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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, July 20, 2007 – Sunday is the eighth 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
The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!”
The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her.”
– Luke 10:38-42
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
IMAGINE INDIANA DESIGN TEAM CONTINUES LISTENING PHASE
The 12 members of the Imagine Indiana Design Team, to write a plan of action to unite the North Indiana and South Indiana United Methodist conferences, heard more questions and inquiries than actual plans as they marked their second meeting yesterday, July 19, at the Indiana Area office in Indianapolis. Chaired by Bishop Mike Coyner, the team discussed the incorporation of more than 40 young adults, both laity and clergy, in the design process. Bishop Coyner will be calling together a young leaders group soon. Coyner also has committed himself to a District Day in each of the area’s 18 districts to discuss with clergy and laity the Imagine Indiana process. Those dates are listed in e-vents listings. Districts have or soon will post times and places of those sessions.
Issues raised during the July 19 meeting included: the conference office and regional/district offices for effective delivery of services and resources, the call to ministry for clergy and laity, cluster groupings of local churches, affinity groupings of churches wishing to share in a particular issue or mission, covenant groups, conference structure, questions of equity around pensions and health care benefits, feedback on the process of uniting and planning a meeting of district administrative assistants area-wide for their input into the design process. The design team continues in its listening phase at the present time, but hopes to have a report finalized by the end of this calendar year. Dates of upcoming team meetings are Aug. 28, Sept. 28, Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 13. All meetings will be at the Indiana Area office in Indianapolis.
For comments, suggestions and questions about the Imagine Indiana design, e-mail ImagineIndiana@inareaumc.org.
LILLY ANNOUNCES 10TH YEAR FOR INDIANA CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM
Lilly Endowment Inc. has announced that the popular Indiana Clergy Renewal Program will continue for its 10th year. So far, more than 280 Indiana congregations have received grants that have enabled them to send their ministers far and wide on voyages of renewal and refreshment. The congregations, too, through their own programs and plans during the sabbaticals often experience renewed energy and purpose.
Through the program the Endowment offers up to 40 grants of up to $45,000 each to support renewal programs for pastors of Indiana congregations. Up to $15,000 of that amount may be used to help the congregation fulfill pastoral duties during the pastor’s absence and/or to support renewal activities for the congregation itself.
The program is open to all Indiana congregations that have an ordained pastor. Also, if a pastor has benefited from a previous clergy renewal program grant received in or before 2002, that pastor’s current congregation is eligible to apply for a grant to support a second renewal for that pastor. Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 29, 2008, and recipients will be notified by late May 2008.
An information meeting about the program for Indiana pastors, their spouses and congregational representatives will be held Sept. 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Those who would like to attend should fill out the invitation card that accompanies the application (or that is available on the Endowment’s Web site) and return it to the Endowment by Sept. 20.
For details about the information meeting or to gain access to the application brochure, interested persons should view the Endowment’s website, www.lillyendowment.org and click on Religion; call 317/916-7350; e-mail indianaclergyrenewal@yahoo.com; or write Jean M. Smith, Program Director, Lilly Endowment, 2801 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46208.
CASH OFFERED IN ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN
If saving money and staying healthy wasn’t reason enough for Hoosiers to stop smoking, now there’s the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and other prizes.
Phase Two of the statewide tobacco cessation campaign titled “QUIT 2 WIN” kicked off yesterday with a contest that awards smokers for trashing their packs.
The contest encourages eligible Hoosiers to enroll by Sept. 5 and stay smoke-free from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, officials representing INShape Indiana and Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation announced. Those verified as successful – all randomly selected winners will be tested by blood, urine or breath analysis, officials said – have a chance at a number of prizes donated by sponsors. Announced yesterday was the first prize: $2,500 in cash, courtesy of (United Methodist-related) Clarian Health.
“We want to make sure to align incentives with the right actions,” said Dr. Judy Monroe, State Health Commissioner.
Smokers can enter online through the INShape Indiana Web site, www.inshape.in.gov, by clicking on the Quit2Win icon. Registration forms will also be available through the Indiana Black Expo and at many of this summer’s fairs and festivals.
– Indianapolis Star
HIGHER EDUCATION BOARD INCREASES SCHOLARSHIPS, LOAN AMOUNTS
The United Methodist Church has responded to rising college costs by doubling the amount of money a United Methodist college student may borrow annually from a denominational loan fund and lowering the interest rate beginning Aug. 1, 2007.
“By doubling the amount of money a student can borrow and reducing the interest rate for repayment, we hope to make a value-centered education more accessible to future leaders from all income levels,” said the Rev. Jerome King Del Pino, general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
In addition to the “Five for Five” loan increases, which begin Aug. 1, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is also making more scholarship money available by withdrawing $2 million from the scholarships and loans fund to provide scholarships for seminary students, Women of Color, and the popular Gift of Hope: 21st Century Scholars Program.
The Gift of Hope project was created in 1998 to give scholarships to deserving United Methodists not attending one of the 109 United Methodist-related colleges and universities. Beginning in August, the new $500,000 endowment will help ensure that a minimum of 700 annual scholarships are awarded. The endowment will continue the Gift of Hope in perpetuity. The scholarship has also been renamed “The Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope: 21st
Century Scholars Program” in honor of the late education advocate who was instrumental in creating it. Layman, of Carlisle, Pa., saw the need for future church leaders to be well educated and to have opportunity to receive training. She died in 2005.
A new $500,000 endowment for the Women of Color Scholars Program will support four students in 2007 and ensure the annual support of a minimum of 10 women of color pursuing doctorate degrees in religious studies. The program provides up to $10,000 a year to women of color pursuing a Ph.D. or Th.D.
To grant more scholarships to seminary students, GBHEM also increased its Special Seminary Scholarship Fund by $1 million for students up to age 30. The added money will help an additional 25 students in 2007-08, bringing to 75 the total number of seminary students receiving annual scholarship support. Board officials hope that as the fund grows, a minimum of 100 young seminarians someday will receive scholarships.
To learn more about the UM Loans and Scholarships, or to get application information, visit www.gbhem.org.
EMERGENCY APPEAL AIMS TO SAVE REFUGEES IN CHAD
Warning that malaria could kill thousands of refugees in Chad as the African nation’s rainy season begins, the United Nations Foundation launched an emergency fundraising appeal July 16 in Chicago to purchase 40,000 insecticide-treated sleeping nets.
The foundation called on Americans to help raise $400,000 to respond to the immediate need of people living in 15 refugee camps along Chad’s eastern border with Sudan and its southern border with the Central African Republic.
Children are particularly at risk among the more than 200,000 refugees displaced by spreading violence in the Darfur region of Sudan. U.N. officials estimate that 25 percent of children under age 5 living in the camps will die from malaria without protection at night, when mosquito-borne malaria is usually transmitted.
The money is being raised through Nothing But Nets, a grassroots campaign to distribute the life-saving nets. The people of The United Methodist Church are among the founding partners of the 2006 initiative, which urges people to “send a net, save a life” for the cost of $10 per net.
Since May 2006, the Nothing But Nets campaign has raised more than $7 million. The average donation is about $60. To donate, visit www.NothingButNets.net or www.umc.org/nets.
–UMNS
CONFERENCES RAISE MORE THAN $1.3 MILLION FOR NOTHING BUT NETS
In the spirit of Methodism founder John Wesley’s declaration that the “world is my parish,” at least 22 United Methodist conferences contributed more than $1.3 million in gifts and pledges to the Nothing But Nets campaign. At least four other conferences announced activities for later in the year to benefit the United Methodist-supported fund-raising effort to end mosquito-borne malaria in Africa with insecticide-treated nets. Nothing But Nets was one of the most visible beneficiaries of special offerings collected and promoted during the church’s U.S. annual conference meetings this year. The people of The United Methodist Church are a founding partner of the campaign and have contributed to the total of $7 million raised thus far. For more information, log on to www.NothingButNets.net
– UMNS
FAITH AND ORDER COMMISSION CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY IN OHIO
Nearly 400 Christians, including United Methodists, are gathering today through July 23 at Oberlin (Ohio) College to take stock of the Christian ecumenical movement in North America. Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Orthodox, Protestant, evangelical, Anglican and others will gather for “On Being Christian Together,” the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of the Churches. That first event also was held at Oberlin College. Theologians and religious leaders will assess the previous 50 years of the ecumenical movement in the United States and think strategically about the future of ecumenism in the 21st century.
–UMNS
INDIANA STATE OFFERS HEALTH CARE INSURANCE FOR KIDS
Indiana state education and health officials on Wednesday announced the launch of an annual campaign to provide more low-income Hoosier children with free or low-cost health insurance.
About 70,000 children receive insurance under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, but more than 97,000 whose families qualify for the program remain uninsured. Families of four earning up to $41,304 may qualify.
State officials say the initiative to raise awareness takes on increased importance this year, as funds for the 10-year program go up for renewal in the U.S. Congress. For children who would otherwise be without insurance, it also makes a huge impact on their success in school.
“It’s extremely important to find ways to help cover children,” said Dr. Judy Monroe, Indiana’s health commissioner. “Coordinating school health removes the barriers to teaching kids to make healthy choices.” For more information, families can call toll free: 800-889-9949.
– The Indianapolis Star
WORSHIP RESOURCES
THE IMPATIENCE OF HYMN SINGING
Congregational singing – you just can’t please everybody! Too fast, too slow, too loud, too soft, wrong hymn, too many choruses, do we have to have those awful guitars or that ghastly organ, and on and on. I will add my own voice of complaint; although it is not one I’ve heard from anyone else. This article is a free download from the GBOD Web site.
– Dean McIntyre, GBOD
MINISTRY RESOURCES
MISSIONARIES AT MUNCIE AUG. 12
Joseph and Marilyn Chan, UMC General Board of Global Ministries missionaries to Cambodia, will be at Gethsemane UMC in Muncie on Sunday morning, Aug. 12. They are available for other appointments on Sunday Aug. 12 afternoon and evening, and any time on Monday Aug. 13 and any time on Tuesday Aug 14. If you can take advantage of this opportunity please contact Darl Bookout, 765-286-1976, or Rev. Martha Lyon, 765-284-6877, or Rev. Ed Geleske, North Indiana Conference Secretary Global Ministries at edwakarusaumc@verizon.net
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
Thirty percent of Hoosier smokers are ready to quit in the next 30 days.
Health care providers stand ready to help them quit. For help quitting see your health care provider or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
– 2006 Indiana Adult Tobacco Survey
MOVIE REVIEW
HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX
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Production Company: Warner Bros. Pictures
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Director: David Yates
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Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Matthew Lewis, Evanna Lynch, Katie Leung, Imelda Staunton, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, Robbie Coltrane, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Alan Rickman, Jason Isaacs, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters, Robert Hardy
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Rating: PG-13 for fantasy violence and frightening images.
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – After screening Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I couldn’t help thinking of 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” Harry and his friends have definitely put away childish things. Through the four previous installments, the Harry Potter series has progressively moved us from the kiddy rides at the Hogwarts amusement park to the darker, scarier stuff – the haunted house, the hall of mirrors and the rides that make your knees knock while you’re waiting in line. The series has always been a coming of age story, involving an escalating showdown between good and evil. For the complete review, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.2951773/k.AD61/Movie_Review_iHarry_Potter_and_the_Order_of_the_Phoenixi.htm
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 20, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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Brookshire, Heather from No appointment, Calumet to Concord, Ft. Wayne 6/07
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Davis, Thomas from No appointment, Marion to Mt. Carmel, Fowlerton, Marion 6/07
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Freel, Jr, Phillip from No appointment, Marion to Asbury Chapel, Hartford City, Marion 6/07
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Gladfelter, Michael from No appointment, Muncie to Muncie Fountain Square, Muncie 6/07
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Rohrer, Sheri from Transitional Leave, Lafayette to Delphi Associate, Lafayette 7/07
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Wilbur, Timothy from Pendleton First, Marion to Involuntary LOA, Marion 6/07
South Indiana Conference
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CORRECTION – Akers-DuBois, Janice from Paoli, Bloomington to incapacity leave 7/1
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Lance, Rick from Francisco, Vincennes to Discontinued 6/07
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Thompson, James W. from Nobles Chapel, Evansville to McCutchanville, Elberfeld, New Jerusalem, Evansville 7/07
NEW JOB LISTINGS
None listed this week.
PREVIOUS 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.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.