Easter balloon launch yields surprising results
GREENFIELD — For the past three years, the Westland Friends Church, located in rural Hancock County, has held a Risen Savior Balloon Launch at the end of the Easter service.
This year, there has been a quick response to one of the balloons, and it was found quite a distance away.
More than 40 balloons were released April 5 at the end of the church’s Easter service carrying messages about the living Christ.
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“The purpose of the launch is to remind us that as the balloons arise — so did our savior, Jesus Christ, who arose from the dead after being crucified,” the church said in a statement. “Most important are the messages that are attached to the balloons that spread the ‘Good News’ that Jesus is not dead — but alive. After Jesus’ death and burial, women came to put perfumes on the body of Jesus; however, when they arrived they found an empty tomb, and the stone was rolled away. Upon seeing this wonderful event — the women ran to spread the ‘Good News’ that Jesus was alive.”
Each balloon has a special message that conveys Easter blessings and that Jesus is alive. The message also asks if the tag is found, to please email the church to let the church members know how far their Good News traveled.
Two years ago, one of the church’s balloons was found more than a month after Easter in West Liberty, Kentucky — 218 miles away. Last year, none of the balloons were found, or at least no one sent a message about any.
This year, however, has produced some quick results from a location even farther away than Kentucky. On April 9, 2015, the church received a message from Cottageville, West Virginia — more than 262 miles away. Elizabeth Wilson found the balloon in her hay field on April 8 and emailed the church.
The balloon belonged to Kareline Jones, a fifth-grader at Eastern Hancock Elementary. Kareline’s green balloon was long gone, but the red ribbon and tag were still intact after its almost weeklong flight. Upon hearing that her balloon made it across the state of Ohio, the Ohio River and into West Virginia, “Kareline was beaming from ear to ear,” the church said.
It can sometimes take weeks for the balloons to be found, so Westland may receive more messages. If you would like to see pictures of Westland’s Easter morning activities, including the balloon launch, visit the church’s Facebook page at facebook.com/westlandfriendschurch. Updates on any of the other balloons that are found will be posted there as well.
Motorcycle riders gather for fellowship
GREENFIELD — Members of the Crossroad Riders, the Greenfield chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association, meet at 9 a.m. the third Saturday of most months at Jim Dandy restaurant and also gather to enjoy rides together.
The group will do a blessing at American Legion Post 119’s Rally for Veterans motorcycle ride supporting the Job Ready Veterans Program. The event is set for 9 a.m. May 16.
For more information about the Crossroad Riders, call 709-3808.
Fellowship offers ‘Godly Man’ study
FORTVILLE — New Life Christian Fellowship will offer a monthly study for men, “Living as a Godly Man in an Ungodly World,” starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The study will continue at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month. Men are asked to commit to eight 75-minute sessions and to engage and invest in the lives of other men on this journey.
“I want to extend an invitation to Christian men all across this community to gather and study,” Pastor Mark Adcock said. “There is no desire to draw them away from their home church — simply to grow as a community of Godly men throughout the community.”
These are the class topics:
■ April 21: The Identity of a Godly Man
■ May 19: The Integrity of a Godly Man
■ June 16: The Humility of a Godly Man
■ July 21: The Purity of a Godly Man
■ Aug. 18: The Stability of a Godly Man
■ Sept. 15: The Availability of a Godly Man
■ Oct. 20: The Authority of a Godly Man
■ Nov. 17: The Eternity of a Godly Man
Sign up by filling out a form at nlcfonline.com.
McCordsville church plans breakfast
McCORDSVILLE — McCordsville United Methodist Church’s next Fourth Saturday Community Breakfast is set for 7:30 to 10 a.m. April 25.
Most breakfast favorites are on the menu. A free-will offering for the meal will be accepted and will benefit the church.
Eden church to serve fish fry
EDEN — Eden United Methodist Church will serve a fish fry from 4 to 7 pm. today. Radio station WFMS’s Friends and Neighbors van will visit from 4 to 5 p.m.
Agapé to visit Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — The Agapé Team is set to appear at Philadelphia United Methodist Church for worship at 10:30 a.m. April 19.
The praise and celebration service will also feature singer and evangelist Annie Frost and educator Dale Dickson.
Lunch is at noon, followed by a workshop from 12:30 to 2 p.m. about sharing one’s faith provided by Agapé Family Ministries, which is led by the Rev. Bob and Norietta Miller.
To RSVP for lunch and the workshop, or just the workshop, send email to [email protected] or call 317-507-9125.
Willow Branch church to serve dinner
WILLOW BRANCH — Willow Branch United Methodist Church’s Spring Dinner is set for 4 to 7 p.m. April 25.
The menu features a choice of cubed steak or chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, salad, dessert and drink.
A free-will offering will be accepted to support mission projects.
Chicken noodle dinner set for April 25
CHARLOTTESVILLE — Charlottesville United Methodist Church will serve a chicken and noodle dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 25 at the Charlottesville Lions Club Community Building in Charlottesville.
Mt. Lebanon plans Spud Supper
BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP — Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 3447 S. State Road 9, will play host to its annual Spud Supper from 4 to 7 p.m. today.
The menu will include a baked potato bar with toppings, salads, desserts and beverages. Hot dogs and carry-out also will be available. A free-will offering will be accepted, with proceeds used for missions.
To learn more about the church or to get specific directions, call the church office at 317-462-1313.
Screenings assess health risks
GREENFIELD — You can learn about your risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with screenings by Life Line Screening.
Trinity Park United Methodist Church will play host to this community event Monday at the church, 207 W. Park Ave. in Greenfield.
Screenings can check for:
• The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for heart disease, stroke and overall vascular health.
• HDL and LDL cholesterol levels
• Bone density as a risk for possible osteoporosis
• Kidney and thyroid function, and more
Packages start at $149, but consultants will discuss which package is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit lifelinescreening.com. Preregistration is required.
Concert will feature folk, dulcimer music
IRVINGTON — The Central Indiana Folk Music and Mountain Dulcimer Society will present a free concert at 6 p.m. April 26 at Irvington Presbyterian Church, 55 Johnson Ave., Indianapolis.
The Society features traditional American folk music such as “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “Red River Valley.” Instruments include guitar, bass, autoharp, mountain dulcimer, mandolin, fiddle and banjo.
The group has been entertaining in central Indiana for more than 40 years.
The group invites all ages to listen, sing along, and try out the instruments. A pizza reception follows.
Call 317-356-7225 or see irvpresby.org for information.
Auction to aid several groups
GREENFIELD — An old-fashioned country auction will benefit World Renewal International, Love INC and Friends of Recovery-Women’s Sober House, Talitha Koum.
The auction is set for 6 p.m. April 30 at the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds.
The proceeds will be divided equally between the three groups. Another Addison Auction will provide the auctioneer services.
Organizers are collecting new, slightly used, collectible or antique items (no clothes, please) for the auction. All donated items are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
If you have items to donate, call Love INC at 317-468 6300.
‘Mr. Drama’ coming to Calvary
GREENFIELD — Actor Trevor Thomas, “Mr. Drama,” will appear at Calvary Baptist Church at 6 p.m. April 26.
