Labor Day Weekend Worship Schedule
Sunday, August 31 | 10:00 AM
Please join us to worship together as a church family during one service at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 31.
A Message from Bishop Malone
“Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
This past week we received the concerning news regarding the proposed development of immigration detention centers within our state. Even more troubling is the language being used to describe these facilities—“Speedway Slammer”—words that demean the humanity of those affected and make a spectacle of their suffering. Such rhetoric is not only dehumanizing; it is antithetical to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
To equate the pain and displacement of our immigrant siblings with entertainment or speedway culture is to disregard their sacred worth. It is a mockery of the divine image in which every person is created. Many in our Conference have expressed deep concerns about what such facilities would mean for justice, compassion, and the God-given dignity of every person—especially those who are most vulnerable among us. As the body of Christ, we must not remain silent in the face of language or policy that diminishes human dignity.
We recognize the complexities of immigration systems and the responsibilities entrusted to civil authorities. We understand the tensions communities face in navigating safety, law, and compassion. Yet our call as disciples of Jesus Christ is unwavering: to affirm the dignity of every person, to stand with the vulnerable, and to speak truth in love. We remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Some of you have reached out asking how you might faithfully respond. I hear your concerns and offer the following guidance:
- Contact your elected officials: Urge them to pursue transparency, accountability, and policies rooted in compassion and justice. You can find guidance on how to contact your representatives on our Conference website’s immigration resource page.
- Pray without ceasing: Lift in prayer all immigrants, refugees, and those impacted by our nation’s immigration policies. Pray also for those in positions of authority—that they may lead with wisdom, empathy, and moral courage.
- Reject Dehumanizing Language: Speak out against rhetoric that strips people of their dignity. Language matters. Let ours be rooted in love, truth, and the affirmation of sacred worth.
- Educate and Equip Your Congregation: Engage with trusted resources, stories, and testimonies that illuminate the realities of detention and displacement. Let education lead to empathy, and empathy to action.
- Partner in Solidarity: Connect with ecumenical faith partners and advocacy organizations that walk alongside immigrants and refugees. Offer tangible support. Be a presence of hope and healing.
May we, as the Indiana Conference, rise to this moment with courage and conviction, welcoming the stranger as we would welcome Christ himself. Let us multiply love, cultivate joy, and inspire hope—bearing faithful witness to the gospel through our ministry of hospitality, justice, and mercy.”
Bishop Tracy Smith Malone
Indiana Conference
Gleaners Mobile Food Distribution
Tuesday, August 26 | 2:30 – 5:30 PM
No one should have to choose between putting food on the table or paying rent. There is one more Gleaners Mobile Food Pantry distribution at Castleton UMC this summer on August 26. Please use the button below to sign up to help.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Sunday, August 24 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Family Life Center
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets. You can help save a life by signing up to donate.
You can also help make our blood drive a success without donating blood. We need volunteers to welcome donors and bring fruit and baked goods. We appreciate your help!
This will be our last Red Cross blood drive for this year. We are looking for a new person to take on this ministry for it to continue.
Community Dinner
Wednesday, August 27 | 5:30 PM | Fellowship Hall
The next free Community Dinner is on August 27. Join us to meet others in the community and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our United Women in Faith.
Serve at Soup’s On Ministry
Sunday, September 7 | Roberts Park UMC
CUMC is serving at Roberts Park on Sunday, September 7. We need food donations and volunteers to help with serving the meal and clean-up. Please use the button below to sign up.
Big Family Dinner
Sunday, September 7 | 5:00 PM | Fellowship Hall
Join us on the first Sunday of the month for dinner, discussion, and fellowship together at our monthly Big Family Dinner. Please use the button below to let us know you plan to attend.
Save the Date & Special Announcements
- Invitation to the Jesus Life Series | Continues through November | Table Group Info & Study Guides
- Still Waters Fall Flower Fundraiser | Order Link | Orders due Thursday, August 28; pickup on Friday, September 5
- Prayer School | Friday, September 19 (7:00 – 8:30 PM) & Saturday, September 20 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Still Waters Music Under the Stars | Friday, October 3 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM