Hoosier United Methodist e-NEWS for June 22, 2012

HOOSIER UNITED METHODIST e-newsletter

An electronic newsletter of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church

Friday, June 22, 2012 – Sunday is Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (green)
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: As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation!

– 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, www.gbod.org/worship

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Dear God, We acknowledge complete dependence on you for the things in life that we generally take for granted. Right now, we have a desperate need for rain and call upon you to intervene and send us the water that our thirsty crops need to grow and produce a good harvest (Zechariah 10:1). When we think about the harvest of fruits, vegetables and grain, we can’t help but think about the harvest of people whom you are calling to a personal relationship with you. Please send the water of your Holy Spirit and rain down a revival in the United Methodist churches in Indiana that many new workers of all ages rise up to take part in the harvest of souls! We thank you, right now, for what you are going to do in answer to our prayers! In Jesus Name, Amen.

– Shared by Indiana Conference Prayer Coordinator Shirley Saddler

THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES

• Fort Wayne hiker raising funds for Epworth Forest on Appalachian Trail
• Hoosier woman elected to new UMW board of directors
• Ideas exchanged for vital churches
• Women excel as Africa University graduates
• Todd, Messer to lead Global AIDS group
• Young adults submit devotions
• Bones dated back to John the Baptist era
• What do we do now?
• UE English professor publishes new book about Hemingway
• DePauw professors mentoring young Indianapolis musicians
• Archives and History awards, grants

NEWS BRIEFS

Fort Wayne hiker raising funds for Epworth Forest on Appalachian Trail

Roger Summers at Mason-Dixon Line on the Appalachian Trail

Roger Summers, a member of Good Shepherd UMC in Fort Wayne, Ind. is currently hiking the 2,181 miles of the Appalachian Trail. He started Saturday, March 10. His mission is inspired by his commitment to do everything it takes to reach the future generations for Jesus Christ through The Right Future Campaign at Epworth Forest Conference Center. This week he is in Pennsylvania. So far he has hiked more than 1,100 miles. Readers can follow Roger daily online at www.trailjournals.com/sos with journal entries and pictures. When he headed for the trail in March, he wrote: “It is my goal in 2012 to raise $300,000 to build a new access road in to Epworth Forest and another $1.2 million to build a large lodge for campers. I hope you choose to follow along and also desire to contribute to the Right Future Campaign.” So far more than $30,000 has been raised for the Right Future campaign. He plans to end his hike at Mt. Katahdin in Maine September 12. To support him in his quests, pledge at www.rightfuture.org/hikingforhim.html.

Hoosier woman elected to new UMW board of directors

Vickie Newkirk of New Palestine, Ind., was one of four women elected Wednesday during the North Central Jurisdiction United Methodist Women’s quadrennial meeting June 19-20 at Des Moines, Iowa. She will serve during the next quadrennium as a director on the new Board of Directors for the national organization of United Methodist Women. The national UMW will be governed by a 25-member board of directors with 20 elected by United Methodist Women members through jurisdictional channels and five through a nominations process to ensure diversity of age, race, language, physical ability and working status. The board will be responsible for managing the organization’s program policies, finances – including investments, budget, property, financial policies – and its chief executive staff person. The new structure of an autonomous national UMW was approved recently by the United Methodist General Conference which met this spring in Tampa, Fla.

Ideas exchanged for vital churches

EVANSTON, Ill. (UMNS) – Six weeks after the 2012 General Conference, denominational leaders met to discuss theories, best practices and challenges for increasing the number of highly vital United Methodist congregations. The Vital Congregations Initiative, which met on the campus of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary on June 12-13, included United Methodist bishops, pastors, laity, researchers, practitioners, leaders from various United Methodist boards and agencies and evangelism professors from United Methodist theological schools. Read full story.

Women excel as Africa University graduates

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) – The opportunity for African women to seek higher education is often difficult and sometimes impossible. At the United Methodist-affiliated Africa University in Zimbabwe, nearly half of the 400 graduates on June 9 were women. The best overall student also was a woman – Chiedza Dziva. “I’m greatly honored to be leading the light to my fellow sisters out there as women continue to make strides in business, politics and various other areas of expertise,” Dziva said. Read full story and post a comment.

Todd, Messer to lead Global AIDS group

WASHINGTON (UMNS) – Linda Bales Todd, who is retiring from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, and the Rev. Donald E. Messer, executive director of the Center for the Church and Global AIDS, have been elected to co-chair the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee for 2013-2016. The 2012 General Conference endorsed the group’s new “20/20: Visioning an AIDS-Free World” campaign, which encourages every church member to contribute $20, $200, or more to the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Visit website.

Young adults submit devotions

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The Young Adult Network has collected several devotions by young adults for young adults. The essays can be used for discussion groups or personal study. Applications also are being sought for new contributors. For more information.

Bones dated back to John the Baptist era

SVET IVAN, Bulgaria (UMNS) – Claims that bone fragments unearthed by archaeologists at the site of an ancient church belong to John the Baptist have been bolstered by experts who have dated the bones to the first century. "We got some dates that are very interesting indeed," researcher Thomas Higham of the University of Oxford told MSNBC’s LiveScience. "They suggest that the human bone is all from the same person, it's from a male, and it has a very high likelihood of an origin in the Near East." There is no way; however, to be absolutely certain the bones belong to John the Baptist, who the New Testament says baptized Jesus. Read more.

What do we do now?

DES MOINES, Wash. (UMNS) – Retired Bishop Jack M. Tuell identifies a twofold challenge facing The United Methodist Church that he says helps to explain some of the trauma and dysfunction evident at General Conference 2012. Read more and post a comment.

UE English professor publishes new book about Hemingway

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (UE) – Mark Cirino, assistant professor of English at the United Methodist-related University of Evansville, has published a new book, Ernest Hemingway: Thought in Action, from the University of Wisconsin Press. The book focuses on Hemingway’s interest in the modern mind and consciousness, rather than the love of action (from bullfighting to boxing) the author is known for. Cirino, a recognized expert on Hemingway, is also the co-editor of Ernest Hemingway: Geography of Memory and the author of two novels, Name the Baby and Arizona Blues. For more information, visit www.evansville.edu.

DePauw professors mentoring young Indianapolis musicians

GREENCASTLE, Ind. (DePauw) – Two DePauw University School of Music professors – Eric Edberg and Orcenith Smith – are spending this week mentoring young Indianapolis musicians. The pair of music educators are lending their talents to “Strings and Jazzy Things,” a tuition-free camp at Broad Ripple High School, which began Monday and continues through Friday. Established by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis in 1999, the camp serves inner-city middle school students of Indianapolis. The program is funded completely by major organizations in Indiana's capital city, including the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, the Indianapolis Symphony, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Teachers are leading classical and jazz musicians from the Indianapolis area.

Archives and History awards, grants

MADISON, N.J. (UMNS) – A history professor and a seminary student conducting separate research projects into the African-American history of The Methodist Church are among the recipients of grants and awards for 2012 from the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History. Applications for grants and awards for 2013 are now being accepted. Read about 2012 recipients.

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

An Act of Worship for a time between pastors

A liturgy for use in worship between the departure of a previous pastor and the arrival of a newly appointed pastor, by John Peterson. Click here.

The Books of the Bible set to music

A children's song for Sunday school, worship, children's choir, vacation Bible school, summer camp, or National Bible Week. Click here.

God so loved the world

Use this short hymn-like setting of the familiar words of John 3:16 as a response to prayer or scripture, a repeated Taizé-like refrain, during the serving of Holy Communion, or for any devotional purpose. Click here.

Recent hymn studies:

• “I Thank You Jesus”: Worship & Song, no. 3037
• Complete Hymn Studies

“Join in festive song”

Challenging 5-octave handbell piece by Michael E. Ekbladh.

“The doorway of welcome”

Congregational Song on Ephesians 2:11-22 by John Ridgway Walker

Accompanying hymns: Who’s in charge?

What happens when the composer, accompanist and singers disagree?

Weekly guide for designing worship

MINISTRY RESOURCES

UM Communications offering online workshops about web ministry

United Methodist Communications is offering four online courses to help you understand how to integrate a web ministry into the broader picture of your church's outreach. Specifically, learn how to:

• Set a purpose, goals and action plan for establishing a web ministry.
• Identify your users and how to meet their needs.
• Learn the nuts and bolts of websites – from domain name registration to hosting services and from privacy issues to site maps
• Find software and other resources to enhance your site.
• Develop content and graphics for your website.
• Build efficient, effective site navigation.

The courses will run from July 5 to Aug. 15. Registration is open through June 28. The courses need to be taken in sequence since learning is based upon previous instruction

• Web Ministry 100 – $49 per registrant
• Web Ministry 101 – $119 per registrant
• Web Ministry 102 – $119 per registrant
• Web Ministry 103 – $119 per registrant

To view a description of each and register for these online events, visit http://secure.umcom.org/Store/training-resources/web-ministry?ppp=4.

Free IRS webinar for religious groups scheduled for July 25

WASHINGTON (UMNS) – How does the IRS define a church? What are the rules for compensating your pastors? And, what happens if your congregation is audited? The IRS promises to answer these questions and more at a free webinar, scheduled for July 25 at 2 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. CT. To register.

Welcoming, Connectional Giving webinars available online

A few seats are still available for two webinars – one on welcoming and another on Connectional Giving offered by United Methodist Communications. The courses will run from July 5 to Aug. 15. Registration continues through June 28.

Welcoming Ministry 100

• Cost: $29
• In this course, here is what you can learn:
  • What it means to be a welcoming, hospitable congregation
  • How to identify and enlist congregants for your church's welcoming ministry
  • Ways to assess what your church does well in regard to welcoming - as well as areas for possible improvement
  • How to identify what your church is known for
  • How to reach out to the local community.
• For more information, click here.
• To register, click here.

Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving

• Free
• In this course, here is what you can learn:
  • How to be a missional storyteller – describing the differences the church makes in the world and how giving affects that difference.
  • What the apportioned and designated funds are – and the difference between the two.
  • How to "make the ask" in your congregation.
• For more information and registration, click here.

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

None listed this week.

DEATHS

WARREN RICHARD BLACK, 88, father of the Rev. Lowell Black, a Deacon in the Indiana Conference and Pastor of Spiritual Formation at First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso, Ind., died Wednesday, June 13, 2012, after a lengthy illness. A memorial service was held Sunday, June 17 at Central United Methodist Church, 1011 Second Street in Muskegon, Mich. Survivors include: his children Kathryn (David) Smith of South Lyon, Mich., David (Bonnie) Black of Martinez, Ga., Carleton (Barbara) Black of Ravenna, Mich., and Lowell (Jodie) Black of Chesterton, Ind.; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn. Memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Room Emmaus Ministry and Hospice of North Ottawa, Mich. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. & Mrs. Lowell (and Jodie) Black, 103 Franklin St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

EDWIN R. MANUS of Seelyville, Ind., 90, retired local pastor of the Indiana Conference, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at his home. Visitation will be Friday, June 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street in Terre Haute, Ind. A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, June 23, at Greiner Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jack Dial officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Margaret; his daughter Vickie Henderson and her husband, David; and grandchildren, Alex Manus, Mark Schaefer, Alyssa Henderson and Taylor Henderson. Memorial contributions may be made to the Seelyville United Methodist Church, 2351 N. Second Street (P.O. Box 196), Seelyville, IN 47878 or Boy Scouts of America Troop 200. Online condolences may be made at www.greinerfuneralhome.com. Manus served Indiana churches at Kingman/Cates/Cooper’s Chapel and Smith Park in West Terre Haute.

VIRGIL SEXTON, a former clergy member of the Indiana Conference, died on Tuesday, June 5, 2012. A memorial service was held Sunday, June 17, at Presbyterian Village, 2000 East-West Connector, Austell, GA 30106. Sexton served as a pastor of Indiana churches at Kimmell, Whitewater, Willow Branch, Van Buren, Elkhart, Goshen, Decatur, Indianapolis Broad Ripple and Irvington before becoming superintendent of the former Indianapolis District. He then served as an associate general secretary for the General Board of Global Ministries for ten years, after which he served in the Florida Conference until his retirement. Memorial contributions may be sent to “Virgil’s Trail” in care of the Landscape Committee at Presbyterian Village.

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 week ending June 21, 2012.

• Ballinger, Laura L., from Huntington Trinity, Northeast District to Transitional Leave of Absence, 7/1/2012
• Berkshire, Heather, from Meese Chapel, Northeast District to Huntington Zion, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
• Blackford, Thomas E., from Transitional Leave to Surrendered Credentials, 4/23/2012
• Chinn, David, from Montpelier/Hartford City, East District to Herbst, North Central District, 7/1/2012
• Faucett, Barry Lee, New Appointment to Bippus Calvary, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
• Ford, Gary, New Appointment to Meese Chapel, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
• Franz, Brent, New Appointment to Leipsic, South District, 6/15/2012
• Heller, Denise M., from LaGrange First, Northeast District to Lima, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
• Hopper, Phillip Michael, New Appointment to Greenfield Faith, Central District, 2/26/2012
• Kendall, Jared Michael, New Appointment to Lebanon Otterbein, North Central District, 7/1/2012
• Lawler, Linda G., from Herbst, North Central District to Disability/Incapacity Leave, 7/1/2012
• Lugar, Tamara, from Washington Center, Northeast District to Shipshewana Scott, Northeast District 7/1/2012
• Manton, Zachary, New Appointment to Sweetser, North Central District 7/1/2012
• McCammon, Stan, New Appointment to Andrews, Northeast District, 7/1/2012
• Miller, Mark Alan, from Frankfort Hopewell, North Central District to Frankfort Hopewell/Burlington, North Central District, 7/1/2012
• Pendleton, Frank A., from Lanesville Mt Zion/Embury, South District to Lanesville Mt Zion, South District, 7/1/2012
• Rapp, William K., from Huntington Zion, Northeast District to Washington Center, Northeast District 7/1/2012
• Rasmussen, Timothy A., from Retirement to Whitestown, North Central District, 7/1/2012
• Reichenbach, Deborah J., from Marengo, South District to Marengo/Lincoln Hills, South District 7/1/2012
• Rinearson, Richard, from Dakotas Conference to Transfer to Indiana Conference, North District, 7/1/2012
• Schwartz, David C., from Retirement to Mechanicsburg, North Central District 7/1/2012
• Smoot, Randy, from Talma, Northwest District to Amboy, North Central District, 7/1/2012
• Winford, Doris, from Mechanicsburg, North Central District to Retirement, 7/1/2012
• Witt, Douglas Allan, from Retirement to Oaktown Morris Chapel, Southwest District, 7/1/2012

NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Downtown Indianapolis church seeks two paid soloists

Roberts Park United Methodist Church on the corner of Vermont and Delaware in downtown Indianapolis seeks to fill two paid soloist positions – alto and tenor. ($240 a month). Please call or e-mail to set up an interview/auditions. Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and with one service on Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. plus the usual special services such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday as well. Rehearsals for the upcoming season begin on August 16. Please contact: Sheri Sullivan, Director of Music, Roberts Park United Methodist Church, 401 N. Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 or call 317-459-9845 or e-mail choraldir@aol.com.

Munster church seeks choir director and/or organist

Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster has an opening for a choir director and/or organist for our traditional worship services. For information about the position contact Jennifer Olejniczak (jolejniczak@uchicago.edu).

Youth and nursery team leaders positions open at Terre Haute church

Youth team leader for United Methodist Temple

UM Temple invites applications for the position of youth team leader. This is a part-time position of 5-10 hours a week. This person should be dynamic, creative, resourceful, and able to establish and maintain an easy rapport with junior high through high school age youth. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to plan, conduct and/or direct a meaningful program of learning and Christian worship experiences appropriate for youth. Successful education, training and experience in working with youth are expected. This position will be paid at a rate commensurate with the experience level of the person. There will be a three month trial period, with a review and a renewal. Interested parties should present a resume with three references to: Margaret Fulsom, 5301 Hwy 41 South, Terre Haute, IN 47802.

Nursery team leader at United Methodist Temple

Hours: Sunday morning 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Job description: The nursery team leader will be responsible for the care of our nursery aged children and will assist in the scheduling of volunteers. This person will have experience in teaching or have other child care experience. Specific responsibilities:

1. Teaching the nursery aged children from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Sunday. Applicants must be faith based.
2. Assist with the scheduling of volunteers in the nursery in accordance with our safe sanctuary policies.
3. Utilize extra time (if there are not children present) with KIDS OWN WORSHIP/Children's Sunday school classes as needed by United Methodist Temple.
4. Pass a police check, have their own transportation, and be willing to learn the job.
5. Requires a person who is well organized and able to function well to guarantee the care of the children of our congregation.

This person will be paid at a rate that is equivalent to the person's experience level. There will be a 3 month trial period, with review and renewal possible. Contact: Margaret Fulsom, secretary of UM Temple, 812-299-1898. Resumes expected showing work experience. They may be turned in at the UM Temple office at 5301 Hwy 41 South, Terre Haute, IN 47802.

PREVIOUSLY LISTED 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.