| Hoosier United Methodist News |
June 2001 |

Welcoming African refugees video
A new 18-minute video from the United Methodist Committee on Relief explores
the experiences of African refugees resettled in the United States and the
experiences of their sponsors.
"A Call to Care: Welcoming African Refugees" is available for $19.95 from
EcuFilm, 810 Twelfth Ave. South, Nashville, Tenn., 37208-4744. 800/251-4091.
South Foundation offers new grants
The South Indiana Foundation of the United Methodist Church has established
the Cornerstone Grant Fund to provide seed money to assist groups developing or
expanding creative ministries within their local church. Foundation Executive
Director Dwayne Woerpel said the foundation is "looking for projects that
promote good stewardship, projects that promote church growth and development,
and projects that address human needs."
Cornerstone grants will be given for one year and will normally not exceed
$1,000. Grants will not usually be given for capital projects or staffing needs.
Applicants should be active members of churches within the South Indiana
Conference, or be a part of a sponsoring group that is ecumenical and has an
approved relationship with the South Conference.
Contact the foundation office at 4000 East Southport Rd. Suite 250,
Indianapolis, Ind. 46237-3229 or
www.sifumci.org.
'The lie of the melting pot … The truth of the stew …'
The North Central Jurisdiction Commission on Religion and Race will hold
Learning Experience 2001 from Oct. 18-20 in Collinsville, Ill. The theme of the
event will be "The lie of the melting pot . The truth of the stew . A
proclamation of Good News!"
The $95 registration fee includes lunch, a welcome dinner, breakfasts and a
banquet on Friday. Lodging at the Holiday Inn is $102 per person, per night,
including tax. Further information will be provided later through the Hoosier UM
News and mailings from the jurisdiction.
NCJ Commission on Archives and History to meet
The 2001 North Central Jurisdiction Commission on Archives and History will
meet at the University of Evansville July 9-12. The Monday and Tuesday evening
worship services are open to the public; registration is not required.
Among the topics discussed will be Indiana United Methodism, 1801-present;
History of the University of Evansville; the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial;
and United Methodism Looks to the Future. Registration is $150 for full-time,
including all costs; $100 for a commuter; $35 for Tuesday only; $47 for
Wednesday only. On-campus accommodations are $57 for three nights plus bring
your own linens. The registration deadline is June 15. For information, call
765/658-4406.
Igniting Ministry training for churches
Igniting Ministry is a new kind of evangelism, highlighted by a series of
powerful television spots and resources for local churches to help raise
awareness of The United Methodist Church. These training events will help local
churches market themselves and hone their hospitality and welcoming skills.
Along with learning, the day will be fun. A planning kit filled with how-to
guides for churches will be available. Local churches are encouraged to bring
their teaching leadership team.
The cost is $100 per church; lunch is included on site for all participants.
Churches that register a week before the event will receive the $79.95 kit free.
A piece of The Original Old Rugged Cross
Volunteers restoring The Original Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, Mich.,
are recycling wooden lath from the historic church's interior into small crosses
perfect for wearing or giving in support of the restoration effort. The lath
cannot be reused in restoring the church to its 1913 appearance. Rather than
destroy the wood strips, which supported horsehair plaster on the 1862
structure's interior walls, the volunteers use the material to craft 2.5-inch
long crosses.
The crosses are $20 each, plus $2 shipping. They can be ordered from The Old
Rugged Cross Foundation, P.O. Box 41, Niles, Mich. 49120; 616/683-4540.
'Seasons for Praise' offers liturgical art ideas
A new book from Concordia Publishing House invites worship committees and
altar guilds to think beyond the typical banner when it comes to visually
communicating the biblical message for the seasons of the church year.
"Seasons for Praise" contains liturgical art ideas that range from the very
simple to the elaborate. A planning page for each season encourages
brainstorming and the development of unique visual messages for a season or a
festival.
The 71-page paperback is available for $9.95 by calling 800/325-3040.
VIM round-up time
The Volunteers in Mission Round-Up will be Aug. 3-5 at East Bay Camp, Hudson,
Ill. (20 miles north of Bloomington, Ill., on Interstate 39). Among the speakers
will be the Rev. Raphael Dessiev, pastor from Jeremie, Haiti. Dessiev was
recently installed as president of The Methodist Church of Haiti. The newly
organized VIM Board of North Central Jurisdiction includes Flora Childress and
Bob Backcock from South Indiana Conference and Bishop Woodie W. White. More
information is available from your district office.
Pastors, rest & refresh in Fort Lauderdale - free
There is an individual in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., who helps Christian ministers
to have a time of rest and vacation. He offers the use of a three-bedroom house,
not far from the beach, rent-free for any Christian clergy. The house is fully
furnished and beautiful. There are linens, beach umbrella, toys, games, even a
fully stocked medicine chest.
This ministry was created by Hugh Hoffman, an accountant, who wanted to do
something for pastors, who in his words are often "overworked and underpaid." He
established Religious Vacations, Inc. to carry on this program.
He's still doing it. All a minister has to do is contact Hugh and ask for
information: 954/763-8400. Or write to Religious Vacations, Inc., Hugh Hoffman,
President; 524 N.E. 16th Court, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 33305-3095.
Last updated on 01/14/2004
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