Friday, August 20, 2010 – Sunday is the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Green)
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference tithe. Thank you.
Edited by Dan Gangler, director of communication
In you, O LORD, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
– Psalm 71:1-3, www.gbod.org/worship
Due to two unexpected last minute United Methodist Volunteer in Mission team cancellations for the Sept. 21-30 time period, the Haiti Response Project is in urgent need of at least one UMVIM team to fill these slots in order to continue work on priority projects. If you are able to help field or find a trained team to go to Haiti on this short notice, please let Susan Meister know right away. While a ten member team would be ideal, a smaller team is okay (at least five persons). Contact Susan Meister, US-Haiti Volunteer Coordinator at haitivolunteers@yahoo.com. Also, contact Indiana VIM coordinator, Bonnie Albert at bonkay@hotmail.com.
The Indiana Conference Board of Pension and Benefits has adopted monthly 2011 Health Insurance rates for active clergy and lay employees of local churches and the Indiana Conference. Rates for individuals and local churches/employers are listed on the Indiana Conference Web site www.inumc.org under benefits in the left column, click on 2011 Monthly Health Premium Rates. This rate information will be needed by pastors and church leadership for charge conference forms and for 2011 financial planning. An optional High Deductible Insurance plan will be offered to participants as well. More information on this plan and a list of seminars on the details of the services offered by the plan will follow in an announcement later this month. For more information, contact Linda.Eskew@inumc.org or call 877-781-6706 or 317-924-1321 ext. 1034.
We’re excited to announce the official launch of a new Web site to resource those working with youth (volunteers, pastors, paid youth workers) in our Indiana churches. Visit www.youthministryconnection.org for reflections and ideas for youth ministry, training opportunities, resources for ministry with parents, and suggested books and curriculum resources. You can also sign up for monthly email updates and the Indiana UMC Youth Workers Facebook page. Don’t see what you need for your ministry? Contact the Rev. Brian Durand at brian.durand@inumc.org as we seek to add the resources you need for your local ministry with youth.
NEW YORK (UMNS) – For some 3.5 million children, Pakistan’s worst floods in 80 years could have deadly consequences. That’s the United Nations’ estimate of how many are at risk for diarrhea, cholera, typhoid and other water-borne diseases in the worsening crisis. As floodwaters from August monsoon rains spread over 82,000 square miles in Pakistan, the death toll is estimated at 1,600, the homeless at 1.5 million and the number of people affected at millions more. Donations to support the work of UMCOR partners in Pakistan can be made through Pakistan Flash Floods UMCOR Advance #982450. Read full story and post a comment.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (GBOD) – Directors of the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), meeting Aug. 4-7, celebrated their partnerships and began the process of discussing how the church reaches more people. GBOD’s board of directors recognized the planting of 125 new churches already this year, with a goal of training 1,000 new church planters to start 650 churches in partnership with annual conferences in the United States by the end of 2012. Furthermore, it celebrated 75 years of publishing the worldwide devotional magazine, The Upper Room. Each of these accomplishments could not have been completed without partnerships with local churches, annual conferences, racial/ethnic ministries and central conferences (offices outside the United States).
Gary Shockley, executive director of New Church Starts (Path 1) at GBOD, says his division is also working to establish ethnic minority congregations. He projects planting 50-65 new faith communities in coordination with the Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Initiative. New Church Starts is also establishing connections with 31 Hispanic/Latino new congregations, in partnership with the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries. There are also plans and progress among the Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. “They see us as their partners,” says Rev. Bener Agtarap, new church strategist with New Church Starts.
GBOD is supported by your local church’s General Church apportionments.
We are less than one week away from the start of the 40 Days of Prayer for Campus Ministry. Monday, Aug. 23, will initiate a season of prayer that we hope becomes more than just an item on a prayer list for 40 days, but will birth a passion for the young people of our nation. It is our prayer that God would stir the desire to pray for and minister to the young people in your midst. It is also our prayer that college students would become people of prayer, making an impact in the world for God.
If you have checked out the Forty Days of Prayer Web site, you know that we have several ways that you can receive the prayers that have been written by church leaders, campus ministers and students themselves. One also can follow on Twitter or on Facebook to receive a link to the prayers on the Web.
U.S. News & World Report has again recognized United Methodist-related University of Evansville as one of the 10 Best Regional Universities in the Midwest – as well as one of the region’s Best Values and the nation’s top Study Abroad programs – in its annual ranking of America’s Best Colleges.
In the rankings, which hit newsstands on Monday, the University of Evansville held steady in the 10th spot in the Best Regional Universities – Midwest category, and also scored the third slot on the Midwest list of “Great Schools at Great Prices.” UE’s commitment to Study Abroad was honored, as well, with the University listed among the best in the nation in that category.
Also recognized were the two other United Methodist-related schools in Indiana – the University of Indianapolis and DePauw University in Greencastle. The University of Indianapolis ranked 33rd in Best Regional Universities in the Midwest. DePauw University ranked 51st in Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. – e-HUM
The severe flooding of the Skunk River in Iowa has caused havoc in the community of Ames and is progressing southward thru Colfax and parts of Des Moines. Trish Burkett, Disaster Response coordinator for the Iowa Conference UMC says they may be needing ERT teams within the next week or two. If you could mobilize your teams for this possibility, it would be helpful. For more information, contact Trish Burkett, 808 King St., Bedford, IA 50833, call 712-427-9014 or e-mail Disaster.Response@iaumc.org.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The 15 riders and one sag vehicle driver of the Wesley Bikers for Jesus mission team arrived home safely on Saturday night, Aug. 13. They all came back healthy and well-bonded after a long-week of cycling across Indiana with heat warnings, steep hills and winding roads. They rode 430 miles from Michigan City to the Ohio River to raise so far more than $5,000 for United Methodist campus ministry in Indiana. They took one day off to do mission projects and go to a Cincinnati Reds-Cardinals game. One highlight was riding with the Rev. Bob Walters on his tandem during five of the days and hearing his stories about mission work in Africa with Friendly Planet Missiology which Wesley Bikers raised money for last year. Lynne Buckley-Noble, a member of West Lafayette’s First UMC also was with us, and showed that a 63 year-old CAN keep up with college students.
Half of the money raised goes to our Wesley ministries at Purdue University, including ministries like the past mission trip to Zimbabwe, and the other half goes to all the other campus ministries in our conference, including a re-emerging Wesley Foundation at Indiana University. It’s not too late to pledge. One can donate on the Wesley Foundation Web site using Pay Pal, send donations through the Indiana Conference office, directly to us, or donate to another UM campus ministry.
Click here to help connect our INUMC campus ministers with students coming to Indiana’s universities and colleges. Local church offerings for Indiana United Methodist Campus Ministries continue to be welcomed. Visit the conference Web site for ideas, materials and resources. – The Rev. Lana J. Robyne, co-director of Wesley Foundation Campus Ministry with Glen, Pastor of Spiritual Growth and Campus Ministry at First United Methodist Church and president of University Religious Leaders at Purdue. For more information, call 765-586-0124.
After nearly a half-century, Lee Hamilton, a member of Foundry UMC in Washington, is packing his books, sorting his papers and preparing to head home to Indiana (USAToday). Since he arrived in Washington as a freshman congressman elected in the 1964 Democratic landslide, Hamilton has chaired some of Congress’ most influential panels – the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Intelligence Committee, the Joint Economic Committee, the Iran-Contra inquiry – and led or served on the nation’s top blue-ribbon commissions investigating issues including the Iraq war and the Sept. 11 attacks. He is one of the last of the Washington “wise men” figures who ruled Congress, led Cabinet agencies and shaped foreign policy during a less partisan era. The times have changed, as has the tenor of politics – and in some cases, Hamilton’s view of the United States’ role in the world. When his successor is named at the Wilson Center in the next few months, Hamilton and his wife, Nancy, will move back to Bloomington, where he will continue to direct the Center on Congress at Indiana University. – Howey Politics Indiana
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Leaders of United Methodist churches located in downtown metropolitan areas often face the challenges of aging congregations, aging buildings and rapidly changing neighborhoods. The Downtown Church Network 2010, sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, will give church leaders the chance to exchange ideas. The event for pastors and staff of downtown churches in cities of at least 100,000 people is scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at First United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan. Information is available at www.gbod.org/dcn10.
NEW YORK (UMNS) — An AIDS orphan in Kenya, Purity at age 14 had become the caregiver for a younger brother and sister and a mentally disabled older brother. They had a piece of family land, but no food. Purity became involved in a United Methodist-supported project that linked her with a group of 12 families in her community. A Zoe Ministry project helped her to plant grass – feed for the family cow – and cultivate greens to sell for profit. Zoe Ministry is one of the grant recipients of the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. Read full story and post a comment.
MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) — Members of a United Methodist committee studying the worldwide nature of the denomination are visiting Africa this month. Since Aug. 14, committee members have visited Kamina, the Democratic Republic of Congo; Harare, Zimbabwe; Maputo, Mozambique; and Monrovia, Liberia. The committee plans to gather in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on Aug. 19-22 to continue preparing its final report. The 32-member committee created by the 2008 General Conference is addressing what the church will be like in 2020 and beyond.
The Women’s Division of the United Methodist Women recently announced adoption of a new logo. The logo, used in recent Assembly promotions, has been adopted as the official logo for the organization. The new design clearly conveys the message of the organization. The cross and the flame are symbolic of the United Methodist Church and the lettering brands the organization as women of Faith-Hope-and Love in Action. The logo is available online at http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/logo/UMWtransparent.gif. Please do not altar the appearance or layout. The logo should be used in all publicity for the organization. – Carolyn Maxey, Communication Coordinator
The Franklin United Methodist Community, a church-related retirement community south of Indianapolis, has released a new Web site at www.franklinunitedmethodist.org.
Wesley Manor in Frankfort has an updated their Web site at www.wesleymanor.org.
Rev. Phillip Collier, pastor of Kemp United Methodist Church in Tipton, has written a book on spiritual formation entitled Is That You, God? Discerning the Voice of the Holy Spirit. Drawing on studies he did as he earned four degrees from theologically diverse institutions, and 35 years of pastoral experience in United Methodist and Quaker congregations, he suggests guidelines for constructing a model for spiritual discernment. In the book he outlines his own model and shows how it is applied. His book can be purchased at authorhouse.com or at amazon.com.
The Center for the Study of Information and Religion (CSIR), Kent State University, is conducting research regarding how clergy members around the country addressed the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident in the Gulf of Mexico in their sermons. Findings will be presented at the 4th Annual Conference of the International Society for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture in December 2010. The conference theme is “Living on the Edge.” CSIR invites and encourages clergy members who mentioned the Gulf oil spill in one or more sermons to take an online and anonymous survey that consists of 16 questions and should take less than 30 minutes to complete. To participate, please send an e-mail message to Dr. Daniel Roland at droland1@kent.edu indicating your willingness to participate in the research project. You will receive a reply that includes a link to the survey Web site and the necessary password.
CSIR is a research center hosted by the School of Library and Information Science (www.slis.kent.edu). For more information CSIR, please visit our Web site at http://csir.slis.kent.edu. Thank you.
The Indiana Conference United Methodist Media Resource Center offers more than 3,000 FREE resources for clergy and laity. All you pay is the cost of shipping. This service is supported by your conference tithe.
The online catalog of media resources is provided to help support your ministry. Items are available for all ages and groups; for Bible study, Sunday School options, spiritual retreats, personal growth and discussions on current issues. It is our desire and prayer that the Media Resource Center assists you to fulfill God's call upon your church and ministry as we fulfill the Great Commission together. Search the online catalog with advanced search options: Title, Author, Subject, Age or type in a few words under description. Then send a request for availability through the shopping cart feature. Or e-mail the Media Resource Center Director Angel Rea at angel.rea@inumc.org.
Here are some picks for August:
If you have any questions about this catalog, please call the Indiana Conference UMC Media Resource Center toll-free at 877-781-6706 or direct at 765-662-9220 or e-mail: angel.rea@inumc.org. Office hours are Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m. E-mail replies returned within 24 hours. The Indiana Conference UM Media Center is located at Sunnycrest UMC, 1921 West Bradford Street, Marion, IN 46952.
Perfect for Sunday school classes, autumn evening programs and other small groups.
Save 15% when you order one or both of these resources online*.
Enter coupon code EF082010EP. Good through Sept. 7, 2010.
Two thousand years ago, a drama unfolded that changed the course of history. Many have called it the “greatest story ever told.” Now storyteller Max McLean presents this life-changing saga in a compelling video version of Mark’s Gospel – taken word-for-word from the New International Version of the Bible. Max’s powerful stage performance takes viewers inside the story of Jesus, allowing them to experience the events and characters that have inspired and challenged people all over the world.
This powerful film brings the Gospel of Matthew to life. Taken word for word from the New International Version translation, it brings to the screen a divine, yet warmly human Jesus. Filmed on location in Tunisia, Morocco and South Africa, Matthew features a cast of thousands and historically accurate costuming. It features English and Spanish audio, English subtitles, search for 99 events or by chapter, biographies of key personalities in Matthew and music soundtrack.
For additional small-group resources, check out the Spring/Summer eCatalog.
*Individuals and United Methodist churches save 15% when ordering one or more of the above items from our online store. All other customers should call toll-free 888-346-3862 and mention promotion code EF082010EP to receive the 15% discount.
For information on updating your profile, click here.
PRIMROSE BROOKS, 92, widow of the Rev. Magellan L. Brooks Sr., died Monday, August 2, 2010. Survivors include eight children, Ludia Patterson of Chicago, Ill., Joyce Hudson of Hartford, Conn., Magellan Brooks Jr. of Anaheim, Calif., Miller Hill of Grandview, Mo., Aline Taylor, Paula Brooks-Skaggs and Annettia Rankin all of Indianapolis, Ronald Brooks of Kansas City, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. A memorial services was held Aug. 7 at New Hope UMC in Anderson. Condolences may be sent for the Brooks family to New Hope United Methodist Church, 812 W. 13th St., Anderson. Ind. 46016-3500.
LEONA R. (LEE) COOK, wife of retired Indiana Conference elder, the Rev. Charles W. Cook, died in a car accident in Venice, Fla. on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010. A service celebrating Lee’s life will be held at Christ UMC in Venice, Fla. at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 27. A second service may be held in Indiana at a later date. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Charles Cook, 1099 Delacroix Circle, Nokomis, FL 34275-4573.
DONALD R. DUGGLEBY, 86, retired Elder, died Wednesday, August 11, 2010. A memorial service was held Aug. 14 at Monon UMC with burial in Buffalo, Indiana. Survivors include his wife, Ruth; daughters, Mary Gill of Indianapolis, and Jean Rhine (husband: Fred) of Huron, South Dakota; son, John Duggleby (wife: Sandra) of Anderson, Indiana; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Martha Louise Duggleby, and stepfather "Red" Elliott. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Bashor Home for Children, Box 843, Goshen, IN 46527.
JUANITA HOLDZKOM, 83, wife of the Rev. Kenneth Holdzkom, retired pastor, and mother of Rev. Stephen Holdzkom, pastor at Lapel Ford Street UMC, died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. A memorial service was held on Aug. 7 at Madison St. UMC in Muncie, with Rev. Gordon Jackson officiating. Survivors include her husband, Rev. Kenneth Holdzkom, Muncie; one son, Stephen Holdzkom of Lapel; two daughters, Lois Elaine Holdzkom of Brownsburg and Marianne Holdzkom of Churella, Marietta, Georgia; two grandchildren. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Kenneth Holdzkom, 3901 W. Jackson St., Muncie, IN 47304 and to the Rev. Stephen Holdzkom, 922 Ford St., Lapel, IN 46051. Online condolences to the family may be directed to http://www.meeksmortuary.com. Memorial contributions may be directed to Madison Street UMC, 1400 S. Madison St., Muncie, IN 47302.
FRED MABRY of Springfield, Ohio, 88, father of the Rev. Ronald E. Mabry, pastor at Star City UMC, died Friday, August 13, 2010. Visitation is scheduled from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19, at Hillside Church of God, 2021 Hillside Avenue in Springfield, Ohio, with graveside service following at 3 p.m. at Ferncliffe Cemetery. Survivors include: his wife Louise (Mitchell) Mabry; two sons the Rev. Ronald E. Mabry of Star City, Ind., and John F. Mabry of Springfield, Ohio; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Mabry’s name to the Hillside Avenue Church of God, 2021 Hillside Avenue, Springfield, OH 45503 or to the donor’s favorite charity. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to www.richardsraffanddunbar.com. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. & Mrs. Ronald (and Linda) Mabry, P.O. Box 277, Star City, IN 46985-0277.
DOROTHY MCGUIN, 67, widow of Rev. Herbert McGuin, died Sunday, Aug.1, 2010. A celebration of life service was held Aug. 9 at Morningside UMC in Fort Worth, Texas. Survivors include her children, the Rev. Herbert McGuin, James McGuin, Martin McGuin and Martha McGuin-Stevenson; foster daughter, Carmen Drake; 11 grandchildren. Condolences can be sent to her son, James McGuin, 2308 Goshhawk St., Grand Prairie, TX 75052.
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 of August 19, 2010.
Central United Methodist Church in Evansville seeks an organist to play at its 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship service. Salary is $6,500+, depending on education, experience and the amount of vacation to be taken. Applicants may bring or send a resume to Central UMC, 300 Mary Street, Evansville, IN 47710 or e-mail it to jeasley@central-church.org or submit it by fax at 812-424-3575.
Forest Park UMC in Fort Wayne seeks a pianist/accompanist. Primary duties include a Wednesday evening choir rehearsal and accompanying the choir on Sunday mornings. For more information, e-mail the church at fpumc@frontier.com or call the church office (Mon-Thu, 8-2) at 260-484-6696.
Greensburg United Methodist Church seeks an enthusiastic, organized leader for growing youth and family ministry. This is a part-time, salaried professional position. Associates degree or equivalent work experience required. Knowledge of Christian theology and/or religious education preferred. Send resume and application letter to Greensburg United Methodist Church, 301 N. Broadway, Greensburg, IN, 47240, by Sept.7.
Congress Street UMC in Lafayette seeks two people to fill the roles: Organist/Accompanist and Music Director (Chancel Choir and Handbell Director). The search committee is flexible. Positions are part-time and salaried. Candidates should possess a taste for musical variety, coupled with the ability to be self-driven, but with a team attitude. All positions need filling before the end of August (with a target start date of Sept. 1). Previous experience is a plus, but not a necessity. Resumes may be sent to Congress Street UMC (Attn: Jim Smith), 2010 Congress St., Lafayette, IN 47905; or e-mail djatcsumc@yahoo.com or FAX: 765-447-4159.
Martinsville First United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time ORGANIST/PIANIST. Primary responsibilities are pipe organ accompaniment for Sunday worship and special seasonal services; accompany choir rehearsals and worship anthems; occasional accompaniment for solos and groups. Successful applicants will have proficiency with pipe organ, piano and keyboard; familiarity with a variety of worship styles; flexibility, collegiality and relational skills. Send resumes and inquiries to Rev. Mark Suter, 3150 E. Myra Lane, Martinsville, IN, 46151 or e-mail to msuter@fumcmartinsville.org.
Church Music Director for large United Methodist Church in Louisville area. $24,000 starting pay. Primary responsibilities include: Choir, praise band, drama and youth music. Inquiries and resumes can be sent to wesley@wesleychapel.org.
Roberts Park UMC, located in downtown Indianapolis, seeks FT Administrative Assistant. Target start date mid-August. Proficiency in office software, database management, payroll and accounts payable are required. Position requires preparing weekly bulletins, monthly newsletter along with mailed and electronic correspondence. Knowledge of website management is a plus. Interested candidates should submit resumes to rpoffice@robertsparkumc.org, Subject: Administrative Assistant Search Team.
North UMC at 38th and North Meridian Streets in Indianapolis is seeking a full time custodian with light maintenance duties. Requires building maintenance experience, valid driver's license, own transportation, basic computer software skills, basic trade skills; high school diploma preferred. Please e-mail resume to Dave Damin.
Emmanuel UMC in Noblesville, Ind., seeks an experienced Music Minister for its ministry leadership team. The ideal candidate will be a gifted and trained musician familiar with and capable of leading a breadth of music styles who delights in encouraging, developing, and providing opportunities for the artistic gifts of others. While experience in The United Methodist Church is not required, an understanding of liturgical traditions is preferred. The Music Minister must be proficient in leading and directing both choral music and instrumental music groups. Proficiency in piano/keyboard is highly desired. This is a part-time, salaried position. Interested persons should contact David Pagel, SPRC Chairperson at dwpagel@yahoo.com or Pastor Jeff Buck at jbuck@emmanuelumc.org.
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inumc.org/classifieds.