Site
Contents

Search

Contact Information

Imagine Indiana Transition Team Information

General Information about the Area Office

Bishop Coyner's Office

Communications

North Indiana Conference Office

South Indiana Conference Office

Appointments

Appointment Process

Death Notices

Prayer Guides
(Courtesy of the NIC Prayer Team)

Area United Methodist
Foundation

Conferences
& Districts

Annual 
Conference 2006

Links

Missions &
Ministries


For resources to assist your congregation in welcoming guests, click here

Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed

Jobs & Events

Local Pastor's School

Course of Study

Site Map

General 
Conference 2004

Hoosier United Methodist  News Archives

Previous Years Annual Conference Coverage

News Releases

Home Page

HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter

For Friday, August 17, 2007 – Sunday is the 12th 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
News and Information
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Movie Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY

I am the LORD All-Powerful! Israel is the vineyard, and Judah is the garden I tended with care. I had hoped for honesty and for justice, but dishonesty and cries for mercy were all I found.

– Isaiah 5:7
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com

NEWS AND INFORMATION

PASTORS, JANITORS SAY ‘NO’ TO ECONOMIC SEGREGATION IN INDY

Saying “NO” to economic segregation in Central Indiana, more than 250 pastors, janitors and supporters of justice joined in an hour-long prayer vigil Wednesday, Aug. 15 in the middle of Market Street just west of Monument Circle downtown in front of Market Towers. The interfaith march and prayer was held to rally justice for janitors

The vigil was sponsored by the Indianapolis Clergy Committee of the Interfaith Worker Justice and led by the Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, senior pastor of Speedway UMC, and Bishop T. Garrott Benjamin, senior pastor of Light of the World Christian Church (DOC) of Indianapolis.

More than 125 pastors and community supporters seek for janitors respect, fair compensation, affordable family health care and a permanent voice on the job. The main target of the movement is the EMS Company, which is contracted to clean the offices of some of the most prominent businesses in Central Indiana including the Indianapolis Power and Light, The Children’s Museum, Roche Diagnostics, Dow Agra Sciences and Market Towers, a high-rise office building. Leaders of the group have met with these companies protesting low wages plus lack of affordable health care and voice. More information about the campaign is available online at www.threecitiesonefuture.com.

UM RELIGION, RACE AGENCY NAMES HAWKINS AS NEW CEO

The United Methodist agency based in Washington that monitors and advocates for racial inclusiveness has elected staff executive Erin M. Hawkins as its new chief executive.

Hawkins will become general secretary of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race effective Sept. 1, and will officially be installed at the agency's fall board meeting in October. At 31, she is possibly the youngest top executive of a denominational agency, according to the commission.

She has served as associate general secretary – a staff executive position – since 2001.

Hawkins succeeds the Rev. Chester Jones, who left the commission July 31 to become a district superintendent in the Arkansas Conference. Jones had led the agency since 1999. The Rev. Yolanda Pupo-Ortiz, who retired from the commission as an associate general secretary in 2005, now serves as interim top executive for one month until Hawkins assumes her new duties. –UMNS

NEW STUDY CALCULATES ECONOMIC COST OF HUNGER IN THE USA

While people might differ on various policy proposals to address hunger in America, nearly everyone will agree that hunger has no place in our land of abundance. A new study commissioned by the Sodexho Foundation shows that hunger in America has a cost far beyond human suffering. The study concludes that the cost burden to our country is more than $90 billion; far more that it would take to ensure that nobody in our country ever experiences hunger. Download a copy of the study at www.helpstophunger.org/pdfs/economic_cost_of_domestic_hunger.pdf.

NCC YEARBOOK REPORTS MIXED GIVING TRENDS IN 2005

Individual congregants of 65 Christian denominations that reported financial information for publication gave an average of $713 to their church in calendar year 2005. That figure was reported in the 75th Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches published last month by the National Council of Churches USA (NCC). The per capita amount represents "an increase of just $18.93 per person from the previous year," reports the Yearbook. The Yearbook article notes that the increase (2.7 percent) does not exceed the official inflation figure, and that "some individuals will be contributing to parishes with a declining number of members ... the combined effect...will significantly increase the financial loss associated with membership decline and rising prices. "Benevolence giving – financial contributions to church programs such as relief efforts and feeding or housing the homeless – remained flat at 15 percent. For more information about the Yearbook, log on to www.electronicchurch.org.

OPEN HEARTS MEDIA CAMPAIGN VENTURES INTO ONLINE ADVERTISING

The United Methodist "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." advertising campaign is entering a new realm through online ads targeting people ages 22 to 44.

From Aug. 20 through mid-October, the ads will appear on Beliefnet, eHarmony, Yahoo, CitySearch, About.com and other sites. More than 21 million people are expected to see them.

The interactive ads will ask users questions about their desires and beliefs and offer a choice of answers. After they submit a response, they will see a summary of the poll results, along with information and links to explore more about The United Methodist Church. The ads also will feature streaming video of television spots from the campaign and offer a free MP3 download of the theme music. Users can follow the links to www.UnitedMethodist.org to learn more about the denomination or find a local church, or they can request a brochure.

The focus of the national campaign, started in 2001 to raise awareness of The United Methodist Church, has primarily been cable television commercials aired each year around Lent, Advent and the back-to-school season. This year's back-to-school campaign runs Sept. 3-16 on 18 networks at a cost of $1.8 million. The commercial will air about 1,200 times, creating more than 276 million impressions, and is expected to reach 65 million adults.

BISHOP COYNER TO HOST HOLY LAND-2009 10-DAY PILGRIMAGE

Bishop Michael Coyner invites you to join him on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2009. Working with Educational Opportunities this ten-day trip to Israel will be February 3-12. This trip of a lifetime includes walking the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, a boat ride and devotions on the Sea of Galilee, and a devotional time on the Mount of Beatitudes. Pastors can earn a trip by recruiting others to travel with them. Brochures are being printed and will be available by late summer. For more information you may contact Norm Nellis at normgumc@aim.com or 765-447-4152

BISHOP COYNER TO HOST OBERAMMERGAU-2010

Indiana United Methodists and others are invited to join Bishop Michael Coyner to see The Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Working with Educational Opportunities we will be flying out of Indianapolis on Aug. 4, 2010. This eight-day trip is highlighted by seeing a performance of the world-renown Passion Play by the residents of Oberammergau. Other highlights will include visits to Innsbruck and Salzburg, Austria as well as Munich and Dachau, Germany. While final pricing will not be announced until early in 2008 individuals can register now for $100 to reserve a place. Those who register this year have the option of a full refund until June of 2008. For more information or to obtain a registration form you may contact Norm Nellis at normgumc@aim.com or 765-447-4152.

WEST LAFAYETTE HEALTH CENTER TO BE FEATURED IN INTERPRETER

The Trinity Center for Infant Health will be featured in the September/October 2007 edition of Interpreter magazine, a publication of The United Methodist Church. The article is the same article that appeared in the February 2007 issue of Hoosier United Methodists Together. For more information about Interpreter, log on to www.interpretermagazine.org.

AVON CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TOOK THE PLUNGE

During the week of July 9-13, children attending Avon UMC Vacation Bible School Took the Plunge collecting more than 900 food items and nearly $2,000 in donations to Brightwood Community Center in Indianapolis. The 5th and 6th graders also wrote 20 letters and collected snack food to be sent to soldiers Iraq. – Diane Gattone, Director of Christian Education, Avon UMC

More stories available online at www.umc.org.

WORSHIP RESOURCES

A NEW HYMN FOR GLOBAL WARMING

“The Footprints Where Your People Tread” by Andrew Pratt

The Rev. Andrew Pratt, British Methodist pastor and hymn writer, has written this new hymn as a prayer on global warming. It has been set to the American hymn tune, MORNING SONG. Other hymns on the GBOD Web site by Dr. Pratt, along with photo and bio may be found at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=15699&loc_id=17,22,1131

MINISTRY RESOURCES

NCC COMMITTEE OFFERS SUDAN DVD RESOURSE

A newly released video from the National Council of Churches Program Committee on Education and Mission, "Touch the World, Touch Sudan," contains prayers, stories and factual updates on the situation in the east African country of Sudan. "The material on the DVD is downloadable on our website," said the NCC's AGS for education, the Rev. Garland Pierce, NCC associate general secretary for education and leadership ministries. "The material on the DVD is downloadable on our website. It’s a great resource for congregations or individuals who want to know how to connect with those who are in desperate need." Log on to: www.ncccusa.org/missioneducation/sudan/touch_sudan.htm.

CALUMET AREA CHURCH OFFERS FREE PIANO

Ridge UMC in the Calumet District is offering a free piano to any interested church. It is a Kimball spinet, and would be a good rehearsal piano. It is still in pretty good condition, we simply have one too many for our use. If you are interested in the piano, you can contact Heather Clinger at heather@ridgeumc.org or by phone at 219-838-4770.

UNITED METHODIST OPEN HOUSE MONTH SET FOR SEPTEMBER

Each September, Igniting Ministry works with bishops to encourage congregations to celebrate United Methodist Open House Month. This special time coordinates with the back-to-school airing of UMC television messages.

Hosting special events, worship festivals or making other efforts to welcome those in your community presents perfect opportunities to intentionally recognize Christ in everyone – and to remember that guests may look for Christ in us.

For more information, log on to www.ignitingministry.org.

NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR AUGUST

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:

  1. NOOMA - Store: Dealing with our anger.

  2. NOOMA - Today: Learning to live in the day - not the past.

  3. William Wilberforce: One man’s struggle to rid the world of slavery.

  4. Herod’s Temple: The Temple as it was in Jesus’ day.

Order by calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-783-5138. This service is provided through your connectional tithe. Bonnie Miller, media director, also can be reached at bonnie@nicumc.org for more information. For catalog, log on to www.nicumc.org.

SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE PICKS FOR AUGUST

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.” “August Picks” have been posted. Some of the newest additions include: Black Methodism: Legacy of Faith (Revival); Children of the Nakba (Palestine); NOOMA: You; and Red Bird Missionary Conference: Great Is Thy Faithfulness. By calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-919-8160, you can order these and other resources from a selection of more than 4,000 videos and DVDs. Return postage is your only cost. This service is provided through your connectional tithe. Mary Barnes, media director, can be reached at mbarnes@sicumc.org for more information or for catalog log on to www.sicumc.org.

MOVIE REVIEW

STARDUST

  • Production Company: Paramount Pictures

  • Director: Matthew Vaughn

  • Cast: Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Ricky Gervais, Jason Flemyng, Peter O'Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert De Niro, Ian McKellen (narrator)

  • Rating: PG-13 for some fantasy violence and some risqué humor

By Gregg Tubbs

(UMC.org) — Myths, fairy tales and legends have always had the power to help both young and old make sense of a complex world, and no terrain is more complex than the human heart. Stardust is a delightful modern fairy tale that explores the ancient and most complex mystery of the nature of true love. In it, a charming, but naïve, boy leaves the safety of his English village to venture into a magical land to retrieve a precious object guaranteed to win the heart of his beloved. But this quest proves to be more than the boy bargained for, requiring his transformation from boy to man and man to hero. Along the way, he discovers more than true love; he learns the truth about himself. For complete review, log on to: www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3090985/k.72C0/Movie_Review_Stardust.htm.

DEATHS

RAY E. MILLS, retired pastor (NIC), died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2007. A memorial service was held Thursday, Aug. 16 at the Amanda Reid Chapel, Wesley Manor, in Frankfort, Ind. with burial at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Michigan City, Ind. Survivors include: his wife, Opal; son, Mark; and daughter, Becky Clawson. Memorials can be given to the Good Samaritan Fund at Wesley Manor or the Indiana UM Children’s Home, 515 W. Camp St., Lebanon, IN 46052. Condolences may be sent to Opal Mills, Wesley Manor, 1555 N. Main St., Frankfort, IN 46041.

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 August 17, 2007.

North Indiana Conference

  • None this week

South Indiana Conference

  • Clem, Victoria A. from no appointment to Shelbyville: Vine St., Rushville, 7/1

  • Cox, Frederick E. from disability leave to Retirement, 6/30

  • Donaldson, Forrest D. from Shelbyville: Vine St., Rushville to death, 5/1

  • Hedrick, Barbara Joan from no appointment to Letts, Rushville, 8/1

  • Herrin, Cory from Mt. Vernon: First, Evansville to no appointment, 7/31

  • Herrmann, William J. form no appointment to Metamora, Rushville, 7/1

  • Lawler, Linda G. from Veedersburg/Hillsboro, Terre Haute to Veedersburg/Hillsboro, Terre Haute, 7/1

  • Lawler, Thomas F. from no appointment to Veedersburg/Hillsboro, Terre Haute, 7/1

  • Lynn, L. Ray from Retirement to Indianapolis: East 10th St., Indianapolis West, 8/1

  • Newkirk, Ralph from Metamora, Rushville to NewCastle: Wiley, Rushville, 7/15

  • Oldstrom, Brenda from Extension Ministry: Orchard Counseling, Bloomington to Extension Ministry: Center for Behavioral Health, Bloomington, 9/20/06

  • Skiba, Ann Elaine from Fairview, Evansville to no appointment, 7/20

  • Wilson, Donald A. from no appointment to Indianapolis: Bridgeport, Indianapolis West, 7/1

NEW JOB LISTINGS

CARMEL CHURCH SEEKS COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY

Carmel UMC seeks a Communications Secretary. Applicants need to be proficient in Microsoft Publisher, Front Page, Adobe Photoshop, in addition to familiarity with servers and networks. Ability to be flexible, communicate effectively, handle multiple tasks simultaneously and pay close attention to detail. Resumes may be emailed to pmorrison@carmelumc.org or faxed to 317-848-8790 attention Pat Morrison.

INDY CHAPEL HILL CHURCH SEEKS TWO MUSIC LEADERS

Chapel Hill UMC in Indianapolis two openings in music ministry. Chapel Hill is located at 963 Girls School Rd. on the westside of Indianapolis close to 10th Street and Girls School Road. These positions may be considered separately or combined.

Director of Music Organist Starting Date: Oct. 1. Salary range for each position: $14,000 to $17,000. Please send vitae to the church to the attention of Linda Hankins, Chair of Staff Parish Relations, fax 317-247-7849, email hankins-linda@sbcglobal.net or call 317-840-4253.

Director of Music – 25 hours per week directing Chancel Choir, Senior Choir and Adult Handbells.

Organist – 15 hours per week Play Rodgers Electronic Organ (circa) 1999 for:

Three worship services each Sunday — hymns, prelude, offertory, postlude, Chancel Choir

Choir rehearsals weekly, special services, weddings/funerals (possible additional compensation)

NORTH UMC INDY SEEKS YOUTH, CHILDREN’S MINISTER

As a large metropolitan church located at a diverse intersection in urban Indianapolis, North UMC searches for a full-time minister of children and youth with dreams and vision for growing and developing an already dynamic program. Responsibilities include oversight, supervision, and planning for all aspects of children and youth ministry, such as Sunday school, United Methodist Youth Fellowship, retreats, special events, and mission trips. For more information, visit www.northchurchindy.com. Mail application to Children and Youth Minister Search Committee, North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208, or e-mail cysearch@northchurchindy.com.

YOUTH PASTOR NEEDED AT McCRAWSVILLE CHURCH

Youth Pastor in charge of ministries for youth grades 6–12. Congregation of 600+ members. Please send resume to McGrawsville UMC, 9377 South 300 East, Amboy, IN 46911 and request application. Deadline is August 17. Questions, please call 765-395-7712. Questions? Please call Sharon Berkheiser at the church office 765-395-7712.

MARION GROUP SEEKS PART TIME YOUTH MINISTRY LEADERS 

God’s Grace Ministries UMC in Marion, Ind. seeks applicants for a part-time youth ministry leader. If interested, please contact the church office at 765-674-1086 for more information and an application. The deadline for application is Aug. 30. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

God’s Grace Ministries UMC, 4312 South Adams Street, Marion, IN. 46952.

OSCEOLA UMC SEEKS CHOIR DIRECTOR AND WORSHIP LEADER

Adult Choir Director: 250-300 Sunday worship attendance – choir 20-25 – Wednesday evening rehearsal and Sunday 8:30 a.m. worship. September - May. Please contact church office for application – 574-679-4435 or e-mail to: Oumcoffice@osceolaumc.org.

Contemporary Worship Leader: 250-300 Sunday worship attendance – Sunday service at 9:45 a.m. - oversee singers and musicians for weekly rehearsals and one contemporary Sunday service - Please contact church office for application – 574-679-4435 or e-mail to: Oumcoffice@osceolaumc.org.

YORKTOWN CHURCH NEEDS TWO MUSIC POSITIONS FILLED

Yorktown (Ind.) UMC has two positions available Sept. 1.Organist/Pianist and Choir Director.

Organist is part time (7-9 hours) playing for one service and choir rehearsal. Organist accompanies adult choir and other solos and ensembles, also plays for 6-10 weddings and funerals per year at additional remuneration.

Choir Director is part time (6-8 hours) during school year and schedules additional music ministry for summer season. Salary for both positions is commensurate with experience and skill level. Send resume to yorktownunitedmethodist@comcast.net or Yorktown United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 217, Yorktown, IN 47396 or call 765-759-7411.

UM COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION SEEKS DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Director of Development at United Methodist Communications Foundation based in Nashville, Tenn. Application closing date: Sept. 7. Any interested applicants should apply to the UM Communications Human Resources Office., P. O. Box 320, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-742-5137 or fax resumes to 615-742-5428. Share this information with a friend or contact UM Communications for more information at hr@umcom.org.

PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS

INDIANAPOLIS CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

University Heights UMC in Indianapolis seeks a Director of Christian Education. Responsibilities include oversight, supervision and planning for all aspects of Christian education; including Sunday church school, Vacation Bible School, and other programs. This is initially a part-time position, with some flexibility in scheduling an average of 20 hours per week. Please contact the church office at 317-787-5347 or e-mail: uhumc@indy.rr.com.

ST. MARK’S BLOOMINGTON SEEKS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Bloomington seeks a new, part-time Director of Youth Ministries to begin service by Aug. 26. Candidates should have strong leadership skills and experience in church youth activities. For more information, go to www.stmarksbloomington.org. Mail application information to Youth Ministries Search Committee, St. Mark’s UMC, 100 N. Hwy 46 Bypass, Bloomington, IN 47408, or e-mail to smumc@stmarksbloomington.org

NORTH INDIANA UM FOUNDATION SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In anticipation of the summer 2008 retirement of our current executive director, the North Indiana United Methodist Foundation, Inc. seeks the right person to become the next Executive Director. For details, go to: www.niumf.org/foundation/ExecutiveDirectorPositionDescription.pdf.

Resumes may be submitted electronically to: foundation@niumf.org

Questions? Contact

North Indiana United Methodist Foundation & Loan Fund in Marion by phone 765-664-2327, toll-free 866-669-2327, fax 765-664-2598, e-mail srunion@niumf.org and Web site www.niumf.org.

WEST LAFAYETTE CHURCH SEEKS PART-TIME ORGANIST

The First UMC of West Lafayette seeks a part-time organist/accompanist for two Sunday morning worship services each Sunday – number is negotiable. The applicant must have a strong commitment to the Christian faith, quality worship and sacred music and be versatile in a wide range of musical styles. The preferred candidate will have competent accompanying skills on both organ and piano. The organ is an Allen MDS-39 Digital Electronic (1996), 3 manuals, 45 stops and a 100 voice MIDI including a 7 bell zimblestern. Request a complete job description or send your resume with three references to: Ellen Wilson, Director of Music and Worship Arts, First United Methodist Church, 1700 State Road 26 West, West Lafayette, IN 47906 or e-mail to ewilson@fumcwl.org

BLOOMINGTON DISTRICT CHURCH SEEKS CHOIR DIRECTOR

Crossroads UMC in Bloomington District seeks a choir director. If interested please contact Rick Shroeder at 812-876-4698.

INDIANAPOLIS CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY

Wesley UMC has an immediate opening for the part-time position of Director of Music Ministry. The church seeks a dynamic, energetic music professional to help us grow our music ministry in this Westside community. Principle responsibilities include directing the adult chancel choir and overseeing other vocal and instrumental opportunities with traditional and contemporary music. Send RESUME immediately to: Wesley United Methodist Church, Staff Parish Committee, 3425 West 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222. Or by e-mail to Wesley@wumchurch.org. For more information call 317-926-4414.

Previously listed jobs

e-NEWS archives

Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.

Last updated on 06/26/2008

Questions or comments: webmaster@inareaumc.org