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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-newsletter
For Friday, October 5, 2007 –
Sunday is the 19th Sunday after Pentecost
World Communion Sunday
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
Previous Job Listings
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Jesus replied: “Servants don’t deserve special thanks for doing what they are supposed to do. And that’s how it should be with you. When you’ve done all you should, then say, ‘We are merely servants, and we have simply done our duty.’”
– Luke 17:9-10
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
THIS WEEK’S NEWS HEADLINES
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New Albany District Superintendent appointed to Indy church
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Seeds of Hope to grow at old City Church site in Gary on Sunday
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University of Evansville launches $80 million capital campaign
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Staff members of Indiana Um Children’s Home honored
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Mission leader calls for Congress to pass child health bill
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Darfur: ‘a humanitarian problem that will not go away quickly’
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Survey considers gains for United Methodist Women
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General conference briefing set for delegates, communicators
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NCC reorganization cuts 14 staff positions
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Minnesota smoking ban takes effect
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Interfaith fast for peace begins at sunrise on Monday, Oct. 8
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Group calls United Methodist to pray for general conference
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World Methodists to meet next in Durban, South Africa
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Imagine Indiana question-answer sheet available online
NEWS AND INFORMATION
NEW ALBANY DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED TO INDY CHURCH
Indiana Area Bishop Michael J. Coyner announced the appointment this week of the Rev. Michael Biggs, United Methodist Superintendent of the New Albany District since 2002, to the position of senior pastor at the 740-member Chapel Hill United Methodist Church on North Girls School Road on Indianapolis’ westside effective Dec. 1
Coyner has appointed current Chapel Hill Senior Pastor Jeffrie V. Zirkle to renewal leave effective the first week in October and pending a further appointment. He has been senior pastor at Chapel Hill since 2001. Associate Pastor Esther Williams will remain on staff at Chapel Hill.
Mid-year moves are not uncommon for District Superintendents. Biggs’ tenure as superintendent in New Albany would have come to a close next year.
In leaving the New Albany District, Biggs told Together, “I am thankful to the New Albany District and have appreciated working with them in team ministry leading people to the Kingdom. During my bout with cancer, they were very supportive of me and my wife Ruthie. We were overwhelmed with their acts of care, kindness and concern.”
SEEDS OF HOPE TO GROW AT OLD CITY CHURCH SITE IN GARY ON SUNDAY
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, 575 Washington downtown Gary (between 5th and 6th Avenues) 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.)
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.
UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE LAUNCHES $80 MILLION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
The United Methodist-related University of Evansville this week announced the public launch of U•Envision 2010, a comprehensive capital campaign to raise $80 million – the largest capital campaign in the University’s 153 year history. U•Envision 2010 will transform the University campus in countless ways with particular focus on:
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Growing the University’s endowment to increase student scholarships and provide additional funds for educational programs.
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Enhancing the campus learning environment through the addition of a stand alone School of Business Administration building and a new University Center.
Alan Braun, chair of the U•Envision 2010 National Steering Committee, said, “Thanks to the generosity of our Trustees and loyal friends, nearly $46 million has been raised to date. This is a clear statement of the faith that our donors have in UE’s bright future.”
The campaign agenda is a result of a comprehensive assessment of the future needs of the University: – University of Evansville
STAFF MEMBERS OF INDIANA UM CHILDREN’S HOME HONORED
Seven staff members of the Indiana United Methodist Children’s Home at Lebanon, Ind., were honored for years of service during the Annual Conference of IARCCA – an association of children and family services held recently in Indianapolis.
Honored were: Marc Oliver and Leo Flannelly for 30 years of service; Meta Rudy and Ed Lawton, both 20 years; Brian Kavanaugh, 15 years and Robert Conrad and Stacey Youngblood for 10 years of service
Indiana UM Children’s Home is a residential treatment facility for emotionally troubled youth and serves an average of 165 boys and girls and their families each year from across the state. The Children’s Home has provided services to children and families in need for more than 90 years. For more information, contact Susan Bennett at 765-482-5900.
MISSION LEADER CALLS FOR CONGRESS TO PASS CHILD HEALTH BILL
The chief mission officer of The United Methodist Church has personally appealed to each member of Congress to override President Bush’s veto of a bill that would reauthorize and expand a pivotal health insurance program for children.
The appeal of the Rev. R. Randy Day was faxed to all Senators and Representatives on the morning of Oct.3 even as the President vetoed the reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
Day, the general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries, also made a last minute appeal to the White House asking President Bush NOT to veto the measure.
SCHIP is a popular state-federal program that currently provides health insurance for some 6.6 million children and would cover some four million more under the congressionally approved reauthorization.
The mission executive appealed to the President as a "fellow United Methodist" and stated that The United Methodist Church "firmly believes that all children in the US deserve the opportunity for a healthy life."
DARFUR: ‘A HUMANITARIAN PROBLEM THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY QUICKLY’
NYALA (West Darfur), Sudan – The on-the-ground humanitarian situation in the conflict-ridden Darfur region of western Sudan has steadily deteriorated in recent months, prompting increased anxiety by those affected by the ongoing crisis, as well as by those responding to the emergency, soon to enter its fifth year.
Representatives of Church World Service, www.churchworldservice.org, and several other U.S. and European church-based humanitarian agencies supporting the joint Action by Churches Together (ACT)-Caritas Darfur Emergency Response Operation (DERO) recently confirmed warnings made by the United Nations that Darfur is experiencing a fresh cycle of violence and increased insecurity. These trends are making it increasingly difficult for humanitarian agencies to adequately respond in Darfur.
From June until August 21, the United Nations reported, 55,000 new persons had been displaced in the region – bringing the total number of those uprooted this year to some 250,000. In all, the UN estimates, 2.2 million of Darfur’s 6.4 million people have been displaced, and four million are now dependent on some form of humanitarian assistance. – Church World Service
SURVEY CONSIDERS GAINS FOR UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
The “glass ceiling” for United Methodist clergywomen seems to be senior pastor positions at churches with 1,000-plus members. That was one finding of the 2007 local church survey conducted by the United Methodist Commission on the Status and Role of Women. The percentage of female senior pastors in the denomination’s largest churches was 7 percent, up slightly from 5 percent in 2003 and 2 percent in 1999. The Rev. Gail Murphy-Geiss, who prepared the survey results, acknowledged the small increase, but noted that “social change is slow. I think that (percentage) is actually good news, despite the small number.”
Murphy-Geiss, a United Methodist clergywoman and staff member of the Department of Sociology at Colorado College, presented the survey findings during COSROW’s Sept. 20-22 annual meeting in San Francisco. The agency has conducted a local church survey every four years since 1970 in preparation for the United Methodist General Conference, the denomination’s top legislative body. – UMNS
GENERAL CONFERENCE BRIEFING SET FOR DELEGATES, COMMUNICATORS
A Pre-General Conference News Briefing will be held Jan. 24-26 in Fort Worth, Texas, to help heads of delegations, church communicators and secular journalists prepare for The United Methodist Church’s legislative gathering in the spring.
The briefing, sponsored by United Methodist Communications, will focus on key issues and legislation facing General Conference. The event will include information to help delegates and communicators get oriented to the assembly and downtown Fort Worth.
Nearly 1,000 delegates from around the world will gather at General Conference April 23-May 2 to set direction for the church for 2009-2012.
The Pre-General Conference News Briefing is held every four years, just before the legislative gathering. In 2008, the briefing will be at the Hilton Fort Worth, which is near the convention center where General Conference will meet. Registration details, an overview of the agenda and information on hotel arrangements will be posted by mid-September at www.gc2008.umc.org. Afterward, inquiries may be made to InfoServ at United Methodist Communications at infoserv@umcom.org or 800-251-8140. – UMNS
NCC REORGANIZATION CUTS 14 STAFF POSITIONS
A reorganization of the National Council of Churches, effective Dec. 1, will result in the elimination of 14 staff positions. The reorganization plan – announced Sept. 27 and approved earlier in the week by the ecumenical body’s governing board – will leave a pared-down staff structure in place but should not be viewed as a sign of insolvency, according to Clare Chapman, a United Methodist serving as the NCC’s acting chief executive. The council’s multimillion-dollar financial reserves were able to absorb a deficit of more than $1 million occurring during the fiscal year that began July 1, 2006, and ended June 30, 2007. That deficit, Chapman said, stemmed from lower-than-expected income from two of three main revenue streams for the NCC – denominational member contributions, foundation grants and royalties from resources. “Our bills are being paid,” she told United Methodist News Service. “The council is financially stable. This was an action to keep it that way in the future.” – UMNS
MINNESOTA SMOKING BAN TAKES EFFECT
The Minnesota Freedom to Breathe Act became effective this past Monday, Oct. 1, prohibiting smoking in almost all indoor public places, to protect the public and employees from the hazards of secondhand smoke in the state. It is an expansion of the current Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act which affects businesses such as restaurants, bars and private clubs.
Dave Golden, director of marketing at Boynton Health Service, said a lot of smokers that we talk to say they don’t want to be forcing other people to be smoking their secondhand smoke. The statewide ban will help reduce the rate of student smokers even further.
Doug Schultz, spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Health and Communications Services, said education is essential to implementing the act. – Minnesota Daily
The Hoosier Faith and Health Coalition is working toward a similar state law here in Indiana.
INTERFAITH FAST FOR PEACE BEGINS AT SUNRISE ON MONDAY, OCT. 8
An interfaith fast for peace will be held from sunrise to sunset Oct. 8, and religious leaders are urging people of all faiths to pray for an end to the war in Iraq. Joining in the call is Jim Winkler, top executive of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society. – UMNS
GROUP CALLS UNITED METHODIST TO PRAY FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE
Praying together in a variety of cultural traditions, nearly 200 participants heard a message that “God needs the church to work with him” as they called The United Methodist Church to prayer. “God does not need people telling him what to do,” said the Rev. Suzette Caldwell, opening speaker for the “Becoming a People of Prayer” conference in Brentwood, Tenn. “Prayer was created for God’s purposes to get us from the natural to the supernatural where God’s plans are,” said Caldwell, associate pastor of Windsor Village UMC in Houston. The Sept. 21-22 event was held as a prelude to the 2008 General Conference, the denomination’s top legislative meeting, which convenes once every four years and meets next spring in Fort Worth, Texas. The conference was held at Brentwood UMC and was sponsored by the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship and Aldersgate Renewal Ministries. – UMNS
WORLD METHODISTS TO MEET NEXT IN DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA
The World Methodist Council has selected Durban, South Africa, as the location for the 2011 World Methodist Conference. The assembly convenes every five years to bring together members of the worldwide association of churches in the Methodist/Wesleyan tradition. It will meet the first week of August in 2011. The location was chosen by the World Methodist Council’s executive committee from among three invitations offered by church bodies, according to the Rev. George Freeman, the council’s executive director. The executive committee met Sept. 15-20 in Sydney, Australia, hosted by the Uniting Church of Australia. Durban was a runner-up to Seoul, South Korea, when the location of the 2006 World Methodist Conference was selected. With more than 3 million residents, it is South Africa’s second-largest city. – UMNS
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.
More stories are available online at www.umc.org.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
SUGGESTIONS FOR OBSERVING VETERANS DAY IN WORSHIP
Veterans’ Day (Nov. 11) falls on a Sunday this year and some churches will include it as part of worship. Here is an article that offers a brief history of the holiday, suggestions for including Veterans Day in Christian worship, and resources from The United Methodist Hymnal and The Book of Worship. It also includes a litany from The Book of Worship for United States Forces.
For the article, log on to www.gbod.org/worship/TextOnly.asp?item_id=3567
MINISTRY RESOURCES
WORSHIP THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Worship PluS is a new way to think about Sunday morning. Do I only come to worship and go home? Or, do I add something to my life, my ministry, my contribution to the world? If I just “Go to worship,” when the benediction ends, I’m done. Finished. It’s now time to start the week. If, on the other hand, I think of Sundays as Worship PluS, everything changes …
[Click Worship PluS to complete this article by Dr. Herb Buwalda, lead pastor of Clay United Methodist Church in South Bend.] – North Indiana Conference, Church Development
VIDEO PREACHING MADE AVAILABLE BY MUNCIE CHURCH
Muncie Union Chapel UMC recently shared a video-preaching concept with Bishop Mike Coyner and the North Indiana Cabinet where the church would provide smaller-membership churches with the Rev. Gregg Parris’s sermons to use in their weekly worship services. With input from national consultant Lyle Schaller, Union Chapel has been in such a relationship this past year with a UM church in rural New York state and has had very positive results. The Rev. Dale Mendenhall, Muncie District Superintendent, reports that the Cabinet is supportive of the concept and would like to see it tried with a UM church in the conference. For more information, log on to www.unionchapel.com or call 765-288-8383. – North Indiana Conference
EO OFFERS DISCOUNT TO OBERAMMERGAU 2010 TRIP WITH BISHOP
Educational Opportunities is offering an early registration discount beginning in October. When you register and pay the $100 deposit you receive a $90 discount at time of billing. This discount will decline by $10 a month through April of 2008. Remember that all who register now have the option of a full refund once pricing is announced in the first part of 2008. Join Bishop Coyner, Indiana United Methodists and others on a unique trip to see The Passion Play. Pastors and hosts can earn a trip by recruiting others to travel with them. For those unable to travel on this date there will be a group going out of Chicago on August 11. For brochures, information, or questions please feel free to contact Pastor Norm Nellis at normgumc@aim.com or 765-447-4152.
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MEDIA CENTER PICKS FOR OCTOBER
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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Advent calendar on DVD
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A Christmas parable: based on the story of the selfish giant
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Lamb’ Chapel UMC – a video from annual conference
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The easiest targets – a video from the school of missions
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Addiction – a HBO documentary film
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The purpose driven life
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
KING OF CALIFORNIA
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Production Company: First Look Pictures
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Director: Mike Cahill
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Cast: Michael Douglas, Evan Rachel Wood, Greg Davis, Jr., Angel Oquendo
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Rating: PG-13 for some language.
By Gregg Tubbs
We all have bit of the foolish dreamer in us, but in the delightful and knowing new comedy, King of California, Michael Douglas, plays a man who doesn’t know where his dreams of glory end and reality begins. As Charlie, a bi-polar part-time jazz musician and full-time schemer, Douglas gives one of his best and warmest performances. And he’s matched scene for scene by young Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen), who plays Charlie’s down-to-earth daughter and is slowly swept up in his magical, alternative view of a world that has become mundane and gray. Charley sees adventure and treasure around every corner, and though it may not be logical, what is life without dreams? For the rest of the review, log on to: www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3462769/k.46EC/Movie_Review_iKing_of_Californiai.htm.
DEATHS
GALEN DOLBY, 53, of Bloomington, son of the Rev. Richard and Carolyn Dolby (retired, NIC), died Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2007. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Oct 5, from 3 to 8 p.m., at the Day Funeral Home, 4150 E. Third St. in Bloomington, Ind. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m., at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E. Rogers Rd. in Bloomington. Calling will be one hour prior to the service. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. and Mrs. Richard Dolby, 649 Heritage Lane, Warsaw IN 46582-1932.
MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
No appointments were announced this week outside of the appointment of New Albany District Superintendent Michael Biggs. (See story above.)
NEW JOB LISTINGS
BLOOMINGTON CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTORS, YOUTH & MUSIC MINISTRIES
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Bloomington, Ind. is seeking part-time Directors of Youth & Music Ministries to begin service by Nov 4. For a complete listing of personal qualifications and job responsibilities, go to www.stmarksbloomington.org. Mail application information to Search Committee, St. Mark’s UMC, 100 N. Hwy 46 Bypass, Bloomington, IN 47408, or e-mail to smumc@stmarksbloomington.org.
PREVIOUS 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
Last updated on 06/26/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.