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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
For Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 – Sunday is the first Sunday after Epiphany
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
Floods recede in Northern Indiana, Wabash to crest at Lafayette
Churches asked to assembly flood buckets for clean-up
UMCOR responds to needs in Kenya
More refugees crowd into South African church
100th annual Prayer for Unity scheduled for Jan. 18-25
District, Conference funds due dates noted by treasurers
NEWS AND INFORMATION
FLOODS RECEDE IN NORTH INDIANA, WABASH TO CREST AT LAFAYETTE
Flooded rivers began withdrawing Wednesday across northern Indiana where three people were killed and hundreds of homes were damaged as melting snow and heavy rain swelled rivers during an unusual January warm streak.
Water had started receding along Indiana’s Tippecanoe River, which had risen to record levels along a 20-mile stretch, but numerous roads were still blocked by water in the Monticello area, said White County emergency management director Gordon Cochran. He had no immediate estimate for how many homes were damaged.
As many as 150 people evacuated areas around Remington, Ind., and in nearby White County boats were called to help move out hundreds of people in Monticello, Blue Water Beach and Diamond Point, local officials said. Immediate needs of survivors are cared for by the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
The Wabash River is expected to crest over flood stage today at Lafayette and Covington.
Gary Peterson, North Indiana Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, was in the flooded area on Thursday and talked with pastors at Monticello, Delphi and Lafayette. Peterson has requested flood buckets for the Monticello UMC from the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Illinois. The Evansville District (SIC) is sending flood buckets to the Delphi UMC, which also has requested flood buckets. No other requests have come for flood relief. Disaster response volunteers wait for flood waters to recede.
CHURCHES ASKED TO ASSEMBLE FLOOD BUCKETS FOR CLEAN-UP
Gary Peterson, North Indiana Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, asks congregations to begin assembling flood buckets in anticipation of widespread flood damage along rivers in northern Indiana. He asked once congregations have flood buckets made, to hold on to them until a distribution center is designated in the flooded Indiana areas. Each bucket cost about $45 to assemble. Instruction for assembling flood buckets can be found online at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/
Also see Early Disaster Response Training in e-vents listings.
UMCOR RESPONDS TO NEEDS IN KENYA
More than a week of violence following disputed elections has left the lives of many Kenyans in shambles. Nearly 200,000 people have been displaced by the crisis – many of them fleeing to neighboring Uganda.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is working to bring supplies and shelter for the displaced. UMCOR is assisting the East Africa Conference in their efforts to provide food and shelter to Kenyans who have fled to Uganda. Schools, churches and other structures are being used as shelters both in Kenya and Uganda. An additional concern for the entire region is that the conflict in Kenya has cut off Mombasa, a major port that supplies much of East Africa.
UMCOR is working to bring food, water and other necessities directly to the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology in Karen where many people are seeking refuge. United Methodist communicator, John Makokha, lives on the campus and is working to provide those sheltering there with sufficient food and water. The truckload of supplies will directly help Makokha in his efforts. UMCOR is also in contact with the Methodist Church of Kenya and anticipates assisting Action by Churches Together partners in their response. “We continue to monitor the situation and are working diligently to bring relief and assistance to our sisters and brothers in Kenya,” said Sam Dixon, UMCOR’s chief executive. – UMCOR
MORE REFUGEES CROWD INTO SOUTH AFRICAN CHURCH
Twelve hundred refugees sleep each night at Central Methodist Mission in Johannesburg, South Africa. That number is up from 900 during the first few months of 2007. Another 500 to 800 refugees can be found in the street immediately outside the building, according to Bishop Paul Verryn, who leads the staff there. Verryn, who visited the United Methodist Committee on Relief based in New York City on Jan. 3, noted that most of the refugees are from Zimbabwe.
To date, UMCOR has provided $75,000 to assist Central Methodist Mission in its work with the refugees, which includes providing shelter, food, clothing, child care, counseling and employment assistance. UMCOR also has helped support infrastructure costs for the building to allow the work to continue.
The steady stream of refugees is a result of economic instability and the political climate in Zimbabwe. Because the South African government has not recognized Zimbabweans as official refugees, those who try to apply for political asylum face many bureaucratic hurdles. – UMNS
100TH ANNUAL PRAYER FOR UNITY SCHEDULED FOR JAN. 18-25
Pray Without Ceasing is the theme of the 100th annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan. 18-25. Today, the worldwide Christian community is urged to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). The Church Unity Octave, a forerunner of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, was developed by Father Paul Wattson, SA, at the Graymoor Ecumenical and Interfaith Institute in Garrison, N.Y., and was first observed at Graymoor Jan. 18-25, 1908. Today, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites the worldwide Christian community to pray the prayer of Jesus “that they all may be one” (John 17:21). In 1966, the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches and the Vatican Secretariat (now Council) for Promoting Christian Unity began collaborating as a common international text for worldwide usage. Since 1968 these international texts, which are based on themes proposed by ecumenical groups around the world, have been developed, adapted and published for use in the United States by Graymoor. For more information and resources, visit www.geii.org/wpcu_index.htm.
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.
More stories are available online
at
www.umc.org and
www.umportal.org.
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.”
– Matthew3:16-17
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Baptism in The United Methodist Church DVD – Item Number: 6294
Have you heard everything there is to know about baptism? Think again. This new resource is the perfect teaching aid about the sacrament of baptism. It covers topics such as these:
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Why our understanding and practice of baptism changes over time
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Why we should use more, rather than less, water when we baptize
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Why Jesus’ baptism was about more than the forgiveness of sins
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Why there is no preferred age (infant, youth or adult) for baptism
This DVD contains five segments:
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For all ages – reflections on the meaning of baptism as it is lived out each day
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For adults – an overview of baptism by today’s top scholars and church leaders
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For adults – a focus on the liturgy and meaning of Christian baptism
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For youth ages 12 to 18 – for confirmation classes, small groups and retreats
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For children ages 8 to 11 – ideal for Sunday school or evening programs
A free leader’s guide is available by clicking the Study Guides link on the EcuFilm home page www.ecufilm.org.
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Audience: Children, youth and adults
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Running Time: 8 to 14 minutes per segment
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Suggested Settings: Sunday school, confirmation class, small groups, evening programs, new-member classes, retreats DVD 6294: Cost $79.95 – United Methodist Productions/EcuFilm
MINISTRY RESOURCES
SOCIETY OF ST. ANDREW OFFERS LENTEN DEVOTIONS PROGRAM
“I Wonder …” is the theme of this year’s Lenten Devotions program from the Society of St. Andrew, a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry and Advance Special #801600. The devotions program is a collection of personal “wonderings” and insights of ordinary people as they read, think, and pray about the symbols, people, and places that shaped Jesus’ last days on Earth. The daily devotions also will enjoin readers to think about how they might be Christ to others.
A Good Friday Fast, written by Ken Horne, executive director of the Society of St. Andrew, is a separate booklet that complements the Lenten devotions or can be used as a stand alone activity for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
All materials are free and a sample packet can be ordered for review before placing a congregational order. Orders can be placed online at www.endhunger.org/lent.htm, by email at church@endhunger.org, or by phone at 800-333-4597.
Upon reviewing the program, orders need to be placed by Jan. 23 to ensure delivery before Ash Wednesday. Good Friday Fast booklets need to be ordered by March 7.
The Society of St. Andrew’s national non-profit hunger-relief ministry feeds the hungry with excess fresh produce saved through its Potato and Produce Project, Gleaning Network, Harvest of Hope, and Hunger Relief Advocate programs. For more information, log on to www.endhunger.org.
DISCIPLES BIBLE STUDY MINISTRY OFFERS ONLINE COURSES
Have a good idea which might transition to an online format? Looking to expand your ministry?
The next online instructor training workshop, “How to Provide Your Workshop Online,” will be offered Jan. 14-25. This workshop is for lay or clergy who would like to learn how to take a physical workshop and translate it into an online format. You have the content; we have the resources! We’ll teach you how to use the Blackboard software to expand your ministry outside your physical environment! Register and enroll at www.BeADisciple.com.
Want to try out a BeADisciple.com online workshop at absolute bargain fee?
We know some of you would like to try out a BeADisciple.com workshop to experience our ministry in online workshops for yourself; yet you are unsure about the cost involved. Dr. David Kueker is offering a great opportunity. For just $10, he will lead through his online workshop “Disciple Making 101.” This will be offered Jan. 13-23. Visit www.beadisciple.com to enroll. -- Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship
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 the 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
CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR
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Production Company: Universal Pictures
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Director: Mike Nichols
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Cast: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, Om Puri, Jud Tylore, Nazanin Boniadi
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Rating: R for Language, nudity and adult situations.
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – Although his name might not be known to many outside of East Texas, otherwise unremarkable congressman Charlie Wilson and an unlikely team of cohorts made history in the 1980s according to the new, fact-based film Charlie Wilson’s War. Their covert operation helped Afghan rebels rout the occupying Soviet military, and in a domino effect, hastened the end of the Cold War and ultimately contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union. Quite a history lesson! But Charlie Wilson’s War is also a whip-smart piece of comic entertainment that explores the convoluted world of international politics and the many foibles of its all-too-human players.
For the complete review and study questions, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3791011/k.50AA/Movie_Review_iCharlie_Wilsons_Wari.htm.
Official Web site for this movie is at www.charliewilsonswar.net/
DEATHS
WILLIAM CROPPER, retired pastor (SIC), died Dec. 20, 2007. A memorial service was held Dec. 27 at Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home in Milan, Ind. Survivors include: his wife Irene Cropper, 7007 S Bearwallow Rd, Maysville, KY 41056; one daughter, Jeannine Applegate; two sons, James Cropper and Dennis Cropper; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
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 11, 2008.
North Indiana Conference
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None this week
South Indiana Conference
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Stiles, Kevin from Indianapolis: Cumberland, Indianapolis East to Shirley-Wilkinson Community, Rushville, 1/15
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
None listed this week.
PREVIOUS 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
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inareaumc.org/job.htm.
Send your events announcements for posting to dgangler@inareaumc.org.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.