e-NEWS

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BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY

Jesus then told them this story: A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. One day he went out to pick some figs, but he didn’t find any. So he said to the gardener, “For three years I have come looking for figs on this tree, and I haven’t found any yet. Chop it down! Why should it take up space?”

The gardener answered, “Master, leave it for another year. I’ll dig around it and put some manure on it to make it grow. Maybe it will have figs on it next year. If it doesn’t, you can have it cut down.”

REMINDER: Daylight Savings Time begins THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 11. Set or spring your clocks forward on hour. Computers may need to be set manually since some systems programs are set to change to DST the first Sunday in April.

NEWS AND INFORMATION

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING COMING MARCH 18

Once a year, during One Great Hour of Sharing, you and your congregation can join other United Methodists worldwide by making a special offering to support humanitarian aid from UMCOR. You can assure that when catastrophes cause suffering, your church, impelled by Jesus’ love and compassion will be in the lead to ease the pain.

The 2007 Offering Essential to UMCOR – Gifts to this offering underwrite UMCOR’s “costs of doing business.” That helps us keep our promise that 100 percent of designated donations go entirely to specific projects, said the Rev. R. Randy Day, General Secretary, UMCOR. “Our ability to respond and remain until the job is done is in direct proportion to the generosity of United Methodists at this time of offering.”

UMCOR is a good steward of God’s gifts, he said. Offering gifts over and above those used to cover administrative costs are channeled where they’re most needed. UMCOR’s specialized ministries – responding in disaster, fighting hunger, alleviating poverty, providing relief supplies around the world, and offering hospitality to immigrants and refugees – all assist the most vulnerable people whose need is greatest. For One Great Hour of Sharing resources, log on to www.umcgiving.org/content/sundays/OGHS_nav/onegreat.asp. – OGHS

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING BRINGS IN $7.6 MILLION FOR HUNGER, POVERTY

This year’s Souper Bowl of Caring has raised more than $7.6 million to fight hunger and poverty. The annual event ties in with football’s Super Bowl to encourage churches, schools, and other groups to raise money for local charities. More than 13,000 groups participated this year. The campaign surpassed last year’s total of approximately $5 million. It even made it onto the CBS pre-game show.

About 75% of the funds and food donations raised this year are going to food banks and food pantries. In 2006, 2,348 UM congregations contributed more than $1 million. — UM Newscope

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES TOGETHER LAUNCHES, EMPHASIZES POVERTY

As Christian Churches Together celebrated its official launch Feb. 6-9 in Pasadena, Calif., more than 150 participants and observers entered discussions on the importance of evangelism and the elimination of poverty. The organization adopted a statement on “the scandal of widespread poverty in the United States and around the world” and proclaimed that a renewed commitment to overcome poverty “is central to the mission of the church and essential to our unity in Christ.” Acknowledging the work that churches already do to help struggling people, the statement stressed that Christian Churches Together (CCT) must build on those efforts and collaborate more closely to eliminate poverty in the United States. The group cites four necessities to overcome domestic poverty: strengthening families and communities, reducing child poverty, making “work” work, and strengthening the educational system.

A UM participant said the new body must overcome “suspicion and concern about its mission.” Larry Pickens, general secretary of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, said the launch was only part of the journey, which began as a concept in 2001 to expand beyond traditional ecumenical boundaries.

“We, as United Methodists, still have concern about the role of the historic African American Methodist churches and the fact that they are not at the table,” he said. — UM Newscope

STUDY COMMISSION RECEIVES MORE THAN 1,000 RESPONSES ONLINE

More than 1,000 responses have been received in an online survey about the Study of Ministry Commission’s draft report. It has brought neither a huge endorsement nor put a strong block on the group’s work. The commission discussed the results Feb. 22-24. Thomas E. Frank, the principal writer, will continue to make changes to the draft based on the conversation. It will again be posted online for comment.

Four work areas of the commission will report April 15, and the full commission meets in May. The final report will be sent to the 2008 General Conference. — UM Newscope

FIVE STATES CLEANING UP FROM DEADLY TORNADOES

Dozens of tornadoes ripped though Missouri, Illinois, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida last week killing at least 20 people. Tom Hazelwood, UM Committee on Relief’s domestic disaster response executive, is in touch with affected annual conferences and will visit Alabama March 6 to survey the damage. UMCOR has already released two emergency grants, one to the Georgia Conference and one to Alabama-West Florida to support the initial response. Two known churches were affected by these storms. One UM died; and St. Luke UMC in Enterprise, Ala., was damaged extensively (Domestic Disaster Response, Advance #901670). — UM Newscope

U.S., FILIPINO CHURCH LEADERS SEEK HELP WITH HUMAN RIGHTS

United States and Filipino church leaders are urging the U.S. Congress to address human rights violations and killings in the Philippines. Specifically, church leaders are asking Congress to hold a hearing or face-to-face meetings with a delegation from the Philippines scheduled to visit Washington March 12-14. Bishop Solito K. Toquero (Manila Area) is a delegation member. During its Feb. 26-27 meeting in New York, the governing board of the National Council of Churches approved a resolution supporting a congressional hearing or “other meaningful measures that address the deteriorating human rights situation in the Philippines.” — UMNS

RECTOR INSTALLED AS ACADEMIC DEAN AT GARRETT-EVANGELICAL

Lallene J. Rector – a popular professor, and distinguished scholar – was installed as academic dean and vice president for academic affairs at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill. on March 7. Rector assumed her new responsibilities last July after Dr. Philip Amerson nominated her for the post in one of his first acts as the seminary’s new president. Among her many responsibilities, Rector will develop the seminary’s instructional goals and work closely with faculty as she supervises and coordinates academic programs.

Before joining Garrett 21 years ago, Rector worked for five years as inpatient coordinator at the Decatur Center for Mental Health and completed clinical training as a pastoral counselor at the Center for Religion and Psychotherapy, where she was a faculty member. She has also completed advanced training in adult psychoanalysis at the Institute of Psychoanalysis in Chicago. Now a faculty member at both institutions, she is one of a small number of psychoanalytically trained theological educators in the country.

UINDY BUSINESS SCHOOL WINS INTERNATIONAL MICROSOFT AWARD

Microsoft Corp. has awarded its 2007 Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Education to the University of Indianapolis School of Business for its innovative use of business software in the classroom.

Associate Professor Jerry Flatto, who leads the UIndy initiative, will be recognized at Microsoft’s Convergence 2007 annual customer conference March 11-14 in San Diego. On March 14, he and Pinnacle Award winners in other categories – representing organizations from across the United States and Europe – will attend a special awards luncheon with Microsoft executives including CEO Steven Ballmer.

Microsoft encourages the educational use of its business-related products through its Dynamics Academic Alliance. UIndy’s membership has given the university access to software valued at $500,000 and annual maintenance services valued at $100,000, along with training materials and free technical support.

EUTSLER RE-ELECTED TO SAFETY STANDARDS COMMISSION CHAIR

Stockwell UMC Lay Leader, Mark Eutsler, was re-elected chairman of the nine-member Indiana Occupational Safety Standards Commission during its March 7 organizational meeting in the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis. He is a member of the seven-member Imagine Indiana Planning Team. Under his first year of leadership a three-year backlog of 13 rules were promulgated and administrative actions taken.

UPCOMING CONFERENCE SESSIONS NEWS

Lynn Renne is interested in finding people willing to serve as readers, soloists, or in other worship arts during South Indiana’s annual conference June 6-9. E-mail her at LRenne@sigecom.net for more information.

SOUTH CONFERENCE LAITY ASKED TO SUBMIT SERMONS FOR CONFERENCE

Each year the South Indiana Conference Board of Laity offers the opportunity to all laity of the South Indiana Conference to express thanks and praise to God by submitting a sermon manuscript for judging. The deadline for entries is April 26. The theme is “One in Spirit, All in Ministry: In the Spirit of Stewardship.” Manuscripts are judged on how well the theme is followed and developed, and how well stories and illustrations are used. The author will present the winning manuscript at the Laity Session of South Indiana Annual Conference during the Wednesday morning session, June 6. Two other manuscripts will be given Honorable Mention.

All laity are invited to participate in the contest. Sharing stories of faith, discipleship and commitment is an excellent opportunity to honor Christ and his mission. For additional information or questions, please contact Bob Pimlott at 812-273-3081 or e-mail him at rpimlott1@verizon.net.

Send manuscripts to Ike Williams, Conference Lay Leader, 1515 Cool Creek Drive, Carmel, IN 46033-2318. Please include name, address, phone number, local church name and district name on a cover letter. Manuscripts will be judged anonymously by the selection committee. The winner and two runners up will be notified by May 20. Entries must be postmarked by April 26.

SMALL CHURCHES INVITED TO SOUTH INDIANA AWARDS COMPETITION

Small-membership churches, a section of Church Growth and Evangelism, wish to recognize outstanding small membership churches in the South Indiana Conference. Only churches with average attendance up to 99 worshipers may apply for this award. For those wishing to apply for this award, please contact Misty Boswell at 1-800-919-8160 or 812-336-0186 ext. 222 for an application form. Entries will be reviewed by a committee of pastors from North Indiana Conference and the SIC recipient will be presented a certificate at the South Indiana Annual Conference in June. Applications must be returned to Misty Boswell, 1520 S Liberty Dr., Bloomington, IN 47403 no later than March 12.

MINISTRY RESOURCES

CLERGY WHOLENESS SEMINAR TO BE OFFERED IN INDIANAPOLIS

Celebrating Life and the Journey: A Clergy Wholeness Seminar is being offered by Buchanan Counseling Center March 27, 28 and April 10, 11 at Way Cross Retreat and Conference Center in Morgantown, Ind. Each day will focus on a specific area of wholeness – spiritual, physical, psychological and relational. Leadership is provided by Drs. Jacqueline Chandler and David Holling, pastoral counselors, and other Clarian Health staff.-Cost of the 4 day seminar is $274 per person. Space is limited, so register early!

GREENFIELD CHURCH OFFERS FREE PEW

A Danish-style pew (15 feet long) with red seat padding is available free to anyone who would like to pick it up at Trinity Park UMC in Greenfield. Call Jo Mills at 317-462-4303.

MAXWELL CHURCH HAS SANCTUARY FURNITURE TO SELL

Maxwell United Methodist Church has merged with another church in Greenfield and would like to sell its sanctuary furniture. The furniture is light solid oak (original to the church) and traditional design. Available for sale: 20 pews (14 feet long), pulpit furniture including a Communion cabinet, 2 podiums and 3 altar chairs. Contact Wilma Johnson at 317-462-2913 for more information and for prices.

NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA CENTER LISTS MARCH PICKS

As we seem to be mired down in winter weather, it is very easy not to think of the coming season. Spring will bring a rejuvenation of activities, both in and out of church. Take time during these dark days to imagine and plan for Spring.

Many of you will be scheduling Confirmation and membership classes. Here are several resources to aid you in your teaching? “What Does it Mean to be United Methodist?”, “Apostles’ Creed,” “Our United Methodist Heritage,” “John Wesley: The Proud Methodist.”

All of these and many more, may be found in our catalogs or on-line at www.nicumc.org, click on Media Library.

New additions: REVOLUTION 2, STORIES, and SHORTS, VOLUME 4. All of these are for youth. For more information or assistance in ordering resources, contact Bonnie Miller, Media Resource Librarian at 800-783-5138 or email, bonnie@nicumc.org

SOUTH CONFERENCE RESOURCE CENTER LISTS MARCH PICKS

The South Indiana Conference Media Resource Center’s latest acquisitions can be found online at www.sicumc.org. Click on “Media Resource Center” and explore all of the available options, including “Newest Resources” and “Picks of the Month.” March “Picks” have been posted. Some of our newest additions include: Awesome Bible Adventures, Green, Morning Coffee: Unity, and 36 Parables. WE ALSO HAVE MANY RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR THE LENTEN SEASON. Go to the “Bibliographies” option, locate “Holidays” and then click on “Lent/Easter” to view resource descriptions.

By calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-919-8160, you can order these and other timely resources from a selection of over 4,000 videos and DVDs. The Center is a FREE-LOAN library for churches and institutions in the South Indiana Conference. Return postage is your only cost. This service is provided through your tithe. Mary Barnes, Media Director, can be reached at mbarnes@sicumc.org for more information or you can access the catalog via our Web site and order online. The Media Resource Center is here to serve you and your church!

FACTS OF LIFE

Raising the state cigarette tax an additional $1.00 would lead to 16,000 fewer smoking-affected births, saving Hoosiers $27.2 million in healthcare costs in just five years.

DEATHS

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS

Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the following changes within the Indiana Area. All dates effective 2007 unless otherwise noted. These appointments are based on Cabinet reports received by Indiana Area Communication during the week of March 9, 2007.

MOVIE RESOURCES

Amazing Grace

(UMC.org)--” Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” Those familiar words open perhaps the most famous and beloved hymn of all time. There’s no doubt that this powerful hymn has helped save countless souls. But few of us are aware of the pivotal role it played in saving countless lives from the cruel bonds of slavery. The movie, Amazing Grace, is a powerfully inspiring account of the life of English parliamentarian and abolitionist William Wilberforce and his lifelong struggle to end the British slave trade--a mission inspired and urged on by John Newton, a redeemed “ wretch,” and the amazing hymn he wrote.

NEW JOB LISTINGS

EVANSVILLE CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF PRESCHOOL

Old North United Methodist Church is seeking a director for its preschool. The position begins in the summer for the start of the fall school year. There are currently 150 children enrolled with great potential for growth. A bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or related educational field is required. Experience with a developmentally appropriate preschool program and accreditation programs is desirable. A letter of application and résumé can be mailed to Preschool Director Search, 4201 Stringtown Road, Evansville, IN 47711 or e-mail it to mail@oldnorthumc.org.

INDY EAST DISTRICT OFFICE SEEKS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

The Indianapolis East District office is seeking an experienced Administrative Assistant for the Indianapolis East District Superintendent. Must have substantial skills in Microsoft Office Pro including: Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher and Power Point, the ability to handle and maintain confidentiality, close attention to detail and ability to multi-task, strong written and verbal skills, must be able to prioritize and possess organizational skills and work as a team. Submit cover letter and resume to: Indianapolis East District, 3901 N. Meridian Street, Suite #210, Indianapolis, IN 46208 by April 1.

FLETCHER PLACE COMMUNITY CENTER HAS OPENING FOR TEACHER

The Fletcher Place Community Center in Indianapolis has an immediate opening for a Preschool Teacher with a CDA or ½ work completed on it and verifiable. 35 hours a week for an interim teaching position continuing through May 25 with opportunity to apply for position at that time. Two classes: Pre-K 4-5 year olds M-F 9-12 and Junior Class 3-4 year olds M, W and F 1-3. Additional responsibilities as applies to the preschool program in general. If working on CDA will need to continue through to completion.

PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS

PART TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED AT SOUTH WHITLEY

• Skills Needed: Good phone skills with adept computer knowledge, as well as friendly and firm people management skills. Should be open to new challenges and new learning experiences. Should be a self-starter capable of initiative and independent work. Should be discreet and mature in handling church matters (sound Christian character).

• Position opens in end of March 2007. Interviews begin immediately. E-mail your resume to: pburris@hotmail.com. You can also mail, fax or drop resume off at South Whitley United Methodist Church, 6685 W. State Rd. 14 (P.O. Box 386), South Whitley, IN 46787. Phone 260-723-5107. Fax 260-723-6418

LAWRENCE CHURCH SEEKS MUSIC, YOUTH MINISTRY LEADERS

The Lawrence UMC seeks a part-time choir director. Contact the Rev. Paula Young Mayberry, Senior Pastor, at 317-549-4311 or at PaulaMayberry@LawrenceUMC.com.

The Lawrence UMC also is looking for a part-time youth director to work with senior and junior high youth. Contact the Rev. Paula Young Mayberry, Senior Pastor at 317-549-4311 or at PaulaMayberry@LawrenceUMC.com

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BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY

NEWS AND INFORMATION