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General Information about the Area Office
North Indiana Conference Office
South Indiana Conference Office
Prayer Guides
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Foundation
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Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed
Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, May 11, 2007 – Sunday is the Sixth 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
Annual Conference News and
Information
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Movie Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Jesus replied: If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn’t love me, won’t obey me. What they have heard me say doesn’t really come from me, but from the Father who sent me.
John 14:23-24
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
UNITED METHODISTS BEGIN KANSAS TORNADO RESPONSE
“It is just painful,” the Rev. Gene McIntosh said. The pastor of Greensburg (Kan.) United Methodist Church choked back tears and shook his head in disbelief as he saw, for the first time, the church’s tornado-shattered building with its cross-topped steeple gone, its sanctuary exposed and pews filled with debris.
McIntosh, his wife, Judy, and their children had seen similar scenes elsewhere in town on May 5 while accompanying an NBC News reporter on their first tour of the ravaged community.
At least 10 people died when an F-5 tornado – with winds of more than 200 miles per hour – struck Greensburg late evening May 4, destroying 90 to 95 percent of the residences and commercial buildings in the town of 1,400 people. The community has been declared a disaster by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The Greensburg parsonage, where the McIntosh family rode out the storm in the basement, was “still standing, sort of,” said McIntosh, who is completing his fourth year as pastor there. The family spent the rest of the night in a shelter in nearby Haviland and is now staying with relatives in Hutchinson.
The rural homes of several members of the Trousdale United Methodist Church, which is in nearby Trousdale, also were destroyed as the same 1.3-1.7-mile-wide tornado that hit Greensburg cut a 22-mile swath across southwest Kansas.
On the following night, May 5, another tornado struck, killing two more people and damaging buildings, including the Trousdale church. Church members gathered at the building on Sunday morning, May 6, to salvage the altar, piano and some furniture. They plan to worship May 13 at the home of a member. The Rev. Elaine Lord, Trousdale pastor, said the congregation has a strong and positive spirit and is determined to go on.
The United Methodist response to the disaster began by mid-morning on the day after the first tornado hit. McIntosh and Lord were making calls to their parishioners, while the United Methodist Committee on Relief released an emergency grant of $10,000 to the Kansas West Conference. – UMNS
KANSAS BISHOP ISSUES SPECIAL APPEAL FOR TORNADO DISASTER
Kansas Area Bishop Scott Jones issued a special appeal for the Kansas Area Disaster Fund, asking area churches for special Sunday offerings as the severe weather season continues. Much of Kansas is also experiencing flooding as a super cell weather system continued to generate severe thunderstorms.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Greensburg and the surrounding areas, and our assistance is on the way,” said the Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, which includes UMCOR. “The strong, resilient people of Kansas will weather this storm, and we are glad we can be a part of the recovery.”
UMCOR is providing on-site support through UMCOR disaster consultant Cherri Baer, who is working with Nancy Proffitt, Kansas West disaster response coordinator, to mobilize the response when volunteers are allowed into the community. As of May 7, access to Greensburg was limited to residents and a small number of disaster responders.
Plans are under way for United Methodist volunteers to staff a liquids trailer provided by the conference’s Salina District, a hot foods trailer from the Hutchinson District and a tools trailer from the Wichita East District.
Volunteers were welcome to clean up debris and downed trees in other communities that were in the path of the storms. Organizers say people also will be needed to walk fields to remove debris that can severely damage farm machinery. – UMNS
HOW TO RESPOND TO THE KANSAS TORNADO DISASTER
To contribute financially, drop checks in local United Methodist church offering plates with “UMCOR Domestic Disaster Advance #901670” written in the memo line or made payable to UMCOR and sent to UMCOR at P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068. Contributions also may be made online at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/emergencies/ or by calling 800-554-8583.
To send checks to the Kansas Area Disaster Fund, make checks payable to Kansas West Conference and indicate “Area Disaster Fund” on the memo line. Mail to Kansas West Conference, 9440 E. Boston St., Suite 110, Wichita, KS 66207. Arrangements are being made for online donations.
To volunteer, visit the Kansas West Conference Web site at www.kswestumc.org or Kansas West Village at www.7villages.com/kansaswestconference. -- UMNS
For Disaster News Network report and pictures of Greensburg, Kan., log on to www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3163
HEAVY RAINS CAUSE FLOODING IN MIDWEST
Flooding woes continued yesterday in the Midwest as high water broke through and overtopped at least 20 levees in Missouri. Flooding and evacuations were also reported throughout Oklahoma. More than 300 residents in Levasy, Mo., left their homes Wednesday due to the quick-rising Missouri River. Residents in the town of Agency also were forced from their homes as the Platte River moved in.
Levee breaks around Big Lake, Mo., promptly submerged the town Tuesday night.
Flooding brought on by heavy rains over the past five days has forced thousands of people in the Midwest from their homes as rivers and streams approached levels that some meteorologists said have not been seen since the major Midwestern floods of 1993.
Rain totaling 6 to 9 inches fell in a short time across the region, all part of the same storm system that dropped more than 150 tornadoes across the Plains last weekend, including one that leveled the town of Greensburg, Kan.
The Missouri Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reported a state of emergency was in effect for 12 counties with flood damage. The Missouri River and many smaller rivers and creeks have left their banks. Extensive flooding and evacuations occurred in the communities of Amazonia, Nodaway and Rosendale in Andrew County. – Disaster News Network
CAMP ENCOUNTER PROVIDES INNER-CITY YOUTH WITH OUTDOORS
Launched in the summer of 2002, Camp Encounter provided 23 at risk inner-city youth with a unique opportunity to experience the love of Christ in a rural outdoor setting. By 2004 the number of campers attending CE had nearly doubled.
Based at the South Indiana Conference’s Camp Rivervale, Camp Encounter allows youth from different economic and social background to experience the great outdoors. For many, it may be their first time to experience a fireside worship service or the beauty of a star-filled sky unaffected by light pollution. Campers are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with Christ through Bible study, devotions, singing, dance and worship. Field trips designed to allow youth to experience rural countryside life include canoeing on the White River and an afternoon of horseback riding.
Each youth who attends Camp Encounter is provided with a scholarship to cover the cost of their camping experience. For the first three years, Camp Encounter has been fully funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, but this funding ended in 2004. This year, Outdoor Ministries needs to raise funds to cover the entire cost of Camp Encounter.
You can help by your prayers and your financial support ($275 for each youth to attend camp).
For more information, contact Ian Hall toll free at 800-919-8160 or by e-mail at ihall@sicumc.org. – South Indiana Conference UMC
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, VIOLENCE REMAIN PROBLEMS IN PHILIPPINES
Human rights violations and violence against both Filipinos and Westerners remain key problems facing the Philippines, a United Methodist bishop told members of the denomination's top court visiting Manila. "We need justice in the Philippines," said Bishop Solito K. Toquero, who leads The United Methodist Church's Manila Area. "Those who speak out against the government and who work for the poor are being killed." Toquero spoke to eight members of the Judicial Council who were attending the court's April 25-28 meeting, its first outside American soil. – UMNS
AGENCY SEEKS MORE INCLUSIVENESS AMONG UNITED METHODISTS
The agency that monitors and promotes racial/ethnic inclusiveness in The United Methodist Church wants to mobilize more members – especially white people – to challenge racism in the denomination and throughout the world. The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race approved a six-year strategic plan at its spring board of directors meeting. The plan includes goals to increase the participation of the church's white majority in efforts to eradicate racism and to increase the presence of racial/ethnic minority leaders in the church. – UMNS
MISSION AGENCY GRANTS $1.25 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO 250 STUDENTS
The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries will grant $1.25 million in leadership development scholarship aid to 250 students from 46 countries during the 2007-08 academic year. Four categories of scholarships – Crusade International, Crusade National, International Leadership Development and National Leadership Development – help to prepare leaders for religious and social responsibility around the world. A total of 217 scholarships were approved at the board's April meeting and another 35 will come before directors in October. – UMNS
GERMAN CHRISTIANS AGREE TO MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF BAPTISM
The United Methodist Church is one of 11 denominations in Germany that have agreed to mutual recognition of Christian baptism. The parties involved include the Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches. "The agreement is a big step forward in the ecumenical fellowship in Germany," said Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, the United Methodist bishop in Germany. Such an agreement means that members can move from one denomination to another without the need for "re-baptism." United Methodists have long recognized baptisms made in the name of the Holy Trinity in other churches. – UMNS
More stories from United Methodist News Service are available online at www.umc.org.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS AND INFORMATION
SINGERS NEEDED FOR NORTH CONFERENCE MASS CHOIR ON SATURDAY
Local Church Choir Members are invited to be a part of a mass choir to sing at Purdue University Elliott Hall of Music Saturday June 2. It has become a mini gathering of musicians from many churches to meet, practice, catch up on each others lives and give service to the Ordination Service for the North Indiana United Methodist Conference. This year the Ordination service begins Saturday, June 2 at 1 p.m.
Singers will practice Saturday at 11a.m. in the Purdue University Elliott Hall of Music Band Room, located on the lower level, below the stage.
The service will last from 1 to 3 p.m. Unfortunately, singers will not have time to take a meal break. They will need to move from the rehearsal area to do a chair check, microphone check and processional line-up prior to 12:15 p.m. when the doors open to the auditorium.
Please bring your own snack, bottled water will be provided.
Volunteers will be singing three selections: “Christ We Do All Adore Thee,” Wes Ramsay
SATB Worship Today 2007, “God of Wonders,” Marc Byrd, Steve Hindalone, arr. Marty Parks SATB, Allegis Publications AG-1128 “Majesty/Holy, Holy, Holy” Hayford/Schrader SATB Hope Publishing GC868. If singers have a copy of the music please bring it. There will be some extras at Purdue.
Please invite fellow singers that love to sing. Please let me know if you are planning to sing so that we have enough chairs for everyone. E-mail to cscott@stjoemin.com. Here is an Internet link to a map of Purdue University, Elliott Hall of Music is ELLT on the map: www.luxagency.com/purdue.htm.
Blessings to all of you. Those that will be traveling I pray for traveling mercies for each of you.
Yours in Christ,
Chuck Scott
NORTH CONFERENCE NEEDS ADDITIONAL TELLERS
We are in need of a couple additional tellers at Annual Conference to collect completed ballots during the plenary sessions and deliver them to the Elections Committee off-stage at the Elliott Hall of Music. Tellers will alternate the plenary sessions they work but there is a possibility of more than one ballot per session.
If you would be interested in helping with the process of electing delegates to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences, please e-mail ruthellen@nicumc.org or call Ruth Ellen Needler at 800-783-5138.
CONSTRUCTION AWAITS NORTH CONFEREES AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Effective Monday, May 14, 2007, the summer season of construction begins at Purdue University. As noted in the mailings, many of those attending will be staying in the Hildenbrand Residence Hall located on 3rd Street west of the Hall of Music. A portion of 3rd Street between Intramural Drive and Russell Street will be closed for installation of a new set of chilled water lines. Those walking to the Hall of Music will need to stay on the side walk on the south side of 3rd Street for it will remain open. Please observe all directional signs and safe walking.
There are many other project that will be in process during your visit so you might review them at www.purdue.edu/physicalfacilities/campusconstruction/ prior to your visit.
PLEASE JOIN WITH THE NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE PRAYER TEAM
Will you join the North Indiana Conference Spiritual Growth and Prayer Ministry Teams in praying for the North Indiana Annual Conference session, which begins in less than three weeks? Praying in unity pleases God and breaks down dividing walls that our enemy would like to keep intact. Let’s start by giving God glory for Who God is. Pray this prayer with the team:
“Our great God, we praise You for who You are. We honor You as the sovereign One who is omniscient, omnipresent and all powerful. We acknowledge that we are nothing without You. We give You all of our worship for there truly is no other god like You. We adore You for you alone are wise. We invite you to come in all of Your glory into the churches, worship services and hearts of individuals across the North Indiana Conference. Lead us as only You can, giving us Your heart for our communities and our world. We humbly submit to Your plan for Your church to become the true representation of Christ in a fallen world. Use us as You will; fill us with Your Holy Spirit power for the work ahead of us. Thank You for hearing our prayer. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.”
Thank you for praying with us.
For the Spiritual Growth and Prayer Ministry Teams,
Paula Shrock
SOUTH INDIANA ALL CONFERENCE CHOIR
Interested in singing for the closing service on Saturday, June 9?
E-mail Lynn Renne at LRenne@sigecom.net to receive a copy of the music.
Short rehearsals backstage following Thursday and Friday afternoon sessions, and 8 a.m. Saturday.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
A LITANY FOR MOTHER’S DAY
A MEDITATION FOR ASCENSION DAY, MAY 17
GRADUATION, BACCALAUREATE RESOURCES
HYMNS FOR COMMENCEMENT AND GRADUATION
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: May
The month of May is designated in The United Methodist Church as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It would be especially appropriate at this time to celebrate the contributions of Asian and Pacific Americans by using some of the Resources in The United Methodist Hymnal, The Faith We Sing, and The Book Of Worship.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
NEW RESOURCES FOR WORLD REFUGEE DAY FEATURES RESETTLEMENT
World Refugee Day is June 20, and Church World Service resources for 2007 are ready. A congregational bulletin insert and worship resource are available in two formats: PDF and Word, to enable “co-branding” by denominations, churches, local resettlement agencies, and others.
In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 20 as World Refugee Day to recognize and celebrate the contribution of refugees throughout the world. Since then, World Refugee Day has become an annual commemoration marked by a variety of events in over a hundred countries.
This year’s theme for World Refugee Day is “A New Home, a New Life,” focusing on the United States’ proud tradition of welcoming refugees and the many contributions they bring to towns and cities across America.
The CWS bulletin insert for World Refugee Day 2007 tells the story of the Wube family, who found a new home and a new life in Indianapolis. The worship resource includes a call to worship, invocation, meditation outline, and benediction on the theme (Download both resources).
For United Nations resources, visit www.usaforunhcr.org.
SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR MAY
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.” May “Picks” have been posted. Some of our newest additions include: Becoming an Evangelistically Effective Congregation; For the Love of It!; Gilligan’s Island and the Seven Deadly Sins Bible Study; Journey Through the Psalms; Lucille Raines Residence (2006); and Stolen Freedom: Occupied Palestine. 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.
MOVIE REVIEW
SPIDER-MAN 3
- Production Company: Columbia Pictures
- Director: Sam Raimi
- Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace
- Rating: Rated PG-13 for violence
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – The third, electrifying installment of the phenomenally successful Spider-Man series finds Peter Parker not only still swinging on a web, but also coping with his own, swinging moods. In films one and two, Spidey battled plenty of demons – from the Green Goblin to Doctor Octopus—but the third time around, the most treacherous demons he faces are all internal. Growing up is hard enough for any young man, without the complications of possessing amazing powers and having a secret identity. Throw in adversaries like Sandman and the terrifying Venom, and you’ve got what could be the best visit yet from our friendly neighborhood Spiderman. For full review and discussion questions, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2720935/k.7E6C/Movie_Review_iSpiderMan_3i.htm
DEATHS
ANNE CLARK, wife of the Rev. Arthur Summers Clark (retired – NIC), died Tuesday, May 8, 2007. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, May 12 at 1:30 p.m. with a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. in the McMullan Funeral Home, 133 E. Main St., Westfield, IN (317-896-2931). Survivors include husband, Arthur Summers Clark; four children, Hazel Clark, Jim Clark, Louis Clark and Marcia Franc; sister to Minnie Lee Jones (widow of the late Rev. Gerald H. Jones), 505 Roxbury Ct., Fort Wayne, IN 46807-3116. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Arthur Summers Clark, 3161 Moller Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46224-2101. Memorials may be given to Jaiama Secondary School of Operation Classroom, P.O. Box 869, Marion, IN 46952.
LAWRENCE COOPER, retired minister (SIC), died May 7, 2007. Calling Hours are scheduled for Wednesday, May 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pasco Funeral Home, 1780 West Main St, in Greenfield, Ind. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, May 10 at 1 p.m. at Eden United Methodist Church, 2122 E Eden Road, in Greenfield, Ind., with burial in Eden Cemetery. Survivors include: wife, Nellie Cooper, 38 W 700 N, Fortville, IN 46040; one son Stephen Cooper, and three grandchildren.
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 May 11, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
- None this week
South Indiana Conference
- Deeter, Dennis Leon from Loogootee, Vincennes to Retirement, 6/30
- Harris, Rosa from Rockford, Columbus to Indianapolis: Forest Manor, Indianapolis East, 7/1
- Nelson, Gloria Jean from New Life, Rushville to Edinburgh, Indianapolis East, 6/30
- Raidy, Kevin M. from Whitestown, Indianapolis West to Bloomfield, Bloomington, 6/1
- White, Brian K. from Terre Haute: Temple, Terre Haute to District Supt., Columbus, 7/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
DELPHI CHURCH SEEKS STAFF FOR WELCOMING, ASSIMILATION MINISTRIES
Delphi UMC is hiring for a new staff position on our staff team to carry out our welcoming and assimilation ministries. It is a part-time position at 20 hours a week. Some involvement with small group ministries as the connecting point will be required. For information and job description please contact Todd Ladd at pastor@delphiumc.org. Please apply by May 22.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
HAMILTON COUNTY CHURCH SEEK PAID PART-TIME YOUTH DIRECTOR
Christ UMC in Hamilton County seeks a paid part-time youth director for 15 to 20 hours a week. Duties include: leading weekly meetings, Bible studies, planning and organizing youth events, and building upon an already effective ministry. Send resumes to: Christ UMC, 318 N. Union St., Westfield, IN 46074. Attn: Pastor Mark. For more information, call the church at 317-896-5559.
ELKHART CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF ACTIVITIES FOR LIFE CENTER
With the completion of the Trinity Life Center in Elkhart, a 33,000-square-foot multi-purpose ministry center, Trinity UMC seeks an Activities Director to serve the church by developing, coordinating and administering an effective and comprehensive activities program to enrich the fellowship of the congregation and the community. The mission of the Activities Director is to serve the church by providing a social and recreational point of entry for individuals to the church so that Trinity can better accomplish its mission to win as many people as possible to Jesus Christ and equip them to be mature disciples. Requirements include: Demonstrated strong faith, well organized, self-confidence, sales ability and excellent communication skills. College degree preferred. Experience in recreational management, coaching or sports management a plus. Send questions or resumes to Trinity United Methodist Church, 2715 East Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516 or call 574-294-7602.
ELKHART CHURCH SEEKS LEADER FOR ADULT MINISTRIES
Trinity United Methodist Church in Elkhart is looking for an experienced spiritual leader with good relational skills and a heart for outreach to lead our Adult Ministries, including a growing small group ministry, a bookstore, weekend and weekday classes and young adult ministry. A bachelor’s degree in a related field and training in small group ministry are preferred. This full-time position will be open in August 2007. Resumes may be sent to Rev. Lore Blinn Gibson, 2715 E Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516. revlorebg@3umc.org, 574-294-7602, ext 112.
PART-TIME YOUTH LEADER POSITION AVAILABLE AT SEYMOUR
The Rockford UMC in Seymour seeks a part-time youth leader position, which will provide leadership and assistance to the adult leadership in developing spiritual growth of youth. Candidate must have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ based on a commitment to prayer and God’s word, demonstrate good rapport with youth, display personal openness, integrity and honesty in interpersonal relationships, have a desire to be a team player who works well with other staff, have an ability to identify and foster leadership in youth, and needs to display a personal aptitude for spiritual, emotional, social and physical wellness.
For more information and application, contact Rockford United Methodist Church, 1934 N. Ewing St., P.O. Box 1006, Seymour, IN 47274, phone 812-524-7124
Please respond to the above telephone number by June 1. The position will be filled soon after this date.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.