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November/December 2007

Cover Story

Gary city officials announce new garden, park at old abandoned United Methodist church site downtown

11/9/2007

GARY, Ind. - Gary city officials joined United Methodists from across the state on Sunday, Oct. 7, to announce that the city will turn the Old City Church site into a ruin park with garden. The former First United Methodist Church of Gary abandoned the building in 1975. The remains of that once-proud building have stood for more than 30 years as a silent and unsightly testimony to the results of racism, urban decay and the blight caused by fear and abandonment. According to Christopher... -- more --

From the Bishop

Calling all United Methodist clergy in Indiana

11/9/2007

I invite all United Methodist clergy in Indiana to come and share in an "Our Life Together" retreat on Monday and Tuesday, April 14-15, 2008. We have been sharing in "Our Life Together" days in the North and South conferences separately these past three years. This will be our first event together since my coming to Indiana as bishop; therefore I am working with a planning team preparing for a two-day retreat - about two weeks after Easter. The purpose? We hope to help our... -- more --

Welcome

'Making a difference in Indiana and around the world'

11/9/2007

For the past three years, we have become accustomed to reading the words "Making a difference in Indiana and around the world" following the signature of our Bishop Mike Coyner. This issue of Together illustrates those words in the continuing service of United Methodist clergy and laity in making a crucial difference in the lives of those who survived Hurricane Katrina, of students and patients in Liberia and Sierra Leone through Operation Classroom and Operation Doctor, of children... -- more --

Church leaders build vision for addressing important issues facing United Methodists, world

11/9/2007

The general secretaries of The United Methodist Church have issued a commentary focusing upon what they believe to be actions The United Methodist Church needs to take to address the important issues of our day. They began their commentary by saying, "Methodism began as a movement. John Wesley sought to make disciples of Jesus Christ who were both transformed individually and committed to changing the unjust practices of the society in which they lived. With their actions, Wesley's early... -- more --

Mississippi gives thanks to Hoosiers

11/9/2007

Indiana has earned a well-deserved reputation in Mississippi as "Those Northerners Who Really Care" (my designation) for such heroic and sustained efforts for the Mississippi Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Katrina. At the Mississippi United Methodist Choctaw Mission there are additional opportunities for response from the "Caring Hoosiers." We have about 100 Choctaw children in foster care here on the reservation and we are initiating a new emphasis by providing a... -- more --

Indiana

Bishop names Wilfong as next New Albany District Superintendent

11/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Bishop Michael J. Coyner recently announced the appointment of the Rev. Charles D. Wilfong, senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Greensburg, Ind., in the Rushville District, as the new Superintendent for the New Albany District effective Dec. 1. Wilfong succeeds the Rev. Michael Biggs, who is moving to a new appointment at Chapel Hill UMC in Indianapolis. Wilfong previously served in the New Albany District before coming to Greensburg six years... -- more --

Bishop White to return for consecration of Bishop Woodie White Center in Anderson

11/9/2007

ANDERSON, Ind. - Former Indiana Bishop Woodie W. White, now retired, will return to Indiana for the consecration of the New Hope Family Center and a multi-purpose center bearing White's name in Anderson on Sunday, Nov. 18. The event will begin at 9 a.m. in the old church at 1503 Louise Street. A motorcade and parade is expected to arrive at the new site at 10:30 a.m. A consecration service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with White and the Rev. Reginald Lee followed by a dinner to be served... -- more --

Church marks tricentennial of hymn writing Charles Wesley, brother of John

11/9/2007

By John J. Baughman Charles Wesley, famous hymn writer and partner with his brother John Wesley in creating the Methodist movement, was born at Epworth, England, on Dec. 18, 1707 - making this year the 300th anniversary of his birth. After early education under the tutelage of his mother, Susanna Wesley, Charles entered Westminster School in 1716 and finally in 1726 Christ Church College, Oxford. Here he became a founder of the famous Holy Club. In 1735 Charles Wesley was ordained an... -- more --

Commentary on technology for the non-technical

11/9/2007

By Jim Moon III The most fundamental element to the church of Jesus Christ is relationship - relations with people and a relationship with God. Truly, love of God and love of neighbor have spurred the church forward through good times and bad. In this modern era, we have been blessed with the tools to maintain relationships across diverse conditions. No longer are relationships dictated by proximity, frequency of contact or direct eye-to-eye communication. We still desire these age-old modes... -- more --

Correction

11/9/2007

In the Oct. 5 story about the Rev. Michael Biggs' appointment to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, the associate minister's last name was incorrect. The Rev. Esther Wilson is the associate minister of Chapel Hill UMC. Together regrets the error.... -- more --

Garrett-ETS scholarship honors South Indiana pastor, pastoral counselor

11/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - A retired United Methodist minister in Indianapolis, whose 49-year career included the past 34 as a prominent pastoral counselor, will soon be honored with a special scholarship named in his honor at United Methodist-related Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. The Rev. G. Edward Alley received this special tribute on Nov. 11 at North United Methodist Church, 3808 North Meridian. Dr. Philip Amerson, a former Indiana clergyperson who now is president of... -- more --

Indiana pastor selected as Distinguished UMC Evangelist

11/9/2007

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. - The Foundation for Evangelism announced the selection of the Rev. Dr. Kent Millard, senior pastor of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, as the 2007 Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church. The Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church Award is given annually by The Foundation for Evangelism to a person who has been recognized as an extraordinary United Methodist leader in the field of evangelism. Dr. Jack Ewing, executive... -- more --

Marion church helps family by roofing house

11/9/2007

By Maribeth Holtz SWEETSER, Ind. - Why would men use their free time to work on a roof? "It needs to be done. Trudy needs some help," the Rev. Doug Barton said nonchalantly. The act of kindness seems normal to group members from the Faith in Action team from Mount Olive United Methodist Church. But it's an act of kindness appreciated by homeowner Trudy Foster, who has seen the community pull together for her in the past 35 years. "It's terrific to have such marvelous... -- more --

Music expert debunks myth that Wesleys used drinking songs

11/9/2007

By Linda Green A UMNS Feature An oft-heard myth about the Methodist tradition is that founders John and Charles Wesley used drinking and tavern songs as the melodies for hymns. "The Wesleys did no such thing," says Dean McIntyre, director of music resources at the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tenn. "Given their aesthetic and theological sense, it would (have been) unthinkable for them to do so." However, the popular misconception has... -- more --

Texas pastor builds Internet ministry

11/9/2007

HOUSTON, Texas (UMNS) - The Rev. Jacqui King, pastor of a new church organizing in Houston called Nu Faith Community United Methodist Church, uses the Internet to preach and connect with members of the virtual church. The online faith community was started last June by the Texas United Methodist Annual Conference to reach out to people before a new worship facility is built.... -- more --

UMCOR'S new gift catalog now available online at umcor.org

11/9/2007

The United Methodist Committee on Relief's new Gift Catalog is now available on UMCOR's homepage at www.umcor.org. The new catalog highlights some of UMCOR's core programs around the world and details alternative gift suggestions. Along with the catalog, UMCOR is offering special resources including a promotional flyer, bulletin insert and cards for honorary gifts. If you are looking to make a life-changing contribution this Christmas season, let UMCOR's Gift Catalog help you. Available... -- more --

United Methodists celebrate 20 years of education, healing in West Africa through Operation Classroom

11/9/2007

Story and photos by Daniel R. Gangler and Phileas Jusu GREENWOOD, Ind. - More than 400 supporters of a mission outreach to West African United Methodists packed a suburban Indianapolis banquet hall Sunday night to celebrate 20 years of educational and medical ministries in countries recently torn by civil wars. The outreach mission, Operation Classroom, was designed originally as a partnership linking the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, the Liberia and Sierra Leone annual... -- more --

Missions

'CJ's Bus' ready to roll to help children

11/9/2007

By P.J. Heller EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Disaster News Network) - At first glance in a disaster area, it may seem like an incongruous sight: A large bus painted bright yellow and black with the smiling face of a young boy on the side giving a two thumbs up sign. "CJ's Bus," announces large lettering on the side of the vehicle - "A safe haven for children in disaster." "Kids know this bus is for them," says Kathryn Martin, who has spent the last year working to make the... -- more --

Loogootee VIM team assists homeowner in Louisiana

11/7/2008

The Loogootee (Ind.) United Methodist Church continues its privilege to help residents of Slidell, La., rebuild their homes following Hurricane Katrina. The church sent its eighth volunteer in mission team during October to help Katrina survivors. Two years since Katrina, there are still empty houses, piles of rubbish and families living in FEMA trailers. The Loogootee team of nine included a first-time mission worker and an engineer who served FEMA for a year cleaning up debris. The team... -- more --

Nappanee area communities suffer from tornado that hit last month

11/9/2007

Nappanee and surrounding communities were hit by a category 5 tornado on Oct. 18. The outpouring of volunteers to provide clean-up assistance has been overwhelming. The next phase will be rebuilding. Most of the survivors of this storm have insurance to pay for repairs, but there remains a number of residences that are under-insured. It is this group of families we, United Methodists, and the Faith Based Community are here to serve. The North Indiana Conference Disaster Response team asks you... -- more --

Viewpoints

Clergy loneliness can become devastating problem

11/9/2007

By Cyndi Alte Clergy loneliness - have you heard of it? Are you feeling it? If you have or if you are, you are not alone: When the church and I got into conflict, I was too embarrassed to let my colleagues know about it. I didn't feel like anyone would understand that my marriage was in trouble, so I didn't talk with anyone. I moved from a large staff church to a single pastor church and now it seems that I have been forgotten. In... -- more --

Mentoring

11/9/2007

By Todd Outcalt During my seminary years, I served as a student pastor alongside a seasoned, weathered, church-weary clergy veteran who once told me, "People tend to worship what they see in the mirror." At the time, I pondered the meaning of his observation, but as I've labored in God's vineyard through the years, I've come to see the significance of his insight. Not long ago, I was watching a telecast of The Hour of Power and noted that most of the people worshipping at the... -- more --

Thanksgiving is a celebration of hope

11/9/2007

By Jean M. Brinde Thanksgiving is about hope. During their first year the Pilgrims, living in what we now called Plymouth, saw the death of all of the children and most of the women. They were without adequate shelter, food or medicine. The homesickness, grief and suffering of the people were immense. Thanksgiving occurred the next fall as the Pilgrims faced again the hardships of the climate and the lack of previsions. Yet, they gave thanks. They gave thanks because they knew God's... -- more --

Chronicles

Changes made in school, health kits to Midwest Mission Distribution Center

11/9/2007

The notice has gone out from Church World Service and the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) about changes to the School Kit and Health Kit. To clear up any questions about kits churches plan to bring to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Chatham, Ill,, MMDC has sent this explanation. The Health Kits that you bring to MMDC can still have the toothpaste included BUT PLEASE check the expiration date and be certain that it is at least one year in the future. The Midwest Mission... -- more --

Clarian hospitals receive prestigious national honor for quality and accountability

11/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - As Methodist Hospital prepares to celebrate 100 years of service, it will first celebrate a prestigious, national honor never before presented to an Indiana hospital. The University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) has recognized Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis as one of five Top Performers for demonstrating excellence in delivering high quality care in the UHC 2007 Quality and Accountability Study. Methodist Hospital finished with the top score in the survey. Measures for... -- more --

Deaths

11/9/2007

GALEN DOLBY, 53, of Bloomington, son of the Rev. Richard and Carolyn Dolby (retired, NIC), died Oct. 3, 2007. A memorial service was held, Oct. 6, at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers Rd. in Bloomington. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. and Mrs. Richard Dolby, 649 Heritage Lane, Warsaw IN 46582-1932. LARRY V. OMAN, 65, a former clergy member (SIC), died Oct. 4, 2007 in Seattle, after a six-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Martha; and children Erik, Kirstin,... -- more --

Indiana United Methodist Children's Home honors staff members

11/9/2007

LEBANON, Ind. - The Indiana United Methodist Children's Home recently honored seven staff members for years of service during the Annual Conference of IARCCA - An Association of Children and Family Services held in Indianapolis. The honored staff represented 135 years of combined service to youth and families in Indiana. IARCCA member agencies serve children with various emotional and educational difficulties. More than 100 public and private facilities throughout the state make up the... -- more --

Liberian president to address United Methodists at General Conference

11/9/2007

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS) - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the president of Liberia, will speak to the United Methodist General Conference during its meeting next spring in Fort Worth, Texas. Johnson Sirleaf, who is a United Methodist, is scheduled to address the denomination's top legislative body on April 28. She accepted the invitation to speak in a Sept. 8 letter to L. Fitzgerald Reist II, secretary of the General Conference. "As a strong and proud Methodist and in recognition of the work... -- more --

NCC Eco-Justice program seeks Thanksgiving prayers and support

11/9/2007

WASHINGTON (NCC) - To commemorate Thanksgiving, the National Council of Churches' Eco-Justice Program based in Washington, D.C., will be accepting prayers for our nation's farmers through a "Thanksgiving Prayer Offering" lasting through Dec. 15. People of faith are encouraged to submit prayers, which will be collected in a Web-based anthology to highlight the connection between the food we eat and the farmers who plant, grow, and harvest God's gracious bounty. "In order to be... -- more --

Oxford congregations celebrate corn harvest for Food Resource Bank

11/9/2007

OXFORD, Ind. - More than 200 people from the Oxford United Methodist Church and First Christian Church of Lafayette, Ind. gathered together at the Oxford farm where this past spring they dedicated proceeds from 20 acres of corn to the Food Resource Bank. They harvested that corn on Oct. 21. Following a worship service and carry-in dinner, ten area farmers provided combine rides for everyone as the crop was harvested. Other activities included a petting zoo, pumpkin painting and craft... -- more --

Pastoral Appointments

11/9/2007

Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the following changes within the Indiana Area. All dates effective 2007 unless otherwise noted. These appointments are based on Cabinet reports received by Indiana Area Communication during the month of October 2007. North Indiana Conference Austin, Stephen from Warsaw First, Warsaw to Pendleton First, Marion, 1/1/08 Dolby, Linda from Mulberry, Lafayette to Lafayette Christ Associate, Lafayette, 10/16 Gladfelter, Michael Eugene from... -- more --

Provocative Grace forces us to rethink Jesus' words

11/9/2007

By Daniel R. Gangler Reading the Gospels never becomes a done deal. Our life situations drive new truths and new insights from familiar words reread with new contexts. So was the discovery of Robert Corin Morris as he wrote Provocative Grace: The Challenge in Jesus' Words (Upper Room Books, 2007). But being a scholar of the Greek language, Morris went deeper into discovering that Jesus' words about grace in the Gospels were no impossible dictums to live, but provocative knock-your-socks-off... -- more --

UIndy prof wins international book award

11/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - University of Indianapolis political science Professor Stephen A. Graham has received an international award for his biography of a noted Christian missionary. Graham's 2005 book Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Mission explores the life and work of E. Stanley Jones, who went to India in 1907 as a Methodist missionary and later became an itinerant evangelist, campaigner for social justice and supporter of India's effort to win independence from the British Empire. Published by... -- more --