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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
March 2004 |
Letters to the Editor
Support for Schwein's column
I comment on a letter criticizing the Rev. Bill Schwein's column in Together (Mark Smith, Feb. 2004). I must strongly disagree with his opinion. Schwein's feature is the first thing I read in -- what I often find -- a slightly bland publication. The "voice" of his column demonstrates a tongue tucked firmly in cheek. His comments are insightful, thought provoking and, occasionally, biting. but, ah doesn't the truth hurt at times. His observations make me chuckle or at least grimace when I recognize my own stale over wrought actions. As a former newspaper editor, I know that readers have a variety of preferences. Just please remember that some United Methodists enjoy a little spice and a dash of bite in their readings.
Deb Perry
Petroleum, Ind.
I wish to differ with Mark Smith's observation concerning the Rev. Bill Schwein's articles in Together. I thoroughly enjoy them! He appears to be a little irreverent but so was Jesus in His earthly ministry. I find it refreshing, and would certainly want to be a member of his congregation if I were in Indianapolis. He has expressed some disdain for the usually desired ascendancy in the ranks of his fellow ministers in the United Methodist ministry, and chooses to serve as a pastor.
As a Lay Delegate to NIC, I have often felt that over-emphasis on ranking of the ministers was sometimes a deterrent to true Christian fellowship. As a retired physician, I am well aware of the value of being able to see the amusing side of otherwise serious matters. By all means, keep Bill Schwein's contributions coming!
Brent Cooper
Roanoke, Ind.
We write in support of Rev. Schwein. Unlike Mr. Smith, we believe Rev. Schwein's column to be quite faithful to the mission statement of this publication. We find his column to be insightful, thoughtful, hopeful, uplifting, humorous, and, at times even inspiring. We enjoy Rev. Schwein's healthy willingness, far too seldom seen in the United Methodist Church today, to see the church for what it is, and to call it as he sees it. Yes, the church is the body of Christ. But it is a very human body, too often caught up in tradition, too often encumbered by its own bureaucracy, too often paralyzed by its own politics and polity, and far, far too often blinded by the log of piety in its own eye to see itself clearly in the mirror.
One of the fundamental aspects of sound mental health is the ability to examine and, when appropriate, to laugh at oneself. Rev. Schwein's words challenge us, as a church, to do just that. We believe that Rev. Schwein's words are born of his faith, and bear witness to his love of Christ and Christ's church. In courage and good humor, his words offer a challenge that, at least for us, refreshes the spirit.
Stephen P. Elliott
Linda S. Elliott
Pendleton, Ind.
I have only had to listen to our business manager and secretary laughing heartily together over the years to know that they have just read Bill Schwein's column and it has indeed "refreshed their spirits!" Anyone who has been involved in churches for long knows we are not a perfect institution, and there is much for which we need to be challenged to change or improve. He hits the nail on the head more often than not with his creative thinking and sardonic wit , and I think it's healthy to have someone who has been in the trenches in a variety of settings during a long career encourage us to think and ponder, sometimes squirm uncomfortably, and at the same time allow us to have a good laugh at ourselves. I love it.
Lynn Renne
Evansville, Ind.
Ever since reading mark Smith's letter in the February Together regarding Rev. Bill Schwein's columns, my mind has been going, "Tsk, tsk." For to me, for as long as I've been reading those columns, Rev. Schwein's outlook has been a wonderfully refreshing, funny look at ourselves as United Methodists. So many times, that dear preacher has hit upon the very things that make us far less effective as Christians than we want to be. He DOES challenge us to take a good look at ourselves, laugh when we recognize our foibles, and have a little fund doing so.
Jeanne E. Jones
Syracuse, Ind.
About The Passion of the Christ
I still don't understand all the concern about a movie that presents the facts of history and scripture. Did Steven Spielberg have to answer questions about "Schindler's List" being "anti-German"? Would the Jews stood by if we Christians ask Spielberg to alter the film? I am a supporter of Jewish-Christian dialogue and understanding. I've learned a lot in my three trips to Israel from both Palestinians and Israelis. However, I do not agree with this "attack" on a Christian film producer by some of the Jewish Leadership. I believe this is an attempt at censorship of the Christian message and freedom of speech. We can have "The Last Temptation of Christ" defended and viewed that was very offensive to many Christians. If we keep submitting to all the restrictions placed soon we will not be able to share the Gospel at all, because it will be labeled as "hate-speech" or "anti-Semitic" -- wake up people!
Fred Bishop
North Manchester, Ind.
Kudos on the New HUM Together
As Chair of the South Indiana Conference Cabinet, I am writing on behalf of the entire Cabinet of the South Indiana Conference to congratulate you all on your decision to present Hoosier United Methodist news and items of interest in the new format of "HUM Together." The new distribution of sending information both as a monthly newspaper and via e-mail is proving to be an effective means of reaching our constituents on many age groups.
The new "HUM Together" is clear, concise, entertaining, and timely. Thank all of you for your continued commitment to educate and inform the people of The United Methodist Church in the South Indiana Conference.
Kevin McKinney
Cabinet Chair, South Indiana Conference
On behalf of the North Indiana Conference Cabinet, I want to extend our thanks to you for the successful publication of Hoosier United Methodists Together. All of the District Superintendents have received positive feedback related to the return of an Indiana Area publication in printed format. There was a real sense of a loss of connection with the quarterly publication, which could not adequately handle current news events, and the electronic newsletter that many church leaders did not access. With Together our people fell informed and included. And it's wonderfully done! We thank you for responding to the needs of the Conference with Together, and doing it with a publication in which we can take pride.
David Schrader
Cabinet Secretary, North Indiana Conference
Last updated on 04/19/2004