Religion news – July 3

Editor’s note: Some church services may have moved to online-only formats after The Republic’s deadline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Services and studies

Asbury United Methodist Church — Asbury offers a traditional service and J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) children’s church at 8:45 a.m. and a contemporary service and J.A.M. children’s church at 11 a.m. There are no Sunday school classes at this time.

Asbury Kids for children first through sixth grade meets each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. There will be a fun activity, snack, Bible story, and a time of prayer. Email Heidi at [email protected] to register your child.

Registration is now open for Vacation Bible School, which will be held July 18 to 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Space is limited, so sign up soon at vbspro.events/p/asbury2021

Join the church on July 11 at 8:45 and 11 a.m. as they welcome their new pastor, Nick Robinson.

On July 18, the church will celebrate with a combined service at 10:30 a.m. followed with a picnic at noon to welcome their new pastor. All food will be provided. J.A.M. will be available at 10:30 a.m.

July 25, the church will celebrate Vacation Bible School Sunday beginning with a brunch at 9:30 a.m. and then will join together in a combined worship service at 10:30 a.m.

Masks are required and all services are available online at asburycolumbus.org

The church is located at 1751 27th St., Columbus.


Columbus Baptist Church — The church offers worship services on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. A teen service Sunday is offered at 6:30 p.m. Sunday school for all ages meets at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible study, Kids Club, and Teens meet at 6:30 p.m. There are various small group events weekly.

Information: columbusbaptist.net

The church is located at 4821 North U.S. 31, Columbus.


Community Church of Columbus — A new Celebrate Recovery group for men launched on May 6. The group, which doesn’t require registration, meets each Thursday at 6 p.m. at Community Downtown, located 522 Seventh St.

For information on the groups offered go to www.cccolumbus.org/events or call 812-348-6257.


East Columbus Christian Church — East Columbus Christian Church is open for in-person worship on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Masks are required and social distancing is expected. The church also has online worship available through Facebook and YouTube.

Youth meet at the church from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and children’s ministry meets through Zoom on Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

The church is located at 3170 Indiana Ave., Columbus.

For more information: 812-372-3789 or eastccc.net


East Columbus United Methodist — Pastor Ann Thomas will bring the message at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship service. The blended worship service includes praise music, traditional hymns and Children’s Moment, a time when the children receive a special message. Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of each month. The morning service is available online Sunday afternoon through the church’s Facebook and YouTube pages for those not yet comfortable meeting in-person. Face coverings are optional at services.

Sunday school is held immediately following the morning service and classes are available for all ages and Bible interests. The Sunday evening casual service begins at 6 p.m. in the chapel.

“Grace’s Table” free meal is served the second Sunday of each month at 6 p.m. Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study meets at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Men’s breakfast is held once a month, call the church office for dates and times.

The church is located at 2439 Indiana Ave., Columbus.


Fairlawn Presbyterian — Weekly worship services are on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Links and numbers are below or you can check fairlawnpc.net or visit the church’s Facebook page for login and phone information.

Use Zoom to call-in by phone or login online. Join the online Zoom meeting at https://zoom.us/j/431070245 with the meeting ID 431 070 245.

Those interested can also dial-in at: +1 253 215 8782 US; +1 301 715 8592; Meeting ID: 431 070 245.

The church is located at 2611 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus.

Information: Facebook, fairlawnpc.net, office@ fairlawnpc.net, 812-372-3882.


Faith Lutheran Church — The church livestreams worship each Sunday at 9 a.m. along with daily devotions Monday through Thursday each week at 7 a.m. on the church’s Facebook page. The congregation also meets for in-person services each Sunday morning (masks optional) at 9 a.m. and Wednesday (mask required) at 6:30 p.m. following recommended health guidelines.

The church is located at 6000 West State Road 46, Columbus, 47201.

Information: faithontheweb.org, 812-342-3587.


First Christian Church — The church is offering services in person and online at 9 and 10:30 a.m. FCC Kids is at 10:30 a.m. and FCC Teens is at 9 a.m.

Come to a special outside service on July 4 at 10 a.m. Bring a friend, a chair, and stay for a cookout.

The church is located at 531 Fifth St., Columbus.

Information: www.fccoc.org, 812-379-4491.


First Baptist — First Baptist welcomes all to join them at 9:30 a.m. in person or at firstbaptistcolumbus.org/video for their livestreamed service. Recordings of the services are also available.

The church is located at 3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus.

Information: 812-376-3321.


First Lutheran Church — The church offers in-person worship on Sunday mornings at 8:45 a.m. for the classic service and 11:15 a.m. for the casual service. Livestreaming of both services can be accessed on electronic devices at www.youtube.com/user/FLCColumbus.

The church council has made the following decisions regarding the congregation’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts: on July 4, masks may be removed while you are settled in a pew worshiping. The church still asks that you continue to wear a mask when you enter the church and are moving throughout the building.

The church, in conjunction with Meridian Kiwanis and Sans Souci in Columbus, kicked off its eighth annual “Undies for Everyone” campaign to provide socks and underwear to children in the community. On July 24 from 10 a.m. to noon the general public is invited to drop off new socks and underwear of any size, color, and gender at the church. Last year, 808 items were collected and distributed by Sans Souci. This year’s goal is to exceed that number. Monetary contributions are also gladly accepted.

The church is located at 3600 E. 25th St., Columbus.


First Presbyterian — The church will have in-person worship in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, as well as service via livestream on Facebook and YouTube. For information on joining, visit the church webpage at fpccolumbus.org.

Those in the community in need of a meal are invited to the Hot Meals program, which is offered Friday starting at 4:30 p.m. The church is an LGBTQ-friendly church.

Information: fpccolumbus.org


First United Methodist — On July 4 at 10 a.m., the Rev. Howard Boles will deliver the message “Summer School: Lessons All Around Us.” The scripture will be Mark 6:1-13.

The church encourages those who are attending in person to arrive 10 minutes before the services and use either the Eighth Street or Lafayette Street doors. Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrances to the sanctuary. The church asks that everyone attending wear a mask while they are in the building. Social distancing and other precautions to help ensure everyone’s health and safety will be practiced.

For those unable to make it to the in-person services, or are not yet comfortable meeting in person, a 10 a.m. livestream of the service will be on the church’s Facebook page and will be available on the church’s website for later viewing as well.

On July 16, the church will host a blood drive from 12 to 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. To register to donate, call 1-800-733-2767, or go to redcrossblood.org and enter fumcc in the search to find available times.

The church is located at 618 Eighth St., Columbus.

Information: 812-372-2851 or www.fumccolumbus.org


Flintwood Wesleyan — Masks/facial coverings are no longer mandatory, but the church does advise caution. Masks are available and hand sanitizing stations are throughout the buildings.

Sunday morning worship begins at 9 a.m. with the Amplify (contemporary) service. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. with classes for all age groups. The Well (traditional) service begins at 11 a.m. Both worship services are led by Pastor Wesley Jones. The church’s Sunday Amplify services are streamed on Facebook and YouTube live at 9 a.m.

The adult choir will be taking summer break after July 4.

Sunday evening is also devoted to Celebrate Recovery meetings. The meetings are designed to assist in ridding hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. with getting to know each other, singing, and a lesson are open to the public. At 7 p.m., there is an open share meeting that splits into a group for women and a group for men. Safe child care is available.

The Church Beginnings, a small group Bible study, meets on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. in the Friendship Center. The group is studying the Book of Acts and new members are welcome.

Wednesday activities are on the summer schedule. Prayer Team meets downstairs in the sanctuary at 6 p.m. and Adult Bible study meets at 6:30 p.m. All other programs will resume after school starts.

On July 8, the church will resume their monthly SAM meetings with a picnic-style luncheon. Grilled hamburgers and hotdogs with picnic sides and desserts will be furnished. Lunch will be served 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The church is happy to announce that they will be enjoying their District SAM Retreat at the Indiana South District Campgrounds in Orleans, Indiana again this year. Last year was a canceled due to COVID-19. Make plans to attend if you are 50 or older. More information will be available soon.

District Family Camp at Orleans Campground is July 18 to 25. Rev. Lane Loman will be the evangelist and the Mark Dubbeld Family will provide the special music. iKids end of summer bash will be held July 28. 

The church is located at 5300 E. 25th St., Columbus.

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


Grace Lutheran — The church hosts Sunday worship services at 8 and 10:30 a.m. in person and livestreamed at www.gracecolumbus.org.

The church is located at 3201 Central Ave., Columbus, and all events are held with CDC guidelines compliance.


Memorial Baptist Church — The church is offering in-person and online worship services at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school is offered in-person and online at 10:45 a.m. Online services are via Zoom. Meeting ID: 261 697 1375; Password: Pz9W05 or 140830.

The message will be delivered by Rev. Kristi Jones.

Additional information is available on the website http://memorialbaptist church.us/ and on Facebook at Memorial Columbus. The church can be contacted via email at [email protected].

The church is located at 2320 Seventh St., Columbus. Information: 812-376-6800.


Newbern United Methodist Church — The church is practicing strict COVID-19 preventative measures. Masks are required. All activities are postponed until further notice except for Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. and online Bible study each Wednesday at 7 p.m. via Zoom.


North Christian Church — The church is continuing Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning via YouTube. Search North Christian Church Columbus Indiana to join.

Join the conversation via Zoom on Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m. The church will continue to explore Biblical characters whose lives unraveled. Each session is wholly independent from the others. Participants can choose to come and go as able. There is no book to purchase or any advance reading to complete.

There are multiple ways to join in. Desktop link: zoom.us/j/83268062076; smartphones: +1 646 558 8656, 832 6806 2076#; Landline phones: +1 646 558 8656, then enter meeting ID 832 6806 2076.

The staff continues to work remotely. No building access is available at this time.

The church is located at 850 Tipton Lane, Columbus.

Information: 812-372-1531.


Old Union United Church of Christ — The speaker this week will be Alan White. The sermon will be A "GREAT” message using scripture from Genesis 121:3.

Masks will be required by all those unvaccinated. CDC guidelines are in force, no hugging or handshaking yet. Refreshments will be served in the kitchen from 9:30 a.m. to service time.

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


Petersville United Methodist Church — Pastor Rebecca Milne will give the sermon, “Your Flesh and Blood,” using scripture from 2nd Samuel 1:5, 9-10 and Mark 6:1-13 at the 9 a.m. worship service on Sunday.

Communion will be served in a safe manner by Pastor Milne and Lay Leader Joe Bush. Seating will continue to be socially distanced, but masks will be optional. There will be no Sunday School classes meeting currently, but there will be a time of fellowship following the service.

Teresa Covert will present the children’s sermon, and the choir will share special music. There will be a time of fellowship following worship.

Normal weekly activities are suspended for the summer months. The church is still practicing distancing during worship and masks are encouraged.

The church is located at 2781 N. County Road 500 E, Columbus. Information: 812-376-3501; 812-546-4438.


Sandy Hook United Methodist — Sandy Hook United Methodist church gathers weekly for in-person and online worship. The church offers two services. The traditional service is at 8:45 a.m. and the contemporary service is at 11 a.m.

Nursery services will be offered during second service beginning at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages are being offered at 10 a.m. between services. Online services can be found on the church Facebook page or YouTube channel.

Those attending are recommended to wear masks, and they will be available if needed. Seating will be marked and will be socially distanced.

Running through July 7, join the church from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the church parking lot for a short time of praise and prayer followed by pickle ball. For those who aren’t inclined to play pickle-ball, stay and fellowship and just enjoy being outside together. Bring your lawn chairs. All equipment will be provided, but wear tennis shoes if you plan to play. No experience needed, just show up!

The church is located at 1610 Taylor Road, Columbus. Information: 812-372-8495.


St. Paul Episcopal Church — In-person worship has resumed at the church, 2651 California St., Columbus, with Sunday Eucharistic services at 8 a.m. (Rite 1) and 10:15 a.m. (Rite 2).

The church follows a strict protocol that includes masks, social distancing, and no singing.

Zoom is used to livestream the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service, for participation in the Tuesday morning Bible study at 11 a.m., and the Thursday evening office of Compline at 8 p.m.

Information and Zoom meeting IDs can be found on the church website at stpaulsclumbus.org.


St. Paul Lutheran — Pastor Doug Bauman will deliver the message “The Calling of the Christian Citizen,” based on Ezekiel 2:1-5 at the 8 and 10:45 a.m. worship services during which member veterans will be recognized.

Christian Fellowship will begin at 9:10 a.m. with Christian Education for all ages following at 9:30 a.m. The Spanish worship service will be in the fellowship room at 10:45 a.m. with Spanish Sunday school at noon.

Worship services are posted online at www.stpaulcolumbus.org

Radio worship service is every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on WYGS 91.1 FM and the Lutheran Hour every Sunday at 7 p.m. on WYGS 91.1 FM.

Enrollment for the 2021-22 preschool and kindergarten classes are available for children who are 4 or 5 by Aug. 1. Extended Care and STEM enrichment are also available. Information: www.stpaulcolumbus.org or call 812-376-6504.

Vacation Bible school is July 12-16, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Register at www.stpaulcolumbus.org. Click on “Join Us” under “God’s Wonder Lab.”

Information: 812-376-6504 or www.stpaulcolumbus.org

The church is located at 6045 East State St., Columbus.


Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Columbus — At this time, the church has postponed in-person gatherings until further notice. Follow the church on Facebook or visit uucci.org for information on joining the church virtually.

The church is located at 7850 W. Goeller Blvd., Columbus.

Information: 812-342-6230.


Westside Community Church — WCC has resumed in-facility Sunday worship service at 10 a.m. The worship service will also continue to be broadcast in the parking lot on FM 87.9 at 10 a.m.

WCC is located at the corner of State Road 46 West and Tipton Lakes Boulevard in Columbus.

Information: 812-342-8464.


Events

East Columbus United Methodist Church — Grace’s Table is a free meal in a drive-in format with entertainment. Presented by East Columbus United Methodist Church on every second Sunday at 6 p.m. There will be music and storytelling. Enter the church parking lot and come right at 6 p.m. so you don’t miss the story. Tables available for walk-ups.

The church is located at 3170 Indiana Ave., Columbus.


Eckankar, The Path of Spiritual Freedom — Discover Yourself As Soul! — Eckankar is an active, individual, and creative spiritual practice that can make God’s love an everyday reality in your life. All in-person Eckankar events in Indiana are currently suspended due to COVID-19.

Information www.Eck-Indiana.org and 812-418-8392.


Northview Church — “The Storehouse” exists to serve those in need that may find themselves in situation like fire, elderly on fixed income, single parents, sickness, homeless, incarceration, etc. Clothing and household goods are provided free of charge.

To make an appointment, or to donate, call 812-343-6450.

The church is located at 7230 N. County Road 250W, Columbus.