Memorial Day Monday, May 25th

Church Office Closed

Endowment Birthday Party Sunday, June 7th

Vacation Bible School

July 6th - 10th

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Please continue to join us each Sunday as we Livestream the worship service. Sunday School lessons will be posted each week along with our children and youth ministry connections through virtual groups.

Holy Week Livestream Services

Connect via the church website at: www.avonumc.com

Palm Sunday Sunday, April 5th at 9:30 am

Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, April 9th

7:00 pm

Good Friday Service Friday, April 10th

7:00 pm

Easter Service Sunday, April 12th at 9:30 am

Care calls are being made weekly to the members of our congregation. Feel free to reach out to the church with any concerns. We will be sending email communications on a regular basis.

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From the Pastor...

The Spirit Prays for Us!

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.” - Romans 8:26

There is so much going on in our society today. How do we pray? What should we pray? These are not easy questions. I am still struggling to wrap my mind around everything. It seems to be happening so fast. I know, as I am sure you know, that we want to pray for everyone’s health and safety. God has a special concern for the vulnerable. God is with you!

God has also created us to be a social people. In our very being, we need to be connected to God and others. Right now this is becoming increasingly difficult as we are being asked to isolate and keep social distance. As a church, we will be implementing several new ways to stay connected. Pray for everyone to feel connected. We feel stronger, when we have each other’s back. Plus, God is with you!

None of us is good with uncertainty, but everything feels uncertain now. How long will this continue? What will be the lasting implications? How is it going to affect us? How is it going to affect others? I love the above passage from Romans. None of us are all wise and knowing. Sometimes, we just don’t know what to pray. However, in these times The Spirit prays on our behalf. The Spirit prays with “sighs too deep for words.” The Spirit groans for you. The Spirit speaks for you. The Spirit prays for you! Isn’t it fantastic news that we don’t have to know how or what to pray? Prayer still works because The Spirit sighs prayers “too deep for words.” God is with you and The Spirit is praying for you! Thus, take time to be with God. Take time to be with The Spirit.

Pastor Danny

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Prime Timers… at Opa! Norma Little and Peggy McCoy were recognized for leading this amazing group.

Interested in visiting the Holy Land in January? Then come to an info session on April 26th! You may have heard that on January 18-28, 2021, Dave and Mary Marty, part of our church family, will be hosting a trip to Israel. In fact, several people from our church have already registered, but there's still room for more. So, if you've ever thought of walking in the places where Jesus walked, you're invited to meet with the Marty's in the church library on Sunday, April 26th, at either 9:30 or 11:00 am where they will share details of the trip and answer any questions you may have. A brochure for the trip can also be seen on our church's website at www.avonumc.com. If you'd like to know more between now and then, you may call the Marty's at 317-800-5486 (Dave) or 574-529-0215 (Mary).

Circle of Friends has been having a wonderful time of sharing and gathering together the last few months. We are looking forward to Spring and the sunshine it will bring. Congratulations to Kyle Thate for being named Hendricks County ICON of the month! He is one of our Circle of Friends members.

The church office will closed except for essential staff until further notice. The staff is still available by phone and email. We want to stay connected with you!

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Health Ministries…

I know it is tempting to write about Covid-19, but the information is changing so rapidly that by the time this article is published, much of the data and information may have significantly changed. So instead, lets discuss the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition – Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), for National Irritable Bowel month.

IBS is a chronic condition of the digestive system. The primary symptoms are abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits (constipation and/or diarrhea). The constipation can be characterized by pellet-like stools and a sense of incomplete emptying. The diarrhea is often preceded by a sense of extreme urgency followed by a sense of incomplete emptying as well. Additional symptoms include bloating, gas, and belching.

It is still very unclear how and why IBS develops despite intensive research - theories include IBS is caused by hyper-contractions of the intestines. This may occur after a severe gastrointestinal infection. Those with IBS are more likely to suffer from anxiety and stress. It is thought that the mood issues may affect the intestines as well. Food intolerances are also common in IBS patients and may play a role in the development of symptoms. Finally, another theory proposes the nerves in the bowels are overactive in people with IBS.

Diagnosis can be very frustrating for not only the patient, but the clinician as well. There is no one diagnostic test to prove someone has IBS. It is primarily a diagnosis of exclusion by ruling out other similar gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac disease, and stool infections. Your physician may want to run a series of lab tests and refer you to a Gastroenterologist to do a colonoscopy.

As you can imagine, since the causes of IBS are not well known, it makes treatment quite variable. Options can include diet changes, temporary elimination of milk or milk products, avoiding gas producing foods, and increasing dietary fiber. Consider discussing these food changes with your physician to make sure the foods you want to add to your diet or eliminate are safe if you have other medical issues.

Since stress and mood issues can trigger symptoms, therapies that help mood can be beneficial for some patients. This can include antidepressants, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and support groups.

There are also several prescription medications on the market specifically designed to treat the predominant IBS symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and/or constipation.

In summary, IBS is a common, poorly understood disorder that is prevalent enough to cause more missed work days than any other disorder other than the common cold. See your medical provider if you feel you have similar symptoms that are bothersome. Patience is key to diagnosis and treatment given so many other conditions that can mimic IBS and so many potential therapies. Additional resources to research IBS can be found at The American College of Gastroenterology (www.acg.gi.org) and the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) (www.iffgd.org).

Submitted by John Unison, MD

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Avon UMC Facts & Figures

Worship Sunday School Offering On-line Total Date Attendance Attendance Plate ________

02/23/20 518 184 $ 15,157 $ 3,813 $ 18,970

03/01/20 525 137 $ 10,911 $ 6,975 $ 17,886

03/08/20 435 142 $ 15,087 $ 4,808 $ 19,895

03/15/20 500+ Online Viewing $ 8,554 $ 9,908 $ 18,462

03/22/20 500+ Online Viewing $ 8,995 $ 5, 437 $ 14,392

Dear Avon UMC, Wow, wow, wow! I just can’t be l ieve how a l l o f you responded so graciously and mightily by honoring mom with a birthday card shower. She received an abundance of cards. It was amazing and our family appreciates all your thoughtfulness very much. It was such a blessing to watch her open all the cards and “wonder” how everyone knew when her birthday was? I finally had to confess. Thank you again for everything as we hope and pray she’ll be able to celebrate number 98! God bless you all! You all are amazing! Bev Wineman Daughter of Dot Jenkins

God bless AUMC people. I received many beautiful cards for my 97th birthday! Enjoyed all of them. Thanks for remembering me. They were very much appreciated. The years go by fast. Love you, Dot Jenkins I wish to thank all for the cards, visits, and prayers. Lois Jordan

Dear AUMC Family, Thank you for all of the love and support you provided to our family during Kathleen’s NICU stay. We were overwhelmed by your kindness. We so appreciated your prayers, cards, texts, visits, phone calls, meals, gift cards, prayer blanket, and gifts for Big Brother Jacob. You encouraged and supported us through some very long, rough weeks - and, continue to do so! We are so blessed to have such an amazing church family. Thank you! Love, Kurtis and Elizabeth Searcy

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Bob & Kathy Dillon 4/2/1966

Bill & Jane Pfaffenberger 4/6/1968

Ron & Rita Barber 4/8/1967

Scott & Kim Sweeney 4/12/1997

Frank & Megan Meyer 4/13/1996

Ron & Sue May 4/13/1956

Jim & Marilyn Strange 4/14/1993

Adam & Alli Coulter 4/18/2015

Adrian & Sandy Davis 4/19/1975

Chuck & Cindy Bear 4/20/2008

Robert & Sandy Townsley 4/21/1998

Pat & Lori Bullock 4/23/2005

Skip & Lois MacKay 4/25/1960

Gary & Lee Ann Stewart 4/28/1973

Gene & Kim Bingaman 4/28/1984

Terry & Tina Holt 4/29/1989

1st Cyndie Burgan

2nd James Cook

Patsy Porter

3rd Gabe Johnson

Steve Ozga

Sebastine Ujereh

4th Larry Lambert

Fred McCracken

5th Grace Hanlon

Roger Jones

Aaron Logeais

6th Mason Itczak

Jan Whiteman

8th Geoff Bradley, II

Melissa McDaniel

10th Alice King

Sean Marble

Carol Smallwood

11th Pat Kriskovich

Hannah White

Steven White

12th Ruth Eggleton

Carolyn Harcourt

Jack Lazaro

13th Jan Dorsey

Michele Imler

14th Josh Hartman

Christie Trowbridge

16th Terry Holt

Lynda Willis

19th Marilynn Link

21st David Clossin

Joy Read

Taylor Ritter

23rd Shellie Heck

Dana Unison

Betty Vogel

Kaitlyn Yancey

24th Tim Whiteman

25th Beth Jackson

Maxwell LeMay

Anne Rowell

Stephanie Winegar

26th Kathie Burkett

Mike Letourneau, Jr

Matt Quinney

Danny Walker

Olivia Zetty

27th Dawson LeMay

28th Becky Archer-Inskeep

Olivia Sparzo

29th Debbie Zusan

30th Ethan Hemphill

Joan Walter

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“Wherever you go, no matter what the

weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

— Anthony J. D’Angelo

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Children’s Ministry - April Kid Zone Events Thursdays at 4:30 pm - Live Zoom group sessions for all the Avon UMC young artists. (This is a private online group.) Friday - Sunday: Weekly Bible story and lesson via the church website and Facebook. Within the lesson, families will find the main story points, family discussion starters, and family activities. Sundays at 11:00 am - Live Zoom group session (private online group) to discuss the lesson and allow the children to connect with church friends.

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We love you and are excited for new ways we will still keep in touch! Mondays & Tuesdays: Echo INSTAGRAM Devotionals Wednesdays: Echo Zoom at 4:00 pm Request an invitation through Chandler. Thursdays: Echo Social Media Encouragement Fridays: Pray Day - Email or text Chandler Sundays: Echo Zoom Class at 11:00 am IGGY 5th/6th grade Sunday School video at 10:30 am In the meantime, we can’t wait to get back together soon and here are some fun throwback pictures…

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The Flame Avon United Methodist Church

6850 E US Highway 36 Avon, IN 46123-8927 317-272-4068 (Office) E-mail: office@avonumc.com Web site: www.avonumc.com Office Hours: 9 am - 2 pm, M - F

Worship Messages are available on the Web at www.avonumc.com!

Sunday Worship 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 am

Danny Walker, Lead Pastor

Rob Probus, Connections Pastor

Chandler Landis Director of Youth Ministry

Julie Narvell, Youth Assistant

Kitty Wilson Director of Play-N-Share

Kateri Crawford Director of Children’s Ministry

Becky Brownfield Treasurer/Business Manager

Ann Knicley Office Media Manager

Kelly Humphrey Accounts Manager

Melissa Lidgard, Office Assistant

Betty Mabis and Patsy Porter Directors of Newcomer Ministry

Cindy Bear, Nursery Care Provider

Brenda Coley Chancel Choir Director

Dianne Perry, Organist

Janet Gobel Choir Accompanist

Joe Matthews, IV Audio Technician

P. Z. Sinclair Stephen Ministry Coordinator

K. Young, Custodial Supervisor

Timothy Steward Building Maintenance Manager

Angela Book, Evening Custodian

Roger Jones, Weekend Custodian

Mireya Murphy Sunday Evening Custodian