Catching fire

At Eastertide we're used to resurrection and new life metaphors -- a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis, eggs hatching. â€¦ But I keep visualizing fire images more appropriate to Pentecost.

Fires are popping up across Indiana -- and the entire Church -- like good forest fires that cleanse and stimulate new growth.

For instance a great blaze is growing on the horizon with our "Igniting Ministry" campaign. It's the biggest mass communications effort ever undertaken by the Church ($20 million-worth). It's so aptly named, I think; and so say others who have seen the plan and the beautiful new TV spots. Details on p. 12. Look for the campaign to ignite fires everywhere this fall.

Because the Indiana Church is known for its passion for mission and outreach, the prototype for the national campaign was test marketed here two years ago, and those early TV spots have run in two consecutive Lenten campaigns, including the one being broadcast in central Indiana this month.

Our youth are catching fire. New youth ministries ignite virtually every month; Confirmation classes are swelling; and local churches are building to accommodate new worshippers. See inside.

UM Men are catching fire. Take a look at the fresh plans for the national UMM Congress in the works now. Several thousand UMMs from across the country will converge on West Lafayette in July, charging toward a new vitality.

Hoosier UMs are catching fire with the Social Gospel -- the call to reach out and to stand up for social justice, just as Brother Wesley did. Fletcher Place, a UM inner city ministry pressed by so much need, "exploded" into a second building. Both Indiana Conferences are stretching their ministry to and with the state's fastest growing group, Hispanics. And ministries to the state's Asian population are widening the circle of love.

As you eat your chocolate bunny this month, light a candle and think about catching fire.

Last updated January 14, 2004

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