Castleton UMC Charge Conference
Monday, October 26 | 6:00 PM | Sanctuary
On October 26 at 6pm in the sanctuary, we will hold a Castleton UMC Charge Conference for the purpose of allowing our membership to vote on listing and selling the Ministry Center building. At our September meeting, the Governance Board reviewed all the information, options and financials, and voted to bring this to our church members for a vote. Our ultimate goal is to shift our congregation from surviving to thriving; from a fear based approach to a vision-inspired approach for ministry and mission. Retiring our debt will allow us to balance the budget and to plan and invest in our future. Our District Superintendent Rev. Dr. In Suk Peebles will officiate the conference.
As most of you know, the Governance Board and the Debt Reduction Committee have been wrestling, praying and discerning this decision for over a year. Things we considered included:
1). Our church has operated at a deficit for the last 6 years, despite cutting our budget and staff to “bare bones”.
2). Another consideration is that over 15% of our budget ($174,000 yearly) is dedicated to paying down debt. Our current cash reserves total only $71,000. Our tithes and offerings are going to debt payments that are serving the bank, and not our missions or our neighbors.
3). The Ministry Center, as a self standing building, is the only asset that can easily be sold. It is an aging building for which a study has identified possibly $370,000 in major repairs we could incur over the next 5 years. (The same study identified an additional $397,000 in repairs and deferred maintenance expenses for our main campus over the next 5 years).
4). Everyone loves Stillwaters. Diana, her staff, and church volunteers do a wonderful job. We have established a team of church members and SWADC volunteers, who along with Diana, are looking at different options for sustaining Stillwaters both operational and financially. We will continue to share as we explore the next steps for Stillwaters.
This is not an easy decision but it is a decision that will affect the future of CUMC. As such, your voice and vote is important because this is your church. This is not a decision made by a board, committee or staff, but by our church members, so please plan to attend on Monday October 26. Click the button below to read a Frequently Asked Questions document.
Singing Workshop
Thursdays, October 29 & December 10 | 7:30 – 8:30 PM
Led by Artist-in-Residence, Pam Blevins Hinkle
Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing. – John Wesley
What is worship? Singing is certainly a big part. It isn’t bound by the four walls of a sanctuary, but a connection between each other and God. In this hands-on workshop series, you’ll learn the skills, deepen your worship practice, and find new opportunities for using the voice God’s given you. Practice with a welcoming group, explore useful resources, and consider the possibilities of generating worship wherever you go. Absolutely no music-reading or vocal experience needed. ALL ages welcome. This is free and open to the public. Bringing a friend is highly encouraged!
Big Family Dinner
Sunday, November 1 | 5:00 PM
Our next Big Family Dinner is on November 1, and we hope you’ll join us! These monthly gatherings have become a wonderful way for our church family to share a meal, connect with one another, and take part in meaningful conversations. Please use the button below to let us know you plan to attend.
United Women in Faith Brunch
Saturday, November 7 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
You are invited to the UWIF End of Year Brunch on Saturday, November 7 at 10:00 AM. Join us as we gather together to celebrate the fellowship, faith, and meaningful work we have shared this past year in support of missions. For catering purposes please RSVP by November 4 to Joan Meek (317-439-1731) or Viv Wilford (317-600-4307).
Songs of Joy and Justice
Sunday, November 15 | 12:00 – 2:30 PM
Share a meal, learn songs by ear, and chat together as we explore the power of how collective singing supports joy and justice.
What if joy isn’t an escape from the world’s pain, but a resource for meeting it? Eat, chat, and sing together as we explore the power of collective voice in strengthening hope, courage, and connection. All ages are welcome, and no singing experience is required. All songs will be taught in call-and-echo fashion. Leave with a pocket full of memorable songs (with follow-up links and resources so you don’t forget) and opportunities to connect with community singing groups and singing resistance movements.
Presented by Castleton United Methodist Church, SongSquad Indianapolis, and Indy Singing Resistance. This event is part of the Spirit & Place Festival (Nov 5-15).
Annual Charge Conference
November 4 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Southport UMC
Our annual Charge Conference will be held on November 4 at Southport UMC (1947 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis 46227).
New Worship Schedule
Beginning Sunday, November 22 | 10:00 AM
As we are now into October and we look deeper into the fall, there is a change coming to our worship schedule. Starting on Sunday, November 22 (Ingathering Sunday) we will be moving to one worship service at 10 AM. Over the last few years, we have really tried to emphasize cultivating deeper relationships here at Castleton, and this is a move that continues in that direction. It is our hope that by moving to one worship service, there will be opportunities to create relationships between those who attend the two services and will bring a sense of unity with our focus on Christ and being a Christ-centered church. We look forward to bringing our church family together for the holidays and into the new year.