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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
For Friday, Jan. 25, 2008 – Sunday is the third 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.
Deadline for submitting news items is Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
THIS WEEK’S NEWS HEADLINES
FLOODED NORTHERN INDIANA AREAS GET UNITED METHODIST RELIEF
SMOKE-FREE INDIANA ADVOCATES PACK OUT HEARING ROOM
NEW AFRICAN UM CONGREGATION STARTS IN FORT WAYNE
UNITED METHODISTS, LUTHERANS CONCLUDE DIALOGUE
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING LOOKS FORWARD TO FEB. 3 SUPER BOWL
CLERGYWOMEN OF COLOR BUILD UNITY TO BUILD INFLUENCE
NEWS AND INFORMATION
FLOODED NORTHERN INDIANA AREAS GET UNITED METHODIST RELIEF
United Methodists are joining other faith groups to provide relief for hundreds of northern Indiana flood survivors whose homes were heavily damaged by muddy waters.
The three northern Indiana communities of Remington, Monticello and Delphi were hard hit by early-morning flood waters on Jan. 8. United Methodist Bishop Mike Coyner of Indianapolis visited with pastors of each community on Jan. 19 and toured flood-ravaged areas in Jasper, White and Carroll counties.
As of mid-January, three United Methodist churches in the area had distributed more than 500 flood buckets, received $10,000 from the United Methodist Committee on Relief to meet immediate needs of flood survivors, and coordinated help from volunteers across the state.
Coyner toured Remington with the Rev. Mary van Wijk and trustees of Remington United Methodist Church. Street curbs throughout the community were lined with water-drenched mattresses, furniture and appliances. Most homes had a dumpster filled with debris sitting on the driveway. More than 200 homes were affected in Jasper County, according to Wijk.
The hardest hit residents were 57 families who lived in a trailer park. Government authorities permitted only 35 families back in their homes.
For complete UMNS story with pictures, log on to www.umc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=1723955&ct=4968647
SMOKE-FREE INDIANA WORKPLACE BILL DIES IN COMMITTEE
United Methodists and other statewide advocates of a smoke-free Indiana workplace law packed out a hearing room in the Statehouse on Wednesday morning to hear HB1057. The Public Policy Committee ran out of time after hearing only one speaker testifying for a comprehensive ban on all workplace smoking in Indiana. The bill called for a smoke-free ban on workplace smoking but excluded bars, private clubs, family owned businesses with family employees and casinos, to mention a few exceptions.
Advocates, including Bishop Mike Coyner, called on legislators for a comprehensive smoke-free workplace bill like the smoke-free workplace laws now in 22 other states. The bill died in committee due to lack of time for a proper hearing. Bill sponsor Representative Charlie Brown of Gary told the smoke-free air advocates that this bill will be considered next year with a full-day hearing. – e-HUM
NEW AFRICAN UM CONGREGATION STARTS IN FORT WAYNE
The North Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church now has a Swahili-language congregation. Jambo (hello) to Upendo African Fellowship, which recently became a ministry of St. Joseph UMC in Fort Wayne. Upendo, which means “love” in Swahili, has between 25 to 75 Africans meeting at St. Joseph UMC every Sunday afternoon for a time of worship and fellowship. – NICUMC
UNITED METHODISTS, LUTHERANS CONCLUDE DIALOGUE
Over the next two years, both The United Methodist Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will ask its members to approve “full communion” between the two bodies. That step follows an interim agreement and the conclusion, in December, of the last round of dialogue between the two denominations. The vote will take place this spring for United Methodists and in 2009 for Lutherans. According to the Rev. W. Douglas Mills, an executive with the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, full communion essentially means “acknowledging one another’s ministries as valid,” as well as wanting to be involved in mutual decision-making. – UMNS
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING LOOKS FORWARD TO FEB. 3 SUPER BOWL
United Methodist youth and young adults will line up their soup cans for another Souper Bowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday. Collections of food and money are forwarded to local food banks or other hunger organizations. Last year, more than 2,700 United Methodist churches across the United States participated, raising nearly $975,000 in goods and dollars. This year, more than 2,900 United Methodist congregations are signed up to participate. For more information, visit www.souperbowl.org. – UMNS
CLERGYWOMEN OF COLOR BUILD UNITY TO BUILD INFLUENCE
Sharing stories of serving God amid the vestiges of racism and gender bias in The United Methodist Church, clergywomen of color convened for the first time in 25 years to worship, network and organize to build their influence within the denomination. “This day, we finally acknowledge that there will be no systemic changes unless we are united as women of color,” said the Rev. HiRho Y. Park to open the United Methodist Racial-Ethnic Clergywomen’s Consultation in Los Angeles. Almost 300 women from six racial-ethic groups attended the Jan. 3-5 event, sponsored by the church’s Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The clergywomen affirmed each other’s call into ordained ministry, discussed ways to recruit and nurture young women of color to answer that same call and spoke out against institutional racism and gender bias in the denomination. They reviewed a 2004 study that found that United Methodist clergywomen of color in the United States do not feel substantive support from the denomination, struggle with lack of opportunities for appointments and visible leadership roles, and receive salaries lower than their male and female counterparts. – UMNS
GENERAL CONFERENCE TO DECIDE IF UMC WILL RECEIVE NEW HYMNAL
When it meets this spring, the top legislative body for the United Methodist Church will consider publishing a new hymnal – and the General Board of Discipleship wants members of all ages and stages to decide what hymns to include, should a new hymnal be given the nod.
The agency is conducting a series of online hymnal surveys between now and March 1. Each survey will feature a question related to musical or liturgical (worship) content. Participants will have approximately two weeks to complete each survey. The current survey question related to which hymns and songs to include in a new hymnal will be replaced after Jan. 31.
To participate in the survey, visit www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45894. – GBOD
FLOODING IN MOZAMBIQUE AFFECTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES
Flooding rains in Mozambique have particularly affected United Methodist churches in Chemba, Buzi, Save and Nova Mambone. The Rev. Jacob Jenhuro, director of the North Mozambique Conference Council on Ministries, traveled as close as he could to Chemba and Buzi to try to contact pastors. The Zambezi (at Caia and Chemba) and Pungue (on the way to Buzi) rivers have inundated homes even miles from their shores. The Buzi River is also over its shores due to rain in and west of Mozambique. The Save River has forced the people of Mambone (Nova Mambone United Methodist Church) to be evacuated as well as the people from the churches of Chemba. – UMNS
More stories are available online
at
www.umc.org and
www.umportal.org
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
The message about the cross doesn’t make any sense to lost people. But for those of us who are being saved, it is God’s power at work.
1 Corinthians 1:18,
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
WORSHIP RESOURCES
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.
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www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45730&loc_id=17,823
MINISTRY RESOURCES
DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN CHURCH TRANSFORMATION NOW AT UTS
The Center for Parish Development, www.missionalchurch.org/pages/doctor_min.html, and United Theological Seminary, www.united.edu/academics/dminfocusgrps.shtml, are collaborating on a doctoral program for the missional transformation of the local church. Visit their sites for details.
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA CENTER PICKS FOR JANUARY
Greetings from North Indiana’s Media Resource Center contact us at Media Center or call 800-783-5138 feel free to browse our Web site: www.nicumc.org/in/mc/ we are in the process of implementing new software the availability may not be correct, please call if you have any questions. Helping you and your church to strengthen your mind, body and spirit! We look forward to partnering with you in 08!
New Releases:
NOOMA-NAME (2007) Rob Bell/Zondervan DVD/11 min/Youth/Adult
Parenting the Early Years-The parent you want to be: Who you are matters more than what you do (2007) Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot/Zondervan-DVD/6 wks/Adults -- Kit Includes 6DVD’s, 112 PG Leader’s Guide, 6 Workbooks, 1 book – The Parents You Have Always Wanted to Be – Promotional materials – 6-week study/Adult
Your Whole Life: The 3D Plan for Eating Right, Living Well, and Loving God (2007) Paraclete Press-Kit/Study/Adult- A copy of Your Whole Life Journal, One sample Your Whole Life Prayer Car, Your own Pedometer, A complete 3D information/publicity kit, including a poster, flyers, and “Meet the Authors” DVD
Revival of Hope: Adults Making a Difference-Kit (1992) Cokesbury VHS/60 min/Adult-Reaching out to those who have been hurt by alcohol & drugs, assessment, awareness & action
Revival of Hope: A Church Guide for Community Action on Drug Concerns – Kit (1992) Cokesbury VHS/20 min/Adult/Youth
Discover the Joy: A Stewardship Education and Development Program for use in Annual Giving Campaigns- Kit (1992) Resources Services, Inc VHS/Adult
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.
DEATHS
PHYLLIS MATTOX, wife of retired pastor, Alvin Mattox (SIC), died January, 21, 2008. A Memorial Service will be held Jan. 26, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Charlestown UMC, 423 Main Cross St, Charlestown, IN 47111. Survivors include: Husband, Alvin Mattox, 8506 Hickory Dr, Charlestown, IN 47111, 2 daughters: Sally Lesley, and Alice Sims, and three sons: Richard Mattox, George Mattox, and Michael Mattox.
ROBERT McBRIDE, 83, died Jan. 19, 2008, retired professor of philosophy and religion and director of graduate studies at the University of Indianapolis (1954-1966). He also was academic dean and vice-president for academic affairs at Albright College in Reading, Pa. (1966-1979) and president of Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa (1979 through retirement in 1987). McBride is survived by his wife of 63 years, Luella Hart McBride; his children, Judith Bentley of Seattle, Wash., Ronald McBride of Indianapolis and Steven McBride of Denver, Colo.; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25 in McCleary Chapel, Schweitzer Center on the campus of the University of Indianapolis. Memorial can be made to Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa. in the name of the McBride Distinguished Lectureship, or to the University of Indianapolis, in the name of the Robert E. McBride and Luella K. McBride Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be shared with the family at: www.ghherrmann.com.
MARTHA SEARCY, widow of Hubert Searcy (SIC), died January, 20, 2008. Survivors include 1 daughter, Lisa Holt, and 4 grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, Port Orange, Fl, 32127. Funeral Service: Private
MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the following changes within the Indiana Area. All dates effective 2008 unless otherwise noted. These appointments are based on Cabinet reports received by Indiana Area Communication during the week of January 25, 2008.
North Indiana Conference
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Davis, Carl W. from New Waverly, Kokomo to Reynolds/Yeoman, Lafayette, 1/16
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Johnson, Vera from Christ, Calumet to Fifth Ave., Calumet, 1/1
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Stahlman, Chris from Fort Wayne: Taylor Chapel, Fort Wayne to Pleasantdale, Marion, 2/16
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Tague, Chester from Romney, Lafayette to Romney and Jackson Heights, Lafayette, 1/1
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Williams, Darren from Pleasantdale, Marion to Brushwood, Calumet, 2/1
South Indiana Conference
- Brinegar, Raymond from Bedford: Grace, Bloomington to retirement, 1/15
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Taylor, Seth from Rushville: Wesley, Rushville to no appointment, 12/31/07
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Walker, Ronald Dean from Columbus: Asbury, Columbus to Leave of Absence, 1/31
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
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None listed this week.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
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None listed this week.
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.