Ministries

Furthering Friedens’ mission to SHARE THE LOVE OF CHRIST NEAR AND FAR

The Outreach Ministry Team has the responsibility to oversee the major benevolent activities of Friedens UCC. The team publicizes opportunities for the congregation to participate in these activities through prayer, volunteering time, and financial giving.

Organizations have been selected based mainly on whether their mission/purpose aligns well with the Mission, Vision and Values of Friedens church, considering their particular needs and the impact our giving can have to enhance their ability to accomplish their own goals of service to people. 

Our current team consists of Co-chairs - Tim & Ellen Tjarks with Terri Costello, Mike Hastings, Sharon Hedegard, Sue Reinhard, Joe Stuteville working together in various capacities. If you have questions, their contact information is available from the church directory or you may contact the church office to have one of the team get in touch with you by phone or email.

Click the title for more information.

The Christian Education Ministry Team exists to support people of all ages in their exploration and discovery of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus through classes, studies, small groups, on-line/social media resources, action-reflection activities, creative activities, and seasonal gatherings.  The team desires to support each person in growing in the faith of Jesus and to use his or her God-given gifts to share the love of Christ with others.  We desire to help all people know and claim their identity as a loved and loving child of God.

Worship has been central to the life of the church over the years and continues to inspire with a traditional flavor. The rich traditions of sacred music and the arts have been nurtured with choirs and musical opportunities for young and old. The sanctuary is equipped with a 26 rank Schlicker pipe organ, an Estonia grand piano, hand bells, hand chimes, and a large Schulmerich carillon. Excellent choral music and congregational singing enrich worship each week.

Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir sings during the 10:30 worship service from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30. Our current 35 member choir ranges in age from early twenties to mid eighties, and anyone is welcome to join. Being able to read music is helpful but not necessary, and joining the choir does not mean you have to be at church every Sunday so don't let your schedule deter you from singing with us! If you enjoy singing, fellowship with friends, and having fun please some and give our choir a try!

Sounds of Peace Bell Choir

The Sounds of Peace Bell Choir plays one a month during the 10:30 worship service from Labor Day through Memorial Day. Rehearsals are at 6:00-6:50 on Wednesdays. We are always looking for new members or people willing to fill in as a substitute when needed. You do need to be able to read music to play, but we will teach you everything else you need to know!

Praise Makers Children's Choir

The Praise Makers Children's Choir sings every 6 to 8 weeks during the 10:30 worship service. Children practice their songs with their music leaders during the Treasure Seekers time at the 10:30 service, so there is no time commitment outside of worship services. This choir also leads the congregation in worship at the Family Christmas Eve service.

Friedens UCC Choral Scholar Program

Each year Friedens UCC hires a young person who is studying music at a local university. The Choral Scholar sings with the Chancel Choir weekly and lends a solo voice to both the 8:30 and 10:30 worship services periodically throughout the year. This program is funded by the Thomas G. Williams Memorial Music Fund and is designed to give talented young people a safe space to refine their music skills and share their God-given talents. The Choral Scholar is paid a stipend that can be used for school expenses not covered by traditional scholarships. Our 2019-2020 Friedens UCC Choral Scholar is Rene Vazquez. Rene is working on a graduate degree in Vocal Music Performance at Indiana University and he hopes to sing in a professional opera company in the future.

Thomas G. Williams Memorial Music Fund

The Thomas G. Williams Memorial Music Fund was created to be the lasting memorial to Friedens' long time organist, Tom Williams. This fund is used to support the Friedens UCC Choral Scholar Program and to hire guest musicians at both the 8:30 and 10:30 services throughout the year. As a tribute to Tom Williams' legacy as both a music educator and church musician, the musicians sponsored by the Memorial Music Fund are primarily college students or emerging professional musicians. Donations to this fund can be made at any time with a check written to Friedens UCC with "Music Fund" written on the memo line.

Health Ministry actively promotes the physical and spiritual well-being of the members of Friedens.  Health ministry focuses on prevention, helping people seek help for physical problems, and encouraging people to change unhealthy lifestyles.  Activities include:

·        Flu/pneumonia clinic in the early fall where people receive flu and pneumonia vaccinations at church.  The clinic is open to the community.

·        Monthly blood pressure screenings

·        Provide and update three first aid kits at church.  One of the first aid kits is designated for the youth to be taken off-site as needed.

·        Present “Staying Healthy” to Cooperative Play Academy preschoolers

·        Present “Using an AED” to senior folks at the First Tuesday Fellowship

·        Blood drives  

·        Teaching a two-day Safe Sitter class to 6 young adolescents at Friedens

·       Coordinating with the University of Indianapolis School of Nursing for their Promoting Healthy Communities program.  In 2019, nine senior year nursing students helped with the flu and pneumonia clinic, blood pressure screenings, and did 2 projects, including a Health Fair a walking program for the congregation.

 At any given time, there are 20-30 members of Friedens who are homebound or live in healthcare facilities.  There are close to 20 people on the Visitation Ministry Team that visit church members monthly who are unable to come to worship.  In December, they take them a poinsettia from the church.  Many visitors also choose to send cards between visits.  If the team members feel pastoral care is needed, they contact Pastor Marc.  Some of the visitors have been visiting Friedens’ homebound for many years. 

Volunteers for the Meal Ministry include over 20 women, who deliver complete and homemade meals to Friedens’ families as needed. For example, these would include times such as after the birth of a baby, after someone has had surgery, while someone is undergoing treatments, and so on.  

In 2018, the Meal Ministry Team took 19 meals to families.  However, in 2019, this number increased six fold to 115 meals delivered!