NOVEMBER 19 - 26
***Denotes the announcement was highlighted during worship
STUDENT MINISTRIES
UPCOMING WEEK:
11/23 Sunday - FIRE & WATER Sunday Night
Doors open with a free meal at 5:30p, our regular programming begins at 6:00p, and After Hours follows from 7:30-8:30p.
Registration for FIRE & WATER's Winter Retreat is open! Find out more and sign up.
ALL CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
(NEW) SERVING GOD'S FAMILY
Our church is blessed with wonderful members that are generous with their service. This week in Worship, Pastor Ben talked about opportunities to serve our neighbors through our many ministries such as the Come to Me Food Pantry and Helping Hands. He also shared how our church is impacting lives in ways many may not see, reading a touching letter from a family who wanted to thank the Fishers United Methodist Church congregation for its support. Our ministries need the generosity of time and talents to serve God’s family, but we also need financial giving to support our operating budget which supports all of our ministries. Dollars given to the operating fund are actually some of the most important missional giving that we receive as it supports all of our ministries. If you missed Pastor Ben's video or would like to see it again, please click on the link below.
(NEW) CHATTING ABOUT RETIREMENT
//Tuesday, December 2, 7p, Room 203//
You are invited to the next Chatting About Retirement meeting, a space for those nearing retirement or already enjoying it to connect, share, and learn together. We’ll have an open discussion on any retirement-related questions or topics you’d like to explore, and we’ll also take a look at how the latest tax legislation may impact those in or nearing retirement. Whether you’re seeking guidance, community, or just good conversation with others on a similar journey, you’re welcome here. Please sign up using the link below.
CHRISTMAS WRAPPING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Help bless our preschool parents and church staff by wrapping Christmas gifts during this busy season - no expert skills required! Come Wednesday 12/10 or Thursday 12/11 9a-1p or any part of that time frame, to the Church Library (Enter through Door 3). Don’t worry, we will provide tables, chairs and snacks — just bring a pair of scissors and a cheerful spirit! Sign up below.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
//Sunday, December 14, 8:30 & 9:45a, Sanctuary//
Join the Chancel Choir and special musical guests on Sunday, December 14th at 8:30a and 9:45a as we "Sing Gloria" together! Come ready to rejoice - Gloria in excelsis Deo!
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS MUSICAL
//Sunday, December 14, 11:00a, Sanctuary//
Children of Fishers UMC have been hard at work preparing for this year's Children's Christmas Musical, An Unplugged Christmas. Come see the performance on Sunday, December 14 at 11a in the Sanctuary.
THIRD GRADE BIBLES
Fishers UMC has a long tradition of presenting an Adventure Bible to all 3rd graders and this year the presentation will take place on December 14th at the 11a worship service. If you know a 3rd grader and would like them to receive a bible from Fishers UMC please contact Penny Walker by December 1st at .
THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
//Through December 14//
Fishers UMC is once again partnering with Family Promise this Christmas to provide gifts for children and families facing hardship. Your generosity can make a meaningful impact and remind these families of the love and hope of Jesus during this season.
To participate, tap the link below to view the wish list and sign up. Each requested item includes details such as age, gender, and family number/letter—just click the arrow next to the item to view. Once purchased, please wrap the gifts and clearly label them with the family number/letter. Drop-off is located in the south lobby outside the Sanctuary (Connection Central). All gifts are due by December 14.
Thank you for helping us share Christ’s light this Christmas!
CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT DESSERT
//Monday, December 8, 6:30p, Gym//
All Women are invited to join United Women in Faith at the annual Christmas Candlelight Dessert on Monday, December 8 at 6:30p in the Gym (enter at Door #4). Enjoy an evening of fellowship and Christmas music performed by a talented mother–daughter duo.
As part of holiday giving, UWF are collecting donations for the Come to Me Food Pantry. If you are able, please consider bringing size 5 or 6 diapers or toiletries. Please sign up to attend by December 1 using the link below. United Women in Faith hope to see you there to celebrate this holiday season together!
STEPHEN MINISTRY
The holidays can be joyful, but they can also amplify stress, grief, or overwhelm. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, experienced a major life change, or are walking through a difficult season. You don’t have to walk through it alone. Stephen Ministers are trained, caring members of our church who are ready to listen, support, and pray with you—confidentially and without judgment. Whether you need someone for a few weeks, a few months, or longer, a Stephen Minister can walk beside you through what you're facing. If you’d like more information or want to request a Stephen Minister, please contact .
TURN AWAY NO LONGER TOY DRIVE
//Through December 15//
Fishers United Women in Faith are partners with Turn Away No Longer, an Indiana nonprofit faith based organization. Turn Away No Longer’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children in the foster care system. TANL is having a toy drive through December 15th, there is a special collection box inside Door #1 to donate new toys for foster children.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
The Come To Me Food Pantry is holding its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive to help families in need across Hamilton County. This year, with delays in food benefits, we anticipate an even greater need than usual. As you’re out shopping for your own family, consider adding an extra item or two to your cart to bless a local family in need.
We’ll be distributing grocery bags with suggested items on November 9th and 16th after each worship service. You can also find the list of suggested items by tapping the link.
Please bring your filled bags to the Food Pantry on Sunday, November 23rd from 11a-1p. Simply drive by the north door of the pantry, and staff will be available to unload donations. You may also drop items in the Food Pantry Donation Boxes inside Fishers UMC either on Sundays or Weekdays 9a-4p.
Together, we can make a big difference for families facing food insecurity this holiday season.
ADVENT CELEBRATION EVENT
//Wednesday, December 3, 6p, Dining Room//
Join us for an evening of faith, fellowship, and Christmas spirit on Wednesday, December 3, from 6-7:30p in the Dining Room. We’ll begin the night by sharing a light dinner together, enjoying good food and even better company. Afterward, we’ll take a few moments for a brief Advent devotion, helping us pause and reflect on the true meaning of this season—hope, peace, joy, and love.
You’ll also receive Advent resources to take home—simple, meaningful ways to help your family prepare their hearts for Christmas throughout the month. And to wrap up the evening, we’ll join our voices for a Christmas carol sing, celebrating the coming of Christ with some of our favorite songs of the season.
All ages are welcome—come as you are, bring your family or friends, and make this night a joyful part of your Advent journey.
***TURKEYS AND PIES FOR GOOD NEWS MISSION
As in years past, Milt Yakey is coordinating Fishers UMC’s Thanksgiving outreach to the Good News Mission in downtown Indianapolis. There are several ways you can help:
MOST IMPORTANT NEED: Volunteer to help cook turkeys & clean up at Fishers UMC:
At least 2 Helpers are needed on Thursday, November 27 from 8a-1p enter at Door #6. Call Milt if you can help in this way: 317-294-0416
Donate an uncooked turkey:
Drop off at Fishers UMC on Friday, November 21 (9a-1p) or Monday, November 24 (9a-4p) at Door #1.
Cook and deliver a hot, ready-to-serve turkey:
Bring your cooked turkey to the church on Thursday, November 27 (8a-1p) at Door #6.
Donate pies or desserts:
Drop off on Wednesday, November 26 (9a-4p) at Door #1 or Thursday, November 27 (8a–1p) at Door #6
2026 CHURCH BOARD APPLICATION
The Church Board is the leadership body of the Fishers United Methodist Church. Vacancies exist for Board Membership for 2026. We are looking for qualified Christian members of the Congregation who wish to serve on this Board. An application for Board membership can be found by tapping the link below. Applications may be submitted by email to: Tiffany Frash
or Pastor Mark
and are due by November 30.
SUNDAY MORNING GUEST SERVICES VOLUNTEERS
Extending hospitality reflects our mission- to love as Christ loved us. Every connection begins with a welcome and every welcome leads to growth in faith and fellowship. Our Assimilation Director, Lisa Ellcessor, is looking for friendly volunteers to serve in 2026 for either of our Sunday morning services. Specifically, we are looking for Greeters, Ushers and Connection Central Volunteers. Greeters enhance hospitality with a welcome at the main entrances and allow for guided assistance. Ushers help with seating, passing offering baskets and supporting order during the service. Connection Central is a visible, welcoming hub at both main entrances. Guests are greeted by trained volunteers who focus on hospitality and next steps of faith. Our goal is connecting people to ministries, missions and each other. If you would like to be a Greeter, Usher or Connection Central Volunteer, tap the link below to sign up.
MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
//Monday, November 25, 7p, Room 280//
Join the Monthly Book Club in November as they read and discuss Still Alice by Lisa Genova. What if every memory you've ever had will be erased from your mind, and you have no choice but to carry on...powerless to stop it? Alice Howland is a 50-year-old cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and expert in linguistics. When she begins to grow disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life - and her relationship with her family and the world - forever. At once beautiful and terrifying, this extraordinary novel is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease. If you are looking for a way to combine your love of reading and books with a small group atmosphere of fellowship, this is the place for you! The Book Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month, this month on November 25 at 7p in Room 280 – upstairs above the Family Life Center. If you are interested or need more information, contact Kim Arnott at 797-8612 or .
CONFIRMATION 2026
Confirmation 2026 is coming in January! Confirmation is a journey for young people to make a public declaration of faith, confirm the vows made on their behalf at their baptism (or to be baptized during the journey), and become full members of Fishers UMC. Confirmation is open to students in Grade 6 or older. Learn more, view calendar and sign up by tapping the links below. Questions? Contact Liz Simmonds .
CHRISTMAS IN THE ROUND AT FISHERS UMC
//Thursday, December 18, 7p, Sanctuary//
Don't miss Christmas In The Round - An Intimate Evening of Songs & Stories with: Mark Schultz, Jon Micah Sumrall of Kutless, Aaron Shust and Todd Tilghman (The Voice Season 18 Winner). Thursday, December 18th at 7:00p in the Fishers UMC Sanctuary. For more information and to purchase tickets, tap the link. Tickets are also available in the Church Office: Monday through Thursday 9a-4p, Friday 9a-1p.
BE GOD'S FAMILY
Thank you to everyone who journeyed with us this year as we learned what it means to Be God’s Family through Scripture, sermons, devotions, studies, poems, and podcasts! Though our Be God’s Family series has come to a close, we hope you’ll continue living out the faith, grace, and community it encouraged. We can’t wait to begin our 2026 theme, Be Connected, starting January 5th!
CREW CAR WASH FUNDRAISER - FOOD PANTRY
//Month Of November//
You can help over 16,000 hungry citizens of Hamilton County by getting your car washed! The Come To Me Food Pantry is partnering with Crew Car Wash as a fundraiser in the month of November. Tap on the link beginning November 1 to purchase car washes and the Food Pantry keeps 50% of the proceeds. There are three options to choose from: Basic Wash $12, Basic Plus Wash $24 and Ultimate Wash $29. Car washes also make a great stocking stuffers for friends and family, all while supporting those in need.
HELP US BUILD A STRONGER MEN'S MINISTRY
At Fishers UMC, we believe that men grow stronger when we grow together — in faith, in fellowship, and in service. As we look ahead, we’re working to build a men’s ministry that truly connects with where men are in life today. To help us shape what’s next, we’d love your input through a short survey. It only takes a few minutes, and your feedback will directly guide how we structure our gatherings, studies, and service opportunities in the months ahead.
Whether you’ve been deeply involved or haven’t connected in a while, your voice matters. We want this ministry to reflect the real needs, interests, and hearts of the men in our church and community. Thank you for helping us take this next step — and for being part of what God is doing among the men of Fishers UMC.
TAKE SURVEY
PRAY FOR OUR PASTORS
The Pastors Intercessory Team (P.I.T. Crew) offers daily prayer support for Senior Pastor Mark Ellcessor, Associate Pastor Ben Greenbaum, and now the addition of Pastor Troy Richards who is currently serving at Bethlehem UMC (while also serving as Director of Sr. High Ministries at Fishers UMC). The Bible encourages us to pray for our leaders, as they direct the church to fulfill its mission, and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ten intercessors are needed each month to pray daily for our Pastors and families. This can be at home with your own schedule, and the time commitment is less than 10 minutes per day. There are openings through the end of the year, to sign up to pray, tap the link below. Also below is a link to a document filled with more details about the P.I.T. Crew including a FAQ section. If you have any questions, please contact John Hughes at
.
SIGN UP TO PRAY
LEARN MORE ABOUT PIT CREW
UPWARD BASKETBALL & CHEER
All children deserve opportunities to learn, be active, and have fun! Join us for a season of basketball and cheer where participants develop their skills as athletes and their understanding of God’s plan for their lives. We are partnering with the Pacers and Fever Jr. Hoops Program this year, so each player who registers will receive a complimentary ticket to a Pacers game, free registration for a skills camp, and some amazing resources to improve their league experience! Practices begin January 2026. Kids 5 years old to 6th grade can sign up now. Partial and full scholarships are available. Learn more and register by tapping the link.
register for upward
ONGOING ANNOUNCEMENTS
ITEMS NEEDED - TURN AWAY NO LONGER
United Women in Faith have partnered with Turn Away No Longer, an Indiana nonprofit faith based organization. Turn Away No Longer’s mission is to positively impact the lives of children in the foster care system. They believe no child should feel “forgotten” or “unloved” and strive to show them the love of Jesus in every program they create. As part of this partnership, Fishers UMC has become a donation location to collect items for their Swag Packs. What are Swag Packs? When a child or teen enters foster care, they may not get the chance to pack up their belongings and often they have to leave home or school with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing. This is where Swag Packs can help. Each Swag Pack is age-specific, ranging from newborn to teens. Tap the link below to view their donation list for Swag Packs, all items must be NEW. Drop off items at Fishers UMC in the Turn Away No Longer Bin inside Door #1 by the Church office. You can find out more about Turn Away No Longer by visiting turnawaynolonger.org.
HELPING HANDS MINISTRIES
If you, or someone you know, are in need of minor lawn maintenance (weeding, weed eating, trimming bushes, etc.), a ride to an appointment or church, minor plumbing work, or minor home repairs (a light fixture, electrical socket, light switch, etc. being changed) email Pastor Ben at . If you’d like to add your name to the Helping Hands Ministry team, please let Ben know.
GIVE BACK WHILE YOU SHOP
Did you know Fishers UMC is part of rewards programs at Kroger? Kroger gives to Fire & Water student ministries through your purchases-at no additional cost to you! It's quick and easy to set up Fishers UMC as your charity of choice on your Kroger Plus card, tap the link below and enter our number of SN812.