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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, July 13, 2007 – Sunday is the seventh Sunday after Pentecost
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference connectional ministries giving.
Edited by Daniel R. Gangler, director of communication dgangler@inareaumc.org
Bible Passage for Sunday
Moving
and Changing Your e-Mail Address? Update Your e-Hum
News and Information
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Facts for Life
Movie Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
A man from Samaria then came traveling along that road. When he saw the man, he felt sorry for him and went over to him. He treated his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next morning he gave the innkeeper two silver coins and said, “Please take care of the man. If you spend more than this on him, I will pay you when I return.” Then Jesus asked, “Which one of these three people was a real neighbor to the man who was beaten up by robbers?”
The teacher answered, “The one who showed pity.”
Jesus said, “Go and do the same!”
– Luke 10:33-37
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.bibles.com
MOVING AND CHANGING YOUR e-MAIL ADDRESS? UPDATE YOUR e-HUM
To update your e-mail address for the e-HUM mailing list, log on to www.inareaumc.org, click on “Subscribe to e-HUM” and enter your new e-mail address as directed. That will automatically place your new e-mail address in the Indiana Area listserv database. Thank you.
NEWS AND INFORMATION
STOCKWELL UM CHURCH BUILDING COLLAPSES, NO ONE HURT
The Stockwell United Methodist church building that has stood in the center of Stockwell, Ind. since 1864 collapsed into a pile of bricks, roof shingles, guttering, insulation and stained glass Wednesday afternoon.
Assistant pastor Mark Miller said the collapse, which took place at 1 p.m., wasn’t totally unexpected. No one was injured. “We had lost part of the ceiling. We knew there was a problem up there, but we didn’t know how serious it was until an engineer looked at it (Tuesday).
The 4,400-square-foot sanctuary, built by the congregation 143 years ago, sat between the front of the church and an office building that was constructed in 1959. For the past two weeks services for the 210-member congregation have been held at the adjacent Family Life Center.
Pews and the organ and piano were removed from the sanctuary Tuesday evening, and a chain-link barrier fence was erected around the building. No damage estimate was available Wednesday. The church’s insurance company sent an inspector to view the building after being alerted to the problem with the ceiling. He arrived 30 minutes after the collapse occurred. – Lafayette Journal and Courier
RETIRED BISHOP BEN OLIPHINT DIES IN HOUSTON AT 83
Bishop Benjamin Ray Oliphint, who had an impact on The United Methodist Church at many levels, died July 7, 2007, at Methodist Hospital in Houston. He was 83.
The bishop had experienced a cardiac episode recently and undergone an angioplasty procedure. He seemed to be doing well, but had a setback and did not recover, according to the Council of Bishops office in Washington.
Elected bishop in 1980, Oliphint led United Methodists in the denomination’s Houston, Kansas and Louisiana areas during the following 12 years. He was instrumental in helping start Africa University, the United Methodist-related school in Zimbabwe.
Oliphint was president of the board from 1988 to 1992, during which Africa University was launched near Mutare, Zimbabwe. Ground was broken for the school in 1991, and the first students were admitted the next year.
Elected bishop in 1980, Oliphint was assigned to the Kansas Area, where he served four years. He led the Houston Area from 1984 until his retirement in 1992. He also served as interim bishop of the Louisiana Area from 1987 to 1988.
After retiring from the episcopacy in 1992, he served for 10 years as president of the Texas United Methodist College Association.
Graveside services were held July 10 at Greenwood Cemetery in Pineville, La. A memorial service was held July 11 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Houston. – UMNS
BISHOPS CHOOSE JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE PREACHERS
The North Central Jurisdictional Conference Local Arrangements Committee, Sandra Douglas and David Wiltse, co-chairs, has announced that the NCJ College of Bishops has chosen the three primary worship service preachers for next year’s North Central Jurisdictional Conference in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Bishop Hee-soo Jung of Northern Illinois will preach on Wednesday July 16. Bishop Jung will focus on the first of the Tri God conference themes Tri God: Journey With the Sprit. Jung was elected in 2004 and currently serves the Northern Illinois Annual Conference.
Thursday July 17, the preacher will be Bishop Deborah Kiesey. Kiesey also was elected in 2004; she serves the Dakotas Area. Thursday’s worship will focus on the second theme… Tri God: Become Like Christ.
Completing the Tri God theme on Friday July 18 will be Bishop Sally Dyck of the Minnesota Area. Dyck, elected in 2004, will focus on Tri God: Heal The World.
The North Central Jurisdictional Conference will meet July 16- 19, 2008. For updated information, visit the NCJ Web site at www.ncj2008.org.
JEFFERSONVILLE LEADERS URGE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT FDA LEGISLATION
Southern Indiana and statewide health, faith and community leaders are urging Indiana Congressman Baron Hill (D-9th) and Congress to endorse legislation giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority over tobacco products. The legislation being proposed includes allowing the FDA to crack down on tobacco marketing and sales to kids. Former Indiana State Health Commissioner, Dr. Richard Feldman, said, “The tobacco industry spends $425 million a year marketing its products in Indiana and it costs Hoosiers more than $2 billion per year. Until Representative Hill and the entire Congressional delegation grant the FDA authority over tobacco, the tobacco industry will continue to market to our children.” Also lending his support at the July 2 news conference held at the Clark Memorial Hospital was the Rev. Gil Hubbard of the Wall Street UMC. –InsideINdianaBusinesS.com Report
VECTREN GIVES OUTDOOR CLASSROOM TO UE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
United Methodist-related University of Evansville and Vectren announced Monday, July 9 a new way for students at UE to study the environment. UE and Vectren have entered into a unique partnership in which Vectren is providing the use of 1,100 acres of land along the Wabash River just north of Griffin, Ind., in Gibson County.
“This outdoor learning environment made possible by Vectren will provide University of Evansville students with invaluable opportunities to study “green” issues and positively impact the environment,” said UE President Stephen Jennings. “We are grateful for Vectren’s generosity to be able to use this large piece of land and are excited about the possibilities for our work with the environment.”
SEMINARY ANNOUNCES D.MIN. IN CAMPUS MINISTRIES, THE POOR
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., announces the approaching application deadline of Oct. 1 for two unique Doctor of Ministry tracks beginning in Washington, D.C. in January 2008 – “Campus Ministries” and “Wesley and the Poor.”
Other upcoming Doctor of Ministry tracks at Wesley include “Life Together: Spirituality for Transforming Community” and “Making Disciples: Theological Foundations and Best Practices” beginning in May 2008 and “Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling” and “Arts and Theology” beginning January 2009. Applications are being accepted through Oct. 1. Details are available at www.WesleySeminary.edu, and program questions can be directed to Dr. Lew Parks at LParks@WesleySeminary.edu or 202-885-6481. For application materials and information, contact the Office of Admissions at Wesley Theological Seminary, 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016. Admissions may be reached by phone at 202-885-8659 or 800-882-4987 or by email: admissions@WesleySeminary.edu.
SIX-WEEK STUDY EXPLORING WOMEN IN MINISTRY AVAILABLE THIS MONTH
A six-week study exploring United Methodist women in ministry will be available in July and is designed primarily for use by local congregations. “Women in the Ministry” is published by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women and co-sponsored by the church-wide Board of Higher Education and Ministry. The study will be posted at www.gcsrw.org. The study is a follow-up to last year’s 50th anniversary of the ordination of women in The United Methodist Church. Burton said it is a tool for reclaiming the “lost history” of women called to preach the Gospel. – UMNS
VOLUNTEERS RESPONDING TO RAIN-SOAKED CENTRAL UNITED STATES
United Methodists are responding to flooding that has plagued the rain-soaked central United States from mid-June through early July. In Texas, where several churches have served as Red Cross shelters for storm victims, volunteers are assisting with cleanup. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has sent an emergency grant to the denomination’s North Texas Conference and dispatched a consultant there in early July. UMCOR emergency grants range from $5,000 to $10,000. Flood buckets also have been sent. The agency is encouraging donations to its general domestic disaster response fund, UMCOR Advance No. 901670, to assist with recovery. “We’ve had a lot of these springtime storms this year, and we haven’t had a lot of income to those accounts,” said the Rev. Tom Hazelwood, UMCOR’s domestic disaster coordinator. – UMNS
UMCOR CONSTRUCTED SCHOOL IN BANDA ACEH DEDICATED JUNE 30
One of the largest primary schools built since the 2004 tsunami was dedicated June 30 in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Using United Methodist donations to the South Asia Advance, the United Methodist Committee on Relief constructed the state-of-the-art, two-story building that is both earthquake- and flood-resistant, and furnished it with school kits for students and school equipment, educational materials and sports and playground equipment. The facility replaces four schools destroyed or damaged when the tsunami’s waters overwhelmed the community. Local officials praised the new school, named Sekolah Dasar Negeri 3, which includes classrooms and offices for some 540 students and 31 teachers. – UMNS
LAST CALL TO ORDER SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE JOURNALS
South Indiana Conference Journals are available either bound or on CD. Return orders by July 31. For more information and order form, contact Heidi Harding at hharding@sicumc.org.
CORRECTION TO UMNS STORY
Correction to annual conferences story by United Methodist News Service submitted on July 11 and dated July 10. Please correct paragraph three under sub-heard “homosexuality” to read: Western North Carolina sent legislation to prohibit United Methodist pastors from participating in ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions, while Troy advocated that clergy be permitted to bless whatever marriage arrangements are legal in their states. – UMNS
WORSHIP RESOURCES
LEGAL PROJECTION OF HYMNS
Did you know that there is a way for you to legally project the lyrics of hymns, songs, liturgy, ritual, prayers, responses, chants, canticles – virtually the entire contents of The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing for use at worship, meetings, events, conferences, and workshops? That legal way is found in the Presentation Editions of The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing. These are available from Cokesbury:
The Faith We Sing, ISBN-13: 9780687045235, $75.00
The United Methodist Hymnal, ISBN-13: 9780687052868, $175.00
TYNER CHURCH SEEKS USED SET OF CHOIR CHIMES
The Tyner UMC seeks a used set of choir chimes. They are a small country church and can't afford hand bells at this time but I think that choir chimes might be do-able. The church has eight willing players ready to give it a try. Please e-mail or call with any information to Pastor Mike Dixon of the Tyner UMC or call 574-936-4295.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
MUNSTER CHURCH HAS PIANO FOR THE ASKING
Ridge UMC in Munster (Calumet District) has a piano available. If your church would like it, all you need to do is let me know and be able to come get it by the end of July. It is a Kimball spinet. You may contact me at the church, my contact information is Heather Clinger, worship leader and choir director, Ridge United Methodist Church, 8607 Columbia Ave., Munster, IN 46321-2517. Phone 219-838-4770 or contact by e-mail heather@ridgeumc.org.
‘FREE’ COPIER
Plymouth Trinity UMC is offering to any United Methodist church a Royal 2030 copier "free" for a donation to an Africa University scholarship. The copier is in good operating condition and comes with all service records. Contact Karen at Plymouth Trinity at 574-936-2519.
THREE NEW DVDs ABOUT BASIC CHRISTIAN BELIEFS, PRACTICES AVAILABLE
The media distribution ministry of United Methodist Communications has released three new DVDs as the church responds to requests for learning materials in new formats about basic Christian beliefs and practices. The EcuFilm releases include a three-part DVD to help acolytes, ushers and greeters understand their responsibilities; an updated DVD to trace the history of African Americans in The United Methodist Church; and a new video that explains the United Methodist position on baptism. – UMNS
NEW CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM A HIT
Children across the United States are leaving church on Sunday mornings with these words ringing in their ears: “God is a great big God.” They also are talking about Bongo, Mr. Z and Ms. Lucy, “The Station” and “Common Ground Café.” Along the way, they are developing lifelong faith and a love for Sunday school. That was the dream behind “Live B.I.G.” when the United Methodist Publishing House last year produced the first year’s Sunday school curriculum for children ages 3-13. One year later, there is evidence that the dream is coming true. In the first seven months of production, sales were up to $2.4 million, and 4,575 churches had bought the new curriculum. In a survey of first-time users, respondents said the DVD was helpful and that more children were attending Sunday school. For more information, log on to www.ilivebig.com. – UMNS
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR JULY
The North Indiana Conference Media Resource Center’s latest acquisitions can be found online at www.nicumc.org. Click on “Media Library” in the left column and explore all the available options. July “Picks” include: Black Methodists for Church Renewal, 2007. This set of 9 DVDs records the proceedings of the 40th Annual Meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Inc.; Intersect/Culture - Taking Your Group to a Place Where Faith & Culture Meet. This DVD helps your group envision how followers of Christ can be a counterculture for the common good; Lost Christianities. A course that considers the varieties of belief and practice in the early days of Christianity; A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place. This Bible study explores the account of the building of the tabernacle, the significance of its design, and the fulfillment of its purpose by Jesus; NOOMA - You. A hard look at whether we put enough emphasis on the things that should matter in our lives; Praying in Color. An exciting new concept in communicating with the Lord; A Christmas Carol: Bible Study. Follow Scrooge on his journey as a fallen man toward redemption; Gilligan’s Island & The Seven Deadly Sins. A Bible study examining the seven deadly sins; Prayer of Jabez. A resource to help you break through to the miraculous life God meant for you to live.
By calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-783-5138, you can order these and other timely resources from a selection of hundreds of videos and DVDs. This service is provided through your connectional tithe. Bonnie Miller, Media Director, also can be reached at bonnie@nicumc.org for more information or you can access the catalog on the www.nicumc.org Web site.
SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR JULY
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.” “July Picks” have been posted. Some of our newest additions include: Journey: Personal Exploration with Peter France; Land Twice Promised; Milo the Mantis Who Wouldn’t Pray; NOOMA: You; Opening Ourselves to Grace; and Reflections on Psalm 23 for People with Cancer. By calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-919-8160, you can order these and other timely resources from a selection of over 4,000 videos and DVDs. The Center is a FREE-LOAN library for churches and institutions in the South Indiana Conference. Return postage is your only cost. This service is provided through your tithe. Mary Barnes, Media Director, can be reached at mbarnes@sicumc.org for more information or you can access the catalog via our Web site and order online. The Media Resource Center is here to serve you and your church!
FACTS FOR LIFE
46 percent of Hoosier smokers say cost is an important reason they want to quit smoking. The cost of cigarettes was increased by 44 cents on July 1. For help quitting see your health care provider or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
– 2006 Indiana Adult Tobacco Survey
MOVIE REVIEW
Ratatouille
- Rating: G Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
- Directed By: Brad Bird
- Cast: Brad Garrett, Patton Oswalt, Lou Romano
- Running Time: 110 minutes
- Genre: Family and Kids
A Common Sense Review (www.commonsensemedia.org)
Reviewed By: Sandie Angulo Chen
At this point, it’s pretty much a given that families and young children will line up to see anything made by Pixar, which seems incapable of producing a dud. But RATATOUILLE, like director Brad Bird‘s family adventure The Incredibles, is the rare animated film that could just as easily captivate an audience full of childless adults.
Granted, the world of haute French cuisine is an unlikely setting for a kid-friendly flick, but Bird makes it irresistible. Remy (voiced by comedian Patton Oswalt) is a unique rat who can’t stomach eating garbage. He wants the good stuff – like truffle oil and fine artisan cheeses – which brands him the snobby black sheep of his crew.
Kids may ultimately favor the child-centric appeal of Toy Story or the vroom-vroom adventure of Cars, but grown ups will find a reason to ask for seconds of Ratatouille. Fans of this movie will also enjoy the Anatole books.
For the full review, log on to www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/Ratatouille.html
DEATHS
None listed this week.
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 July 13, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
- None this week
South Indiana Conference
- Akers-DuBois, Janice from Paoli, Bloomington to No Appointment 7/1
- May, G. Frank from no appointment to Richland, Evansville 7/1
- Anyike, James C. from Christ UMC, North IN Conf, Calumet District to African American New Congregation Exploration, Metro Ministries 7/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
NORTH INDIANA UM FOUNDATION SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Foundation manages approximately $26 million in assets for churches and agencies in northern Indiana. The Foundation also operates a church loan fund in excess of $11 million to support United Methodist ministries through new buildings, renovation of current facilities and debt retirement.
In anticipation of the summer 2008 retirement of our current executive director, the North Indiana United Methodist Foundation, Inc. seeks the right person to become the next Executive Director. The foundation are seeking candidates with business management skills who are capable of providing general oversight of all Foundation programs and functions; day-to-day management of the foundation office in Marion, Indiana and working with the Foundation and the Loan Fund Boards’ of Directors to accomplish their mission. Experience in planned giving and financial planning would be helpful. Prospective applicants are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is expected. If you are an active member of the United Methodist Church and possess the above skills, this position may be perfect for you.
The new Executive Director will work with the current Executive Director for a period of three to six months to insure a smooth transition to new leadership. A full position description is available upon request. The salary is commensurate with experience and skills. Insurance and retirement benefits are provided through the North Indiana United Methodist Conference.
Resumes may be submitted electronically to: foundation@niumf.org
For more information, contact
North Indiana United Methodist Foundation & Loan Fund
1001 N. Western Ave., Suite D, Marion, IN 46952 or phone 765-664-2327, toll-free 866-669-2327, fax 765-664-2598, e-mail srunion@niumf.org and Web site www.niumf.org.
WEST LAFAYETTE CHURCH SEEKS PART-TIME ORGANIST
The First United Methodist Church of West Lafayette is seeking a part-time organist/accompanist for two Sunday morning worship services each Sunday. The number of Sundays is negotiable. The applicant must have a strong commitment to the Christian faith, quality worship, and sacred music and be versatile in a wide range of musical styles. The preferred candidate will have competent accompanying skills on both organ and piano. The organ is an Allen MDS-39 Digital Electronic (1996), 3 manuals, 45 stops + a 100 voice MIDI including a 7 bell zimblestern. Request a complete job description or send your resume with three references to: Ellen Wilson, Director of Music and Worship Arts, First United Methodist Church, 1700 State Road 26 West, West Lafayette, IN 47906 or email to ewilson@fumcwl.org
BLOOMINGTON DISTRICT CHURCH SEEKS CHOIR DIRECTOR
Crossroads UMC in Bloomington District is looking for a Choir Director. If interested please contact Rick Shroeder at 812-876-4698.
INDIANAPOLIS CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY
Wesley United Methodist Church has an immediate opening for the part-time position of Director of Music Ministry. The church seeks a dynamic, energetic music professional to help us grow our music ministry in this Westside community. Principle responsibilities include directing the adult chancel choir and overseeing other vocal and instrumental opportunities with traditional and contemporary music. Send RESUME immediately to: Wesley United Methodist Church, Staff Parish Committee, 3425 West 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222. Or by e-mail to Wesley@wumchurch.org. For more information call 317-926-4414.
UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATION SEEKS WEB PROJECT MANAGER
United Methodist Communication based in Nashville, Tenn., seeks a Web Ministry Project Manager for its Web Ministry Team. Deadline is July 26. All resumes must be post marked by this date. Any interested applicants should apply to the Human Resources Office.
P. O. Box 320, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-742-5137 or fax resumes to 615-742-5428.
Share this information with a friend or contact us for more information at hr@umcom.org.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE OFFERS PART-TIME POSITION
A part-time position is available at the Conference Service Center in Marion for 15 to 18 hours per week. Computer experience should include Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Knowledge of The United Methodist Church will be helpful. Resumes should be submitted to Ruth Ellen Needler, P.O. Box 869, Marion, IN 46952.
YOUTH DIRECTOR NEEDED IN BICKNELL
Part-time opening for Youth Director to plan, organize, prepare and lead youth activities. Ideal candidate will build relationships with youth in the church as well as the unchurched youth in our community and help them grow in their relationship with God. Must have experience working with young people. Send resume to Pastor, P.O. Box 99, Bicknell, IN 47512.
MARION FIRST SEEKS CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Marion First United Methodist Church has an opening for Children’s Ministry Director. This position is a 20 to 30 hour per week opportunity. We are looking for a person with a deep commitment to children’s ministries that will help us rebuild our Sunday morning program and develop a Sunday evening program for the area surrounding the church in downtown Marion. Must have experience in children’s ministry and a willingness to work with inner city families. Candidate should submit a resume to Pastor Kaye Patton, Marion FUMC, 624 S. Adams St., Marion IN 46953 or e-mail to kayepatton@indy.rr.com. Position is open immediately.
VINCENNES CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES
Community United Methodist Church in Vincennes, Indiana, seeks a full-time person to lead its music ministry programs. The chosen individual will have responsibilities for leading Adult Choir and Ensembles, praise band, adult and youth bell choirs, children’s choirs, and youth choir. Special attention will be given to those who can blend together traditional and contemporary forms and styles of worship, along with openness to reaching younger generation. Send resume to Community United Methodist Church, 1548 South Hart Street Road, Vincennes, IN 47591. Attention: Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Deadline: August 1.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.