The Northwood News Owned and published by Northwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 4550 Central Avenue Indianapolis,

IN 46205 (317) 283-1352 FAX: (317) 283-2206 The Northwood News (USPS 398-100) is published monthly PeriodicalsPostage Paid at Indianapolis, IN Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Northwood News 4550 Central Ave Indianapolis, IN 46205

NORTHWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) 4550 Central Ave Indianapolis, IN 46205 317.283.1352 FAX 317.283.2206 Minister: Rev. Ted Nottingham tednottingham @northwoodchristian.com Office Administrator: Traci Willis traciwillis @northwoodchristian.com Music Director: Jack Fox jackfox @northwoodchristian.com Website: www.northwoodchristian.com Scheduled Sunday Morning Services 8:30 Chapel Worship 9:30 Church School 10:45 Sanctuary Worship

The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances.
Robert Flatt

Noon in the Chapel &

January 2013 Volume LXXII No. 2

7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

faith is at the center of spiritual teachings. Not faith as adherence to a belief system which is passively accepted, but faith as a powerful, courageous opening of the heart and mind beyond the realm of the senses. The ancient tradition of Lent goes back to the earliest times of Christianity. This is the liturgical season that leads up to the crucifixion of Jesus and the experience of his resurrection. Lents purpose is for seekers of God to travel the path traced by the holy man of Nazareth. This is an internal, spiritual journey. The external rituals associated with Lent are all aimed at supporting and increasing the personal transformation which is generated by reliving the spiritual meaning of the Easter story. Lent leads us into what has been called the dark night of the soul which expresses the sense of despair and abandonment of God which we see in the image of the torment and crucifixion of Jesus. As in all spiritual insights, this idea requires the reconciliation of opposites in order to be understood. According to the mystical tradition, the darkness which is so oppressive to us can turn out to be light itself. The desolation of the soul becomes a purification from selfishness and desires in order to clear the ground for the reception of greater wisdom and joy. It can develop a new ability to perceive and understand: through unknowing we come to truly know. These paradoxes are much more than mind-bending sayings. They represent the essence of the human experience of divine reality. We can never hope to know the creative force of the universe with our tiny minds, nor can we understand the depth and breadth of the purpose of life in its objective totality. This is why The Lenten journey is one of dying to the aspects of our nature that are obstacles to the awakening of our spiritual potential selfishness, violence, negativity, the list is almost endless. Those who follow the way of Christ are in fact headed for their own crucifixion, that of the self-focused view of the world where the individual is the center of their universe. This death to egocentric attitudes and behaviors leads to what might be called a resurrected life, one that is no longer limited to self-gratification but is connected to others in such a way that giving of oneself in the name of goodness becomes the very purpose of existence. Through its season of Lent, Christianity places a laser-sharp focus on this kind of discipline, self-mastery, and transformation that creates a new consciousness and a different way of life. The fact that this is not lived out by all Christians is merely a reflection of human frailty and our failure to understand the magnitude of the gift made available to all of us through the story of Jesus and his journey to the cross and beyond. Each new Lenten season is meant to be an opportunity for individuals to prioritize their choices, overcome their intolerance and toxic attitudes, and enter a spiritual freedom that can make the world a better place. Pastor Ted

CROP HUNGER WALK

The Northwood CROP Hunger Walk Team raised $1,246 this year; of this $230 was raised through credit card donations online. This reflects an increase of 4.3% over 2011! Our 2012 walkers were Connie Slater, Denise Rogers, Nancy Lamm, Margaret Taylor, BK Story, Sandra Hart, Judy Dunson, Janet Anderson, Barbie Blome, and Janet Casey-Allen (also served as one of the Walks photographers). Our thanks go to all walkers and to everyone who sponsored their efforts. Judy Dunson was the Coordinator of the Greater Indianapolis CROP Hunger Walk; she is retiring from that position having served 26 years! Rev. Brooks Barrick, pastor of both Olive Branch and Centenary Christian (Disciples) churches, will succeed her as Coordinator.

Easter Lilies
In preparation for Easter Sunday, we are now taking orders for memorial lilies. Send this form to the church office, or drop it in the offering plate on Sunday. Call or email the church office with any questions.

Name_____________________________

Lilies @ $10total order______________

In honor/memory of ______________

__________________________

MEET JIM AND DURGA ROPKEY

What brought you to Northwood? Jim: The Holy Spirit brought me and Durga to Northwood church. I am sure knowing Pastor Ted has helped me immensely to grasp the spiritual roots of Christianity. Last August, my step-mom Lani Ropkey asked us if we would like to travel with her from our home in Crawfordsville to attend a speaking event given by Pastor Ted and we were instantly drawn to the depth and breadth of his words. As long as I can remember, I have recognized a deep calling within myself, a knowing that there is much more to earthly living than meets the eye . Who or what were some of the influences that shaped your life and faith? My first teacher I can recall was my Mom. Her death when I was 15 years old, her long illness, and my close relationship with her pushed me into several difficult years. She remained in my awareness for 4 years after she passed and when she knew I was able to stand more or less on my own she went on her merry way to her next adventure! I share this same adventuring spirit as my Mom to this day! What are your hobbies and interests? Durga and I enjoy most outdoor activities in

nature, simple living, walking, jogging, birdwatching and plant identification, conversation with interesting people, traveling in our 1992 22' Toyota RV , as well as international travel. We live with my Dad Fred and step-mom Lani in Crawforsville in a great house on the property that we are fixing up. To be home in this way during these times is a great gift. Durga: Jim told you how we got here to the church and what we like to do. Now I will attempt to organize some events that have revealed truth in this life. I have always known life was more than what I saw. My dedication to healing what I saw led me to become a Montessori teacher. Maria Montessori believed world peace was only attainable with autonomous individuals within a culture. I was dedicated to this for many years, as I raised my own children. I then met the man who became my spiritual teacher. He told me that the most effective way to change the world is to change my state of consciousness. In one statement he effectively turned the focus from outward to inward. That was in 1995. Since that time I have experienced long periods of time in quiet contemplation. I began to recognize the subtleties of my mind and the backdrop on which they play. I know that God knows my greatest hearts' desire and everything in my life is in support of that. There are times I forget. And, once again, I am blessed with a companion that will remind me. Finding Northwood Church has been an unexpected gift for us.

THE JOURNEY OF LENT

MUSIC @ NORTHWOOD PRESENTS TOGETHER AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME On Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. soprano Sharon Hulen and tenor Rob Leffler will perform Together Again for the First Time. This two fine singers have performed together but never like this. They will be sharing a concert of sacred, classical, and popular music as a part of the Music @ Northwood concert series. Among the selections are arias from the Messiah and Samson by Georg Friedric Handel, An die ferna geliebte (To the distant beloved) by Beethoven, Shepherd on the Rock by Franz Schubert, Four English Songs by Roger Quilter and Over the Rim of the Moon by Michael Head. In addition to these pieces, there will be some surprises from the American composer Irving Berlin. Assisting the artists will be Jack L. Fox, piano, Michele Howard, trumpet, and Ed Staubach, clarinet. These two singers have performed with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, The Indiana Opera Company, the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, and many other performing groups in central Indiana. Plan now to enjoy Together Again for the First Time on Sunday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m.

Currently, the following groups will be joining in this Lenten experience: The 9:30 Sunday Class in the Parlor The 8:30 a.m. Wednesday Book Study Group in the Library (open to all) Robin Run Tower in the Lounge on Tuesdays beginning February 19. The study book is Wondrous Encounters by Richard Rohr and can be purchased from Northwood for $7.50. If you have not been part of these gatherings, please consider joining them for this special opportunity for spiritual growth and meaningful prayer and fellowship time.

KEENAGERS
Welcome to a new season of KEENAGERS. Our first meeting of the 2013 year is now set and ready. So, mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 19th at 10:30am at Northwood's Fellowship Hall. We will be kicking off the new year presenting our own Cynthia Wright! Cynthia will explain all there is to know about CHOCOLATE! Learn and taste. After the fascinating presentation, the kitchen crew will present a nourishing lunch for only $5.00---so come and bring your friends. Sign up sheet in the Narthex.

MEET BOB SCHAFER

I was born on December 17, 1940 in Detroit. I was named after my father, Robert Littlefield Schafer Jr. That's Schafer with one "f', though I have seen almost every other variation on my mail. The Schafer family moved all over Detroit until, in 1961, my family moved to Dallas Texas. There I met the lovely Marilynne who was a Dallas native. I became a student at Texas Christian University, majoring in Religion and minoring in Philosophy. Marilynne became a student at TCU majoring in Education. After a long courtship they were married. Pundits predicted that she would never graduate. They were very wrong. She graduated with a degree in education before Bob in 1967. Others predicted that they would never stay married. Interesting fact: the Schafers have been married as many years as the number of the Super Bowl. After I graduated from Brite Divinity School in 1969 we moved to Indianapolis, where I worked in the Office of Communication of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Marilynne was a teacher in IPS and, after her master's degree from Butler with a library endorsement, a librarian. In 1979 our daughter Annemarie Elizabeth Bernice was born. Three years later Robert

Andrew was born. We waited approximately 13 years to start their family, but it was worth the wait. The number 13 is a good omen to the Schafers. Marilynne was born on July 13. She also celebrated her 13th birthday on a Friday the 13th. After 13 years with the Office of Communication, I took on the most difficult job of all, that of house husband. Next I became the Chaplain at Indianapolis Marion County Guardian Home. Then Pastor of Glendale Christian Church and finally Department of Correction Chaplain of Correctional Industrial Facility, from which I have just retired. Over the years I have also achieved some other tasks. 1 am a licensed pilot. I served on the communication committee of the Church Federation. I love my Mazda Miata, and my new Mac, and I am the proud possessor of two open heart surgery scars.

Music @ Northwood Presents

Sunday, February 24th 4:00pm

Together Again
for the

First Time

Sharon Hulen, Soprano Rob Leffler, Tenor

Birthdays
Kevin Langford Joan Nichols Jennifer Brown Al Hart John Sauffer Bill Boone BJ Kerr Margaret Blome Jacksyn King Linda Spencer Joe Van Bruane Mar 1 Mar 4 Mar 4 Mar 4 Mar 11 Mar 13 Mar 13 Mar 22 Mar 24 Mar 27 Mar 31

with Jack L. Fox, Piano Michele Howards, Trumpet Ed Staubach, Clarinet