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Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed
Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
September 2001 |
Indiana People
Names in the News
The latest book by the Rev. Todd Outcalt, pastor of University Heights UMC in Indianapolis, has been published by Abingdon. "Last-Minute Meetings: 101 Ready-to-Go Games and Lessons for Busy Youth Leaders" can be ordered from Cokesbury or on the Internet from www.youthtopics.com. Outcalt's next book, "Candles in the Dark: A Collection of the World's Most Inspiring Parables," is forthcoming from John Wiley this fall. Outcalt is the author of 10 books.
The United Methodist Board of Church and Society has honored
U.S. Sen. Dick Lugar of Indiana for his work in reducing the threat of
nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. Since 1991, the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative
Threat Reduction Program has destroyed more than 5,000 nuclear warheads as well
as weapon materials and delivery systems. Lugar is a lay speaker and a member of
St. Luke's UMC in Indianapolis.
Sarah E. Black, a freshman at Purdue University, was one of three winners of the
Emerging Leader Award from the Office of the Dean of Students. The award goes to
individuals who demonstrate knowledge of or an interest in campus activities and
organizations. She was cited for her involvement with the Wesley Foundation
Council on Ministries.
William E. Bartlet has been honored for his service as secretary of the South Indiana Conference Commission on Archives and History. Bartlet received a plaque honoring his service at the annual banquet of the North Central Jurisdiction Archives and History Convention at the University of Evansville. Bartlet has been secretary of the commission for eight years. He was instrumental in founding the South Indiana Conference United Methodist Historical Society and led it as president the first four years of its existence. As president of the Historical Society, Bartlet was a leader in the observance of the Indiana United Methodist Bicentennial, serving on the SIC Bicentennial Coordinating Committee. He is also the local church historian for Trinity UMC in Evansville, where he and his wife, Kathy, are members.
Gina Riendeau has been named to the North Central Jurisdiction (NCJ) Board of Volunteers in Missions (VIM). She joins other members from the 10 Conferences of the Jurisdiction. The NCJ Board works to disseminate information about VIM, develops sites for volunteers, maintains a database of volunteers, organizes teams, trains team leaders, produces a newsletter and develops programs for mission volunteers. Mission volunteers may include traditional VIM work teams, as well as NOMADS (mission opportunities for retirees with RVs), medical missions and Primetimers, a new program combining VIM and Elderhostel components. Riendeau is part-time associate director for the Board of Global Ministries/Missions at the North Indiana Conference Office. For more information about Volunteers in Mission, call Gina at 800/783-5138.
Revs. Mary Beth Byrne and Lois Rogers represented the Indiana Area at the 18th Conference of the DIAKONIA World Federation at the University of Queensland in Brisbane Australia this past July. DIAKONIA is an international, interdenominational organization of those in servant ministry across the globe. Founded in 1947, DIAKONIA represents those who have been called by Christ to the service of reconciliation in the world with faith and love. Byrne and Rogers are deacons in the North Indiana Conference.
Ball State University's Wesley Foundation under the direction the Rev. Rick Pickering has been named campus ministry of the year by the National Campus Ministry Association. The 600-member association recognized the foundation for its Summer Companies program, which sends mission teams to places of need in the United States and as far afield as Bosnia. The Summer Companies program was conceived by Pickering.
Dr. Donald Charles Lacy, pastor of Yorktown UMC, has published "Collected Works of Donald Charles Lacy," discussing the differences among the various faiths. Lacy's latest book reveals his views on devotion to the Virgin Mary and of Christian unity, especially the ties between United Methodists and Roman Catholics. The book is a collection of writings taken from nine books of his sermons. The soft-cover book is available through major bookstores for $19.95 and from www.amazon.com.
A limestone marker honoring Robert R. Roberts, the first Methodist bishop of Indiana, may soon be placed near Lawrenceport UMC, thanks to the efforts of Larry Goettel. Roberts, who died in 1843, is buried on the campus of DePauw University. Goettel designed the stone marker and is willing to foot the $5,000 cost. The marker will be placed on a public right-of-way adjacent to a site on which Roberts preached, the current home to Lawrenceport UMC. The Bishop Roberts Memorial Association has been established to help pay for the stone and to promote its significance. The group welcomes any documents or photos from Roberts' era. To donate to the memorial, makes checks payable to Bishop Roberts Memorial Fund and send them in care of Goettel, R.R. 3, Box 473, Mitchell, Ind. 47446.
Rev. Charlotte Overmyer, associate pastor at High Street UMC in Muncie, has been honored by Lifestream Services Inc. with the organization's Chairman's Award. The awards were given during Lifestream's annual meeting to recognize individuals and groups for their role in helping people remain independent. Overmyer is director of High Street's Older Adult Ministry.
Margaret Phillips recently won the Green Thumb Outstanding Older Adult Worker Award for the state of Indiana. Green Thumb is a national organization that helps place older/retired individuals back into the work force. A much deserved recognition, Margaret has been the business manager for Ball State's College of Applied Science and Technology for 30 years. Accompanied by her son John, Phillips will fly to Washington D.C. to receive her award. The fifty award-winners will tour the White House and visit many of the sites in our nation's capitol. Margaret's husband, the Rev. Garrett Phillips retired after serving Main Street UMC in Muncie.
Milestones
Zionsville UMC hosted its first full day of worship services in its new facility Sept. 2. This is the fourth physical location (not counting several reconstructions and expansions) since the church was founded in 1839. The new 70,000-square-foot building sits on slightly less than 48 acres of land at 9644 Whitestown Road. It was constructed at a cost of $8 million.
New Chapel UMC in Jeffersonville marked its 200th anniversary with an anniversary service and historical re-enactments in July. The congregation began in 1801 when a group of settlers started meeting in homes for worship. The first church, built in 1806, measured 18 feet by 22 feet and cost $25 to build.
A circuit rider will arrive at North Judson UMC on Sept. 23 to help the congregation celebrate its 150th anniversary, just as a circuit rider, the Rev. John Adell, led worship services for a few Methodist settlers in North Judson in 1851. The congregation first met in homes, then in a log school building before moving into their first church in 1875. Their current church was built in 1951.
Kimmell UMC will celebrate its 100th anniversary Oct. 21. The church is producing a historical booklet containing stories and pictures contributed by former members and friends of the church.
Patronville UMC in Rockport celebrated 50 years of ministry in August. Although the congregation is only 50 years old, its history goes back to 1823 when the Bennette church, a log structure was built. In 1950, the Bennette church and the two other churches of the Rockport Charge combined into one church at Patronville. The first worship service was held in the new church on Aug. 19, 1951.
St. Luke's UMC in Indianapolis has completed the second phase of a 10-year, $18 million project by announcing a gift of $1.5 million by a church member, bringing the commitments by church members to about $15 million. The funds have provided a new 1,500-seat sanctuary, a two-story education and music building, additional parking, provision for youth expansion and a $100,000 gift to the South Indiana Conference Africa University Dorm Project. The gift is the largest in the history of the 4,500-member congregation - Indiana's largest United Methodist congregation - and the third pledge of $1 million or more St. Luke's has received since 1997.
Pastor Jeff Jones and the Star City United Methodists invite all former pastors and members to a Sesquicentennial Homecoming Sept. 30, beginning with morning worship at 9:30 a.m. An open house will follow the service at 11 a.m. A carry-in dinner will be held on the grounds from noon to 1 p.m. Afternoon activities will include a short message, a play adapted from the centennial, singing and special music. Everyone is invited to come in the garb of 150 years ago.
Rossville UMC celebrated 200 years of Methodism in Indiana by honoring the circuit riders and pioneers who planted churches in the Hoosier state. Retired Pastor Macklyn Bradish portrayed the Rev. Robert Roberts (left in the photo above), the first bishop of Indiana; lay member Ned Metzger (center) dressed as Rossville's first minister, the Rev. Hackaliah Vredenburg, (complete with papier-mâché‚ horse), and current Pastor Rex Charles portrayed circuit rider Peter Cartwright, even delivering the sermon in Cartwright's style. Rossville UMC held its chartering service in 1831.
Petersville UMC will mark the 40th anniversary of its Venture in Faith building program Sept. 9 with a worship service, pitch-in lunch and the opening of the cornerstone that was laid in 1961. Petersville UMC began in 1867; the current church was built in 1961. The picture above was taken at last year's Turkey Supper, an annual event in which the congregation reaches out to the community. The supper is held the first Fri. and Sat. in Nov. and more than 1,000 people are typically served.
The Revs. Leland L. Brett (1979-1983), Stephen L. Rasmussen (1998-present), Paul T. Jump (1996-1998) and Charles A. Walls (1971-1979), past and present ministers of Brazil First UMC, gathered to celebrate the church's 100th anniversary. The Rev. Sam Carlton (1961-1967) was also present. The June celebration included a concert by Tammy Renee on Saturday and a cookout and picnic on Sunday.
The Cokesbury store in Indianapolis is celebrating its 25th year Sept. 22-28 with book signings and store specials. Most items in the store will be reduced 25 percent during the celebration. Phone 800/914-9934 for details.
Mount Gilboa UMC, Lafayette District, will celebrate 150 years of service on Oct. 14. Believed to be one of the oldest churches in Benton County, the 18-member congregation will celebrate, not only, their history, but the 148 year anniversary of their church building. The Rev William Brown and his brother David were the first circuit riders to serve this, then, United Brethren church.
Last updated on 01/14/2004