printable email

March 2008

Cover Story

Confirmands from across the state hang for a day with Bishop Mike

3/9/2008

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. - More than 400 youth and their adult sponsors, packed First UMC in Zionsville on Saturday, March 1. They came to hang with their Bishop Mike Coyner. This is the second year Coyner spent a day with confirmands - middle school and high school youth going through confirmation classes in their home congregations. Confirmation youth came to be affirmed by Bishop Mike upon their confirmation and to meet and worship with other confirmands of both North Indiana and South Indiana... -- more --

Harvard administrator named DePauw's 19th president

3/9/2008

GREENCASTLE, Ind. (DePauw) - Dr. Brian W. Casey, associate dean for academic affairs in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, will become the nineteenth president of United Methodist-related DePauw University, effective July 1. The appointment of Casey was announced Feb. 21 by R. David Hoover, chair of DePauw's Board of Trustees and chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Ball Corporation, at a morning news conference at Independent Colleges of Indiana... -- more --

From the Bishop

How we make decisions

From the Bishop

3/9/2008

General Conference is upcoming next month. With it will come lots of decisions about the future of our United Methodist Church. Our two Annual Conferences here in Indiana are upcoming, and those conferences will be making decisions about many issues including Imagine Indiana. The North Central Jurisdictional Conference upcoming in July will be electing a new bishop, following which its Committee on Episcopacy will assign all of us bishops to our place of service for the next four years.... -- more --

Welcome

Abandoning the faith of my childhood

Welcome

3/9/2008

"More than one-quarter of American adults (28 percent) have left the faith in which they were raised in favor of another religion - or no religion at all. If change in affiliation from one type of Protestantism to another is included, 44 percent of adults have either switched religious affiliation, moved from being unaffiliated with any religion to being affiliated with a particular faith, or dropped any connection to a specific religious tradition altogether." These are results of... -- more --

Letters to the Editor

3/9/2008

Thanks from New Orleans On behalf of the board of directors, children and families of North Rampart Community Center, we thank you for your generous donations, prayers and time that you have shared with us here at the center during 2007. Without you, we would not have had such a rewarding summer last year nor would we now have an after-school program. Some of you may know that last summer was the first time since Hurricane Katrina that the center was opened to receive the children. We had 50... -- more --

Indiana

Area receives Lilly Endowment grant to study pastors' finances

3/8/2009

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Area United Methodist Bishop Mike Coyner announced Feb. 20 that the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church has received a $50,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment to conduct a study of the financial and well-being needs of the state's 1,000 United Methodist pastors now serving in 1,200 Indiana congregations. According to Coyner, the prompting for the study came from the Lilly Endowment who invited several denominations in Indiana to conduct an actual study of pastor's... -- more --

Duke Dean to speak to Indiana pastors at April retreat

Our Life Together Theme: Living the Wesleyan way

3/8/2009

Living the Wesleyan way will be the theme of the Indiana Area's "Our Life Together" retreat for Indiana's United Methodist pastors April 14-15 in Indianapolis. Dr. Greg Jones and Bishop Mike Coyner are scheduled to be the keynote speaker for this event to be held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th Street in Indianapolis. Three worship services during the event will be based on Hebrews 10: 24-25 - challenging our life together to continue to meet, encourage one... -- more --

Haller endorsed for episcopacy by West Michigan delegation to General, Jurisdictional conferences

Then there were five candidates

3/9/2008

The West Michigan Conference delegations to the 2008 United Methodist General and Jurisdictional conferences has endorsed the Rev. Laurie Haller for the episcopacy. Haller currently serves as superintendent in Grand Rapids District, the host district to the July 2008 North Central Jurisdictional Conference. Haller, 53, is highly regarded in the Michigan Area and beyond as a leader of deep spiritual integrity. Her weekly column, "Leading from the Heart," has become a regular source of... -- more --

Imagine Indiana places focus of new conference on congregations

Design team completes Imagine Indiana report for annual conferences

3/9/2008

A summary By Daniel R. Gangler INDIANAPOLIS - The Imagine Indiana Design Team recently completed its report to the North Indiana and South Indiana Annual Conferences for their approval in creating a new Indiana Conference uniting the existing conferences. Both sessions will consider the 50-page report later this spring. Each of the state's 1,200 United Methodist congregations is equally represented by clergy and lay members during the two conference sessions. According to the design team... -- more --

Madison church reaches out to pet lovers

3/8/2009

MADISON, Ind. (UMNS) - Support groups for those grieving after the loss of a loved one, or caring for an ailing family member, are not unusual. But recognizing the strong bond between people and their pets, members of North United Methodist Church in Madison go a step further, reaching out to those dealing with the illness or death of four-legged friends. "They need somebody to talk to," says Bob Schultz, a church volunteer who started the Pet Caretakers' Ministry. "They're... -- more --

New Albany churches form cluster for community outreach

3/8/2009

NEW ALBANY, Ind. - Congregations in the New Albany area have formed the New Albany United Methodist Cluster of congregations that includes Centennary, DePauw Memorial, Grantline, Jacob's Chapel, Main Street, Silver Street and Trinity UMCs. This new cluster of congregations is working to discover new ways to introduce the love of Jesus Christ to the New Albany community. They believe some ministry is done better together than separately and have just begun to experience the fun and creativity... -- more --

North outdoor ministries congratulates Mishawaka church

3/8/2009

Impact1828, the outdoor ministries program of the North Indiana Conference congratulates First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka and Senior Pastor Larry Whitehead for their visionary planning to reach youth and children for Jesus Christ. Impact1828 reports, that in just two years, their ministry has grown from zero to more than 90 campers. Their story is a true testament to a faith community's ability to turn vision into reality. Mishawaka First has a powerful story to share about... -- more --

Noted evangelist says church needs to share its faith

Only four percent of Methodists share their faith

3/9/2008

INDIANAPOLIS - The Christian church is in a mission situation and in need of sharing the Christian faith, said Dr. Eddie Fox, head of World Evangelism, a part of the World Methodist Council*. He is based in Nashville, Tenn. He told more than 90 United Methodists from across Indiana that Methodist churches must be faith-sharing congregations. Surveys show that only four percent of Methodists share their faith with others. He instructed the laity and clergy from across Indiana during a LEP Year... -- more --

Ruth's House finished, soon to open in Evansville

3/8/2009

Following six years of dedicated work, Ruth's House has risen at the southwest corner of Walnut and Governor Streets in Evansville. The transitional home operated by a ministry called Reflecting Waters, Inc., a faith-based organization dedicated to women residents, who desire to meet the difficult challenges of recovery from addictions. This unique Reflecting Waters ministry was begun by the Rev. Ruth E. Milgate, a retired United Methodist pastor of the South Indiana Conference. Ruth's House... -- more --

South Indiana Conference laity manuscript contest announced

3/8/2009

Each year the South Indiana Conference Board of Laity offers the opportunity to all laity of the South Indiana Conference to express thanks and praise God by submitting a sermon manuscript for judging. The deadline for entries is April 30. This year the theme is "One in Spirit, All in Ministry: In the Spirit of Fellowship." Manuscripts are judged on how well the theme is followed and developed, as well as the use of creative writing techniques. The author will present the winning... -- more --

Vincennes Area Congregations form ministry cluster

3/9/2008

Vincennes Cluster leaders are meeting to plan for ministries clusters and cooperative ministries. The cluster includes Bicknell, Emison, Wheatland/Bruceville, Morris Chapel and Carlisle UMCs. Carlisle is in south Sullivan, but geographically works with these churches. They have named themselves the Faith Builders United or FBU. According to Vincennes District Superintendent Judy Purvis, the North Knox "sub-cluster" is already planning a 6-week divorce recovery workshop which could... -- more --

Vintage woodwinds to be seen, heard at UIndy

Retiree donates 55-piece collection to music department

3/8/2009

INDIANAPOLIS - Thanks to the generosity of a local collector, top music students at the United Methodist-related University of Indianapolis now have access to some of the finest saxophones and clarinets ever made. Visitors to campus can see them too, after a recent unveiling ceremony. Retired local businessman Norman Cohen and his wife, Maxine, have donated 55 instruments - which Norman collected and lovingly restored over the course of more than two decades - to the UIndy Department of... -- more --

National

SMU, Bush Foundation approve presidential library

3/9/2008

By Marta W. Aldrich A UMNS Report Thanking U.S. President George W. Bush for entrusting United Methodist-related Southern Methodist University with an important national resource, the school's board of trustees unanimously approved an agreement to locate the Bush presidential library, museum and policy institute on the Dallas campus. The Feb. 22 vote came hours after an official announcement that the Bush Presidential Library Foundation had chosen the United Methodist-related school as home... -- more --

Global

General Conference to consider decisions on church's global structure

3/9/2008

By Linda Green FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) - Would making The United Methodist Church in the United States a regional body be the best way for the denomination to function as a worldwide body? Ten speakers explored that question during a Jan. 25 panel discussion during the Pre-General Conference News Briefing sponsored by United Methodist Communications. General Conference, which meets every four years, is the denomination's top legislative body. During its meeting April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth,... -- more --

United Methodist youth raise $830,000 for the hungry

3/9/2008

United Methodist youth teamed up on Super Bowl Sunday with young people across the United States to raise more than $9 million in goods and dollars to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities through the 2008 Souper Bowl of Caring. More than 13,600 churches, schools and businesses participated in this year's campaign, including about 2,200 United Methodist congregations and about 25,000 United Methodist youth, said Caroline Stephens, director of church relations for the nonprofit... -- more --

Viewpoints

Don't hold me!

Body, Mind & Spirit

3/8/2009

By Todd Outcalt toutcalt@calvaryunited.org One of the most fascinating aspects of the resurrection narrative (as found in John) is when Jesus addressed Mary Magdalene and said, "Do not hold me, for I have not yet returned to the father" (John 20:17). I've often wondered about the significance of these words. Were they meant to convey emotion, an existential reality, or a promise? But lately, I've come to see the theological weight of these words and what they might mean for us who... -- more --

It's OK to kick butts on March 31, even encouraged

3/9/2008

By Cyndi Alte calte@clarian.org It's an unusual name, I know, but one worth paying attention to: KICK BUTTS DAY. March 31 is KICK BUTTS DAY, a national day for teen activism against smoking. More than 2,000 events nationwide will provide the opportunity to speak up and take action against tobacco use. 2008 marks the 13th annual KICK BUTTS DAY. Health care workers and facilities have been battling the effects of tobacco for years. And with good reason. Here's some grim news about teenage... -- more --

University Senate eliminates virtually all but one non-UM seminaries in Indiana

3/9/2008

By Bill Hemmig A commentary The training and recruitment of pastoral leadership is a major issue for Indiana United Methodist churches, whether we are one conference or two. We have always depended on two resources for seminary education for our pastors - the fine United Methodist seminaries which are located across the nation, but not in Indiana; and seminaries from other denominations within Indiana that have made their faculty and facilities available for United Methodists. This latter... -- more --

Chronicles

Deaths

3/8/2009

MARIETTA BLYTHE, surviving spouse of the late Rev. Andrew Blythe (SIC), died Feb. 5, 2008. A memorial service was held Feb. 8. Survivors include: Daughters, Ruth Cobb, 12245 Winter Falls Lane, Evansville, IN 47711 and Suzanne Toy; 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. PHYLLIS COY, mother-in-law of the Rev. Bob Denney, pastor of Fairview and Bellefountain United Methodist churches in the Muncie District (NIC), died Jan. 27, 2008. A memorial service was held Feb. 1. Condolences may be sent... -- more --

Discipleship, MissionInsite to provide discounted demographics

3/8/2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship recently announced a new strategic alliance that has been formed between the agency and Path 1, and California-based MissionInsite, LLC. As a result of the partnership with MissionInsite (www.missioninsite.com), annual conferences, districts and congregations in the United States will have real-time access to community demographic information by the Web at a discounted rate. "This new partnership will assist us in... -- more --

Edwards elected first woman president of UTS

3/8/2009

DAYTON, Ohio - The Board of Trustees of United Methodist-related United Theological Seminary elected Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann Edwards as its president, effective Feb. 25. She has been serving as acting president since November following the resignation of former President G. Edwin Zeiders. Edwards was formerly academic dean and vice-president of the school, a member of the faculty, and previously served as director of the UTS at Buffalo (N.Y.) program. "The Board was unanimous in its... -- more --

Former president of Mexico to speak at University of Evansville on April 10

3/8/2009

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (UE) - The Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana at the University of Evansville is proud to announce Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, as the first speaker in its 2008 International Speaker Series. Fox, the Mexican president from 2000-2006, will come to Indiana for a two-city event on April 10. His keynote address will begin at 7 p.m. in the Victory Theatre in Evansville; he also will speak to University of Evansville students at 4 p.m. in the Smythe Lecture Hall... -- more --

Hoosier among three to win CWS advocacy award

3/8/2009

WASHINGTON - Three United Methodists are winners of advocacy awards to attend the nation's largest annual gathering of U. S. and international Christian peace and justice activists, Ecumenical Advocacy Days, March 7-10 in Washington, D.C. John Gaus, of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Ind. is well known inside and outside of the church for his advocacy efforts on behalf of the poor and hungry. He is a retired United Methodist clergyman who led local congregations throughout... -- more --

Pastoral Appointments

3/8/2009

Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the following changes within the Indiana Area. All dates effective 2008 unless otherwise noted. These appointments are based on Cabinet reports received by Indiana Area Communication during the month of February 2008. North Indiana Conference Barnett, Harold David from Salem: New Hope (341.6), New Albany, South Indiana Conference to Benson Chapel, Lafayette, 2/1 Knepp, Glenn J. from no appointment to New Waverly, Kokomo,... -- more --

UE announces strengthened commitment to International Baccalaureate

3/9/2008

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (UE) - In response to the growing academic achievement of high school students, the University of Evansville recently announced a strengthened commitment to the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. After an intensive faculty review of the IB curriculum, the University has created a new, $1,000 scholarship for any student who graduates high school with an IB Diploma. This scholarship would be in addition to any other merit-based scholarships earned by the... -- more --

UIndy presents 2008 Showers Lectures-Symposium March 27

3/8/2009

The University of Indianapolis will present the 2008 Showers Symposium "Christian Missions in the United Methodist Church: Past, Present and Future" on Thursday March 27, from 8:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Topics and participants include: "Mission and the Quest for the Homeland: The Legacy of the Evangelical United Brethren" with J. Steven O'Malley of Asbury Theological Seminary; "Evangelism Without Apology" with Stephen Graham of the University of Indianapolis, who will... -- more --

UMCOR's Sager Brown Depot needs help with kits

3/8/2009

The United Methodist Committee On Relief's relief supply warehouse, the UMCOR Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La., needs your support to provide much-needed bedding, sewing and layette kits for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Sager Brown has received fewer kits over the last year and stocks are becoming alarmingly low. Sager Brown is especially requesting donations for 33,000 layette kits, 64,000 sewing kits and approximately 1,000 bedding kits to meet upcoming needs. Donations for all kits are... -- more --

Update on Samaritan's Feet

3/9/2008

INDIANAPOLIS - Ron Hunter, the IUPUI coach featured in the February issue of Together, was name ABC Person of the Week for his "courageous act" of coaching barefoot on Jan. 24. He was promoting the Samaritan's Feet project to provide 40,000 pairs of shoes to kids who have no shoes in developing countries. Also on Jan. 24 national shoe companies had become involved promising 110,000 pairs of shoes. An anonymous donor has offered to fly Ron Hunter, his whole team, IUPUI officials as... -- more --