maY 13 - 20
***Denotes the announcement was highlighted during worship
STUDENT MINISTRIES
UPCOMING WEEK:
5/17 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.
5/21 Thursday - WATER Supermarket Sweeps
Weekly shopping trip for the Food Pantry from 4:00-5:00p. Drop off and pickup at the Pantry.
ALL CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
***(THIS SUNDAY) SPECIAL OFFERING
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, United Methodists from all around the world are joining together to take a special, one-time Miracle Sunday offering to help raise up 500 new pastors across the Central Conferences. This offering is dedicated to strengthening the Endowment for Theological Education outside the United States, a vital investment in the formation of leaders across our worldwide connection.
Fishers UMC is honored to join in this special missional initiative and will be taking a special offering in all worship services on Sunday, May 17.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap where over 70% of U.S. clergy have theological degrees, compared to less than 5% elsewhere, creating a stark disparity in pastoral formation. Our special offering – together with all others worldwide – will help close that gap by funding and sustaining theological education for emerging pastors in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. You can learn more about Endowment for Theological Education or watch stories of its impact.
If you’re unable to attend worship on May 17 but would still like to support this missional initiative, you can give online using the link below and select fund “Miracle Sunday Offering”. Please submit donations by May 20.
***EPIC SUMMER
For many years, Vacation Bible School has been a meaningful part of summer at Fishers UMC. This year, we’re trying something new, creating opportunities to connect not just within our church walls, but out in the community as well!
Instead of a traditional VBS, we’ll be hosting a series of free & fun, family-friendly events throughout the summer, some at the church and some in local parks and we’re calling it Epic Summer. Our hope is to reach more people, build relationships, and live out our Be Connected mission in a fresh and intentional way.
Let’s kick things off in style! Join us for Bubble Fun on Friday, May 22 from 5–7p in the church parking lot. The Bubble Truck will be here, along with hot dogs, games, prizes, and plenty of time for great conversation and connection. This is the perfect opportunity to invite friends and neighbors, meet new people, and enjoy a fun evening together.
This is just the beginning of our Epic Summer, check out what else we have planned by visiting fishersumc.org/epicsummer or downloading the flyer by tapping the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact Penny Walker at .
NEXT - GOD'S STORY AND ME
//Sunday, May 17, 10:30a, Library//
NEXT is four, comfortable, fun and welcoming sessions for folks who want to be connected more with God and Fishers UMC. NEXT helps you find out what’s next in your faith walk and how you can enjoy meaningful participation at Fishers UMC. A different NEXT opportunity is offered each month for the total of four months. Sessions are facilitated by our Assimilation Director, Lisa Ellcessor. You don’t want to miss our upcoming NEXT opportunity called "God’s Story and Me." This is a favorite session because of the depth and real testimonies of faith. Plus, each participant will receive a Story Arc Cube that helps them share faith in a unique way. God’s Story and Me will be on Sunday May 17 at 10:30a in the Library. All are welcome. Sign up to attend by tapping the link.
MONTHLY BOOK CLUB
//Tuesday, May 26, 7p, Room 280//
Join the Monthly Book Club in May as they read and discuss From the Hart by Janet Hart Leonard. What if seventy years of hard-won wisdom could save you from years of heartache? Janet Hart Leonard shares the kind of Christian living wisdom you can't find in a textbook—only through walking through valleys, making mistakes, and discovering God's faithfulness in every season. With the warmth of a trusted friend and the honesty of someone who's been there, Janet reminds you that your journey matters, your words matter, and God wastes nothing—not your mistakes, not your pain, and certainly not your story. And a wonderful BONUS - Janet, the author, will be with us to discuss the book and her experience in writing.
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, they meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month. If you are interested or need more information, contact Kim Arnott at 797-8612 or .
SMALL GROUP INVITATION
Looking for a small group? Join the Scripture Ninjas (SNBS) for a relaxed Bible Study and a chance to connect with friendly adults (many have students 7th grade through young adult). No prep required - just bring yourself!
Scripture Ninjas meets Sunday Nights 6-7:30p (Perfectly aligned with student ministries programming!) in Room 276, and often go out for a late fellowship dinner afterwards, totally optional.
Whether you’re a Bible scholar or just looking for a quiet space and a friendly conversation, there is a seat at the table for you.
KOINONIA - PRAYER OPPORTUNITY
//Wednesday, May 27, 7a & 7p, Sanctuary//
To support our 2026 Be Connected mission, we’re offering a prayer opportunity called Koinonia, defined as a deep, communal partnership of believers.
We had meaningful gatherings in March and April, and we’re excited to continue building on that time together. Join us in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, May 27 for two opportunities to come together in prayer for our church and community. We’ll gather at 7:00a for morning prayer and praise, and again at 7:00p for evening prayer and gratitude for the day.
This rhythm will continue on the fourth Wednesday of each month, and you’re invited to attend one or both Koinonia sessions.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact John Hughes at .
BOARD BUZZ: WHAT'S HAPPENING AT FISHERS UMC
From strengthening our financial future to supporting growing ministries, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. Hear directly from Board Chair Tiffany Frash in this latest update, tap the link below to read.
SHOE DRIVE
//Through May 24//
Give your shoes a second life and make a real impact. United Women in Faith’s Hope Circle is partnering with Changing Footprints to collect gently used and new shoes for people facing homelessness, disaster, and hardship—both locally and around the world.
Your donation helps support over 100 organizations across Indiana, including domestic abuse shelters, children’s services, immigrant resettlement programs, and schools.
Have shoes that are worn out? Bring them anyway! All shoes are accepted, pairs that can’t be worn will be responsibly recycled into materials like playground mulch.
Drop off shoes of any kind in the bins at Connection Central or the Church Office throughout May. Let’s fill those bins and make a difference, one pair at a time!
INTERGENERATIONAL MISSION TRIP
Everyone over the age of 10 is invited to be a part of the Intergenerational Mission Trip travelling to Louisville, KY June 21 through 26 and serve there Monday-Thursday that week. Serving days will be from approximately 9a to 3/3:30p with a packed lunch onsite. Our evenings will have some free time, dinner together, a few adventures, and an evening time of vespers. Cost is $300/person with a family max of $1,000. The church & student ministries are covering part of the cost of the trip in an effort to bring the cost down and encourage greater participation. Please speak to Liz Simmonds or one of the pastors about aid. To see all the fun you will have, check out the link below to view pictures from last year’s trip, and when you are ready to sign up, tap the link below.
TEN DAYS OF PRAISE: A SEASON OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP
//May 14-24//
Between Ascension Day (May 14) and Pentecost (May 24), you’re invited to join Christians around the world in a meaningful season of prayer and praise.
At Fishers UMC, we’ll be using a guided resource from WayMakers, written by Steve Hawthorne, to walk through Ten Days of Praise, a time to reflect on all that Jesus has done and prepare our hearts for Pentecost. This resource is both encouraging and challenging, helping us grow deeper in faith and unity.
Below you will find links to a vision overview and the Ten Days of Praise guide for you to follow along. There are also hard copies of the Ten Days of Praise guide in Connection Central. We hope you’ll take part in this special time of prayer with us! Questions? Contact John Hughes at .
PASTORS INTERCESSORY TEAM (P.I.T. CREW)
As we continue focusing on Being Connected this year, one of the most meaningful ways we live that out is by praying for our pastors. The P.I.T. Crew provides daily prayer support for Pastor Mark, Pastor Ben, and Pastor Troy, lifting them up as they lead and care for our church.
There are still several openings for second quarter if you’ve been considering joining, this is a great time to step in!
We’re looking for ten people each month to commit to praying daily from home, just a few minutes a day, on your own schedule. Quarterly sign-up links are available below so you can find a time that works best for you. Questions? Check out the FAQ about how the P.I.T. Crew works or reach out to John Hughes at
. Thank you for helping us stay connected through prayer!
2026 ALTAR FLOWERS
Only 7 bouquets remain to be sponsored for 2026! Can you help us finish filling them?
You can honor or remember someone you love by sponsoring a Sunday morning flower bouquet! It’s a simple, beautiful way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, baptism, confirmation, or to hold the memory of someone close to your heart. After the 10:30a worship service, you’re welcome to take your bouquet home or, if you’d like to spread a little extra kindness, the United Women in Faith can deliver it to someone in our church or community who could use a smile.
Each bouquet is a $37 donation, you can sponsor one or both, and you’re welcome to choose more than one date. Tap the link below to sign up and help fill our sanctuary with beauty and love. This is such a meaningful way to share your joy and your heart with others.
ONGOING ANNOUNCEMENTS
ITEMS NEEDED - TURN AWAY NO LONGER
UPDATE: PLEASE ONLY NEW CLOTHING AND ITEMS
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.