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October 2007

Cover Story

Going 'public with their faith'

10/9/2007

By Sue Lowe South Bend Tribune Staff Writer SOUTH BEND, Ind. - "It takes a place like Granger Community to pull something like this off," a beaming Jodi Wagonmaker said as she stood ready to help people at the church's annual Baptism Celebration held Sunday, Sept. 9. It's not every baptism where you can buy a hot dog and nachos while waiting to watch your friends and relatives be baptized. It's also not every baptism where about 350 people are baptized. Jami Ruth, communications... -- more --

Student hikes to New Orleans to raise relief funds

10/9/2007

By Woody Woodrick A UMNS Repor When Ben Poor told his parents he wanted to go for a walk this summer, he wasn't talking about a stroll around the block or a quick power walk. Poor took a loooooong walk. Like 850 miles. The 20-year-old United Methodist walked from his hometown of New Palestine, Ind., to New Orleans to raise money for Hurricane Katrina relief. He left New Palestine, near Indianapolis, on June 26 and reached New Orleans on Aug. 9. "It all started a couple of years ago... -- more --

From the Bishop

Church is not a spectator sport

10/9/2007

I love the fall football season. I like watching football on TV, listening to games on the car radio while I drive, and even going to a few games in person. I also watch Sports Center, I listen to ESPN sporting news, I read sports Web sites, and I enjoy talking football with other fans. This is a great year for football in Indiana. The Colts are 4-0, Purdue is 5-0, Indiana is 4-1 and Notre Dame will win a game eventually. In our United Methodist-related schools, DePauw is 3-1 and the... -- more --

Editorial

Give until the experience feels good

10/9/2007

Many congregations are in the midst of stewardship campaigns to raise pledges or faith promises for the mission and ministry of their churches during the coming year. My pastor, Anne Rosebrock, followed example recently at Meridian Street United Methodist with a Stewardship Sunday sermon based on the story of Zacchaeus, the rich tax collector "small in stature and in spirit." However, this story is far beyond parish fund raising and securing next year's budget. In it Jesus captured... -- more --

Imagine Indiana Team moves forward in bringing images to reality

10/9/2007

By Daniel R. Gangler INDIANAPOLIS - Under the leadership of Bishop Mike Coyner, the Imagine Indiana Planning Team's work continued Sept. 28 to bring images into reality as its 12 members pursued a plan which will unite the North Indiana and South Indiana United Methodist annual conferences. One of those reality points is amendments to the Imagine Indiana plan of union that will come before both annual conferences next spring. If such amendments are received for approval to move forward toward... -- more --

New Albany District Superintendent appointed to Indy church

10/9/2007

Indiana Area Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the appointment of the Rev. Michael Biggs, United Methodist Superintendent of the New Albany District since 2002, to the position of senior pastor at the 740-member Chapel Hill United Methodist Church on North Girls School Road on Indianapolis' Westside effective Dec. 1 The announcement of the move was made the first week in October to churches in the New Albany District. Members of the Chapel Hill UMC were informed of the move Sunday, Sept.... -- more --

Thanks for strong message in Together

10/9/2007

Thank you so much for the strong message in the September issue of together. It is much needed and will, I hope, be heeded by those who are in a position to help the average UM church-goers understand and believe. I wish I did not have to agree that we have misplaced our Wesleyan identity, not because the organization is so important but because Wesley had an appropriate biblical approach to modern life. A lot of us still need it! Also, for reasons I can't quite... -- more --

Indiana

'Our Life Together' dates have changed

10/9/2007

"Our Life Together" dates have been changed to Monday-Tuesday, April 14-15, 2008, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. This event is for all United Methodist clergy in Indiana - retired clergy are welcome and active clergy are expected to attend if at all possible. The theme for this two-day event is "Living the Wesleyan Way in a New Day." Registration and information will be available on-line through the North Indiana Conference, South Indiana Conference... -- more --

Comedy concert will benefit Mid-East interfaith school

10/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS (UIndy) - The Montana Logging & Ballet Company will bring its topical humor and music to Indianapolis on Nov. 18 in a performance to benefit a unique interfaith educational institution in Israel. For three decades, this quartet with the cheeky name has entertained audiences across America with original songs and skits that satirize current events and contemporary society, sometimes even inspired by the latest local news. The Montana Logging & Ballet Company has been heard... -- more --

Comedy concert will benefit Mid-East interfaith school

10/9/2007

Comedy concert will benefit Mid-East interfaith school

10/9/2007

Comedy concert will benefit Mid-East interfaith school

10/9/2007

DePauw University's 17th president, Richard F. Rosser, dies at 78

10/9/2007

GREENCASTLE, Ind. - Dr. Richard F. Rosser, 78, DePauw's seventeenth president who led the University from 1977 to 1986, died Sept. 21, 2007 in Maine. Under Rosser's leadership, DePauw restored historic East College, renovated Asbury Hall and Roy O. West Library, and built the Lilly Physical Education and Recreation Center. The University's endowment grew four-fold from $19.4 million to $83.2 million. Rosser led the University until 1986, when he retired and was succeeded by current President... -- more --

District AAs discuss unity of two conferences

10/9/2007

Administrative Assistants from 15 of the 18 United Methodist district offices across Indiana discuss their role in the church and concerns relating to their positions with Bishop Mike Coyner and five members of the Imagine Indiana Planning Team during a Sept. 21 luncheon meeting at the area office in Indianapolis. The administrative assistants talked as Coyner and team members listened to their comments about database needs, district and conference programs, district committee structure, Web... -- more --

Elkhart Trinity holds open house at new community center

10/9/2007

ELKHART, Ind. - Trinity United Methodist Church in Elkhart has just completed a $3.5 million community center. Members of the congregation held an open house of the new center for the larger community on Sept. 20. Leaders from business, education, the faith community and government were invited to a "come and go" luncheon. Tours of the facility were available during the 90-minute open house. Elkhart Mayor Dave Miller offered a brief welcome at noon. The 900-member congregation, with... -- more --

Epworth Stitchers showcase ministry during Indy festivals

10/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Prayer shawls for hospital patients, blankets for wounded soldiers, layettes for young single mothers - the Epworth Stitchers have made them all. Now the Stitchers will showcase their sewing and knitting ministry to the Indianapolis community as part of the 2007 Spirit & Place Festival, a community-wide celebration of the arts, humanities and religion. The Spirit & Place festival features 71 events for all ages, all centering on this year's theme: Living Generously.... -- more --

Indiana church helps offender reenter society

10/9/2007

By Daniel R. Gangler INDIANAPOLIS - His first release was from the Pendleton Correctional Facility northeast of Indianapolis in March 2006. His second release came a year later from the Faith Care Team of Wesley United Methodist Church on the west-side of Indianapolis. Both were fearful experiences as Buddy Stapleton began his interdependent life as a former prison inmate and became a productive citizen of Indianapolis. His future success, of not re-entering a correctional facility, has been... -- more --

Lockerbie Central opens coffee house in Indianapolis

10/9/2007

By Daniel R. Gangler INDIANAPOLIS - Looking for a way to reach out to a very urban setting and diverse population, one of the United Methodist downtown Indianapolis churches opened a coffee house ministry on Sept. 14. According to the Rev. Chad Abbott, 31, pastor of the recently configured Lockerbie Central United Methodist Church on the corner of New York and East Streets, "Our journey began in our Justice Team, which tried to take a look at the coffee farming industry in Third World... -- more --

Robertson Meeting House was restored to its original appearance and moved to the grounds of the Rivervale campground

10/9/2007

By John J. Baughman This year marks the 200th anniversary of the Robertson Meeting House, the oldest surviving building of Indiana United Methodism. It was built in 1807 for Nathan Robertson on his farm in Clark County, just north of present day Charlestown, Ind. Natha Robertson, a native of Maryland, moved his family to Indiana Territory in 1799 by way of 12 years spent in frontier Kentucky. Converted early to Methodism, Robertson entertained "exhorters" in his home and when... -- more --

Seeds of Hope to grow at old City Church site in Gary

10/9/2007

GARY, Ind. - As we go to press, United Methodists are scheduled to share in a very special service and ceremony in Gary on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 7, weather permitting, at the remains of the old "City Church" in Gary, site of the former First Methodist Church, once one of the largest Protestant churches in Middle America. (If weather does not permit an outside service, it will be held in the school across the street from the site.) Then, came the days of "white flight"... -- more --

University of Evansville exceeds enrollment expectation

10/9/2007

EVANSVILLE, Ind. - For the fifth consecutive year, the United Methodist-related University of Evansville has met or exceeded its enrollment goal. "When classes began on August 29, the entering class of 2007 numbered 660 strong, exceeding our goal of 650," said Dr. Stephen Jennings, University President. Overall enrollment at the University was also two percent higher than last year. According to Jennings, several reasons for the increase in enrollment include the University of... -- more --

National

Church's CFO announces retirement effective next June

10/9/2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Sandra Lackore (pictured at right) will retire next June after serving 12 years as chief executive of the agency that administers finances for The United Methodist Church and safeguards its legal rights and interests. She shared the news with her staff at the General Council on Finance and Administration in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 17. Her retirement also was announced churchwide by Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, president of the governing board for the agency. Lackore,... -- more --

Churches urged to speak out about domestic violence

10/9/2007

By Linda Bales Domestic violence is now at epidemic proportions in the United States and around the globe. The church cannot be silent and must take decisive action to reduce the staggering statistics. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend occur yearly in the U.S. Other estimates climb as high as three million women who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year. Around the... -- more --

New hymnal proposed for United Methodist Church

10/9/2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The United Methodist Church could have a new hymnal by 2013 under plans endorsed by the denomination's General Board of Discipleship. Directors of the board, meeting Aug. 22-25, voted to ask the 2008 General Conference to form a hymnal creation committee next year to begin developing a new hymnal. If the committee's work is approved by the denomination's top legislative body in 2012, the new resource would replace The United Methodist Hymnal published in 1989. It... -- more --

UM student loans can now be repaid online

10/9/2007

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - A newly launched online repayment system is making repaying United Methodist student loans easier and will improve efficiency in processing scholarships and loan applications. Beginning in 2008, United Methodist students also can apply for scholarships and loans online. In addition, students will be able to go online and track the status of an application to see if it is complete. For instance, a scholarship applicant can learn if a letter of reference is missing or... -- more --

Focus

12 ways you can support Operation Classroom

10/9/2007

Sponsor one or more students with a scholarship. ($75 each) Have a Sunday School Class, youth group, or UMW do at least one hands - on project. (Brochures on Kits and Hands-on opportunities in 2008 are available on line or from the OC office.) Support one project related to your partner school. Encourage your church to purchase school supplies during the stores' summer sales Provide children's multi vitamins Provide dried/powdered milk Support a teacher,... -- more --

Coffee leads to 20-year mission outreach in Africa

10/9/2007

What began as a conversation over a cup of coffee has become one of the most effective mission programs of The United Methodist Church in West Africa, and has sparked interest in several conferences to consider this concept in their mission outreach. When Bob Bowman and John Shettle were elected lay leaders of their respective South Indiana and North Indiana Annual Conferences in 1984, they decided to meet to discuss how they might work together to help renew United Methodist churches in... -- more --

General Goals of OC for 2008-2012

10/9/2007

SCHOOLS Provide Work Study/Scholarship grants for students - $75 each A minimum of 100 work study/scholarship grants are provided each school. Some schools receive additional scholarships. Each student will spend three hours per month doing work for the school. Because of the need, our goal is to increase the number of scholarships to 130 for each school. Tamba Bockarie, a high school junior, helps us understand the need for scholarships: "I... -- more --

Operation Classroom at Kissy Hospital

10/9/2007

Benchmark dates 1974 UMC Health and Maternity Center founded by Swedish UMC 1980 The health center's situation was poor with no running water, eight under-qualified staff members and the hospital received no more than five outpatients a day for care 1992 Signed a partnership agreement with Bishop Humper of Sierra Leone 1993... -- more --

United Methodists lead in West African education

10/9/2007

Since the arrival of missionaries, education has become a priority in the work of the church in many African nations. In Sierra Leone and Liberia, the church has always been a leader in education, viewing it as an evangelistic outreach. All their students participate in Bible classes and chapel services. Many also join after-school Bible clubs. Without the schools promoted by the church in these two West African countries, little formal education would take place. Vocational education also is... -- more --

West Africa Trauma Team of Operation Classroom Seminars

10/9/2007

1994 Basic Seminar, 13 leaders, Monrovia, Liberia, at College of W. Africa 1995 Advanced Training Seminar, four leaders, Monrovia, Peale Center, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia 1996 Supervisory Training Seminar three facilitators, Monrovia, Peale Center, Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia 1997 Basic Seminar, Held at Man, Cote... -- more --

Global

Cote D'Ivoire Conference develops new strategic health plan

10/9/2007

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire (GBGM) - The Côte d'Ivoire Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church in is developing a new strategic plan in health ministries as part of a denomination-wide emphasis on global health. The plan is focused on four priorities: the three diseases of poverty (malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS), strengthening the Methodist Hospital in Dabou, restarting a school of nursing, and establishing community-based-primary-health-care programs in the Côte... -- more --

Liberian Council of Churches elects United Methodist bishop as president

10/9/2007

MONROVIA, Liberia (UMNS) - The Liberian Council of Churches elected as its new president United Methodist Bishop John G. Innis, during the council's 23rd General Assembly and Silver Jubilee program, held Aug. 2-4 at the Stephen Trowen Nagbe United Methodist Church and St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia. In his acceptance speech, Innis said the Liberian Council of Churches has God as its president. He described himself and the two vice presidents-elect as coaches on God's... -- more --

Proposed Social Creed seeks global acceptance

10/9/2007

By Kathy L. Gilbert WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Fresh off its world tour, a "user-friendly" United Methodist Social Creed faces its biggest audience next spring in its bid to become the church's "roadmap to making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." A small task force of six under the leadership of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society has been working on a 2008 Social Creed to replace the revised 1972 version. The original creed was... -- more --

United Methodists more than halfway to Nothing But Nets goal

10/9/2007

HOUSTON, Texas (UMCom) - The people of The United Methodist Church have passed the halfway mark toward the denomination's $3-million fundraising goal for the Nothing But Nets malaria prevention campaign, Bishop Thomas Bickerton announced during a recent faith leaders' luncheon at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Houston. "The 'Send a net. Save a life' message has gained momentum across the United Methodist connection, with churches, youth groups and individuals employing creative... -- more --

Viewpoints

A father's reflections on 'Kid Nation'

10/9/2007

By Steve Horswill-Johnston A UMNS Commentary My two kids and I recently watched the first episode of the new reality TV show "Kid Nation" on CBS. We were instantly hooked. At least, at first. When I first heard about the show, I thought it was a neat idea that kids would be the central characters rather than the "Survivor" model of cast members in their 20s and 30s with one being voted off the show each week. The premise is simple: 40 young people, ages 8 to 15, are... -- more --

Being a thumb is no small matter

10/9/2007

By Jean Brindel Many North Indiana United Methodists know about the statue at Epworth Forest in North Webster that stands between the chapel and the office. The statue of Jesus has stood there, well for as long as I can remember, perhaps the mid 1970s. When people look at the statue of Jesus they share a common experience. It is not so much the carving of the likeness of Jesus as the curve of the face depicts His wisdom and love. It is not so much the feet of the statue that has moved so many... -- more --

Shoe leather faith

10/9/2007

By Todd Outcalt In last month's issue of Together, I wrote about a recent mission in Puerto Rico. Our small group spent the week in a children's home in a little town, ministering to the needs of abused and neglected children. The women who worked in the home were dedicated to the children and to their faith in Jesus. As the week progressed, I also became aware of another woman who was sharing her faith in a most humble way. Every day, this woman came to the home and cooked for the children... -- more --

Chronicles

Author Reese to lead workshop on evangelism in Indy Nov. 15

10/9/2007

The Indianapolis Center for Congregations will be hosting Martha Grace Reese, author of Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism in a workshop by the same name on Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Greenwood United Methodist Church near Indianapolis. Reese's book is one of the books in the Bishop's Bundle of books promoted at both North Indiana and South Indiana annual conferences last month. Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism is a workshop for pastors and laypeople who want the truth... -- more --

Deaths

10/9/2007

JAMES V. BENNETT, retired pastor (NIC), died Sept. 5, 2007. A memorial service was held Sept. 9 at the North Webster United Methodist Church in North Webster, Ind. with burial in the North Webster Cemetery, Mock Addition. Survivors include: his wife, Evelyn; two daughters, Karen Harris of Pierceton, Ind. and Marilyn Akers of Lebanon, Ind.; two sons, Mark Bennett of Richmond, Va. and Tim Bennett of Omaha, Neb.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three brothers. Condolences can be... -- more --

Frankfort's St. Matthew UMC celebrates 175th anniversary

10/9/2007

FRANKFORT, Ind. - St. Matthew United Methodist Church of Frankfort, Indiana celebrated its 175th Anniversary Sept.21-23. On Friday evening, previous pastors were invited to a reception and to share memories of serving here while Saturday saw a golf scramble, potluck supper and camp out. Sunday was a joyous day of celebration with one worship service. Lafayette District Superintendent the Rev. Kate Walker spoke of other events of the 1830s and led the dedication of the "Ark of... -- more --

Indiana United Methodist Women to celebrate together Nov. 2-3

10/9/2007

United Methodist Women's Conference CELEBRATION will be held on Nov. 2-3, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street (one block west of Meridian) in Indianapolis. The Celebration will start on Friday, Nov. 2 with an afternoon tea with Dana Jones, guest speaker. Following the tea there will be a choice of either a tour of Lucille Raines Residence or focus groups: Igniting a Fire for Mission, Mission Stories, Young Women's Group, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Health Kits, White Cross... -- more --

NIC's Sending of the Saints workshops continue in October

10/9/2007

Now that the first round of North Indiana's Sending of the Saints workshops are here, log on for the dates and locations of the next round of workshops. They will be held Oct. 20 at Valparaiso First UMC. A complete listing of workshops can be found at www.nicumc.org/cd/sos/workshops.php. Workshop being offered on Oct. 20 include these topics: Reaching children and their families, launching new worship services, and launching off-site congregations.... -- more --

Operation Classroom celebrates 20th anniversary with banquet Oct. 28

10/9/2007

Operation Classroom is scheduled to celebrate 20 years of continuous ministry in Liberia and Sierra Leone during a 20th anniversary banquet on Sunday, Oct. 28 beginning at 5 p.m. with a reception followed by a 6 p.m. banquet at the Jonathan Byrd Cafeteria located at Interstate 65, exit 99 in Greenwood, Ind. Special speakers will include: Dr. Randy Day, general secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, Bishop John Innis of Liberia, Bishop Joseph Humper of Sierra... -- more --

Pastor Appointments

10/9/2007

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 September. North Indiana Conference None at this time South Indiana Conference Cook, Craig from Loogootee, Vincennes to no appointment, 8/1 Haysler, Michaelene M. from Rush Branch/Rush Branch: Dupont/Rush... -- more --

Reese's new book encourages mainline Protestants to tell their faith story beyond the church

10/9/2007

By Daniel R. Gangler What makes Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism by Martha Grace Reese (Chalice Press) unique is the fact that it is based not only on the passion and experience of the author, but also on in-depth interviews with 1,000 mainline Protestant congregations. Reese, a Disciples of Christ, sums up the why of evangelism early on page 5 when she writes, "The heart of evangelism is being in love with God, being part of a church you love and caring about other people who... -- more --

Retired Bloomington pastor publishes book of prayer

10/9/2007

For years, the Rev. Dr. Joe Emerson has been a go-to guy for prayers. Whether kicking off a collegiate sporting event, helping to make sense of a national tragedy, celebrating the career of a devoted public servant, or mourning the loss of a beloved local friend, Emerson has articulated the deepest thoughts and emotions of those gathered before him with great aplomb. His words resonated with so many, so often, that he was accustomed to requests for printed copies of his prayers. But Emerson's... -- more --

Shirley-Wilkinson church sends mission volunteers to Crow Creek Reservation

10/9/2007

The Shirley-Wilkinson Community United Methodist Church helped two families prepare to go to South Dakota to work with the Tree of Life Ministries at the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation at Fort Thompson, South Dakota. The church United Methodist Women's group made 100 children's quilts that were dedicated in our worship service on Sunday, July 22. Along with the dedication of the quilts and all the items donated, the church also commissioned Mike and Ruth Allford and Dennis, Linda and Kristi... -- more --

UIndy welcomes new dean for School of Nursing

10/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - The United Methodist-related University of Indianapolis has selected a Denver nurse-educator-scholar with an impressive administrative record to be the new dean of its School of Nursing. Mary L. McHugh left the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, where she has been active in teaching, research and leadership since 1999, and became dean of UIndy's School of Nursing on Oct. 1. McHugh succeeds Sharon Isaac, who is retiring after 17 years at UIndy, the... -- more --