NOVEMBER 26 - December 3
***Denotes the announcement was highlighted during worship
STUDENT MINISTRIES
UPCOMING WEEK:
11/30 Sunday - FIRE & WATER Game Night
Due to the long weekend tonight is a laid back evening. Doors open with a free meal at 5:30p, then at 6:00 the fun begins. We play until 8:30.
12/4 Thursday - WATER Supermarket Sweeps
Weekly shopping trip for the Food Pantry from 4:00-5:00p. Drop off and pickup at the Pantry.
12/6 Saturday - FIRE BINGO at Hamilton Trace
Jr. High students are invited to play BINGO with the residents of Hamilton Trace from 10-11a. Drop off and pickup at Hamilton Trace. Student are invited to come to church after to prepare communion for Sunday.
We've already filled a vehicle for FIRE & WATER's Winter Retreat. Find out more and sign up.
ALL CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
(NEW) CHRISTMAS AT FISHERS UMC
We’d love for you and your family to join us as we worship and welcome the joy of Christ’s birth.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Wednesday, December 24
4:00 PM – Family Worship
A distinct, family-style service that will feature children's ensembles, familiar Christmas carols, a brief children's message, and glow sticks (no candlelight).
6:00 PM & 8:00 PM – Traditional Worship
Traditional services that feature the choir, familiar Christmas carols, and candlelight.
NEW YEAR'S WORSHIP
Sunday, December 28
10:00 AM – One Worship Service
(No Sunday School)
(NEW) FRUIT OF OUR MINISTRIES
This past week in worship, Mark Stebbe discussed how our church is not only part of the life of our congregation, but a fixture to our community. We have been in Fishers for over 150 years and the prominent location of our church facility allows it to be a magnet for ministry opportunities. We often get people coming into our building because of its location and our staff are able to connect them with those that can help them. The giving of time and money by all of us allows us to be the hands and feet of Jesus for our community and the world. If you missed Mark’s message please click on the video below.
Also this past Sunday, we collected the 2026 Stewardship Commitment cards. If you haven't had the chance to fill one out yet, there will be some available in the pews this coming Sunday, or you can fill out the digital form by tapping the link below.
***(NEW) CONNECT THIS SEASON
Connect This Season! This is the theme of our daily social media Christmas Advent countdown. Each day we invite you to post a picture or share about the day’s theme—from Christmas cookies to Angels. The hope is to connect our church family & online community throughout December as we prepare our hearts and lives to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And have some fun along the way. Not already connected to Fishers UMC on socials? Tap the links below!
facebook
instagram
X
Not into social media or looking for even more Christmas fun? Check out the printable BINGO sheet below! Spend time with loved ones trying to cover all the squares before Christmas. Hard copies are available in Connection Central.
***(NEW) OPPORTUNITY TO BE GOD'S FAMILY
Fishers UMC is excited to welcome George Kimani from January 9 through February 4! George is a pastor from Kenya and an online student working toward his master’s degree in theology at United Theological Seminary in Dayton. We are looking for three households willing to offer hospitality by providing George with a place to stay, meals, and help with transportation—each for one week during his visit. If you feel called to serve in this way, please email Pastor Mark at .
(NEW) LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP
//Sunday, December 21, 6p//
Our Longest Night Worship Service is for anyone carrying grief, whether your loss happened recently or many years ago. This may be the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, a dream, or the realization that life hasn’t turned out the way you hoped. While the holiday season brings joy for many, it can also magnify pain and sorrow. If you need a quiet space to grieve, to breathe, and to remember God’s steady, ever-present love, we invite you to join us for this meaningful service.
(NEW) CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE
//Saturday, December 13, 2-4P, Dining Room//
This year, Fishers UMC is having a Christmas Cookie Exchange. Plan on bringing 3 dozen of your favorite Christmas cookies, along with your own container, and come join in the fun! It will be a great time of fellowship, cookie swapping, and hospitality, as any leftover cookies will be used for Christmas Eve and sharing with our homebound brothers and sisters. Contact Penny Walker or Jennifer Pugh with questions. Get out your recipes, preheat those ovens, and we’ll see you on the 13th!
(NEW) PRESCHOOL STAFF OPENINGS
Fishers UMC Preschool is hiring! Details and applications found below. Questions? Contact Jen Miller, Preschool Director, , 317-842-4052.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.