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Colony Communiqué

Monthly Newsletter First Brethren Church South Bend, IN

Volume 8, Issue 1
February/March
2022

From the Pastor’s Office . . .

Inside this issue:

Inside this issue:

For almost 2 years now we have been encountering a variety of continual changes in our lives with the pandemic. Even within this first month of 2022, we have seen a vast difference in weather, politics, sports, health, and other things going on in our world. One thing that is for sure is that if you are going to keep your sanity in these days, we must adapt to each situation, not sure of what is going to happen next.
But at the same time, we can rest assured in the unchanging absolute truth of our God and His Word. Psalm 119:160 says, “The main thing about your word is that it’s true; and all your just rulings last forever.” God in Himself does not change according to Malachi 3:6, “For I, the Lord, do not change;”, and we find the same said about Jesus in Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
So, what does that mean for us living in a constantly changing society? The same should be said of the Church of Jesus Christ as we stand firm on God’s unchanging Word knowing that our God is unchanging and His Word is truth. Yet, the Church as a living organism is always in flux, not in what it believes, but in how it does the work it is called to do.
How does this look for the Church and specifically FBCSB. As I ruminate on the subject, I am specifically thinking about our local church body and how we continue to do God’s work in 2022. I met with our moderator, Jennifer Kary, and we discussed this at some length. Our conclusion was that we must move forward and yet know that our plans may change at any time. The word that kept coming up was flexibility. I must admit that this is hard for me since I like to schedule things and keep things in order. We have always had to be flexible to a degree, but in today’s world, it seems to be more often. Yet, I can be flexible in how we fulfill God’s mission through us as His Church.
Therefore, we will continue in all the ministries of FBCSB, knowing that times and dates and how a ministry is accomplished may change, but not our spiritual desire to do God’s work. This reminds me of a verse that I read often to keep myself focused. 1 Cor 15:58 ”Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” We as His Church must continue in His unchanging work, yet be flexible in the way that it may be accomplished.
I hope you will join me and our FBCSB family on this journey of knowing the love of Jesus (salvation), growing in the love of Jesus (sanctification), and showing the love of Jesus (outreach). If you have any questions or spiritual concerns, please contact us at our website, firstbrethren.org, by phone 574-291-4909, or email firstbrethren@att.net or me personally at 330-903-1044 or fyoungen@att.net.
I believe we have done a great job through this pandemic but what is in store? I don’t know what tomorrow may hold, but I do know Who holds the future, so I will stand firm in Christ and be flexible in doing His work. Keep serving our Great God, encourage His church and show Jesus to your world.
Blessings.
Pastor Fred

June Volunteers	2
Birthdays, Anniversaries / Library News	3
Youth Opportunities	3
June Calendar	4
Events & Information	5

February Volunteers	2
Feb. Birthdays, Anniv., / Youth Info, Events	3
February Calendar	4
March Volunteers, Youth Info, Events	5
March Calendar	6
March Birthdays, Anniv, News from Benjamin / Music Workshop	7

Upcoming Events
Sunday, Feb. 6, Music Team,, 12:15pm
Monday, Feb. 7, Men’s Monday Coffee Club, 10:00am
Friday, Feb. 11, Friday Afternoon Coffee & Tea Bible Study, 2:30pm
Saturday, Feb. 19, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, 8:00am
Saturday, Feb. 19, Trustees’ Mtg, 9:30a
Sunday, Feb. 20, Deacon Board Mtg, 12:00p
Monday, Feb. 21, Men’s Monday Coffee Club, 10am
Sunday, Feb. 27, Youth Activity 12:00p
Saturday, March 5, Midwest Regional Gathering, 9:30am-3pm
Sunday, March 6, Board of Christian Education Mtg, 12:00pm
Monday, March 7, Men’s Monday Coffee Club, 10:00am
Friday, March 11, Friday Afternoon Coffee & Tea Bible Study, 2:30pm
Saturday, March 12, TIME CHANGE, Clocks ahead 1 hour
Sunday, March 13, Music Team 12:15p
Saturday, March 18, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, 8:00am
Monday, March 21, Men’s Monday Coffee Club, 10:00am
Monday, March 21, Board of Directors Mtg, 5:30pm
Sunday, March 27, Music Team 12:15p

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February Volunteer Schedule

May Volunteer Schedule

SUNDAYS
Greeters
2 - 6 George Spanos & Kathi Ginter
2 - 13 George Spanos & Charles Frye
2 - 20 George Spanos & Brenda Graf
2 - 27 George Spanos & Scott/Suzie Kresca
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Financial Stewards
2 - 6 Jack Kary, Sr. & Jack Kary, Jr.
2 - 13 Glen Scott & Becky Reynolds
2 - 20 Kathi Ginter & Linda Kohman
2 - 27 Angela Scott & Jack Kary, Sr.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday Afternoon Coffee & Tea (FACT) Feb. 11 - 2:30pm
Please join us for a great time of fellowship and good discussion on Jonah. Enjoy this time for added learning from the Word!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be at 8:00am on Saturday,
February 19. Enjoy some great food and fellowship together.
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ MEETING
Saturday, February 19, 9:30am
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Trustee of the Month - Joshua Youngen
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Men’s Monday Coffee Club
We will be meeting at 10:00am on February 7 & 21. All men are invited for this great time of fellowship.
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Happy Valentines Day, February 14
ST. MARGARET’S HOUSE WINTER WALK is a fundraising walk to support the work of St. Margaret’s House. Scheduled in the middle of the winter, the community joins together for a one mile walk in solidarity with the women and children of St. Margaret’s House whose everyday means of transportation is their feet. Proceeds from Winter Walk will enable St. Margaret’s House to continue to be a haven of hospitality and provide life changing support, programs and services for women and children in need in our community. The in-person walk is Sunday, February 20 , 2022 at 2:30pm. There is also a virtual walk between February 13-20, 2021. Please see our event bulletin board or their website for more information (https://stmargaretshouse.org/).
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CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Thank you to everyone that gave to the special Christmas offering to pay off the debt on the church mortgage. We were able to pay the mortgage in full so we are officially DEBT FREE! Thank you for your generosity to God for the benefit of this local ministry.
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HAVE YOU NOTICED??
The bulletin boards by the restrooms have been updated and contain information about local events and news from our ministry partners from around the world. It is being updated regularly so be sure to stop and check them out!! Your prayers and support are appreciated.
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CAMP SHIPSHEWANA 2022
Check out the camp schedule for this next year available at the Information Station. There are lots of options to choose from for kids ages 6 and up. There are also opportunity for adults to get involved with your kids/grandkids as well. Start planning now!
Scholarships are available to help pay for these camps.

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FEBRUARY CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays
2/1 - Kathi Ginter
2/2 - Peggy Baer
2/2 - Kathy Plaia
2/2 - Ryne Wright
2/8 - Tracy McKee
2/11 - Bill Grenert
2/16 - Alexis Kary
2/19 - Ruth Bilinski
2/20 - Michael Graf
2/21 - Sally Wagner
2/24 - Karen Simko
2/27 - Ruthann Millage
Anniversaries
2/1 - Bill & Laurie Grenert
2/16 - Mike & Amy Riley
_______________________
To all our youth - -
You continue to be in our prayers as you begin your 2nd semester of school. You are important to us and we want to support you. God has great things in store for you and we want to be a part of it!! Hang in there, knowing that God is with you every day.
~ your FBC family
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NEW PHONE DIRECTORIES COMING . . .
With new people and some information corrections, a new phone directory will be released soon. Please let Janna know in the office if you have any additions or corrections to your information. We want to stay up-to-date!!
We also will be updating our Church pictorial directory to show new faces that have joined us and updating the look of some of our families. We will begin collecting pictures mid-February so think of a picture you would like to submit or take a selfie and email it to Janna at firstbrethren@att.net.

FEBRUARY YOUTH NEWS
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US!
February 6 - Lesson with Jen
February 13 - Valentine’s Distribution
February 20 - Book study with Corinne
February 27 - Children’s 2nd Hour Class
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Invite your friends to join us!

Youth Activity
Sunday, Feb. 27
12:00pm

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March Volunteer Schedule

SUNDAYS
Greeters
3 - 6 George Spanos & Kim Sherrod
3 - 13 George Spanos & Sally Wagner
3 - 20 George Spanos & Evelyn Zigler
3 - 27 George Spanos & Bonnie Campbell
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Financial Stewards
3 - 6 Jack Kary, Sr. & Jack Kary, Jr.
3 - 13 Glen Scott & Becky Reynolds
3 - 20 Kathi Ginter & Linda Kohman
3 - 27 Angela Scott & Jack Kary, Sr.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday Afternoon Coffee & Tea (FACT) March 11 - 2:30pm
Please join us for a great time of fellowship and good discussion on Jonah. Enjoy this study time for added learning from the Word!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Men’s Prayer Breakfast will be at 8:00am on Saturday,
March 19. Enjoy some great food and fellowship together.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Trustee of the Month - Barry Wright
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Men’s Monday Coffee Club
meets at 10:00am on March 7 & 21. All men are invited for this great time of fellowship.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DON’T FORGET . . . .
To set your clocks AHEAD
1 hour on Saturday night,
March 12, 2022
for the beginning of Daylight Savings time.
THE ART OF GATHERING REGIONAL EVENT
MARCH 5 - 9:30am—3pm
First Brethren Church, Huntington, IN
Join other Brethren believers for a regional event to explore how we can join with Jesus as He grows the Brethren movement in the Midwest through intentional gathering. Let us unleash ourselves to embrace the God-gifted relationships in our lives! Lunch is provided. Please RSVP to Sarah Miller 502-693-5565 or dsmiller1@gmail.com by Feb. 26.
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March 6 - Lesson with Jen
March 13 - Freezer meals
March 20 - Book study with Corinne
March 27 - Children’s 2nd Hour Class
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES BEGINNING AGAIN
Pastor Fred will be leading another Navigators Bible Study course. If you are interested in learning how to study more about your faith - how to live it out and how to share it - please contact him right away. You’ll be glad you did! Your life will change for good!

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MARCH CELEBRATIONS
Birthdays
3/2 - Shane Holloway
3/2 - Tyler Wagers
3/5 - Joyce Grenert
3/6 - Amy Riley
3/7 - Rich Hollister
3/17 - Linda Van Dyke
3/17 - Michelle Zaw
3/18 - Scott Kresca
3/26 - Laurie Grenert
3/27 - Marian Hoffman
3/27 - Brittany Riley
3/31 - Claire Wright
Anniversaries
3/7 - Richard & Kathy Hollister
3/22 - Scott & Suzie Kresca
______________________________________________
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BEING A FOSTER PARENT or FAMILY?
Kids Peace is a local agency that offers various foster care options. They also strive for adoptions and permanent placement for kids. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, contact them at 574.237.1046 or 800.433.2363. They are located at 851 Marietta St., Suite 220, South Bend, IN 46601.
______________________________________________
EVERENCE FINANCIAL Medicare Mondays
During these quarterly events, we will discuss the important details you need to know about retirement income and transitioning to Medicare: Enrollment details and deadlines; Social Security - when do I start?; Prescription drug coverage; Plans that supplement Medicare.
Upcoming webinar dates are: February 7, May 2, August 8. October 3 will be in-person in Goshen, IN.
If you can't attend one of our educational events or if you have questions, please schedule an appointment with one of our consultants by contacting Talia Bauer, Administrative Assistant, via email or 800-348-7468 ext. 3506.

COMMUNITY CARE TEAM – We are beginning to develop a Community Care Team that will focus on what we can do to be the hands and feet of Christ in the Michiana area. There will be a focus on short term and long term activities to care for our community. If you are interested, please contact Jennifer Kary. This is a very exciting opportunity to go beyond our church walls.
______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE ON BENJAMIN
Greetings everyone! You don’t know me but I am Barnabas, cousin of your beloved church mouse, Benjamin. Would you believe that Benjamin was visiting with Pastor Larry and Bev before they left for Arizona and accidentally fell asleep in their suitcase? I was on my way to visit him here in Indiana when this happened. He asked me to say hi to you all for him and let you know he hopes to be back with you in a few months.
He wanted me to remind you to stay faithful to the church as much as possible during these cold winter months. If you can’t be at church on Sundays, you can always watch the live-stream and make it seem as if you are with the church family. There are 2nd Hour classes for all ages and regular Wednesday Bible studies. The Friday Night Coffee Bible Study has been moved to Friday afternoons at 2:30 to make it easier for everyone while the daylight hours are shorter.
Be sure to stay in contact with each other. It is important to let others know they are being thought of and prayed for even when we can’t get together for one reason or another. There are many ways to communicate now for you humans: phone calls, texting, and emailing - if you are not able to visit in person. We need each other. We are a family!!
Be sure to read through this whole Newsletter to stay informed about what is happening in the church. I hope you will take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. I will be keeping an eye on things until Benjamin gets back and keep him up-to-date. I know he misses you. God bless you all.
Barnabas

4909 S. Ironwood Dr.
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 291-4909
E-mail: firstbrethren@att.net
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"Be devoted to one another
in love.
Honor one another above yourselves.” ~ Romans 12:10