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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, March 16, 2007 -- This Sunday will be the fourth Sunday in Lent
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference connectional ministries giving.
Edited by Daniel R. Gangler, director of communication dgangler@inareaumc.org.
Bible Passage for Sunday
News and Information
Upcoming Conference Sessions News
Ministry Resources
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
Mission Opportunities
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
The son said, “Father, I have sinned against God in heaven and against you. I am no longer good enough to be called your son.”
But his father said to the servants, “Hurry and bring the best clothes and put them on him. Give him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. Get the best calf and prepare it, so we can eat and celebrate. This son of mine was dead, but has now come back to life. He was lost and has now been found.” And they began to celebrate.
– Luke 15:21-24
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING COMING THIS SUNDAY 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
IMAGINE INDIANA TASK FORCE RELEASES REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION
The Imagine Indiana Planning Team released March 12 a 12-page report and recommendation document that now goes to both 2007 Indiana North and Indiana South Annual Conferences for consideration and a vote whether or not to unite the two conferences into one Indiana Conference. The eight-member planning team met last week on March 8-9 in Indianapolis to form the document.
The “Imagine Indiana Planning Team Report and Recommendation to the 2007 Sessions of the North Indiana and the South Indiana Annual Conferences” is available as a PDF document on the Imagine Indiana page of the Indiana Area Web site and can be found by logging on to: www.inareaumc.org/Imagine-Indiana/imagine_indiana.htm and clicking onto the document title.
The report comes on the heels of a March 5 meeting of the 28-member Imagine Indiana Discernment Team when the 14 standing sub-teams gave their final reports in preparation for the writing of the planning team’s document. This final report will be discussed by several committees, boards and commissions of each of the two annual conferences and will be introduced to the 18-district pre-conference briefings across the state.
Comments about the final report and recommendations to the annual conferences can be posted to the Imagine Indiana Forum available on the Imagine Indiana pages of the area Web site at www.nicumc.org/iiforum/. Comments also can be e-mailed to the Imagine Indiana Planning Team by: e-mail to: dvwowen@inareaumc.org; adolf.hansen@insightbb.com, and/or cjreynolds71@yahoo.com; Fax to: The Rev. David V.W. Owen at 317-924-4859l or U.S. Mail to: The Rev. David V.W. Owen, Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church, 1100 W. 42nd Street, Suite 210, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
KEFAS MAVULA BECOMES UNITED METHODIST BISHOP OF NIGERIA
The UMC in Nigeria has a new bishop, Kefas Kane Mavula, who was elected and appointed on his 40th birthday. The March 3 election was held during a special session of the West Africa Central Conference in Monrovia, Liberia. Mavula garnered all 74 votes cast.
The church in Nigeria has been led on an interim basis by Bishop Ntambo Nkulu Ntanda (North Katanga Area) since the death last August of Bishop Done Peter Dabale. Dabale, who died of cancer, was elected the first UM bishop of Nigeria in 1992.
A major challenge for the new bishop will be to unify a church that has been fragmented for several years. Mavula, an experienced teacher, is expected to use his leadership skills to bring reconciliation. “Acknowledging our shortcomings is a very good step towards achieving peace,” he said. “We must humble ourselves and accept our shortcomings. These will take us a very long way in achieving peace and solving some of the problems if not all.” The UMC in Nigeria is large. Bishop Janice Riggle Huie (Houston Area), president of the Council of Bishops, noted last August that, under Dabale, the church in Nigeria had grown from about 10,000 to more than 400,000 members. – UM Newscope
UMC REMAINS THIRD LARGEST DENOMINATION ACCORDING TO REPORT
The United Methodist Church ranked third in membership in the 75th edition of the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches, published this month by the National Council of Churches and Abingdon Press. The 2007 edition reports on a record 224 national church bodies and ranks the 25 largest churches by membership. With membership listed at almost 8.1 million people, the UMC follows the Roman Catholic Church and Southern Baptist Convention. Other mainline Protestant churches in the top ten include the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ranked seventh with 4.85 million members) and the Presbyterian Church, USA (ranked ninth with 3.1 million). The statistics were collected from the church bodies in 2005, and almost 166 million people are included. – UM Newscope
SURVEY SEEKS TO UNDERSTAND WHY FEWER YOUNG CLERGY PRESENT
With fewer young people in the ranks of the ordained in recent years, a research institute is seeking to understand why. According to the center, 15 percent of elders in 1985 were under 35; but only 5 percent are those ages in 2005. “Increasingly, young clergy are regarded as an ‘endangered species’ in our churches,” said Lovett H. Weems Jr., director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary and author of last year’s report on clergy age. This year, young UM clergy, 35 years old and younger, are being asked to take a survey. The new survey, found at www.churchleadership.com, is intended to help explain the drop in the number of young clergy in the denomination over the course of the last 20 years. Topics in the new survey include perceptions of how one’s age affects standing, nature of appointments, financial situation, and sense of satisfaction. The results will be published before General Conference. – UM Newscope
CONTROVERSIAL NATIVE AMERICAN MASCOT RETIRED
The recent retirement of Chief Illiniwek, the University of Illinois’ controversial athletics program mascot, has drawn intense reactions from both fans and opponents, including affirmation from many Native American United Methodists.
Trustees of the university, located in Champaign, bowed to pressure from the National Collegiate Athletics Association, which in 2005 barred teams with nicknames and symbols considered offensive to Native Americans from hosting or competing in its lucrative postseason tournaments.
The regulatory body banned Chief Illiniwek as a “hostile and abusive” image of American Indians and rejected the university’s appeal in 2006, while allowing the school to continue using the nickname “Fighting Illini,” named for now-extinct Indian tribes that once populated the area.
Nearly a dozen NCAA-member schools have retired their Native American names, symbols and/or mascots since the prohibition, although dozens more have done so since 1969 when Dartmouth University became the first. Trustees at United Methodist-related McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, voted last October to stop calling its teams the Indians.
Chief Illiniwek’s fans, including many United Methodists, ardently defend his halftime dancing performances at home games as a source and symbol of intense school pride. Some see him as depicting a proud Native American warrior and celebrating what they believe are Native American traditions. –UMNS
HEALTH CARE FOR CHILDREN IS ‘A MORAL NECESSITY’
At a time when pressure is building to respond to the problem of uninsured children, religious leaders from across the country recently came together to emphasize the moral imperative of covering all kids. This year, Congress has an opportunity to make history by reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) and expand access to insurance to millions of uninsured children.
“There are hundreds of verses in the Bible about caring for others, especially children,” said the Rev. Bob Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches USA (NCC). “It is gratifying to read a recent opinion poll that suggests most Americans are even willing to pay higher taxes so others might have health care. Providing health care to our children in this country is a good start.”
Edgar was among religious leaders from major faith traditions who recently convened in Washington to promote health coverage for the more than nine million uninsured children in the country. The faith community considers it a moral obligation to provide health coverage for our nation’s children and is calling on Congress to make this a top priority.
Families USA is the national organization for health care consumers. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that advocates for high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
The NCC, including The United Methodist Church, is the ecumenical voice of America’s Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican, historic African American and traditional peace churches. These 35 communions have 45 million faithful members in 100,000 congregations in all 50 states. – NCC
FOR MORE UNITED METHODIST GLOBAL NEWS,
LOG ON TO www.umns.umc.org or
www.reporterinteractive.org.
UPCOMING CONFERENCE SESSIONS NEWS
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS FOR SOUTH INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
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.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
PBS DOCUMENTARIES ARE EXCELLENT EDUCATIONS RESOURCES
The Interfaith Relations Commission is encouraging local churches, synagogues and mosques as well as other organizations to use these PBS documentaries and accompanying study guides for public performance and stimulate dialogue. The videos also are useful to use as educational resources within houses of worship. The videos and study guides can be ordered from the National Council of Churches at a discount.
Three Faiths, One God: Judaism, Christianity, Islam thoughtfully examines the religious beliefs and practices shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims to illustrate how many individuals in the Abrahamic faith communities are dealing with historical conflicts yet remain dedicated to facilitating understanding and respect.
Jews and Christians: A Journey of Faith is a 2 hour, in-depth inquiry into the intertwined history of Jews and Christians. Produced by Auteur Productions, and based on the book by Marvin Wilson, Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, this video offers helpful insight into how Christianity and Judaism have defined themselves and developed in close sibling relationship. It shows the similarities and differences in liturgical practice, piety and theology that have been so often misunderstood in the long relationship between Christians and Jews, and includes footage of today’s hopeful Christian-Jewish dialogues. A guide with additional written material is also available.
For reviews and commentaries, log on to www.ncccusa.org/interfaith/ifrpbsreviews.htm.
NEW GUIDE AVAILABLE FOR HIV/AIDS RESPONSE PARTNERS
A new guide, “Scaling Up Effective Partnerships: A Guide to Working with Faith-Based Organizations in the Response to HIV and AIDS,” offers practical information and guidance for United Nations staff, government officials and secular organizations who want to collaborate with faith-based groups on joint projects related to HIV/AIDS. The guide was produced by Church World Service, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, Norwegian Church Aid, UNAIDS and the World Conference of Religions for Peace. For more information, visit www.e-alliance.ch. — UMNS
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 INDIANA 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!
DEATHS
GLENDORA EVERSOLE, died March 3, 2007. She was employed by the North Indiana Conference Service Center in the accounting department from Nov. 15, 1960 until she retired Jan. 1, 1996. Arrangements are pending for a memorial service that will be held at First UMC in Marion. Condolences can be sent to Judi Woodward, 23634 Tonada Lane, Moreno Valley, CA 92557.
HERBERT McGUIN, JR., associate chaplain at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas and elder (SIC), died March 10, 2007. Calling hours are today, March 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Morningside UMC, 2860 Evans Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas. A memorial service is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m. at the Polytechnic UMC, 1310 S. Pollard St. in Fort Worth, Texas, with burial in Laureland Cemetery. Survivors include: his wife; Dorothy McGuin, 7405 Marlborough Drive W., Ft. Worth, TX 76134; three sons, Herbert McGuin III, James McGuin, Martin McGuin; one daughter, Martha McGuin; and three grandchildren.
BISHOP CARL J. SANDERS, 94, died March 7, 2007 at Fairhaven Hospital in Birmingham, Ala., after a brief illness. He served the Birmingham Area from 1972–1980 and was president of United Methodist Committee on Relief and vice president of the General Board of Global Ministries from 1972–1976.
JAMES C. STANSELL, retired pastor (NIC), died March 14, 2007. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Demoney- Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Dr., Columbia City, Ind. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 19, at 10:30 a.m. at the Demoney-Grimes Funeral Home. Survivors include three children: James S. Stansell, John D. Stansell and Judith E. Heimpel. Condolences can be sent to James S. Stansell, 775 N. CR 300 W, Columbia City, IN 46725. Memorials can be given to the Columbia City UMC, 605 N. Forest Parkway, Columbia City, IN 46725 or Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind
DAVID L. TAYLOR, SR., retired pastor (NIC), died March 10, 2007. Visitation is Wed., March 14 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Needham-Storey- Wamper Funeral Home, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St. in Swayzee, Ind. in the Marion District. A memorial service was held March 15 at at the Swayzee UMC in Swayzee, Ind. Survivors include: his wife, Carol; daughters, Tammy Taylor and Debbie Taylor, both of Indianapolis; sons, Brian Taylor of Anderson and the Rev. David L. Taylor, Jr. of Oswego, Ill.; three grandchildren, Elijah, Caleb and Grace. Condolences can be sent to Carol Taylor, 9 N Main St, Sims, IN 46986-9634. Memorials may be given to the Swayzee UMC, 306 S. Washington St., Swayzee, IN 46986.
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 16, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
- Nothing received this week.
South Indiana Conference
- Anderson, Randy L. from Centenary, Evansville to Evansville: Salem, Evansville, 7/1
- Chizmar, Samuel James from Lawrenceburg Hamline Chapel, Columbus to no appointment, 6/30
- Monahan, Michael P. from Epworth, Evansville to Evansville: Old North, Evansville, 7/1
- Robertson, Charles B. from Evansville: Central, Evansville to Retirement, 2/28
- Troxell, Ernie from no appointment to Whitcomb, Rushville, 1/15
NEW JOB LISTINGS
VINCENNES CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES
Community United Methodist Church in Vincennes, Indiana, seeks a full-time person to lead its music ministry programs. The chosen individual will have responsibilities for leading Adult Choir and Ensembles, praise band, adult and youth bell choirs, children’s choirs, and youth choir. Special attention will be given to those who can blend together traditional and contemporary forms and styles of worship, along with openness to reaching younger generation. Send resume to Community United Methodist Church, 1548 South Hart Street Road, Vincennes, IN 47591.
Attention: Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Deadline: April 15.
PREVIOUS 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.
Please e-mail resume to: executive_director@fletcherplacecc.org or call 317-636-3466 ext. 6 for more information.
PART TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT NEEDED AT SOUTH WHITLEY
- 24 hours per week, 9am-3pm, Monday–Thursday.
- Position is as church secretary and office manager.
- 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
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
The next issue of Mission Opportunities will be published on Monday, March 19.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.