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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, October 26, 2007 – Sunday is the 22nd 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
This Week’s News Headlines
News and Information
Worship Resources
Ministry Resources
Movie Review
Deaths
Ministerial Appointments
New Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Then Jesus said, "When the two men went home, it was the tax collector and not the Pharisee who was pleasing to God. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored."
– Luke 18:14
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
THIS WEEK’S NEWS HEADLINES
North Indiana Conference response to Nappanee relief efforts
Alaska United Methodists to receive transfer of property
Report says changing demographics will affect church funding
Weblos Scouts earn engineering pins at University of Evansville
Campaign promotes non-racist dialogue on immigration
Domigues named interim head for units at Global Ministries
Young theologians invited to participate in essay WCC contest
Africa University’s chief executive to step down
NEWS AND INFORMATION
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE RESPONSE TO NAPPANEE RELIEF EFFORTS
In response to the storms that recently struck the Nappanee area, many churches have asked about how they can best help. At this time the needs are being assessed and work teams are being formed. If you would like to help with volunteers or a work team you may coordinate with Rob Seewald at Nappanee UMC, 574-773-4183.
Food donations of non-perishables may be brought to the Nappanee Open Door at 292 South Main Nappanee, Mon. – Fri., 9-11 a.m. Contact can be made at 574-773-3820.
Monetary gifts may be sent to the Michiana District Office at 56816 Meadowood Dr, Elkhart, IN 46516 or to the North Indiana Conference Office, PO Box 869, Marion, IN 46952. Please be sure to designate NAPPANEE STORM RELIEF on your gifts. – Brent Williams, NIC treasurer
UMCOR SENDS EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS TO NAPPANEE
The United Methodist Committee on Relief Emergency Services based in Washington, D.C., has sent $10,000 to the North Indiana Conference for distribution in Nappanee through the Nappanee United Methodist Church to assist tornado survivors in clean-up activities and relief. These funds were requested by Bishop Coyner after communicating with the Rev. David Harrold, pastor of Nappanee UMC.
ALASKA UNITED METHODISTS TO RECEIVE TRANSFER OF PROPERTY
A transfer of church-owned property in Alaska will allow for more control by local United Methodists and more ministry to the remote region. The denomination’s General Board of Global Ministries approved the transfer during its Oct. 8-11 annual meeting at Stamford, Conn. Under the agreement, the board’s properties will fall under the jurisdiction of the United Methodist Alaska Missionary Conference. Properties owned by the board’s Women’s Division were not part of the transfer agreement.
Bishop Edward Paup of the Seattle area, who provides episcopal leadership in Alaska, told board directors that the missionary conference considers control of the properties as a way to continue its mission and embark on new projects. "We have many opportunities for advancing mission and ministry in the state of Alaska, especially because of the resources around the Pacific Rim," explained Paup, who also is a Board of Global Ministries director. "We are asking that we become stewards of the legacy." – UMNS
IMAGINE INDIANA AGREE ON WORKING DEFINITIONS OF MINISTRY
The 12-member Imagine Indiana Planning Team agreed on working definition of ministry in a new Indiana Conference during their Oct. 19 meeting at the Indiana Area office in Indianapolis.
Those definitions set the stage theologically for the work of the new conference and cover the definition of a disciple and the roles of congregations, district superintendents, conference staff and the bishop. These foundational statements will be used to plan for the structure and purpose of the new conference.
Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner reported to the group that the most often heard concept during his district meetings so far was congregational clusters. Some of the area’s 18 districts already function with clusters.
Both conference pension and health-care benefit plans are coming closer to a final draft as both conference pension/health-care boards agree upon set benefits and payments.
Both conference Councils of Finance and Administration will need to draft a 2009 budget for the new conference at the beginning of 2008.
As it continues to listen in district meetings and task force gatherings across Indiana, the planning team is drafting a preliminary plan that will be written in December and distributed in January for feedback and revisions before a final plan is drafted to be reviewed and approved at both annual conferences this spring.
The team has been working with a marketing class at the University of Indianapolis to compile data to help in the process of determining how many regions (districts) will be needed in the new conference. Their report will come to the committee on Dec. 7.
The team finalized location of an “if needed” special annual conferences session on Oct. 4, 2008 at the State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis to finalize plans for the new conference. The team hopes to have a final plan of union to members of both conferences in March. It also appreciates the prayers of Hoosier United Methodists as it continues its task.
Next Planning Team meetings are set for Nov. 16 and Dec. 14-15 in Indianapolis.
REPORT SAYS CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS WILL AFFECT CHURCH FUNDING
The face of today's United Methodist is markedly different than it was 40 years ago – a reality that concerns church financial leaders tracking how changing demographics are hitting the denomination in its pocketbook. In the United States, which provides the lion's share of denominational resources, United Methodists are becoming rarer in a growing population. They are generally older adults above age 57 who attend larger churches. Most are white or African American. And they are generally wealthier than United Methodists of previous generations.
The implications are far-reaching and represent a mixed bag of good news and bad news relating to denominational resources and reach, according to Don House, chairman of a task force that recently completed its study of funding patterns within the church.
"While the (U.S.) population is growing, our membership is decreasing per capita, which means United Methodists are having a smaller and smaller impact on society. That wasn't supposed to happen," said House, a research economist in College Station, Texas.
House presented the group's report during the September meeting of the governing board of the denomination's General Council on Finance and Administration based in Nashville, Tenn., on which he also serves as a member. The board voted to send legislation based on the report's recommendations to the denomination's top legislative assembly. Among other things, the legislation aims to hold leaders at all levels of the church accountable in their responsibility to promote, support and model Christian giving. – UMNS
WEBLOS SCOUTS EARN ENGINEERING PINS AT UNIV. OF EVANSVILLE
Webelos Scouts from the Tri-State were on the United Methodist-related University of Evansville campus this past Saturday morning, working with the College of Engineering and Computer Science to earn their engineering pins.
About 200 scouts convened at the Koch Center for Science and Engineering for a series of workshops aimed at earning their engineering pins. The Scouts rotated among four activities, where members of the Dean’s Advisory Committee helped them to: build tennis-ball catapults, built structures using only toothpicks and gumdrops, learned computer programming and helped create an electrical circuit. – UE
CAMPAIGN PROMOTES NON-RACIST DIALOGUE ON IMMIGRATION
Representatives of the Women’s Division, United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, participated in an Oct. 17 news conference for a new faith-based campaign in Washington, D.C. promoting non-racist dialogue on immigration.
The "Campaign for a United America" was initiated by the Chicago-based Center for New Community. "As a part of the campaign, the Women’s Division will work to uncover the racist underpinnings of many anti-immigrant organizations that help to shape media messages and current debates," said Carol Barton, the division’s co-executive secretary for racial justice.
"We will partner with the campaign to engage United Methodist Women members in local efforts to understand and challenge these hate groups." The campaign, endorsed by division directors in October, is part of United Methodist Women’s ongoing advocacy for immigrants and just immigration policy. – UMNS
DOMINGUES NAMED INTERIM HEAD FOR UNITS AT GLOBAL MINISTRIES
The Rev. Jorge Domingues is the new interim head for units concerned with evangelization and church growth, mission contexts and relationships, and mission education for the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. He succeeds the Rev. Sam Dixon, who is now chief executive of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. A board staff executive since 1996, Domingues is a clergy member of the Methodist Church of Brazil. – UMNS
YOUNG THEOLOGIANS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN ESSAY WCC CONTEST
Students of theology and young theologians are being invited by the World Council of Churches to bring new perspectives and contributions to the debate about the future of the ecumenical movement by participating in an essay competition to mark the council’s 60th anniversary. Participants, both clergy and lay persons, are invited to address the theme “Making a Difference Together – Prospects for Ecumenism in the 21st Century.” The six best essays will be presented by their authors at an international consultation on the same theme to be held in Bossey, Switzerland, in late 2008. The deadline is Feb. 28. Details are available at www.oikoumene.org/?id=contest.
AFRICA UNIVERSITY’S CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO STEP DOWN
OLD MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) -- Rukudzo Murapa is retiring as chief executive of Africa University in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, after almost 10 years of leading the United Methodist-related school. Murapa's last day of work will be Dec. 31, and he will take a leave of absence until his retirement becomes effective on Feb. 29, 2008.
The vice chancellor said he would not seek to extend his contract when it ends next February. He shared the news with the executive committee of the Africa University Board of Directors at its Oct. 10 meeting in London. The board will present its interim plan for the governance and operations of the university during its next meeting in late November. The plan will become effective Jan. 1.
Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, who serves as chancellor and chairman of the board for the 1,300-student university, expressed gratitude for Murapa's service and for developing a university "from which all African people can take pride." – UMNS
More stories are available online at www.umc.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
UNITED METHODISTS INVITED TO TAKE HYMN SURVEY
United Methodists are invited to participate in an online survey identifying their 10 favorite hymns to help the United Methodist Publishing House and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship analyze and plan for congregational singing resources and identify changes and trends in musical styles. The selections may come from the United Methodist Hymnal and/or The Faith We Sing. The survey also asks participants to select up to 10 of their least favorite hymns and songs and also the titles that should have been included. In addition, participants will respond to five geographic questions. The survey is available at www.gbod.org/favoritehymns.html. For more information, contact Dean McIntyre at 615-340-7073 or dmcintyre@gbod.org
MINISTRY RESOURCES
PASTOR USES INTERNET AS PULPIT, GATHERING PLACE
The pastor of a newly created United Methodist church in Houston, Texas is using the Internet as her pulpit and gathering place until a physical building is constructed. Nu Faith Community UMC, created last June by the Texas Annual Conference, exists now at www.nufaith.org. The Rev. Jacqui King uses the Internet to preach, evangelize and provide ministry and to solidify a community of faith within a virtual experience.
The Internet allows King and a 25-member core group of wired individuals to connect with others and introduce them to the Nu Faith community. A semi-monthly e-mail newsletter, called e-connection, provides information about the church, its ministry and plans. – UMNS
NCC ECO-JUSTICE PROGRAM SEEKS THANKSGIVING PRAYERS
To commemorate Thanksgiving, the National Council of Churches’ Eco-Justice Program based in Washington, D.C., will be accepting prayers for our nation’s farmers through a “Thanksgiving Prayer Offering” lasting through Dec. 15.
People of faith are encouraged to submit prayers, which will be collected in a Web-based anthology to highlight the connection between the food we eat and the farmers who plant, grow, and harvest God’s gracious bounty.
Prayers can be submitted online at www.nccecojustice.org/thanksgivingcontest.html.
The “Thanksgiving Prayer Offering” coincides with the promotion of two free, downloadable harvest-themed resources produced by the NCC Eco-Justice Program that can be used for congregational study and Thanksgiving Sunday worship services: “At the Lord’s Table: Everyday Thanksgiving” and “Our Daily Bread.” The resources are available at: www.nccecojustice.org/faithharvestworship.html .
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA CENTER PICKS FOR NOVEMBER
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. November “Picks” include:
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Iron Wall (2006) DVD 52 Minutes Adult
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God Rocks Series (2003) DVD/CD-ROM (each DVD/CD-ROM contains 5 sessions) Children-grades 1-6
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God Rocks-Because God gave me RULES, I am RESPONSIBLE!
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God Rocks-Because God helps me, I am CONFIDENT!
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God Rocks-Because God created me, I am SPECIAL!
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Outflow (Youth Leader Kit) (2007) {Group's The 1 thing } 5 weekly sessions DVD/Leader's Guide/Youth Journal Youth Jr/Sr High
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
THE SEEKER
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Rating: PG for fantasy action and some scary images.
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Studio: Twentieth Century Fox
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Directed By: David Cunningham
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Cast: Ian McShane, Christopher Eccleston, Alexander Ludwig
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Running Time: 94 minutes Genre: Fantasy
A Common Sense Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
Kids pining for a new Potter-style fantasy film epic will have to keep the vigil going. Will Stanton, seventh son of a seventh son, seeker of the signs that will save all from darkness, makes a fine hero in Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising book series, but the movie adaptation is lousy. Even though a few CGI moments are great fantasy fun, the story is so muddled – and so unnecessarily altered from the source material in some ridiculous ways – that it may make you side with the dark forces just this once. For the complete review, log on to www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/Seeker.html.
A UMNS review of this same movie, with study questions can be found by logging on to: www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3486887/k.1930/Movie_Review_iThe_Seeker_The_Dark_Is_Risingi.htm
DEATHS
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None listed this week.
MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
None this week
NEW JOB LISTINGS
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None listed for this week.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.