11/4/05 e-NEWS

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HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter

For Friday, November 4, 2005 -- In the season of Pentecost

This newsletter is paid for by your
annual conference apportionments

Edited by Daniel R. Gangler, director of communication dgangler@inareaumc.org

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. Therefore, encourage one another with these words.

-- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 18

NEWS AND INFORMATION

BISHOPS' PASTORAL LETTER URGES CHURCH TO REMAIN OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE

Homosexuality is not a barrier to membership in The United Methodist Church, the denomination's bishops said Nov. 2, two days after the church's top court supported a pastor's refusal to allow a gay man to join.

"While pastors have the responsibility to discern readiness for membership, homosexuality is not a barrier," the bishops said in their pastoral letter to the people of the United Methodist Church. In a ruling announced Oct. 31, the Judicial Council supported the Rev. Ed Johnson of South Hill (Va.) United Methodist Church in his decision not to allow a gay man to join his congregation. The man was a choir member and had been meeting with Johnson about transferring membership from another denomination. Johnson was placed on a yearlong involuntary leave of absence by fellow pastors during the clergy session of the Virginia Annual Conference last June. The Judicial Council upheld Johnson's action, citing the authority given to clergy by the church's Book of Discipline. The court ordered that the pastor be reinstated to his previous status.

The ripple effect of the court's decision was felt immediately in Lake Junaluska, where the Council of Bishops is holding its weeklong fall meeting. The council spent at least four hours in closed session working on a statement responding to the ruling. "With the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church, we affirm 'that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community,'" the bishops said, quoting from the Social Principles in the Book of Discipline. "'We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.' "We also affirm our Wesleyan practice that pastors are accountable to the bishop, superintendent and the clergy on matters of ministry and membership," the bishops said.

The Council of Bishops unanimously adopted the pastoral letter in closed session. The pastoral letter is available online at www.inareaumc.org with a separate letter from Bishop Mike Coyner. (UMNS)

KOKOMO CHURCH RAISES HURRICANE RELIEF MONEY WITH WRESTLING MATCH

At Main Street United Methodist Church in Kokomo, Ind., the fellowship hall generally is used for Bible studies or potluck dinners. But on Oct. 22, a professional wrestling match was in full swing, complete with grudge matches, championship titles and church members shouting from the sidelines. The unusual event was the brainchild of wrestling promoter Rob DeMarco and the Rev. Kerry O'Brien, the associate pastor of Main Street UMC. Both men wanted to raise money for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but they knew it would take an original idea to convince the locals to show up for yet another hurricane fundraiser. They joined forces to create Wrestle-Aid . O'Brien knew the combination of church and wrestling would attract a wide array of people, from devout members eager to support their church, to wrestling fans eager to support their muscle-bound heroes. More than 100 people attended the wrestling event and more than $500 was raised for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. (UMNS)

SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE GIVES TOTAL OF $717,767 FOR 2005 HURRICANE RELIEF

South Indiana Conference Treasurer Jennifer Gallagher and Database Administrator Cyndee Siscoe announce 2005 Hurricane Disaster Relief totals. They are:

South Indiana Conference Grand Total for 2005 Hurricane Disasters - $717,767.89

District Totals - $705,978.24

Other Sources - $11,789.65

District Fund Summary

Hurricanes 2005 - $231,584.39

Hurricane Katrina - $483,509.00

Hurricane Rita - $2,674.50

SOUTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS READY SELVES FOR HURRICANE RECOVERY WORK

Here is a list of volunteer in mission teams who plan to work in hurricane recovery relief in the South.

Carmel UMC, Oct. 28 -- Nov. 5, contact Rosanne Pirtle (317) 844-0683
Bluegrass UMC, Nov. 6-12 to Gulfport, contact Amy Wolf (812) 868-0405
Fishers UMC, Nov. 13-19 to Seashore District, MS, contact Larry Matthews (317) 770-0607
Meridian Street UMC, Nov. 20-27, church (317) 253-3237
Lincoln Hills UMC, Nov. 20-27, church (812) 338-2347
Madison Trinity UMC to Gulfport for Thanksgiving preparations, Nov. 20-29, contact Gary Partridge (812) 273-4601
Randy Anderson/ Richard Higgins, Thanksgiving Meal, Seashore District, MS
Noblesville First UMC, Nov. 27-Dec. 3 to Mobile, AL, contact Jim Moon (317) 773-2500 ext.202
Mt Vernon UMC to Seashore District, MS, Nov. 27-Dec. 5, contact Russ Abel (812) 838-2640
Wesley UMC, Dec. 17 or 18-23 or 24, contact Bill Grant (317) 271-2961
Glenns Valley UMC to Wiggins, MS, Christmas Break, contact Melissa Mohler (317) 881-9684
Hagerstown UMC, Jan. 8-14 or 21, 2006, contact Marvin Culy (765) 489-4558
New Albany District trying to organize a team, contact Glenda Riggs (812) 366-3183
Bluegrass UMC to Seashore District, March 25-April 1 (Spring Break youth group), contact Amy Wolf (812) 868-0405
Holland Zoar UMC to Seashore District over winter or spring break, contact Darren Trummel (812) 536-5345

JUDGE RULES AGAINST CHURCH IN PROPERTY DISPUTE, APPEAL PLANNED

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled against a United Methodist congregation and the Northern Illinois Conference in their $10 million lawsuit against the Village of Long Grove. The church and conference had charged that the village violated the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the Religious Land Use and Institutional Persons Act of 2000 by "maliciously" preventing construction of a church building. Vision UMC, a Korean-American congregation, has been trying for more than six years to build a church on property it owns in Long Grove, a suburb 38 miles north of Chicago. The church has decided to appeal the ruling to the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeals process is expected to take at least a year. (UM Newscope)

MIAMI FLORIDA CHURCHES DRYING OUT, REACHING OUT TO COMMUNITY

Debbie McLeod, superintendent of the South East District of the Florida Conference, is finding United Methodists in Broward County working hard to help their neighbors, despite their own challenges and a shortage of supplies. Since Wilma barreled across South Florida Oct. 24, food, water, and gas have been scarce. The power is still off in most areas, and Marilyn Swanson, project director for the conference's Storm Recovery Center, estimates it will not be restored until mid to late November. A list of distribution sites and needs is listed on the Florida Conference Web site at www.flumc.org. Volunteers interested in helping throughout South Florida should call the Storm Recovery Center at 800-282-8011, ext. 149. The center recommends that teams be "self-contained" since housing and supplies are in short supply. (UMNS)

A NEW WEB SITE IS UP AND RUNNING IN AFRICA BY A HOOSIER MISSIONARY

Taylor Walters, a Hoosier young adult and missionary to the North Katanga United Methodists in Africa announces a new Web site. Browse this new communication ministry at www.northkatangaumc.org.

North Katanga is The United Methodist Church's episcopal area in the Katanga province of Congo-DR, formerly called Zaire and the Belgian Congo. It is one of three episcopal areas in the country, and extends all the way into part of Tanzania, covering tens of hundreds of kilometers. The first United Methodist bishop from North Katanga to be elected was Bishop Ngoy Kimba wa Kadilo in 1976. He was followed by North Katanga's current Bishop Ntambo Nkulu in 1996. Bishop Ntambo is in Indiana this weekend and next week, according to Walters.

BROADWAY VOTED BEST CHURCH IN INDY BY NUVO

Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis was voted "best church in Indianapolis" by a readers' poll in NUVO, city-wide freebie tabloid newspaper. The Rev. Mike Mather is senior pastor at Broadway.

ONLY TWO SOUTH INDIANA HURRICANE RELIEF SUPPLIES COLLECT POINTS OPEN

All but two collection sites are closed. Hazelton UMC in the Vincennes District and Terre Haute's United Methodist Temple church remain open at this time. Churches need to take donations to one of these sites. Churches also may take or send their donations to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Chatham, Ill., or the Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, La. Please call before making any deliveries! Here is contact information,

Hazelton UMC, Main & 3rd St, Hazelton, IN 47640 phone 812-784-2318, Contact Pastor Paul Huntsman
United Methodist Temple, 5301 S US 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802 phone 812-299-1898, Contact Pastor Brian White
Mid-West Mission Distribution Center, 1022 New City Rd, Chatham, IL 62629 phone 217-483-7911
Sager Brown Depot, 101 Sager Brown Rd, Baldwin, LA 70514 phone toll-free 800-814-8765

WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL PROFESSOR SELECTED DISTINGUISHED EVANGELIST

LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. -- Dr. George Morris, a native of Virginia, has been selected as the 2005 Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church by The Foundation for Evangelism. The Distinguished Evangelist Award is given annually by The Foundation for Evangelism to a person who has been outstanding in the field of evangelism. Dr. Morris is currently the Dan and Lil Hankey Senior Professor of World Evangelism of the World Methodist Council and is considered one of the most respected scholars on evangelism in the world. Since age 17, when he experienced Christian conversion, he has preached and taught the message of salvation in seminaries, churches, and clergy institutes.

WORLD AIDS DAY DEC. 1 'STOP AIDS: KEEP THE PROMISE'

World AIDS Day is typically commemorated on or near Dec. 1. We, as people of faith and as United Methodists, are called to lift up the needs of God's people around the globe who are suffering from this disease and take action to address this crisis. As stated in Resolution #153: "It is a time for special programs on HIV/AIDS education and religious worship services that focus on intercessory and healing prayer, hope in God, and love and compassion in the midst of the HIV/AIDS pandemic."

Resources are available at www.umc-gbcs.org/AIDS and http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/health/.

NEW COMING EVENTS

BISHOP TO TALK WITH NORTH INDIANA YOUTH ABOUT BEING CALLED TO MINISTRY

Bishop Michael J. Coyner will be the keynote speaker during the Dec. 4 "Bishop's Convocation for Youth Called to Ministry" at the United Methodist Church in Columbia City, Ind., from 3-6 p.m. Sponsored by the North Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the NIC Recruitment Team, the event is designed for middle school students, senior high students and college-age young adults. Registration is from 2:15 to 3 p.m. The gathering begins with praise and worship, featuring a praise band, and there will be break-out groups by age group for youth and for adult counselors. In break-out groups, students will be able to engage in conversation with North Indiana pastors about steps to ministry, the realities of ministry and the joys of ministry. Adults will explore ways of encouraging and nurturing students with a call to ministry. A simple meal will be served. Bishop Coyner will speak at a closing worship time. Registration is $5 per person, and registrations need to be submitted by Monday, Nov. 28. Persons can register by mail via Ms. Barbara Salveter, 300 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802 or online at the NIC Web site by logging on to www.nicumc.org.

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED EVENTS

SPECIAL SHOWING OF HOTEL RWANDA TONIGHT, PLUS RUSESABAGINA ON NOV. 8

For two months Paul Rusesabagina held insanity at bay as he watched his country fall into the grips of genocide in 1994. A manager of a luxury hotel in Rwanda, he sheltered over 1,200 people, including his wife and children as extremists massacred more than 800,000 people in just 100 days. His story was chronicled in the movie Hotel Rwanda. Rusesabagina will tell his story first-hand -- addressing what it means to move or stay -- in one's community, family and culture. This event, part of the 2005 Spirit and Place Festival, is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Saint Luke's UMC, 100 W. 86th St. in Indianapolis. Admission fee is $5 per person. In preparation the movie Hotel Rwanda will be shown at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4, also at Saint Luke's main sanctuary. Admission fee is $3 per person.

MUNCIE DISTRICT TO HOLD LAY ACADEMY TOMORROW, NOV. 5

The fall Muncie District Lay Academy will be held Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Portland Asbury UMC. Three courses will be offered. Basic Lay Speaking Ministry, taught by Joe Davis, explores caring by being, by listening, by worshipping, by leading, by judging, by serving, by healing and by celebrating. Lay Speakers Preach, taught by Pastor Paul Fulp, explains how to prepare and deliver a message. Team Leadership -- led by Dr. Bonnie Maitlen, Ron Freeman and the Rev. Greg Rittenhouse -- will explore spiritual gifts, servant leadership and team building, and applying them in your local church. Registration fee is $25 per course and includes lunch. For more information contact Jim Ottjes at 765-378-1951.

THE PROMISE HOSTS SPECIAL CONCERT FOR HURRICANE RELIEF NOV. 5

THE PROMiSE United Methodist Church is scheduled to host a concert on Saturday, Nov. 5, for hurricane relief, in partnership with Cheerful Heart Ministries. This night of contemporary, Christian music will feature: Andrew Carlton, Roads to Rome, Michael Cook and special guest Todd Day. The evening will be hosted by the youngest Christian comedian (that we know of) -- 10-year-old Conner Gaw. Tickets are $5 each, and are available online at www.cheerfulheart.com/Main/family_promotions.htm, or at THE PROMiSE, 12648 E. 116th St., Fishers. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. All concert attendee's are asked to bring either a Wal-Mart or Home Depot gift card for Hurricane survivors. Roads to Rome will be delivering the gift cards to the survivors. For more information, contact the Rev. Jennifer Pollard at jennifer@thepromisechurch.org.

BLOOMINGTON CHURCH TO HOST ALTERNATIVE GIFTS MISSION FAIR NOV. 6

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Arlington United Methodist Church will host an Alternative Holiday Gifts -- Mission Fair to be held Sunday, Nov. 6, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Arlington UMC, 1820 Arlington Road in Bloomington. The "merchants" are Bloomington area organizations including: City On A Hill, Bethesda Ministries Counseling Center, Back Street Mission, Monroe County Humane Society, Red Cross, Gideon's International and Compassion International. The "shoppers" include those in the community who would like to "purchase" an alternative gift by making a donation to one or more of these organizations in the name of someone on their holiday list. Shoppers can make a card or fill out a pre-made holiday card to give to their "honorees" indicating the gift or gifts made in their name. A soup-and-salad lunch also will be served for $5 (12 years and younger free). The lunch proceeds will go to the Generator Fund for Operation Classroom's Girl's School in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

SIC RETIRED MINISTERS ASSOCIATION AUTUMN LUNCHEON WITH BISHOP NOV. 22

South Indiana Conference retired ministers and their spouses are invited to an informal lunch to visit with Bishop Coyner and each other at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the MCL Mayfields Ballroom at Bloomington, Ind., 2100 South Liberty Road, just south of the Conference Center. (Take the 2nd Street exit off S.R. 37.) The South Indiana Foundation will again host the luncheon in the ballroom so people will not need to go through the regular cafeteria line. Reservations can be made by e-mailing Robin at the Foundation (robin@sifumci.org) or call the Foundation at 317-788-7879. Please send in registrations by Nov. 10.

MOVE FROM SITTING TO SERVING AS A CHURCH VOLUNTEER AT NOV. 12 EVENT

Clay United Methodist Church is partnering with Group Publishing, Inc. to host Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. an all-new workshop: Multiply Your Ministry: Moving From Sitting to Serving. Designed for those in leadership, attendees will take away practical ideas to build team-based ministry, uncover ways to avoid volunteer burnout, and learn how to create a culture where everyone understands serving is a "get to" not a "have to." We've invited ministry leaders in our area, and you can join us too! You can register by calling 800/888-5991, or logging on to www.group.com/cvclive/. We hope you'll consider joining us for this culture-changing workshop.

AMERICAN-ISRAELI TO ADDRESS ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUES ON NOV. 13

North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis is the scheduled site of a statewide conference on possibilities for resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, on Sunday afternoon and evening, Nov. 13. Dr. Jeff Halper, an American-Israeli, will be the featured speaker. Halper is an internationally known non-violent peace activist and executive coordinator of The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. He will focus on the implication of the topic: "Israelis and Palestinians Living in Peace as Neighbors: How Will This Be Possible?" The Program and Mission Endowment Fund of North Church and the Benevolent Fund of The Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis are lead supporters of the conference co-sponsored by Christians for Peace and Justice in the Middle East (CPJME) and The Indianapolis Peace and Justice Center. The event is open to the public. The "Main Events" will begin at 4 p.m. The conference dinner will be at 6 p.m. For "Early Birds," there will be seven, 50-minute workshops, at 2 p.m., repeated at 3 p.m. Pre-registration for the conference ($3) and the dinner ($10) by Nov. 8 is strongly encouraged. Only a few dinner tickets will be available at the door for $11. A brochure and registration can be secured by e-mail to hgdg@aol.com, or by calling 317-283-7175, or by writing: CPJME -- Brochure, 4436 N. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46205. Please include your name, address and phone number. Clergy only are invited to a "Continental Breakfast and Conversation with Jeff Halper" on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 8:30-10:10 a.m., at North UMC. To help insure an adequate supply of bagels, muffins, fruit, coffee and juice, participants are requested to register by calling Garnett Day at 317-638-0152 by Nov. 9. There is no stated cost for the event. Attendees may make a freewill donation.

NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE OFFERS NOV. 15 SEMINAR ON DEALING WITH TRAUMA

"How to Stay Focused & Effective When Traumatic Events Occur in Your Community" is a workshop scheduled to be held Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Epworth Conference Center in North Webster, Ind. Workshop objectives include:

Identify the major psychological, emotional and spiritual effect of trauma on individuals & communities
Identify key components that cause individuals to have differing reactions to trauma.
Survey certain approaches found helpful to diminish the effects of trauma.
Understand the impact of vicarious traumatization.
Obtain practical methods of self-care when vicarious traumatization is likely to occur.
Strategize ways for communities, agencies and clergy to work together to prepare for crisis events.

The Rev. Judith Fuller, pastor at Geneva UMC in the Huntington District who conducts a small counseling practice, will lead the workshop. She has a M. Div. from Christian Theological Seminary, a MSW from Indiana University, a BSW from Northern Michigan University and also is a graduate of IVY Tech's School of Nursing. She has been a psychotherapist in various agencies and in private practice for a number of years. To register contact Diane Kelley at NIC Service Center 800-783-5138 or e-mail diane@nicumc.org. Fee: $60 for NIC appointed full- or part-time/$75/laity.

INDIANAPOLIS METRO MINISTRIES ANNUAL DINNER SET FOR NOV. 16

Indianapolis' Metro Ministries will have its annual meeting Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Plainfield United Methodist Church. Cost is $10 per person. Reservations for the dinner may be made on-line at www.indymetroumc.org by Nov. 7. Keynote address "Winning the Peace; A Tale of United Methodist Peace Building in the Heart of Darkness" will be given by Taylor Walters, Assistant to the Bishop and Director of the Department of Community Development, North Katanga Episcopal Area, Democratic Republic of Congo. The awards to be given this year are: Church of the Year, Missioner of the Year, Building Better Neighborhoods. Nominations for these awards need to be sent to Lisa Morris at Metro Ministries, 317-924-4140 or lmorris@indymetroumc.org.

BISHOP TO HOLD DEC. 5 SEMINAR TO HELP CHURCHES GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS

Indiana Area Bishop Mike Coyner will be teaming with Douglas Anderson to offer a special seminar designed to help congregations get ready to welcome new people to their congregations during the Christmas and Easter seasons. The seminar will help pastors and lay teams understand the unique and important ministry of hospitality and assimilation of newcomers to help them experience a life-transforming encounter with Jesus Christ. Learn how to design an assimilation system that produces disciples, and not inactive members. The Race to Reach Out Seminar is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 5 at St. Joseph Conference Center on the northeast side of Tipton, Ind. The seminar begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $40 per person for SIC and NIC clergy and laity which includes lunch. Churches are encouraged to bring a team for this important training seminar. For more information and a registration form, contact Diane at the North Indiana Conference by calling 800-783-5138 ext. 13 or by e-mail at diane@nicumc.org.

PEACE AND JUSTICE ROUNDTABLE BEING FORMED IN SOUTH CONFERENCE JAN. 13

If you are South Indiana clergyperson interested or engaged in peace and justice issues, let's chat! An on-going peace-and-justice roundtable is forming. The first gathering is scheduled for noon, Friday, Jan. 13, at Smith's Row Restaurant in Columbus, Ind. (418 4th St., 812-373-9382). Lunch is Dutch treat, but the good conversations are free. Please RSVP to Lisa Marchal at First UMC in Columbus -- 812-372-2851, so a reservation can be made for you.

COKESBURY TO CO-SPONSOR LARGE CHURCH INITIATIVE WORSHIP CONFERENCE

Cokesbury Worship Connection will be co-sponsoring a worship conference with the Large Church Initiative, Jan. 17-19, 2006, at First United Methodist Church in Grapevine, Texas. This worship conference is open to: clergy, musicians, band members, lay speakers, worship committees/altar guilds, anyone interested in planning worship! For complete details visit your local Cokesbury Christian Bookstore, call 800-672-1789 or click http://worshipconnection.cokesbury.com/content.aspx?dyn=433

SOUTH INDIANA CHURCH AND SOCIETY GROUP SPONSORING TRIP TO WASHINGTON

The South Indiana Conference Board of Church and Society is organizing an intergenerational seminar on National and International Affairs for March 29--April 2, 2006, in Washington, D.C. The seminar is designed to educate and motivate United Methodist youth and adults to integrate their faith and social justice issues, as well as understand the responsibility of Christian citizenship. Churches are encouraged to recruit and sponsor pairs of church members from different generations (minimum age: 14) to participate as learning teams and share their experiences with others in the congregation and the Annual Conference. The cost is projected to be around $500 per person including airfare; some scholarship funds will be available. Enrollment is limited to the first 40 persons. For more information, contact the Rev. Lisa Marchal, Conference Peace with Justice Coordinator, at lmarchal@fumccolumbus.org.

STORIES OF THE CELTIC SAINTS TRIP TO SCOTLAND SCHEDULED FOR APRIL

Storytelling trip to Scotland This 10-day tour of Scotland and Durham, England, begins with three nights on the Isle of Iona. Travel with three storytellers to learn about Patrick, Columba, Bridig, Aidan and Cuthbert. It is a unique opportunity to enter into the sacred spaces of Scotland, experience great cathedrals and glorious countryside. Sponsored by Dr. Kent Millard and Betty Brandt of Saint Luke's UMC, maximum of 40 travelers. April 18-27, 2006, $2,746 from Indianapolis includes airfare, accommodations, two meals a day and entry fees. Final registration date is Dec. 18 with full payment due on Jan 8, 2006. Express interest and ask questions by contacting Betty Brandt, 317-846-3404x339, brandtb@stlukesumc.com.

SOUTH CONFERENCE TO SPONSOR UPPER ROOM 5-DAY ACADEMY NEXT SUMMER

The South Indiana United Methodist Conference will be sponsoring an Upper Room 5-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation from July 30 to Aug. 4, 2006. The event will take place at Kordes Retreat Center in Ferdiand, Ind. Presenters will be the Revs. Ted Loder and Julie Neraas. The theme will be: "What does the Lord ask of you?" (Micah 6:8). Brochures will be mailed in January to all SIC churches. For any questions, please call Barbara Hale at 317-879-9972 or e-mail at bhale1020@msn.com.

NEW MISSION OPPORTUNITY

WOMEN'S UBUNTU EXPLORERS PILOT GROUPS FOR MISSION TRIPS IN 2006

A new program, created jointly by Mission Volunteers (GBGM) and United Methodist Women is called the Ubuntu eXplorers -- Two of these pilot groups are being headed up by capable leaders from the Northern Illinois Conference -- Judy Siaba jsiaba@umcnic.org will lead one to Uruguay and Cara Newhouse cara.newhouse@garrett.edu will lead the other to C�te D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast). Contact either of these women for information and application forms. United Methodist Women wish to fill these teams with women of all ages and backgrounds. If interested in knowing more about the other two opportunities to Cambodia and Zimbabwe, you may call Mission Volunteers at 212-870-3825 or the Women's Division at 212-870-3911.

OTHER MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

MISSION TRIP TO SENEGAL AVAILABLE TO YOUNG ADULTS OVER CHRISTMAS BREAK

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity awaits you! Mission Discovery is seeking three more adventurous, youthful types (18-29 years old) to spend 10 days in Senegal over Christmas break. Meet with GBGM missionaries, learn what it is like to be a Christian in a predominantly Muslim nation, visit the site where thousands of slave ships debarked for the New World, and bring home a deeper understanding of "The World as Our Parish"! The Rev. David Harsh and Cara Newhouse will take this group on an adventure into Christian faith and living. You will return home with renewed faith and hope, eager to tell the story of the Methodism in Senegal! Contact umvim-ncj@brookings.net for application and brochure or visit www.gbgm-umc.org/northcentralvim/mission_discovery.html. Deadline is coming soon! Sponsored by United Methodist Volunteers In Mission -- North Central Jurisdiction.

NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE PLANS SPRING BREAK VOLUNTEER IN MISSION TRIPS

The North Indiana Conference Mission Volunteers Resource team has planned three Spring Break Mission trips especially for families. (Families can mean individuals, couples, mom and dad with children, or grandma and grandpa with grandchildren, or youth and a counselor.) Families will combine their desire to travel and interest in doing hands-on mission work by traveling to Costa Rica. While there they may work at an orphanage or one of the special needs schools or doing home repairs in a neighborhood church or home and touring some of the awesome sights in Costa Rica. Interested persons may check out the website of Charlie Strong www.strongmissions.com to gain a better understanding of the work we will be doing. Spring Break 2006 dates are March 25 to April 2, April 1 to April 9, or April 8 to April 17. We expect the cost to be between $1,500 and $1,800 per person depending on the cost of airfare and your selection of sleeping arrangements. The cost covers airfare, all room, board, tips, ground transportation and construction costs ($200) associated with the Volunteer In Missions (VIM) project. If you want more information, please contact the North Indiana VIM Coordinator, Bonnie Albert, 219-464-1447 or bonkay@hotmail.com for more information.

NEW JOB LISTINGS

RELIGION AND RACE SEEKS ASSOCIATE GENERAL SECRETARY

The General Commission on Religion and Race, based in Washington, D.C., announces its search to fill the Associate General Secretary position for the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the White Constituency Portfolio. The executive position is one of five Associate General Secretary positions on the General Commission's staff. The person elected to this position is expected to be committed to a reconciling ministry and able to use the tools of advocacy, monitoring, education, resource and research. Primary responsibility also includes monitoring a specific sector of the church and its related institutions for inclusiveness. There is extensive travel (approximately 50 percent of the time) involved in the position. The person selected must hold a bachelor's degree and must be an active member of The United Methodist Church. The timeline for the search process provides that all applications must be received no later than February 15, 2006. The goal is to have the new executive on staff by July 15, 2006. For more information and application, contact Kimberly Dixon Harris, Human Resource Manager, 202-547-2271 or by e-mail at kdixon@gcorr.org

PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS

WALNUT CREEK CHURCH SEEKS MINISTER OF MUSIC AND WORSHIP ARTS (10/21)

Warsaw Walnut Creek UMC has an immediate opening for a Minister of Music and Worship Arts. This is a part time position. Candidates must have an appreciation for a variety of music/worship styles; including traditional hymn and contemporary music. The desire to be a team member and direct vocal groups and musicians is essential. The ability to play keyboard and lead spirited singing is highly desirable. Contact Jim MacDonald via email: pastorwcumc@kconline.com; church office: 574-267-4032; or send resume to Walnut Creek UMC, 2033 S 150 W, Warsaw, IN 46580.

INDY'S SOUTHPORT CHURCH HAS THREE JOB OPENINGS (10/21)

Southport United Methodist Church on the south end of Indianapolis, has three positions open on its staff.

Youth Director -- 20 hours a week - working with the Youth.
Music Director -- includes directing the Choir, Worship Coordinator and children's music.
Worship Leader -- responsibilities include leading and planning worship and leading praise singing.

Please send detailed resume to Southport United Methodist Church at 1947 E. Southport Road, Indianapolis, IN 46227 to Pastor Mark Fisher. For more information, contact Kathy McCauley or Fisher at 317-784-9508.

NEW CASTLE CHURCH SEEKS PART-TIME MUSIC DIRECTOR (10/14)

First United Methodist Church of New Castle, Ind. seeks a part-time Music Director. Primary responsibility would be direction of the choir. Must be a team player and able to work with the Pastor and Worship Committee. If interested please mail your resume to: First United Methodist Church, PO Box 544, New Castle, IN 47362

OTHER JOBS PREVIOUS LISTED CAN BE FOUND ON THE INDIANA AREA SITE

Log on to www.inareaumc.org and click on "Jobs and Events" in the left column.

RESOURCES IN THE SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE AVAILABLE BY PHONE

By calling the Conference Media Resource Center at 800-919-8160, you can order from a vast selection of videos and DVDs. The Center is a FREE-LOAN library with return postage your only cost involved. This service is provided through your apportioned giving. Mary Barnes, Director, can be e-mailed at mbarnes@sicumc.org for more information, or you may access the catalog on the Web at www.sicumc.org and place an order there. The Media Resource Center is here to serve you.

DEATHS: ATKINS, ROBERTS, WILSON

CLAUDE ATKINS, retired pastor (SIC), died Oct. 23, 2005. A memorial service was held Oct. 27 at the First Nazarene Church in Oakland City, Ind., with burial in Montgomery Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Atkins, 915 N. Main, Oakland City, IN 46660; children Mike, Dennis, Bill, Carlotta Reynolds, Vickie Rumble, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the Oakland City University.

THEODORE R. ROBERTS, retired pastor (NIC), died on Oct. 30, 2005. A memorial service was held Nov. 4 at Gentryville United Methodist Church with burial in Selvin, Ind. Survivors include his wife, Oma; daughter Carol Webb; son Stan Roberts; and two grandchildren. Condolences can be sent to Mrs. Oma Roberts, 35 S Cedar Ln., #15B, Santa Claus, IN 47579.

KEITH WILSON, retired pastor (SIC), died Oct. 22, 2005. A memorial service was held Oct. 26 at the Reed and Jewel Funeral Home in Columbus, Ind., with burial in the Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus, Ind. Survivors include two daughters, Donna Pate, 2221 S. Rogers St., Bloomington, IN 47403, and Linda Sue Wilson.

APPOINTMENTS

Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the following changes within the Indiana Area. All dates effective 2005 unless otherwise noted. These appointments are based on Cabinet reports received by Indiana Area Communication this week.

South Indiana Conference

Carpenter, Marcia from Carbon, Terre Haute Holland/Zoar Associate, Vincennes, 11/1
Carpenter, Roy from Northside Community, Terre Haute to Holland/Zoar, Vincennes, 11/1

North Indiana Conference

None listed

e-NEWS archives

Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.

Last updated on 04/01/2008

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