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HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, March 30, 2007 – This Sunday will be Palm Passion Sunday
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
Facts Of Life
Deaths: Ocker
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
Mission Opportunities
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Then they led the donkey to Jesus. They put some of their clothes on its back and helped Jesus get on. And as he rode along, the people spread clothes on the road in front of him. When Jesus was starting down the Mount of Olives, his large crowd of disciples were happy and praised God because of all the miracles they had seen. They shouted, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory to God.”
Some Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, make your disciples stop shouting!”
But Jesus answered, “If they keep quiet, these stones will start shouting.”
– Luke 19:35-40
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
SUDAN DIVEST BILL DIES, BUT WORDS ARE STILL ALIVE IN STATE HOUSE
The Sudan Divest bill (House Bill 1484) was killed in the Senate Pensions and Labor Committee hearing on Wednesday, March 28. Senator Kruse, as committee chair, decided not to take a vote on the bill, thereby allowing it to die in committee without a vote in the Senate. Senator Walker authored a Senate Concurrent Resolution 74 which details the atrocities in Darfur and “encourages” PERF/TRF (the state pension retirement funds) to engage companies and then consider divestment. A Resolution does NOT have the force of law. This Resolution passed the committee with a vote of 8-2.
The two Senators that voted against (HB1484 co-sponsor Delph and Tallian) did so as a protest to not being given the opportunity to vote on the bill itself. Senators Delph and Tallian, along with Senators Hume, Arnold and Deig all expressed outrage at not having the chance to vote on the HB1484. Sen. Tallian held up a ream of paper to show the number of e-mails she has received on this issue said she had more than 300 e-mails in her inbox, too.
Although HB1484 is dead – the language in the bill is ALIVE! Because the language in HB1484 passed the House, it is “eligible” for insertion into another bill. Faith leaders are still working to see that the language of the bill becomes law. Mintz said, “This is a different ‘set of hoops’ to jump through, but we are feeling cautiously optimistic about the prospect of doing so successfully.”
BISHOP LEADS DELEGATION IN DISCUSSION WITH GOVERNOR DANIELS
Bishop Mike Coyner led a delegation of judicatory leaders in opposed to an expansion of legalized gambling and other issues with Governor Mitch Daniels on Monday morning, March 26 at the Governor’s Statehouse office.
Accompanying Coyner were the Rev. Stephen Gray of The United Church of Christ; Steve and Marlene Pedigo, of the Society of Friends; the Rev. Richard Spleth, of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Bishop James R. Stuck, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Dr. Larry Mason, of the American Baptist Churches; and the Rev. Lorin Clemenz, convener of the Indiana Coalition Against Legalized Gambling.
During the 35-minute session the group confronted Daniels with the expansion of legalized gambling with casino expansion, the privatization of the state lottery, the slot machine bill which proposes 1,500 slot machines in each of the two horse race tracks in Indiana and the possibility of legislation to permit up to five electronic gambling devices in bars and restaurants and up to 10 machines in private lodges being amended into existing legislation. Daniels expressed his concern about the ever growing number of illegal cherry master electronic gambling devices found in thousands of locations. Coyner on behalf of the group asked Daniels to veto the slot machine bill if passed by the Senate. Daniels did not commit himself to such a veto. Daniels has openly expressed his opposition to the expansion of legalized gambling in Indiana ever since his campaign.
During the meeting with Daniels, Spleth, regional brought to the Governor’s attention a letter signed by hundreds of religious leaders across the state, including many United Methodists, pointing out that the “Marriage Amendment” would strip civil rights from committed same-gender couples. The Governor said he realizes that the second part of the amendment can be problematic and that he has heard from businesses on this issue. He is also watching the amendment as it has been passed by legislatures in around 20 states.
STATE SENATE APPROVES SLOT MACHINES AT HORSE-RACE TRACKS
A plan to allow slots at the state’s two horse tracks passed the Senate yesterday afternoon, 27-21, according to The Indianapolis Star.
House Bill 1835 would allow 1,500 slot machines at Hoosier Park in Madison County and Indiana Downs in Shelby County. In exchange, the tracks would have to pay a $400 million license fee and taxes on their annual revenue.
The House has already approved a version of the bill, though it called for more slots at each track and a license fee of $100 million. Members in that chamber can accept the changes made by the Senate or the issue will go to a conference committee that will try to iron out the differences.
The debate in the Senate centered largely on whether the extra revenue the state would receive was worth expanding gambling.
Gov. Mitch Daniels has not said whether he would veto the slots bill if it reaches his desk. He has said in the past he is opposed to the expansion of gambling but has not said whether he considers this an expansion.
The Senate bill also requires the county councils in Madison and Shelby counties to approve the “racinos” before slots can be installed there.
SENATE LEADERS PROPOSE CRACK DOWN ON ILLEGAL GAMBLING
Citing a proliferation of illegal video gambling machines, members of a key Senate committee are considering a crackdown on bars, truck stops, clubs and other retailers caught with the devices, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal. The plan developed by Senate Republican leaders would be the legislature’s first significant step toward rooting out the tens of thousands of machines that operate under names like Cherry Master and Pot O’ Gold.
But the proposal comes as bar owners and some other lawmakers are pushing to legalize the machines, regulate them and tax their earnings.
Senator David Long of Fort Wayne, president pro tempore of the Senate, postponed a vote on the proposal Monday night in the Rules Committee he chairs, saying members needed more time to learn about the issue and consider their options. The committee is considering an amendment to House Bill 1510, a charity gambling regulation measure.
The amendment would provide nearly $2 million for 25 police officers who would be dedicated to investigating illegal gambling. The measure also would increase the criminal penalties for people charged a second time with promoting professional gambling. Further, it would authorize the state to revoke lottery contracts, retail merchant permits and state licenses that allow the sale of tobacco and alcohol held by any company or organization found with illegal gambling machines.
The Senate Rules committee will meet again, Monday, April 2 at 5 p.m. in Room 130 of the State House to further consider this bill.
NOTHING BUT NETS TO BE FEATURED ON AMERICAN IDOL APRIL 24-25
In case you haven’t already heard, the Nothing But Nets campaign will be featured on American Idol on April 24 and 25 (Malaria Awareness Day). A special television event—”Idol Gives Back”—seeks to increase awareness and raise funds for organizations that provide assistance to children living in poverty in the U.S. and Africa. We anticipate this national exposure will greatly increase public awareness of the campaign.
Now we have another tool to increase public awareness. United Methodist Communications is making available 30-second radio public service announcements (PSAs) to support Nothing But Nets. The PSAs encourage listeners to go to www.NothingButNets.net and check out the program for themselves. There they can donate bed nets, learn more about the program, or start a fundraising team.
The people of The United Methodist Church decided to join the Nothing But Nets partnership because of our extensive presence in Africa, our long commitment to malaria prevention, and the potential for getting church youth involved in the effort. Your assistance can help save the lives of children in Africa.
UINDY COMMENCEMENT FEATURES UN AID DIRECTOR, CHARITY DOCTOR
A crusading children’s doctor and an international civic and corporate leader will speak and receive honorary degrees during commencement exercises May 4 and 5 at the United Methodist-related University of Indianapolis.
Another highlight this year will be the awarding of Indiana’s first doctorates in occupational therapy. UIndy’s nationally recognized School of Occupational Therapy was the third such school in the United States to establish a doctoral program, which remains the only one in the state. Seven students hailing from Indiana, Illinois, Ohio and New York will receive the post-professional Doctor of Health Sciences degree.
James T. Morris, executive director of the Rome-based United Nations World Food Programme, will be the featured speaker for undergraduate commencement, which begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5. Charles J. Dietzen, M.D., will speak during the graduate programs commencement at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4. Dietzen is founder and president of the Timmy Foundation, an Indianapolis-based charitable organization that supports health projects in developing countries.
Graduate programs commencement
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When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4
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Where: Nicoson Hall, Hanna Avenue and State Street
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Undergraduate commencement
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When: 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5
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Where: Nicoson Hall
UTS PRESIDENT APPOINTED TO PENNSYLVANIA CHURCH
The Rev. Dr. G. Edwin Zeiders, president and CEO of United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, has been appointed as Senior Pastor of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in State College, PA, by Bishop Jane Allen Middleton of the Harrisburg Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church. He will return to Pennsylvania and begin serving in this appointment on July 1, 2007. St. Paul’s Church is located immediately adjacent to the campus of Penn State University.
Zeiders was elected president in October 1999, and during his tenure has effectively led the seminary through necessary changes which include a dynamic academic plan, a new campus, greater institutional stability, and a 10-year accreditation. During the past year, he has led the board, faculty, and staff through a new planning process for the future of the school which extends through 2012.
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
BELLAIRE CHURCH MAKES CHOIR ROBES AND STOLES AVAILABLE
Bellaire UMC has 11 wine colored choir robes and 13 gold and wine stoles that are available for a church or organization that could use them. They are in excellent condition. Trio music for women is also available. For more information, Please contact Yolande Liming at 317-849-8401
SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE RESOURCE CENTER LISTS APRIL 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 the available options, including “Newest Resources” and “Picks of the Month.” April “Picks” have been posted. Some of our newest additions include: Encountering God in Scripture; Jacob’s Ladder; People Who Met Jesus; and Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. 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 website and order online. The Media Resource Center is here to serve you and your church!
EARTH DAY SUNDAY WORSHIP RESOURCES – APRIL 22
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=13896
The United Methodist Hymnal
62, “All Creatures of Our God and King”
75, “All People that on Earth Do Dwell”
86, “Mountains Are All Aglow”
89, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
92, “For the Beauty of the Earth”
122, “God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale”
124, “Seek the Lord Who Now Is Present”
144, “This Is My Father’s World”
145, “Morning Has Broken”
147, “All Things Bright and Beautiful”
148, “Many and Great, O God”
149, “Cantemos al Señor” (“Let’s Sing unto the Lord”)
150, “God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens”
151, “God Created Heaven and Earth”
152, “I Sing the Almighty Power of God”
189, “Fairest Lord Jesus”
329, “Prayer to the Holy Spirit”
FACTS OF LIFE
Indiana spends $7.57 in smoking-related health costs and productivity losses for every pack of cigarettes sold.
Source: “Toll of
Tobacco on Indiana”
CTFK, based on CDC Tobacco Control:
Data Highlights 2006 and State System
average annual productivity losses 1997-2001.
DEATHS: OCKER
CAROLYN E. OCKER, retired part-time local pastor (SIC), died March 21, 2007. A memorial service was held Saturday, March 24 at the G.H. Herrmann Funeral Home in Greenwood, Ind. Survivors include” Son, Jeff Campbell, daughter, Amy Jennings. Condolences can be sent to Amy Jennings, 2627 Country Estates Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46227. Memorials can be given to the Woodside UMC, 5411 East 13th Street; Indianapolis, IN 46219-3003.
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 ending March 30.
North Indiana Conference
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Dexheimer, Don from Akron, Warsaw to Retirement, 6/1
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Drake, Hosea W. from South Bend Grace, Michiana to Retirement, 6/1
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Gould, Milton, H from Atwood Aldersgate/Clune, Warsaw to Mishawaka Willow Creek, Michiana, 6/16
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Hiatt, Gregory, J. from McGrawville, Kokomo to Huntertown, Fort Wayne, 6/16
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Hubbard, Mary L. from Lowell First, Calumet to South Bend First, Michiana, 6/16
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Krieg, Charles from Bremen, Warsaw to Retirement, 6/1
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Miller, Kevin from Kokomo St. Lukes, Kokomo to Bremen Salem, Warsaw, 6/16
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Pullan, Lori from no appointment to Rehoboth, Muncie, 5/1
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Schrader, David A. from Calumet District Superintendent, Calumet to South Bend Grace, Michiana, 6/16
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Weber, Derek C. from Anderson First, Marion from Aldersgate, Fort Wayne, 6/16
South Indiana Conference
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Gardner, A. Edward from Evansville: Salem, Evansville to Retirement, 6/30
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Gray, Ryan from no appointment to Boonville: St. Andrew’s, Evansville, 3/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
NOBLESVILLE CHURCH NEEDS PART-TIME CHRISTIAN ED. DIRECTOR
Emmanuel UMC in Noblesville needs Part-time Christian Education Person Rapidly growing Church with focus on kids needs an additional CE person at 20 hours/week. Duties will include overseeing Sunday School, Upward Basketball Ministries, and VBS. Applicant must be comfortable working in a growing, changing environment. Candidates must have great people skills, excellent planning and organizational skills, willingness to work as team, and a heart felt desire for kids to come to faith in Jesus Christ. Send resume with cover letter to David Pagel, Staff Parish Relations Committee, Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 16000 Cumberland Road, Noblesville IN 46060 or via email to the mail@emmanuelumc.org. Applications must be received by April 1.If you have questions, contact Beth Anderson at 317-773-4406.
LAFAYETTE CHURCH IN NEED OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Administrative Assistant for local Lafayette UM Church – 40-hours-per-week position. Responsibility including but not limited to secretary duties including finance. Must communicate well with others and have a working knowledge of computers. If interested please call 765-742-1288 to Schedule an interview. Please send your resume to Lafayette Trinity UMC Personnel Committee, 404 North 6th Street, Lafayette IN 47901.
HANDBELL, PRAISE TEAM DIRECTOR POSITION AT FRANKFORT
Strong vocal, leadership, and keyboard skills needed.
Send resume to St. Matthew UMC, 1951 Wilshire Dr., Frankfort, IN 46041, Attn: Staff Parish
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
NORTH MANCHESTER CHURCH NEEDS DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS
A Director of Programs is needed to design and implement church and community-wide programs that share the good news of Jesus Christ. This is a part time position (up to 80 hours per month) and includes a salary ($15,000 to $17,500 depending on qualifications) and travel reimbursement. The successful applicant should be able to work flexible hours and have solid people and organizational skills. The position will include working with children and adults in the existing Christian education programs of the local church, with a significant emphasis on the emerging Youth Ministry of the congregation. Also, the Director of Programs, in cooperation with the Evangelism Ministry, will create new programs which promote the numerical and spiritual growth of the congregation. If you are a creative and imaginative Christian individual who is open to new ideas and able to work cooperatively with others please e-mail a letter of interest and resume to Pastor David Overmyer at the North Manchester United Methodist Church by e-mail nmumc@kconline.com.
NORTH MANCHESTER CHURCH NEEDS PARISH VISITOR
A Parish Visitor is needed to assist the Senior Pastor in visitation of a large and vibrant congregation. This is a part-time position (up to 80 hours per month) and includes a salary ($15,000 to $17,500 depending on qualifications) and travel reimbursement. The successful applicant should be able to work flexible hours and have solid people and organizational skills. The position will include working with individuals of all ages but in particular those who are 65 years and older. Also, the Parish Visitor, in cooperation with the Membership Care Ministry, will help create caring programs to extend the congregations compassion ministries. If you are a creative caring Christian individual who is open to new ideas, able to work cooperatively with others, have strong communication skills and able to travel, please e-mail a letter of interest and resume to Pastor David Overmyer (North Manchester United Methodist Church) at nmumc@kconline.com.
NORTH INDIANA UM FOUNDATION SEEKS FIELD REPRESENTATIVES
The North Indiana United Methodist Foundation is seeking Field Representatives to promote the Foundation and/or Loan Fund in the following Districts:
North Indiana Conference
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Calumet
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Marion
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Muncie
South Indiana Conference (Loan Fund only)
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Evansville
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Indianapolis West
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Vincennes
We need people who would be proactive in making contacts with conference leaders and local churches. We estimate time commitment to be 10-40 hours per month. This position is ideal for those who are retired, semi-retired, or planning to retire soon. Field Reps are compensated for their time on a per diem basis, plus expenses. Call 866-669-2327 and ask for Tamara, or e-mail thendricks@niumf.org.
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.
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.
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
The next issue of Mission Opportunities will be published on Monday, April 2.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.