e-HUM July 2002

July 2002

e-HUM is a free service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communications, www.inareaumc.org. Bridging the gap between monthly issues of the Hoosier United Methodist News, subscribers will receive late-breaking news, announcements and Church resources via e-mail. We welcome your comments, please direct to e-HUM editor at ehumeditor@inareaumc.org.

DADS & KIDS PLAY AT PINE CREEK

The annual Father/Child camp was June 13-15 at North Conference's Pine Creek Camp. Kindergarteners through third graders had a chance to spend quality time with their Dads, hiking, fishing, swimming, and just goofing off together. (Photo courtesy of Pine Creek Camp). Several campers of all ages are currently enjoying a wide menu of programs at the seven UM camps around the state this summer.

FOWLER CHURCH RISING OUT OF ASHES

Fowler UMC in Benton County broke ground Sunday, June 23 for a new building that will replace the one damaged by an October fire last fall. The congregation celebrated with a traditional ground breaking and Communion service.

PAPUA MISSIONERS SPEAK TO LOCAL CHURCHES

Indiana missionaries Mike and Teresa Rynkiewich, serving in Papua, New Guinea, are taking a one year leave of absence so Teresa can complete a counseling degree while Michael teaches at Asbury Theological School. They are living near Evansville and visiting local UMCs in South Conference this summer. To schedule them to speak at your church, contact Cathy McNamara at 800/919-8l60.

BISHOP'S YOUTH CONVO SET

Indiana Bishop Woodie W. White's South Indiana Convocation on Youth is set for Aug. 24. Registrations due Aug. 15. For information and registration call the South Indiana Conference office at 800/919-8160. The date for similar youth convocation for North Indiana youth will be announced.

HOOSIER UM TEACHING IN EQUADOR

For the first time Survival Skills for Women is being taught outside the United States and Canada. Kati Langlie is teaching these skills to women in Ecuador, in their native language. She is being sponsored by UM-related Fletcher Place Community Center, Indianapolis, who provided the training and equipment for her. Her mother, the Rev. Jessi Langlie is executive director of Fletcher Place.

'REMEMBERING 9/11' WORSHIP RESOURCES

If your church is planning special remembrance services on Sunday, Sept. 8, worship resources are now available at www.UMC.org. Also, next month UMC.org will honor the lives lost on Sept. 11 by celebrating the many ministries that reached out to those in need. link

CHURCH GIVING STEADY DESPITE MARKET

Despite the downturn of the economy United Methodists kept up church contributions during the first half of this year. The denomination reports total contributions of $38.4 million to the funds that support Church-wide mission and ministry. That's $18,579 more than the first six months' figure for 2001. link

BISHOPS APPEAL FOR AFRICAN FAMINE

The UMC Council of Bishops issued a Church-wide appeal last week to help fight mass starvation in Southern Africa. Funds will be directed to the UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Checks may be designated for "African Famine Relief, Advance No. 101250-4" and placed in local church collection plates. Worship materials for the appeal are being mailed to UM churches this month. link

TEXAS UMS OFFER INTERNET SERVICE TO UNITE CHURCH

Texas Annual Conference has launched UMCMail, an Internet Service Provider, to provide family friendly, filtered Internet access to United Methodist churches, clergy and members. This service will enable parents to control what their children see on the Web. For more information, go online to www.umcmail.net.

TRANSGENDER CLERGY SURRENDERS CREDENTIALS

The Rev. Rebecca A. Steen, who underwent gender reassignment while on voluntary leave from her duties as a clergy member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the UMC, voluntarily surrendered her ministerial credentials and left the denomination in the opening minutes of a recent hearing. Bishop Felton May said the complaint did not concern Steen's gender reassignment but issues of pastoral effectiveness when Steen was the Rev. Richard A. Zamostny link

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