Hoosier United Methodist e-NEWS for September 3, 2010
HOOSIER UNITED METHODIST e-newsletter
Friday, September 3, 2010 – Sunday is the Fifteenth 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
Now large crowds were traveling with him; and he turned and said to them, “Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple…”
– Luke 14:25-27, www.gbod.org/worship
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
- Hoosier United Methodist investor writes tips on successful investing
- Senator Lugar kicks off Hoosiers Fighting Hunger food drive
- Epworth Forest Project can save $200,000 in the next 60 days with $700,000 cash
- World Communion Sunday to be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 3
- UE names general manager of campus radio station
- Keys to building vital congregations
- African churches desire equal voice
- Workshop focuses on black clergy health
- Rethink Church Bible welcomes seekers
- Rethink Church has new Web address
- Crosby named top executive of black caucus
NEWS & INFORMATION
Hoosier United Methodist investor writes tips on successful investing
Royce Ruckman, director of Investment Services for the North Indiana United Methodist Foundation, has written a series of article on The Foundation Blog. These articles are intended for the church financial leaders/investors. The most recent article is called, "Bumps in the Road." He just completed “Tips on Successful Investing.” To follow this financial blog, visit http://iumf.wordpress.com.
Senator Lugar kicks off Hoosiers Fighting Hunger food drive
U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, along with Kroger, Marsh and Walmart stores, will sponsor the second annual Hoosiers Fighting Hunger statewide food drive benefiting Indiana food banks and local pantries Sept. 1 through Sept. 30. The food drive is part of National Hunger Action Month (Howey Politics Indiana). “I thank Kroger, Marsh and Walmart for participation in our Hoosiers Fighting Hunger statewide food drive,” said Lugar, a United Methodist. “I encourage Hoosiers to donate to food banks in September for National Hunger Action Month. Items purchased in the Kroger, Marsh and Walmart stores will go directly to local food banks and pantries that serve Hoosier Communities.” Setting aside competitive instincts, hundreds of stores across the state have once again set up Hoosiers Fighting Hunger displays with pre-bagged food items for purchase at the $3, $5 and $10 levels. In 2009, Hoosiers donated 138 tons of food to the Hoosiers Fighting Hunger statewide food drive. – Howey Politics Indiana
Epworth Forest Project can save $200,000 in the next 60 days with $700,000 cash
NORTH WEBSTER, Ind. – The Epworth Forest Project, the task of building six new cottages at Indiana Conference’s Epworth Forest Conference Center that will allow for year-round ministry to reach an additional 10,000 youth and young adults a year for Christ, broke ground Aug. 11 for the first cottage. If the construction of the first two buildings is done in together, the contractor will be able to reduce the cost of the build by about 20 percent of the cost of construction. To take advantage of this saving, an additional $700,000 in cash must be raised in the next 60 days to meet this challenge.
Individuals as well as church families are being asked to prayerfully consider making a cash gift to the project so that the $700,000 will be raised to realize the 20 percent savings.
Online gifts can be given through the Epworth Forest Conference Center website at www.rightfuture.org then click on donate or mail a check payable to the Epworth Forest project to the NIC Foundation, 1001 North Western Avenue, Suite D, Marion IN 46952. Support can also be sent through local churches. Remember that all donations are tax deductable. If you or your church would like more information on the Epworth Forest Project, visit www.rightfuture.org or contact the development team. – The Rev. Jean Moorman Brindel, CFRE, AFP, serves as Development Director: The Epworth Forest Project at North Webster, Ind.
World Communion Sunday to be celebrated Sunday, Oct. 3
When Dr. Dennis Marke graduated from Loma Linda (Calif.) University this past summer, a new world awaited him back in Africa. In Africa, Marke served the United Methodist Kissy Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone. His salary was paid for by the Indiana Conference through its Operation Doctor program.
His studies in the United States were made possible because caring United Methodists gave generously on previous World Communion Sundays. Your generous gifts provide:
- World Communion Scholarships (General Board of Global Ministries), with at least one-half of the annual amount for ministries beyond the United States;
- Ethnic Scholarship Program (General Board of Higher Education and Ministry); and
- Ethnic In-Service Training Program (General Board of Higher Education and Ministry).
For more information about Special Sunday Offerings, visit www.umcgiving.org. Order offering materials for your church now.
UE names general manager of campus radio station
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (UE) – The University of Evansville is proud to introduce Tom Benson as the new general manager of campus radio station WUEV-91.5 FM. Benson, who has served the past 10 years as Assistant Sports Information Director at the University of Evansville, is not entirely new to WUEV. During the past decade, he has assisted the station in its coverage of Purple Aces‚ athletic events, providing both play-by-play and color commentary of Purple Aces and baseball women’s basketball. Benson has also served as a member of the WUEV Advisory Board since its inception this past spring. He will succeed Brandon Gaudin at the station.
Keys to building vital congregations
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – Topical preaching, varied worship styles, effective lay leadership and small groups these are the things United Methodist congregations can do right now to become more vital and strengthen the denomination, say members of the Call to Action Steering Team. Read more.
African churches desire equal voice
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire (UMNS) — African United Methodists desire a greater voice, more sharing of power and the ability to adapt some church rules to local contexts. And a study committee exploring the global nature of the denomination is listening. After meeting with church leaders throughout the continent, the Committee to Study the Worldwide Nature of The United Methodist Church decided to work toward goals that include defining the covenant that unites the global church, promoting greater regional connections, exploring how the denomination’s Book of Discipline can be adapted for local needs and examining the U.S. and international roles of general agencies. Read more.
Workshop focuses on black clergy health
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. (UMNS) — An opportunity for African-American clergy to evaluate their health and well-being is slated for Sept. 27-28 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. With the theme “Wanting to Heal and Be Healed” (John 5:1-9), the self-care covenant workshop encourages pastors to care for themselves in order to bring healing to others. Participants will learn stress-management techniques, discuss recommendations for daily healthful living, assess current health behaviors and choices and develop a self-care covenant with an accountability plan. The program is coordinated by the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits.
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 website. 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.
“The Rethink Church Edition is a powerful tool for evangelism,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive of United Methodist Communications. “It introduces the Bible and denomination to seekers with sensitivity to their worldview, in welcoming language.”
Rethink Church has new Web address
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Congregational resources for the Rethink Church advertising and welcoming campaign have moved to a new website address: umcom.org/rethinkchurch. The website that previously housed congregational resources, RethinkChurch.org, will become the primary seeker site that is featured in Rethink Church advertising, beginning this fall.
“Research shows that RethinkChurch.org resonates most strongly with the seekers we are trying to reach with our denominational advertising,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “This website address reinforces the message we want non-United Methodist seekers to take away from our advertising—that we are rethinking church.”
Crosby named top executive of black caucus
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Pamela Crosby has been elected executive director of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, a caucus of The United Methodist Church. Since July 2007, Crosby has served in this position in a part-time capacity. She has worked in editorial and production capacities for United Methodist general agencies for more than 20 years. She will begin full-time duties with Black Methodists for Church Renewal on Oct. 1.
For more United Methodist news and information,
log on to www.umc.org and click on NEWS.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Agency offers resources to honor laborers
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Americans this weekend will celebrate such advances as the end of child labor and the 40-hour work week. At the same time, many Americans are still struggling with unemployment. The United Methodist Board of Discipleship has resources for churches to honor workers and all seeking work. The resources include a special blessing and suggested readings for A Service of Holy Communion for Labor Day here.
Grandparents Day Worship Resources for Sunday, Sep. 12
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Clergy covenant group resources available on website
We have new resource information available for you on the Indiana Conference website. A few of the topics include: What is a Clergy Covenant Group? Starting a New Group and, Re-Energizing an Existing Group; plus much more. If you have questions, please contact one of the chairs of the orders: The Rev. Tim Burchill (tim@andrew-umc.org), the Rev. Jennifer Pollard (jennifer@thepromisechurch.org) or the Rev. Don Ransford (don.ransford@inumc.org).
Indianapolis church has van for sale
2008 Blue Dodge Sprinter, 2500 series 12 Passenger Diesel van (170 in. WB), Tow ready, RWD, 3.0L, V6T, High roof- Dual Climate Control-AC throughout the entire vehicle. Custom removable platform for storage or bed, 75,000 miles; all upkeep done through the dealership. Asking price: $35,000. Please contact Kate Lamont, Operations Manager, Earth House Collective (Lockerbie Central UMC) at 317-636-4060.
Indianapolis church needs another church to take over copier lease
Looking for a copier? East Tenth UMC in Indianapolis is looking for another church to buy out the remaining two years on a five-year lease on a Canon Color Image Runner C2880. It is in great shape, barely used. For more information contact Carolyn Kanouse, Kanouse@east10th.org. Lease payments are about $195/month.
Indiana Conference Media Resource Center picks for September
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.
- DVD529 Devil Came On Horseback
- DVD530 God Grew Tired Of Us: The Story Of Lost Boys Of Sudan
- DVD489 JOURNEY IN MISSION: UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
- DVD492 Lives For Sale: A Documentary on Immigration & Human Trafficking
- Kit154 Zoned For Slavery: The Child Behind the Label
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 7 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.
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.
Has your church updated its Find-a-Church listing online?
For information on updating your profile, click here.
DEATHS
None this week.
MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
None this week.
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
Evansville church seeks youth minister, music worship leader
Simpson UMC in Evansville seeks a part-time Youth Ministry Leader. Candidates will have a heart for Christ, be enthusiastic, energetic, creative, and be able to quickly establish rapport with both kids and their parents. This position’s focus is on students in grades 4 through 12, with special emphasis on the Jr. and Sr. High age groups. This is a salaried position requiring approximately 10-15 hours per week. Mail or e-mail resumes to Rev. Dennis Adams, Simpson United Methodist Church, 2201 West Illinois Street, Evansville, IN 47712 or pastordennis@adams-place.com.
Simpson United Methodist Church in Evansville seeks a part-time Music Worship Leader. In addition to possessing solid musical capabilities, candidates will be Christ-centered and Spirit-filled and have a contagious enthusiasm for worship and strong interpersonal and collaboration skills. Primary focus is on Simpson’s Power Source contemporary service, with secondary responsibilities for the traditional service. The Music Worship Leader will develop volunteer musicians and ensembles and coordinate the overall music worship program with the pastor. This is a salaried position requiring approximately 15-20 hours per week. Mail or e-mail resumes to Rev. Dennis Adams, Simpson United Methodist Church, 2201 West Illinois Street, Evansville, IN 47712 or pastordennis@adams-place.com.
Fort Wayne church seeks Small-Groups coordinator
Covenant UMC in Fort Wayne is accepting resumes for a part-time Small-Groups Coordinator position until Sept.18. They seek an individual that has an enthusiastic willingness to serve Christ and His church, with a mature Christian character. The applicant needs to have experience in leading and developing Small Groups Ministry, possess good interpersonal, networking and supervisory skills, have good attention to detail and accuracy, and have the ability to plan, organize, and multi-task in a deadline intensive environment. The Small Groups Coordinator will oversee and manage all aspects of the Small Group Ministries including planning, implementing, staffing, training and promoting. A full job description with responsibilities is available online at http://covenantumc.net. Interested individuals can e-mail their resume to ministries@covenantumc.net or mail it to Covenant United Methodist Church, Attention: Jackie Young, 10001 Coldwater Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825.
Newburgh church seeks praise band, contemporary worship music leader
Newburgh United Methodist Church seeks talented and spirited leader for praise band and contemporary worship music. Presently this involves one worship service weekly, but plans are underway to launch another service next year. For further information contact Lead Pastor Mark Dicken at mark@newburghumc.org or call 812-853-2946.
Noblesville church seeks custodians
Noblesville First United Methodist Church is seeking a Weekday Custodian for evenings and a Weekend Custodian. Both positions require the ability to do heavy lifting (up to 100lb). Would prefer someone with custodial experience. Hours for the Weekday PM Custodian would be Monday-Friday 2 p.m. thru 10 p.m. The Weekend Custodial position would require 8 hours both Saturday and Sunday with flexibility to work special events. For more information please contact Lita Russell at the church office 317-773-2500.
PREVIOUSLY LISTED 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 have 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. 1000 N. 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.
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inumc.org/classifieds.