Highlights from the January
issue of Together
United Methodists play pivotal role in Tsunami relief
100 percent of every donation to this appeal goes to support South Asia
recovery efforts
By Jan Snider
A UMNS Report
Watching images from the catastrophe in Asia and Africa might compel some
people to travel to the devastated areas and help out with the recovery.
However, the primary need is for financial support, the United Methodist
Committee on Relief says.
The relief agency has long-term relationships with other organizations that
are responding to the tsunami disaster on the ground. The agencies are working
closely with UMCOR to provide what is needed to the people locally.
"UMCOR has worked over a long period of time to develop the capacity of the
church in other parts of the world to respond to the disaster," said the Rev.
Kristin Sachen, head of UMCOR's disaster response. "We see that as our job - not
just hand out food baskets, but helping people have the capacity to do it
themselves.
"Very often, what they need in a big emergency is money," she said. "Our
partners have the networks, the training, and they simply need the money to
carry out their plan."
11 countries recovering
From Southeast Asia to the East African coast, at least 11 countries are
trying to recover from tidal waves that struck Dec. 26, wiping out entire
villages and killing more than 140,000 people. Millions area homeless. A 9.0
magnitude earthquake in the Indian Ocean and near the island of Sumatra,
triggered the tsunamis.
In providing relief to India, UMCOR is working with the Christian Auxiliary
for Social Action, an agency that it has supported for several years and in many
disasters. In Sri Lanka, UMCOR has partnered with the National Council of
Churches of Sri Lanka, which includes a Methodist church based there. The
council was already involved in relief efforts for the victims of the Sri
Lanka's civil war.
Knowing that UMCOR has those relationships and is responding makes it easier
for local churches to provide support.
Relief Shipment Planned
The United Methodist Committee On Relief has received appeals from its
ecumenical partners for several kinds of emergency supplies. A large shipment is
being assembled now - and we know that United Methodists will want to help get
our partners in the disaster-stricken areas what they need. UMCOR appreciates
your generosity. You can help by donating specific goods and/or money.
- Health Kits. Soap is the number one defense against bacterial disease.
Prepare the kit according to the specifications or, in lieu of goods, UMCOR
can receive donations of $12 per kit.
- Layettes. Babies and their mothers will appreciate these items. Prepare
the kit according to specifications or donate $10 per layette.
- Medicine Boxes. One box of medicines, both prescription and
over-the-counter, is enough to care for about 1,000 families for 3 months.
Collect over-the-counter products and supplies and raise $375 to cover the
costs of prescription medications or donate $425 per box.
- Family Shelters. To be purchased in the stricken regions, these shelters
cost $108 each. Each shelter contains a tent, tarp and ground cloth.
For more information about these items, go to:
gbgm-umc.org/umcor/kits.cfm#health. Medicine
Box requirements are at the link
www.gbgm-umc.org/health/medbox/
North Conference takes leap of faith in new sessions agenda
MARION, Ind. - The Bible will replace business as the primary focus of this
year's North Annual Conference session at Purdue University in West Lafayette
June 1-4. And the schedule looks far from business as usual.
The Annual Conference Sessions Committee has announced that "Molded by Grace,
Making a Difference" will be the three-day conference theme based on the prophet
Jeremiah's vision of the potter (Jeremiah 18).
Annual Conference is scheduled to begin with a Thursday morning, June 2,
Memorial and Communion Service, instead of clergy and laity sessions, and end
Saturday morning, June 4, with a service of ordination, consecration and
appointments - not a flurry of legislative items and the approval of the budget.
The executive clergy session is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday night,
June 1, in a banquet setting. According to an agenda drafted by Annual Sessions
Committee, chaired by the Rev. Craig Lasuer, pastor of Christ UMC in Lafayette,
five Bible studies will preface each of the business sessions.
"We are beginning each session of conference with a Bible study so that we
can collectively remember our mission and reason for being and so that we can be
refreshed and inspired to fulfill our ministry in the local church," said Lasuer.
Volunteers deep-clean capital city outreach to women
INDIANAPOLIS - Each year three United Methodist districts from the North
Indiana Conference participate in a "Hands on Mission" project for local United
Methodist Women.
A work team of 24 women and 3 youth from the Kokomo, Marion and Muncie
Districts went to Lucille Raines Residence here Oct. 12-14. Housing and meals
were provided by the North Conference UMW.
At the Lucille Raines Residence, volunteers washed hallway walls; deep
cleaned two kitchenettes, weight room, chapel and lounges; and painted and
wallpapered the kitchenettes. Local units from each district provided new bed
sheets, blankets, mattress pads, shower liners and wastebaskets as well as
additional financial support to purchase new sinks and cabinet units for the
kitchenettes.
Volunteers were able to accomplish many things physically but said the most
important was the fellowship not only with each other but with the LRR staff and
residents. They witnessed the routine of the day, had opportunity to visit with
residents and came away with a deeper appreciation for the ministry of Lucille
Raines Residence and the staff.
Gentry to become foundation executive;
Steele to become Indy West superintendent
INDIANAPOLIS - The Rev. James E. Gentry, retiring Indianapolis West District
Superintendent of the South Indiana Conference, has been named by the Indiana
Area Foundation Board of Directors to the position executive director of the
Area Foundation. Gentry plans to retire from the superintendency and begin his
new responsibilities on July 1. He will take the position now held by Clyde
Fields, who will plans to retire June 30.
Related to this move, Indiana Area Bishop Michael J. Coyner announces the
appointment of the Rev. Ned Steele, current Vincennes District Superintendent,
as Indianapolis West District Superintendent effective in July. No one has been
named at this time to the Vincennes District Superintendency.
Bloomington district women help children at Lebanon
LEBANON, Ind. - United Methodist Women from across the Bloomington District
selected the Indiana United Methodist Children's Home here in Lebanon as their
"Hands-On Mission Project" for 2004.
"We are such a mission-minded group. All of us care deeply about children so
we were glad to support this important United Methodist ministry in our state,"
said UMW Bloomington District President Paula DeWeese.
In response, Gary Davis, executive director of the Lebanon home, said, "The
women from the Bloomington District did an outstanding job in raising funds for
the Home's important programs. They also donated many boxes filled with school
supplies, toiletries and other personal items. The response was tremendous and
we are very grateful for their interest in helping the youth in care. The
children and youth take great comfort in knowing others care about their
happiness and well being."
Bishops take steps to place focus on making disciples
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (UMCom) - United Methodist bishops are taking steps to
place an extraordinary focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ and
transforming the world during the 2005-2008 quadrennium.
Meeting at Epworth by the Sea, bishops from the United States, Africa, Europe
and Asia affirmed a one-and-a-half-page strategy document listing steps they
will begin taking to assume a larger leadership role across the church.
"We are making it clear that bishops are in alignment with the mission of the
church," said Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, of Houston, now president of the
Council.
Bishop Michael J. Coyner of Indiana joined with the other 130 active and
retired bishops, including 22 newly elected bishops, as they spent the bulk of
their November meeting in small and large group discussions on strategy. Daily
worship focused on the mission, unity and role of bishops as leaders of the
church.
Conference to focus on healthy churches
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - Ensuring that United Methodist churches and annual
conferences collaborate to build healthy congregations will be the goal of a
national leadership conference this month.
The "Healthy Churches Transforming the World" conference, set for Jan. 27-30
in Houston, is being designed to inspire conference leaders to build healthy
leaders, healthy churches and a healthy world.
Sponsored by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, the event is
expected to draw 1,000 people. Conference leaders will emphasize that healthy
churches are not about the number of people or size of a congregation, but more
about faith formation, disciple making and social witness.
Rudy scheduled to speak at National Gathering of UM Men
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Rudy Ruettiger is a short-stature man who struggled
with dyslexia, but as a young man he dreamed of playing on the Notre Dame
football team. The unlikely realization of that dream resulted in the movie
"Rudy," one of the finest sports films ever produced.
Ruettiger will speak at the National Gathering of United Methodist Men to be
held here at Purdue University on July 15-17. He also will become the first
Roman Catholic to be inducted into the John Wesley Society, an honor bestowed on
persons who have made major contributions to the faith community.
The Notre Dame graduate will be introduced by Evan Hunsberger, the young man
who led an effort to have a World War II book of daily devotions republished for
members of our armed forces today. The revised and updated book, Strength for
Service to God and Country, includes a devotional by Ruettiger.
For more information and a brochure about the Gather, log on to
www.gcumm.org.
UM court revokes lesbian pastor's credentials
PUGHTOWN, Pa (UMNS) - A United Methodist self-avowed lesbian clergywoman has
been stripped of her ministerial credentials by a church trial court.
The Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud was found guilty Dec. 2 of engaging in
"practices that are incompatible with Christian teachings." After that 12-1
decision, the trial court - or jury - entered a penalty phase and voted 7-6 to
strip Stroud of her ministerial credentials, effective immediately. Stroud, 34,
is not able to perform the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion but plans to
remain on staff at First United Methodist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia,
where she had been associate pastor since 1999.
In a Dec. 27 interview, Stroud said she would send a letter to Bishop Marcus
Matthews of Philadelphia and Bishop Joseph Yeake, the trial judge, notifying
them of the appeal. That appeal will be handled by the committee on appeal of
the Northeastern Jurisdiction.
Bill Hinson, Confessing Movement leader, dies at 68
By United Methodist News Service
The
Rev. William Hinson, a founder and president of the Confessing Movement, died
Dec. 26, 2004, a month after suffering a massive stroke. He was 68.
A leading conservative voice in the United Methodist Church, Hinson helped
found the Confessing Movement in 1995 and was serving a two-year term as its
president when he died.
Beyond his role in the Confessing Movement, Hinson led one of the
denomination's largest congregations for many years, served on United Methodist
agencies and was active in the World Methodist Council. He died at Huntsville
(Ala.) Hospital, where he had been since suffering a stroke Nov. 28.
Memorial contributions can be made to The Confessing Movement to honor
Hinson. Send to: Hinson Memorial, The Confessing Movement within the United
Methodist Church, 7995 East 21st St., Indianapolis, IN 46219.
Garrett Evangelical initiates organ program
EVANSTON - Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will offer a
concentration in organ performance as a new track in its existing master of arts
in music ministry program, beginning in the fall of 2005.
The two-year degree provides the academic and professional preparation for
music leadership and ministry in the worship life of the church. It also
provides the academic qualifications for certification in music ministry and for
ordination as a deacon in The United Methodist Church. This degree is also
appropriate for persons of most Protestant denominations who are serving or will
serve as organists or directors of music in local churches.
For more information on the seminary, log on to
www.garrett.edu.
Renewal movement leader Robb dies at 78
The Rev. Ed Robb, 78, one of the unique and significant leaders of the
renewal movements within The United Methodist Church, died on Dec. 15, 2004 in
his hometown of Marshall, Texas, according to the Confessing Movement within The
United Methodist Church.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 17 at First United Methodist Church in
Marshall. The service was a celebration of Robb's life and his commitment to
"Jesus Christ as God's Son and Savior of all."
Youth EcuCamp offers ecumenical experience
EcuCamp is an opportunity for high school students in Indiana from various
denominations to be selected, for their leadership potential, to learn new ways
of leading Christ's church into more visible unity. The camp is a time for
spiritual renewal, learning, leadership growth and fun.
EcuCamp is scheduled to meet July 11-15 at Camp Rivervale near Mitchell, Ind.
This special camp will be directed by the Rev. Randy Kuss, who has had 33 years
of experience in youth ministries and outdoor ministries. He is the former
director of national youth ministries for the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) based in Indianapolis.
EcuCamp is sponsored by the Indiana Partners for Christian Unity and Mission,
successor of the Indiana Council of Churches, which includes the North Indiana
United Methodist Conference.
Join 'Week of Prayer for Christian Unity'
NEW
YORK - United Methodist Church's ecumenical officials are encouraging
congregations to set aside time in January to participate in the annual Week of
Prayer for Christian Unity.
Bishop William B. Oden, Ecumenical Officer for the denomination's Council of
Bishops, and Larry D. Pickens, General Secretary of the General Commission on
Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, said the week of January 18-25 has
been designated for the observance.
"For more than 90 years, Christians have set aside time for prayer and
reflection on their unity in Christ," Oden said. "We encourage United Methodists
to join in this important celebration and observance."
Free resources to assist congregations and ecumenical organizations in the
planning and celebration of the Week of Prayer are available on-line from the
Graymoor Ecumenical and Interreligious Institute of New York City.
Hoosier UMs to advocate on three legislative issues
INDIANAPOLIS - Gambling, smoking and children are priority concerns of United
Methodists as the Indiana General Assembly gets underway this month in
Indianapolis.
United Methodists will once again join with the Indiana Coalition Against
Legalized Gambling in trying to block gambling legislation. The Indiana General
Assembly plans to consider a bill to add 5,000 pull-tab slot machines at the
Anderson and Shelbyville racetracks and three off-track betting (OTB) parlors.
The gambling industry wants to turn the tracks into "racinos" for year-round
gambling.
The most controversial tie to this legislation came last month when
Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson announced on national TV, during a sold-out
Colts game, that the city and the Colts had made a deal which included a new
half-billion dollar stadium to be financed by pull-tab slots machines placed at
a Downtown Indianapolis OTB.
Another issue being tracked by Together and United Methodist parish nurses,
and supported by Bishop Michael Coyner is asking lawmakers and the governor to
restore more than $20-million dollars cut from the $32-million budget of the
Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation (ITPC), a state agency that when fully
funded made a sizeable dent in both teen and adult smoking in Indiana. ITPC runs
its education and cessation programs throughout the state. ITPC sponsors the
WhiteLies.tv Web
site to discourage teen smoking.
One of the most important discussions in the legislature this winter will be
around the issue of children and their protection. The Bishop's Task Force on
Children and Poverty, under the direction of Indianapolis Pastor Gwen Roberts of
Faith United Methodist Church with the assistance of the South Indiana Board of
Church and Society, seeks the adoption of the recommendations from the Indiana
Commission on Abused and Neglected Children and Their Families. The legislation
is known as "Putting Children First," a collection of 32 recommendations which
will be introduced as a variety of bills in the 2005 General Assembly.
Prison reform legislation is another concern the South Indiana Board of
Church and Society will be tracking this session.
Legislation on all of these issues may be tracked through the Indiana General
Assembly Web site found online at
www.in.gov/legislative. For more information about
the Bishop's Initiative on Children and Poverty, log on to
www.umc.org/initiative.
For more information about the Indiana Coalition on Legalized Gambling,
call John Wolf at 219-462-4851.
Sixty-two United Methodists will serve in 109th Congress
By Albert J. Menendez
A UMNS Feature
The number of United Methodists serving in the 109th Congress will increase
to 62, one more than the 108th Congress.
The United Methodist Church also remained in third place among all religious
groups represented in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Hoosier are represented by two United Methodists in Congress: Senator Richard
Lugar (R), a member of St. Luke's UMC in Indianapolis, and Representative Steve
Buyer (pronounced Boo-yer) (R-IN 4), a member of Monticello UMC.
The lawmakers will be working with an administration in which the president,
George W. Bush, and vice president, Dick Cheney, are United Methodist. Bush is a
member of Highland Park UMC in Dallas. Cheney maintains his membership at First
UMC in Casper, Wyo.
There are 13 United Methodists in the Senate and 49 in the House. Republicans
outnumber Democrats 38 to 24, again a repeat from the last election, even though
the three newly elected United Methodist House members are Democrats.
Tobacco opponents to show their love on Valentine's Day
INDIANAPOLIS - "Show your Love" will be the theme of a Valentine's
Day luncheon and capital witness to curb the use of tobacco in Indiana. The
complimentary interfaith luncheon is scheduled to be held Monday, Feb. 14 from
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral on Monument Circle in downtown
Indianapolis.
The luncheon, sponsored by Tobacco Free Kids, is limited to 150 participants
and will feature speakers and testimonials from a variety of faith group and
health care leaders including United Methodists and the United Methodist-related
Clarian Health Partners.
Following the luncheon, participants will be encouraged to walk or ride in
complimentary vans to the capitol and speak with their Indiana legislators
asking them to help restore $20 million cut from the Indiana Tobacco Prevention
and Cessation agency budget.
Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition leaders will present more than 200 common
resolutions signed by congregations from across Indiana including signatures
from more than 50 United Methodist congregations and groups.
Pastors and United Methodist lay leaders are encouraged to participate in the
"Show your Love" events on Feb. 14. For free luncheon reservations, call Clarian
Call Center at 800-265-3220.
Pan Methodists issue response to Sudan
DALLAS (UMNS) - Five Methodist denominations are calling on government and
international officials to establish a peace process in the war-ravaged country
of Sudan that "holistically considers the concerns of all Sudanese parties and
ethnic groups."
War has created deep brokenness throughout the world, the Commission on
Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union noted in an open letter to U.S. and United
Nations officials. "Particularly, we are distraught that tens of thousands of
God's people in Darfur, Sudan, die from preventable famine, disease and violence
as part of state-sponsored genocide."
The commission recently urged that the leaders respond to the humanitarian
crisis, which has claimed more than 300,000 lives and left more than 3 million
people at risk. The open letter was addressed to U.S. President George W. Bush,
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, U.S. Secretary of State designate Condoleezza
Rice, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth.
Africa University dedicates building
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) - Diplomats, government officials and local church
leaders joined students and staff for the dedication of Africa University's new
Faculty of Health Sciences building Dec. 1.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supported
construction of the building with a grant of $1 million from its American
Schools and Hospitals Abroad program.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Christopher Dell, U. S. Ambassador to
Zimbabwe, noted that, as evidenced by the many Americans present, USAID's
ongoing support for Africa University must be seen as an expression of the will
and selflessness of the American people.
The $1.8 million Faculty of Health Sciences facility is the fourth building
on the campus of the United Methodist-related university in Zimbabwe, to be
constructed with funds from USAID. It houses a health sciences library
collection and laboratories for teaching as well as research on HIV/AIDS and
malaria. Seminar rooms, lecture theaters, offices and a cold room make up the
rest of the building. |
