Religion News Dec. 15

Religion News

Services and studies

Bible Church of Columbus — During Sunday’s 10 a.m. service, Pastor Dave Marvin will continue a seasonal series of messages, “Characters of Christmas.” This December series is taking a look at people who shaped the real message of Christmas, including Mary, Joseph, Jesus and Herod. The church will take a look at “Jesus: The Miracle Baby”.

A special Christmas program for children will coincide with Sunday’s worship service. Every child will receive a gift bag at the conclusion of the service.

Children’s Ministries, for newborns through grade 6, begins at 9:45 a.m. Sunday. The Teen Ministry, grades 7 to 12, will meet at 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Adult Life Group Bible Studies are available at 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday.

Additional Life Group Bible studies are available throughout the week at the church, located at 3010 10th St., Columbus.

Information: Visit BCColumbus.org.

Central Heights Church of God — The church will be celebrating Jesus’ birthday. Pastor Jared Johnson is giving the message at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 3151 Sharon Lane.

Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian — Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, 512 Seventh St., Columbus. This is the third Sunday of Advent. The sermon is “Light to the Nations,” and the church will meditate on Isaiah 42:1-9.

Infant and toddler care is available from 9:15 a.m. to noon Sunday.

The men’s and women’s support groups meet at 7 a.m. Fridays, and a second men’s support group of working-age men meets every Monday at 6:15 a.m.

People in need of a meal are invited to Hot Meals offered 5 p.m. Friday, with entry through the glass doors on Franklin Street.

The church is LGBTQ-friendly, open and affirming to all.

Information: fpccolumbus.org.

First United Methodist — At Sunday’s 9 a.m. traditional service and the 11 a.m. celebration service, the Rev. Howard Boles will deliver the message, “Love for the World,” at the church, 618 Eighth St., Columbus. The Scripture will be Zephaniah 3:14-20.

Sunday school for all ages begins at 10:10 a.m.

Childcare is available during both services.

This will also be a special music service, in between the 9 and 11 a.m. services. There will be a special coffee hour in Fellowship Hall with cookies and nativity scenes.

Information: 812-372-2851.

Flintwood Wesleyan — The Amplify non-traditional service is 9 a.m. Sunday and Sunday School classes are at 10 a.m. The Well traditional service is at 11 a.m. Both Amplify and The Well are held in the main sanctuary. The Prayer Team will meet at 8 a.m. Sunday School classes meet in their regular rooms at the church, located at 5300 E. 25th St., Columbus.

“In The Beginning,” a small-group Bible study, will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Friendship Center. It is studying the book of Genesis. This Tuesday will be the last class until Jan. 8.

Regular Wednesday activities are dismissed until Jan. 9.

Information: 812-379-4287; [email protected]; flintwood.org.

Grace Lutheran — At the 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services, Pastor John Armstrong will be bringing the message. Sunday School for all ages is at 9:25 a.m.

Midweek Advent Services continue 6:30 p.m. Wednesday with “We wait for vindication,” based on Romans 4:5; Hebrews 9:26b-28; Psalm 123:1-4; and Matthew 25:31-40.

A fellowship meal will be served at 5:45 p.m. The church is located at 3201 Central Ave., Columbus.

Grace Lutheran Church invites people to donate to the Angel Tree. Many children are in need of clothing this year. Contact Deaconess Julie to assist with donations.

Information: 812-372-4859.

Old Union United Church of Christ — Sunday’s 10 a.m. sermon, “Rejoice,” marks the third Sunday of Advent with text from Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4 and Luke 3:7-18.

Sunday school will begin at 9 a.m., followed by fellowship at 9:40 a.m.

Wednesday Bible study will resume at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

The church is located at 12703 N. County Road 50W, Edinburgh.

Information: Old Union United Church of Christ on Facebook.

Petersville United Methodist — The Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry will deliver the message, “Love,” at the 9 a.m. Sunday worship service at the church, 2781 N. County Road 500E, Columbus. The sermon series for the month is “Calm and Bright,” based on the 200th anniversary of “Silent Night.” Scriptures from John 1 will be given by liturgist Patsy Harris. The Advent wreath will be lit, and the choir and children will share special music, under the direction of Kathy Bush. The congregation will be encouraged to bring hats and gloves for children at Clifty Creek Elementary school, and placed under the Christmas tree in the narthex. Teresa Covert will give the children’s sermon. A time of fellowship will follow the service.

The Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry will lead the study of “The Gift of the Nutcracker,” based on the book “The Nutcracker,” which will begin at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday during Advent.

Larry and Connie Nolting and Chris Kimerling will host the Monday night Bible study, meeting at 6:30 p.m. New members are welcome at either of the classes.

The Sit and Stitch group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, also at the Nolting home. Prayer Time will meet at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church with Barb Hedrick as leader.

Information: 812-546-4438; 574-780-2379.

St. Paul Lutheran — The church will celebrate the third Sunday in Advent. At the 8 a.m. service, Pastor Doug Bauman will present his sermon, ”The Lord is at Hand,” based on Philippians 4:4-7. The 10:45 a.m service will be the Children’s Christmas program, “Rejoice in the Lord”.

The Spanish worship service will be held in the chapel at 10:45 a.m. Sunday.

An Advent service focusing on the important role of angels when Christ was born and their ongoing work in many lives today will be held at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in the church, 6045 East State St., Columbus, with Pastor Bauman’s sermon, “An Angel in the Dream,” based on Matthew 1:18-25.

Information: 812-376-6504.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus — At 10 a.m. Sunday, the Rev. Nic Cable and Nancy Olson will present their sermon, “Three Wise Women.” During this service for all ages, they will discuss the stories of three women who followed a star and offered a baby gifts he took with him into the world. The congregation meets at 7850 W. Goeller Blvd., Columbus.

Information: 812-342-6230.

Westside Community — At 10 a.m. Sunday, Pastor Robert Vester will lead the service at the church, at State Road 46 West and Tipton Lakes Boulevard.

There will be a movie night at the church for kids of all ages at 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Sunday. Two Christmas movies will be shown and refreshments will be served.

Information: 812-342-8464.

Events

Flintwood Wesleyan — The combined kids programs will present a musical, “Arrest These Merry Gentlemen,” at 6 p.m. Sunday at the church, located at 5300 E. 25th St., Columbus. There will be a cookie reception in The Friendship Center following the program, which is open to the public.

Carolers will meet at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday in the church parking lot to visit nursing homes and elderly/shut-ins.

St. Paul Lutheran The Second Presbyterian Church Beecher Singers and Orchestra of Indianapolis, conducted by Michelle Louer, will present a Christmas Concert at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6045 E. State Street at 7 p.m. Sunday. Concert organist John Allegar will perform Christmas favorites and lead audience singing of carols. A pre-concert harp recital will begin at 6:40 p.m. Everyone is cordially invited.

At 5 p.m. today, the Las Posadas Service will start in the education building and end in the chapel. After the service, a fiesta will follow in the education building.

First United Methodist — The Longest Night Service, a special service of Scripture, music, silent reflection and prayer, will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church, 618 Eighth St., Columbus.

Petersville United Methodist — A “Blue Christmas” service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the church, 2781 N. County Road 500E, Columbus, led by the Rev. Stormy Scherer-Berry. It will focus on the loss of loved ones during the past year. The United Methodist Women will serve a light supper at 6 p.m. prior to the service. All are welcome.

Grace Lutheran — An Advent concert, “Lessons & Carols,” is 7 p.m. Saturday at the church, 3201 Central Ave., Columbus.