middle School and High School youth to King’s Island!

Incoming 6th graders are welcome to join us for the first time on

this fun trip. Permission forms are available in the Church office

or in The Vine.

EVERY WEEK AT FIRST UMCEvent Day Time PlaceBible Study Mon. 9:30 am ParlorStaff Meeting Wed. 9:00 am Conf. Rm AWomen’s Bible Study Wed. 9:30 am Sally Kenley’sEmmaus-PM Wed. 7:00 pm Panera BreadWorship Team Rehearsal Wed. 7:30 pm SanctuaryDinner’s On Us Thurs. 5:00 pm Wesley HallEmmaus Men Thurs. 6:30 pm PerkinsEmmaus Women Sat. 8:30 am Noble Coffee

YOUTH ACTIVITIESSr. Hi Praise Band Sun. 3:30 pm The VineSr. Hi Youth Sun. 5:00 pm The VineMiddle School Youth Wed. 6:30 pm The Vine

10 Noblesville First United Methodist Church

Noblesville FREE Summer Concerts

CALENDAR of eventsWednesday, July 110:00 am Drum & Organ/CH & Rm 210Thursday, July 210:00 am Drum & Organ/CH & Rm 210 6:30 pm Alzheimer’s Support/Parlor 7:00 pm Missions Comm/Conf. Rm AFriday, July 3Office ClosedSaturday, July 4Independence DaySunday, July 5Communion Sunday 5:00 pm Sr. High Pool Party/RobinsonsMonday, July 6 9:30 am Little Angel Gowns/Bi-Rooms 6:00 pm BBB Comm/Ovlk,Conf Rm C 7:00 pm Toastmasters 1st 3rd/Steph HTuesday, July 7 9:30 am Visitation Team mtgs/Parlor or 6:30 pm (attend one or the other)

Thursday, July 9 6:30 pm Finance Comm/Conf. Rm B 6:30 pm Del Mi Roundtable/BiRms,SHSunday, July 12 10:35 am Starting Point/Wesley Hall 2:00 pm Meet & Greet/ParlorMonday, July 13 6:00 pm BBB Comm/Overlook,Loft 6:30 pm Student Ministry Ad Coun/Vine 7:00 pm Board of Trustees/Conf. Rm BTuesday, July 14 6:00 pm St Ministry/Various Rooms 7:00 pm Worship Comm/Conf. Rm BWednesday, July 15 9:30 am Rebekah Circle/Parlor 7:00 pm Troop 101 Comm/LoftThursday, July 16 7:00 pm Eagle Scout Board/Various RmsFriday, July 17 6:30 pm DivorceCare Mtg/Parlor

Sunday, July 19UMW Rummage Sale WeekMiddle School Mission Trip/IndianapolisNO Praise Band or Sr. High Youth Group10:35 am New Member Take In/Parlor 2:00 pm Meet & Greet/Parlor

Monday, July 20 6:00 pm BBB Comm/Ovlk,Conf Rm C 6:00 pm Little Angel Gowns/Bi-Rooms 7:00 pm Church Council/Loft 7:00 pm Toastmasters 1st 3rd/Steph H

Tuesday, July 2110:00 am Drum & Organ/Sanc.,Rm 210 6:00 pm Crime Watch/Stephenson Hall 7:00 pm Discipleship Com/Conf Rm A

Wednesday, July 22No Middle School Youth Group10:00 am Drum & Organ/Sanc. Rm 210 4:00 pm Rummage Sale

Thursday, July 2310:00 am Drum & Organ/Sanc. Rm 210 4:00 pm Rummage Sale 7:00 pm Del Mi Comm./Overlook

Friday, July 24 8:00 am Rummage Sale 4:00 pm Wedding Rehearsal/Sanctuary

Saturday, July 25 5:30 pm Wedding/Sanctuary

Monday, July 27 6:00 pm BBB Comm/Ovlk,Conf Rm C

Tuesday, July 28 9:30 am Susannah Circle/Riverwalk 6:00 pm St Ministry/Various Rooms

Friday, July 31 2:00 pm Black Gold Invite/Various Rms

SUMMER 8:15 SERVICE AT TETER FAMILY RETREATJoin us at Teter Family Retreat for outdoor worship, Sundays 8:15 a.m. through Labor Day Weekend (September 6). Bring a blanket or a lawn chair, a friend, even your dog. Teter Family Retreat is located a short drive north of our main campus at 10980 East 221st Street, Noblesville.

Pack up your lawn chairs, a blanket, some food and some drinks and join us for live music and summer fun.

Thursday evenings July 9 - 30 7 p.m. at Forest Park

Look for us under the blue pop-up tent!

Spreading the Word 11

Dear Friends, Thank you First Church for all the care and concern shown to our father, Evan Kellum, during his terminal illness. We so appreciated the thoughtful cards and prayers from everyone. The support from Pastor Dick, Carol and staff was amazing. Also a big thank you to the funeral food committee and everyone who worked and provided the lovely lunch following the service. Evan greatly enjoyed being a member of the church for nearly 60 years! We feel thankful and blessed to have been raised in this wonderful church.

Beth & Lisa Kellum

To the McMahon family scholarship committee,

I would like to thank all of the McMahon family, and the Scholarship Committee for awarding me the McMahon Scholarship. Thank you so much for helping fund my education.

Thank you,Caitlin Moss

How truly thankful we are for the outpouring of love and care we’ve received from our church family during my recent surgical experience. Carol and Dick were with us at the hospital, and Carol later brought my lovely prayer quilt to comfort. The delicious meals from Caring Connection and others, the many encouraging cards and calls and most especially your prayers, have been appreciated with heartfelt thanks. We feel blessed.

Thank you,Meg Tomlin

Dear friends and family of NFUMC,

Jim and I cannot thank you enough for all the prayers and support we received from you over the last number of months as Jim recovered from fracturing his neck. Being relative strangers in a new community, it was supportive and reassuring to know we had your figurative arms around us. We constantly felt your strength and love. You are an amazing group of people and we are blessed to follow Christ with you.

Love & blessings,

Jim & Margie Davies

Esma was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to talk to the group. “Everyone really listened and took the time to understand what was being shared. And the time passed so quickly.”

Esma was joined on the trip by her dad Ralph Taylor, Tom Shriver, Jerry Hadley, Hayden Dillard and Jack, Jackie and Josie Lawrence.

The experience naturally brings out opportunities for teamwork and problem solving, including the completion of chores, cooking, clean-up, and figuring out a system for marking the secluded latrine area as “occupied.”

“A roll of toilet paper on a particular

tree limb meant it was available. If the roll was gone, it was occupied,” Esma laughed.

It didn’t take long for the group to forget about cell phones and social media and the comforts at home. “Learning to live in that way seems so complex and rough

at first, but it quickly becomes so simple and wonderful.”

Amid canoing, fishing, hiking, swimming, singing, games, and

Boundary Waters canoe trip (continued from page 1)

time for devotions and prayer, there was also time for quiet reflection. “I remember sitting on a rock one evening and looking out over the lake at a sunset with the most amazing shades of pink, orange and blue. There were loons calling to each other, the sound of the water nearby, and a feeling of absolute serenity in the moment. To be immersed in nature that way made me think about God’s creation in a whole new way. It’s an experience I would recommend to anyone.”

Additional thank you notes are posted on the Celebration Hall information kiosk.

2051 Monument Street

NoblesvilleIndiana46060

PASTOR Jerry Rairdonjerryr@nfumc.net

PASTOR Aaron Hobbsaaronh@nfumc.net

PASTOR Dick Judsondickj@nfumc.net

CHURCH OFFICE 317-773-2500

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Read Luke 6:31 and think about how these instructions might fit with your relationships with family and friends.

As summer is in full swing, we are often tossed together with others to

spend hours or even days in close proximity where our

individualism, habits and personalities can and often do clash.

Camping, long car trips, small cabins and hotel rooms can and do cause impatience

and intolerance. Jesus knew about this. Traveling with His disciples was probably no different.

Certainly, when He said, “Love one another,” He was first speaking to His band of short tempered, critical, intolerant, impatient, very human brothers — each wanting to feel

important, loved, needed, valued. Every time people gather towards a purpose, whether it be family, friends or work, tempers and needs can clash.

Recently, I came across this quote: “I will do nothing to bring my brother’s faults and shortcomings to his attention, because I love him and only wish well for him.”

With friends, but especially family, it only takes a glance or a quick remark to bring much criticism to another. Often families do it all the time without even thinking. “Hurry up! Why are you so slow?” “Gee, you always do that!” Whatever it is that irks us, is conveyed. What good can come of it?

These summer days, ask God to guide you towards loving and warn you before you pounce. Pray for those you love, dwelling on the goodness you see in them. God always answers prayer. Ask Him to fill your heart this summer, and see what happens.

Prayer TIPS for summer challenges