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November/December 2008

Cover Story

'RETHINK CHURCH'

First Indiana Conference headed for Muncie

11/12/2008

MUNCIE, Ind. - "RETHINK CHURCH" was endorsed by Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner and the 13-member Indiana Conference interim sessions committee as the theme for the first Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church scheduled for June 25-28 at Ball State University. The committee made its decision for the theme during an Oct. 27 meeting at College Avenue United Methodist Church in Muncie. More than 3,000 lay and clergy conference members from Indiana's 1,200 congregations are... -- more --

From the Bishop

Praying for the President

From the Bishop

11/12/2008

I am writing this column on Monday, November 3, 2008, so I do not know who will be elected as the new President of the United States. I have already voted by absentee ballot (yes, I did finally receive my ballot in the mail), but of course it would be inappropriate for me to share the name of the person for whom I voted. As a clergy person and in particular as a bishop of the church, I believe it is inappropriate for me to give a public endorsement to any candidate. However, I do believe that... -- more --

Welcome

Being nice isn't good enough for God

Welcome

10/8/2008

Bishop Reuben P. Job's best-selling little book Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living outlines John Wesley's practices of faithful Christian living. Job calls these three simple rules a radical change in direction. Those rules are: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God. We know from recent experiences that Wall Street will fail. Washington will fail. Politicians' promises will fail. Even new conference structures may fail. Most things in life, in one way or... -- more --

Lake, LaPorte, Porter County faith, civic groups organize for flood relief

11/12/2008

PORTAGE, Ind. - According to the Rev. Steve Conger of Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, more than 50 church and civic leaders of Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties met Oct. 24 in Portage to form a three-county Long-Term Recovery Committee in response to the mid-September flooding. The United Ways of Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties, in partnership with the State's Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (INVOAD), convened the meeting to initiate the long-term recovery... -- more --

United Methodists continue in flood recovery efforts statewide

11/12/2008

The floods may seem long gone and out of the news, however volunteers are still needed to assist residents in northwest, far northwest and the central parts of Indiana. In far northwest Indiana, including Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties, volunteer centers are located in Munster and Portage. United Way, a partner with Ridge UMC and other area churches, helps operate two United Way Volunteer Reception Centers at: Lake Business Center at 9200 Calumet Avenue in Suite N202 in Munster... -- more --

We need to better support the worldwide mission of our church

Welcome

11/12/2008

United Methodists are more than congregations. We are a global church connected to others through a worldwide community. When we say church, we mean much much more than a local congregation. We are congregations connected to mission projects, schools, universities, seminaries, clinics, children's homes, hospitals, senior residences, bishops and agencies to support our worldwide mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our witness as The United Methodist... -- more --

Editorial

Letters to the Editor

11/12/2008

Lay pastors not included I call your attention to the story in the October edition of Together titled "Clergywomen break new ground in large churches." The story cites 88 clergywomen serving in the North Conference, and 104 in the South Conference. Unfortunately, only deacons and elders are counted; local pastors are not included in the count. I'm afraid the story missed a group of women serving as pastors in churches in Indiana. It is a fine story; it is a shame that so many of us... -- more --

Indiana

Area disaster responders to offer workshop for crisis caregivers

11/12/2008

While the energies of many United Methodists in Indiana are focusing on cleaning up water-soaked homes, others recognize that recovery from the devastating flooding in summer 2008 will mean more than mucking out and rebuilding. Survivors of disasters also will face unique emotional and spiritual challenges that unfold in the months of the recovery. The United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Indiana Area Disaster Response Coordinators are helping clergy and lay leadership begin to address... -- more --

Bishop names Hansen as part-time interim director of human resources

11/12/2008

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner recently announced the hiring of the Rev. Dr. Adolf Hansen as the part-time Interim Director of Human Resources for the new Indiana Conference. Hansen served for many years as vice-president of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. and in that position was responsible for human resources policies. Upon Coyner's announcement, he said, "Hansen will be working with the new Human Resources Committee of the Indiana Conference to... -- more --

Bishop's Christmas offering to be received on behalf of children worldwide

11/12/2008

Christmas celebrations and children are a natural fit. Unfortunately, many children here at home in Indiana and around the world can't celebrate the specialness of this holiday. We can make a difference in their lives through our gifts during the coming seasons of Advent and Christmas. As a new Indiana Conference, United Methodist congregations statewide will be receiving this special Indiana Conference-wide United Methodist Offering for Children during Advent and Christmas. In preparing for... -- more --

Economic impact so far not affecting conference finances

11/12/2008

By Daniel R. Gangler Wall Street may have crashed, but that crash so far has not affected finances in the new Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, according to the two conference treasurers based in Marion and Bloomington. In an interview with Together, Brent Williams, treasurer of the former North Indiana Conference, and Jennifer Gallagher, treasurer of the former South Indiana Conference, both agree that it's too early to tell if the economic downturn has affected conference... -- more --

Fort Wayne church opens Roanoke site

11/12/2008

The new campus of Sonrise UMC in Fort Wayne opened on Oct. 5 with 138 people in worship. According to church leaders, there was excitement in the gymnasium of Roanoke Elementary School where this new worshipping community gathered to celebrate by "Reaching UP to God, Reaching AROUND one another, and Reaching OUT" in the love of Jesus Christ!" The Rev. Stan Buck, senior pastor of Sonrise, says to Hoosier United Methodists, "Thank you for your prayers and your support of this... -- more --

Garrett-Evangelical to simulcast 'Church and Society' course in Evanston, Indianapolis next spring

11/12/2008

EVANSTON, Ill. - As part of a continuing United Methodist Certificate program, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston will offer a video simulcast "Church and Society" course in three Friday-Saturday sessions in Evanston and Indianapolis next semester. The course will be team taught by Dr. Philip A. Amerson, Garrett-Evangelical president, and the Rev. Michael Mather, senior pastor at Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Classes will meet on the seminary... -- more --

Igniting Ministry matching grants available for Lent

11/12/2008

It is not too late to announce to churches the matching grant season currently accepting 2009 Lent applications. New this quadrennium are requirements for welcoming certification and training. All recipients will be instructed to have completed both before grants are awarded. Past evaluations have proven that churches with efforts in one or both certification and welcoming training have a significant increase in attendance. We see this new shift as the best way to optimize media dollars and... -- more --

Movie theater virtual service makes impact in Elkhart

11/12/2008

ELKHART, Ind. - Starting a new congregation in a movie theater is nothing new. It's been done many times in the past. Even one of Indiana's largest United Methodist churches, Granger Community, began in a Mishawka movie theater 22 years ago. Now Granger Community Church is pushing a new concept in Christian worship at a movie theater. Worship without a live leader in the theater. No live musicians or song leaders. No live sermon. Granger has done just that at its newly launched Elkhart campus... -- more --

New Conference progresses with new CF&A, Trustees

11/12/2008

INDIANAPOLIS - The Rev. Kent Millard of Indianapolis chaired the first meeting of the new 19-member interim Indiana Conference Council on Finance and Administration Oct. 23 at the Indiana Area office in Indianapolis. Millard The new CF&A is composed of an equal number of representatives from the two former Indiana conferences. The most pressing issues facing the council are... -- more --

Projects like these will be funded by this year's Bishop's Christmas Offering for Children

11/12/2008

Indiana - North Indiana: the Bridges (worship service for developmentally disabled children) in South Bend; the Lafayette Urban Ministries children's program; North Indiana Camp program; Bashor Children's Home and Kokomo Urban Outreach; Upendo; Cristiana Getsemani UMC, Fort Wayne. South Indiana: SIC Outdoor Ministries; Vida Nueava in Indianapolis; Brightwood Community Center; Fourteenth and Chestnut Community Center; SIC School of Christian Mission; Camp Encounter; the United Methodist Youth... -- more --

South Indiana UMW remembers past 40 years 'with grateful hearts'

11/12/2008

SEYMOUR, Ind. - "With a grateful heart, we are United Methodist Women - women of purpose," Vickie Newkirk, outgoing president of the former South Indiana Conference United Methodist Women, told more than 200 UMW leaders from across South Indiana. The women gathered Oct. 18 at the First United Methodist Church of Seymour, to elect officers, approve finances and remember the past 40 years in light of the pending formation of a new Indiana Conference United Methodist Women. Indiana... -- more --

Student Sunday gifts help place people in their callings

11/12/2008

When United Methodists place money or a check into Special Sunday offering envelopes on United Methodist Student Day on Nov. 30, they may be helping a seminary student who has been called to be a pastor or missionary. Gifts may be used to help a student complete nursing school or get an education degree to become a teacher. Whatever their calling, students bolstered by the generous gifts of their fellow United Methodists eventually will bring their faith to the workplace. Contributions on... -- more --

Global

Global Ministries launches effort to start 400 churches

Your General Church gifts at work

11/12/2008

By Elliott Wright STAMFORD, Conn. (UMNS) - United Methodists can become evangelists and church planters around the world through a fund launched with an initial gift from an Atlanta businesswoman. Mary Watson pledged $400,000 to the 400 Fund - $1,000 per new congregation outside the United States - in a church development effort by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. She received a standing ovation from the board's directors during their Oct. 13-17 meeting in Stamford,... -- more --

New Methodist Theological Seminary projected for Peru

11/12/2008

NEW YORK (GBGM) - The mission agency of The United Methodist Church is assisting the Methodist Church of Peru in establishing a new theological seminary to serve the Andean area of South America. Directors of the General Board of Global Ministries approved a grant of $104,000 from the income of a designated fund (not from the general budget) for the Wesleyan Theological Seminary and Center for Methodist Studies in Lima. Additional funds are coming from other sources in Latin America and around... -- more --

Nothing But Nets to aid refugees in East Africa

11/12/2008

The Nothing But Nets anti-malaria campaign has announced a new initiative to help eliminate malaria deaths. Responding to an urgent need, Nothing But Nets is working with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to send long-lasting, insecticide-treated bed nets to the more than 630,000 refugees living in 27 temporary camps in East Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. An initial $2 million donation from the United Nations Foundation to UNHCR will help launch the initiative.... -- more --

UMCOR Web site publishes spiritual care resources

11/12/2008

For survivors directly affected by a disaster, it can take weeks or months to get a handle on the permanence of their losses. How can congregations help? "Spiritual Care in Disaster Response" is a new collection of resources provided by UMCOR to assist congregations, families and children involved in disaster, either as survivors or as people who emotionally support them. Topics include: Basic Trauma Information for Congregations; Where Are You on the Road to Recovery? (Plus: Phases... -- more --

Viewpoints

Brother 2 Brother spreads love, good music

11/12/2008

By Chris Goff A different type of weekend warriors continue to hit the road after 20 years, thousands of miles and hundreds of concerts. With guitar and bass and the spirit of God in their hearts, brothers Dennis and Marvin Horine offer a unique style of music that both entertains and inspires. They are members of Woodlawn UMC in Somerset, Ind. As their passion and crisp, relaxing acoustic sound produced a ministry all its own, many admirers prodded the Horines to make Christian music their... -- more --

My health coach

Body, Mind & Spirit

11/12/2008

By Todd Outcalt Like most pastors in our new Indiana Conference, I recently received a phone call from my "health coach" - a wonderful women in Houston who speaks in a distinctive Texas drawl. She called me on my cell phone to encourage me in my exercise, diet and health goals. I suppose our insurance provider has arrived at the conclusion that it is less expensive to help us stay healthy than it is to cure us when we are ill. Hence, the reason for my health coach. Conversing with... -- more --

Chronicles

Alternative Christmas gift honors others by feeding hungry

11/12/2008

The Society of St. Andrew, a national hunger relief ministry and United Methodist Advance #801600, offers an alternative way of sharing the true meaning of Christmas, not just with people you know, but with thousands of strangers you will never meet but whom you can help feed. For a minimum donation of $12 per card, one can send a custom-designed alternative Christmas card to those one wishes to honor with a donation to feed the hungry, or one can have the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) send the... -- more --

Appointments

11/12/2008

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 the month of October 2008. North Indiana Conference Baszner, Robert M. from New Life, Kokomo to Voluntary Leave of Absence, 9/15 Ringenbach, Susan from Extension Ministry, Lafayette to Monticello, Lafayette, 10/1 South Indiana Conference Ahlemeyer,... -- more --

Bishop Duecker named honorary chair of Epworth Forest campaign fund

11/12/2008

The Campaign for the Camping Ministry at Epworth Forest of North Webster, Ind., recently named Bishop Sheldon Duecker, a retired United Methodist bishop and former clergy member of the former North Indiana Conference, as honorary chair of its capital funds campaign. Throughout Duecker's ministry, he has been a champion of Epworth Forest's camping ministry and has worked extensively with that ministry when he was the North Indiana Conference Council Director from 1973 to 1977. Duecker says,... -- more --

Deaths

11/12/2008

TERRY FRENCH, spouse of the Rev. Patricia French (SIC) died Oct. 16. Patricia French is associate pastor at Linden UMC. A memorial service was held Oct. 20 in Linden, Ind., with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery North. Survivors include: wife, Patricia French, 606 Ridgeway Ct., Crawfordsville 47933; children Thomas and Theresa. JEROME (JERRY) HYDE, retired Elder (SIC), died Oct. 8. A memorial service was held Oct. 18. Survivors include: wife, Martha Hyde at 1070 W. Jefferson, Franklin, IN 46131;... -- more --

God's nudges help Hoosier open others to those nudges

11/12/2008

By Charlie Lehman EVANSTON, Ill. - First the nudge. Then a prod. Finally a shove. God just wouldn't leave her alone. Jenifer Stuelpe Gibbs, who graduated with a master of divinity at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in May, was happily ensconced in a rewarding career as an educator in Indiana. A native of Grabill, Ind., she graduated from Indiana University and taught 4th and 5th graders at an urban school in Indianapolis from 1995 to 2000. She was recruited to work as a professional... -- more --

North Indiana U.M. Foundation announces new Executive Director

11/12/2008

The North Indiana United Methodist Foundation and Indiana U.M. Loan Fund have announced that Manet Shettle has assumed the position of Executive Director of Foundation and Fund. Shettle has been involved with the North Indiana Conference for many years both as a staff person and as a committed volunteer. She most recently has served as the Senior Manager of Finance and Administration for Impact 2818, the camping ministry of the former North Indiana Conference. Prior to that, she served 12... -- more --

Tennessee Outreach Project seeks volunteers for spring, summer

11/12/2008

Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project) is now accepting applications for its SpringBREAKOUTreach, Youth Summer Ministry (YSM) and Adults In Ministry (AIM) programs for 2009. AIM will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. The programs allow volunteers to make a difference in the lives of families from the Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee, either through home repair or youth programming. Mountain T.O.P.'s 2009 camp season will begin with SpringBREAKOUTreach, which offers college-age... -- more --

UM secretaries to hold national meeting in Des Moines

11/12/2008

"Sowing Seeds of Promise" is the theme of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) 27th Annual Conference. The conference will be held in Des Moines, Iowa, April 30-May 3, 2009, with an emphasis on "going green". Speakers, Lana Ross, the Rev. Pat Watkins and the Rev. J. Denise Honeycutt will share information that will emphasize caring for our earth. In addition, there will be exciting and interesting free-time activities of which you can... -- more --

Worthington church celebrates 175th

11/12/2008

Members of Folsom Memorial United Methodist Church in Worthington celebrated their church's 175th anniversary Oct. 12. The day included historical skits, a circuit-rider, a pitch-in dinner and tours of Old Point Commerce and other historical locations in town and around the countryside. Several members re-enacted an early church meeting in place of the normal Sunday worship service. Other highlights of the service included singing of old hymns and an old-fashioned sermon by the Circuit Rider,... -- more --