e-HUM March 2003

March 2003

e-HUM is a free service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communications, www.inareaumc.org. 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.

UI INSTALLS NEW ECUMENICAL DEAN

The University of Indianapolis installed the Rev. Dr. Michael G. Cartwright on Feb.12 as the Dean for Ecumenical and Interfaith Programs at the university. During Cartwright's installation, Indiana Area Bishop Woodie W. White reminded him of his ordination, and called him to "live a life in Christ and make him known in your witness and your work."

BISHOP WHITE OFFICIATES IN UI CHAPEL DEDICATION

Bishop Woodie W. White of the Indiana Area, and Dr. Jerry Israel, president of the University of Indianapolis dedicated the Chapel of the University of Indianapolis on Jan. 22. The service of dedication began by recalling the United Brethren heritage of the school with a reenactment of the historic handshake between founders Philip Otterbein and Martin Boehm at Long's Barn near Lancaster, Pa. in 1767. Bishop White led the congregation in affirming the Chapel as "a holy meeting ground" between God and God's people.

According to Lang Brownlee, interim university chaplain, the chapel, located in the Schwitzer Student Center, was moved from its former location and completely refurbished to accommodate up to 200 worshipers.

UE STUDENTS TO HELP FLOOD RAVAGED WEST VIRGINIA

Eight University of Evansville students and three others plan to travel to Gary, W. Va., during the school's spring break, March 9-15, to make repairs in areas devastated by floods the last two years.

This is UE's 16th year for spring break missions and the second to this area. The UE Mission Team worked here last year. In May 2002, rain poured down in the same area -- McDowell, Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming counties in W.Va. and Buchanan and Tazewell counties in southwest Va. -- and another 3,000 homes were destroyed or damaged.

UE Chaplain John Brittain, said the flooding either destroyed homes or so severely damaged them that they were condemned.

Those going on the mission trip include: Andrew Beecher, Terre Haute; Allen Fowler, Bowling Green, Ky.; Philip Griffith, Cleveland, Tenn.; Amanda Hagerty, Westport; Melissa Herrera, Venezuela, S.A.; Mary Lehman, Martinsville; Brad Young, Evansville; Bryan Lynch, associate professor of chemistry; and Brittain.

'BLANKET THEM WITH BLESSINGS' SCHEDULED FOR NIC

Churches across the NIC are asked to bring new, twin or double washable blankets to Annual Conference from May 29-31 for the Children and Poverty Task Force's annual mission project.

The blankets will be distributed to hundreds of needy children and families, including Native Americans. Blankets will only be received from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 29 and May 30.

Another mission project will gather money for African orphans who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Murewa United Methodist Mission Center in Zimbabwe provides schooling, clothes, food and medical care, as well as preventive education to the children with HIV/AIDS.

Watch for more information in Annual Conference delegate packets.

'HOW ARE THE CHILDREN?':
A LOOK AT WHAT THE NIC HAS DONE

The Council of Bishops launched the Bishops' Initiative on Children and Poverty in 1996.

The goal of the initiative was to evaluate what the United Methodist Church is doing for children and those in poverty; provide resources for understanding the crisis and enabling the church to respond; and to engage in evangelization to children and those in poverty.

In 1999, a children's worship service opened the North's Annual Conference. The event was filled with a children's praise chorus, puppet drama and readings. In 2000, a prayer vigil for children and children's issues at the Statehouse was held.

During 2001, several activities occurred. The release of Small Wonders, a collection of Children's Faith helped raise awareness of the faith of children, with all proceeds benefiting children. (You can still order the book by calling the conference office at 800/783-5138.)

At the 2001 Annual Conference, more than 3,000 pairs of shoes and socks were collected for the "Fit-to-be-Tied" Shoe Collection campaign. The event benefited children's ministries in Indiana and Africa. Also, about $2,050 was collected to ship supplies to Africa.

During 2002, more than 3,500 bears were donated for local church missions and Operation Classroom during the "Bear One Another's Burdens" campaign. Bishop White blessed the bears amidst children and families gathered on stage for the opening worship service.

In 2003, the initiative will focus on the four "Community with Children and the Poor" goals by utilizing the local church ministry data that has been collected since 1999. Also a "United for Children's March," as well as the Annual Conference mission collection project of blankets for children is planned. -- Teresa Witkoske and Matthew Oates

METRO MINISTRIES TO HOLD TCT WORKSHOPS

For those who want to transform the communities in which they live, Indianapolis United Methodist Metro Ministries will soon launch its newest Training for Community Transformation program.

The TCT program is rooted in the methodology of Paulo Freire, author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and Anne Hope's Training for Transformation handbooks. He provides participants with methods to identify critical issues of their community and with the skills to more fully engage community participation in transformation.

According to organizers, TCT focuses on empowering individuals to take social change into their own hands as a means of assuring the conditions in which a community can thrive economically, socially, culturally, spiritually and politically.

The introductory TCT workshops familiarizes participants with principles of this method and engages them in community problem-solving exercises. TCT also provides follow-up coaching for those interested in using TCT approaches in their communities.

Workshop facilitators include Bob Walters, a former missionary in central Africa, director of Metro Ministries and a Training for Transformation trainer for Global Health Action, and Taylor Walters, a community developer.

TCT workshops designed for church leaders are scheduled for May 2-3 from 6 to 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Cost: $25 per person, including lunch and refreshments.

TCT workshops designed for secular and faith-based communities will be held April 29-30, each day from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost: $50 per person, including lunch and refreshments.

All workshops will be held at the Old Centrum in the Indy East and West Districts Office, Central Ave. UMC, 12th and Central Ave. Pre-registration is required. To register call 317/464-9321. Workshops are limited to 25 people.

COLUMBUS COUPLE VOLUNTEER WINTER AT MCCURDY

Hoosier United Methodists David and Martha Milhouse of Sandy Hook UMC in Columbus spent most of the winter preparing for McCurdy School's sixth gala fundraiser Feb. 8. The event raised $56,000 to help pay teachers at the 415-student school related to the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries in Espanola, N.M.

Using a Wizard of Oz theme, the Millhouses worked on the event's program book, helped set the stage and worked closely with the gala planning committee. They were joined by David's sister and brother-in-law, Pauline and Art Vermillion of Indianapolis for the final week of preparation. Pauline was a nurse at the Espa?la hospital in the 1960s, as well as tended to McCurdy students, as a circulating school nurse in the community.

The Milhouses volunteer often at McCurdy and other mission agencies. Last year they spent 15 weeks as volunteers in mission. In addition to ten weeks at McCurdy, they served two weeks at the Tree of Life Ministry in South Dakota, two weeks at the United Methodist Committee On Relief depot in Baldwin, La., and a week leading a team from their home church to Red Bird Missionary Conference in Ky. They also served a week in March at Lydia Patterson Institute, a UMC-related high school in El Paso.

Among their Indiana commitments, Martha is dean of the South Indiana Conference School of Christian Mission and serves as a storyteller with the child-care ministry at Sandy Hook Church. David is mission chair at Sandy Hook and also serves as Columbus District Volunteer-In-Mission coordinator and on the South Indiana Board of Global Ministries Committee.

ST. LUKE'S HOPES TO PULL OFF MILLIONS DOLLAR MIRACLE

March has been designated as "Miracle Month" at St. Luke's UMC in Indianapolis. In order to meet the demands of a rapidly growing youth ministry, and to secure a place for the future of the church, the congregation launched a month-long campaign March 2 to raise $1million to build a new Youth Center. "St. Luke's began with a miracle 50 years ago when it was started without a charter, without a pastor," Dr. Kent Millard, St. Luke's senior pastor, said. "We believe another miracle can occur 50 years later as we ask our congregation to raise $1million in one month."

In addition to their own miracle fund-raiser, St. Luke's is also donating $10,050 to each of two other partner congregations -- Barnes UMC and Central Ave. UMC.

CELEBRATING TERCENTENARY OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN WESLEY

History buffs plan to celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of John Wesley, founder of Methodism, in the picturesque old river town of Vevay, Ind. The South Indiana Conference United Methodist Historical Society will host the celebration on April 12 at Ruter Chapel UMC. Beginning at 10 a.m., the Rev. Rebecca Suter, pastor of the Martinsville UMC, will talk about John Wesley's birth 300 years ago. Following lunch, William R. Glass will speak about the Rev. John Strange, a pioneer Methodist Episcopal minister and presiding elder (today know as a district superintendent) over the Madison District. A registration of $10 for SICUMHS members and $12 for non-members includes lunch. For more information contact Jean Seville at 812-945-0021 or Phil Williams at 317/787-7110.

CHAPLAIN WILL FOLLOW 'HIS SOLDIERS' INTO WAR

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (UMNS) - Chaplain Capt. Ernest P. Jay West is the perfect blend of soldier and United Methodist pastor. He loves Jesus Christ, his family and "his" soldiers. "I love what I do," he says, smiling. "I work with soldiers from literally the rainbow of God's creation. Ethnically, economically, politically, theologically - you name it. It is so much fun." His congregation is made up of the men and women and families of the 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). When the bullets are flying and the bombs are dropping, he will be there making sure his soldiers know God is there too. In the trenches, he says, he will be "the practical demonstration of God's love, of the holy."

INTERNATIONAL CHURCH LEADERS PLEAD FOR PEACEFUL SOLUTION

WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Congressional legislative staff and media representatives crowded a room in a Senate office building to hear top-level ecumenical representatives from Europe express solidarity with the people of America and call for a peaceful solution to the conflict with Iraq.

Two United Methodists were among the four U.S.-based religious leaders who also spoke at the one-hour briefing Feb. 26. They advocated for a peaceful solution to the standoff with Iraq, which has resulted from dictator Saddam Hussein's alleged buildup of weapons of mass destruction.

"As people of faith, we are one in our concern about the rush to war. We are one in our opposition to thinking war is an option," said the Rev. Bob Edgar, who moderated the event. Edgar, a United Methodist, is head of the National Council of Churches staff.

First Web cast on church's future covers range of issues

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Giving new meaning to the word "connection," United Methodists from around the U.S. and as far away as Finland met online to discuss the church's future with denominational leaders and scholars. The two-hour Feb. 26 Web cast addressed a wide range of issues facing the church. It was the first of two events designed to start United Methodists on a dialogue about the church and its changing world. The theme: "What in the World Are We Talking About? Strengthening Our Global Connection and Ecumenical Relationships." The second Web cast, at 8 p.m. Eastern time, March 25, will originate from Manila, the Philippines. To participate, go to www.gcom-umc.org/future online. The first Web cast also will be archived on the site.

LAYWOMAN CHOSEN FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE ADDRESS

Gloria Holt, president of the United Methodist Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders, has been chosen to deliver the Laity Address at the 2004 General Conference. Holt is both the North Alabama Conference lay leader and president of the Southeast Jurisdictional Association of Annual Conference Lay Leaders.

NCC DELEGATION SUPPORTS VISIT TO UN BY THE POPE

A U.S. National Council of Churches delegation to Rome told Pope John Paul II that it supports a request that he visit the United Nations to address the U.N. Security Council about the situation in Iraq. The delegation, which included United Methodist Bishop William Boyd Grove of Charleston, W.Va., arrived Feb. 26 in Rome. During its Feb. 24-25 meeting in New York, the NCC's executive board agreed the delegation should lend its support to a letter from Pax Christi USA to the pope, asking for his presence at the United Nations.

PENSION FUND SUSPENDS 3% INTEREST CREDIT

The United Methodist Church's pension and health benefits agency is temporarily suspending the three percent base-interest credit that it pays on accounts in its Diversified Investment Fund. The action, taken in response to uncertainty in the world and financial markets, is effective March 1. The board said that its suspension of the base credit would strengthen its ability "to deliver on current and future benefit promises."

RELIGION COMMUNICATORS INVITED TO PITTSBURGH FOR BRIEFING

Religion journalists and church media representatives are invited to attend a news briefing Jan. 29-31, 2004, on the pressing legislative concerns to be considered by the United Methodist Church's governing body next year. The 2004 Pre-General Conference News Briefing will be held in downtown Pittsburgh. The city will also host the General Conference, the denomination's highest legislative body, April 27-May 7, 2004. Registration information will be mailed to media representatives this summer. For more details, contact Tim Tanton at United Methodist News Service, 615/742-5470 or ttanton@umcom.org.

Recovery efforts need volunteers to help hurricane victims

Last year's Hurricane Lili and Tropical Storm Isidore caused extensive damage throughout South Louisiana. The United Methodist Disaster Recovery office in Lafayette is requesting individual volunteers and groups to help the many victims. The primary need is for construction teams familiar with water and wind damage repair. Team housing has been established. For details, contact Tony Fontenot at 866/870-1449 or ladrt@bellsouth.net. Donations, designated for Hurricanes 2002, Advance #901185-6, can be made through the United Methodist Committee on Relief Hotline, 800/554-8583.

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL MARKS 100TH ISSUE

Weavings, a bimonthly journal for people wanting to deepen their spirituality, has published its 100th issue. The 48-page March-April 2003 issue focuses on "singleness of heart." The theme concerns how home can provide opportunities to learn how to love more fully and freely. Published by The Upper Room, the magazine was launched in September 1986 and goes to 32,000 people from many denominations.

Missouri seminary offering yearlong youth experience

A new youth initiative is beginning at United Methodist-related Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo., supported by a grant from the Lilly Endowment. Up to 30 high school students from the Midwest will be selected annually to be part of a community of "youTheologians." The yearlong experience culminates with a 10-day summer pilgrimage to England for youth and adults to explore historic locations from the lives of John and Charles Wesley, the founders of Methodism. For details on youTheology, go to www.youtheology.com . Applications are due March 14.

LESBIAN MINISTER'S CASE GOING TO CHURCH'S HIGH COURT

SEATTLE, Wash. (UMNS) The case of the Rev. Karen Dammann, a former pastor accused of violating United Methodist law by living in a lesbian relationship, is going to the church's supreme court.

Bishop Elias Galvan of the church's Seattle Area announced Feb. 28 that he is appealing the case to the United Methodist Judicial Council. The move follows two earlier decisions by church panels that would have allowed the case to drop.

In a press release, Galvan cited the ramifications that the case could have for the whole church. "This case hinges on several passages from the Book of Discipline that have never been tested and interpreted," he said. "It is important to follow the process all the way to the Judicial Council to clarify the meaning and application of these passages."

The Judicial Council will hear the case at its spring meeting, April 26-27, according to Sally Curtis Askew, council secretary.

Dammann had told Galvan in 2001 that she was living in a "partnered, covenanted, homosexual relationship." Galvan filed a complaint against her at the Judicial Council's direction, citing "practices declared by the United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian teachings." The denomination's Book of Discipline affirms that gays are people of sacred worth, but it forbids the ordination and appointment of self-avowed, practicing homosexuals in The United Methodist Church.

UNITED METHODIST BISHOP TAKES HOPE FOR PEACE TO ROME

VATICAN CITY (UMNS) - When United Methodist Bishop William Boyd Grove visited here recently, a number of Italians asked him if he thought a U.S.-led war against Iraq could be averted.

He gave the same answer to each question: "My political hope is small, my gospel hope is large."

Grove was part of a six-member delegation, sponsored by the U.S. National Council of Churches, which visited Rome Feb. 26-27 to discuss the need for a peaceful resolution to the Iraq situation. The Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy served as host. The group talked briefly with Pope John Paul II and more extensively with Vatican officials, met with Italian politicians, and gathered with the Protestant community.

For Grove, the delegation's mission -- essentially to let Europeans know that many American religious leaders are opposed to war -- was important. "I believe, as do many, that it is a rush to war, and that this war, if it occurs, doesn't meet the criteria of 'just war' in any sense," he said.

The bishop noted that he is not a pacifist and is not against war under all circumstances. However, he believes U.S. military action against Iraq is morally unjustified.

The pope already has spoken out against a possible war. "We didn't go to persuade the Vatican," Grove explained. "We really went to let them know how many Americans and American Christians feel."

for more details, visit our Happenings page.

You can contact the North Indiana Conference office
at 765.664.5138 or 800.783.5138 or www.nicumc.org.

You can contact the South Indiana Conference office
at 812.336.0186 or 800.919.8160 or www.sicumc.org.

IDENTIFYING RACISM AND
WHAT THE CHURCH CAN DO ABOUT IT
March 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, New Albany

YOUTH STUDY SEMINAR
March 9-15, Washington, D.C.

CREATING SABBATH RETREAT
WITH THE REV. CYNTHIA SKUTAR
March 13, 2003, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Oakwood Foundation

BISHOP'S NIC CONFIRMATION RALLY
March 15, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Main Street UMC, Peru

WORD & WITNESS
March 15, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Washington D.C.

THE LORD'S PRAYER WITH CINDY GACKENHEIMER
March 19, 2003, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Oakwood Foundation

UMW SILENT RETREAT
March 21-23, Sarto House, Evansville

TRANSFORMING WORSHIP
March 22, 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m., North Manchester UMC

SPIRITUALITY AND HEALING IN MEDICINE:
A MULTI-CULTURAL APPROACH
March 27-28, Westin Hotel, Indianapolis

'CIVIC MISSION ... SACRED TRUST' TO MARK UE'S SESQUICENTENNIAL

The University of Evansville unveiled its sesquicentennial logo during a Feb. 23 founder's day convocation. The logo will mark a year-long celebration beginning in October 2003. It features the theme "Civic Mission . Sacred Trust." According to John Byrd, UE executive vice president and chairman of the Sesquicentennial Committee, the words "Civic Mission" are deeply rooted in the university's historic commitment to preparing students for life as citizen leaders.

Byrd said, "being a responsible citizen in the multiple communities in which our students will serve implies not only having the vision, commitment, values, knowledge and good sense to act for the collective good, but also implies having the capacities and commitments to lead a fulfilling life and to achieve one's full personal potential."

The University of Evansville, a United Methodist-related institution of higher education with 2,400 students, was founded Feb. 10, 1854, as Moores Hill (Ind.) Institute. The school was relocated to Evansville in 1919 and renamed Evansville College. UE became a university in 1967.

RURAL MINISTRY CONFERENCE DEADLINE APPROACHES

Register now for the rural ministry conference "Reaching Out, Inviting Others" to be held March 9-11 at Dubuque, Iowa. The conference will focus on how rural and small town churches can welcome new people into the life and mission of their communities. Register online at www.ruralministry.com or call 563/589-3117. The conference is being sponsored by the Center for Theology and Land, a rural ministry program of the University of Dubuque and Wartburg Theological Seminaries.

PASTOR BLODGETT CELEBRATES 100TH

The Rev. Ralph Wesley Blodgett, a retired pastor serving churches in both the North and South Indiana Conferences, will be 100 years old on March 20. His family will host a celebration open house on Saturday, March 22 from 2:30 to 4:30pm at Victory Chapel Church in Noblesville, Ind. Greetings may be send to the Rev. Blodgett at 468 Brown St., Noblesville, Ind. 46060.

Blodgett entered ordained ministry in 1927 and retired in 1968. He served as a chaplain during World War 2 and remained in the army until 1957. He also served as pastor at Holton, Moores Hill, Hymeria, Winchester, Markleville, St. Marks in Goshen, Markle, Wanamaker and Willow Branch.

CHURCHES WORK TO FREE HOOSIERS FROM TOBACCO

Representatives from several mainline denominations, including United Methodists, are joining forces to unite tobacco control coalitions, community organizations, and church leaders from across Indiana - to free Hoosiers from tobacco addiction.

To enable this move, North United Methodist Church (3808 N. Meridian St.) in Indianapolis will host a unity prayer breakfast on Monday, April 7, from 8 to 10 a.m. Presenters will include health care professionals, civic leaders, parish nurses and clergy from several denominations. Organizers hope to rally support to fully fund the Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program and to support the enactment of ordinances across Indiana to ban smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars.

According to Alpha Garrett, the prayer breakfast will allow leaders to hear important facts relating to the state of tobacco control and about enacting smoke free ordinances for Indiana. Clergy will discuss how churches and the faith-based community can help support these issues. For more information, contact Millie Lewis at 317/291-3394. Reservations for the unity prayer breakfast need to be made by March 31.

UPCOMING WESLEY HERITAGE TOURS

Join Bishop Woodie W. White and the Indiana Area Ordinands for Wesley Heritage Tour. The tour departs on July 14. This tour will include 10 days in England with an extension available to Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Please contact Educational Opportunities at 863/648-0383 or e-mail eo@travelwithus.com.

Pastor Fred Bishop, North Manchester, will host the Educational Opportunities Wesley Heritage Tour, departing from Chicago on July 21, 2003. This tour will include 10 days in England with an extension available to Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. Please contact Pastor Bishop immediately if you have an interest in this tour at 800/848-6027.

RUTH LILLY HOSPICE OF CLARIAN SEEKING VOLUNTEERS

The Ruth Lilly Hospice of Clarian is seeking hospice volunteers to work with terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers are needed in the areas of in-patient, homecare, bereavement, pastoral support and administrative assistance.

Volunteer training is scheduled for seven consecutive Mondays from April 7, 2003 through May 19, with a choice of two sessions, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. or 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Both will be held at Methodist Hospital. Pre-screening and registration are required. For information, call Cathy Fowler, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 317/962-0277.

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES

The United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries has a limited amount of grant money available for older adult ministries. The grants are designed to help United Methodists conferences, districts and congregations develop intentional, innovative and creative ministries with older adults.

Grant applications will be accepted until June 30. The maximum amount of any grant cannot exceed $2,500. For more information contact Teri Kline at the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries in Nashville, Tenn. At 615/340-7177 or by e-mail tkline@gbod.org.

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