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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, September 21, 2007 – Sunday is the 17th 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
Anyone who can be trusted in little matters can also be trusted in important matters. But anyone who is dishonest in little matters will be dishonest in important matters.
– Luke 16:10
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
GRANGER COMMUNITY CHURCH BAPTIZES 350 PEOPLE ON ONE SUNDAY
The 5,000-member Granger Community (United Methodist) Church based in Granger, Ind., baptized more than 350 people at Coveleski Regional Stadium in South Bend on Sunday, Sept. 9 The church has about 5,000 members.
Jami Ruth, communications manager for Granger Community Church, said the yearly ceremonies had been held at Clear Lake in Buchanan since the church was founded by Pastor Mark Beeson 21 years ago. Ruth said the church used the stadium to provide more room for family and friends.
The move was made this year with six small above-ground pools set up with baptisms taking place in all six at once. It took a little longer than an hour for the names and pool assignments of those being baptized to be read. And it was another half hour before everybody had gone through the lines at the pools. – South Bend Tribune
IPS SUPERINTENDENT TALKS REVOLUTION AT INDY CHURCH
Broadway UMC in Indianapolis hosted guest preacher Dr. Eugene White, Superintendent of Indianapolis Public Schools, on Sunday, Sept. 16. White’s visit coincided with an op-ed piece in the Sunday Indianapolis Star in which he announced that his third year as the leader of IPS will be the year of “The Revolution,” with concerted efforts to address “the way we look, the way we act, and the way we teach and learn.” White’s sermon is available at www.broadwayumc.org (click “Celebrate” then click “Sermons”). A news feature with video is available at www.wishtv.com.
MORE THAN 4,000 VOTE IN FAVOR OF SMOKE-FREE BALL STATE CAMPUS
More than 6,600 Ball State University students voted on the campus-wide smoking ban referendum. That is about 2,500 more votes cast than for last year’s Student Government Association elections. SGA President Betsy Mills said she was pleased with the turnout and it showed students were passionate about the issue. She said that even though the majority of students voted for a smoke-free campus, SGA would still represent the minority opinion and would take e-mails she has been getting to President Gora. – Ball State Daily News (Ball State University), 09/13/07
HOOSIER PARK RACINO TO OPEN BY JUNE
Hoosier Park officials revealed details of its massive “racino” project during an open house for vendors and contractors on Tuesday (Anderson Herald-Bulletin). Last month, Hoosier Park announced its plans to build a 92,696-square-foot building to house slot machines. Now it says the $30 million project will be completed by next June. “This is a fast-track program. We want to be open and ready for fun by June of 2008,” said Kyle Tuttle of LPCiminelli, a Buffalo, N.Y.-based company that will serve as the project manager. “The saying is, we have a long way to go and a short time to get there. Time is of the essence.” In addition to LPCiminelli, Hoosier Park has brought on Geupel-DeMars-Hagerman Construction Managers to oversee the construction process. – Howey Political Report Daily 09/19/07
ILLINOIS SENATE VOTES FOR THREE NEW CASINOS
The Illinois Senate voted Tuesday to open three new casinos, including one in Chicago, to pay for building new roads and bridges and bailing out the Chicago area’s struggling transit systems (Associated Press). Existing casinos would also be allowed to expand under the plan for a roughly $13 billion construction program. – Howey Political Report Daily 09/19/07
SHOWS COMMITMENT, NEED FOR GROWTH
United Methodist men are committed to the church but lack close male support, a new report says. The Study of Men report was conducted by the Commission on United Methodist Men and will be submitted to the 2008 General Conference, the top legislative body of the denomination. The study was undertaken at the request of the 2004 General Conference.
The report is based on a survey of 1,350 people of similar demographics to the total number of men in The United Methodist Church. The results were presented by Gil Hanke, commission president, during the board’s Sept. 15-16 meeting.
The commission oversees the work of men’s ministry throughout The United Methodist Church. United Methodist Men has approximately 239,000 members in the United States in a denomination with about 8 million U.S. members.
Among the report’s findings, 86.5 percent of respondents attend church almost every week, with 65 percent in small groups or a men’s program. Half of those surveyed said they had a strong connection to their congregation that is growing stronger. An additional 26 percent felt as connected to their church as they did in the previous year. Reflecting on a personal spiritual life, 75 percent said they use a devotional at least several times a week. – UMNS
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TO PROMOTE UNITED METHODIST MEN
United Methodist Men, based in Nashville, Tenn., will mark 100 years of men’s ministry in 2008 in a year-long celebration that also aims to grow the organization as it works to move more men into discipleship. Directors of the Commission on United Methodist Men, which met Sept. 15-16, have proposed 12 months of activities for local churches to celebrate the anniversary. – UMNS
DENOMINATIONAL BUDGET TIGHTENS AROUND FOUR FOCUS AREAS
The United Methodist Church is facing the “very hard, very painful” work of cutting ministries and shifting resources while building its denominational budget around four newly named areas of focus. After months of reviewing a proposed budget that does not keep pace with inflation, the chief executives of the denomination’s program agencies pledged to preserve ministries that address those four areas – leadership development, congregational growth, global health and poverty.
However, programs and ministries outside those initiatives will be reviewed for possible adjustments and cuts if the church’s top legislative assembly approves the $642 million four-year spending plan next spring, the executives said. The General Conference, which meets every four years, will gather in Fort Worth, Texas. – UMNS
SURVEY SAYS CHURCHES GIVE HIGH PRIORITY TO HEALTH CARE
A groundbreaking survey of more than 6,000 American congregations reveals that churches spend a significant amount of time, energy and money in the ministries of health care. The Congregational Health Ministry Survey, conducted by the National Council of Churches USA with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, shows that a majority of churches are ministering to their communities by providing health care ministries. As the number of uninsured Americans reaches 47 million people, congregations are supplying health education and direct health care services. Many are advocating on behalf of public policy issues related to health care. According to the survey, about 70 percent of responding churches provide direct health services, with 65 percent offering health education programs within their community. The survey defines direct services as provision of medical care to individuals by trained health care professionals -- National Council of Churches
FRIENDSHIP, HOPE ON A PLANE: MEDICAL AIRLIFT ARRIVES IN GEORGIA
The United Methodist Committee on Relief and Project Hope airlift with millions of dollars in donated medical supplies arrived Friday, Sept. 14, in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. The former Soviet republic is a country of great economic need in the mountains separating Europe and Asia.
The flight was the 912th sponsored by Project Hope and the US Department of State, since 1992. The shipment means a healthier life for more than 90,000 vulnerable patients in the Caucasus region.
Distribution of the supplies and training in the use of medicines and equipment, to be managed by the UMCOR Georgia office, began this past Saturday at Iashvili Children’s Central Hospital in Tbilisi. The hospital is Georgia’s major pediatric inpatient institution. UMCOR has supplied pharmaceuticals there since 1993. – UMCOR
AGENCY CALLS FOR TARGETED DIVESTMENT IN ISRAEL, SUDAN
The United Methodist Board of Church and Society’s, the denomination’s social action agency based in Washington, D.C., wants the denomination to divest from companies providing products or services used for “illegal destruction” in Palestinian areas or that are doing business with the government of Sudan. Resolutions on the two divestment issues will be sent to the 2008 General Conference for consideration when the church’s top policy-making body meets April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. The resolutions came out of the Board’s fall board of directors meeting held Sept. 13-16 in the nation’s capital.
“Divestment and Caterpillar” calls for the church to divest from the heavy-equipment manufacturer based in Peoria, Ill., because of bulldozers and other equipment supplied to the Israeli Defense Forces used for the “illegal destruction of Palestinian homes, orchards and olive groves in the Occupied Territories and to clear Palestinian land for illegal Israeli settlements, segregated roads and the Separation Barrier.” If approved, the resolution calls for general agencies, annual conferences, local churches, conference boards of pensions, United Methodist foundations and all other entities that invest United Methodist funds to divest of all equity and debt holdings of Caterpillar Inc., by Jan. 1, 2009.
The United Methodist Church has called repeatedly for action to end the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, and additional steps are needed to bring economic pressure on the government of Sudan “to end the genocide,” states the resolution on “Divestment and Sudan.”
Targeted divestment from companies doing business with the Sudanese government will not harm those in need, according to the Sudan Divestment Task Force, a project of the Genocide Intervention Network. –UMNS
Editor’s note: Hoosier United Methodists participated in an interfaith movement in Indiana, which led to a targeted divestment of Sudan among state pension funds.
IMAGINE INDIANA QUESTION-ANSWER SHEET AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Imagine Indiana Design Team has posted a Question & Answer sheet on the Indiana Area Web site at www.inareaumc.org. Click on Imagine Indiana logo in the left column.
This is a list of frequently asked questions of the design team. If you have a question not listed or a comment or suggestion to the design team, please e-mail that question to ImagineIndiana@inareaumc.org.
More stories are available online at www.umc.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
TO SCREEN OR NOT TO SCREEN
Research shows that a majority of United Methodist churches now use screens and projection to provide at least the lyrics of hymns and songs in worship. Most also still have hymnals in the pews. In some churches screens remain a hot item of contention – should we use them or not? And why or why not? This article looks at both sides.
SIERRA LEONE HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR IN NEED OF CHOIR ROBES
Mr. Reuben Sieyia who serves as the hospital administrator for the Kissy Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and also a pastor in a United Methodist Church could use 30 used adult choir robes for his church choir. If you have extra or unused choir robes to give please contact: lowell.teska@whitleybiz.com
MINISTRY RESOURCES
CASTLETON CHURCH MOVING, OFFERING USED SANCTUARY FURNITURE
The Castleton UMC in Indianapolis is moving to a new sanctuary and needs to clean house. Sanctuary items available for sale include:
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Pulpit, lectern, baptismal, altar in traditional style
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39 wooden, padded folding chairs used by the choir
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Pews in a variety of lengths – wood grain with white accents and padded seats.
These items will be available in January 2008. For more information, pictures or to make an appointment to see these items, contact Deanne Heidrich, director of operations, at 317-849-2947 or by e-mail at deanne@castletonumc.org.
COUNCIL OF CHURCHES PROVIDES RESOURCES ON POVERTY, PEACE
The New York City based National Council of Churches, to which The United Methodist Church belongs with 34 other denominations, provides these two new resources.
Eradicating Global Poverty, A Christian Study Guide on the Millennium Development Goals, written by Lallie Lloyd, is available now from Friendship Press for $7.95 each. This is a compelling and possibly life-changing guide for church schools and other study groups. Click on Ordering information
For the Peace of the World. This 87-page book, edited by Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, the National Council of Churches’ Associate General Secretary for International Affairs, examines the issue of peace and international relationships with essays, Bible studies, prayers, litanies and other worship resources. Click on Ordering information
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA CENTER PICKS FOR SEPTEMBER
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. September “Picks” include:
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Children of the Nakba, a School of Christian Missions selection
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NOOMA - Store: Dealing with our anger.
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NOOMA - Today: Learning to live in the day - not the past.
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William Wilberforce: One man’s struggle to rid the world of slavery.
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Herod’s Temple: The Temple as it was in Jesus’ day
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A second copy of Gilligan’s Island - The Seven Deadly Sins
Order by calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-783-5138. This service is provided through your connectional tithe.
For information on any of these and many more, go to our Web site, www.nicumc.org and click on Media Library or call Angel at 800-785-5138.
NOTE: Bonnie Miller has retired from her position as director of the Media Center. Angel Rea succeeds her. We give thanks to Bonnie for her service to the Media Center.
SOUTH CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR SEPTEMBER
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.” September “Picks” have been posted. Some of the newest additions include: Baptism in The United Methodist Church; Into the Heart of Hope (AIDS in Africa); Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith; and NOOMA: Today. NOTE: Coming this fall: Living the Questions 2 and Affectionately Yours, Screwtape (C.S. Lewis). 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/consultation or you can access the catalog directly at www.sicumc.org.
MOVIE REVIEW
3:10 TO YUMA
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Production Company: Lionsgate
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Director: James Mangold
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Cast: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Peter Fonda, Gretchen Mol, Dallas Roberts, Ben Foster, Vinessa Shaw, Logan Lerman
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Rating: Rated R for violence and language.
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – For decades, Hollywood has been performing CPR on the nearly dead genre of the Western. The genre that once ruled the screen has shown few signs of life, with the exception of notable efforts by Clint Eastwood and Kevin Costner. However, with 3:10 to Yuma, the patient gets a powerful jolt. Yuma is a taut, gritty, action-filled western that straddles both old Hollywood classicism and juiced-up modern sensibilities, incorporating the best of both. Better yet, two major stars, Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, inhabit the classic good guy, bad guy roles and imbue them with subtle shades of gray and complex moral conflict.
For full review and study questions, log on to: www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3382479/k.797B/Movie_Review_i310_to_Yumai.htm
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 September 21, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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None this week
South Indiana Conference
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Cook, Craig from Loogootee, Vincennes to no appointment, 8/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
INDIANAPOLIS CHURCH SEEKS SECRETARY, IMMEDIATE OPENING
Christ UMC, 8540 US 31 South in Indianapolis, has an immediate opening for a church secretary who is detail-oriented, organized and efficient. Computer knowledge is necessary, and duties include processing mail and e-mail, answering the phone, printing the bulletin, and updating and maintaining records. The ability to help with finances is a plus. This position is currently for thirty hours, but it may lead to more hours in the future.
If interested, please contact: Chair of SPRC-CUMC, 907 Clossey Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46227-2531 or by e-mail at chairsprc@yahoo.com.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
CHURCH CUSTODIAN NEEDED IN MISHAWAKA CHURCH
Custodian needed. Some experience helpful, 15-20 hours a week. Send resume to Albright United Methodist Church, 504 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, IN 46545 by Sept. 21. For more information, call 574-259-1975.
SANTA CLAUS CHURCH SEEKS PART-TIME YOUTH MINISTER
The Santa Claus UMC in Santa Claus, Ind., seeks a part-time youth minister to oversee the ministries for youth between ages 12-18. The position is estimated to be 20-30 hours per week. Interested persons can call the church office at 812-937-2482 or e-mail: church@santaclausumc.org.
GREAT RIVERS CONFERENCE POSTS JOB FOR COUNSELING POSITION
The Great Rivers Annual Conference of Illinois seeks director/counselor’s position of the Shalom Pastoral Care and Counseling Center in Urbana, Ill. Information and application are available online at www.igrc.org/images/pdf_forms/PCCapplication.pdf.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.