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HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, November 30, 2007 – Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent
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
This Week’s News Headlines
News and Information
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Movie Review
Music
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
So be on your guard! You don’t know when your Lord will come. Homeowners never know when a thief is coming, and they are always on guard to keep one from breaking in. Always be ready! You don’t know when the Son of Man will come.
– Matthew 24:42-44
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
THIS WEEK’S NEWS HEADLINES
Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children to be received in Indiana churches
Ten laity receive Cross-and-Flame Award in Huntington District
Ohio church plans $1.5 million ‘Christmas Miracle Offering.’
African bishops examine Chinese investments in Africa
Indiana smoking bans paying off
General Conference Basics explored in online course
Pan-Methodist Commission urges ‘full communion’
Generation-Next leaders network, train in Nashville
Deichmann Edwards appointed acting president of United Theological Seminary
UE remembers team who members who died in plane crash 30 years ago
NEWS AND INFORMATION
BISHOP’S CHRISTMAS OFFERING TO BE RECEIVED IN INDIANA CHURCHES
Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent and the beginning of the Christian year. During this season of preparation, Indiana’s United Methodist churches will be preparing to receive the Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children.
This special Indiana Area offering helps support 12 special ministries to children here in Indiana from South Bend to Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lebanon and Evansville, nine children’s ministries across the United States from Kentucky to the Gulf Coast and west to New Mexico, and another nine children’s ministries around the world from Haiti, to Africa, to the Middle East and India.
Earlier this year, the area special offering committee distributed more than $109,000 in funds from last year’s Bishop’s Christmas Offering, a $20,000 increase above the 2006 offering. These funds were sent to children ministry projects here in Indiana, across the United States and other needy places around the world.
Those projects are listed on the bulletin inserts and envelopes in this year’s promotional materials mailed to United Methodist congregations this past week.
The Bishop’s Christmas Offering committee will equally divide this offering into thirds for projects in Indiana, the United States and the world.
A Bishop’s Christmas Offering promotional PowerPoint presentation and other resources are available online at www.inareaumc.org. Click on 2007 Christmas Offering.
TEN LAITY RECEIVE CROSS-FLAME AWARD IN HUNTINGTON DISTRICT
Ten lay members of the Huntington District UMC were honored with the 2007 Cross and Flame Award at this year’s District Worship Service on Nov. 5 at the Huntington Evangelical UMC. These outstanding United Methodists were recognized for their dedication as a disciple of Jesus Christ and work in their local church.
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Aimee Currie of Monroe UMC (nominated by Pastor Tim Powers)
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Carol Day of Richvalley UMC (nominated by Pastor Forrest Bowers)
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George DeWeese of Liberty Center UMC (nominated by Pastor Daniel Helm)
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Dean and Barbara Hart of Jefferson Center UMC (nominated by Pastor Kathy Newton)
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Mary Jane Nichols New Corydon UMC (nominated by Pastor Marvin Taylor)
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Arden Schilling of Evangelical UMC (nominated by District Superintendent Chip Gast)
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Mary Smith of Poneto UMC (nominated by Pastor Roy Nevil)
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Ann Spahr of Roanoke Seminary UMC (nominated by Pastor Kathleen Miller)
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Doris Stout of Berne Trinity UMC (nominated by Pastor Mark Berg)
-- Janet Ousley, Huntington District UMC
OHIO CHURCH PLANS $1.5 MILLION ‘CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OFFERING’
A United Methodist congregation is challenging its members and partner schools, businesses and churches to raise $1.5 million during the Christmas season for relief work in Sudan.
For its fourth “Christmas miracle offering,” Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City is asking that people contribute the same amount of money that they intend to spend celebrating Christmas with family and friends. The $1.5 million target almost would equal what the church already has invested in The Sudan Project. The ministry provides humanitarian relief to refugees in Darfur, where an estimated 300,000 people have died since 2003 as a result of civil unrest, lack of food and disease.
With the $1.8 million raised so far, Ginghamsburg is partnering on the project with the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Work over the past two years includes developing a sustainable agriculture project, a five-year child development/protection program and a four-year safe water initiative.
To date, the child development program has trained 200 teachers, built or rehabilitated 100 schools, and enrolled 11,000 students. The sustainable agricultural project is feeding 65,000 people. By the close of 2010, a safe water and sanitation initiative will provide water to nearly a quarter of a million Sudanese.
During the weekend of Dec. 1-2, Sashi Chanda, an UMCOR project leader in the Sudan, and the Rev. Sam Dixon, UMCOR’s chief executive, will participate in five worship celebrations at Ginghamsburg and update worshipers on the project and the Darfur situation. – UMNS
AFRICAN BISHOPS EXAMINE CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN AFRICA
How are African people being affected by Chinese investments in African nations in exchange for mineral and mining rights? The question was explored by a coalition of African and U.S. church leaders seeking to strengthen United Methodist ministries in Africa. The Holistic Strategy on Africa task force met Nov. 3-4 at Lake Junaluska, N.C. prior to the worldwide United Methodist Council of Bishops meeting.
Bishop Fama Onema, a retired bishop from the Democratic Republic of Congo, reported on China’s $5 billion loan to his country under an agreement signed in September. According to Asia Economy Watch, the loan will pay for enhancements to the Congo’s extraction infrastructure and give China access rights to extract significant natural resources.
In their conversations about eradicating poverty in Africa, the African bishops noted that China has made similar investment deals across the continent. The bishops expressed concern about the costs to the people of Africa. Analysts say China’s financial muscle is providing an economic alternative to African leaders, since traditional partners like European nations and the United States are consumed by their own economic and social issues. China also has cancelled debts owed by some African nations. – UMNS
INDIANA SMOKING BANS PAYING OFF
Smoking bans almost immediately protect the health of nonsmokers, a study by Indiana University professors suggests. The study, published in the current issue of the Journal of Drug Education, found that the number of heart attacks among nonsmokers in Monroe County plummeted in the 22 months after a countywide smoking ban took effect. Delaware County, with similar demographics but no ban during the months of the study, saw no such dramatic decrease. “This provides really solid evidence of the benefit of the public smoking ban, and hopefully this will provide a basis for adopting a public smoking ban in many municipalities and states,” said Dong-Chul Seo, an assistant professor in IU’s Department of Applied Health Science and the study’s lead author. This study was funded by the American Institutes for Research and Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation. – The Indianapolis Star, 11/21/07
GENERAL CONFERENCE BASICS EXPLORED IN ONLINE COURSE
United Methodist Communications is now offering “Exploring General Conference,” a five-session online course for anyone wanting to learn more about the denomination’s top legislative body and how it works.
The course is free and being offered to give people a basic working knowledge of the church’s legislative process in advance of the 2008 General Conference. About 1,000 delegates will gather next April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas, to set church policy, approve a budget and speak on behalf of the denomination regarding social and moral issues of the day.
Participants can begin the course anytime from now to Dec. 26 and move through the sessions at their own pace. Additional sessions will be offered from January through next May.
Launched Nov. 15, the course garnered more than 150 participants in its first three days and is expected gain momentum as General Conference approaches.
To register, visit http://training.umcom.org. For more information, call 888-278-4862 or e-mail training@umcom.org. – UMNS
PAN-METHODIST COMMISSION URGES ‘FULL COMMUNION’
Members of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union want to affirm their Wesleyan heritage and mutual covenant as churches in full communion with one another.
The commission adopted a resolution to that effect during its Nov. 15-17 meeting in Chicago. The body includes representatives of The United Methodist Church and three historic African-American Methodist churches – the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal.
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, who chairs the commission, said the resolution reflects uncertainty about whether commission members are in full communion with one another. Full communion, Jarrett explained, means that each of the Methodist bodies recognize and accept their common connection with Wesleyan tradition, recognize and honor various orders of ministry, agree on the basic tenets and doctrines, and acknowledge that there are ministries “we are fully called to and obligated to share in.” -- UMNS
GENERATION-NEXT LEADERS NETWORK, TRAIN IN NASHVILLE
United Methodist young adult leaders from across the country attended the General Board of Discipleship’s second Young Adult Leaders Summit. The 70-80 young adults from conferences across The United Methodist Church met for networking, training and empowerment in Nashville, Tenn., Nov.15-17.
“This event is a great way for young adult leaders to connect with other leaders engaged in similar responsibilities as their own to share insights, support and ideas,” says Bill Lizor, GBOD’s director of Young Adult and Single Adult Ministries.
Sessions focused on current research, discipleship and spiritual formation, and effective young adult ministry models.
To get an overview of current research, the group viewed the video, “Generation Next: Speak Up, Be Heard,” (www.pbs.org/newshour/generation-next/) a research project developed by PBS and Films for the Humanities and Sciences.
According to the PBS Web site, “the aim of the Generation Next initiative is to unravel this generation of young people who are hooked to technology, generally supportive of gay rights and racial differences, partial to postponing adulthood and swamped in debt.”
Conferences were invited to send 3-5 leaders of young adult ministries from any level – conference, district and local church – to the Summit. – GBOD
DEICHMANN EDWARDS APPOINTED ACTING PRESIDENT OF UNITED
The Board of Trustees of United Methodist-related United Theological Seminary based in Dayton, Ohio, has appointed Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann Edwards as Acting President, effective Nov. 16. President G. Edwin Zeiders announced his resignation in March, and remained in the role of President until Nov. 15. A Presidential Search Team continues its efforts to find permanent presidential leadership for the school.
Deichmann Edwards is currently Academic Dean, and will continue in that role. She is a member of the Faculty at United, and previously served as Director of the UTS at Buffalo (NY) program.
She is an ordained elder in the Western New York Conference UMC and has served several congregations in pastoral ministry. She is the co-editor of Gender and the Social Gospel and the author of numerous articles on the social gospel and the history of Christian missions. – UTS
INTERNAL REVENUE ANNOUNCES STANDARD MILEAGE RATES FOR 2008
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service has announced the standard mileage rates for 2008 online at www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=176030,00.html.
The rates will be:
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50.5¢ per-mile for business miles driven;
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19¢ per-mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and
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14¢ per-mile driven in service of charitable organizations.
The mileage rate for charitable miles is set by law. – Brent Williams, NIC
UE REMEMBERS TEAM WHO DIED IN PLANE CRASH 30 YEARS AGO
The University of Evansville will hold a memorial service on the University’s campus in Neu Chapel on Thursday, Dec. 13 at noon to remember the 29 individuals who lost their lives when the Purple Aces Men’s Basketball team plane crashed 30 years ago.
UE Chaplain Brian Erickson will lead the service. The service will conclude in Memorial Plaza near the “Weeping Basketball,” which was formally dedicated in October 1979 and serves as a daily reminder for those who study, work and visit the University.
“The plane crash is an unbelievably sad piece of the University of Evansville’s history,” said UE President Stephen Jennings. “But it’s also an important piece of our heritage, and we will never forget the people who perished in that tragedy.”
Any members of the public wishing to attend the memorial are invited and welcome. – UE
More stories are available online
at
www.umc.org and
www.umportal.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
ADVENT HYMN TEXTS SET TO CHRISTMAS TUNES
Here are five familiar Advent hymn texts set to familiar Christmas tunes: www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=13098&loc_id=17,897,902
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“Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending,” using REGENT SQUARE (“Angels from the Realms of Glory”)
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“Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” using W ZLOBIE LEZY (“Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”)
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“The King Shall Come,” using ANTIOCH (“Joy to the World”)
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“Watchman, Tell Us of the Night,” using MENDELSSOHN (“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”)
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“The People That in Darkness Sat,” using CHRISTMAS (“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”) – GBOD, Worship Division
GENTRYVILLE CHURCH SEEKS USED CHURCH PEWS
The Mt. Olive UMC, located in southern Indiana on Hwy 231 two miles south of Gentryville, is looking for used church pews, they will be new to us. If you have some to give or sell, call Toni Groves at 812-362-8711 or e-mail her at trg@swindiana.net.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
SOUTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR DECEMBER
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.” December “Picks” have been posted. Some of the newest additions include: Advent Calendar on DVD: Christmas Countdown for December; Faith in Community Ministry: Forged by Fire: Untold Stories of Faith; NOOMA: Name; and Prayer: Does It Make a Difference? with Philip Yancey. FOR CHRISTMAS RESOURCES: Go to the website, click on “Bibliographies” and go to “Holidays: Christmas.” There are still some Christmas videos and DVDs available for scheduling. 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.
SOUTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER TO BE CLOSED DEC. 17-JAN. 2
The South Indiana Conference Media Resource Center in Bloomington will be closed from Dec.17 to Jan. 2. Mary Barnes, director of the center, will be away from the office for holidays and vacation time during this period. Please call now for resources you need during that period and please return all items to the Media Center by Dec.17 if they are due back by that date. Thank you for your assistance and use of the center.
NORTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR DECEMBER
New Releases:
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Team For Peace-Israeli/Palestine Youth Soccer Team Plays for Peace
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Outflow Youth Leader’s Kit, Everyday Outreach for everyday Youth (Includes DVD, Leader’s Guide & Youth Journal
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After The Storm-Power & Peace in the Middle East
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Advent Calendar
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Disciple-Training for Effective Discipleship Leaders
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God Rocks Series: *Because God gave me RULES I am Responsible
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Because God helps me, I am Confident
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Because God Created me I am Special-DVD/CD-Rom curriculum for grades 1-6, 5 sessions for each DVD/CD-Rom
Christmas Favorites:
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A Christmas Carol-Bible Study, The True Christmas Story
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Noel-A magical ornament comes to life, a story of love
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Alabaster’s Song-Max Lucado
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Cosmic Christmas, Jacob’s Gift
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Lightening The Way- Multi-Cultral Approach
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My Favorite Christmas and many more!
We look forward to serving you! Call 800-783-5138 or e-mail angel@nicumc.org.
MOVIE REVIEW
LIONS FOR LAMBS
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Production Company: MGM
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Director: Robert Redford
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Cast: Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Michael Peña, Derek Luke, Andrew Garfield, Peter Berg
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Rating: R for some war violence and language
By Gregg Tubbs
“Do you want to win the war on terror?” Can you imagine a more provocative tagline than this, posed by a staunchly conservative Senator to a liberal, idealistic reporter in the politically charged new drama Lions for Lambs? On the surface, Lions for Lambs is about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq – confronting them more directly than any mainstream film yet. But its focus is as much a war of words and a clash of ideas as a combat between armies. And although it confronts the “war on terror” head-on, its real target is apathy and the oft used saying, “You must stand for something or you may fall for anything.” – UMC.org
For the full review and study questions, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3593883/k.37A3/Movie_Review_iLions_for_Lambsi.htm
MUSIC
THE BEST CHRISTIAN ALBUMS OF 2007
DEATHS
ELEANOR DAVAULT, 83, mother of the Rev. Denise Davault Gilbert, pastor of North Liberty UMC (NIC), died Tuesday evening, Nov. 27, 2007, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. A memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. TODAY, Friday, Nov. 30 at Grace United Methodist Church in South Bend. The Revs. Marianne Chalstrom and David Harrold will be officiating. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Denise Davault Gilbert, P.O. Box 904 North Liberty, IN 46554-0904.
KENNETH C. SWAN, retired pastor (NIC), died Monday, Nov. 26, 2007. A memorial service is scheduled to be held TODAY, Friday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. in the First Church of the Nazarene, 700 Kem Rd., Marion, with burial at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Berne, Ind. at 3 p.m.
Survivors include: his wife, Lena; two daughters, Dixie L. Craig of Portland, Diana Kay Dutton of Wabash; two sons, Kenneth D. Swan of Marion, and Thomas D. Swan of Portland, Ore.; stepchildren Edward Sipes, Jr. of Marion; Maxine Hiatt of Andrews; Lynda Cunningham of Plugerville, Texas; Leslie Sipes of Ft. Wayne; Letha Stanton of Muncie; Penny Hilton of Marion; one sister, Mary Hopper of Ky.; two brothers, the Rev. James Swan of Marion, and Samuel T. Swan of Leavenworth; 28 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, 700 Kem Rd., Marion, IN 46952.
Condolences can be sent to Lena Swan, 9 Valley Ct., Marion, IN 46953-4126.
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 November 30, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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None this week
South Indiana Conference
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Campbell, Norman W. From Mt. Comfort, Indianapolis East to Voluntary Leave of Absence, 12/1
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Haysler, George C. from no appointment to Rush Branch/Rush Branch: Ebenezer, Columbus 11/1
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Pence, Diane Menke from Great Rivers Annual Conference, Illinois to Extension Ministry: Hamilton Center, 10/16
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Pendleton, Frank A. from Mt. Zion/Mt. Zion: Embury, New Albany to Mt. Zion/Mt. Zion: Embury, New Albany, 9/1
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Slough, Max from Linton: Glenburn, Bloomington to no appointment, 7/1
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Wilfong, Charles D. from Greensburg, Rushville to New Albany District Superintendent, New Albany, 12/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
AVON UMC SEEKING DIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND ORGANIST
Positions may be individual or combined
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Avon UMC, a large and growing church located west of Indianapolis at 6850 East Highway 36, is seeking a part-time Director of Music. Responsibilities for the Director of Music include: overseeing all musical programming including chancel choir, summer choir, all children’s/youth choirs, small vocal ensembles, the bell choirs, the orchestra, the dance troupe, and the drama troupe. Administrative duties include: organizing and assisting volunteers, overseeing the music ministry budget, preparing for rehearsals, purchasing music, and scheduling of the different musical programming and rehearsal times. Candidates should forward resume and cover letter to office@avonumc.com care of Staff-Parish Relations team. Please include “Director of Music” in the subject line.
ORGANIST Responsibilities for the organist include: playing for worship services and special holiday services, rehearsing with choir and soloists, and assisting in the coordination of music with sermon topics. Candidates should forward resume and cover letter to office@avonumc.com in care of Staff-Parish Relations team. Please include “Organist” in the subject line.
ELKHART CHURCH SEEKS CHOIR-PRAISE TEAM DIRECTOR
Elkhart Bethel UMC (average attendance 85-95) is now accepting resumes for the position of part-time Choir/Praise Team Director for our Sunday 9 a.m. worship service. The position will be open starting Jan. 1. The right candidate would need to be available most Sundays and also for choir and praise team rehearsals, currently on Wednesday evenings, and any additional services throughout the year, as needed. Experience with blended/contemporary services/music is a must. Please forward resume with references to Bethel UMC, 1200 N. Michigan St., Elkhart, IN 46514, call 574-264-3455 or send an e-mail to: bethel_umc@verizon.net.
NASHVILLE CHURCH HAS TWO OPENINGS IN MUSIC MINISTRY
The Nashville United Methodist Church currently has two openings in music ministry – Choir director and organist. For more information or to apply for these positions, contact Nashville UMC, P.O. Box 518, Nashville, IN 47448 or nashvillemetho@sbcglobal.net Attn. PPR Chair.
PLAINFIELD CHURCH NEEDS PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
The Plainfield UMC now has an opening for a part-time Staff Support Administrative Assistant.
This is a 24- up to 28-hour partially flexible schedule work week. Please submit letters of inquiry and a resume to staffparish@pumc.org. Contact the church office or send an e-mail request for additional information. Plainfield UMC, 600 Simmons Street; Plainfield, IN 46168-2264.
UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATION SEEKS WEB PRODUCER
Web Producer at United Methodist Communication in Nashville, Tenn.
Designs and executes layout of Web sites and web pages. Manages non-print digital media encoding and streaming on assigned Web sites. Works with all teams to gather story elements in a timely fashion for posting. Acquires, encodes and places streaming media on Web sites as needed. Provides encoding and streaming support to UMCom teams. Processes photographs, graphics and flash for UMC.org.
Has direct, day-to day technical responsibility for assuring that umc.org and related Web sites are up-to-date and work properly (no broken links, media files display properly, etc.)
Responsible for designing building new Web pages for umc.org and related sites. Builds and maintains Web sites for certain other UM-related entities.
This job requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Information Systems.
For more information or to apply, contact UMCom/Human Resources, P.O. Box 320, (810-12th Ave. S., Nash. 37203), Nashville, TN 37202-0320; Phone: 615-742-5137 ; Fax: 615-742-5428 or e-mail: hr@umcom.org.
To apply please provide the following: Three (3) Letters of Reference, Resume and Application Form Required (Request application via e-mail or in writing.)
Closing date: Dec. 21. All resumes must be post marked by the closing date.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
WABASH CHURCH SEEKS PART-TIME CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP DIRECTOR
First United Methodist Church in Wabash is looking for a person to direct/lead our contemporary worship service (9 a.m. Sundays) and to direct the music ministries of the contemporary service. Responsibilities include: Working with pastoral staff, Worship Committee, church musicians, audio-visual personnel, and leading Contemporary Worship Team in order to provide worship which connects with needs of contemporary adults and youth.
Hours: up to 20 hours per week. Bachelor’s Degree level training in music performance desired, with abilities in voice as well as keyboards or guitar. Salary is negotiable.
Send inquiries, letter of interest and/or resume to: The Rev. Chris Madison, First United Methodist Church, 110 N Cass Street, Wabash, IN 46992 or call 260-563-3108 Fax: 260-563-3109, e-mail pastorcbm@msn.com
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.