Site
Contents
 |
General Information about the Area Office
North Indiana Conference Office
South Indiana Conference Office
Prayer Guides
(Courtesy of the NIC Prayer Team)
Area United Methodist
Foundation
For resources to assist your congregation in welcoming guests,
click here
Seashore District Volunteer Center VIM project -- Completed
Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
July 2002 |
Paper or plastic?
Recently, there was a run on paper bags at the local Hebron supermarket. Hebron UMC's Bag Choir, Calumet District, performed on April 21 during the church's annual talent show. Formed a few years ago, the Bag Choir performs on special occasions. Members of the choir take liberty with such hymns as "Jesus Loves You" and "In the Garden," writing their own lyrics. In between songs, the Bag Choir entertains their audiences with a few jokes.
To be part of the group, members must not be able to carry a tune, have a good sense of humor and -- all-important -- they must hide their talents behind a decorated paper bag.
Soles for souls
Following a six-month effort, New Life UMC, Kokomo District, collected a total of 3,511 pairs of shoes. The shoes were packed into 120 cartons and delivered to the Marion Mission Storehouse. Marion Mission will ship the shoes to Zambia, where they are desperately needed. Much disease suffered by Zambians is the result of parasites that enter the body through the soles of bare feet. New Life UMC would like to thank the readers of the Hoosier UM News who donated shoes, many of whom learned about this project in an earlier article. Ron Cullers
Go-karts for God
In an effort to raise money for a new computer system, Calvary UMC, Indianapolis West District, held a go-kart race. Sixteen racers battled the treacherous go-kart track earning funds pledged by members of the congregation. The original goal of $5,000 would pay for half of the sum needed for the new computer system. Members were ecstatic when they learned the next Sunday morning that they had raised $11,600!
Electronic media blossoms at The Garden
The Communications Team at The Garden, a ministry of St. Luke's UMC, Indianapolis West District, unveiled their weekly electronic newsletter in March. Delivered via e-mail to The Garden's membership each Wednesday, the electronic newsletter isn't simply text, but is enhanced with color photographs as well. The Garden produces two additional print-based publications. What makes the electronic newsletter unique is that it focuses on the membership, telling the stories of how members are living out their faith journey.
Project ORB
When members of Valparaiso First UMC heard the needs of one of their own, the men of the church answered the call.
The wife of the member in need had to return to her teaching job, leaving her husband alone during the day to recover from recent surgery. Thirty men volunteered to spend part of the day with him so he wouldn't be alone and bored. The outreach was dubbed Operation Relieve Boredom.
Attendance without RSVP encouraged
The Calumet District Lay Ministries Training School might be out for now, but the coordinators are planning for a busy fall.
In March, 148 people, 125 adults and 23 youth, graduated from the school. Four levels of speaking courses are offered, as well as spiritual growth courses.
According to Martha Watkin, who coordinates the school with her husband James, the school has grown from an average of 35 to about 150 a year.
In addition to lay speaking, courses on prayer, ethics, coping as Christians and dancing for the Lord are offered. New offerings are rotated every two years.
The highest ever number of youth, 23, attended this last district school.
Million-dollar shipment
Last updated on 01/14/2004First UMC of Hammond, Calumet District, has loaded a 40-foot container of hospital equipment and supplies for Ganta Hospital in Liberia. This is the third container filled by the church with the help of other area churches. The former associate pastor of First UMC, the Rev. Anne Girton, was in charge of area schools and is now administrator for the Ganta hospital.
The hospital serves a large remote area in eastern Liberia, about a quarter-mile from Guinea, and is operated by the UMC. It is also the only medical facility in the area. Included in this shipment are over 500 boxes of hospital supplies, including syringes, needles, surgical pads, bandages, dressings, gowns, gloves, plus three large state of the art operating lights. There were also several pieces of diagnostic equipment and pharmaceuticals purchased by donations from church members and those interested in this project.