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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
November 2002 |
Welcoming congregations recognized
Church faces controversy with building plans
Africa University to celebrate 10th Anniversary
UM Foundation and Upper Room Ministries: Partners in Ministry
Christ UMC temporary home to YMCA Preschool
Welcoming congregations recognized
Two churches have been recognized by United Methodist Communications (UMCom) as official "Welcoming Congregations." Community UMC-Vincennes and Herbst UMC- Marion, recently received the awards. Welcoming Congregations are a select group of United Methodist churches nationwide that meet criteria including embracing newcomers and providing opportunities in discipleship. The recognition program is part of a larger effort launched in late 2000 by UMCom to use modern technology and the common language of television to spread the Good News of Christ to a world in need.
A Community UMC visitor recently said, "We enjoy coming to Community Church because the congregation is so friendly. Everyone speaks to you and welcomes you." Associate Pastor D. Kenneth Hill, stated, "Our welcoming evangelism ministry team is pleased to be a part of the welcoming ministry of the United Methodist Church. During the first six months of 2002, we have averaged 17 visitors per Sunday." Community UMC is the result of the merger of three small rural congregations. Since the merger in 1992, the congregation has grown from 225 to 450 members, with an average Sunday attendance of 399.
Herbst UMC recognizes that the theme of UMCom's initiative - Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors - was one they could embrace with fervor. The initiative stresses inviting people, particularly between the ages of 25 and 54, "to enter into connection with the Christian community as they seek purpose in their lives." Pastor of Herbst UMC is the Rev. Matthew Stultz. Rev. Andrew Kinsey is senior pastor at Community. -top-
Church faces controversy with building plans
LAFAYETTE, Ind. - When the members of Lafayette Trinity UMC voted to receive a donation of land at a December 2001 charge conference, they were looking forward to continuing to be good neighbors in a part of town they've occupied since the early 1800s.
The church, located near the heart of Lafayette, was planning to build a multi-purpose community building for its New Road ministry on land now occupied by two row houses and an automobile garage. New Road is an unconventional modern approach to worship that reaches out to the unchurched in the Greater Lafayette area.
When church leaders went to apply for a demolition permit in mid-July, the Centennial Neighborhood Association protested. Centennial Neighborhood, where Trinity's campus is located, is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, but the area is not under any special zoning rules. The board gave the two groups two weeks to meet and talk before issuing the demolition permit.
A neighbor has also expressed concern if the proposed demolition occurs. His property is physically connected to the two row houses and garage. Lafayette area historic groups are searching for land that the church can use for the ministry instead of the historic buildings. Matt Oates -top-
Africa University to celebrate 10th Anniversary
This month, Africa University will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The university's chancellor and board of directors expect over 5,000 participants at special ceremonies in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Nov. 15-17.
Bishop Woodie W. White, the Rev. Kent Millard and a delegation from South Indiana plan to attend. Millard is chair of South Conference's funding campaign, which provided funding for construction of two new three-story dormitories.
When the university opened for classes in 1992, there were 40 students. The Zimbabwe school now boasts 722 students from 20 African nations. The school, which has five "faculties" (colleges of theology, agriculture and natural resources, education, management and administration, and humanities and social sciences) also has 29 debt-free buildings, an endowment fund of nearly $20 million and 880 alumni.
This month, Bishop Lawrence McCleskey (Columbia, S.C.) will lead a delegation from South Carolina to dedicate a theology building that conference funded. Eleven Volunteers in Mission teams, including one from Indiana are building 10 staff houses. (See the Africa University story and photos.) Duane A. Ewers -top-
UM Foundation and Upper Room Ministries: Partners in Ministry
The North Indiana United Methodist Foundation and Upper Room Ministries have entered a cooperative relationship designed to provide opportunities for United Methodists in the annual conference to share in the work and ministry of Upper Room Ministries.
When announcing this new partnership, Royce L. Ruckman, executive director of the North Indiana United Methodist Foundation stated, "The Upper Room is a valuable resource that nurtures the lives of United Methodists throughout Indiana and around the world. We look forward to assisting those who want to support this important ministry, said Ruckman. "Since its founding in 1935, Upper Room Ministries has answered God's call to provide resources that help people grow in their spiritual lives. Today these efforts reach out to millions of people throughout the world."
In addition to The Upper Room magazine, Upper Room Ministries provides a telephone prayer ministry that receives approximately 20,000 calls each month. The Upper Room also has a rapidly expanding ministry among young people and is nurturing the life of local congregations through the Companions in Christ, small-group resource now used by over 4,000 groups in local congregations.
"An important element in this new partnership between the North Indiana United Methodist Foundation and Upper Room Ministries is that United Methodists in Indiana can now support this ministry through gifts to the Foundation" noted Ruckman. "It is now possible for a donor to set up an endowment with the Foundation, perhaps in recognition of a family member or loved one, to support the worldwide ministries of The Upper Room. Another possibility would be to establish a gift annuity with the Foundation that provides lifetime income to the donor while also supporting Upper Room Ministries."
For information contact Royce L. Ruckman at the Foundation office 800/783-5138 or rruckman@niumf.org. -top-
Christ UMC temporary home to YMCA Preschool
INDIANAPOLIS - When a recent tornado ripped through Perry Township damaging the YMCA, parishioners of Christ UMC knew there was a call to answer. About 30 years earlier, Baxter YMCA served as a temporary home for the members of the church. Now the church is returning the favor.
Christ UMC members convened at the YMCA regularly from September 1965 until January 1968, The Rev. Chuck Berdel said. At the time, Berdel, was a teenager attending worship services and Sunday School classes. He fondly recalls being taught the lessons of the Bible in the YMCA weight room.
Baxter YMCA preschool students have begun attending class at Christ United Methodist Church, 8540 U.S. 31 South. The preschool will remain at the church until the end of the school year.
"They really gave us our start," said Berdel. "This seemed the natural thing to do."
"About 200 students from the program will be attending the nine YMCA preschool classes," said Baxter Early Childhood Director Beth Barrett.
While YMCA classes meet at one end of the building, Christ UMC Preschool classes meet at the other end. The church offers 17 preschool classes of its own. The two preschools will share common play areas, but otherwise will remain separate programs.
In addition to the preschool, the church is providing space for several YMCA group exercise classes, martial arts classes and adult programs. Later in the year, the youth basketball program will meet there too. Jan Jett -top-
Last updated on 01/14/2004