There are some things that we have no control over, and one is that time will continue to move

forward. The new year is upon us; I know as you get older it seems to move so much more quickly, it only seems as if 2013 was beginning yesterday and here we are stepping into 2014. We know that we will make promises to ourselves about many things that we are going to be stronger and more committed or that there are things that we are going to stop doing for the new year. One thing that God would tell you is that you can not do it alone, you need accountability. That is why Jesus sent the disciples out by twos, they needed the extra strength of someone who could pray for them, encourage them and even admonish them. For those of us who are old enough to remember, we might use the image of the Lone Ranger, which we should not try to be. How do I make my commitment stronger than just saying to myself I will do it? Ill try to think of someone I know who would be that prayer partner, who would be willing to ask me how my commitment is going, who would encourage me or admonish me. It might be your spouse, your co-worker, someone you serve with on a church committee, or someone in your Sunday School class. You go to them and share what it is that you are planning for 2014, reading your Bible everyday, stop smoking, be on time, lose weight, start an exercise program, live a simpler lifestyle, volunteer at some programs in the area. Now you have truly made a commitment because you have let someone else know what you plan to do. You might even spend some time with this person talking about how you are going to implement this commitment, because they may be able to see some flaws in your plans, or they may have some ways of making your commitment even stronger. Next, you might plan to meet or make contact with each other on a regular basis so you can reevaluate how the commitment is going, or to tweet it to make it better. May 2014 be a year of new victories for you as you put those commitments in place.

January 2014 Cicero United Methodist Church P AST OR B yron Frit z P. O. Box 617 Cicero, IN. 46034 Pastor General News Birthdays & Anniversaries Those Serving Prayer Requests January Readings Scouting News Debit Authorization Just for Kids Calendar 1 2-5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

If you have changed e-mail addresses or have never given your email address to the church office, please do it so we can keep our e-mailing list updated and keep you informed of church activities.

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IMPORTANT
All Committees Meet 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Sunday, January 12th. Church Council Meets 1:00 - 2:30p.m. Sunday, January 12th.
(A light lunch will be provided for those staying for Church Council.)

It is important that everyone involved plan to be present at their meeting!

IMPORANT L L Update

Our next meal will be on Wednesday, January 8th. Watch the narthex for signup sheets.

Thanks for all who helped with the Cookie Walk. We made $533.00. this year, and the money will be used for missions.
MENS STUDY We will be having a Mens Study to begin Thursday, January 9th, at 7:00 p.m. Watch in the bulletin for more information. The book has not been selected so if anyone has a book they would like to suggest, please let Rev. Fritz know. CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!! We are looking for 4-5 people who may have been or are in a band or choir, who count pretty well, and have always wanted to play maracas or finger cymbals or the like. You also need to be available to practice a bit and will be at church on December 15th. If your curiosity has gotten the better of you and you might be who we need, please see Susie Browning or Brent Harrison very soon. CONFIRMATION CLASS March 1st at 3:00 we will begin a Confirmation Class. This will be for those who are in the eighth grade through High School. It will meet every Sunday at 3:00 until 4:00. If you have a youth that wishes to join the class please contact the church office. Confirmation will be on Palm Sunday, April 13th. We will also be planning to take some trips on a few Saturdays and we will need adults to drive. Please contact the office soon so we can plan for how many students will be involved.

Lenten Devotionals
Lentreally? your Worship committee is planning ahead. We know everyone enjoys reading the Lenten devotionals from our congregation, so we are giving you plenty of time to think about what you want to write. The topic this year is Gods Wonder. We will have a sign-up sheet soon, but you may turn in your devotional any time. Its not too early. Devotionals should include the following: Scripture verse, Prayer for the day and the devotional story. You may also add a Thought for the Day if youd like. If you can find about 30 minutes, you can write a devotional. We hope youll share a story or poem.

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ANGELS ATTIC
Angels Attic has had an increase in families needing help with food since school began.
This has been true of most pantries in the county. Therefore the food bank from which we get food is running low. Please, each time you shop, pick up at least one food item to see us through. THANKS FOR HELPING THOSE IN NEED. ALSO: We are in need of mens and womens winter coats. Please check your closets for any you wont be wearing. Leave them in Angels Attic barrel in the Narthex. THANKS FOR HELPING KEEP OTHERS WARM THIS WINTER.

Prayer for the New Year

Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all utterly to thee, to be thine forever. Fill me and seal me with thy Holy Spirit. Use me as thou wilt. Send me where thou wilt, and work out thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever. Amen. ~Betty Scott Stam

LAY LEADER / CHURCH COUNCIL CHAIR Here we are at the start of a new year. I recently wrote "was time speeding up or am I getting older?" It probably is the latter, even though I am in denial about it. But, at one time, the year 2014 seemed like it was so far away. Traditionally, at this time of year, we make resolutions (most of which we promptly forget) or think about our hopes and wishes for the new year. I would like to share some of my hopes and wishes for Cicero United Methodist Church in 2014. It is my hope that we continue our LOL program as well as our work with the less fortunate in our area. It is my wish that more of our members would become involved in this ministry. It is my hope that our committees and teams will provide strong programs and experiences for our members. It is my wish that more of our congregation become involved in the work of the committees and teams to assist in making strong programs and great experiences. It is my hope that our worship continues to be meaningful and moving. It is my wish that more of our congregation be in worship on a more consistent basis in 2014. It is my hope that our financial support to Cicero UMC remains strong. It is my wish that we meet our budget goals in 2014 and that we are able to do more in ministry because we have met or exceeded those goals. It is my hope that we continue to be the strong, loving, faithful, giving church that we are, but my wish is that we can aspire to be even better than we are. Let us not be content with where we are today, but strive to serve God in our church and our community at an even higher level. Won't you think about how you might be a part of raising the bar? Won't you pray about how you might be a part of raising the bar? Won't you let God direct you as to how you may help raise the bar in serving the church and our community? I am sure that we will be blessed beyond belief if we do. May God continue to bless you in 2014!

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BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY BIRTHDAYS: 2 - Mariah Oxley 5 - Zonica Brown, Ann Marie Alligood 7 - Tanner Maynard 9 - Evelyn Schrumpf 11 - Dennis Lafferty, Tiffany Lafferty 14 - Loretta McDowell 19 - Phil McDowell 21 - Margaret Smith, Paige Pennington, Harlie Johnson 23 - Dell Ward 25 - Jason Fleming 26 - Karen Mollett P14ANNIVERSARIES: 4 - Jay & Jen Dunbar 13 - Harlie & Mary Johnson 14 - Paul & Earline Gibson

If you are not presently on our birthday & anniversary lists, and would like to be added, please let me know. We will be more than happy to add you.
KUDOS TO: Childrens & adults choir Trustees (Bob & Paul) for keeping the church building looking and functioning well Missions Committee for the Angel Tree and all the work that went into that mission Decorating team for all the beautiful holiday preparations I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Penny Raiders & 5th Sunday Offerings

January Penny Raiders - Tri Town Ministerial February Penny Raiders - African University March Penny Raiders - UMCOR - One Great Hour of Sharing 5th Sunday Offering - Gas Cards April Penny Raiders - Birthright May Penny Raiders - Angels Attic June Penny Raiders - Victory Ministry 5th Sunday Offering - Compassion Fund July Penny Raiders - Batesland , S.C. (Indian reservation) August Penny Raiders - Uganda Womens Fund 5th Sunday Offering - Gas Cards September Penny Raiders - Operation Christmas Child October Penny Raiders - Bishops Offering November Penny Raiders - Holiday Sharing 5th Sunday Offering - Compassion Fund December Penny Raiders - Heifer International

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THOSE PERSONS SERVING THE MONTH OF JANUARY: 1st Sunday, January 5: Welcome Center: Lannie Nickel Greeters & Ushers: Ed & Pat Catron, Marilyn Gerber, David Wallace Liturgist: Judy Mace Nursery: Hollie Hendrix 2nd Sunday, January 12: Welcome Center: Ron & Linda Adamson Greeters & Ushers: Su Simpson, Evelyn Schrumpf, Mary Johnson Chris Osborn Liturgist: Rev. Fritz - Southern Salvation will be in charge of the service Nursery: Alexis Robinson 3rd Sunday, January 19: Welcome Center: Lonnie Whitehead Greeters & Ushers: Lonnie & Karen Whitehead, Keith Ecker, Aaron Harless Liturgist: Susie Browning Nursery: Mary Johnson 4th Sunday, January 26: Welcome Center: Mary Johnson Greeters & Ushers: Dar & Mel Gilmore, Brad Hanni, Jay Dunbar Liturgist: Lonnie Whitehead Nursery: Alexandra Smith Penny Raiders for January 26th will go to Tri-Town Ministerial If you cannot serve as listed, please contact the Church Secretary. Contact: Susie Browning (317-809-1154) if you would like to serve as a liturgist. Bob Mann at (984-4005) if you would like to serve as greeter/usher. Jeannie Ecker at (984-4802) to help in the welcome center.

It gives me a deep, comforting sense that things seen are temporal and things unseen are eternal.
~Helen Keller

RECYCLING Want to recycle all those pretty Christmas cards? Put the envelopes and any cards that dont meet the guidelines below in your regular paper recycling bin. Or use the cards to make gift tags. St. Judes Childrens Ranch in NV will accept all used greeting cards. Here are the guidelines from their website: Year round, we happily accept used all-occasion greeting cards. Please review the following tips before sending in your donation. Only the card front can be used (please check to be sure the backside of the front of the card is clear of any writing, etc.) We cannot accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards. 5 x 7 size or smaller is preferred. Mail donations to: St. Judes Ranch for the Children Recycled Card Program, 100 St. Judes Street, Boulder City, NV 89005. Also, there is a shoebox in the Narthex where you can place your old cell phones. The Missions Com-

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CICERO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRAYER LIST Prayer is the place where burdens change shoulders.
Prayer List policy: Those added to the prayer list will remain there for two weeks. After two weeks they may be deleted. You will need to call the church office in order to reinstate your prayer concerns.

Elna Alexander (Monte Alexanders mother) Jo Brown (Riverwalk Commons, 7235 Riverwalk Way N., Apt. 201, Noblesville, IN 46062) Anna Davis (The Lodge, Cabin #31, 1667 Sheridan Rd., Noblesville, IN 46062, Phone 317-770-3481) George Kanouse (6350 Winter Park Drive, Apt. #369, North Richland Hills, TX 76180) Martha Clanton (P. O. Box 333, 159 N. Byron Street, Cicero, IN 46034) Ruth Thompson (1667 Sheridan Road, The Lodge, Cabin #1, Noblesville, IN 46062, phone 317-770-34511) Harold & Doris Chattin (7701 Dixon Court, Noblesville, IN 46062-7385) John Coy (Larue Carter Hospital, Unit 3, 2601 Cold Springs Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222 Leonard Lee (pancreatic cancer) and wife, Mary (dear friend of Sherry Neavear) Thomas Richards Carl Bentley (being added to the heart transplant list) Sharon Robbins (cancer) Larry Moran (friend of Jean Jones/Susie Browning) Ron Pryor Sarah Peachey Randy Horton (cancer) Patty Roberts (cancer) Emily Mraz (surgery) Bev Poindexter (cancer) Allegra Hibma John Kidwell (home) Kathy Tate (cancer) Brenda (Bob & Karens friend in Ohio) Jill Riley (cancer - co-worker of Chris Osborn) Jerry Cook Irene Gergely Carolyn Kincaid (Lori Peacheys mother) Nadine Stafford Condolences to Anna Davis and family in the passing of Tom Davis

MAN UP
Gun Shoot - Rifles, Handguns & Shotguns For all Men Ages 13 and UP! Minors Must Have Legal Guardian Accompany
Jan 4 10am-3pm

FREE
Fox Prairie Gun Club 8945 E. 206th Street Noblesville, IN 46060 Prizes, Gun Safety, Chili, Bonfire BYOG or Guns to borrow For more info Call 317.366.7588

Sponsored by the Tri Town Ministerial

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JANUARY SCRIPTURE READINGS

01 - Genesis 1:1-2:25 Matthew 1:1-2:12 Psalm 1:1-6 Proverbs 1:1-6 02 - Genesis 3:1-4:26 Matthew 2:13-3:6 Psalm 2:1-12 Proverbs 1:7-9 03 - Genesis 5:2-7:24 Matthew 3:7-4:11 Psalm 3:1-8 Proverbs 1:10-19 04 - Genesis 8:1-10:32 Matthew 4:12-25 Psalm 4:1-8 Proverbs 1:20-23 05 - Genesis 11:1-13:4 Matthew 5:1-26 Psalm 5:1-12 Proverbs 1:24-28 06 - Genesis 13:5-15:21 Matthew 5:27-48 Psalm 6:1-10 Proverbs 1:29-33 07 - Genesis 16:1-18:15 Matthew 6:1-24 Psalm 7:1-17 Proverbs 2:1-5 08 - Genesis 18:16-19:38 Matthew 6:25-7:14 Psalm 8:1-9 Proverbs 2:6-15 09 - Genesis 20:1-22:24 Matthew 7:15-29 Psalm 9:1-12 Proverbs 2:16-22 10 - Genesis 23:1-24:51 Matthew 8:1-17 Psalm 9:13-20 Proverbs 3:1-6 11 - Genesis 24:52-26:16 Matthew 8:18-34 Psalm 10:1-15 Proverbs 3:7-8 12 - Genesis 26:17-27:46 Matthew 9:1-17 Psalm 10:16-18 Proverbs 3:9-10 13 - Genesis 28:1-29:35 Matthew 9:18-38 Psalm 11:1-7 Proverbs 3:11-12 14 - Genesis 30:1-31:16 Matthew 10:1-23 Psalm 12:1-8 Proverbs 3:13-15 15 - Genesis 31:17-32:12 Matthew 10:24-11:6 Psalm 13:1-6 Proverbs 3:16-18 16 - Genesis 32:13-34:31 Matthew 11:7-30 Psalm 14:1-7 Proverbs 3:19-20 17 - Genesis 35:1-36:43 Matthew 12:1-21 Psalm 15:1-5 Proverbs 3:21-26 18 - Genesis 37:1-38:30 Matthew 12:22-45 Psalm 16:1-11 Proverbs 3:27-32 19 - Genesis 39:1-41:16 Matthew 12:46-13:23 Psalm 17:1-15 Proverbs 3:33-35 20 - Genesis 41:17-42:17 Matthew 13:24-46 Psalm 18:1-15 Proverbs 4:1-6 21 - Genesis 42:18-43:34 Matthew 13:47-14:12 Psalm 18:16-36 Proverbs 4:7-10 22 - Genesis 44:1-45:28 Matthew 14:13-36 Psalm 18:37-50 Proverbs 4:11-13 23 - Genesis 46:1-47:31 Matthew 15:1-28 Psalm 19:1-14 Proverbs 4:14-19 24 - Genesis 48:1-49:33 Matthew 15:29-16:12 Psalm 20:1-9 Proverbs [Link] 25 - Genesis 50:1 Exodus 2:10 Matthew 16:13-17:9 Psalm 21:1-13 Proverbs 5:1-6 26 - Exodus 2:11-3:22 Matthew 17:10-27 Psalm 22:1-18 Proverbs 5:7-14 27 - Exodus 4:1-5:21 Matthew 18-1-20 Psalm 22:19-31 Proverbs 5:15-21 28 - Exodus 5:22-7:25 Matthew 18:21-19:12 Psalm 23:1-6 Proverbs 5:22-23 29 - Exodus 8:1-9:35 Matthew 19:13-30 Psalm 24:1-10 Proverbs 6:1-5 30 - Exodus 10:12-13 Matthew 20:1-28 Psalm 25:1-15 Proverbs 6:6-11 31 - Exodus 12:14-13:16 Matthew 20:29-21:22 Psalm 25:16-22 Proverbs 6:12-15

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For everything a season. . . . . .

Wanting his sons to learn not to judge too quickly, a man sent each, in turn, on a quest to look at a pear tree far away and report what he saw. The first son went in Winter, the second in spring, the third in Summer and the fourth in Fall. Finally, the father gathered the young men together. What did you see? he asked. The first son reported seeing an ugly tree, bent and lifeless. The second disagreed, saying it was budding with fresh new life. The third son reported finding a tree laden with sweet-smelling, beautiful blossoms, while the fourth insisted it drooped with ripe fruit. The father said his sons were all correct, for theyd seen the same tree, though at different seasons of its life. Dont judge a tree or a person based on just one season of life, he counseled his children. Who they are can only be known at the end, when all lifes seasons have been lived. Furthermore, he added, dont give up on your own life if you experience a hard season, such as Winter, or youll miss out on the renewal of Spring, the joy of Summer, the fulfillment of Autumn.

SCOUTING NEWS
While the month of January traditionally is one with cold weather, it will not stop our Scouts from having fun in the outdoors. The weekend of January 10 - 12 the Troop, and I believe, the Venture Crew will be traveling to Pokagon State Park near Angola, Indiana, to go tobogganing. They will sleep in cabins and have as full a day as possible on the toboggan runs at the park. The Scouts look forward to this outing which is quickly becoming an annual event. On January 25 a number of Scouts and leaders will be attending the Monster Truck Jam at Lucas Oil Stadium. I went to one of the last ones that were held at the RCA Dome. They are loud, and full of action. The gear heads and truck guys, and girls, really have a good time at this event. While you are probably aware that the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venture Crew members receive training and learn various skills in order to advance in rank and as a part of the Scouting Program, but did you know that leaders are required to be trained in order to be a registered leader? Our leaders will have an opportunity to receive training in many areas on Saturday, January 18, at the University of Scouting. Leaders can sign up for 6 courses from a variety that cover knot tying, first aid, fundraising, youth protection, unit finance and unit organization, just to name a few of the courses offered. In 2014 we will celebrate 38 years of continuous sponsorship of Scouting at Cicero United Methodist Church. The Scouts and their leaders thank you for this support. ~Dennis Schrumpf, Chartered Partner Representative~
Wishes for the new year . . . . . Faith that increaseth, walking in light; Hope that aboundeth, happy and bright; Love that is perfect, casting out fear; These shall insure thee a happy New Year. Peace in the Savior, rest at His feet, Smile on His countenance, radiant and sweet. Joy in His presence, Christ ever near! This will insure thee a happy New Year.
~Frances Ridley Havergal

Help Me Be
Lord, help me be your heart today. Providing hope for those who stray. Lord, help me be your love today, displaying grace in every way. Lord, help me be your Word today, proclaiming good when all is gray.
~Maryann Sundby

Seek first . . . . the kingdom of wealth, and youll worry over every dollar. Seek first the kingdom of health, and youll sweat every blemish and bump. Seek first the kingdom of popularity, and youll relive every conflict. Seek first the kingdom of safety, and youll jump at every crack of the twig. But seek first (Gods) kingdom, and you will find it. On that, we can depend and never worry.

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Debit Authorization
I (we) hereby authorize Community Bank, hereinafter called COMPANY, to initiate debit entries to my (our) account indicated below and the financial institution named below, hereinafter called FINANCIAL INSTITUTION, to debit the same to such account for $___________ every ________, for direct deposit in the account of Cicero United Methodist Church. I (we) acknowledge that the origination of ACH

__________________________________________________________________________
(Financial Institution Name) (Branch) __________________________________________________________________________________________ (Address) (City/State) Zip __________________ _________________________ Type of Acct: _____ Checking _____ Savings (Routing Number) (Account Number) This authority is to remain in full force and effect until COMPANY has received written notification from me (or either of us) of its termination in such time and manner as to afford COMPANY and FINANCIAL INSTITUTION a reasonable opportunity to act on it. I (we) agree and promise to hold harmless and indemnify COMPANY, its successors and/or assigns, from any and all financial loss, expense or damage relating to this authorization, or resulting from my (our) election to cancel same, and I (we) agree to reimburse COMPANY for any charged-back monetary expenses, losses or amounts that may result from that election. _________________________________ (Print Individual Name) _________________________________ ___________________________________ (Signature) ___________________________________

**********************************************************************************************

If you would like to make your offering available to support the work of Cicero UMC on a regular basis by using ACH giving, please complete the attached form and return it, with a voided check to: Evelyn Schrumpf, PO Box 617, Cicero IN 46034. Please know that there is no additional charge to you to with in this way. Please fill in the necessary information below so that your offering can be distributed properly: Name____________________________________________ Amount given $_________________ Monthly_______ Weekly______ Budget $__________________ Mortgage $_________________ Seminary Fund $___________________

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G O D IS SO G O O D
BIBLE QUIZ The book of Revelation is addressed to seven churches. Which city in the United States shares the name of one of those churches? A. St. Paul B. Philadelphia C. Oconomowoc D. Orlando
(See Revelation 3:7-13 for your answer.)

Sun
1

Mon
2

Tue

Wed

2013
Thu
3 9 7:00Mens Bible Study 10

Fri

Sat

Sea Cadets

5 1:00 Devotional Group 5:00 Youth Group 6:30 Boy Scout Troop

6 Preschool Resumes

8 6:00 L.O.L. & The Dog Park

11

12 11:30 All Committees Meet 1:00 Church Council Meets 13 6:30 Boy Scout Troop 14 1:00 Devotional Group 5:00 Youth Group

15 6:00 L.O.L. & The Dog Park

16 7:00Mens Bible Study L7:00 Troop Adult Leaders Meeting

17

18

19 1:00 Devotional Group 5:00 Youth Group

20 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 6:30 Boy Scout Troop

21

22 6:00 L.O.L. & The Dog Park

23 7:00Mens Bible Study

24

25

26 Penny Raiders (Tri Town Ministerial) 1:00 Devotional Group 5:00 Youth Group

27 27 6:30 Boy Scout Troop

28

29 6:00 L.O.L. & The Dog Park

30 7:00 Mens Bible Study

31

7:00 Choir Practice resumes

January 2014 Cicero United Methodist Church P. O. Box 617 100 E. Jackson Street Cicero, IN 46034 Phone: (317)984-4971 Fax: (317)984-7571 Website: [Link] Email: rethinkchurch@[Link]

Address Service Requested Want on or off the mailing list? Call (317)984-4971

RESOLUTIONS American theologian Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) became focused on his lifes purpose at age 19. The result was 70 resolutions, or commitments, he wrote down and then read every week for 35 years until his death. Some of those resolutions include: To live with all my might while I do live. To study the Scriptures steadily, constantly and frequently. Never to lose one moment of time. Never to do anything which I should despise or think meanly of in another. Never to do anything out of revenge. To let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.