Site
Contents
 |
General Information about the Area Office
North Indiana Conference Office
South Indiana Conference Office
Prayer Guides
(Courtesy of the NIC Prayer Team)
Area United Methodist
Foundation
For resources to assist your congregation in welcoming guests,
click here
Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed
Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, April 6, 2007 – Good Friday
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
Movie Review
Deaths: Haines, Rhine
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
My friends, the blood of Jesus gives us courage to enter the most holy place by a new way that leads to life! And this way takes us through the curtain that is Christ himself.
– Hebrews 10:19-20
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
SUDAN DIVESTMENT BILL RESURRECTED IN STATE SENATE
The Sudan divestment bill gained a surprising resurrection Monday, April 2 on the floor of the State Senate. During the session, Sen. Greg Walker of Columbus introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 74 and asked that the resolution be withdrawn in the hopes that the language of the stronger House Bill 1484, the Sudan divestment bill, would move forward in statute.
Sen. David Long of Fort Wayne, president pro tempore of the Senate, also stated that Sen. Dennis Kruse of Auburn, chairman of the Senate Pension and Labor Committee, held back the language because of a number of fiscal concerns. Following a meeting March 29 with national and state advocates in the Sudan divestment movement, a number of those concerns were on their way to being addressed, and that he was in favor of getting this language into statute during the conference committee process in the days ahead.
Read yesterday’s editorial on this issue in The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne by logging on to: www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/17032252.htm
Read a story about Fort Wayne’s Darfurian community featured in The New York Times this week, by logging on to http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/02/us/02indiana.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.
DARFUR RALLY SET FOR STATE HOUSE STEPS, SUNDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 15
The Sudan Divestment legislation in the Indiana General Assembly has been led in part by Beth Reilly, a member of Aldersgate UMC in Fort Wayne and the Rev. Darren Cushman Wood of Speedway UMC working with other faith groups and many legislators. Both are participating in plans for a statewide interfaith rally on the Darfur Crisis scheduled to be held Sunday, April 15 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the east steps of the State House on Capitol Street. In case of rain, enter the north doors of the State House for a rally in the North Atrium.
Reilly and Cushman Wood encourage Indiana Area United Methodists to take part in this rally to show our support for an end to genocide in Darfur.
A host of speakers and five musical groups will both entertain and inform participants about genocide in Darfur. Darfurian immigrants now living in Fort Wayne also plan to take part. The rally is open and free to the public. A poster promoting the rally is available for your use at your church by logging on to: www.inareaumc.org/PDF/DarfurRallyPoster.pdf.
More information about the Darfur crisis can be found by logging on to www.savedarfur.org.
SENATE TAKES ACTION ON CRACK-DOWN OF ILLEGAL GAMBLING
The Senate Rules Committee heard testimony April 2 and approved a bill that supporters say would crack-down on illegal gambling by stepping up enforcement and enacting stricter penalties into the enforcement of illegal gambling devices across the state. At publication time, the bill was on the floor of the Senate for consideration. The plan developed by Senate Republican leaders would be the legislature’s first significant step toward rooting out the tens of thousands of illegal gambling 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.
Sen. David Long of Fort Wayne, president pro tempore of the Senate and chair of the Rules Committee chaired the second and final hearing on House Bill 1510. The strict enforcement was amended to, a charity gambling regulation measure. The bill as amended 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 legislation would create a special prosecutor to handle gambling cases and would increase penalties to include the possible revocation of licenses for selling tobacco, alcohol or lottery products, according to press reports.
The Indianapolis Star editorial asking the Governor if he wanted land-based casinos as part of his legacy can be read by logging on to www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704020319.
The South Bend Tribune also ran an editorial yesterday on the same subject. Log on to
www.southbendtribune.com and search “gambling.” The editorial is titles “Slots bill a loser for Hoosiers.”
THERE’S STILL TIME TO PASS CIGARETTE TAX INCREASE
Read yesterday’s editorial in The Indianapolis Star by logging on to:
www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070405/OPINION/704050445
To e-mail your legislators on this issue, go to the Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition’s Web site (www.hoosierfaithandhealth.org/) and click the blue “Take Action” button to send an e-mail that will automatically go to your legislators.
DELTA ZETA SORORITY SUES DEPAUW AFTER UNIVERSITY SEVERS TIES
United Methodist-related DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind. received notification on March 28 that the national leadership of Delta Zeta sorority has filed a lawsuit against the University in federal court (Southern District, Indiana). The move comes two and a half weeks after DePauw initiated the process to sever ties with DZ’s national organization, following a “membership review” which resulted in 23 women being asked to move out of the DePauw chapter house.
“From the beginning, DePauw University has acted to protect its students,” says Ken Owen, director of media relations. “We are disappointed in Delta Zeta’s decision to initiate legal action. We believe that this lawsuit completely lacks merit and have every confidence that the courts will determine that the University acted lawfully and in the best interests of its students.”
Greek organizations have a more than 160-year history on the DePauw campus, where approximately 70 percent of students belong to fraternities and sororities. The University and its administration have supported this tradition and will continue to do so.
For more information about DePauw University, log on to www.depauw.edu.
CHURCH LEADERS SAY AFRICA UNIVERSITY WILL SURVIVE
“Government leaders, presidents and dictators come and go, but institutions of higher learning remain.” Such was the assurance offered by Africa University’s director of institutional advancement to more than 500 members of Black Methodists for Church Renewal during the U.S. group’s annual meeting in Cleveland. .
In a March 23 report to the church’s African-American caucus, James Salley said the United Methodist university, located in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, will survive the storm of political and economic turmoil gripping the southern African country under the repressive regime of President Robert Mugabe.
In recent weeks, the government reportedly has ordered a wave of arrests, detentions, beatings, torture of citizens and other violations of human rights.
Zimbabweans are struggling to survive widespread unemployment, poverty and an inflation rate reported at more than 1,700 percent. Tensions have risen sharply in recent weeks after police arrested and allegedly beat Morgan Tsvangirai and other activists of the Movement for Democratic Change. – UMNS
LIBERIAN NURSING SCHOOL STRUGGLES TO RECOVER
For many years, United Methodist-trained nurses staffed Liberia’s clinics, hospitals and even the Ministry of Health. But the long-running civil war in that West African nation destroyed the nursing school’s facilities and crippled its program. Now returned to its original location in Ganta, the school is struggling to recover, along with the rest of Liberia, according to Cherian Thomas, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.
“It is a priority for us to strengthen that school of nursing,” he said. “The number of nurses in Liberia is so small. Investing in nursing education is one of the best things our church can do.”
United Methodist missionary Sue Porter, a full-time instructor at the school, says it is a pivotal time for the 56-year-old institution. “Right now, the Winifred J. Harley School of Nursing is going through some difficult challenges, but it has a wonderful history that makes those involved want to see it back to its former grandeur and reputation,” she said.
Although Operation Classroom, based in Indiana, has provided a well-stocked library, the ideal setup would be to have 25 copies of each book so students can “rent” a book for a particular class, according to Porter. Donations for the nursing school can be made to the Hospital Revitalization Program No. 982168, an Advance project.
Checks, payable to the local church, should include the Advance code number on the check and can be dropped in church offering plates. Checks payable to Advance GCFA also can be mailed directly to Advance GCFA, P.O. Box 9068, GPO, New York, NY 10087-9068.
Credit card donations can be made by calling 888-252-6174 or online at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/advance/, the Advance Web site. –UMNS
THREAT OF DISEASE LOOMS IN SOLOMONS
People in earthquake-tsunami stricken areas of the Solomon Island were reported in urgent need of food and water and aid workers warned that disease was becoming a major threat.
Read the full story at www.disasternews.net/news/news.php?articleid=3493
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
DEREK MAUL URGES MEN TO GET REAL
Award-winning writer, Derek Maul has written his first book, Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men, to be published by Upper Room Books in May 2007. Maul writes a weekly op-ed column for local editions of The Tampa Tribune. Maul’s commentary and features have appeared in Newsweek, USA Today, The Christian Science Monitor, Presbyterians Today, and Guideposts, and many other print and online publications.
Maul’s meditations regularly appear in These Days, and he has contributed to The Upper Room, The Book of Daily Prayer and Chicken Soup for the Soul, as well as several other inspirational publications.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Derek worked as a public school teacher in Florida for 18 years. His teaching career includes cutting-edge work with autistic children.
Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men by Derek Maul ($14, 139 pp.). For additional information or to order the book and leader’s guide, log on to www.upperroom.com go to SEARCH and type in Get Real.
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
GUEST PREACHING/TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES
As you are planning worship, why not consider inviting a chaplain or pastoral counselor to preach or teach on their area of expertise? Have a clergyperson appointed to extension ministry share her or his knowledge and experience in a specific area of service on
-
Golden Cross Sunday
-
Disability Awareness Sunday
-
Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday – second Sunday in November
-
National Cancer Survivor Sunday – first Sunday in June
-
Domestic Awareness Month – October
-
AIDS Awareness Day – December 1
In addition to these and other Sundays, teachers and curriculum are available for justice issues in health care and making a holistic change in personal self-care. For more information, contact Cyndi Alte at 317-962-9330 or calte@clarian.org.
STATE AGENCY OFFERS SHARE NETWORK OF INFORMATION ONLINE
For the past several months, the Indiana Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives has been partnering with other state and federal agencies to develop SHARE Network Indiana. SHARE, an acronym for Showing How Awareness of Resources Empowers has been created to help Hoosiers locate resources to assist in finding a job, keeping a job, or obtaining a better job.
SHARE Network Indiana has two key components. The first, a free, online resource directory of services is available at www.SHAREnetwork.in.gov and may be accessed through any Internet computer. The directory includes traditional government services, and programs offered by congregations, community organizations and other local groups. There is no charge to use or to be listed in the directory.
OFBCI invites you to register your organization with the SHARE Network Resource Directory. If you offer job training, tutoring, basic needs assistance, or other services that will support an individual who is employed or looking for employment. Even if these services are only offered once or twice a week, there are people who need to know that they are available.
For more information and to register, log on to www.SHAREnetwork.in.gov.
McCORDSVILLE CHURCH HAS COPIER, CARALONE AVAILABLE
The McCordsville UMC has a two items available. First available is a black-and-white Xerox copier, which was in working condition when we replaced it last year. Also available is a Caralone that is no longer functioning, but might be useful for parts, if someone has the same model. For more information, call the church at 317-335-3705.
MARION COUNTY HEALTH DEVELOPS SUICIDE EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Social Services Department of the Marion County Health Department has developed a suicide education and prevention initiative called R.A.Y.S. (Raising Awareness About Youth Suicide) It is their mission to educate not only children and teenagers in the community about suicide, but also parents and other individuals that interact with area youth on a regular basis. They would like to offer a social worker or counselor to speak with your church about this important subject. For more information, contact Lori Nesbit at 317-221-7353 in the Social Services Department, Marion County Health Department.
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!
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.
Source: Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.
MOVIE REVIEW
REIGN OVER ME
-
Production Company: Sony Pictures
-
Director: Mike Binder
-
Cast: Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Safforn Burrows, Cicely Tyson, Robert Klein, Melinda Dillon, Mike Binder, Ted Raimi
-
Rating: Rated R for language and sexual situations.
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – The human instinct to survive is both physical and emotional. But what price are we willing to pay to recover from a tragic loss? Would we blot out our own past? And what happens to the human heart when a national tragedy also becomes a very personal one? With Reign Over Me, writer/director Mike Binder (The Upside of Anger) balances both humor and pathos, as he again explores the themes of loss and recovery and the fine line that separates survivors from victims. The film tells the story of a man who has lost everyone he loved and whose only hope for a real future is the unexpected compassion and commitment of a friend from his past.
The complete review with study questions can be read by logging on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2638711/k.C076/Movie_Review_iReign_Over_Mei.htm
DEATHS: HAINES, RHINE
HARRY HAINES, 89, a United Methodist clergyperson and director of the United Methodist Committee on Relief from 1966 to 1983, died on March 29, 2007. He suffered a heart attack in Eugene, Oregon, where he and his wife, Loma, lived in retirement.
Haines, a native of New Zealand, was a missionary in China in the 1940s and later in Malaysia. He then worked in the division of interchurch aid, refugees and world service of the World Council of Churches. At UMCOR, he was a tireless advocate for service to those in need and for education about the impact of poverty and political oppression on millions of people.
PAULINE RHINE, widow of the late Rev. James Rhine, and mother of the Rev. Terry Rhine, pastor of Chesterton UMC (NIC), died March 29, 2007. A memorial service was held April 3 at Nevada Mills (Ind.) UMC in the Fort Wayne District. Survivors include: son, the Rev. Terry Rhine; a sister, Dorothy Miller, and brother, Morris Collins. Condolences can be sent to Rev. Terry Rhine, 474 Lost Tree Dr, Chesterton, IN 46304 Memorials can be given to the Nevada Mills UMC, c/o Ardell Davis 5180 N 300 W Fremont, IN 46737-9090.
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 April 6, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
-
No appointments were announced this week.
South Indiana Conference
-
Butler, Bill from no appointment to Newberry, Bloomington, 4/16
-
Cannon, Robert L. from Danville, Indianapolis West to Lawrenceburg Hamline Chapel, Columbus, 7/1
-
Case, Timothy L. from Indianapolis: Rosedale Hills, Indianapolis West to attend School full-time, 7/1
-
Cummings, David C. from Indianapolis: Acton, Indianapolis East to Centenary, Evansville, 7/1
-
Hacker, Chester from no appointment to Mineral: Koleen, Bloomington, 4/1
-
Rosebrock, Anne M. transferring from East Wichita District, Kansas West Conference to Indianapolis: Meridian Street (Senior Pastor), Indianapolis West, 7/1
-
Wantz, John B. from Indianapolis: Meridian Street, Indianapolis West to Family Leave of Absence ¶355, 7/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
EVANSVILLE CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN, FAMILY MINISTRIES
Methodist Temple is seeking a Director of Children and Family Ministries for 30 hours per week.
Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, developing, coordinating and administering a comprehensive program of ministries for children, infants through fifth graders, and their families. Contribution also will provide leadership and supervision of staff and volunteers involved in the ministries. Preferred qualifications: 3 years experience; teaching degree/certificate; involvement in a Christian education program. Salary negotiable. Applications will be received through April 13. Apply online with the Methodist Temple Church at temple@evansville.net attn: Tina or submit your resume to Methodist Temple, 2109 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714.
ELWOOD CHURCH NEEDS ORGANIST, PIANIST
Elwood First UMC has an opening for an organist and pianist who will play for Sunday morning worship and practice with the choir on Thursday evenings. The organ is a 50 year old Keates pipe organ that has been meticulously maintained. Please send inquiries to elwoodfirstumc@sbcglobal.net or call 765-552-5483.
DUNKIRK CHURCH SEEKS PIANIST OR ORGANIST
Dunkirk UMC seeks a pianist or organist for Sunday worship from 9 to 10:00 a.m. At this time there is not a mid week service or practice. Responsibilities would include prelude and postlude, offertory, reflection music, communion music and typically two to four hymns out of the current UM Hymnal. Interested persons please call 765-768-6672.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
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
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 – Calumet, Marion, and Muncie
-
South Indiana Conference (Loan Fund only) – Evansville, Indianapolis West and 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.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.