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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODIST e-newsletter
For Friday, December 7, 2007 – Sunday is the second 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
Comment on a Current Movie
from a Reader
TV Special
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Employment Listings
Previous Employment Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Many Pharisees and Sadducees also came to be baptized. But John said to them:
You bunch of snakes! Who warned you to run from the coming judgment? Do something to show that you have really given up your sins. And don’t start telling yourselves that you belong to Abraham’s family. I tell you that God can turn these stones into children for Abraham. 1An ax is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into a fire.
I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. But someone more powerful is going to come, and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His threshing fork is in his hand, and he is ready to separate the wheat from the husks. He will store the wheat in a barn and burn the husks in a fire that never goes out.
Matthew 3:7-12
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
THIS WEEK’S NEWS HEADLINES
Remember Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children This Advent
Indianapolis Religious Leaders Help Janitors Secure Their Future
Agency Clarifies General Conference Survey Concerns
United Methodist Mission Agency Searching For Chief Executive
WCC’s Kobia Calls for End to Killings in Philippines
Retrospective Story of The UMC In 2007 Now Available With Slides
NEWS AND INFORMATION
REMEMBER BISHOP’S CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR CHILDREN THIS ADVENT
Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner urges United Methodists to pray for all the children of the world this Christmas. He also encourages each United Methodist church to receive a special offering for children to be divided among children’s ministries in Indiana, throughout the United States and around the world.
In Indiana, that offering will benefit children’s ministries including a worship service for developmentally disabled children in South Bend, the North Indiana Conference Children and Poverty projects, children’s summer camping programs, children’s community outreach projects in Fort Wayne, Lafayette, Anderson, Muncie, Kokomo and Indianapolis plus United Methodist children’s homes in Goshen, Evansville and Lebanon.
Thank you for your generous contribution this Christmas to the Bishop’s Children Offering.
INDIANAPOLIS RELIGIOUS LEADERS HELP JANITORS SECURE THEIR FUTURE
Many United Methodists and other religious leaders in the Indianapolis area have worked with community leaders and janitors for the past three years to bring economic justice to janitors in Indianapolis. Those janitors have successfully formed a union with SEIU and will soon begin negotiations for their first-ever city-wide contract. Now, janitors in Indianapolis will negotiate for fair pay, access to affordable health care and more working hours. Janitors will negotiate with the city’s largest cleaning companies – including GSF, ABM, OneSource, SBM and Mitch Murch’s Maintenance Methods.
As a part of the Three Cities, One Future campaign, thousands of janitors in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, recently won their first city-wide contracts. In Cincinnati, janitors will see their wages rise over 159 percent in the next four years. In Columbus, Ohio, the contract will bring the minimum wage rate to $10 per hour. In both cities, workers won affordable health coverage, thus relieving those cities’ overburdened health care systems. Now is the time for Indianapolis janitors to win justice!
Please consider using this prayer during this Advent season
O God, you have bound us together in this life with your mercy and justice. Grant your wisdom and patience to contractors and custodians as work together to forge a new relationship that fosters dignity and equality. Multiply their efforts to create a just economy for the benefit of their families, their neighborhoods and our city. Amen.
Join janitors at Noon, Tuesday, Dec. 18 at the Arts Garden (W. Washington at Illinois Streets) for a solidarity action: Christmas caroling for a fair contract with healthcare, living wages and respect.
Include the janitors and upcoming contract negotiations in your prayers on Sunday, Dec. 23.
Please contact Leslie Mendoza at lmendoza@seiu3.org and let her know if you will be caroling or including them in your prayers. – Darren Cushman Wood, Speedway UMC
AGENCY CLARIFIES GENERAL CONFERENCE SURVEY CONCERNS
The United Methodist Church will begin its official online survey in December of the 992 delegates to its 2008 General Conference. In November, however, some U.S. General Conference delegates were asked to participate in a telephone survey by the Conquest Communications Group, a Richmond, Va. firm, which declined to identify the survey’s sponsor. General Conference organizers emphasized that the Conquest survey is not being conducted by or for The United Methodist Church. “The denomination’s survey will be done by e-mail and will come directly from my office,” said the Rev. Alan J. Morrison, business manager for General Conference and an executive staff member of the United Methodist Council on Finance and Administration.
General Conference, the top policy-making body of the 13.5 million-member United Methodist Church, will meet April 23-May 2, 2008, in Fort Worth, Texas. The assembly is the only body that speaks for the entire denomination. – UMNS
UNITED METHODIST MISSION AGENCY SEARCHING FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE
The mission agency of The United Methodist Church based in New York City is conducting a global search for a chief executive possessing spiritual depth, broad vision, cultural sensitivity, and administrative expertise, combined with “a genuine love of Christ and desire to serve.”
An expanded position description issued on Nov. 27 supplements an initial October announcement of the search for a general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries, the largest of the 13 general agencies of the international denomination. “General Secretary” is the classical title for heads of those organizations.
The ideal candidate for General Secretary will have “the opportunity to lead and inspire an agency dedicated to making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” states the new expanded description issued by a search committee headed by Bishop Joel N. Martinez of San Antonio, president of the board.
The committee is looking for a mission leader who values collaboration, understands finance and budgeting, can work creatively with directors and staff, and has the capacity to effectively communicate and represent the mission of The United Methodist Church in many different venues.
Inquiries, nominations, cover letters, and resumes may be sent to: Joyce Lapenn, P.O. Box 368, Hillsdale, New York 12529, phone 917-331-9211, email: jslapenn@aol.com. E-mail submission is strongly encouraged. Any applications or nominations already sent to the board will be consolidated into the screening process. – GBGM
WCC’s KOBIA CALLS FOR END TO KILLINGS IN PHILIPPINES
A world church leader visiting Manila in the Philippines has urged the government to put an end to what human rights activists have called extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, according to Ecumenical News International. “It is our fervent prayer and desire that people in this country live lives of security and human dignity,” the Rev. Samuel Kobia, chief executive, World Council of Churches, said during a Nov. 21 press conference in Manila.
Kobia, a Methodist from Kenya, said he and a WCC team had, on a Nov. 18-21 visit to the Philippines, heard reports about how paramilitary groups armed by the military and members of the armed forces and police had been reportedly involved in human rights violations. “As long as there is even one person killed or who has disappeared, we will continue to raise our concern,” Kobia said. – UMNS
RETROSPECTIVE STORY OF THE UMC IN 2007 NOW AVAILABLE WITH SLIDES
A retrospective story about The United Methodist Church is now available online with a slide show. These can be read and viewed by logging on to: www.umc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072525&ct=4718739.
The slide show alone can be seen online at http://media.umcom.org/umns/20071204_2007wrapup/slideshow/
More stories are available online
at www.umc.org and
www.umportal.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
A 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF WESLEY HYMNS
Compiled by Dean McIntyre
The 300th anniversary of the birth of Charles Wesley is Dec. 18, 2007. This table (in PDF) will enable worship leaders to plan for a full year of observing the occasion with a full year of Wesley hymns tied to the lectionary passages for the given date. Wesley anniversary resources are available at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45400.
NEW FREE ADVENT, CHRISTMAS MUSIC FOR CHURCH CHOIRS
Linda Dickson and George Mann are a composing team from Texas. They have generously shared six of their works, now available on the GBOD music site ( www.umcworship.org ). You will find choral responses and anthems. Linda Dickson may be contacted by email at kd5ors@arrl.net
“Advent Watch” – An Advent Call to Worship
By Linda Dickson and George Mann
“Tender Shepherd” – Choral Response
By Linda Dickson and George Mann
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45625&loc_id=17,823
This short SSATB response is suitable for a prayer response, baptism, or general use.
“Stardust Carol” for SSAA Women’s Voices
By Linda Dickson and George Mann
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45626&loc_id=17,823
Though marked SSAA, this setting for women is mostly for three voices.
“Hurry Little Children” – Choral Anthem
By Linda Dickson and George Mann
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45627&loc_id=17,823
This SSAATTB choral anthem is subtitled a “Spiritual Christmas Carol” and may be sung accompanied or a capella.
”The Carpenter’s Carol” - Choral Anthem for Christmas
By Linda Dickson and George Mann
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45628&loc_id=17,823
This choral anthem for Christmas is mostly for SATB choir with some three-part men’s and women’s voices.
“The Magi’s Blessing” - Benediction for Epiphany
By Linda Dickson and George Mann
www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45629&loc_id=17,823
This SATB choral benediction is suitable for Epiphany.
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
PLYMOUTH CHURCH MEMBER HAS GRAND PIANO FOR SALE
A member of Trinity UMC in Plymouth, Ind. has a grand piano for sale. It was recently refinished in dark brown. The keys are ivory, all intact. Contact pastor@dnsonline.net
2008 GEORGIA HARKNESS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
The Division of Ordained Ministry, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, has announced the availability of the Georgia Harkness Scholarship Awards program.
A prospective candidate must be enrolled full-time in the fall semester for 2008 to receive this award. The eligible candidate will be a woman over 35 who has received a bachelor of arts or equivalent degree, is enrolled full-time in a University Senate approved school of theology in the master of divinity degree program and who is a CERTIFIED CANDIDATE for ordained ministry as an elder in The United Methodist Church. She must be a certified candidate by May of 2008 to be eligible for this award.
All United Methodist women students who meet the guidelines are equally considered for this award. We are looking for women who exhibit the qualities of Georgia Harkness: scholarship, spirituality, and social justice. The scholarship program has a new emphasis on global leadership by women as related to global justice issues.
More information about scholarships can be found at Clergywomenghscholarship. A Students may also send their applications by e-mail to the e-mail address below.
The program grants a $5,000 award to those who are chosen as Georgia Harkness Scholars. This funding can be applied to tuition, fees, and room and board for the basic seminary degree leading to elder’s ordination. Applications and required documents are due by March 1, 2008. The award is not available for undergraduate, D. Min., or Ph.D. work.
Anyone interested should contact us at 615-340-7409 and by e-mail to the Director of Continuing Formation for Ministry, the Rev. Dr. HiRho Park, at rstephens@gbhem.org.
NORTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR DECEMBER
New Releases:
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Team for Peace-Israeli/Palestine Youth Soccer Team Plays for PeaceOutflow 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:
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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,
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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,
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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.
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.
MOVIE REVIEW
AUGUST RUST
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Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures
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Director: Kirsten Sheridan
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Cast: Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terence Howard, Robin Williams
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Rating: PG for some thematic elements, mild violence and mild language
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – The song “American Pie” asked, “Can music save your mortal soul?” The new romantic drama August Rush rhapsodizes about the mysterious power of music. Does a subtle melody weave its way through nature? Is there a secret rhythm to the universe? Can music be a last refuge in times of trouble or the only way to express absolute joy? More specifically, it asks whether music has the power to draw a family together – over the years and great distance – and unite them even if they don’t know they are a family. That’s the hope of a young, musically gifted orphan who has never lost his faith that his parents are out there and that he can reach them with his song. For the complete review and study questions, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3633113/k.8EE7/Movie_Review_iAugust_Rusti.htm.
COMMENT ON A CURRENT MOVIE FROM A READER
A storm of rightful controversy has surrounded the release of the “children’s” movie, The Golden Compass. And well it should. The book’s author is a declared atheist and has stated that the purpose of the book and movie is to debunk belief systems and Christianity in particular.
I read of a strong public statement issued by the Catholic Church and also by several independent Christian groups. But to date I have not heard a word, an official word, from any part of the United Methodist hierarchy.
I hope this is just an oversight. But my fear is that while attention is spent in other areas of our denomination, especially those that are controversial, no one is watching out for spiritual battles such as this. Hopefully I am quite wrong. In this case, the minds of the next generation are at stake. – Rob Beachler, Emmanuel UMC, Noblesville
Note: a Common Sense Media review of this film can be found at www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/Golden-Compass-His-Dark.html
A Catholic News Service review can be found at www.catholicnews.com/data/movies/07mv242.htm
To date, United Methodist Communication has not reviewed this movie.
TV SPECIAL
CBS-TV SPECIAL THIS SUNDAY FEATURES AMERICAN MUSLIMS
TV special ‘American Muslims: A Chance to Speak’ to be aired on CBS Dec. 9
An interfaith television special, “American Muslims: A Chance to Speak,” will be broadcast Sunday, Dec. 9, on CBS Television Network. The program centers on the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, Ohio, a 75-year-old Muslim community. Among the speakers is the Rev. Larry Clark, a United Methodist pastor and former executive director of Toledo Area Ministries. Check local listings for broadcast time.
DEATHS
RALPH W. BLODGETT, 104, retired pastor (NIC), died Wednesday, Dec.5, 2007. He is the father of the Rev. Judith B. Purvis, Vincennes District Superintendent. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Survivors include: three daughters, Vivian Sue Shields, Rebecca June Downing and Judith B. Purvis. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Judith B. Purvis, 1601 Old Orchard Rd, Vincennes, IN 47591 (vinumcds@sbcglobal.net).
WARREN DEXTER, 96, father of the Rev. Robert Dexter, Michiana District Superintendent (NIC), died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Putnam St., Fort Wayne, Ind. There will be a short period of visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to a charity that helps others. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. Robert Dexter, 56816 Meadowood Dr., Elkhart, IN 46516.
JEANNIE DUNTEN (corrected entry), 44, of Lafayette, daughter-in-law of David and Pastor Marilyn Dunten, associate minister at New Haven UMC in the Fort Wayne District (NIC), died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007. She is survived by her husband David, two daughters Stephanie and Jessica Dunten, both of Lafayette; her parents Don and Shirley Heck of Carmel, Ind.; A sister Donna Mai of Westfield, Ind. A funeral mass was held Dec. 5 at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in West Lafayette, Ind. Condolences may be sent to: Mr. David and the Rev. Marilyn Dunten, New Haven UMC, 630 Lincoln Highway, New Haven, IN 46774-1320.
ELVINA RAY, mother of retired minister Larry Ray (NIC), died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 at Rosewalk Village in Lafayette, Ind. Survivors include: sons, Larry Ray of Lagro, Ind. and Rod Ray of Lafayette; one grandson and three granddaughters, and three great granddaughters. Viewing will be Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the A memorial service was held Dec. 5 at the Whitaker Funeral Home in Cloverdale, Ind. Preferred memorials may be given to the Cloverdale UMC. Condolences may be sent to the Rev & Mrs. Larry Ray, 2277 N 600 E, Lagro, IN 46941 and Mr.& Mrs. Rod Ray, 71 Brookberry Dr., Lafayette, IN 47909.
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 December 7, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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Davault-Gilbert, Denise from North Liberty, Michiana to Family Leave, 11/1
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Knepple, Sandra J. from Stidham, Lafayette to Winchester First, Muncie, 12/1
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Martinez, Juan from Dayton Associate/El Mesias, Lafayette to no appointment, Calumet, 9/30
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McLin, David from Gary Fifth Ave., Calumet to no appointment (CME-337.1), 11/15
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Neal, Pat from Alexandria Joyce Chapel, Marion to no appointment, Marion, 11/04
South Indiana Conference
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None this week
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
YORKTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SEEKS CHOIR DIRECTOR
Choir Director’s basic responsibilities are during the school year and include selecting music and directing adult choir as well as working well with organist/pianist accompanying choir. Also includes helping schedule other vocal music ministry for worship experiences. Applicants for this part-time position should forward resume and cover letter to yumc@att.net
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT 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.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.
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