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February 2007

Cover Story

Hoosier medical team lends skills to healing in West Africa

2/9/2007

By Daniel R. Gangler Awed by the lack of medicine, skilled medical professionals and bare-bones technology, a volunteer team of 13 Hoosier United Methodists spent up to three weeks in Sierra Leone and Liberia this past month. The medical portion of team included two medical doctors, four nurses and a pharmacist. They were led by the Rev. Dr. Donald Griffith and his wife Marilyn Griffith. As scheduled, five of the team members left after the first two weeks. Eight remained for a final... -- more --

From the Bishop

March Madness for Missions

From the Bishop:

2/9/2007

I invite all United Methodists here in Indiana to join me in a "March Madness for Missions" by raising funds for two Advance Special mission projects approved by the General Conference and the Council of Bishops of our denomination. The first is a call for each United Methodist congregation to donate at least $1 per member for the Global AIDS Fund to help eliminate the HIV/AIDS epidemic that is killing so many people, especially in Africa. The second is the Nothing But Nets campaign... -- more --

Welcome

Letters to the Editor

2/9/2007

Lugar's pessimism Senator Richard Lugar's pessimistic assessment of the crisis in Darfur, Sudan (Jan. 2007, Together) was both disappointing and inaccurate. He claims that "there is no basis for optimism" and that all possible measures have been taken by the West. His myopic vision reflects the lack of vision and commitment among American and European leaders which has prolonged this crisis. "The impasse over deploying a major UN peacekeeping force to Darfur," according to... -- more --

The Gospel calls us to risk, not comfort

Welcome

2/9/2007

During the past year, I have not understood the behavior of some United Methodist clergy and laity who are reluctant to enter public dialogue concerning social issues from support for raising the cigarette tax to opposing the expansion of legalized gambling. I have heard it said more than once, "I don't want to get involved with politics." I have come to realize they are saying, "I don't want to take risks." My response - As followers of Jesus Christ, we need to be first... -- more --

Indiana

Air Force awards medal to UIndy professor

2/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS (UIndy) - The Rev. Gregory S. Clapper, a professor of Philosophy & Religion at the University of Indianapolis, has been honored by the U.S. Air Force for his 2006 work ministering to the wounded at a military hospital in Germany. An ordained United Methodist minister and chaplain lieutenant colonel in the Indiana Air National Guard, Clapper served from May through June at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, a key treatment facility for U.S. military personnel injured in Iraq... -- more --

Bishop announces appointment of Huntertown pastor to North Indiana Cabinet

2/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Bishop Michael J. Coyner, resident United Methodist Bishop of the Indiana Area, recently announced today the appointment of the Rev. Dr. David A. Michel as the new Superintendent of the Fort Wayne District. He will assume his new duties on June 16. Current District Superintendent Lamar Imes plans to retire in June. The Fort Wayne District has 67 congregations and more than 15,600 confirmed members. For the past 13 years, Michel has served as senior pastor of the Huntertown... -- more --

Bishop Coyner leads Holy Land pilgrimage of Hoosiers

23 ordinands part of the group

2/9/2007

Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner will lead a group of 156 pilgrims beginning Feb. 12 on a trip to Israel to travel the lands of the Bible and to walk in the steps of Jesus. The group will include 23 ordinands to continue their education and engage in their own spiritual formation. Some pilgrims also will go to Jordan and Egypt. Coyner hopes all of the pilgrims will have a personal encounter with the biblical story. The group also will connect with Bishop Lindsay Davis and fellow pilgrims from the... -- more --

Compelling Reasons for a New Conference in Indiana

2/9/2007

Thus says the Lord: Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing. – Isaiah 43:18-19 We believe God is calling us to emerge from our current institutional structures and give birth to a new way of being United Methodist in Indiana. We believe God is leading us to meet the needs of a changing and complex world with a unified voice that focuses on making disciples of Jesus Christ — in Indiana and beyond — as our... -- more --

Faith-based coalition thanks Indiana Governor for effort to lower use of tobacco among Hoosiers

2/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - Participants of the Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition, an interfaith group advocating for lowering the use of tobacco in Indiana, presents a thank-you letter Jan. 24 to Governor Mitch Daniels (center) in his Statehouse office for proposing a health-care insurance program to lower-income Hoosier families, which is supported in part by a proposed increase in the state tobacco tax, and full funding of the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Agency. Earlier the same day, the... -- more --

Giving voice to the voiceless, hope to the hopeless

Feeding Indiana's hungry

2/9/2007

By David McCleary The Society of St. Andrew, an Advance special of The United Methodist Church, runs a very simple business of feeding the hungry in Jesus name. It is an enormous task to bridge the gap between 37 million hungry Americans and 96 billion pounds of food wasted each year nationally. Through various means, including gleaning Indiana fields after farmers harvest, we can help feed Indiana's hungry. There is a growing global chasm between the rich and the poor. While there are many... -- more --

Hoosier church leaders help two Miss. families rebuild

2/9/2007

By Debbie Bushfield and Pam Keith D'IBERVILLE, Miss. - The United Methodist Women meeting at a church on the coast of Mississippi had a roll-call question: "How are you doing after 18 months?" One elderly woman who had lost everything to Hurricane Katrina slowly stood and looked round at her friends. Then she said, "I'm drinking out of a saucer - because my cup runneth over." The United Methodist Church had rebuilt her home. Each person in the flooded area across the Gulf... -- more --

Imagine Indiana Planning Team gives compelling reasons for unifying United Methodists in Indiana

2/9/2007

Since the sessions of the North Indiana and South Indiana conferences of The United Methodist Church in June 2006, the Imagine Indiana Planning Team and its 14 Discernment Teams have met several times in various locations across the state involving more than 250 United Methodists clergy and laity in lively discussion about the possible unity of the two conferences in a new unique expression of The United Methodist Church in Indiana. Called into being by Bishop Mike Coyner and led by the Rev.... -- more --

Indianapolis area women organize prison ministry

2/9/2007

For the past year, offenders from the Indiana Women's Prison and members of the Indianapolis West and East Districts United Methodist Women have met together to form a monthly prison ministry, called "United Methodist Women - Women Inside." The two-hour meetings are modeled as typical UMW meetings, which includes mission speakers, devotions, studies from Response Magazine, prayer time for missionaries, and various arts and crafts projects. The women also participate in Bible study... -- more --

Lafayette church, Purdue, community team together for infants

2/9/2007

By Matthew Oates LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Next to the grand and stately sanctuary building of Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Lafayette sits a humble, one-floor bright yellow stucco house with a banner that flaps from the porch. The banner proclaims to the community the new life that the house is and brings: the Trinity Nursing Center for Infant Health. The center, which opened on April 30, 2006, is a collaborative effort between Trinity UMC and Purdue University's School of Nursing to... -- more --

South Conference laity challenged to submit sermons for conference session in June

2/9/2007

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 to God by submitting a sermon manuscript for judging. The deadline for entries is April 26. The theme is "One in Spirit, All in Ministry: In the Spirit of Stewardship." Manuscripts are judged on how well the theme is followed and developed, and how well stories and illustrations are used. The author will present the winning manuscript... -- more --

Missions

Buy a Net, Save a Life

2/9/2007

$10 buys one net. Hoosier United Methodists will be focusing on this initiative during Lent, are encouraged to receive special offerings for the Nothing But Nets campaign. The bed nets work in two ways. They stop mosquitoes from biting during the night and spreading the disease, and the insecticide on the net kills the mosquitoes when they land on it, stopping them from flying on to find their next victim. Bed nets can prevent malaria transmission by 50 percent. ... -- more --

Church hopes to transform old bank into Mulberry youth center

2/9/2007

By Joe Larson MULBERRY, Ind. - The vault of an old bank might not be the first place most parents would choose to send their kids, but Mulberry United Methodist Church hopes it soon will be. In November, the Indiana Youth Institute awarded monetary and technical assistance to Abba's Place, a church-run youth center located inside the former Farmers Bank building, 112 E. Jackson St. Mulberry UMC, 10 miles SE of Lafayette, hopes to use these resources to transform the center into the... -- more --

Nothing But Nets hopes to help conquer malaria in Africa

2/9/2007

By Lori Crantford Sudden death. In sports, that term is used in an overtime situation where the team who scores first wins. Generally, scoring is accomplished by putting a ball through or into a net. Sudden death. When it comes to malaria in third-world countries, one bite from an infected mosquito can, and does, result in a rather sudden death for 1,000,000 people every year. Nearly 3,000 children die every day in Africa from malaria. Amazingly, just like the scenario above, a net can make... -- more --

Operation Classroom celebrates 20 years of ministry to Africa

2/9/2007

By Joe Wagner This year Operation Classroom celebrates 20 years of partnership ministry with the Liberia and Sierra Leone United Methodist conferences. What began as a conversation over a cup of coffee has become of one of the most effective mission programs of The United Methodist Church in West Africa, and has sparked interest in other United Methodist conferences to consider this concept in their mission outreach. When Bob Bowman and John Shettle were elected lay leaders of their... -- more --

Paul Dirdak resigns from UMCOR position

2/9/2007

NEW YORK (UMNS) - The Rev. Paul Dirdak has left his position as chief executive of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. His departure, effective Jan. 31, was announced by the Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive of the General Board of Global Ministries, UMCOR's parent agency. Dirdak, who has led UMCOR since 1998, also had overseen Mission Volunteers and Health and Welfare Ministries for the board during his tenure there. The Rev. Sam Dixon, a staff executive who currently oversees the... -- more --

Summer gathering to bring UMs together around mission

2/9/2007

United Methodists from across the denomination will come together in the Chicago area for four days in August to explore what mission can mean for the church in the 21st century. The "Bridges of Hope" Mission Gathering and Forum will take place Aug. 5-8 at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. Participants will pray, sing and worship together while being inspired to share the evangelical message that leads to the transformation of lives and communities. The... -- more --

Viewpoints

Hoosier in London seeks deeper meaning of social justice

2/7/2009

By Lisa Marchal When I first arrived in London, people back home (in Indiana) expected that my time here would be fascinating. And parts of it have been. The other day, a group of friends got special seating, up in the choir boxes, for evensong at Saint Paul's Cathedral, and by accident we met the Bishop of London. My fellowship group meets across the street from Westminster Abbey. It's good stuff. But I don't have a TV, so I spend way too much time fiddling on news Web sites, Google and... -- more --

Speaking of fenjoozlers

Body, Mind & Spirit

2/9/2007

By Todd Outcalt Some weeks ago I was watching a professional golf match on TV. As one of the golfers hit a majestic shot that hopped and bit the green, the announcer commented excitedly, "Wow, what a fenjoozler!" Of course, I had not idea what this meant, but later, it was explained that a fenjoozler (an actual golf term!) is "a golf shot that, after being struck, skips twice on the green and comes to a sudden stop." Now, hearing this golf term for the first time, I was... -- more --

Super Bowl thinking: the joy of going for the win!

Capital Funds Campaign for the North Indiana Conference camping ministry

2/9/2007

By Jean M. Brindel The Super Bowl in Miami between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears is history. Now the "Monday morning quarterbacking" takes place, and will probably go on for months, since this was the last game - THE BIG GAME - of the NFL season and a big win for the Colts. My sister and her husband are true-blue Colts fans with season tickets and all. As they were parking their car and walking to the RCA Dome for the AFC Division Championship Play-Off Game, they were... -- more --

Chronicles

Deaths

2/9/2007

SEAN MICHAEL BEALL, son of the Rev. Michael Beall of Muncie Fountain Square UMC (NIC), died Jan. 20, 2007 in Lafayette. A memorial service was held Jan. 25 at the Kroeger Funeral Home in Logansport, Ind. with the Rev. Michael Beall officiating. Condolences and personal remembrances can be sent to the Rev. Michael Beall, 4401 S. Madison St., Muncie, IN 47302-5670. MAXINE DAVIDSON, widow of the late Rev. S Howard Davidson (SIC), died Jan. 16, 2007. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m.... -- more --

Fort Wayne pastor appointed as part-time military chaplain in Air National Guard

2/9/2007

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - The 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard at the Fort Wayne International Airport recently announced the appointment of the Rev. Kent A. Lundy as a part-time Protestant Chaplain. Lundy's primary focus will be leading worship, pastoral care and preparing for possible deployment. Lundy is an ordained Elder in the North Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church serving as the senior associate pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne.... -- more --

Garrett-Evangelical announces appointment of Naylor

2/9/2007

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill., announces the appointment of the Rev. Bruce Naylor as Development Associate for the Indiana Area. This part-time position is designed to help Garrett-Evangelical keep alums and friends informed about the seminary's mission, the challenges it faces in training the next generation of church leaders, and the partnership role alums and friends can play in helping prepare leaders for the church. Naylor, a 1974 graduate of GTS, is a retired... -- more --

Lay eligibility for General, Jurisdictional Conferences corrected mailing

2/9/2007

A recent mailing sent to members of South Indiana Conference regarding election of delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences erroneously stated that laity must be Lay Members of the Annual Conference in order to be elected. But ¶36 of the 2004 Book of Discipline (p. 32) states: "[Lay] delegates shall have been professing members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist... -- more --

Lucille Raines Residence to celebrate 30th anniversary

2/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS - The Lucille Raines Residence stories will be told during the agency's 30th anniversary celebration and open house on Monday, April 30 from 1 to 7:30 p.m. Special presentations about this ministry are scheduled for 2 and 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Churches and districts are encouraged to bring bus loads of people to experience firsthand this unique ministry. Come hear testimonies of lives changed and tour the facility that is home to all who enter its doors. Meet the... -- more --

North Indiana School of Christian Mission to meet in July at Manchester

2/9/2007

The North Indiana Conference United Methodist Women 2007 School of Christian Mission Theme is "Sing Across the Walls! 'I'm gonna live so God can use me. Anywhere Lord, Anytime!'" The 2007 studies include: Social Issue Study: Globalization: It's impact in our lives. Geographic Study: Israel and Palestine. Spiritual Growth Study (all participate): Music and Mission The North Indiana United Methodist Women invite all men, women,... -- more --

Oakwood Park announces upcoming events

2/9/2007

Oakwood Park, located on Lake Wawasee, in northern Indiana is a center for family vacations, church camps, conferences and retreats. Several special events have been planned during the Spring months and are open to the public. On Feb. 20, a Sweet Heart Banquet is scheduled with a buffet dinner and a program by the Crimsonaires of Goshen High School. The Lakes Area Players will present Christ's Passion this Lent. Christ's Passion tells the story of Jesus Christ but with a different set, a... -- more --

On-site nursing master's program awards first degrees at University of Indianapolis

2/9/2007

INDIANAPOLIS (UIndy) - A unique partnership between the United Methodist-related University of Indianapolis and Clarian Health has produced its first master's degree graduates, all of them working nurses who were able take their courses at Clarian's Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children. Increasingly at the nation's top hospitals, registered nurses are expected to hold four-year degrees, and nurses in administrative or training roles are expected to... -- more --

Pastoral Appointments

2/9/2007

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 January 2007. North Indiana Conference Chinn, David W. from no appointment to Sugar Grove, Marion, 1/1 Cruea, Phillip from Ebenezer, Kokomo to no appointment, 12/31/06 Halferty, Michael from Epworth, Marion to... -- more --

South Indiana Conference News Briefs

2/9/2007

Nominations open in South Indiana Conference for Denman Award The Denman Evangelism Award was established in 1980 by The Foundation for Evangelism to honor pastors and laity doing responsible evangelism in the local church. In 1980, it was a national award. After nominations had been received from individuals in all five jurisdictions, the Executive Committee of The Foundation for Evangelism selected one clergy and one lay person who were honored to begin the program. In 1981, the Denman... -- more --

United Methodist Memorial Home in Warren changes name to Heritage Pointe

2/9/2007

WARREN, Ind. - United Methodist Memorial Home recently became known as Heritage Pointe. The name change represents the home's commitment to its rich, Christian heritage and coincides with the community's updated image and growth of services. For 97 years, Heritage Pointe has offered seniors a safe, caring and nurturing place to call home. "The name Heritage Pointe represents our continued commitment to build upon our heritage of caring," said David P. Souder, CEO and administrator.... -- more --