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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, September 14, 2007 – Sunday is the 16th 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
News and Information
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Music Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Jesus told the people another story: What will a woman do if she has ten silver coins and loses one of them? Won’t she light a lamp, sweep the floor, and look carefully until she finds it? Then she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found the coin I lost.”
Jesus said, “In the same way God’s angels are happy when even one person turns to him.”
– Luke 15:8-10
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
HURRICANE HUMBERTO COMES ASHORE IN TEXAS, LOUISIANA
Hurricane Humberto came ashore in southeast Texas Thursday morning with winds of 85 mph.
Heavy rain is falling over much of eastern Texas and western Louisiana as the storm continues its path northeast. The National Hurricane Center reported in its 8 a.m. advisory that Humberto remained a Category 1 hurricane as it moved over land. Its current location is over the Texas-Louisiana border, 25 miles west-northwest of Lake Charles, La. Humberto’s winds are now down to 80 mph.
Rainfalls totaling 5 to 10 inches are possible across the region, with some isolated amounts of 15 inches. A 2 to 3 foot coastal storm surge above normal tides was also predicted at landfall and could continue along the Louisiana coast as the storm moves northeast at 12 mph.
Emergency officials are assessing damages in Texas and at least 75,000 people are without power. Texas has already been hit by excessive rainfall for much of the summer, making some worry about possible flooding from Humberto’s rains.
Search and rescue teams are on stand-by in Texas, as are feeding and rapid response units from The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross and the Texas Baptist Men. Louisiana is under a state of emergency. – Disaster News Network www.disasternews.net.
UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE EXCEEDS ENROLLMENT EXPECTATION
For the fifth consecutive year, the United Methodist-related University of Evansville has met or exceeded its enrollment goal. ”When classes began on Aug. 29, the entering class of 2007 numbered 660 strong, exceeding our goal of 650,” said University President Stephen Jennings. Overall enrollment at UE was also two percent higher than last year.
“The university’s freshman class is one of diversity and high quality,” said Vice President for Enrollment Services Tom Bear. The University’s entering class of 2007 comes from 32 states and 23 countries. More than 10 percent of UE freshmen are students of color and an additional six percent are international.
Seventy-percent of this year’s freshmen were in the top 25 percent of their high school class. Seventy-six percent of freshmen are from the states of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio and Missouri. – University of Evansville
SERVICE OF REPENTANCE, RECONCILIATION TO BE HELD IN GARY
A Service of Repentance, Reconciliation and Appreciation will be held at the site of the former City United Methodist Church, 575 Washington Street in Gary, Ind. on Sunday, Oct. 7.
United Methodists of the North Indiana Conference will gather and acknowledge publicly that the action of the Conference to close the City UMC in 1975 was partially due to racism.
In addition to repenting for this act of racism, the service also will provide an opportunity for United Methodists to reconcile with and demonstrate an appreciation for the citizens of Gary. The reconciliation and appreciation will take the form of United Methodists pledging support of the City of Gary’s plans to transform a section of the former City UMC building to a ruins garden (said to be the first such ruins garden in the United States). – Calumet District
UNINDY FORMS COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
The University of Indianapolis, a United Methodist-related university, has formed a College of Health Sciences to maximize the potential of its nationally respected schools of physical and occupational therapy.
Led by Dean of Health Sciences Mary Blake Huer, the new college combines the School of Occupational Therapy and the Krannert School of Physical Therapy under a single administrative structure while maintaining the academic identity of each. Both schools offer graduate programs that draw students from around the world.
This change, supported unanimously by faculty in both schools and recently approved by the university’s Board of Trustees, will facilitate research and teaching collaborations and make UIndy more competitive for external funding, said Deborah Balogh, the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The Krannert School of Physical Therapy was among the first such institutions in the nation to offer the full continuum of physical therapy programs, from the associate to the doctoral level. The School of Occupational Therapy was the third nationwide – and remains the only school in the state – to offer a doctorate in that discipline, the post-professional Doctor of Health Sciences degree. – Uindy News
MACE CEMETERY MEMORIAL HONORS VETERANS
On a day that always will be remembered for patriotism and sacrifice, Mace, Ind. (southeast of Crawfordsville), residents and veteran supporters gathered Sept. 11 at the Mace Cemetery for the unveiling of a Veterans’ Memorial to honor past, present and future veterans from all countries and all branches of the military. The memorial is “to remember those that have served, those that have put their life on the line, those that have paid the price, whatever the price may be,” said the Rev. Roger Ward, pastor of the Mace UMC as he spoke to the crowd. Ward, Joe Vickrey and Mace Cemetery Association board member David Crumm spoke at the dedication, and the Honor Guard Posts 427 and 72 then gave a gun salute and played Taps as the crowd stood in silence remembering veterans.
TWO INDIANA CHURCHES FEATURED IN CURRENT INTERPRETER MAGAZINE
Read about Trinity United Methodist Church in Lafayette (NIC), a part of the North Indiana Conference, in the Sept.-Oct. 2007 issue of Interpreter, the official ministry magazine for the people of The United Methodist Church. The “It Worked for Us” department features the Trinity Nursing Center for Infant Health, a collaborative ministry of Trinity and the School of Nursing at Purdue University. You may read the story on-line at www.interpretermagazine.org/interior.asp?ptid=43&mid=12305.
Read also about First United Methodist Church in Richmond, Ind. (SIC). First UMC’s Web site is one of a dozen featured in an article that is part of a series of features looking at innovative ways churches, conferences and United Methodist institutions are using technology for ministry that reaches out and creates “old-time” feelings of caring and community. You may read the story on-line at www.interpretermagazine.org/interior.asp?ptid=43&mid=12318.
This issue of Interpreter focuses technology-based ministry. You’ll be inspired by the stories of churches and faith communities using “high-tech” to create “high-touch” communities of caring. Another feature looks at ways to make your church Web site accessible.
Learn, too, how United Methodist colleges are cooperating with churches and annual conferences to enhance lay leadership and how lay speakers serve throughout The United Methodist Church.
Check out Interpreter OnLine at www.interpretermagazine.org. Order your personal subscription by calling United Methodist Communications at 888-346-3862. – Interpreter
UNITED METHODIST LOANS CAN NOW BE REPAID ONLINE
A newly launched online repayment system is making repaying United Methodist student loans easier and will improve efficiency in processing scholarships and loan applications.
Beginning in 2008, United Methodist students also can apply for scholarships and loans online.
In addition, students will be able to go online and track the status of an application to see if it is complete. For instance, a scholarship applicant can learn if a letter of reference is missing or if the application is approved pending verification of enrollment.
As of March, students have been able to borrow more money at a lower interest rate, according to Current-Felder. The amount a student can borrow was doubled to $5,000, and the interest rate was dropped to 5 percent. As of the end of August, more than $1.7 million of the $1.8 million allocated has been loaned to students needing financial help for the fall semester of 2007.
To learn more about United Methodist loans and scholarships, visit www.ghbem.org.
United Methodist churches can order resources for Special Sunday offerings by calling United Methodist Communications at 888-346-3862 or visiting www.umcgiving.org/ss. -- UMNS
STATES STAND STRONG AGAINST GAMBLING
Two decades ago, commercialized gambling existed in two states. Today, various forms of gambling occupy 48 states – only Hawaii and Utah remain free of gambling. But many are doing a great job to curb this social evil.
“After nearly 20 years of massive gambling expansion in the U.S., citizens are beginning to realize the importance of electing state and federal officials who realize gambling’s destructive impact on the economy, children, marriages and families,” said Chad Hills, analyst for gambling research and policy at Focus on the Family Action. “It’s been a long, hard fight, but we’re beginning to see the light.”
In Ohio, proposals for casinos and racinos largely have been thwarted by pro-family, business and religious groups. Attorney General Marc Dann and Gov. Ted Strickland’s opposition to gambling expansion also has played a key role in keeping this predatory industry at bay. This summer, Strickland said he would veto any legislation allowing video gambling machines at Ohio racetracks. And both the governor and attorney general have been aggressively removing illegal slot machines from the state.
At the federal level, Congress has enacted the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), which prevents U.S. banks and credit card companies from processing payments to online gambling businesses outside the country. – Focus on the Family Action
IMAGINE INDIANA QUESTION-ANSWER SHEET AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Imagine Indiana Design Team has posted a Question & Answer sheet on the Indiana Area Web site. Click on Imagine Indiana logo in the left column.
This is a list of frequently asked questions of the design team. If you have a question not listed or a comment or suggestion to the design team, please e-mail that question to ImagineIndiana@inareaumc.org.
More stories are available online at www.umc.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
WORSHIP RESOURCES FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH AVAILABLE ONLINE
Worship, Preaching, and Music Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15)
According to statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau in May 2007, Hispanics are the largest AND the fastest-growing minority group within the USA, now numbering over 44.3 million and constituting 14.8% of the total population. In the United Methodist Church, Sept. 15-Oct. 15 is a celebration of the rich heritage and cultural contributions of people of the USA who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America and the Caribbean. To encourage all congregations to participate in Hispanic Heritage Month, GBOD has developed a number of resources for worship, preaching, and music that are available as free downloads:
Preaching and Worship Resources
Music Resources
Congregations and choirs will enjoy singing “Amarte Sólo A Ti, Señor,” an anonymous Spanish corito, or little chorus, that may be found as a melody-text only download at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=12591&loc_id=1040,1045,1031. It includes both Spanish and English text. It is available with full musical accompaniment in the Spanish language United Methodist Hymnal, Mil Voces Para Celebrar, number 229.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
SALEM UMC IN BREMEN OFFERS RICOH DUPLICATOR SUPPLIES
We have supplies for a Ricoh Priport VT1800 duplicator that we will give to anyone who can use them. Supplies include three boxes (6 rolls) of Digital Stencil Masters, three cartons of ink (one Priport and two Van Son Digi-Ink) and two metal backed sponge pads part #C225-5020. If you can use these items please contact Salem UMC in Bremen (Warsaw District) at 574-546-2667.
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA CENTER PICKS FOR SEPTEMBER
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. September “Picks” include:
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Children of the Nakba, a School of Christian Missions selection
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NOOMA - Store: Dealing with our anger.
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NOOMA - Today: Learning to live in the day - not the past.
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William Wilberforce: One man’s struggle to rid the world of slavery.
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Herod’s Temple: The Temple as it was in Jesus’ day
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A second copy of Gilligan’s Island - The Seven Deadly Sins
Order by calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-783-5138. This service is provided through your connectional tithe.
For information on any of these and many more, go to our Web site, www.nicumc.org and click on Media Library or call Angel at 800-785-5138.
NOTE: Bonnie Miller has retired from her position as director of the Media Center. Angel Rea succeeds her. We give thanks to Bonnie for her service to the Media Center.
SOUTH CONFERENCE MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR SEPTEMBER
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.” September “Picks” have been posted. Some of the newest additions include: Baptism in The United Methodist Church; Into the Heart of Hope (AIDS in Africa); Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith; and NOOMA: Today. NOTE: Coming this fall: Living the Questions 2 and Affectionately Yours, Screwtape (C.S. Lewis). By calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-919-8160, you can order these and other resources from a selection of more than 4,000 videos and DVDs. Return postage is your only cost. This service is provided through your connectional tithe. Mary Barnes, Media Director, can be reached at mbarnes@sicumc.org for more information/consultation or you can access the catalog directly at www.sicumc.org.
MUSIC REVIEW
RON BLOCK: DOORWAY
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Label: Rounder
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Sound/Style: Faith-themed bluegrass and country/folk/rock blends
By Steve Morley
Gospel music is a cousin to country and bluegrass styles, a kinship harking back to the multi-cultural sounds that freely mingled throughout America’s Appalachian Mountains well over a century ago. Today, those mountain strains continue to show up in crossbred styles like the bluegrass, Americana and modern folk of Alison Krauss. Krauss’ virtuoso bandmate Ron Block is the diminutive singer’s link to the sub-genre of bluegrass gospel, having authored Krauss’ most inspirational numbers like the soul-stilling “A Living Prayer.”
The complete review can be read or heard at www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3374165/k.FBA7/Ron_Block_iDoorwayi.htm
DEATHS
JAMES V. BENNETT, retired pastor (NIC), died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007. A memorial service was held Sept. 9 at the North Webster UMC in North Webster, Ind. with burial in the North Webster Cemetery, Mock Addition. Survivors include: his wife, Evelyn; two daughters, Karen Harris of Pierceton, Ind. and Marilyn Akers of Lebanon, Ind.; two sons, Mark Bennett of Richmond, Va. and Tim Bennett of Omaha, Neb.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and three brothers. Condolences can be sent to Evelyn Bennett, 23 EMS B11 Ln., Pierceton, IN 46562. Memorials can be given to the North Webster UMC Building Fund, P.O. Box 282, North Webster, IN 46555-0282.
MAURICE BROCKMAN, retired pastor (SIC), died Sept. 4, 2007. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2 p.m., Nov. 3, 2007, at First UMC in Bloomington, Ind. Survivors include: Son, David E. Brockman, 3806 Pepper Chase, Bloomington, IN 47401; Daughter, Teresa Littrell; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
SUE TAYLOR, spouse of the Rev. O.P. Taylor (SIC), died Sept. 10, 2007. A graveside service was held on Thursday, Sept. 14 at the Fillmore Cemetery in Greencastle, Ind..
Survivors include: Husband, O.P. Taylor, 400 Longcastle Dr B-7, Greencastle, IN 46135; son, Mark Taylor, one grandchild, and three grandchildren.
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 September 14, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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None this week
South Indiana Conference
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Haysler, Michaelene M. from Rush Branch/Rush Branch: Dupont/Rush Branch: Ebenezer, Columbus to Brownstown, Bloomington, 8/1
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Johnson, William L. from Avon, Indianapolis West to no appointment, 8/31
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Smith, Callie J from Noblesville: First, Indianapolis East to Leave of Absence, 9/1
NEW JOB LISTINGS
CHURCH CUSTODIAN NEEDED IN MISHAWAKA CHURCH
Custodian needed. Some experience helpful, 15-20 hours a week. Send resume to Albright United Methodist Church, 504 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, IN 46545 by Sept. 21. For more information, call 574-259-1975.
SANTA CLAUS CHURCH SEEKS PART-TIME YOUTH MINISTER
The Santa Claus UMC in Santa Claus, Ind., seeks a part-time youth minister to oversee the ministries for youth between ages 12-18. The position is estimated to be 20-30 hours per week. Interested persons can call the church office at 812-937-2482 or e-mail: church@santaclausumc.org.
GREAT RIVERS CONFERENCE POSTS JOB FOR COUNSELING POSITION
The Great Rivers Annual Conference of Illinois seeks director/counselor’s position of the Shalom Pastoral Care and Counseling Center in Urbana, Ill. Information and application are available online at www.igrc.org/images/pdf_forms/PCCapplication.pdf.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE SEEKS CONTROLLER IN MARION
The North Indiana Conference is seeking applicants for the position of Controller in the Marion Service Center. Information on the position qualifications and responsibilities can be viewed at www.nicumc.org/controller.php.
ELKHART TRINITY CHURCH HAS TWO OPENINGS IN MUSIC MINISTRY
Part-time Organist/Accompanist
Trinity United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time organist/accompanist. Applicants should be comfortable playing various styles. Excellent accompanying skills a must. Some experience preferred. Below are additional details: 10 hours/week, reports to Director of Music, play organ and piano for two Sunday services (8 & 9:15) and for seasonal services, accompany adult choir and soloists for those services on piano and/or organ, choir rehearsal Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Part-time Praise Team Leader
Large, vital church seeking a Part-time Praise Team Leader. Some experience required. Additional details below: 20 hours/week, lead congregational musical worship and praise team for Saturday evening service and Sunday service at 10:45a.m., one weekly rehearsal with Praise Team, attend weekly worship planning meeting.
For either on of these positions, please send resumes to: Trinity United Methodist Church,
Attention: Kristen, 2715 E Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516 or call 574-294-7602 ext 114.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.