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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, April 20, 2007 – Sunday is the Third Sunday of Easter
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
Movie Review
Deaths: Neuerman, Yeager
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?”
“No!” they answered.
So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.”
They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat.
Jesus’ favorite disciple told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon heard that it was the Lord, he put on the clothes that he had taken off while he was working. Then he jumped into the water. The boat was only about a hundred yards from shore. So the other disciples stayed in the boat and dragged in the net full of fish.
– John 21:4-8
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
CHURCH EXECUTIVES ASK GOVERNOR TO VETO SLOT MACHINE BILL
The Rev. Thomas Grey, director of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, joined the Rev. Lorin Clemenz, director of the Indiana Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, and other coalition members in a news conference on Thursday morning outside of the Governor’s Office in the Indiana State House. Clemenz is a retired minister of the North Indiana Conference who lives in Fishers, Ind.
The coalition members delivered a letter from six executives of the state’s Protestant denominations, including Bishop Mike Coyner, to Governor Mitch Daniels asking him to veto HB1835, the slot machine bill proposing up to 2,500 slot machines at each of the state’s two horse race tracks at Shelbyville and Anderson, in keeping with his public statements that he opposes the expansion of legalized gambling in Indiana. These executives met with Governor Daniels on March 26 asking him in person to veto any legislation which expands legalized gambling in Indiana.
A copy of the letter is online at www.inareaumc.org on the home page under No Gambling in Indiana. The letter outlines reasons why the introduction of two land-based racinos in Central Indiana will open up a whole new chapter in the expansion of legalized gambling in Indiana which also will bring an expansion of gambling addiction to Central Indiana as well.
Grey outlined how Indiana compares to other states in the expansion of legalized gambling. He sees Indiana as a pace setter for area states in whether or not legalized gambling will expand in the Midwest. Clemenz showed four ways ICALG sees the expansion of legalized gambling in Indiana including the expansion of the many of the state’s casinos, the privatization of the state lottery, slot machines at the state’s two race tracks and the possible legalization of electronic gambling devices in bars, restaurants and private clubs and lodges.
ICALG encourages Hoosier United Methodists to call Governor Daniels office and ask him to veto HB1835, the slot machine bill. His number is 317-232-4567 or e-mail him by logging on to www.in.gov/legislative/contact/.
HOOSIERS TURN OUT IN MASS TO SUPPORT DARFURIANS AT STATE HOUSE
More than 800 Hoosiers from across Indiana gathered Sunday, April 15, at the Indiana State House for a two-and-a-half hour Rally for Darfur that included keynote speakers from national human rights organizations, Darfurian refugees from Fort Wayne who have chosen to make their home in Indiana, legislators, faith leaders and African musical groups. The message from the Rally was clear: Hoosiers expect their legislators to do something to help end the genocide in Darfur. See Indianapolis Star story by logging on to www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007704160377
On Monday, more than 700 letters were delivered to 32 State Senators, as well as a petition signed by more than 700 Hoosiers to Governor Daniels and the four political party caucus chairs.
Since the Sudan Divestment bill 1484 technically died in a Senate committee, this coming Tuesday, April 24 at 11 a.m. in State House room 156B, the language of that bill will be considered for HB1067. HB1484 was passed unanimously by the State House of Representatives.
The Sudan Divestment bill seeks to have the Indiana state pension funds divest their investments with any company doing business with the Sudanese government to supply military equipment and supplies to the militias which are committing genocide against citizens living in the Darfur region of Sudan.
POPLAR GROVE PASTOR’S FAMILY LOSES HOUSE TO FIRE
Jonie Nestor, a United Methodist pastor serving the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church in Morgan County, and her husband, Don, lost their house to fire this week. The Nestors have temporary housing through the Red Cross for a few days.
Bloomington District Superintendent Bob Ostermeier seeks short-term, emergency housing for the Nestors. Ostermeier told e-HUM, “If anyone has a fifth-wheel camper unit that could sit on their property for a couple of months, it would allow time for them to get their lives back together and to decide what they are going to be doing.”
In addition to this request, Ostermeier asks each of the 77 churches in the Bloomington District to seek to raise or give $100 each for this emergency situation. This opportunity is also open to churches beyond the district to help support this clergy family.
Ostermeier said, “I am trusting that we will be able to stand in solidarity behind this pastoral family and offer to them support during this time of crisis. Please remember them in your prayers.”
Gifts may be directed through the Bloomington District of The United Methodist Church, 1520 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403. For more information contact the district office at 800-919-8160 or 812-336-0186.
UNITED METHODISTS JOIN IN SUDAN WATER MISSION
Water is a basic need everywhere and is particularly important for displaced people in camps in South Darfur, Sudan, and their host communities. Now a four-year relief project is focusing on re-establishing water supplies and improving sanitation in refugee camps in the war-torn African nation. The ministry is an outgrowth of a continuing collaboration between Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief.
The project is coming together at a time when continuing violence and political instability pose a threat to humanitarian assistance in Darfur, where at least 400,000 people have been killed and more than 2 million driven from their villages during four years of fighting between rebels and militias.
The Ohio church’s fundraising efforts for Sudan have inspired other congregations, including a New York church where musicians and actors performed in a March 26 benefit concert called “Songs for Darfur: The Water Project.”
In all, the Ginghamsburg church has raised more than $1.8 million for its work with UMCOR in Sudan, which started in February 2005.
UNITED METHODIST CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES SUNDAY
This Sunday, April 22, is United Methodist Native American Ministries Sunday, which celebrates the heritage and contributions of Native Americans to The United Methodist Church. A special offering will be received. Your offering on Native American Ministries Sunday, the third Sunday of Easter, nurtures outreach with persons of all ages and provides scholarships for United Methodist Native American seminarians. Please give generously! Your gift makes a world of difference! Thank you! For more information and resources, log on to www.umcgiving.org/content/sundays/NAMS_nav/native.asp.
YOUNG CLERGY INVITED TO COMPLETE SURVEY
Young United Methodist clergy (35 or younger) are invited to complete a survey of their ideas on a host of subjects by going to www.churchleadership.com.
The Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. is inviting young clergy to share data on when and why younger persons enter ministry, factors influencing their decisions, perceptions of how age influences their standing in the church, the nature of their appointments, their financial well-being, and their level of satisfaction in ministry.
This inquiry grows out of the Center’s report on clergy age trends issued in 2006 showing a sharp decline in younger clergy in the past twenty years. The survey will also help to inform a book on the young clergy situation to be published by General Conference.
FOR MORE UNITED
METHODIST GLOBAL NEWS,
LOG ON TO www.umns.umc.org or
www.umportal.org.
UPCOMING CONFERENCE SESSIONS NEWS
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
EARTH DAY SUNDAY WORSHIP RESOURCES for April 22 are available online at:
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=13896
IN LIGHT OF THE VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY
For A Worship Service of Hope and Remembrance, log on to: www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=31889
HYMNS FOR ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH IN MAY
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=7991&loc_id=17,22,208
“The Queen’s Prayer” (“O Kou Aloha No”), by Queen Liliuokalani
During March of 1895, with the backing of the United States government, US business interests in Hawaii illegally overthrew the monarchy there. During her imprisonment, Queen Liliuokalani wrote this prayer on March 22, 1895, and soon set it to this melody. At the bottom of her manuscript, the queen wrote, “Composed during my imprisonment at ‘Iolani Palace by the Missionary party who overthrew my government.’ “In this prayer hymn, the queen tells of her great love for God, a love great enough to ask for the forgiveness of those who imprisoned her. In Hawaii today, this hymn is sung expressively with great reverence and devotion.
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
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Golden Cross Sunday
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Disability Awareness Sunday
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Organ and Tissue Donor Sunday – second Sunday in November
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National Cancer Survivor Sunday – first Sunday in June
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Domestic Awareness Month – October
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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.
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!
MOVIE REVIEW
MEET THE ROBINSONS
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Production Company: Walt Disney Pictures
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Director: Steve Anderson
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Cast: Angela Bassett, Tom Selleck, Harland Williams, Adam West, Tom Kenny, Ethan Sandler
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Rating: Rated G and is suitable for all audiences
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) — "Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and trying new things…and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." This quote from Walt Disney himself appears in the closing credits of his studio’s latest animated effort, Meet the Robinsons. The belief that something wonderful is waiting right around the corner makes this tale of an orphan’s search for his own bright future something very rare — a "feel good" movie that actually makes you feel good! And if you are fortunate enough to see it in 3-D, you might be tempted to leave the funny glasses on just to see if some of the movie’s magic will spill out into the real world. For the complete review, log on to www.umc.org/site/pp.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2688685&printmode=1
DEATHS: NEUERMAN, YEAGER
LEE NEUERMAN, widow of the late Rev. Arthur Neuerman (SIC), died April 17, 2007.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 20, at Otterbein UMC, 5009 E 21st St. in Indianapolis, Ind. with burial in Washington Park East in Indianapolis. Survivors include: son, Sam Neuerman, 128 Creekview Ct, Greenfield, IN 46140; daughter, Mona Caho; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be given to Otterbein UMC, 5009 E 21st St., Indianapolis, IN 46218.
JAKE RICHARD YEAGER, retired ordained Elder (SIC), died April 11, 2007. Calling Hours are scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 20, at the Franklin United Methodist Chapel, 1070 W. Jefferson Street in Franklin, Ind. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at 2 p.m. at the Franklin United Methodist Chapel. Survivors include: wife, Jean Yeager, 490 Dove Drive East, Franklin, IN 46131; one son, Stephen Yeager; two daughters, Kim Yeager and Tami Yeager; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions can be made to the Castleton UMC, Castleton Nursery School, and Franklin Community.
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 20, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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Jones, W. Frank from Faith, Fort Wayne to Muncie Avondale, Muncie, 6/16
South Indiana Conference
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None this week.
NEW JOB LISTINGS
None listed this week.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
LEO CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH, YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
Leo United Methodist Church, a growing congregation with lots of children, youth and young adults, is searching for an experienced full-time Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries to join our ministry team. The successful applicant will demonstrate a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a passion for sharing God’s love with youth and young adults. The successful applicant can demonstrate an ability to grow spiritually strong ministry programs for youth and young adults, grounded in the United Methodist tradition. Applicants will communicate well in both verbal and written forms, be self- motivated, and have strong planning, leadership, recruiting and organizational skills.
Resumes and questions may be directed to the Rev. Toni Carmer, Leo United Methodist Church, 13527 Leo Road, Leo IN 46765, at tlc55921@aol.com, or fax to 260-627-0024.
For more information about Leo UMC, please check out our website at www.leoumc.org.
DAKOTAS CONFERENCE SEEKS COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Deadline for application is April 27.
Communications Director (33K + benefits)
The Dakotas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church seeks an individual with strong writing skills and public relations know-how, who desires to work in the communications field as ministry. Duties include the production of conference publications and oversight of conference communications in consultation with the Dakotas Area Bishop and Conference staff. United Methodist background preferred. Journalism degree and/or experience necessary. Residence within the Dakotas required (Mitchell, SD or Fargo, ND preferred). Send resume to Russ Whaley at 152 Ramsey Street, Pembina ND 58271 (electronic preferred: russwhaley@polarcomm.com). Postmarked no later than April 27.
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Organization: Dakotas Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
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Contact: Russ Whaley (Chair, Conference Board of Communications)
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Phone: 701-825-6318
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E-mail: russwhaley@polarcomm.com
COLUMBIA CITY CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
The Columbia City United Methodist Church seeks a Director of Youth Ministries
Attributes of candidate: Has a committed relationship with Jesus Christ, exhibits leadership skills and has a passion for youth ministry.
General Description of the Position: Oversees the 5th and 6th grade, Jr. High, and Sr. High youth ministries. Work Schedule: Works 30+ hours per week; however, these hours will be flexible and agreed upon by the Senior Pastor.
Staff Relationships Reports to Senior Pastor and Staff Parish Relations Committee. Attend weekly staff meetings. Salary: Commensurate with hours and experience
Contact: Send resume to Nancy Sigler, Columbia City UMC, 605 N. Forest Parkway, Columbia City, IN 46725. Or contact Pastor Mark. Need for more information, mneed@ccumc.us.
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 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.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.