Milestones

Willow Creek UMC celebrated it's 165th anniversary Oct. 13. They have prospered despite two fires that destroyed their buildings but not their spirit. The current church in Mishawaka sits on nine acres with a beautiful wooded retreat area that Willow Creek runs through. Many stories were shared by members and former pastors who gathered for worship and lunch. A slide show of the history of the church was shared and the youth gathered items for a time capsule.

With 125 years of history, Scottsburg UMC recently celebrated the anniversary of 25 of those years in its new building. Since the construction of its new edifice, Scottsburg has been able to reach out more effectively into the community and encompass such ministries as day care, a preschool, and monthly senior citizens meetings. With a larger kitchen, the church can also prepare meals for needy families throughout the community. Multi-denominational efforts bring young people together from other churches in the city. Ministry organizers say that 30-60 youths participate in the various events sponsored by the church. The Rev. Doug Wallace is pastor.

Linton First UMC is determined to preserve it's musical history and retain an almost lost art -- the art of pipe organ music.

The pipe organ is among the most traditional of instruments used in religious ceremonies, but the last few years have seen it moving toward extinction. Linton First members have known for some time that the church's 100-year-old pipe organ was going to need extensive repairs or to be replaced. Facing astronomical costs for either decision, church members were ecstatic when a blessing came their way.

"God opened a big door for us," said church choir director, Cathy Riegle. That "open door" was the gift of a 30-year-old pipe organ from the Conference. The organ, which had been well maintained, was once at Vida Nueva UMC in Indianapolis. The Vida Nueva congregation had to re-locate because of structural damage and gave the organ to the Conference, which, in turn, gave it to Linton First. Estimated value of the organ is $100,000.

Names in the News

CORRECTION: In the September 2002 issue, we reported that the Rev. Elva Hardy - who received an honorary cane from the Retired Ministers - as being the "oldest living clergyperson in the North Indiana Conference." Rev. Hardy is a member of the South Indiana Conference.

Marcellus-Wakelee honored for second year

Marcellus-Wakelee UMC has been recognized by UM Communications as an official "Welcoming Congregation" for the second year in a row. Welcoming congregations are a select group of United Methodist congregations that meet nationwide criteria that includes embracing newcomers and providing opportunities in discipleship. "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" is the theme of the UM effort which focuses on inviting people -- particularly those between the ages of 25 and 54, to enter into connection with the Christian community as they seek meaning and purpose in their lives.

HUM receives national kudos

The Hoosier United Methodist News was recognized with a "Certificate of Merit" for General Excellence last month at the national meeting of United Methodist Association of Communicators (UMAC). UMAC sponsors a contest/review program each year for which entries from across the United Methodist connection are judged by an independent panel of communications professionals. The HUM News has received high honors in various categories in virtually each of the last 12 years

Woman minister, role model for others

Dr. Karen Altergott -- associate pastor at Grace UMC-Kokomo -- has found two areas in her life that fill her with joy, pastoring and parenting. Altergott, who was ordained as a minister this year, is said by Grace's senior pastor, the Rev. Gary Forbes, to be "a role model for other women in the church who are entertaining ideas of joining the ministry." Altergott's many responsibilities in the church include outreach ministries and leadership of the Bible study sessions. After completing her doctorate in 1980, she and her husband -- Ralph Cherry -- began teaching at the University of Missouri. In 1982, the couple adopted the first of their three children from India. Brian, who arrived on the Cherry's wedding anniversary, was 4 months old. Later, the couple adopted two more children -Erin, at 1 and Marion, at 3 years old.

Altergott admits she had doubts about coming into the ministry. "I had to work through my own resistance to the idea of being a minister," said the former Purdue University professor. Altergott says she was propelled toward the ministry after preaching a sermon for Laity Sunday in 1994 and receiving such positive response from the congregation.

Walking to Bethlehem -- through Carmel

By Pam Montgomery

Visiting participants were amazed by angels announcing the birth of the Messiah, greeted by lowly shepherds tending their flocks, turned away by an innkeeper, accosted by Roman soldiers, swindled by tax collectors, questioned by wise men from distant kingdoms, encountered by a raucous village of shopkeepers, thieves, and prophets. And â€¦ there was a certain young couple on the road to Bethlehem, later discovered in a humble stable. The fourth annual "Holy Walk Through Bethlehem" will take place at Carmel St. Mark's UMC, Dec. 13-5. This event includes three full nights of production, with an expectation of more than 3000 visitors. Last year's "walk to Bethlehem" netted several donations of canned goods and more than $3200 in cash donations for missional causes.

The creation began in 1998, when Doug and Janet Brown and Chris and Cindi Miller merged two separate Holy Walk experiences into one extraordinary interactive experience. Designed as an outreach to the community, Janet Brown said, "I see it as spreading the Word of Christ, as service to the Lord." This year, the Millers are chairing the event.

No one can tell to what extent lives are affected by such an event. One visitor commented, "Now it really is Christmas." For nearly the entire congregation of St. Mark's, this event has become a new way in which to share the gospel, in spite of the wealth of ministries already in place.

Hospitality is the hallmark of the entire weekend. Nothing is taken lightly, and much is taken away -- a gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Rev. Pam Montgomery, Deacon in Full Connection serves Carmel St. Mark's as Minister of Parish Care

Editor's Note: While the HUM News in its current newspaper format is discontinuing, we'll still be looking for good "people" stories and photos of people doing ministry. We'll publish such things in The HUM online as well as in the new quarterly magazine, Hoosier United Methodists TOGETHER. Send information and photos (at a high resolution) as well as a contact name and phone number via e-mail to: editor@inareaumc.org; or mail to Editor, United Methodist Communications, 1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 210, Indianapolis, Ind. 46208; or fax to 317/924-4859.

Last updated on 01/14/2004

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