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September 2008

Cover Story

Indiana floods leave behind long-term needs

9/6/2008

By Linda Bloom A UMNS Report When Asbury United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ind., started sending work teams to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, its members never realized they would one day need the same kind of help. That changed in early June when floodwaters swept through 37 counties in central Indiana and displaced more than 25,000 residents. One of the hardest hit communities was Columbus, where flooding shut down Columbus Regional Hospital and damaged schools, businesses and... -- more --

From the Bishop

Caught in the Middle (West)

E-pistle of Aug. 20, 2008

9/6/2008

I have been reading a book which was given to me by Bishop John Hopkins. It is titled Caught in the Middle: America's Heartland in the Age of Globalism by Richard C. Longworth*. It is not a fun book to read, because it deals with the decline of the Midwest here in America due to the inability of the Midwest to respond to the challenges of a global marketplace. In particular, the book studies certain communities in the Midwest which have not adapted, including my hometown of Anderson, Indiana,... -- more --

Making a difference … Making history

From the Bishop

9/6/2008

Four years ago when I was welcomed to the Indiana Area in a wonderful worship service, I shared that day in my message my hope that we United Methodists here in Indiana could "Make a Difference." I shared my hope that this making a difference would happen in three dimensions: Making disciples of Jesus Christ Making a witness to the State of Indiana Making a more effective church Now it seems that I need to add a fourth dimension: Making History. Because of the... -- more --

Welcome

Hotels open for 2009 conference

9/6/2008

Housing will be sufficient for the 2009 United Methodist Indiana Annual Conference session at Ball State University in Muncie June 25-28, according to Ruth Ellen Needler of the North Indiana Conference staff. Ball State will have 700 residence hall rooms available, plus Muncie has another 282 hotel rooms available within two miles of campus.... -- more --

Taking a stand on three social issues in Indiana

9/6/2008

Labor Day has passed and we are knee-deep - no - waist deep in politics. Political parties are in the midst of their national campaigns for the race to the White House, Congress and the Statehouse plus numerous local offices. In the 2006 general election according to the Indiana Secretary of State, of the 4.2 million registered voters in the state, only 1.7 million or 40 percent of Hoosiers voted. However, during the 2004 general election, more than 2.5 million or 58 percent of registered... -- more --

Editorial

Conversations

9/6/2008

Coyner, Corn messages Bishop Coyner commented on the book, Caught in the Middle: America's Heartland in the Age of Globalism by Richard C. Longworth, in his recent E-pistle. His comments are unfortunately true. I just finished reading Kevin Corn's book, Forward Be Our Watchword. (Corn is a professor at the University of Indianapolis.) He documents the changes in the Methodist Episcopal church in the period after the Civil War to World War II, 1880-1930. He begins by observing that the in its... -- more --

Indiana

'Living the Sacred' lived out in Schools of Christian Mission

9/6/2008

Struggling with social and spiritual issues present in society today, more than 250 students participated in this year's South Indiana Conference United Methodist Women's School of Christian Mission in mid-July at the University of Indianapolis. Held in two sessions - Super Saturday School (100 students) and the four-day regular school (150 students with 210 at a Tuesday night banquet). The school offered three studies including: a spiritual growth study to renew minds and hearts to the gift... -- more --

A quick glance at U.S. tithing

9/6/2008

According to a recent Web article by the Barna Group research organization (www.barna.org), only 5 percent of American adults tithe their income to charitable organizations. Nearly two out of every three adults made a contribution to a church, synagogue or other place of worship. The average amount given was $883 for 2007, slightly up over the prior year. So who are the most generous? Nearly one out of every four evangelical Christians tithed and 83 percent gave at least $1,000 to their church... -- more --

DePauw University to inaugurate new president on Oct. 10

9/6/2008

By Ken Owen GREENCASTLE, Ind. - A new chapter in the 171-year history of United Methodist-related DePauw University will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 10, as the DePauw community and its friends gather for the inauguration of the institution's nineteenth president, Dr. Brian W. Casey. The ceremony, which will be part of this year's Old Gold Weekend, begins at 4 p.m. in Holton Quad (in the event of rain, the proceedings will take place in the Lilly Center). The program will feature remarks by... -- more --

Helping Hands host volunteer work teams coming to Indiana

9/6/2008

The United Methodist-related Helping Hands program was established by Metro Ministries of the Indianapolis East and West Districts to assist with the home repair problems of the elderly, the very needy and people with disabilities. In addition, Helping Hands' goal includes repair work in churches and buildings associated with Metro Ministries. Shirley Lukens, now retired, was the first Helping Hands coordinator. In 2007 the program was reintroduced by Metro Ministries with John Buswell... -- more --

Imagine Indiana Transition Team begins nominations

9/6/2008

During its second day-long session, the 14-member Imagine Indiana Transition Team began the process of naming new conference's trustees, and members of the Council on Finance and Administration, Rules and Structure, Nominations, and Human Resources committees. The team was chaired by the Rev. Cindy Reynolds of Warsaw, who was elected during the team's first meeting on July 10. When the process is completed, these nominations will be approved during the upcoming Special Session of the Indiana... -- more --

New conference to become reality at special session Oct. 4

9/6/2008

The new Indiana Conference will come to reality during a three-hour session in Indianapolis. Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner has called a Special Session of both Indiana Annual Conferences to meet on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the State Fairgrounds, 1202 East 38th Street at Fall Creek Parkway in Indianapolis. This one-day gathering will be for conference members and guests to: Worship together feature music from a combined conference worship... -- more --

Pink hair warning to be careful what you promise youth

9/10/2008

A couple of months ago, the Aroma and Frankton First UMC youth group came to Pastor Gary Elsten with a proposition. If they raised $500 on their spaghetti dinner would he preach in pink hair? Elsten said, "sure." The youth raised the ante to $1,000 to completely cover the cost of their trip to Ichthus. They actually raised $1,500. And, Elsten preached one Sunday in pink hair.... -- more --

Three UM congregations chosen to participate in Lilly Endowment clergy renewal program for Indiana

9/6/2008

INDIANAPOLIS (Lilly Endowment) - "Putting first things first" is the goal of the Rev. Sidney F. Gauby and his 900-member congregation at St. Joseph United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, Ind. For the past few years, Gauby says, he's "just been adding one more thing to my schedule and one more responsibility to think about." This situation resonates with many of his congregants. Gaudy is one of 25 pastors representing 22 congregations in Indiana who have been selected as... -- more --

Youth, young adult, mission amendments to be considered at special session

9/6/2008

The North and South Indiana Conferences of The United Methodist Church have amendments to the Imagine Indiana Design Team proposals approved by both annual conferences this past spring during the annual conference sessions at West Lafayette and Bloomington. These amendments will come before the special session of the North and South Indiana Conferences scheduled to meet Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1-4 p.m. at the Toyota Blue Ribbon Pavilion on the Indiana State Fairgrounds on East 38th Street in... -- more --

National

Hopkins says Midwest in crisis, church can provide hope

9/6/2008

Radical change is the future of the Midwest and the church in the Midwest, according to Bishop John Hopkins of the East Ohio Area, as he delivered the Episcopal Address on the state of the jurisdiction July 17 during the North Central Jurisdictional Conference at Grand Rapids, Mich. He said the church cannot stay the same and we (NCJ) must lead the change. We must take more risk in reaching out to people. We must venture. We can learn to be relevant to the temporal world. ... -- more --

Mission of The Untied Methodist North Central Jurisdiction

9/6/2008

The mission of the North Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church will lead conferences, congregations and ministries to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Strategic areas of focus and pathways Four point plan with one mission statement. Personal and social holiness. Do no harm, do good, stay in love with God. The 2008 General Conference celebrated the continuing alignment of each local church, annual conference and general agency around our core... -- more --

Trimble elected bishop by NCJ

9/6/2008

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (UMNS) - The Rev. Julius C. Trimble, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, was elected a bishop by the North Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. Trimble, 54, senior pastor of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Warrensville Heights, was elected July 18 with 225 votes on the 24th ballot by conference delegates. He fills a vacancy created in the denomination's North Central College of Bishops by the retirement of Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher, who has led the... -- more --

United Methodists elect, assign U.S. bishops for 2009-12

North Central Jurisdiction elects one bishop

9/6/2008

A Special Report By United Methodist News Service United Methodists in the United States elected and assigned eight new bishops and re-assigned the rest during jurisdictional meetings held in five regions last week. It was an often-intense week as delegates worked to fill leadership vacancies created by seven retirements, one resignation and a death. Bishops are the top clergy leaders of the denomination, and the 50 or so U.S. bishops oversee some 7.9 million of the church's 11.5 million... -- more --

Global

Bishop says 'We can eradicate malaria in our lifetime'

9/6/2008

By Daniel R. Gangler One million people will die of malaria this year and 75 percent of them will be children. Every thirty seconds a child in Africa dies of malaria. For $10 anyone can save a family from this terrible experience by funding a net that will last five years. That was the reality and hope expressed by Bishop Tom Bickerton of Western Pa. during the Nothing But Nets breakfast, on July 23, attended by more than 140 pastors and lay leaders from across Indiana at the University of... -- more --

Bishop says 'We can eradicate malaria in our lifetime'

9/6/2008

UMCOR responds to Florida storm

9/6/2008

NEW YORK (UMCOR) -Tropical Storm Fay hit the Fla. Panhandle for the fourth time since Monday. According to the AP this is the first time in recorded history that a tropical storm made landfall in the state four different times. With high winds and unprecedented rainfall, Tropical Storm Fay is causing flooding, roof damage and many residents are without electricity. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working closely with the Florida Conference. An emergency grant is on its way... -- more --

United Methodists provide artificial limbs in Africa

9/10/2008

By Phileas Jusu FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (UMNS) - Francis Koroma, an ex-soldier in the Sierra Leone Army, was injured after a bomb fragment hit his left foot in a battle to defend the diamond-rich district of Kono from rebel forces. His foot was amputated at the military hospital in Freetown after several unsuccessful operations. Koroma was hopeful to secure a job at a security agency that made acquiring an artificial limb a prerequisite for his employment. Like Koroma, Donald Gabba needed an... -- more --

Viewpoints

Covington church urges members to not go to church, but be church

9/8/2008

Benson Chapel UMC in Covington, Ind., held its first "Don't Go to church" Sunday on June 8. For three weeks Pastor David Barnett announced Benson Chapel would not GO to church, but would BE the Church. On Sunday morning June 8, 89 members and friends gathered in the sanctuary wearing jeans, boots and straw hats. They sang a few praise songs and went into the community to share Christ's love with fellow residents through acts of kindness. One group repaired the front access to a... -- more --

Rating the church

Body, Mind & Spirit

9/10/2008

By Todd Outcalt toutcalt@calvaryunited.org Recently there was an outcry from the medical community when a new rating system for physicians was made available to the general public. The new system allows patients to check a doctor's history and record pertaining to malpractice and/or effectiveness, or fill out a questionnaire, subjecting the physician to a rating on a simple ten point scale. The church, likewise, is not immune to this trend. A few years ago, following a new member class, a... -- more --

Treasure from the United Methodist attic:

A commentary

9/6/2008

By Michael G. Cartwright Members of the family have been summoned to gather at the old house where their great-grandparents once lived. The old house had survived for generations and each had added to the boxes and piles of papers in the attic. The day comes when the cousins gather in the attic to sort out what will be kept and what will be thrown away before the house is renovated for use by another family. The work begins and three piles emerge: "keepers," "throw-aways"... -- more --

Chronicles

Appointments for September 2008

9/8/2008

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 during the months of July and August 2008. North Indiana Conference Alley, Robert Russell from Frankfort Hope/Trinity, Lafayette to Monon, Lafayette, 7/16 Bales-Case, Rachel from Incapacity Leave to Kimmell/Morris Chapel, Warsaw, 7/1 Breeden, Lynn Ellen from... -- more --

Celebrating Leadership

3/31/2009

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Deaths for September 2008

9/8/2008

BARBARA BLACKFORD, mother of the Rev. Thomas Blackford (SIC) appointed to Hamilton Center in Terre Haute, died Aug. 18, 2008. A memorial service was held Aug. 21 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Cicero, Ind. Survivors include: Son, Thomas; and two daughters. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Thomas Blackford, 85 Heritage Dr., Terre Haute, IN 47803-2319 or by e-mail to ccandyrev@yahoo.com. VERNON DOLES, retired local pastor (SIC), died July 23, 2008. A memorial service was held July 26 in... -- more --

Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Fall Gathering

9/8/2008

On Saturday, September 27, the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members from both Conferences will gather for the first time at Plainfield UMC located at 600 Simmons Street just off U. S. 40 west of Indianapolis in Plainfield.... -- more --

Garrett-ETS announces new development associate for South Indiana

9/8/2008

United Methodist-related Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill, recently announced the appointment of the Rev. G. Edward Alley as Development Associate for South Indiana. 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. Alley will be... -- more --

Methodist Theological School in Ohio to hold open house Sept. 19-20

9/8/2008

Methodist Theological School in Ohio hosts two open houses each year, in early fall and late spring. Our open houses are an excellent time for prospective and incoming students to visit our campus, stay overnight in our commuter housing, meet faculty members, learn about curriculum and tour our campus. Open house is the perfect way to experience our seminary culture, learn about our degree programs, and meet other prospective and incoming students. Students are also invited to meet with... -- more --

National Gathering of United Methodist Men to have Tennessee flavor

9/8/2008

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - For the past 36 years, United Methodist Men have held their quadrennial gatherings at Purdue University in Lafayette, Ind. When the General Commission on United Methodist Men moved their 10th National Gathering to Nashville, music for the event took on a distinctively Nashville flavor. Vince Gill and Steve Hornbeak, two Nashville-based recording artists, will perform at the July 10-11, 2009, assembly at Belmont University. They will be joined by Sheltered Reality, a national... -- more --

Online NIC mini-workshops are hit with more scheduled

9/8/2008

The pastors of Whiting United Methodist Church (near Chicago), Benson Chapel (near Danville, Ill.), and a layman from Yorktown UMC (near Muncie) got together for a one-hour North Indiana Conference workshop on Sending of the Saints led by Ed Fenstermacher in Fort Wayne. How can people in the four corners of the North Indiana Conference afford the time and travel expense to meet for an hour? The answer - the workshop happened in cyberspace. Well, actually it was conducted though phone lines,... -- more --