Hoosier United Methodist e-NEWS for August 27, 2010

HOOSIER UNITED METHODIST e-newsletter

Friday, August 27, 2010 – Sunday is the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Green)
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference tithe. Thank you.
Edited by Dan Gangler, director of communication

Deadline for submitting items is noon Wednesday.

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY

Jesus said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.

And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

– Luke 14:1, 12-14, www.gbod.org/worship

THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES

• Bishop announces associate directors with camping ministries
• Rejuvenate Project welcomes new administrative assistant
• Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home names new CEO
• Travelers joining Paul’s Second and Third Missionary Journey 2011 can save $130
• UE welcomes strongest academic class in history of school
• Louisiana churches hail Katrina response
• Giving thanks in Katrina's wake
• Opening doors to people with disabilities
• Pakistan floods threaten millions of children
• Donors respond slowly to Pakistan floods
• Discipleship board plans to start 650 congregations
• Consortium offers online theological courses
• September is National Hunger Action Month
• Rethink Church Bible welcomes seekers
• UMTV: Renesting After Home Loss

NEWS & INFORMATION

Bishop announces associate directors with camping ministries

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner announced the hiring of Nick Yarde as the Indiana Conference Associate Director of Camping and of Ian Hall as Associate Director of Financial Services – Camping. Yarde was the director of Camping Program for the former North Indiana Conference since 2001. Likewise, Hall served as director of Outdoor Ministries for the South Indiana Conference since 2005. Both positions become effective on Sept. 1.

Upon their hiring, Coyner said, “I am glad that these two positions have been filled, and I believe that together they give us a strong team to continue and expand our excellent camping ministries in the Indiana Conference.” The conference camping program, a part of Connectional Ministries, is based at the Indiana Conference Center in Indianapolis and serves the conference’s seven camp and retreat center sites. Visit www.beacamper.com. Camping has more than 4,000 children, youth and adult participants each annual camping season.

Rejuvenate Project welcomes new administrative assistant

The Rev. Michelle Cobb, director of the Rejuvenate Project based at the Indiana Conference Center, announces the hiring of Jody Patty as the Rejuvenate Project’s administrative assistant. Patty was most recently employed by the American Cancer Society Indiana Service Center where she served as support staff to the directors and as office manager. She has served in support positions since 1996. Of interest to State Fair goers, since 2008, Jody has managed the Indiana State Fair’s Decorative Arts Department overseeing entries, judging process, staff and volunteers.

Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home names new CEO

LEBANON, Ind. (IUMCH) – The Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home in Lebanon has named Richard A. Lapinski as its new executive director/CEO. He began his new duties on Aug. 12. Upon the acceptance of this position, Lapinski said, “I am delighted to be surrounded with such a dedicated, competent and caring staff. I look forward to working in Lebanon and throughout the state to see how we can best serve children and families in Indiana.”

For the past 12 years, Lapinski served as executive director of the Presbyterian Home for Children in Amarillo, Texas. In addition, he and his wife, Stephanie, were family teachers/childcare workers for five years at Father Flanagan’s Boy’s Town in Omaha, Neb. Lapinski also worked in his family’s construction business, building custom homes in the Chicago area. He is a veteran of the United States Navy, serving for three years as an Intelligence Specialist on the U.S.S. Enterprise. Lapinski earned two degrees from Bellevue University in Omaha, Neb. He holds a B.S. degree in Human Resources Management and a M.S. degree in Human Services. He and his wife reside in Westfield and have four sons and one daughter.

Travelers joining Paul’s Second and Third Missionary Journey 2011 can save $130

Some 49 individuals have already registered to travel with Bishop Mike Coyner on a unique journey. Traveling together the ministry of Paul will take on new meaning in such sights as Athens, Corinth and Ephesus. Standing beside the Sea of Galilee in Israel gospel passages related to the ministry of Jesus will touch our hearts. We will marvel at the pyramids of Giza near Cairo and recall the season of slavery for the people of Israel. Seeing the Coles sum in Rome we will remember our ancestor’s faith in the face of certain death. Those who register by Sunday, Sept. 5 will save $130. For more information or brochures, contact Trip Coordinator Norm Nellis at normgumc@aol.com or 765-447-4152.

UE welcomes strongest academic class in history of school

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (UE) – This week, the United Methodist-related University of Evansville welcomed the strongest academic freshman class in the institution’s 156-year history. Students like Alex DiBenedetto – a math, economics, and physics major who finished at the top of his Scottsdale, Arizona, high school class – and David Price, a biology and pre-med major from Mt. Vernon, Illinois, are part of a freshman class that averaged 1172 on the SAT’s critical reading and math components. The national average for those areas of the SAT was 1016; this UE class also averaged an ACT composite score of 25.7, nearly five points above the national average of 21.0.

The quality of these 679 freshmen enhances what is already a strong academic tradition at the University of Evansville. Students in the freshman class hail from 37 states and 16 countries. Overall institutional enrollment on the first day of classes is 2,799 students – a 1.3 percent increase from last fall. Overall enrollment includes undergraduate, graduate, and Harlaxton College students.

That total also includes 83 percent of last fall’s freshman class returning for their sophomore year.

Louisiana churches hail Katrina response

BATON ROUGE, La. (UMNS) – Five years after Hurricane Katrina, disciples are fewer, but discipleship is much stronger, says Bishop William W. Hutchinson of the Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference. In a UMNS commentary, the bishop writes, "We have come to realize the essence of the gospel: It is not about us. The mission of the church is about reaching out to a hurting society and world with the life-saving message and love of Jesus Christ. We lost church buildings and congregations, but we gained the church." Read full commentary and post a comment.

Giving thanks in Katrina's wake

As the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall approaches, Mississippi Bishop Hope Morgan Ward gives thanks for more than 160,000 volunteers, countless prayers, remarkable generosity and ongoing work for families yet to be back home. "Through your generosity, the recovery effort will continue with materials supplied and teams working through 2011," she writes in a UMNS commentary. "Thank you for your prayers, presence and partnership onward!" Read full commentary and post a comment.

Opening doors to people with disabilities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The United Methodist Church promises "open doors," but many people with disabilities and their families perceive barriers to full life in the church. The problem is often one of attitude, said the Rev. J. Eric Pridmore, a United Methodist pastor in Mississippi and co-chair of the United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities. "I think more than anything else what families and individuals want is a welcoming attitude," he said. "Usually, the accessibility stuff will take care of itself after that." Read full story and post a comment.

Pakistan floods threaten millions of children

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. Read the whole story here.

Donors respond slowly to Pakistan floods

CHICAGO (UMNS) – The outpouring of donations following the Jan. 12 earthquake that rocked Haiti is not being repeated for the people of Pakistan fighting for survival in the wake of massive floods. The United Nations blames donor fatigue and the fact the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis is unfolding slowly. Yet a massive financial response is necessary because the devastation is many times worse, said David Sadoo, an executive with the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Read full story and post a comment.

Discipleship board plans to start 650 congregations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – The United Methodist Board of Discipleship has set a goal to start 650 congregations in the United States in partnership with annual conferences by the end of 2012. The agency plans to train 1,000 new church planters to reach its goal. The agency’s board of directors, meeting Aug. 4-7, recognized the planting of 125 churches this year. For more information about church development here in Indiana, click here.

Consortium offers online theological courses

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – United Methodist theological schools will offer 11 online continuing education classes for clergy and laity beginning in the fall semester. The Online Continuing Education Consortium aims to provide theologically sound, financially affordable and easily accessible continuing education programs. All 13 of the United Methodist theological schools are expected to participate. Five seminaries are offering classes this fall. An online catalogue and links to each theological school offering classes is available at www.gbhem.org/continuingeducation.

September is National Hunger Action Month

BIG ISLAND, Va. (UMNS) – September is “National Hunger Action Month,” and the Society of St. Andrew has resources available to help congregations become more aware of the needs of the poor and hungry. The resources offered by the hunger-relief ministry include a prayer calendar, litany, bulletin insert, sample sermons and hunger fact sheets. They are available here.

Rethink Church Bible welcomes seekers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Beginning in October, United Methodist Communications is offering a free New Testament to people visiting the Rethink Church campaign Web site.

The Rethink Church Common English Bible (New Testament) is a special edition that features a seeker-sensitive introduction to the Bible and to The United Methodist Church.

Further information about the Rethink Church advertising and welcoming campaign is available here.

UMTV: Renesting After Home Loss

BOSSIER CITY, La. (UMTV) – Special touches make a house a home. A Louisiana interior designer is making sure people transitioning from homelessness have extras like sheets on the beds and artwork on walls. Volunteers with the Renesting Project collect donated furniture and household items for families moving into apartments and Habitat houses. The Renesting project, a ministry of Asbury United Methodist Church, has served more than 20 families in the first six months.

You can view UMTV’s “Renesting After Home Loss” here. Find this and other UMTV stories on YouTube and Tangle by typing "UMTV" in the video keyword search. You can also find the latest UMTV videos on Facebook if you become a fan of the page for The United Methodist Church.

For more United Methodist news and information,
log on to www.umc.org and click on NEWS.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

A Service of Holy Communion for Labor Day

Grandparents Day Worship Resources for Sunday, Sep. 12

MINISTRY RESOURCES

Indiana Conference Media Resource Center lists new picks for August

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:

• (DVD376) Countering Pharaoh’s Production-Consumption Society Today
• (Kit140) Eclipsing Empire
• (Kit135) I AM: Getting to Know God
• (Kit104) Saving Jesus
• (Kit147) They Like Jesus But Not The Church

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.

Save 15% off Bible Study Resources from EduFilm

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.

Mark’s Gospel

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.

Matthew

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.

Has your church updated its Find-a-Church listing online?

For information on updating your profile, click here.

DEATHS

LEONA R. (LEE) COOK, 78, wife of retired Indiana Conference elder, the Rev. Charles (Charlie) W. Cook, died in a car accident in Venice, Fla. on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010. Rev. Cook was seriously injured in the accident, was hospitalized, but has returned home. A service celebrating Lee’s life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church, 1475 Center Road in Venice, Fla. at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 27. A second service may be held in Indiana at a later date. She served on many conference boards and committees, and as a camp counselor and director of church camps. Survivors include: her husband, the Rev. Charles W. Cook; three children, Victoria Cook Ash of Tallahassee, Charles W. Cook III of St. Augustine and James E. Cook of Mooresville, N.C.; and six grandchildren, Matthew, Kasey, Ashley, Nathan, Faith and Chase. Memorial can be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 1475 Center Road, Venice, FL 34292, and will be designated for missions programs. To share a memory, visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Charles Cook, 1099 Delacroix Circle, Nokomis, FL 34275-4573.

DEBRA LOUISE (GIERHART) EVANS, 54, wife of the Rev. James M. Evans, Jr., pastor of Crescent Avenue United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, died Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010. A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28 at the Crescent Avenue United Methodist, 1232 Crescent Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Following the service family members will receive and greet guests. She is survived by her husband, Rev. James M. Evans Jr.; two sons, James McCall Evans III and Cameron Willis Evans; parents, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. B. Willis Gierhart (a former superintendent of the Fort Wayne District) now of Indianapolis; and brother, James W. Gierhart of Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Anne Gierhart of Indianapolis; and brother, James W. Gierhart of Indianapolis. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. James Evans at the Crescent Avenue UMC.

JOHN WILLIAM RAIDY, 73, father of the Rev. Kevin Raidy, pastor of the Bloomfield UMC, died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010 in Frankfort, Ind. Visitation will be Sunday, Aug. 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Genda Funeral Home, 608 N. Main Street in Frankfort. A memorial service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 30 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 1951 Wilshire Drive, Frankfort, IN 46041 with visitation one hour before the memorial service. Burial will be at Green Lawn Cemetery. Survivors include: his wife, Nancy A. (Broo) Raidy; daughter, Kelley A. Binnie of Keller, Texas; sons, Kurt W. Raidy of Sydney, Australia and Kevin M. Raidy of Bloomfield. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Matthew United Methodist Church and/or to The John W. Raidy Scholarship at Indiana Golf Foundation, P.O. Box 516, Franklin, IN 46131. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Kevin (and Tiffany) Raidy, Bloomfield UMC, 60 W. Main Street or PO Box 403, Bloomfield, IN 47424.

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 of August 26, 2010.

• Bunnell, Richard E. from Huntington Bethel, Northeast District to Huntington Bethel/Huntington Pleasant Grove, Northeast District, 8/22/2010
• Buzzard, Russell D. from Huntington Pleasant Grove, Northeast District to No Appointment, 7/18/2010
• Kester, Edward New Appointment to Fort Wayne Simpson, Northeast District, 9/1/2010
• Kester, Susan Keirn New Appointment to Fort Wayne Simpson, Northeast District, 9/1/2010
• Lawler, Thomas F. from Owensville, Southwest District to Owensville/Princeton Mt. Olive, Southwest District, 9/1/2010
• Mansfield, Kenneth E. New Appointment to Noblesville Bethlehem, North Central District, 8/22/2010
• Richardson, John Paul New Appointment to West Middleton, North Central District, 8/22/2010

NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS

Anderson church seeks full-time children’s ministry director

Anderson First UMC seeks an experienced children’s ministry director to lead the children’s ministry. Applicant must have a commitment to Christ; a love for children and a passion for working with and developing the spiritual formation of children and families; an ability to recruit, train, inspire, and support parents and adult leaders, and strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience in working with children essential; experience in leading a children’s ministry preferred; and a Bachelor’s degree in education or related field preferred. Please send resumes to Anderson First UMC, 1215 Jackson Street, Anderson IN 46016 Attention: Rev. Donna K. Goings.

Fort Wayne Praise Worship Leader

The Worship Leader/Technical Arts Specialist will give leadership to Covenant UMC’s Sunday morning Contemporary Worship Service by leading the congregation in music, prayer, scripture and other avenues of worship as well as providing support with technical aspects of our worship experience. This is a part-time position and interested candidates should reply by September 18. For more information contact the Music Director at 260-710-1905 or at music@covenantumc.net.

New Carlisle church seeks organist

Maple Grove United Methodist Church is in need of an organist. The church is located in LaPorte County at 6655 E. 1000N. New Carlisle, about 20 miles west of South Bend and 15 miles northeast of LaPorte. The position would require Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. central time and choir practice on Thursdays at 5 p.m. central time. Please contact 219-851-3167 and ask for Bob if interested.

PREVIOUSLY LISTED EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS

Evansville church seeks organist

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.

Fort Wayne church seeks pianist/accompanist

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 church seeks Director of Youth and Family Ministries

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.

Lafayette church seeks organist, music director

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 UMC seeks organist/pianist

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.

Music Director sought in Louisville area

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.

Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inumc.org/classifieds.