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HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-NEWS
For Friday, February 22, 2008 – Sunday is the third Sunday in Lent
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
DePauw Names Harvard Associate Dean as 19th President
Area Receives Lilly Endowment Grant to Study Pastors’ Finances
‘One Great Hour of Sharing’ Offering To Be Received March 2
Umc Task Force Recommends Unified Effort to Improve Health
Border Consultation Lays Groundwork on Immigration
Former President of Mexico to Speak at University of Evansville
NEWS AND INFORMATION
DEPAUW NAMES HARVARD ASSOCIATE DEAN AS 19TH PRESIDENT
Dr. Brian W. Casey, associate dean for academic affairs in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University, will become the nineteenth president of United Methodist-related DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind., effective July 1.
The appointment of Casey was announced Thursday by R. David Hoover, chair of DePauw’s Board of Trustees and chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Ball Corporation, during a news conference at Independent Colleges of Indiana in Indianapolis.
A welcoming reception for Casey will was held Thursday afternoon in the Great Hall of the Green Center for the Performing Arts on the DePauw campus in Greencastle.
“A nine month international presidential search – the most comprehensive in DePauw’s 171-year history – has yielded a very special leader,” said Hoover, a 1967 DePauw graduate.
Casey, 44, joined the Harvard administration in 2005 and previously served as assistant provost at Brown University. He has taught at both Brown and Harvard. Casey began his career as an attorney with the Wall Street law firm of Davis Polk & Wardwell.
Casey will succeed Dr. Robert G. Bottoms, the longest-serving president in DePauw history, who has guided the university since 1986. Last April, Bottoms announced plans to step down from the presidency at the conclusion of the 2007-08 academic year and become Chancellor of the University and director of the new Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics.
For more information, log on to www.depauw.edu. Or log on to Indy Star story at; www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008802210465.
AREA RECEIVES LILLY ENDOWMENT GRANT TO STUDY PASTORS’ FINANCES
Indiana Area United Methodist Bishop Michael J. Coyner announced on Wednesday that the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church has received a $50,000 grant from the Lilly Endowment to conduct a study of the financial and well-being needs of the state’s 1,000 United Methodist pastors.
According to Coyner, the prompting for the study came from the Lilly Endowment who invited several denominations in Indiana to conduct an actual study of pastor’s financial needs.
Based on information provided by the United Methodist General Board of Ordained Ministry by ministerial candidates, the clergy school debt has been growing larger and larger with many candidates having school debts of $30,000 or more, not including other indebtedness.
The results of this study could be used to prepare a larger grant request of the Lilly Endowment to develop programs and policies to help pastors and their families.
Following a meeting with Lilly Endowment officials on Monday, Coyner said “they are allowing us to broaden our study to learn more about the over-all levels of happiness of our clergy, wellness issues and also financial issues. We are calling this study ‘The Well-Lived Pastoral Life.’”
The study will be conducted by Dr. Matthew Bloom, a professor at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, who specializes in studying professions.
Coyner has sent letters to all active pastors outlining the study and asking for them to participate in the survey. Letters from Bloom will be sent to pastors explaining how to participate in the survey either on-line or by mail. Results from these surveys will be anonymous and will be compiled by Bloom in order to provide the data for development of plans to meet the needs of pastors and their families. – e-HUM
‘ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING’ OFFERING TO BE RECEIVED MARCH 2
The One Great Hour of Sharing offering is essential to UMCOR, gifts to this offering underwrite UMCOR’s “costs of doing business.” That helps us keep our promise that 100 percent of every other gift you make to a specific UMCOR project can be spent on that project-not on home office costs and assisting UMCOR programs that have not been fully funded through designated Advance gifts.
Recently the North Indiana Conference received $15,000 from UMCOR to fulfill the immediate needs of residents for storm relief in North Indiana. These funds were available, because congregations from across the country gave to the “One Great Hour of Sharing” offering last year, making 100 percent of these funds available to those in need.
Free offering envelopes and DVD’s are available for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering by calling toll-free 888-346-3862, by fax at 615-742-5499 or online at www.umcgiving.org/content/sundays/OGHS_nav/onegreat.asp. Other resources including bulletin insert, litany of hope, songs, Scripture also can be downloaded from this site by clicking on Worship Resources – UMNS
UMC TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS UNIFIED EFFORT TO IMPROVE HEALTH
A new unified effort to improve the health of clergy and lay employees of The United Methodist Church will be recommended by an inter-agency denominational health task force when the 2008 General Conference meets in April.
The task force formed after the 2004 General Conference directed the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits to examine the feasibility of a mandatory health insurance plan for the denomination. Currently, HealthFlex, the denomination's voluntary health insurance plan, covers slightly more than half of the church's annual conferences in the United States, including both annual conferences in Indiana.
After an in-depth study, task force members concluded that they could not recommend a mandatory plan. Instead, they made four recommendations to confront health issues by changing The Book of Discipline, the church's book of rules and by-laws.
In petitions to General Conference, the task force will recommend that the assembly:
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Direct the Board of Pension and Health Benefits, annual conferences and general church agencies to share data from health insurance plans and to establish denomination-wide wellness guidelines;
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Establish a task force to examine employment systems and culture and to provide guidelines for sustaining a healthy work/life balance during ministry. Systems to be examined include itinerancy, appointment-making, supervision and processes for entering and exiting ministry;
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Require access to group health insurance plans for bishops, full-time clergy and full-time lay employees; and
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Require access for retired bishops, annual conference clergy and lay employees to Medicare supplemental plans and prescription drug plans.
Details of the task force's recommendations are available at www.gbophb.org/resources/gc2008.asp, and an audio recording of the "Healthy People, Healthy Church" panel discussion is available at www.gc2008.umc.org. – UMNS
BORDER CONSULTATION LAYS GROUNDWORK ON IMMIGRATION
Effective ministry and advocacy related to immigration must begin on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border as a partnership of The United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Mexico, according to church leaders along the border.
Possibilities for such partnerships were explored during a Feb. 8-10 border consultation in El Paso, Texas, called “Abrazando a Mi Prójimo,” or “Embracing My Neighbor,” sponsored by the Methodist Border Mission Network. The event’s goal was to help the church reach across the border and work together as neighbors in common ministry, particularly as the church works to respond to the impact of immigration.
Among the outcomes of the United Methodist Border Network Consultation, the Methodist Church of Mexico resolved to establish centers and church networks to provide assistance and resources to migrants along both sides of the border. In addition, the church will develop and distribute educational materials to inform the public about dangers that lie ahead for migrants on their journey into the United States.
United Methodist participants said immigration-related resolutions would be brought before the 2008 General Conference this spring in Fort Worth, Texas.
The consultation drew more than 150 people representing three conferences of the Methodist Church of Mexico, five United Methodist conferences, plus United Methodist general agencies and seminarians. – UMNS
FORMER PRESIDENT OF MEXICO TO SPEAK AT UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE
The Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana at the University of Evansville is proud to announce Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, as the first speaker in its 2008 International Speaker Series.
Fox, the Mexican president from 2000-2006, will come to Indiana for a two-city event on April 10. His keynote address will begin at 7 p.m. in the Victory Theatre in Evansville; he also will speak to University of Evansville students at 4 p.m. in the Smythe Lecture Hall of the Schroeder Family School of Business Administration Building, and will be available to media in the same location at 4:45 p.m.
Earlier in the day, Fox also will speak at an Institute event in Indianapolis.
Tickets for the Victory Theatre event are free, and will be made available to the public March 15. For more ticket information, please contact the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana at 812-488-2455 or globalindiana@evansville.edu.
Fox was elected President of Mexico in 2000, ending the 71-year rule of the Institutional Revolutionary Party. While in office, he focused his many of his early efforts on improving trade relations with the US, calming civil unrest, and reducing corruption, crime, and drug trafficking. Early in his term, Fox made significant progress toward bilateral cooperation with the United States on drug trafficking and illegal immigration. – UE
LAWRENCE PASTORS RECEIVE NEGRO WOMEN’S LEGACY AWARD
Members of the Lawrence (Indianapolis) Section of the National Council of Negro Women held their annual Black History Month celebration Feb. 17. During the celebration, the Lawrence Section gave a Legacy Award to the Revs. Paula Young Mayberry and Joseph T. Johnson, pastors of Lawrence UMC of Indianapolis. The award was established by the current chair and president emerita of the National organization, Dr. Dorothy I. Height, and is called the Bethune-Height Legacy Award. The Legacy Award is given to those who help keep alive the dream of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and give service to the community. The United Methodist-related Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona, Fla. is part of the legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod.
For more information about the National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and Dr. Dorothy I. Height log on to: www.ncnw.org/index.htm.
More stories are available online at www.umc.org and www.umportal.org.
CABINET CORNER
This is a new addition to e-HUM and will be an ongoing feature highlighting the work of the bishop’s cabinet. Each of our two conferences has a cabinet of nine district superintendents who work with Bishop Mike Coyner in overseeing the work of our congregations across Indiana and who advise the bishop on pastoral appointments which he makes.
THE STARTING POINT FOR YOUR CABINET
Each cabinet session begins with a time of devotion. A different superintendent leads the cabinet in centering on Christ and the Gospel way. Following devotions, each superintendent brings to the table the names of people within his or her district who needs prayer. Prayers are then offered for their work and for each person in need, lifting each name to God for support and guidance. If you have ever had a time of need or struggle, it is likely your bishop and cabinet have prayed for you.
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again. But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life."
John 4:13-14,
(Contemporary English Version)
www.bibles.com
WORSHIP RESOURCES
Black History Month: “O Mary, Don’t You Weep”
This familiar Spiritual is an interesting study. What does the weeping New Testament Mary have to do with the drowning of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea 1,400 years earlier? This article explores the answer which lies in the secret or coded messages found in many of the Spirituals, including this one. To read the article, log on to www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46037&loc_id=17,823
INDY INNER-CITY CHURCH SEEKS SET OF ENGLISH HANDBELLS
An inner-city church in Indianapolis seeks a set of English handbells to start a choir in this church. The choir has a very small budget. Is there a church that has a set of bells gathering dust in a closet that would loan them or sell them? If so, please contact Jan Jackson at jmjackson815@att.net or by home phone 317-839-7237 or cell phone 317-313-7526.
GENERAL CONFERENCE COVERAGE
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT’S HAPPENING AT GENERAL CONFERENCE
Anyone wanting to learn more about General Conference and how it works can take a free five-session online course called “Exploring General Conference” through United Methodist Communications. To register, visit http://training.umcom.org. More than 600 people have already done so. During General Conference, United Methodist Communications will send a daily e-mail digest of United Methodist News Service assembly coverage to anyone who subscribes to the free service. The agency also will provide an RSS feed allowing church and annual conference Web sites to list General Conference headlines as UMNS stories are posted. Coverage will include print stories in English, Spanish and Korean; video stories; audio newscasts; and a General Conference photo gallery.
InfoServ, the church’s free information service, will staff the meeting and respond to questions by e-mail at infoserv@umcom.org, as well as by phone. Indiana United Methodist Communication plans to be in the press room during the second week of General Conference. Inquiries about Hoosier United Methodists at General Conference can be sent to Dan Gangler.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
2008 SOUTH INDIANA CONF. LAITY MANUSCRIPT CONTEST ANNOUNCED
Each year the Board of Laity offers the opportunity to all laity of the South Indiana Conference to express thanks and praise God by submitting a sermon manuscript for judging. The deadline for entries is April 30, 2008. This year the theme is “One in Spirit, All in Ministry: In the Spirit of Fellowship.” Manuscripts are judged on how well the theme is followed and developed, as well as the use of creative writing techniques. The author will present the winning manuscript at the Laity Session of the Annual Conference on Thursday June 12 in Bloomington. Two other manuscripts will be given Honorable Mention.
Manuscripts are to be sent to Ike Williams, Conference Lay Leader, 1515 Cool Creek Drive, Carmel, Indiana 46033-2318. Name, address, phone number, local church name, and district name should be on a cover letter. Manuscripts will be assigned a number and be judged anonymously by the selection committee. The winners and two runners up will be notified by May 21. All entries must be postmarked by April 30. Additional information concerning the contest can be obtained by contacting Bob Pimlott, Columbus District Lay Leader at 812-273-3081 or by e-mail at rpimlott1@verizon.net.
ART WORK NEEDED FOR BOTH INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCES
The theme for both North Indiana and South Indiana Annual Conferences will be “Friends with Christ,” based on John 15:15.
You can help both Annual Conferences by submitting art entries before March 1 for original artwork for the conference auditorium banner to Gloria J. Nelson 107 W Campbell St., Edinburgh, IN 46124 Church: 812-526-5840, Fax: 812-526-8617, e-mail: gnelson@sicumc.org or revgjnelson@aol.com.
The South Indiana Conference also needs an original song or new words to a non-copy-written melody to Lynn Renne, Aldersgate UMC 5130 Lincoln Ave. Evansville, IN 47715, Church: 812-477-7816, Fax 812-477-8658, e-mail lrenne@aol.com
MINISTRY RESOURCES
UM COMMUNICATION OFFERS ONLINE CONNECTIONAL GIVING COURSE
United Methodist Communications is pleased to announce the launch of a new online course, “Turning Connectional Living into Connectional Giving.” This four-part, self-directed course with facilitation is designed to assist members of The United Methodist Church to understand and interpret our connectional giving through the Apportioned and Designated funds of the church. Each module of the online course includes interactive features such as audio and video clips, quizzes, links to more information, a personal online journal, Flash animation and discussion forums. Registration for this free online course is now open through Feb. 20. To register, go to http://moodle.umcom.org.
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 e-mail 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.
DEATHS
None listed this week.
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 22, 2008.
North Indiana Conference
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Knepp, Glenn J. from no appointment to New Waverly, Kokomo, 1/3
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Rhoades-Welling, Karen K. from Leiters Ford/Monterey, Warsaw to Incapacity Leave, 3/1
South Indiana Conference
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Scifres, David from no appointment to Noblesville: First, Indianapolis East, 3/1
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
McGRAWSVILLE CHURCH SEEKS YOUTH PASTOR (0222)
McGrawsville United Methodist Church has a job opening for Youth Pastor who will direct and oversee the mission of the Church (to Reach, Teach and Serve) in the area of youth ministry.
Requirements: Professes Jesus Christ to be Lord and personal Savior. Ability to mentor student and adult leaders, competent in Bible teaching and speaking to Jr.-Sr. High kids, highly motivated and self-driven, excellent communication skills – verbal and written and works well with others (staff and volunteers). For more information and complete job description, contact the McGrawsville United Methodist Church, 9347 South 300 East, Amboy, IN 46911. Phone 765-395-7712 or log on to: www.mcgrawsville.org.
COMMUNICATIONS, PUBLIC WITNESS DIRECTOR OPEN IN SOUTHWEST TEXAS
Southwest Texas Conference, The United Methodist Church, San Antonio. Plans and executes actions to enhance the church’s reputation. Acts as public information release authority. Coordinates emergency communication/disaster response. Supervises print, Web and video communication operations. Master’s degree in communication and 10 years experience in public relations management required. Professional accreditation and knowledge of The United Methodist Church preferred. Apply to the Rev. Austin Frederick, afred@umcswtx.org.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
DYER CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MINISTRIES
Dyer United Methodist Church, located 12 miles south of Chicago, is seeking a Director of Student Ministries to serve youth and their families in grades 5-12. The exceptional candidate has a passion to reach and disciple youth, create mission and ministry opportunities for them and work with a team of students, parents and other adults to create outrageous worship experiences, soul searching lessons, ways to offer hospitality and expanding their worlds. Excellent pay and benefits include housing, insurance, vacation, resources to help you retreat and learn and pension at 3 years. Send your resume to Dyer United Methodist Church, ATTN: Ken Puent, Lead Pastor; 2016 Church Street; Dyer, IN 46311. Deadline for applications is April 1.
ELKHART ADULT DAY CENTER SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Executive Director needed for Riverview Adult Day Center. The candidate will be responsible for administrative and management duties of small not-for-profit. Riverview Adult Day Center, 2715 East Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516 is a faith based organization that provides the best and most dignified personal care possible to adults who may need some help in self-care or requires supervision. We promote client’s cognitive functioning with a combination of structured reminiscence, social interaction, physical activity, reassurance and affection in a caring atmosphere. Experience with geriatrics is a must. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, nursing license or related qualifications. Grant writing experience is a plus.
FAX resume and cover letter to 572-295-9290 or email to info@riverviewadultdaycenter.org.
HANFIELD CHURCH SEEKS WORSHIP ARTS COORDINATOR
Hanfield UMC has an immediate opening for a Worship Arts Coordinator. If you would be interested, or know of any qualified persons, please tell them to visit our website at www.hanfield.org to get more information, including a job description, expectations, etc. Under INFO, click on employment opportunities. There is an application available that can be downloaded at that site and sent to Hanfield United Methodist Church, 101 N 400 E, Marion, IN 46952. Applicants also can e-mail Tim Chambers/Campus Pastor at tchambers@hanfield.org. Chambers is the initial contact and his office number is 765-664-8726, ext. 119. --Tim Chambers, Campus Pastor
ZANESVILLE CHURCH SEEKS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
The Zanesville United Methodist Church has an immediate opening for an office staff position of Office Administrator. The position requires computer, communication, and office skills to be performed at a high level of excellence. At a minimum, applicants should be proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Outlook which are the primary tools used for the creation of church bulletins, weekly announcements for computerized projection on the church video system, and the church’s calendar of events.
The position is a full-time, Monday through Friday, salaried position requiring approximately forty (40) hours per week. Salary is commensurate with experience. This person will work with the Senior Pastor in the performance of their duties. It is anticipated that all job duties shall be performed in the church office when possible.
Interested applicants shall submit a cover letter with résumé to the attention of Pastor Tom Watt, Zanesville United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 4, Zanesville, Indiana 46799. Should your cover letter and résumé exhibit experience suitable to meet the requirements of the position, a job description and application will be forwarded to your attention to be completed and returned to the church office. Application deadline is March 10.
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inareaumc.org/job.htm.
Last updated on 04/01/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.