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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, June 29, 2007 – Sunday is the fifth Sunday after Pentecost
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
Moving and
Changing Your e-Mail Address? Update Your e-Hum
News and Information
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Book Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Jesus answered, “Anyone who starts plowing and keeps looking back isn’t worth a thing to God’s kingdom!”
– Luke 9:62
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com
MOVING AND CHANGING YOUR e-MAIL ADDRESS? UPDATE YOUR e-HUM
To update your e-mail address for the e-HUM mailing list, log on to www.inareaumc.org, click on “Subscribe to e-HUM” and enter your new e-mail address as directed. That will automatically place your new e-mail address in the Indiana Area listserv database. Thank you.
NEWS AND INFORMATION
BISHOP TO INSTALL NEW COLUMBUS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT SUNDAY
The Rev. Brian K. White is scheduled to be installed as the new Superintendent of the Columbus District by Bishop Mike Coyner at 3 p.m. this coming Sunday, July 1. The service will be held at Asbury UMC, 1751 27th Street, in Columbus. Those attending are requested to bring a carton of powdered milk to be used by Kissy Clinic, part of Operation Doctor in Africa. Direction to the church can be found at www.asburyumccol.org/directions.htm. For more information about Asbury UMC, log on to www.asburyumccol.org.
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE HISPANIC MINISTRY CONTINUES
The Rev. Oscar Ramos completes his service to the North Indiana Conference at the end of June. The Ramos family is moving to New Orleans, La. to direct new United Methodist Hispanic ministries there. This, however, doesn’t mean that the NIC isn’t continuing its Hispanic/Latino ministries effort.
Through the North Indiana Conference’s Hispanic/Latino Ministries Team, staffed by Ed Fenstermacher, local-church matching grants for up to $2,000 are available, as well as leadership training. Each district also has a Hispanic ministries steering committee to develop and support local ministries.
For more information, log on to www.nicumc.org and click on Church Development, Hispanic/Latino Ministries.
NORTH CONFERENCE HONORS MEMBERS WITH BREAD AND BASIN AWARDS
Each annual conference session, the North Indiana Conference honors United Methodists in North Indiana with a Bread and Basin Award for outstanding contributions to church and society. This year’s awards went to recipients named by their respective districts. Conference Lay Leader Kayc Mykrantz of Logansport presented awards by districts to Calumet, Don Copple and Champ Merrick, Fort Wayne, Deb Miteff; Huntington, George and Juanita Rapp; Kokomo; Shirley Dominick; Lafayette, Norma Crane; Marion, Rev. Brian Wise; Muncie, Earl and Louise Luke; Warsaw, Holly White. E-HUM congratulates these United Methodists for their outstanding service to Christ and His church.
STATEWIDE CAMPAIGN SAYS ‘NEVER BEEN BETTER TIME TO QUIT SMOKING’
State officials on Wednesday outlined a statewide campaign aimed at reducing Indiana’s adult smoking rates, saying “there’s never been a better time to quit smoking” and urged Hoosiers not to use tobacco products.
“We are committed to helping anyone who is ready to quit smoking get access to the resources they need to be successful. Now is the time to make Indiana a more healthy state,” said Gov. Daniels. With the Governor at the Ruth Lilly Health Education Center, State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. and Karla Sneegas of the Indiana Tobacco Prevention Cessation launched the new campaign entitled “There’s never been a better time to quit.”
More than one million adults smoke cigarettes in Indiana.
Monroe said. “We, as a state, need to pull together and help one another to reduce the burden of tobacco. We’re confident that we’re going to win this battle.”
The effort will focus on encouraging people to quit by getting help one of three ways:
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Seeing their health care provider for medical advice on quitting;
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Calling the state’s toll-free tobacco quit line - 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) and seeking help from a trained tobacco cessation coach, or
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Contacting their local ITPC-affiliated community coalition for resources. Find you community coalition by logging on to www.in.gov/itpc/community.asp.
For more information, log on to www.whitelies.tv.
CONNECTIONAL TABLE RELEASES STATE OF THE CHURCH REPORT
Survey Data Explores Attitudes, Opinions
A new report from The United Methodist Church on the state of the church reveals that United Methodist core beliefs are clear, but a variety of attitudes and opinions exist about other issues. The first-of-a-kind effort gathers survey data, research, and essays from a cross-section of leaders to present a comprehensive overview of the denomination.
The project was commissioned by the Connectional Table, an organization within the church that guides missions and ministries. As a part of the project, more than 11,000 United Methodists from the U.S., Africa, Europe and the Philippines participated in online and telephone surveys conducted by an outside research group. The report utilized survey data collected in June through early September – about 2,600 interviews.
Both clergy and lay members participated in the survey, which included a wide range of questions including issues of importance for ministry planning, organizational structure, emphasis on worship and prayer, and other topics. In addition to the surveys, the Connectional Table invited a cross-section of church leaders to write short opinion essays, and collected available research on church life from seminaries, foundations, agencies, and other sources.
The survey data indicates that United Methodists strongly affirmed their belief in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, as well as their reliance on God’s grace and salvation. There was somewhat less agreement as to whether mission and service are important to personal salvation. Respondents in the Western U.S. on average placed a lower importance on core beliefs than did others.
For more information about the report, log on to www.umc.org/stateofthechurch.
UMC WANTS TO START 650 NEW CONGREGATIONS BY 2012
Since the most effective evangelism is through new churches, The United Methodist Church wants to start 650 new congregations with 63,000 members by 2012 as part of a new emphasis on church growth in the United States. Eventually, the shrinking denomination wants to return to its evangelistic heyday of planting a new U.S. church every day. It also wants to reach untapped frontiers such as western states where the church historically has not followed population growth. The strategy is all part of the aggressive vision of “Path One,” the newly organized strategy team on new congregational development coordinated by the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. “We believe it’s one of the most needed and time-sensitive national efforts in the denomination’s recent history,” said the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive of the Board of Discipleship. – UMNS
FEARING WORST: UM COUPLE STRUGGLES AS UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS
In many ways, Darwin and Perla Alvarez are a typical hard-working couple struggling to achieve the American dream. Mr. Alvarez works on a construction crew hanging vinyl siding, while his wife cares for their 6- and-3-year-old daughters. Active in their local United Methodist Church, Mr. Alvarez is a lay leader and occasionally steps into the pulpit to deliver the sermon.
But unlike their U.S.-born neighbors, they live in constant fear they will be ripped from their home, sent back to lives of poverty, leaving their children orphans.
The Alvarezes and millions of other undocumented workers are hoping and praying the U.S. Congress will pass a compassionate, comprehensive immigration law that takes family values into consideration. For their whole story, log on to www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=2285
NORTH CONFERENCE SESSION OVERVIEW DVD AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
After many requests, we will offer an Annual Conference Overview DVD which will also include all videos shown during the sessions (including Lamb’s Chapel). You may order a copy by sending $25.00 to North Indiana Conference, P.O. Box 869, Marion, IN 46952 by June 29.
SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE SESSION DVDs NOW AVAILABLE
South Indiana Annual Conference session DVDs are now available. Order forms can be downloaded from the SIC Web site at www.sicumc.org, click on Important News and then AC DVD Order Form (PDF). To order; complete an order form and send it, with a check, to Mary Barnes at the South Indiana Conference Media Center.
More stories from United Methodist News Service are available online at www.umc.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
COPYRIGHT FOR THE CHURCH MUSICIAN
It is difficult and sometimes maddening for church musicians, choir directors, teachers and pastors to remain strictly within the bounds of the copyright laws. This article is filled with helpful information. It was originally published in the Spring 2007 issue of Sacramental Life, the publication of the Order of St. Luke.
Copyright for the Church Musician: “It’s So Unfair” and “I Didn’t Know” in a Land of “Thou Shalt Not.” For a copy of this article, log on to: www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=41829&loc_id=17,823
MINISTRY RESOURCES
JULY-AUGUST INTERPRETER TO FOCUS ON YOUTH, YOUNG PEOPLE
Youth and young people are the focus of the cover package for the July-August issue of Interpreter. It will be arriving in your mailboxes soon. You’ll also read coverage of the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and the beginning of Interpreter’s coverage of General Conference 2008. The Sept.-Oct.issue will feature Web ministry and Christian higher education. For more information about this United Methodist resource, log on to www.interpretermagazine.org.
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR JULY
The North Indiana Conference Media Resource Center’s latest acquisitions can be found online at www.nicumc.org. Click on “Media Library” in the left column and explore all the available options. July “Picks” include: Black Methodists for Church Renewal, 2007. This set of 9 DVDs records the proceedings of the 40th Annual Meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc.; Intersect/Culture - Taking Your Group to a Place Where Faith & Culture Meet. This DVD helps your group envision how followers of Christ can be a counterculture for the common good; Lost Christianities. A course that considers the varieties of belief and practice in the early days of Christianity; A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place. This Bible study explores the account of the building of the tabernacle, the significance of its design, and the fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus; NOOMA - You. A hard look at whether we put enough emphasis on the things that should matter in our lives; Praying in Color. An exciting new concept in communicating with the Lord; A Christmas Carol: Bible Study. Follow Scrooge on his journey as a fallen man toward redemption; Gilligan’s Island & The Seven Deadly Sins. A Bible study examining the seven deadly sins; Prayer of Jabez. A resource to help you break through to the miraculous life God meant for you to live.
By calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-783-5138, you can order these and other timely resources from a selection of hundreds of videos and DVDs. This service is provided through your connectional tithe. Bonnie Miller, Media Director, also can be reached at bonnie@nicumc.org for more information or you can access the catalog on the www.nicumc.org Web site.
SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR JULY
The South Indiana Conference Media Resource Center’s latest acquisitions can be found online at www.sicumc.org. Click on “Media Center” and explore all the available options, including “Newest Resources” and “Picks of the Month.” “July Picks” have been posted. Some of our newest additions include: Journey: Personal Exploration with Peter France; Land Twice Promised; Milo the Mantis Who Wouldn’t Pray; NOOMA: You; Opening Ourselves to Grace; and Reflections on Psalm 23 for People with Cancer. 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!
BOOK REVIEW
HOOSIER AUTHOR COMES WITH ROUND TWO OF ‘FAST FOOD FOR THE SOUL’
North Indiana Conference retired pastor Donald Charles Lacy of Muncie once again serves up a heaping helping of spiritual nourishment in More Fast Food for the Soul. This sequel concentrates on delivering more inspirational wisdom in bite-sized portions – quickly read, but full of insights that stick. Offering a menu of topics ranging from love and marriage to family and work, Lacy challenges readers with his timeless lesson on life. Featuring all new material, More Fast Food for the Soul is sure to fulfill the spiritual appetite and tasty enough to bring readers back for more. The book is 119 pages of text includes 91 servings and is available from Providence House Publishers at 800-321-5692 or online at www.providence-publishing.com or from Cokesbury at www.cokesbury.com. Soft cover, $9.95.
DEATHS
None listed this week.
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 June 29, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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None this week
South Indiana Conference
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Harden, Colleen Ann from no appointment to Prairieton, Terre Haute, 7/1
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Shake, Jack D. from Brownstown, Bloomington to Dale, Evansville, 8/1
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Smith, Laura Belle from no appointment to Mt. Calvary, Terre Haute, 7/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE OFFERS PART-TIME POSITION
A part-time position is available at the Conference Service Center in Marion for 15 to 18 hours per week. Computer experience should include Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Knowledge of The United Methodist Church will be helpful. Resumes should be submitted to Ruth Ellen Needler, P.O. Box 869, Marion, IN 46952.
YOUTH DIRECTOR NEEDED IN BICKNELL
Part-time opening for Youth Director to plan, organize, prepare and lead youth activities. Ideal candidate will build relationships with youth in the church as well as the unchurched youth in our community and help them grow in their relationship with God. Must have experience working with young people. Send resume to Pastor, P.O. Box 99, Bicknell, IN 47512.
MARION FIRST SEEKS CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Marion First United Methodist Church has an opening for Children’s Ministry Director. This position is a 20 to 30 hour per week opportunity. We are looking for a person with a deep commitment to children’s ministries that will help us rebuild our Sunday morning program and develop a Sunday evening program for the area surrounding the church in downtown Marion. Must have experience in children’s ministry and a willingness to work with inner city families. Candidate should submit a resume to Pastor Kaye Patton, Marion FUMC, 624 S. Adams St., Marion IN 46953 or e-mail to kayepatton@indy.rr.com. Position is open immediately.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
VINCENNES CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES
Community United Methodist Church in Vincennes, Indiana, seeks a full-time person to lead its music ministry programs. The chosen individual will have responsibilities for leading Adult Choir and Ensembles, praise band, adult and youth bell choirs, children’s choirs, and youth choir. Special attention will be given to those who can blend together traditional and contemporary forms and styles of worship, along with openness to reaching younger generation. Send resume to Community United Methodist Church, 1548 South Hart Street Road, Vincennes, IN 47591. Attention: Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Deadline: August 1.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.