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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
For Friday, February 1, 2008 – Sunday is the last Sunday after Epiphany
This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference connectional ministries giving.
Edited by Dan Gangler, director of communication dgangler@inareaumc.org.
Deadline for submitting news items is Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
THIS WEEK’S NEWS HEADLINES
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING LOOKS FORWARD TO FEB. 3 SUPER BOWL
GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH, SOCIETY ANNOUNCES 2008 PRIORITIES
PRESIDENT BUSH DECLARES NORTHERN INDIANA DISASTER AREA
UMCOR TO SEND STAFF TO ASSIST IN LONG TERM RECOVERY TRAINING
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DELEGATION ENDORSES PICKENS FOR EPISCOPACY
NORTH CENTRAL JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
PEORIA CONTINUES CITYWIDE PRAYERS IN FACE OF GROWING VIOLENCE
NEWS AND INFORMATION
SOUPER BOWL OF CARING LOOKS FORWARD TO FEB. 3 SUPER BOWL
United Methodist youth and young adults will line up their soup cans for another Souper Bowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday. Collections of food and money are forwarded to local food banks or other hunger organizations. Last year, more than 2,700 United Methodist churches across the United States participated, raising nearly $975,000 in goods and dollars. This year, more than 2,900 United Methodist congregations are signed up to participate. For more information, visit www.souperbowl.org. – UMNS
GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH, SOCIETY ANNOUNCES 2008 PRIORITIES
The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) based in Washington, D.C., has set seven legislative priorities for 2008 in which the faith community can bring a unique and much needed voice to the debate. The priorities target two kinds of legislation: that being considered in Congress, and that which should be considered to address issues of justice and inequality.
The 2008 legislative priorities of GBCS, the public witness and advocacy arm of the denomination, cover a broad spectrum: global warming, poverty, health care, drug sentencing reform and ending the war in Iraq. All of these priorities support emphases of the GBCS Board of Directors, and further specific objectives adopted by the board at its annual meeting.
The 2008 priorities are as follows:
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Increase Affordable Housing
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Reduce Global Warming Pollution
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Protect Children’s Health
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Re-authorize the President’s AIDS Plan
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2nd Chance Act to reform the criminal justice system.
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End Global Poverty
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End the War in Iraq
For more information, go to www.umc-gbcs.org – GBCS
PRESIDENT BUSH DECLARES NORTHERN INDIANA DISASTER AREA
President Bush signed Federal Emergency Management Agency-1740-DR for Indiana on Jan. 30 declaring northern Indiana a disaster area caused by severe storms and flooding last month. The designations include: Nine counties designated or Individual Assistance, no counties designated for Public Assistance and all counties in the State of Indiana eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. For more information, contact the FEMA Alternate Operations Center at 800-792-6196.
This declaration will be good news to the pastors and members of the United Methodist churches at Remington, Monticello and Delphi, who are working with flood survivors now in the process of cleaning and repairing their homes. More than 600 homes were damaged or destroyed during the flooding.
UMCOR TO SEND STAFF TO ASSIST IN LONG TERM RECOVERY TRAINING
Gordon Knuckey, a staff member of the United Methodist Committee on Relief will be coming to Indiana on Tuesday, Feb. 12 and will be in the Lafayette District at Monticello UMC, 200 S. Main Street from 9 to Noon to conduct a simplified version of long term recover training for pastors and laity in the Lafayette District wishing to help north Indiana residents recover from flood damage. A complimentary lunch will be provided. RSVP the church at 574-583-5545. Knuckey will offer a second session Feb. 13 on long term recovery in the Warsaw District at Columbia City UMC, 605 Forest Parkway in Columbia City, Ind. (phone 260-244-7671). Lunch is on your own. No reservations are necessary. Pastors and laity from other districts wishing to receive this training also are welcomed to attend. – Gary Peterson, NIC disaster recovery coordinator
NORTHERN ILLINOIS DELEGATION ENDORSES PICKENS FOR EPISCOPACY
After prayerful deliberation and discussion, the Northern Illinois United Methodist Conference General and the North Central Jurisdictional Conference delegations has endorsed the Rev. Larry Pickens for bishop.
Pickens has been a member of the Northern Illinois Conference for 23 years, having been ordained as an Elder in 1987. He has served as associate pastor at St. Mark UMC, and senior pastor at Gorham, Maple Park and First Elgin UMCs. Pickens has served on the United Methodist Judicial Council and as the General Secretary of the General Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, from July 2004 to Dec. 2007.
Pickens has provided key leadership roles in ecumenical bodies. He is and has been a delegate to the United Methodist Church General Conferences in 2000 and 2008, and a delegate to three World Methodist Conferences. He has been a board member and General Assembly delegate for the National Council of Churches and a member of the Central Committee as well as a delegate for the World Council of Churches in Australia and Brazil.
Pickens joins three other previously announced candidates for bishop from other conference delegations for the NCJ Conference coming July 15-19 in Grand Rapids, Mich. They include: the Rev. Randolph Cross of the Dakotas Conference, the Rev. David Alan Bard of the Minnesota Conference and the Rev. Timothy Bias of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.
The North Indiana and the South Indiana conferences delegates to Jurisdictional Conference will be meeting separately this month to discuss candidates for bishop.
A vacancy occurred in mid-2007 when Illinois Area Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher announced her retirement effective Sept. 1. A newly elected bishop will succeed her following the NCJ Conference.
NORTH CENTRAL JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
West Michigan is hosting the North Central Jurisdictional Conference. This historic event scheduled to be held July 15-19 in Grand Rapids. This is the first time since 1964 that West Michigan has hosted this event. Bishops will be elected. Holy Conferencing will take place.
The conference needs volunteer help to make the event a success. Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions. Log on to www.ncj2008.org and click on the volunteer link to see the descriptions of the positions. Registration forms can be completed online or contact: David Litchfield at daveralit@tds.net or 269-788-9759 or Julia Deemer at jdeemer@coslink.net or 231-275-7954. Volunteers attend the conference at their own expenses. – NCJ2008
PEORIA CONTINUES CITYWIDE PRAYERS IN FACE OF GROWING VIOLENCE
Mayor Jim Ardis certainly has the community of Peoria talking. Faced with rising statistics of crime and violence, Ardis called on the community to find its voice through the power of prayer and to engage in 40 days of prayer for the city. Congregations responded with nightly, community-wide prayer services that began on New Year's Eve and continue through Feb. 8. – UMNS
UNITED METHODISTS REMEMBER 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROE V. WADE
On the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, thousands of anti-abortion advocates marched in Washington "to witness to a culture and a gospel of life," said the Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth, director of an unofficial United Methodist pro-life caucus. Bishop William H. Willimon, Birmingham episcopal area, praised Lifewatch's efforts in a Jan. 22 worship service. This marks the 20th year Lifewatch has held a worship service before the annual March for Life. "The role of the church is to stoke, fund and fuel alternatives we could not have come up with if we looked only at the alternatives the world gives us," said Willimon, cautioning United Methodists against a "lack of imagination that leads to accommodation." An executive with the denomination's social action agency agrees the church needs to look at the issues that lead women to choose abortion. "If we, as people of faith, are really serious about reducing the number of abortions in this country and around the globe, then we need to be serious about addressing the issues holding women hostage to circumstances resulting in abortion," said Linda Bales, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, housed in The United Methodist Building. – UMNS
MISSION HEAD EXPRESSES CONCERN FOR CLOSED BORDERS IN GAZA
The head of the mission agency of The United Methodist Church has expressed deep concern about the situation in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza following incidents in which Israel closed the border to essential supplies of food and fuel. Bishop Felton E. May, interim top executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, said the picture is extremely complex but that his main concern is for the welfare of the people in both Gaza and Israel. Israel's border action has been attributed to rockets fired into Israel by the Hamas faction now in control in Gaza, a sliver of land along the Mediterranean Sea. The bishop noted that The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for peace and justice in Israel-Palestine. He urged world political leaders to take action to deal with the current border crisis and United Methodists to pray for protection of the dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians in the troubled Holy Land. – UMNS
More stories are
available online
at www.umc.org and
www.umportal.org.
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
When we told you about the power and the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling clever stories that someone had made up. But with our own eyes we saw his true greatness. God, our great and wonderful Father, truly honored him by saying, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him.” We were there with Jesus on the holy mountain and heard this voice speak from heaven.
2 Peter 1:16-18
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
WORSHIP RESOURCES
WORSHIP PLANNING HELPS FOR ASH WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6
Log on to www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=45912&loc_id=733,32,48
HERE ARE SOME TENEBRAE SUGGESTIONS FOR HOLY WEEK
The date for Easter 2008 (March 23) is the earliest it can possibly be. In the 250 years between 1875-2124, Easter occurs that early only one other year – 1913. Because of the early date for Easter this year, Lent also comes early with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 6 and there is an exceedingly short period for planning and preparing Holy Week and Easter services.
Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows,” and a Tenebrae service is a service that recalls through scripture, meditation, and candles the Passion story of the last week of Jesus’ earthly life. It is often enacted during Holy Week, perhaps most often on Good Friday. As the scriptures and meditations are read, and hymns and music offered, there is a diminishing of light brought on by the gradual dimming of sanctuary lights and the extinguishing of candles, until we sit in silent darkness following the Crucifixion reading.
There are numerous variations and services available, a number of them on the GBOD worship website. Here are some helpful links:
Especially helpful for information on conducting and planning your own Tenebrae service is www.kencollins.com/how-05.htm
The UM Book of Worship has a full Tenebrae service at no. 354. One that is quite different may be found on our website at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=1850&loc_id=962,509
There is another Holy Week service that could easily be adapted to a Tenebrae with the addition of candles for extinguishing at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=7654&loc_id=962,509
There is another that can be added to with music and other elements at www.worshipandchurchmusic.com/tenebrae.html
You might consider the exact opposite of the Advent candles for Lent, that is, a weekly extinguishing of candles on each of the Sundays in Lent. Here is a complete set of meditations and suggested liturgy to do this: www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=26091&loc_id=962,509
Other services for Lent and Holy week are available at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?loc_id=962,509&act=nav_loc
MINISTRY RESOURCES
UMCOM PROVIDES ONLINE COURSE ON CONNECTIONAL GIVING
United Methodist Communications based in Nashville, Tenn. has launched a new online course called “Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving.” The four-part, self-directed course is designed to help United Methodists understand and interpret connectional giving through the apportioned and designated funds of the church. Each part of the free course includes interactive features such as audio and video clips, quizzes, links to more information, a personal online journal, Flash animation and discussion forums. To register for the current session, visit http://moodle.umcom.org. If you experience any difficulties, contact the Online Course Support Center at www.umcom.org. – UMNS
NORTH INDIANA MEDIA CENTER HOT PICKS LISTED FOR FEBRUARY
The North Indiana Conference Media Center is in the process of implementing new software. This software will allow you to order on line! The availability on-line may not be correct at this time, if you have any questions, please feel free to call Angel at 800-783-5138 or email Angel Rea. Our on-line catalog can be accessed at www.nicumc.org/in/mc/. This month we are featuring some Hot Authors, who make it difficult to keep their resources on the Shelf! Get them while their Hot, these resources do not sit on the shelf!
PHILIP YANCEY –What's so Amazing About Grace? – The Bible Jesus Read – The Jesus I Never Knew
JOHN ORTBERB – If You Want To Walk On Water – God is Closer Than You Think – Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People – An Ordinary Day with Jesus – The Life You Have Always Wanted
BETH MOORE – Heart like His – To Live is Christ – A Woman's Heart – Breaking Free – Beloved Disciple
RICK WARREN – Doing Life Together – Purpose Driven Church Conference – Purpose Driven Life – Purpose Driven Youth Ministry
RAY VANDER LAAN – FAITH LESSONS – Death & Resurrection – Promised Land – Early Church – Life & Ministry of the Messiah – Prophets & Kings of Israel – Walk as Jesus Walked
ADAM HAMILTON – Selling Swim Suits in the Artic – Christianity & World Religions – Confronting Controversies – Making Love Last A Life Time – Serving From The Heart
SOUTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR FEBRUARY
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.” February “Picks” have been posted. Highlighted are the latest Lent and Easter selections, including Animated Passion Trilogy, Gospel of John (Visual Bible), He Chose the Nails, Prophecies of the Passion, True Easter Story, Veggie Tales: Easter Story, and Victory at Jerusalem. NOTE: Additional Lent/Easter resources can be found online. Click on “Media Center” (twice), then on “Bibliographies” and scroll down to HOLIDAYS. Click on “Lent/Easter.” Find and click on RACE RELATIONS under “Bibliographies” to locate resources for Black History month.
By calling the Media Center toll-free at 800-919-8160, you can order these and other resources from a selection of more than 4000 videos and DVDs. Your only cost is return postage. This service is provided through your connectional tithe. Mary Barnes, director of the center, can be reached at Mary Barnes for more information/consultation. For the catalog of resources, log on to www.sicumc.org and click on Media Center.
MOVIE REVIEW
JUNO
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Production Company: Fox Searchlight Pictures
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Director: Jason Reitman
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Cast: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons, Olivia Thirlby, Rainn Wilson, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner
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Rating: PG-13 for some crude language and sexual situations
By Gregg Tubbs
(UMC.org) – This review comes with a warning: No matter how hard I try, I may use the word “sweet” more often than good writing rules recommend. Then again, Juno itself is a rule-breaker. It's a rib tickling comedy about a serious subject – teen pregnancy – that manages to be both youthfully sweet and worldly wise without heavy moralizing, and lands on a happy ending that should settle well with people of faith. The film bounces along with some of the snappiest, rapid-fire repartee this side of an old screwball comedy, all wrapped up in a warming air of sweetness. For the complete review and study questions, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.3843441/k.FA98/Movie_Review_iJunoi.htm
DEATHS
PHYLLIS COY, mother-in-law of the Rev. Bob Denney, pastor of Fairview and Bellefountain United Methodist churches in the Muncie District (NIC), died Jan. 27, 2008. A memorial service is scheduled to be held Friday, Feb. 1, at 10 a.m. at the Baird Freeman Funeral Home, 221 N. Meridian St. in Portland, Ind. Condolences may be sent to Bob and Donna Denney, 1126 S. Como Road, Portland, IN. 47371-8535.
DOROTHY MAISH, mother of retired minister and former district superintendent the Rev. David Maish (NIC), died Jan. 30, 2008. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. David Maish, 344 DaVinci Pass, Kissimmee, FL 34759-3129, or by e-mail to dsmaish@verizon.net.
ROBERT RUSSELL ROWLAND, retired Elder of West Chester, Ohio, who held several positions in higher education (SIC), died Jan. 30, 2008. He is survived by his wife, Naomi. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. at St. Mark’s UMC in Fairfield, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Naomi Roland, 8364 Waterbury Court, # 102, West Chester, OH 45069. He retired in 1982.
THELMA SHEPHERD, widow of the late Rev. Garth Shepherd who died in 1996 (NIC), died Jan. 26, 2008. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at the Downing-Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva, Ind. Condolences can be sent to Paul Moser, 3692 Juillerat Dr., Portland, IN 47371.Memorials can be made to the donor’s choice.
HOWARD EARL WRIGHT, 85, retired minister and former district superintendent (SIC) died Jan. 25, 2008. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Thomas Wright. A memorial service is scheduled to be held at Roberts Park UMC, 401 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 on Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 a.m. with a gathering of friends scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Haines City, Fla. with his wife. Memorial gifts may be made to Roberts Park UMC, Indianapolis, Ind, Speedway United Methodist Church, 5065 W. 16th Street; Indianapolis, IN 46224 or Sumption Prairie United Methodist Church, 24535 Roosevelt Rd. South Bend, IN 46614.
MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS
Bishop Michael J. Coyner has announced the following changes within the Indiana Area. All dates effective 2008 unless otherwise noted. These appointments are based on Cabinet reports received by Indiana Area Communication during the week of February 1, 2008.
North Indiana Conference
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None this week
South Indiana Conference
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Pelc, Charles M. from Benson Chapel, Lafayette, North Indiana Conference to New Hope, New Albany, 2/1
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
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None listed this week.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
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None listed this week.
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inareaumc.org/job.htm.
Send your events announcements for posting to dgangler@inareaumc.org.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.