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North Indiana Conference Office
South Indiana Conference Office
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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
For Friday, Jan. 4, 2008 – Sunday is the Epiphany of the Lord
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference connectional ministries giving.
Edited by Dan Gangler, director of communication dgangler@inareaumc.org.
THIS WEEK’S NEWS HEADLINES
Thank you for your contributions
to the Bishop’s Christmas Offering
Imagine Indiana Design Team works on report to conferences
today
Imagine Indiana prayer coordinators ask prayer support
District, Conference funds due dates noted by treasurers
President Bush signs bill allowing Sudan divestment
Pension board offers free financial planning to participants
Workshop teaches churches to be servants, not suckers
United Methodist mission agency resumes summer interns program
World Trade Organization online-gambling edict prompts U.S.
resistance
Gambling industry targets kids
News and
Information
Bible Passage for Sunday
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Movie Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Employment Listings
Previous Employment Listings
NEWS AND INFORMATION
THANK YOU FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO BISHOP’S CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Thank you for your generous contributions to the Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children.
IMAGINE INDIANA DESIGN TEAM WORKS ON REPORT TO CONFERENCES
A task force from the Imagine Indiana Design Team is scheduled to report today to the rest of the team on its progress in writing a 50-page proposal to go to both North Indiana and South Indiana Annual Conference sessions this spring. At the close of their meeting today, team members will ask the Young Leaders Team, the same group they met with last summer, for their reflections on suggested proposals. On Jan. 15, the team also will meet for a review of proposals with last year’s Imagine Indiana Planning Team and 28 co-chairs of the Imagine Indiana Discernment Groups.
North Indiana Lay Leader Kayc Mykrantz and South Indiana Lay Leader Ike Williams also plan to hold focus groups for feedback as the plan is being shaped for conference consideration.
The Imagine Indiana report to both annual conferences will be available sometime in February and is planned to be discussed during a statewide presentation to be held online and at multiple locations on Palm Sunday evening, March 16.
For more information log on to www.inareaumc.org and click on the Imagine Indiana logo on the left column.
IMAGINE INDIANA PRAYER COORDINATORS ASK FOR PRAYER SUPPORT
We are so thankful for your prayers for Imagine Indiana.
We know that many churches and individuals are praying that God will reveal if and how our structure may be shifted to better accomplish God’s purposes in our state. The Imagine Indiana team is still discerning what that means, and are thankful for your prayers. “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16).
Please pray for team members and their upcoming meetings. They will be meeting today, Friday, Jan. 4, and Tuesday, Jan 15.
May we find that God is truly “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
A happy and productive New Year to you. – Paul Gast (NIC) & Beth Ann Cook (SIC), Imagine Indiana Prayer Team
DISTRICT, CONFERENCE FUNDS DUE DATES NOTED BY TREASURERS
According to North Indiana Conference Treasurer Brent Williams, the due date for 2007 North Indiana Conference Tithe, General Church and District payments for credit in the Accounting Year 2007 is Monday, Jan. 14. The 2007 Tithes and General Church and District Payments can still be made through the end of January for Journal credit.
According to South Indiana Conference Treasurer Jennifer Gallagher, the due date for South Indiana Conference Tithe, General Church and District payments for credit in the Accounting Year 2007 is Monday, Jan. 14, by noon.
PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS BILL ALLOWING SUDAN DIVESTMENT
President Bush signed legislation on Monday, Dec. 31, in Crawford, Texas allowing state and local governments to cut investment ties with companies doing business in Sudan, even as he expressed concerns that the bill could interfere with his right to set foreign policy.
According to The New York Times, the measure, called the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act, is aimed at pressuring Sudan to end the violence in the Darfur region, where 200,000 people have been killed and more than two million driven from their homes in a four-year conflict that Mr. Bush has termed a genocide.
The bill, which passed both houses of Congress unanimously, makes it easier for mutual funds and private pension fund managers to sell their investments and allows states to prohibit debt financing for companies that do business in Sudan. It also requires companies seeking contracts with the federal government to certify that they are not doing business in Sudan.
“I share the deep concern of the Congress over the continued violence in Darfur perpetrated by the government of Sudan and rebel groups,” Bush said in a statement issued from his ranch.
But the administration has expressed reservations about the bill, and Bush’s signature was accompanied by a signing statement, in which he said he was reserving the authority to overrule state and local divestment decisions if they conflicted with foreign policy. – The New York Times
PENSION BOARD OFFERS FREE FINANCIAL PLANNING TO PARTICIPANTS
The United Methodist General Board of Pension and Health Benefits has just announced a change in the cost for their Retirement Planning Services for 2008. For 2008, these services will be FREE to all eligible participants in the UM Pension Plans. This year, Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services is being offered to eligible participants at no cost.
Another change to this service is that participants now have unlimited phone time. In the past, this program was sold in three-hour blocks. But all this year, participants can call Ernst & Young as often as they like and spend as much time on the phone as necessary.
Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services are available to:
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Active participants,
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Surviving spouses, and
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Terminated and retired participants with an account balance of at least $10,000.
Eligible participants can take advantage of this free service by calling Ernst & Young directly at 800-360-2539 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday.
WORKSHOP TEACHES CHURCHES TO BE SERVANTS, NOT SUCKERS
According to Beth Templeton, who has spent 25 years working with homeless and poor people, many ministering to the homeless say they feel more like suckers than helpers. She offers a plan to help ministries to be servants without the sucker feeling.
Templeton works with United Ministries in Greenville, S.C., a faith-based organization of about 100 congregations that aids local people who are homeless, experiencing financial crisis or lacking education or employment skills.
Templeton offers these mantras:
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Never do something for somebody that the person can and should do for themselves;
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Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine;
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Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10)
She gives practical advice on the dos and don’ts of helping someone directly:
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Give money to vendors instead of the person;
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Verify the story before you pay a bill or help with a financial problem;
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Use a voucher system for food or gas.
Her ABCs of helping are to:
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Acknowledge the person has a problem;
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Don’t believe everything you hear;
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Remember that Christianity is not judged by giving people exactly what they want.
She wants people to L.E.A.R.N.:
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Learn available resources in your area;
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Explain the reason behind your answer, and do not apologize;
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Acknowledge the problem;
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Referrals, make good ones;
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Never explain what other agencies’ policies are unless you are absolutely sure. – UMNS
UNITED METHODIST MISSION AGENCY RESUMES SUMMER INTERNS
The mission agency of The United Methodist Church based in New York City is resuming a program that places young adults in mission settings in the United States for 10 weeks of summer service and education. A dozen persons ages 18 to 25 will be selected for 2008 as the program is reintroduced after nearly a decade of inactivity. The sponsor is the Mission Personnel Program Area of the General Board of Global Ministries.
The young people selected to take part will receive a $1,000 stipend, travel to and from their place of assignment, and room and board. The 2008 summer interns will be placed with United Methodist institutions and churches across the United States.
Successful applicants must be able to dedicate a full ten weeks to the program. Orientation begins in New York City on June 1. Service gets underway on June 8 and ends on August 2, followed by a week of debriefing, again in New York. Participants must have completed at least one year of higher education. An online application form is at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/connections/youth/.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 1. Phone interviews will take place in March.
WTO ONLINE-GAMBLING EDICT PROMPTS U.S. RESISTANCE
The U.S. refusal to comply with a World Trade Organization decision on online gambling is threatening to undermine the entire set of rules binding the international trade system.
The WTO is to decide soon on a demand from the tropical nation of Antigua and Barbuda for $3.4 billion in annual compensation from the U.S., whose law banning Americans from wagering on Internet gaming sites was first ruled illegal by the WTO in 2004.
The implications of the case go far beyond Antigua, a nation of 69,000. That’s because, instead of rewriting its gambling laws, the U.S. rewrote its trade rules to remove the issue from the WTO’s jurisdiction. The prospect that other nations, including China, may take a similar tack if cases don’t go their way has spooked the international trade community. – From Bloomberg reports
GAMBLING INDUSTRY TARGETS KIDS
Younger generation is at a higher risk of developing an addiction to gambling. The gambling industry, in its hunt for new prey, is giving slot machines a generational makeover. The computer-like machines feature surround sound and flat-panel displays, and allow players to compete against others.
“What we see in young people under 18 is that the risk for developing a problem with gambling is roughly three times of the adult population,” says Alissa Sklar, a researcher at the International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems. That’s because adolescents take greater risks, and may not understand the financial implications.
Dr. Guy Clark, chairman of the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, said the industry thrives on such problem gamblers. - Family News in Focus
More stories are available online at www.umc.org and www.umportal.org.
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
When the men went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt down and worshiped him. They took out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh [c] and gave them to him. Later they were warned in a dream not to return to Herod, and they went back home by another road.
– Matthew2:11-12
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
WORSHIP RESOURCES
EPIPHANY CELEBRATIONS FOR THE HOME
by MaryJane Pierce Norton are available online from the General Board of Discipleship.
NEW MUSIC COPYRIGHT DEVELOPMENTS FOR CHURCHES
The music publishing and recording industry continues to prosecute illegal use of copyrighted music and videos in the courts, and there are fines being levied in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. This article discusses a new development that has implications for churches that make use of copyrighted and recorded music and videos in worship. To read the whole story, log on to www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45730&loc_id=17,823.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
INTERPRETER SEEKS STORIES OF VITAL MEN’S MINISTRIES IN CHURCHES
The cover package for the March-April issue of Interpreter magazine, the leadership journal for United Methodists nationwide, will feature stories about vital men’s ministries in local churches that are making a difference. If your church has such a dynamic men’s ministry, please send that information to me at dgangler@inareaumc.org. Thank you.
NORTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR JANUARY
We look forward to serving you! Call 800-783-5138 or e-mail Angel Rea.
SOUTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR JANUARY
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.” January “Picks” have been posted.
Some of the newest additions include: Dalai Lama Interfaith Service; Efird Bible Study Series: Book of Genesis, Book of Psalms, and Acts of the Apostles; and, for the “early birds” who like to reserve Christmas resources way ahead, six new titles: Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, Littlest Light on the Christmas Tree, Midnight Clear, Nativity Story, Ultimate Gift, and Very First Noel.
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, director of the center, can be reached at Mary Barnes for more information/consultation. For the catalog of resources, log on to www.sicumc.org and click on Media Center.
MOVIE REVIEW
THE GREAT DEBATERS
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Production Company: The Weinstein Company/Harpo Films
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Director: Denzel Washington
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Cast: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Jermaine Williams, Gina Ravera, John Heard, Kimberly Elise
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Rating: PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality.
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – “We do what we have to do so we can do what we want to do.” That’s the mantra heard throughout the stirring new drama, The Great Debaters, directed by and starring Denzel Washington. This motto strikes at the heart of the hard road those who smash racial barriers must travel. This is familiar territory for Washington, who has played it out in war (Glory) and sports (Remember the Titans). But if it’s familiar theme, the new backdrop of a college debate team breathes new life into the struggle for racial equality, and when you’ve got the talents of Washington, Forest Whitaker and a group of bright young newcomers, it’s a tale worth seeing and learning from again.
For the full review and study questions, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3758701/k.41FE/Movie_Review_iThe_Great_Debatersi.htm
DEATHS
GERALDINE SINER, former (NIC, SIC) Diaconal Minister and widow of the late Rev. John Siner (NIC), died Fri., Dec. 28, 2007. A memorial service was held on Jan. 3 at First UMC in Bloomington, Ind., with burial at Clearcreek Cemetery. Survivors include: two daughters, Darla Siner, 4660 Happy Hollow Rd, Bloomington, IN 47408, and Kathy Siner; one son, John Timothy Siner; and one grandchild
LILLIAN A. WORKMAN, widow of the late Rev. Wilbur Workman (NIC), died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Columbia City UMC, 605 Forest Parkway, Columbia City, IN 46725, with burial in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion, Ind. Survivors include: sons, Ted Daniel and Thomas Workman; daughter, Janice Conrad; 10 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Memorials can be given to the Columbia City UMC building fund.
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 January 4, 2008.
North Indiana Conference
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Andrews, Greg from Supply, Huntington to Local Pastor, Huntington, 1/1/08
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Boggs, Tamara first appointment to Lowell, Calumet, 1/1/08
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Bradford, Gregory from no appointment to Liberty Mills, Huntington, 1/1/08
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Burke, Fred E. Jr. from no appointment to Alexandria Joyce Chapel, Marion, 11/25
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French, W. Edward from Liberty Mills to Retirement, 12/31
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Inskeep, Dave from Reynolds/Yeoman, Lafayette to Stidham, Lafayette, 1/1/08
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Nunemaker, Donald first appointment to Richland Center/Burton, Warsaw, 1/1/08
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Reyes, Janie G. from Fort Wayne: Christ, Fort Wayne to Fort Wayne: Inglesia Cristiana, Fort Wayne, 1/1/08
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Smith, Jeffrey from Jackson Hts./West Pt., Lafayette to West Point, Lafayette, 1/1/08
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Thornton, Joyce from Epworth, Marion to Epworth/Alexandria First, Marion, 1/1/08
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Williams, Keith A. from no appointment to Eaton, Muncie, 1/1/08
South Indiana Conference
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Buttery, Wendy from no appointment to Greens Fork, Rushville, 9/1
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Kirts, Robert from Leesville, Bloomington to Bedford: Grace, Bloomington, 1/15/08
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Modlin, Mary Jane from no appointment to Conners: New Life, Rushville, 8/1
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Reynolds, Hugh W. from Tunnelton: Bono/Tunnelton, Bloomington to no appointment, 11/30
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
WESTPOINT CHURCH IN NEED OF ORGANIST, PIANIST
Jackson Heights UMC, Westpoint, Ind., southwest of Lafayette, is in need of an organist and a pianist. For more information, contact Pastor Chuck Tague at 765-404-8380.
IOWA CONFERENCE SEEKS MINISTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND MISSION
Leadership Development Minister for Social Justice and Mission position is opening in the Iowa Annual Conference effective Feb. 1, 2008.
The Leadership Development Minister (LDM) for Social Justice & Mission provides leadership to the Conference in the areas of social concern by finding ways and means to rectify social injustices, through teaching, modeling, and advocating for legislative action as necessary. The LDM identifies potential conference leaders, conducts training; prepares and distributes information and disseminates technical assistance in order to built capacity for this ministry. Additionally, the LDM promotes participation in mission activities locally, nationally, and globally. As a member of the Conference Ministry Cabinet, the LDM collaborates in the development of a Conference-wide vision, strategic planning, and resource planning.
The full job description, application form and contact information can be found via this link: http://iowa.brickriver.com/files/oWebsite_Page_Files/LDM_Advocacy_Descrip_App_07_7MU9KCSM.pdf .
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
CHURUBUSCO CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
The Churubusco UMC seeks a director of youth ministries. Part-time from 10 to 15 hours per week. For information and application, call the church office at 260-693-2154. Or, mail resume to CUMC, 750 N Main St, Churubusco, IN 46723.
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.
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inareaumc.org/job.htm.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.