Hoosier United Methodist e-NEWS for June 15, 2012
HOOSIER UNITED METHODIST e-newsletter
An electronic newsletter of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church
Friday, June 15, 2012 – Sunday is Third Sunday after Pentecost (green) and Father’s Day
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference tithe. Thank you.
Edited by Dan Gangler, dan.gangler@inumc.org, Indiana Conference director of communication
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
In the words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth: “From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”
– 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, www.gbod.org/worship
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Dear God, Your word says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.” (Psalm 1: 1-3) Help us to walk in the way of the righteous, and love people all around us with sacrificial love like Jesus did! In His name we pray, Amen
– Shared by Indiana Conference Prayer Coordinator Shirley Saddler
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
- Offerings received at Annual Conference
- Video presented during CFA report available for purchase online
- Annual conference coverage across the country
- Northwest District to welcome two new associate superintendents
- Wildfires force camp evacuations
- Haiti programs need medical volunteers
- New wrinkle in guaranteed appointments
- Agency head on guaranteed appointments
- Great Plains annual conferences to merge
- Tons of thanks!
- Bishop’s retirement reversal sets new course
- Commission on Race addresses Bledsoe case
- Bennett College alum named president
- Alumnus to lead Philander Smith
NEWS BRIEFS
News about the recently held Indiana Annual Conference session is now available at www.inumc.org/ac2012.
Offerings received at Annual Conference
Two offerings were received during the Indiana Annual Conference session June 8 and 9. They included:
- The offering for the Metro Ministries Habitat for Humanity build of $3,840.27.
- The offering for the Matthew Pickut Fund (Rejuvenate) of $8,368.59.
Video presented during CFA report available for purchase online
The video shown during the Council on Finance and Administration report at the Indiana Annual Conference session is a copyrighted piece. The title of the video is “The Plate” by Restoration Video. It’s a powerful illustration of how God uses our tithes and offerings to build God’s Kingdom and meet the needs within the church, the community and around the world. It can be previewed and obtained for $20 online at http://sermonspice.com/product/2229/the-plate.
Annual conference coverage across the country
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – This is peak annual conference season in the United States and United Methodist Communications is bringing you reports and news from the conferences as they occur. Read more.
Northwest District to welcome two new associate superintendents
The Rev. Kate Walker will be finishing her appointment as the Northwest Associate District Superintendent at the end of June. The Northwest District will be receiving two new associate district superintendents beginning July 1. One is the Rev. Lamar Imes who is a retired elder in the Indiana Conference. He has served rural churches, county seat churches and city churches. In addition, he has served as the superintendent of the Elkhart, Michiana and Fort Wayne Districts. Most recently he served as the associate district superintendent of the North Central District. He also served on the former North Indiana Conference staff. The other associate superintendent is the Rev. Rob Seewald. A few of the churches where he served include Beaver Dam, Nappanee and Leesburg, where he is currently serving. Seewald also has been assisting the Church Development Team with their Fruitful Congregations ministry. – The Rev. Craig LaSuer, Northwest District Superintendent
Wildfires force camp evacuations
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (UMNS) – As wildfires rage in Colorado and New Mexico, campers and staff were evacuated from Buckhorn Camp, a Rocky Mountain Conference facility. “The camp support staff made temporary housing arrangements,” said the Rev. Skip Strickland, conference director of mission and ministry. “We are working with Nancy Boswell, pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Fort Collins, to find a temporary housing location for Gregg Kernes, camp manager, and his family.” To support UMCOR’s relief efforts, give to Disaster Response, United States, Advance No. 901670. Learn more about the wildfires. How to help.
Haiti programs need medical volunteers
NEW YORK (UMNS) – United Methodist volunteer medical teams are now welcome to schedule mission service to the denomination’s existing partner health programs in the Port-au-Prince area, including King's Hospital, Partners in Development, Grace Children's Hospital and the TB clinic at Hospital General. Volunteers also can work at one of the nine Methodist Church of Haiti clinics or participate in the church’s mobile clinic pilot project. More information.
New wrinkle in guaranteed appointments
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The action by the General Conference on May 1 to end guaranteed appointments for elders is coming up against contradicting interpretations. While one part of the Book of Discipline was changed by the denomination’s top lawmaking body to eliminate guaranteed appointments, another paragraph allowing for this guarantee was left intact. The result, according to the General Conference secretary, is that the 2012 United Methodist Book of Discipline “does not eliminate the security of appointments for elders.” Read full story.
Agency head on guaranteed appointments
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The Rev. Kim Cape, the top executive of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, urges caution in interpreting General Conference action regarding security of appointment for elders. In a statement released June 13, she responded to the questions her agency has received since the General Conference secretary, the Rev. L. Fitzgerald “Gere” Reist II, issued a statement saying security of appointment was not removed. Read Cape's full statement.
Great Plains annual conferences to merge
WICHITA, Kan. (UMNS) – Three United Methodist annual (regional) conferences in the Great Plains area have approved a proposal to merge on Jan. 1, 2014. On June 9, Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones and Nebraska Bishop Ann Sherer-Simpson simultaneously announced the vote results by the Kansas West, Kansas East and Nebraska conferences. A uniting conference is set for August 2013 to approve the final plan for the new conference. Read more.
Tons of thanks!
BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) – More than 60 truckloads of sweet potatoes were delivered to hungry families from Florida to New York, thanks to the generosity of United Methodists who pitched in to help with their time and money. The Society of St. Andrew, which issued the call for help during the United Methodist General Conference, estimates that 2.6 million sweet potatoes were rescued.
Bishop’s retirement reversal sets new course
PLANO, Texas (UMNS) – The North Texas Conference has entered uncharted territory, but decisions made in the coming months could affect The United Methodist Church for years to come. Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe announced June 1 that he was retiring voluntarily. But late on the afternoon of June 5, just before the conclusion of the North Texas Annual Conference Session, he declared that he was reversing course. He was being forced out, he told conference members, and he had decided to fight…all the way to the Judicial Council – the denomination’s equivalent of the U.S. Supreme Court – if he has to. Read full story and post a comment.
Commission on Race addresses Bledsoe case
WASHINGTON (UMNS) – The agency in charge of monitoring racial matters in The United Methodist Church expresses concern about the situation involving Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe, an African-American bishop who has said he is being pressured to retire. Read full story and post a comment.
Bennett College alum named president
GREENSBORO, N.C. (UMNS) – Esther Terry has been named interim president of Bennett College, making her the first alumna to lead the historically black women’s college. Terry was appointed to this position by the Board of Trustees after the resignation of Julianne Malveaux, 15th president of the United Methodist-affiliated college. “Her knowledge and her admiration of Bennett College is one that only an alum can have,” said Charles Barrentine, chair of the Board of Trustees. “I expect Dr. Terry to do a phenomenal job because she is just so invested in this college.”
Alumnus to lead Philander Smith
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) – Philander Smith College will welcome one of its own graduates back to campus to take the helm of the historically black, four-year school. Johnny Moore, 44, will become the 13th president of the United Methodist-affiliated institution. Moore, now executive vice president of student affairs at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas, will start July 1 at Philander Smith. Read announcement.
For more United Methodist news and information, visit www.umc.org and click on NEWS or
catch UMNS news at http://www.facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch.
Also visit www.umportal.org home of the United Methodist Reporter and at www.facebook.com/umreporter.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
June 19: Juneteenth resources available
Across the United States, June 19 – the day in 1865 when slaves in Galveston, Texas, received word of their emancipation – remains a date when many Americans celebrate the abolition of slavery. The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers prayers, hymn suggestions and Scripture suggestions for marking Juneteenth and recognizing God’s gift of human liberty. See resources.
Weekly guide for designing worship
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Your Indiana Conference Media Center has resources for your use
The Indiana Conference UM Media Resource Center video library is located at Sunnycrest UMC, 1921 W. Bradford St., Marion, IN 46952. If you have any questions about the Media Center, please call toll-free at 877-781-6706 or direct at 765-662-9220 or e-mail the Media Center Director Gail Haglund (gail.haglund@inumc.org). Office hours are Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. and e-mail replies are returned within 24 hours. Click here to go to the Indiana Conference UM Media Resource Center.
BIRTHS
BROOKLYN ALEXANDRIA FARMER was born May 23rd at 7:59pm. Weighing in at 5 pounds 2 ounces 19 inches long. Proud parents are Dani Diehl Farmer and J.D. Farmer. Dani is a member of the Conference nominations committee and has been an active lay member for many years.
DEATHS
ELLIS (RAY) BROOKS, of Jeffersonville, Ind., 72, brother of South District Assistant Lynda Alexander, died Monday, June 4, 2012. A memorial service was held in Jeffersonville. He is survived by his son, Kris Brooks (Sherri) of Lyles, Tenn.; and five siblings, Lowell Brooks, Leavenworth, Ind., Lucille Bell, Champaign, Ill., Mary Johnson, Carol Wellman and Lynda Alexander, all of Corydon, Ind. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.legacyindiana.com. Condolences may be sent to Lynda Alexander, 1618 Canal Lane, Georgetown, IN 47122.
ROSEMARY MORIN, of West Lafayette, Ind.,89, wife of the Rev. James Morin, a retired Elder of the Indiana Conference, died Sunday, June 3, 2012. A memorial service was held June 7 in West Lafayette. Survivors include: her husband, the Rev. James Morin; two daughters, Jane Lewis (Dirk) and Becky Alkire; two granddaughters; and two great-granddaughters. Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association of University Place Foundation. Online condolences may be sent online at www.soller-baker.com. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. James Morin, 3307 Tilbury Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906.
BRUCE E. REED of Evansville, Ind., 78, father of the Rev. Jeffory Reed, pastor of Unity Chapel UMC in Ramsey, Ind., in the South District, died Friday, June 8, 2012. A memorial service was held June 11 in Evansville. Survivors include: his wife of 50 years, Peggy; sons Jeff (Linda) of Ramsey, Ind., Jim (Freida) of Evansville, and Mike of Evansville, daughters, Beth Reed of Fishers, Ind., Sandy Maurer (Ron) of Stevensville, Mich., and Cindy (Keith) Batteiger of Evansville; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Trace Council, 3501 E. Lloyd Expressway, Evansville, IN 47714. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Mr. & Mrs. Jeff (and Linda) Reed, 1776 Lost Creek Road NW, Ramsey, IN 47166-8123.
HERBERT SEI LAMI ZIGBUO, 72, retired coordinator of Indiana United Methodist-related Operation Classroom of Liberia, died Wednesday, May 30, 2012. According to the Rev. Joe Wagner, co-coordinator of Operation Classroom, Zigbuo served as principal of Ganta school, started the refugee school in Danane, O.C. coordinator in Liberia, started a vocational training program, spoke a number of times in Indiana and attended several annual conferences in Indiana. A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at Resurrection United Methodist Church, 4705 Old Chapel Hill Road in Durham, N.C. A wake will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 22, at the Miller McAllister UMC at the Ganta Mission Station in Liberia. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 23 at McAllister UMC with interment at the Ganta United Methodist Mission Station. Condolences may be sent to his wife, Mary Zigbuo, 327 Bridget Way, Creedmoor, NC 27522.
MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the following changes within the Indiana Conference. These appointments are based on Cabinet reports received by e-HUM the weeks ending June 7 and 14, 2012.
- Baker, Mike, New Appointment to West Terre Haute First, West District, 3/1/2010
- Bloom, Kimberly Ann, from No Appointment to South Bend Immanuel/Samaritan Counseling Center, North District, 7/1/2012
- Bock, Matthew Lee, New Appointment to Wolf Lake, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
- Conner, Suzanne, New Appointment to North Scipio, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
- Freije, Brenda Hacker, from Lockerbie Central/Indianapolis North, Central District to Lockerbie Central, Central District, 7/1/2012
- Gilbert, Denise K. Davault, from Family Leave to Surrendered Credentials, 5/11/2012
- Glidden, Timothy, New Appointment to Middletown Honey Creek, East District, 7/1/2012
- Harris, David, from Yeoman, Northwest District to No Appointment, 7/1/2012
- Hoffmaster, Paul W., New Appointment to Plato, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
- Imes, Lamar L., from North Central District, North Central District to North Central District,/Northwest District, Northwest District, 7/1/2012
- Leinbach, Dennis D., from Fort Wayne Bethel, Northeast District to Lancaster Chapel, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
- Mangum, John, from Fulton Co Pleasant hill, Northwest District to Fulton Co Pleasant Hill/Fulton UMC, Northwest District, 7/1/2012
- Martin, James Andrew, from Covington, Northwest District to Covington (Church District, Change), West District, 7/1/2012
- Mathys, William F., from Joyce Chapel, North Central District to Retirement, 7/1/2012
- McCalester, Wray C., from Wolf Lake, Northeast District to No Appointment, 7/1/2012
- McCullough, Logananne, New Appointment to Holland/Holland Zoar, Southwest District, 7/1/2012
- Moman, Mary Ann, from Garrett Theological Seminary to United Methodist Foundation of Indiana, Rejuvenate Director, 7/1/2012
- Moore, Tammy, from Ruter Chapel, Southeast District to No Appointment, 7/1/2012
- Nester, Jonetta, from Monrovia, Central District to Discontinued, 5/7/2012
- Nunemaker, Donald, from Burton/Richland Center, Northwest District to Burton Richland Center (changed to one charge), Northwest District, 6/30/2012
- Rather, Jenothy, New Appointment to Franklin Grace, Central District, 2/1/2012
- Seewald, Victor Robert, from Leesburg, North District to Leesburg/Northwest District, Northwest District, 7/1/2012
- Sellers, Robert, from Windsor, East District to No Appointment, 6/30/2012
- Smoot, Randy, from Talma, Northwest District to No Appointment, 7/1/2012
- Suits, Jack L., New Appointment to Vallonia/Medora Mt Zion, Southeast District, 7/1/2012
- Taylor, Robert L., from Oaktown Morris Chapel, Southwest District to Retirement, 7/1/2012
- Thompson, Douglas, New Appointment to Yeoman, Northwest District, 7/1/2012
- Walker, Katharine L., from Northwest District, Northwest District to Retirement, 7/1/2012
- Whinery, Joseph Mark, from Andrews, Northeast District to No Appointment, 7/1/2012
- White, Robert Daniel, from Florida Conference to Elkhart Trinity, North District, 8/1/2012
NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Kokomo church seeks full-time director of youth ministries
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Kokomo is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to develop, grow and administer all areas of youth ministry to 6th through 12th graders. Must be a person committed to establishing relationships with youth and their families both in the church and outside the church in the community. The qualified candidate will be self-motivated yet possess a strong sense of teamwork, as well as a passion to introduce people to a relationship with Christ and disciple them. This is a full-time position with a comprehensive compensation package. Interested candidates should send resumes to Rev. Mitch Norwood, 700 Southway Blvd E., Kokomo, IN 46902 or to mitch@stlukesumc.net.
Kokomo church seeks part-time director of Christian education and children’s ministries
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Kokomo is seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to develop and administer all areas of Children’s ministry (all children 5th grade and younger) and Christian education. The qualified candidate will be self-motivated yet possess a strong sense of teamwork, and a passion to give children and adults educational opportunities that will teach them about Jesus Christ and disciple them in their faith. This is a part-time position requiring 25 hours per week. Interested candidates should send resumes to Rev. Mitch Norwood, 700 Southway Blvd E., Kokomo, IN 46902 or to mitch@stlukesumc.net.
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inumc.org/classifieds.