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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, September 28, 2007 – Sunday is the 18th 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
Movie Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
The Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy;
“Warn the rich people of this world not to be proud or to trust in wealth that is easily lost. Tell them to have faith in God, who is rich and blesses us with everything we need to enjoy life. Instruct them to do as many good deeds as they can and to help everyone. Remind the rich to be generous and share what they have. This will lay a solid foundation for the future, so that they will know what true life is like.”
– 1 Timothy 6:17-19
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
NEWS AND INFORMATION
SEEDS OF HOPE TO GROW AT OLD CITY CHURCH SITE IN GARY
United Methodists are scheduled to share in a very special service and ceremony in Gary, Ind., on Sunday at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. EDT), Oct. 7, weather permitting, at the remains of the old “City Church” in Gary, site of the former First Methodist Church, once one of the largest Protestant churches in Middle America. (If weather does not permit an outside service, it will be held in the school across the street from the site.)
Then, came the days of “white flight” during the 1960s and with many White constituents fleeing the inner city, old City Church closed. The remains of that once-proud building have stood for more than 40 years as a silent and unsightly testimony to the results of racism, urban decay and the blight caused by fear and abandonment.
United Methodists are scheduled to gathering to share in a worship service called “Repentance, Reconciliation and Appreciation.” Participants plan to gather to confess that United Methodists allowed racism and fear to destroy a congregation. They plan to offer words of appreciation for those United Methodist congregations which stayed in Gary, and will turn toward the future to explore “Seeds of Hope.”
During the event, Gary city officials plan to announce how they will turn the old City Church site into a garden and park. Participants will have a time to share their hope for the future of Gary and United Methodist ministries in particular.
The idea for this ceremony began with the Rev. David Schrader, previous Calumet District Superintendent. The Rev. Michelle Cobb, current Calumet District Superintendent, has continued those plans.
Cobb said, “I am delighted to participate, and I have invited the mayor and several other city leaders to join us. I invite United Methodist leaders from Indiana to attend. This is not just a ceremony for the folks in Gary or the surrounding areas, and it is certainly not just a ceremony for our African-American constituents. This is an opportunity for United Methodists to make a public witness to our repentance for racism, and also to express our hope for a future in God’s hands.”
Coverage of this historical event will be published in the Nov.-Dec. issue of the Hoosier United Methodist Together newspaper and online at www.inareaumc.org.
DISTRICT AAs DISCUSS UNITY OF TWO CONFERENCES WITH BISHOP, TEAM
Administrative Assistants from 15 of the 18 United Methodist district offices across Indiana discussed their role in the church and concerns relating to their positions as AAs with Bishop Mike Coyner, and five members of the Imagine Indiana Planning Team during a luncheon meeting on Friday, Sept. 21 at the area office in Indianapolis. The AAs talked as Bishop Coyner and team members listened to their comments about database needs, district and conference program, district committee structure, Web sites, other communication issues and job security. They suggested that training for the future be done as a group and inquired about staying connected throughout the unifying phase of the two Indiana Area conferences coming together. They also asked to be informed what is happening before it happens. – e-HUM
IMAGINE INDIANA QUESTION-ANSWER SHEET AVAILABLE ONLINE
The Imagine Indiana Design Team has posted a Question & Answer sheet on the Indiana Area Web site at www.inareaumc.org. 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.
DEPAUW UNIVERSITY’S 17TH PRESIDENT DIES AT AGE 78
Dr. Richard F. Rosser, 78, DePauw’s 17th president, who led the University from 1977 to 1986, died Friday, Sept. 21, 2007 in Maine. Under his leadership, DePauw restored historic East College, renovated Asbury Hall and Roy O. West Library and built the Lilly Physical Education and Recreation Center. The University’s endowment grew four-fold from $19.4 million to $83.2 million.
Rosser, a native of Arcanum, Ohio, led the University until 1986, when he retired and was succeeded by current President Robert G. Bottoms. After leaving DePauw, Rosser became president and chief executive officer of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), positions he held until his retirement in 1993. – DePauw University
CELEBRATE WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY WITH OFFERING OCT. 7
Crusade Scholar Jean-Michel Basquin, studying at South Dakota State University (SDSU), Brookings, is eager to return home to Haiti. Equipped with a doctorate in rural sociology, his goal is “to help the Methodist Church of Haiti to shape a better future for the country.
Reflecting on the Crusade Scholarship that enabled him to do graduate studies with little financial burden, he said, “I can’t be thankful enough. That scholarship is exactly what the church needs to fulfill its global mission. It empowers people so they can empower others.”
Because of caring United Methodists, Jean-Michel and other deserving students receive the opportunity for a quality education. The World Communion Sunday offering provides scholarships for U.S. (racial-and ethnic-minority) and international students, on both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Please give generously on World Communion Sunday, Oct. 7, the first Sunday of October. Your gift makes a world of difference! Thank you! For more information and materials, log on to www.umcgiving.org.
DISCIPLES JOIN COALITION IN ASKING FOR FDA REGULATION OF TOBACCO
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has joined with United Methodists and other faith groups in the state-wide Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition to ask Indiana’ s Congressional Representatives to support the regulation of tobacco products by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Special attention has been centered on Indiana District 9 Representative Baron Hill (D-Ind.), a member of the house committee considering the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and a member of First UMC in Seymour.
Disciples leaders announced on Wednesday, Sept. 26 at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis that the 800,000-member denomination has joined with the national Faith United Against Tobacco in the continuing campaign to help reduce the use of tobacco in America, especially among children and youth.
Participating was the Rev. Dr. Todd A. Adams, associate general minister and vice-president, of the Christian Church (DOC). Adams said, “Our General Youth Council spent time studying the issues surrounding tobacco use and marketing techniques by tobacco companies, and formulated a well-articulated plea to the church to officially join the fight against underage smoking and the lack of FDA regulations.” – e-HUM
ILLINOIS LEGISLATION MEANS IMPACTS FOR INDIANA GAMBLING
As the pieces might be falling into place for major gambling expansion in Illinois, with it comes potential impacts to gambling in Indiana.
The proposal the Illinois State Senate approved last week would create three new casinos, including a land-based site in Chicago, and allow existing riverboat casinos to expand by several thousand gaming positions, such as slot machines.
The money generated would help fund a $13 billion state borrowing program for road and school construction projects and mass transit in Chicago. Schools also would see $300 million more, much of that for the base-level classroom spending per student.
Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson (D-Crete), said she’d like to see one of the new casinos in the south Chicago suburbs, which she represents, because local gamblers are flocking to place bets across the border in Indiana. – Springfield Times and AP reports
FORT WAYNE CHURCH DEEMED COLLECTION POINT FOR FLOOD BUCKETS
St. Joseph UMC in Fort Wayne will continue to be a collection site for flood buckets in the North Indiana Conference until the end of October. The Disaster Response team members are working to replenish the shortage of flood buckets at the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Illinois and the Sager Brown UMCOR depot in Louisiana. They ask that donors please provide $2 per bucket for shipping. For more information, contact Gary Peterson, North Indiana Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at gphome.1@verizon.net or call 260-338-0587. St. Joseph’s is located at 6004 Reed Road in Fort Wayne or telephone 260-485-9681. A listing of flood bucket contents is available at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/ – Gina Riendeau, North Indiana Conference Mission Staff
UNITED METHODISTS MORE THAN HALFWAY ON NOTHING BUT NETS GOAL
The people of The United Methodist Church have passed the halfway mark toward the denomination’s $3-million fundraising goal for the Nothing But Nets malaria prevention campaign, Bishop Thomas Bickerton announced during a recent faith leaders’ luncheon at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Houston.
“The ‘Send a net. Save a life’ message has gained momentum across the United Methodist connection, with churches, youth groups and individuals employing creative approaches to raise more than $1.75 million dollars between November and August,” said Bickerton.
The Nothing But Nets campaign received a challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in January, matching funds raised through the campaign dollar for dollar up to $3 million. On Aug.20, a $615,000 check to Nothing But Nets representing funds raised through The United Methodist Church not only put the denomination over the halfway mark towards the fundraising goal, it also put Nothing But Nets over $3 million raised since January, thereby fulfilling the matching grant from the Gates Foundation more than a year early. – UMNS
CHURCH’S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER TO RETIRE NEXT JUNE
Sandra Lackore will retire next June after serving 12 years as chief executive of the agency that administers finances for The United Methodist Church and safeguards its legal rights and interests. She shared the news with her staff at the General Council on Finance and Administration in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 17. Her retirement also was announced churchwide by Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, president of the governing board for the agency.
Lackore, 63, will take a three-month family leave beginning Oct. 1 to care for her husband, the Rev. Cecil Lackore. Her retirement is effective June 30. The council’s executive committee is developing an interim leadership plan. – UMNS
CÔTE D’IVOIRE CONFERENCE DEVELOPS NEW STRATEGIC HEALTH PLAN
The Côte d’Ivoire United Methodist Conference based in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire is developing a new strategic plan in health ministries as part of a denomination-wide emphasis on global health. The plan is focused on four priorities: the three diseases of poverty (malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS), strengthening the Methodist Hospital in Dabou, restarting a school of nursing, and establishing community-based-primary-health-care programs in the Côte d’Ivoire.
“I see The United Methodist Church of Côte d’Ivoire as a pioneer in global health work,” said Dr. Cherian Thomas, executive secretary for Health and Welfare Ministries of the General Board of Global Ministries. “The church is strong and vibrant. Through the commitment of the people I met, there is a sense that things will improve for the better.”
Thomas was the keynote speaker at a two-day workshop held at Abidjan from Sept.20-21. He introduced the priorities of the new UMC global health focus and assisted the group in mapping the health assets of the Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conference. – GBGM
THERE’S LIFE IN ZIMBABWE, NATIVE TELLS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Even as the African country of Zimbabwe falters under a staggering inflation rate of 7,500 percent, “there is life,” says a Zimbabwean native. Speaking to members of the Africa University Advisory Development Committee Sept. 21 and Sept. 22, the Zimbabwean – who asked for anonymity out of concern about government repercussions – said that while numerous challenges face the sub-Saharan country, the most difficult is shortages of basic commodities on market shelves. However, food is available outside the established channels. “One has to stretch a little bit to make sure food is on the table,” she added.
The development committee, established in 1993, works with the Africa University Development Office in Nashville and agencies of The United Methodist Church to raise money for the school’s capital, endowment and operational needs.
The country has experienced water shortages and drought, a lack of foreign currency, electrical outages, political repression, economic hardships and poverty. An estimated four out of five Zimbabweans live below the poverty line. Since 2002, an estimated 3 million residents have fled to South Africa alone, while others have gone to Zambia and Botswana. – UMNS
More stories are available
online at www.umc.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
PSALM SINGING: OBSTACLES AND OBJECTIONS
The 1989 hymnal revision committee and the General Conference that approved it had great hopes for the new Psalter that was developed and included in our hymnal. There was great expectation for renewed interest and practice in congregational psalm singing through a recovery of the historic practices and patterns of singing the psalms. This has clearly not come to be in the 18 year life of this hymnal. The spoken responsive reading of psalms remains the most common method of use in worship, while chanting languishes at a mere three percent of congregations. This article discusses possible reasons for the current use and non-use of our hymnal’s Psalter. To read it, log on to: www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45330&loc_id=17,823
MINISTRY RESOURCES
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.
SOUTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR OCTOBER
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.” October “Picks” have been posted. Some of the newest additions include: Acolytes, Greeters, Ushers; Countering Pharaoh’s Production-Consumption Society Today (from Living the Questions); Renewal or Ruin; and Sweet Singer (a one-man musical drama about Charles Wesley). NOTE: Coming later this fall: Living the Questions 2.0. 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.
MOVIE REVIEW
GOOD LUCK CHUCK
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Rating: R for sequences of strong sexual content including crude dialogue, nudity, language and some drug use.
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Studio: Lions Gate Entertainment
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Directed By: Mark Helfrich
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Cast: Jessica Alba, Dane Cook, Dan Fogler
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Running Time: 96 minutes
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Release Date: 09/20/2007
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Genre: Comedy
Parents need to know that since this movie imitates the raunchy comedy style of The Wedding Crashers and Judd Apatow movies, it might appeal to older teens who are fans of “hard R” comedies. But this one doesn’t have its predecessors’ charm, and even though “only” one character smokes pot, nudity and sex (both as a subject of conversation and the act itself) are ubiquitous, and in some cases downright disgusting. Women are discussed as if they were walking genitalia, obese women are the target of ridicule, and even 10-year-olds are depicted as sex fiends who want to actually “do it” during a game of “7 Minutes in Heaven.” Plus, the idea that women are so desperate to get married that they’d sleep with a stranger is demeaning and sexist. – www.commonsensemedia.com
DEATHS
ALLAN D. BYRNE, retired pastor (NIC), died Sept. 23, 2007. A memorial service was held Sept. 27 at First UMC in Whitewater, Wisc., followed by a committal service at the Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin, Ill. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, Sept. 29 at 11a.m. at First UMC in South Bend, Ind. Memorials can be given to Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2121 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60201 for the Allan & Mary Beth Byrne Scholarship.
SUSAN G. KASTER, wife of the Rev. William R. Kaster (pastor at Plymouth Trinity UMC-NIC), died Sept. 22, 2007. A memorial service will be held this Sunday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. at Trinity UMC, 425 S. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563. A time of fellowship will follow the service. Survivors include: her husband, William; four children: Mary Kaster of Sebastopol, Calif.; Michael Kaster of Indianapolis, Peter Kaster of Plymouth, and Rebecca Kaster and her two children of Michigan City. Memorials can be made to Plymouth Trinity UMC for the Royal Family Kids Camp.
MARIANNE N. TEMPLE, wife of the Rev. Paul R. Temple, retired Elder (NIC), died July 23, 2007. A memorial service was held on July 28 in the chapel of the Otterbein-Lebanon Retirement Center in Lebanon, Ohio. Survivors include: her husband, Paul R. Temple; sons, Prof. Harold L. Temple and Dr. Gordon P. Temple; daughter, Dr. Carolyn T. Adger; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. Paul R. Temple, 585 N. State Road 741, Lebanon OH 45036.
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 September 28, 2007.
North Indiana Conference
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None this week
South Indiana Conference
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Herrin, Cory from no appointment to Epworth, Evansville, 10/1
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Wallace, Ross E. from Hartsville, Columbus to retirement, 7/31
NEW JOB LISTINGS
FORT WAYNE CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN, YOUTH
A search committee is being formed to find a qualified full-time Director of Children and Youth for Ft. Wayne Forest Park UMC. For a detailed job description contact FPUMC at fpumc@verizon.net or phone 260-484-6696.
PREVIOUS JOB LISTINGS
INDIANAPOLIS CHURCH SEEKS SECRETARY, IMMEDIATE OPENING
Christ UMC, 8540 US 31 South in Indianapolis, has an immediate opening for a church secretary who is detail-oriented, organized and efficient. Computer knowledge is necessary, and duties include processing mail and e-mail, answering the phone, printing the bulletin, and updating and maintaining records. The ability to help with finances is a plus. This position is currently for thirty hours, but it may lead to more hours in the future.
If interested, please contact: Chair of SPRC-CUMC, 907 Clossey Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46227-2531 or by e-mail at chairsprc@yahoo.com.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.