e-NEWS

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Check the Area Web site for Annual Conference updates.

AREA OFFICE CLOSINGS

The Indiana Area Office of The United Methodist Church will be closed for the observances of Memorial Day on Monday, May 26. Beginning Friday, June 13, the Area Office will close at Noon on Fridays during the summer months.

THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY

Jesus said, “I tell you not to worry about your life. Don’t worry about having something to eat, drink, or wear. Isn’t life more than food or clothing? Look at the birds in the sky! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t even store grain in barns. Yet your Father in heaven takes care of them. Aren’t you worth more than birds?”

NEWS AND INFORMATION

SPEEDWAY CHURCHES MOVE SERVICES OFF RACE DAY, OFFER PARKING

Speedway United Methodist, four blocks from the track, charges $20 a car for the 145 spots in its parking lot for fans to use during the Indianapolis 500 Race this coming Sunday. According to the church’s Web site (www.speedway-umc.org), race-day parking was still available. The church uses the money for scholarships for children who otherwise couldn’t afford to go to summer church camp.

In lieu of all that, some churches have scheduled extra services for Thursday or Saturday, some coupled with a cookout. Indy 500 Vesper Services were held Thursday night at Speedway UMC. Others have arranged joint Sunday services with churches outside the reach of the race.

Despite the parking windfall, race days still are a financial loss for most Speedway congregations because no church means no offering-plate collections. It is a budget-squeezing reality that plays out again in July, when the speedway hosts the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. A new motorcycle race, the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, in September, promises a third racing Sunday, albeit with what likely will be a much smaller crowd. – www.Indystar.com

SOUTH CONFERENCE INTRODUCES KATANGA LEADERS TO METHODIST HOSPITAL

In addition to introducing the two-member Katanga delegation to Governor Daniels’ staff and giving them a VIP experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, The Rev. Bob Walters, South Indiana Conference associate director of missions, also introduced them to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis beginning with a Monday, May 19, luncheon.

Dr. Ilunga Ndjoko, minister of health, and Sula Kabasa, judicial assistant to the Governor of Katanga, met with Dan Evans, CEO of Clarian Health; Rhonda Smith, VP for Patient Care Services at Methodist; Dr. Mike Niemeyer, Chief of Intensive Care Services at Methodist; and Steven Ivy, Sr. VP of Values and Pastoral Services of Clarian.

The first hour included a discussion of health care policy and financing as well as a review of their needed resources. Their needs include equipment to rebuild their hospitals and clinics, updated training for nurses and physicians, and trained hospital and clinic administrators. The next two hours included a tour of hospital facilities including mother-baby areas, intensive care, trauma, and radiology.

The two Katanga government leaders returned to the Democratic Republic of the Congo this past Tuesday. Talks and more visits between Hoosiers and leaders of Katanga will continue. Walters told e-HUM that their visits to both Ohio and Indiana United Methodists and to state leaders were a very productive first round. – e-HUM

SCOUTING EVENT, LINCOLN BICENTENNIAL INVOLVE UNITED METHODISTS

“It’s going to be a good day,” proclaimed Randal Craig as he looked out the Little Pigeon Creek Welcome Center near Lincoln City, Ind., overseeing several scouting troops coming and going. Approximately 4,000 Boy and Girl scouts and 300 volunteers descended upon Lincoln State Park and the Lincoln National Boyhood Memorial from May 9 to11 to celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth at the Lincoln Bicentennial Encampment. The 16th president – while born in Hodgenville, Ky. in 1809 – called Southern Indiana home from 1816 to 1830.

Craig, senior district executive for the Lincoln Heritage District of the Boy Scouts of America and a member of Shiloh UMC in Jasper, Ind., served as one of the organizers of the encampment.

“We looked at this as an opportunity to share with our youth today what life was like back in the early 1800s,” said Craig. “We had a lot of input from people who have studied that time period,” sharing of various events such as log cabin building, living history lessons and 53 other demonstrations. With it being Mother’s Day weekend, the scouts also took the opportunity to honor Nancy Hanks Lincoln, who is buried at the Lincoln National Boyhood Memorial.

Brian Williams, encampment chairman and member of Trinity UMC in Evansville, said the event serves as a great way to remember a great President. “He still provides outstanding leadership skills to our youth even today.”

As part of the experience, Catholic and Protestant worship services were held Saturday evening. Bishop Mike Coyner preached on the shores of Lake Lincoln in Lincoln State Park. Coyner talked about Lincoln’s mother, life in Indiana and the four things that guided Lincoln during his life: faith, failure, family and forgiveness. – Matthew Oates

UNITED METHODIST STAND WITH ARRESTED WORKERS IN IOWA

More than 300 “little lights” representing workers arrested in an immigration raid in northeast Iowa were lit and then extinguished during a “service of solidarity” held at First United Methodist Church in Sioux City. The May 15 vigil was one of a series of faith events across Iowa that have drawn attention to the plight of immigrant workers and their families in the wake of the largest single-site immigration raid in U.S. history.

Iowa’s United Methodist episcopal leader, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, responded by calling for an end to such raids and urging U.S. government leaders to pass a comprehensive immigration policy that recognizes the contributions of migrants to the U.S. economy and culture.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested the workers – most from Mexico and Guatemala – in a May 12 raid on Agriprocessors, the world’s largest kosher meatpacking plant, in Postville, Iowa. The 314 men and 75 women taken into custody face charges ranging from aggravated identity theft to false use of Social Security numbers. – UMNS

ASSEMBLY SETS GUIDELINES OF CLERGY EFFECTIVENESS

Delegates to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference approved a petition dealing with clergy effectiveness and annual appointment, and also outlined conditions under which a pastor’s appointment may be terminated. The petition was one of many measures approved April 30 on the General Conference’s consent calendar. The delegates, following the recommendations of the ministry and higher education legislative committee, voted 696-24 to amend and approve a petition related to Paragraph 334 of the denomination’s Book of Discipline to give bishops procedures for terminating an ineffective pastor’s appointment. – UMNS

GENERAL CONFERENCE SHORTENS CANDIDACY PROCESS

The candidacy process for ordained ministry in The United Methodist Church will be shortened by two years beginning in January 2009, under legislation approved by the 2008 General Conference.

“Steps were taken to shorten and expedite the process and make it more accessible,” said the Rev. Sharon Rubey, director of Candidacy and Conference Relations at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. “The effect of these changes reduces the possible years from entry into candidacy to ordination by two years, plus makes the process less prescriptive, therefore making it more accessible to more possible candidates.”

General Conference, meeting this spring in Fort Worth, Texas, affirmed legislation allowing a candidate to begin the ordination process with a minimum one-year membership in a church, campus ministry or other United Methodist ministry setting. The previous requirement was two years.

Other legislation made changes in probationary membership, including reducing the requirement from a minimum of three years to a minimum of two and changing the name to provisional instead of probationary membership.

Provisional members still will be required to follow a residency curriculum of theological education, take part in covenant groups and undergo mentoring with evaluation by their district superintendent and Board of Ordained Ministry.

The result will be more intense work for the candidates and the annual conferences, said the Rev. Anita Wood, the board’s director of professional ministry development.

However, since the legislation requires a minimum of two years, Wood said annual conferences still have the option of a longer provisional period. – UMNS

BASKETBALL SCORES BIG WIN IN ANTI-MALARIA CAMPAIGN

FORT WORTH, Texas – Delegates to the top legislative body of The United Methodist Church saved the lives of more than 50,000 children while deciding church policy for the next four years.

It all began when Bishop Thomas Bickerton challenged the 992 delegates to General Conference to give up their lunch money on April 25, World Malaria Day, and donate $10 (the price of one net) to the Nothing But Nets anti-malaria campaign.

That challenge netted $15,000 and launched a bidding war for a basketball signed by United Methodist bishops. The auction ended in an additional offering of $429,270. At $10 a net, close to 50,000 families will be covered by insecticide-treated sleeping nets in Africa as a result of the donations. Nothing But Nets is part of the church’s Global Health Initiative to fight diseases of poverty and promote congregational health and wholeness. – UMNS

BISHOPS CAN GIVE DEACONS SACRAMENTAL AUTHORITY

United Methodist bishops will be allowed to grant authority to deacons to administer Holy Communion and baptism in certain circumstances under legislation approved this spring by General Conference.

The authority can be granted to a deacon within his or her primary appointment in the absence of an elder. The change takes effect in January 2009.

“This legislation is an effort to extend the mission and ministry of the church in extraordinary circumstances when an elder is not present,” said the Rev. Mary Ann Moman, a staff executive with the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

“The legislation is a reminder of the importance of the sacramental ministry in the church and the world. It is fair to ask why elders aren’t present in the places where the sacraments are needed.”

The board presented the petition through its Study of Ministry Commission, which also asked to continue a denomination-wide conversation regarding ordination and sacramental authority for four more years. Delegates voted to create a new commission to continue that conversation and also approved the legislation allowing sacramental authority.

BALL STATE WESLEY HOUSE OFFERS LIVING EXPERIENCE FOR 8 STUDENTS

College Connection Campus Ministries, the United Methodist campus ministry serving the Ball State University campus, currently has openings in the Wesley House for the 2008-2009 school-year. The Wesley House offers up to eight Ball State students the opportunity to live in an environment where their Christian faith can grow and they can learn from the experiences of others who follow Jesus. Regular house meetings, group meals, service projects and the chance to be involved in ministry to other students are a part of the Wesley House experience. For more information about the Wesley House or the ministry of College Connection, please contact Chris Nelson at College Avenue United Methodist Church. The phone number is 765-289-7337. Chris can be reached also by email at chrisnelsoncaumc@yahoo.com.

CONNECTICUT ECUMENIST ELECTED TO LEAD U.M. CHRISTIAN UNITY

The Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak Jr., executive director of the state council of churches in Connecticut, has been elected to lead the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns based in New York City.

Sidorak, 58, was elected May 14 by the commission’s directors and will assume the position of general secretary July 1 at the New York-based commission. He succeeds Bishop Albert F. “Fritz” Mutti, who was named interim general secretary last December following the departure of the Rev. Larry Pickens.

The Commission on Christian Unity is the church’s ecumenical agency. Working in cooperation with the United Methodist Council of Bishops, the commission seeks unity within the Christian community and fosters dialogue and understanding with other faith traditions.

Sidorak has served with the Christian Conference of Connecticut since 1987 and has 30 years of ecumenical leadership experience in Connecticut, Colorado and Utah. – UMNS

WORSHIP RESOURCES

EVALUATING WORSHIP AND MUSIC

How should we evaluate our church’s worship services and music? We can always look at worship attendance and trends, membership statistics, and offerings, but beyond those numeric measurements, are there other ways to think about the effectiveness of congregational worship and music? This article offers some other ways to think about it and a list of 25 statements that will help you evaluate your church’s worship. Read the article at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46345.

NORTH INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

WESLEY FOUNDATION HOLDS DINNER AT NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE

Featuring food, art, photos and stories from student mission trips to Costa Rica, Italy, India, Africa, and Anadarko Oklahoma (Native American).

Brief updates on ministries at College Connection at Ball State, University of Indianapolis, DePauw University, University of Evansville, IPFW, and Purdue Wesley Foundation. Delegate Reservations: through the North Indiana Conference Office (www.nicumc.org) and at Annual Conference Registration. Deadline: Wednesday, May 28.

COST: $5 (Love offerings will help support missions for students at Africa University)

Location: at Wesley Foundation at Purdue, 435 W. State across from Purdue Memorial Union. Parking is available in Marstellar Garage on Sheetz St., but a few limited spaces behind Wesley can be reserved for those with difficulty walking. – Wesley Foundation at Purdue

ALL VOLUNTEER NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE CHOIR INVITES SINGERS

All pastors and lay members who like to sing: This is a reminder that the All Conference Choir for Annual Conference 2008 will practice on Saturday, May 31, at 8:30 am, in the band room of Elliott Hall of Music, Purdue University, and will sing in the Ordination Service at 10:30 am. The numbers are “God and God Alone” and “Majesty and Glory of Your Name”. They are beautifully rich compositions that are easily learned, and there will be strong section leaders to assist you. Please register your interest with Richard Patton, rapatton@indy.rr.com.

We would very much appreciate your help in this wonderful opportunity to praise the Lord together in song. – Richard Patton

NORTH INDIANA GAMBLING CONCERNS LUNCHEON TO FEATURE TOM GREY

The Gambling Concerns Team invites everyone to attend the Gambling Concerns Luncheon at Annual Conference on Friday, May 30 at 12:30pm. Cost is $12.75. The lunchtime speaker will be Rev. Tom Grey who has spearheaded anti-gambling expansion movements all across the U.S. In light of the recent expansion passed by our own state legislature and a bill signed by Gov. Daniels, this timely luncheon will inform and energize you about what your church can do to finally put the brakes on the spread of gambling in our state. If we don’t stop it, it won’t ever stop!

Reserve your tickets with the annual conference forms mailed to the pastors and lay delegates.

KATANGA YOUNG ADULT TO BE ORDAINED DURING NORTH CONFERENCE

Bishop Mike Coyner will be ordaining Christian Kakez– A– Kapend as a courtesy for Christian’s bishop in South Katanga Conference of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The service is scheduled for Saturday morning May 31 at 10:30 am in Elliot Hall on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette.

An open house for Christian will be held at Wesley from noon to1:30 pm. A light luncheon will be served. The open house will be held in the McFadden Peace and Justice Lounge on the main floor of the Wesley Foundation located at 435 W. State St., West Lafayette Ind. Parking is available in the Marstellar Garage on Sheetz Street.

Pastor Christian leaves on June 25. After spending a month back home in the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Zimbabwe, Christian will return to Dallas, Texas for seminary. He will be working on a Master of Arts Degree at Perkins School of Theology in Homiletics/Preaching and plans to go on for a Ph.D. before returning to teach and train other pastors in Africa.

NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE FORMS AVAILABLE

The theme of the 2008 North Indiana Annual Conference Session is “Friends with Christ.” The 2008 session will take place at Purdue University in West Lafayette, May 29-31. More information will be forthcoming as we get closer to Annual Conference time.

Here are some North Indiana Annual Conference forms that are available in Abode PDF format. Adobe Reader www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html is required to view and/or print these forms.

Annual Conference Report Form

Banquet Reservation Form

Child Care Registration Form

Disability Needs Awareness Survey

Housing Reservation Form

Journal Order Form

BISHOP TO SPEAK AT NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE UMW BREAKFAST

North Indiana United Methodist Women are honored that Bishop Mike Coyner will speak at their breakfast in the John Perdue Room in Stone Hall at Perdue University on Friday, May 30 at 7:00 a.m. The cost is $6.25 and reservations deadline is May 16. Contact Margaret Woody, P. O. Box 42, Stockwell, IN 47983 – Phone 765-523-2816. For registration form online go to: www.gbgm-umc.org/nicumw/forms.html and click on the Annual Conference Breakfast link.

SOUTH INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SOUTH INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION REGISTERS NOW ONLINE

Online Registration for the South Indiana Annual Conference Session is now available. Everyone planning to attend this year’s session can register today. Online registration allows participants to pay with credit card or choose to mail a check. One also can purchase parking permits, reserve dormitory accommodations and sign up for special conference meals. To register online, go to www.sicumc.org/AnnualConference.

If you have any questions about this year’s session please contact Jessica Lindsey the 2008 SIC Annual Conference Session Coordinator. She may be reached by e-mail at jlindsey@sicumc.org or by voice mail at 800-919-8160, ext. 220. For more Annual Conference information and updates please visit www.sicumc.org/AnnualConference.

HEALTH SCREENINGS AT SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE BY CLARION HEALTH

The screenings will be held during this year’s Annual Conference at the South Indiana Conference Center (1520 S. Liberty Drive Bloomington, IN 47403) on the following dates:

To schedule your appointment, please call Lynne Armitage at 800-919-8160, ext. 214. If you are unable to make it to the Annual Screening, please request a physician packet from Lynne. The physician packet process will be the same as last year. Spouses on the plan are also eligible for the screening.

BOTH ANNUAL CONFERENCES

WOMEN PLAN PRAYER VIGILS DURING INDIANA CONFERENCE SESSIONS

United Methodist Women of North Indiana and South Indiana Conferences will be participating in an intentional prayer vigil during both North and South conference sessions.

United Methodist Women of Indiana will be in prayer from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 and June 5 and Friday, May 30 and June 6; and from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, May 31 and June 7.

We are privileged to be able to support our Conferences, enveloping each one in prayer. – On behalf of Jeanie Park, UMW President and Cheryl Cole, UMW Spiritual Growth, North Indiana and Kyle DeWeese, UMW Spiritual Growth and Vickie Newkirk, UMW President, South Indiana.

NORTH CENTRAL JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS

The North Central Jurisdictional Conference is scheduled to meet July 15-19 at Grand Rapids, Mich. Volunteers are needed for this event. At least one bishop will be elected during this conference. All bishops of the jurisdiction will be assigned to an area of service. For more information and biographies of episcopal candidates, log on to www.NCJ2008.org.

SINGERS NEEDED FOR JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE CHOIR

Sing Unto the Lord. For those attending the 2008 North Central Jurisdictional Conference, you are invited to participate in the conference choir. We’re hoping for a solid 50 voice choir that will participate in worship on Wednesday at 2 p.m. and Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Rehearsals will be Wednesday from Noon to 2 p.m. and 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. All music will be provided. We ask that you bring your robe and your voice. Please contact Conference Music Director, Brenda Austin Wheaton at Brenda@fumer.org if you are interested in being part of this glorious experience. Brenda Austin Wheaton, First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827, phone 517-663-3524.

MINISTRY RESOURCES

LAFAYETTE PASTOR FEATURED IN INTERPRETER MAGAZINE ARTICLE

Read about Trinity United Methodist Church in Lafayette, a part of the North Indiana Conference, in the May-June 2008 issue of Interpreter, the official ministry magazine for the people of The United Methodist Church. The IdeaMart department features the Rev. Jacob Williams Jr., pastor of Trinity, in an article about cross-racial appointments. You may read the story on-line at www.interpretermagazine.org/interior.asp?ptid=43&mid=12705.

This issue of Interpreter includes several features on the growth of The United Methodist Church among immigrant communities in the United States – as well as the growth of the church in Africa and the Philippines.

Check out Interpreter OnLine at www.interpretermagazine.org. Then order your personal subscription by calling United Methodist Communications at 888-346-3862.

DISCIPLESHIP INSTITUTE OFFERS ONLINE CONTINUING EDUCATION

With rising gas prices, the Richard and Julia Wilke Institute for Discipleship, headed by retired United Methodist Bishop Wilke and based at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, recognizes with a new urgency the need to share with Christian leaders the opportunity to continue their training and education in a less expensive, online format. One hundred percent of the workshop fee stays in ministry with BeADisciple.com – no expense for travel, food, lodging, gasoline and other expenses.

SOUTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR MAY

“The South Indiana Conference Media Resource Center’s latest acquisitions can be found online at www.sicumc.org. Click on “Media Center” (on the first two screens) and explore all the available options, including “Newest Resources,” “Bibliographies,” and “Picks of the Month.” May “Picks” have been posted. Highlighted are these titles:

Embracing Aging: Families Facing Change; Finding Hope in Recovery: Families Living with Addiction; NOOMA: Open; and Tex Mix: Stories of Earthy Mysticism (with Tex Sample).

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. Contact Mary Barnes, Media Center Director, for more information/consultation. For the complete catalog resources, log on to www.sicumc.org and click on the Media Center header.”

NORTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR MAY

Summer is approaching and it’s that time of year that anyone with a heart for children begins to look for safe, fun activities to keep our little dynamos occupied. You do not have to be a children’s ministry leader, Sunday school teacher, Day Care or Preschool to use the resources available at our Media Resource center. Parents and Grandparents may find some of our resources useful as well! Here are a few hits to make your summer more enjoyable: Dyna Games, 12 easy step by step games for children 6-12. Miracles of Jesus: Read-A-Long Sing-A-Long: Digital Story Book, Helps your children learn to read while they learn Bible stories that teach of Faith, Love & Service. Different and the Same: From the producers of Mister Roger’s Neighborhood comes this set of five videos with topics such as - Sticks and Stones - Name calling/hurting others as a reaction to being hurt, Cinderella and Me - Being excluded from mainstream culture, The Club - Standing up against prejudice directed at someone else, Tug of War - Choosing a friend across racial/ethnic lines, I’m American, Too - Who is an American? - friendly puppets help children resolve difficult situations and move toward positive solutions. Many more are available please browse our website www.nicumc.org. It is also that time of year when parents and children/youth leaders begin to really promote camp. We have a few resources that will help you do that: Making Disciples for Jesus Christ: Campers, counselors and camp directors share what Christian camping is all about in the North Indiana Conference. Camp-It’s Better than Bologna: Every summer over 3,000 kids and adults gather at one of the North Indiana Conference Camp sites to canoe, climb, swim, sing, praise, party, worship, work, listen and learn-all in the name of God. Hang on to your seat, as you watch this thriller that will leave no doubt in your mind why camp is better than processed pig parts.

We have many helpful resources on parenting and a few on grandparenting. Feel free to call Angel at 800-783-5138 for help selecting the right resource for you or e-mail Angel Rea.

MEMBERSHIP WATCH

On Sunday, May 4, St. Paul’s UMC with 300 members in Poseyville, Ind., in the Evansville District received 12 new members and baptized six individuals into the Christian faith.

New members included are Amy Whemer, Vince & Amber Oakley, Curtis & Shannon Walden, Brad & Valerie Parker, Steven & Bronwyn Wilson and Brian & Nikky Wilson. Children baptized are Kirstin Wood & Dakota Parker, Stephanie & Oliva Wilson, and Garrett & Grant Parker.

MOVIE REVIEW

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

(UMC.org) - “Things never happen the same way twice,” Aslan intones, not once, but twice in the new Narnia film Prince Caspian, almost as if to remind us that this second in the series will be a different kind of film. And indeed, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian differs from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe noticeably. The question is whether audiences will swarm to a film that’s darker and more dependants on battles. And will Christians warm to a film with less overtly Christian themes and the appearance of the god-like Aslan forestalled and subdued? Well, fear not. Though essentially a Narnian war movie, Prince Caspian delivers the goods as a sweeping tale of good versus evil, faith versus faithlessness, and the loss of innocence - all with a family-friendly PG rating. Narnia fans will not be disappointed. For the complete review with study questions, log on to www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.4133913/

DEATHS

JOHN PHILLIP “JACK” AEBERSOLD, retired pastor (NIC), died April 15, 2008. A funeral service was held on Sat., April 19 in the Wright Memorial Chapel of the Franklin United Methodist Community. Inurnment was in the Evergreen Cemetery in Louisville, Ky. Condolences may be sent to Lois Aebersold, Franklin Methodist Community, 1070 W. Jefferson St., Franklin, IN 46131.

EDWARD MILLER, SR., retired Elder (SIC), died Thursday, May 15, 2008. A memorial service was held Monday, May 19 at Mt. Vernon First UMC in Mount Vernon, Ind., with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery in Evansville, Ind. Survivors include: Wife, Mary Bailey-Miller, 837 S Eickhoff, Evansville, IN, 47712; one daughter, Donna Parsons; one son, Edward Miller Jr.; and one step-son, Randy Bailey; 3 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

EDNA F. SCHRAM, widow of Harold Schram (NIC), died May 20, 2008. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 24 in High Point, N.C. Survivors include: Two daughters; and two sons. Condolences may be sent to Carolee Shinn, 8507 Encanto Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46815.

PATRICIA SMOCK, retired Diaconal Minister (SIC), December 2007. A memorial service was held Dec. 22 at North Lake Presbyterian Church in Lady Lake, Fla. Survivors include: Husband, William Smock, 212 Del Rio Dr., Lady Lake, FL 32159-5664; three daughters, Cindy Goodwin, Becky Bovier and Leslie Dyar; 7 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

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 May 16, 2008.

NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS

CARMEL CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF ADULT ED, SMALL GROUPS

St. Mark’s UMC in Carmel, Ind., has a staff positions available. The position is Director of Adult Education and Small Group Ministries, a 25-hour per-week position that will support adult education and Sunday school, including overseeing small groups. Minimum requirement include: Bachelor’s degree in Education and teaching experience.

CARMEL CHURCH ALSO SEEKS FACILITIES MANAGER

Facilities Manager – this part time position (15-20 hours) will assist in overseeing the care and maintenance of our church home, working as a liaison with the church staff and trustees, as well as work with contractors and planners with future building needs. This person also will supervise custodial staff. Requirement: construction management and maintenance experience. For more information, contact the church office at 317-846-4912.

CUMBERLAND CHURCH SEEKS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Cumberland UMC is in search of a detail-oriented, organized, and efficient administrative assistant to assist with general administrative duties including newsletter preparation, Pastor correspondence, record keeping, and more. This part-time position is perfect for a stay-at-home mom, retiree, or someone looking to serve in a meaningful way. The hours are 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please submit resume via mail to CUMC Attn: Staff-Parish Search committee, 219 N. Muessing St. Indianapolis, IN 46229. Resumes can be sent by e-mail to: cumc219@sbcglobal.net.

CUMBERLAND CHURCH SEEKS YOUTH DIRECTOR

Cumberland UMC is in search of an organized person with excellent communication skills to lead senior high and junior high youth groups to cultivate their spiritual growth. This person must have a desire to work with young people, be willing to attend church on Sundays, and plan enriching experiences for our youth. The youth director will work in conjunction with the youth ministry committee and be a member of the leadership council of the church. This part-time paid position would be perfect for an older college student, seminary student, or anyone with a heart for youth and their spiritual growth. Please submit your resume via mail to CUMC Attn: Staff-Parish Search committee, 219 N. Muessing St. Indianapolis, IN 46229. Resumes can be sent by e-mail to: cumc219@sbcglobal.net.

ELKHART CHURCH SEEKS FULL TIME DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES

Trinity United Methodist Church in Elkhart, Indiana is looking for a faith-filled team-builder to lead a growing ministry with youth grades 7 through 12. Strong communication skills, leadership gifts and ability to work with a variety of cultures, faith levels and ages. College degree and experience with large youth ministry required. Send resumes to Lore Blinn Gibson, revlorebg@3umc.org.

GOSHEN CHURCH IN NEED OF WORSHIP LEADER

St. Mark’s UMC of Goshen, Ind., is currently looking for a worship leader for its Celebration service. Currently the Celebration service is averaging 70 to 75 in worship each Sunday.

The worship leader will have four key roles including; leading the Praise team and leading the congregation in praise and worship, planning praise and worship along with the pastor and other leaders so there is a flow to the worship service, coordinating ministry efforts with other key leaders and the praise team, developing the current praise team, new praise teams as disciples and musicians. The worship leader will be accountable to the pastor and the Staff Parish Relations team for the fulfillment of these roles. Expected hours are 5 to 8 hours a week. Salary is negotiable based upon gifts and experience.

If you know of anyone in our area who would be a good fit please pass the word onto them.

HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-NEWS

AREA OFFICE CLOSINGS

THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES

BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY

NEWS AND INFORMATION