December 18 through 25, 2024
***Denotes the announcement was highlighted during worship
STUDENT MINISTRIES
UPCOMING WEEK:
12/22 Sunday - Sunday School Only
We're getting to the point that if your student signs up for the FIRE & WATER Winter Retreat they will be sleeping on an air mattress on the floor (if we have room). For more information and to grab your spot tap visit HERE.
ALL CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
(NEW) THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GENEROUS COMMITMENTS FOR 2025!
We have received a great number of your commitment cards to give your time, talents and of your financial resources to our church for 2025 to allow us to carry out our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Thank you so much! Your generosity is the fuel which allows Fishers United Methodist Church to carry out all its missions and ministries!
(NEW) PRESCHOOL PROM 2025
//Saturday, February 8, 5:30-7:00p//
Join Fishers UMC Preschool for a dance for families with preschool-aged children! All preschool-aged children are invited to attend, even if they don't attend the Preschool. This fundraiser will include music, dancing, photo ops, ice cream, and family fun! Dress up, or wear clothes you can dance in! Cost is $5 per attendee, with a family cap of $30 (please reach out to Sarah Potasnik at if your family reaches this cap with two adults and 4+ children tickets and needs to provide additional attendee names). Older and younger siblings are welcome to attend. This is not a drop off event, and parents/guardians must accompany their children at all times throughout this event. Purchase tickets by tapping the link below by January 25.
(NEW) THANK YOU - FOOD PANTRY
Thank you to all those that purchased car washes through the Crew Car Wash Fundraiser, the Come To Me Food Pantry raised $867!
CHURCH BOARD OPENINGS
Fishers United Methodist Church has openings for members of the Church Board beginning in January 2025. If you are interested in applying for one of those positions, please complete the Church Board Member Application by tapping the link below and return it to Senior Pastor Mark Ellcessor.
The Church Board oversees the ministry and administrative functions of the entire church. Please pray that the Lord will bring us the right people to serve in this next season of ministry. We are grateful for the excellent people who have been on the Church Board this past year. God has blessed us incredibly!
application - ms word
application - pdf
NOON YEARS EVE
//Tuesday, December 31, 10a, Dining Room//
All are invited to join us on 12/31 for a countdown to NOON! There will be pancakes, reflections on 2024, aspirations for 2025, some fun activities, and a countdown to noon with confetti!
UPWARD VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Beginning in January there is an opportunity to Be God's Light right here at Fishers UMC! The Upward basketball season begins on January 11 and runs through March 15. There is a great need for Coaches and Referees. Coaches have 1 practice during the week and 1 game on Saturdays, Referees will help on Saturdays. Training will be provided for all these roles. We also would love for anyone and everyone to stop by on Saturdays to help welcome families, be an encouragement and to represent Fishers UMC! To volunteer please tap the link below. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Katherine Pittman at .
***CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
There are several upcoming worship opportunities to celebrate the birth of Christ together!
Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve Services
Please enjoy desserts and refreshments outside the Sanctuary
4:00p Contemporary Christmas with the worship team, songs & carols and candlelight
6:00p Classic Christmas with the choir, songs & carols and candlelight
8:00p Classic Christmas with the choir, songs & carols and candlelight
Sunday, December 29, Morning Service
Please enjoy donuts and coffee outside the Sanctuary before and after service
10:00a All Church Service
There is no Sunday School
Livestream Available 12/24 at 4p & 6p and 12/29 at 10a
CHRISTMAS CARD EXCHANGE
The Pathfinders class is again sponsoring the Christmas card exchange for Fishers UMC. Tables with folders will be in Connection Central this Sunday, December 1 through December 24. Place your cards in the appropriate file folder for each of your recipients, then pick up cards that have been placed in your folder, no postage required!
LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP
//Wednesday, December 18, 7p//
Our Longest Night Worship Service is for anyone who has experienced a loss, not just in the past year, but throughout their life for which they are grieving. These losses can be very tangible ones, such as the loss of friends or family, but they can also be the loss of things like life goals, jobs, expectations, or things not turning out how we planned. While the holidays bring joy and happiness to many, for others, these different types of loss can seem more overwhelming and prevalent during this season. If you find yourself needing a time and space to grieve, take a breath, and remember God’s ever-present love, please come and share in this service. Childcare Available.
INTERGENERATIONAL ADVENT NIGHTS
Join us on Wednesdays in December for fun, interactive, family friendly Advent events. Dinner will be served each evening followed by family friendly programming. We will be making a fun Advent wreath, completing a service project and fellowshipping together as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. These evenings are open to everyone and a great way to spread Christmas cheer. Wednesday December 4, 11 & 18 from 6-7:30p in the Dining Room.
CONFIRMATION 2025
Confirmation is coming in January! Open to students in grades 6 and over who have not been confirmed and who would like to take this next faith step. Confirmation offers young people the opportunity to learn more about what it means to live a life following Christ and take the step of confirming the vows made on their behalf at their baptism. Learn more, view calendar and sign up by tapping the links below. Questions? Contact Liz Simmonds .
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.