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The Area Office closes at Noon on Fridays during the summer months.
These are the words of Jesus:
Don’t be afraid of anyone! Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known. Whatever I say to you in the dark, you must tell in the light. And you must announce from the housetops whatever I have whispered to you. Don’t be afraid of people. They can kill you, but they cannot harm your soul. Instead, you should fear God who can destroy both your body and your soul in hell. Aren’t two sparrows sold for only a penny? But your Father knows when any one of them falls to the ground. Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.
-- Matthew 10:26-31
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.americanbible.org
Bishop Felton E. May, interim general secretary of the General Board of Global Ministries, has endorsed a call from the World Council of Churches that Christians worldwide join in a day of prayer this Sunday, June 22, for Zimbabwe as that country faces a run-off in a deeply contested national election. May said he welcomed the initiative of the World Council to unite all Christians to join Zimbabwean sisters and brothers in prayers for peace and justice. The run-off election is set for June 27. The day of prayer was initiated by Christians in Zimbabwe.
May commended a prayer, written by World Council leader Dr. Samuel Kobia, which remembers Zimbabwe in its time of trial
Eternal God:
In your sight nations rise and fall, and pass through times of trial.
We pray with and for Zimbabwe in this hour of national decision,
and we ask your divine blessing on all the people of the land.
May Zimbabwe’s leaders seek justice by means that are just;
May the voters take action to promote the common good;
may international observers and mediators be guided by your wisdom.
Lead us not into temptation, Lord, and deliver your people from evil:
Empower us all to overcome anger, jealousy, division and violence;
help us to respect one another despite our differences;
and teach us the things that truly make for peace.
This we pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
The full call of the World Council can be read online at www.oikoumene.org.
After two years of study at Africa University at Mutare, Zimbabwe, Bigi Ruhigita prepared to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo to work in a 50-bed clinic that she and her siblings founded in honor of their father. “I’m the only one in my family in the health field, but I’m happy to be keeping my late father’s idea alive,” said of Jean Ruhigita, a former bishop of the Pentecostal church in the Congo. “He wanted the clinic to help poor people in our area, and since 2003 it has been there for so many people who have no money to go to the hospital.”
The 30-year-old nurse was one of the 354 students from 16 African countries who received their degree certificates on June 7 at Africa University’s 14th graduation ceremony. Awarded a master’s degree in public health, Ruhigita is excited about using her new skills to help her community.
Severe storms and rising floodwaters in Iowa have forced thousands of residents from their homes and shut down numerous roads as United Methodist disaster recovery leaders provide support amid potentially staggering long-term needs.
The emergency situation was changing nearly as quickly as the waters flowing in the Des Moines, Skunk, Raccoon, Iowa, Cedar and other rivers across the state. Nine rivers were at or above historic flood levels. Eighty-three of Iowa’s 99 counties were declared disaster areas by Gov. Chet Culver as of June 13. National disaster designation by the Federal Emergency Management Association covered four counties.
United Methodist leaders were working with the United Methodist Committee on Relief to monitor and respond to the state’s emergency needs.
“Pray and faint not,” Bishop Gregory Palmer said in a message of encouragement from the church’s Iowa Area. “Remember when you pass through the waters, God will be with you.”
In Cedar Rapids, more than 100 city blocks were underwater, forcing the evacuation of a downtown hospital and its 176 patients. In Des Moines, 100 miles to the southeast, officials issued a voluntary evacuation order for much of downtown and other areas bordering the Des Moines River.
The 188,000 United Methodists in Iowa have struggled right along with their neighbors. Many basements not flooded were seeping water because of the hydraulic pressure on foundation walls and floors. Sandbags were piled high around houses and businesses. Even the Hilton Coliseum on the Iowa State campus in Ames, the site of the just-concluded 2008 session of the United Methodist Iowa Annual Conference, had flood barriers in place during the four-day gathering.
Donations for UMCOR’s relief efforts can be made to Domestic Disaster Response, UMCOR Advance #901670. Checks can be dropped in church offering plates or mailed directly to UMCOR, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087. Write the Advance number and name on the memo line of the check. Credit card donations can be made by calling (800) 554-8583 or online at www.givetomission.org. – UMNS
Purdue University extension specialists are urging people to use caution when buying produce from farmers markets this summer due to the risk of possible contamination in flooded areas.
Fruit and vegetables that have been in contact with floodwaters should not be sold or eaten as fresh produce because they could be contaminated with microorganisms, said Elizabeth Maynard, an extension specialist in horticulture from Purdue’s North Central campus in Westville.
Dave Clamme, an extension agent in Delaware County, says sprays, sanitizer and washing will not eliminate disease-causing organisms, so crops affected by flooding should be disposed of or worked into the soil, extension specialists said. Crops that have been in standing rainwater rather than overflow from rivers or creeks should not be contaminated.
Farmers who grow fruit in flooded areas should not assume their crops are safe even if the fruit grows on trees, said Peter Hirst, an extension specialist in commercial tree fruit. While urging caution, Maynard saw no cause for consumers to shun fresh produce. – AP
The North Indiana Conference’s expectation that each church be involved in helping start a new faith community in order to reach the un-churched was reaffirmed by the NIC May 29 at Purdue University. More than 300 churches reported how they are reaching out, each in unique ways that fit their context. To help churches in their efforts. Sending of the Saints resources were distributed at Purdue. Churches and individuals can request these SOS resource packets by contacting the North Indiana Conference Service Center at 800-783-5138 or e-mailing info@nicumc.org. The resources are also available on the NIC Web site. One new resource is an SOS Planning Guide, which can help a church determine what steps it should take next and provides helpful resources.
Although Dietrich Bonhoeffer has been dead for more than 60 years, the well-known German theologian has been a role model of faith for many Christians, including the Rev. Charles Sigman. That’s why Sigman, the 42-year-old pastor of First UMC of Newport, Ark., north of Little Rock, has helped make Bonhoeffer the first martyr officially recognized by The United Methodist Church. A Lutheran pastor, Bonhoeffer was a member of the resistance against dictator Adolph Hitler and was executed by the Nazis in 1945, during the final months of World War II.
The resolution Sigman submitted to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference was simple: “In keeping in line with the Church of England and the Church of Wales, we, as United Methodists, should also recognize Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a modern day martyr for the cause of Christ.” It was approved when the conference met April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. During the same General Conference, United Methodists approved a full communion agreement with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. – UMNS
An agreement fostering collaboration between an Illinois community college and the United Methodist University in Monrovia, Liberia, was consummated June 9 in a signing ceremony at East Peoria, Ill. The partnership between Illinois Central College and United Methodist University formally “opens the door for student and faculty exchange for collaboration,” said John Erwin, president of Illinois Central College.
Bishop John G. Innis of Liberia, president of the university’s board of trustees, said global education is essential. “Education is redemption for life,” Innis said. “It is the key to meeting world challenges. The world is for everyone, and it belongs to all of us.”
Both Erwin and Innis credited the Rev. Timothy Bias, pastor of Peoria First UMC, with bringing the parties together for formalization of the agreement.
United Methodist University was established in 1998 and serves students from Liberia, Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire. – UMNS
United Methodists in the California-Pacific Conference are determined to boost their Hispanic ministry. This year, the conference named the Rev. Emilio Müller director for Latino Ministries. Müller has 30 years of pastoral experience and has been with the denomination’s National Plan for Hispanic-Latino Ministry since its beginning. Müller launched his ministry by organizing a consultation May 30-31 at Maywood (Calif.) UMC in the Los Angeles area.
The meeting was designed “to gather pastors and lay leaders, as well as members of the cabinet and the bishop, to grasp together the comprehensive view of what the NPHLM (National Plan) has to offer and to engage in a process of envisioning and sharing,” Müller said. Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, who leads the Cal-Pac Conference, said the meeting was one of “numerous signs of hope” that she is seeing. – UMNS
Nancy Caddick, administrative assistant at the Munster UMC; Linda Fights, administrative assistant at the Elkhart New Hope UMC; Pat Sanders, administrative assistant at the Michiana District Office attended the 29th Annual Conference of the Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) which was held April 17-19 in Dayton, Ohio. More than 240 professionals representing United Methodist offices on various levels, both nationally and internationally, were in attendance.
Linda Fights and Pat Sanders received recognition for renewing their professional certification. They are members of the class of 1999.
The PAUMCS Annual Conference provides continuing education and a supportive professional network. The organization, established in 1982 under the UMC General Council on Finance and Administration, fosters individual growth, professional development and spiritual enrichment for members from the United States, Russia, and Africa.
Archived reports are available online at www.inareaumc.org.
The Bloomington District UMC office, at 1520 South Liberty Drive in Bloomington, has scheduled another volunteer work day for Wednesday, June 25 beginning at 9:30 a.m.
If you or people in your church are willing to volunteer please contact the Bloomington District office at 812-339-1445 or 800-919-8161. The goal is to assemble 100 flood bucket clean-up kits for distribution to local flood survivors. The district is still short on supplies to fill these buckets. Any monetary or supply items that can be donated would be appreciated. The Bloomington District office would like to have these items by Monday, June 23, so we can spend Tuesday taking inventory and buying items to prepare for Wednesday’s volunteer day. Make contributions payable to Bloomington District of the UMC with memo “Flood Buckets” and mail to Bloomington District UMC, 1520 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403-5167. A list of flood bucket contents can be found at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/getconnected/supplies/flood-bucket/.
Five-gallon buckets for flood buckets clean-up kits can be purchased at Home Depot, Lowes’ and Menards. Kleindorfer’s Hardware in Bloomington has generously donated 100 buckets with lids for next Wednesday’s volunteer day.
We still need more! We have several churches in the Indianapolis area who have volunteered to store flood buckets. If you wish to donate flood buckets, please contact one of the following churches to arrange a delivery time.
Bob Babcock, South Indiana Conference Disaster Relief coordinator, attended on Tuesday, June 17, a Long Term Recovery meeting in Columbus at North Christian Church in Columbus. This included all of Bartholomew County. On Wednesday, Babcock attended another Long Term Recovery meeting for Morgan County in Martinsville. He is coordinating UMC efforts with the efforts of other non-profit and government organizations in assisting residents in their recovery efforts.
David Cumbest, pastor of Heritage UMC in D’Ibervile, Miss., and Seashore District Disaster Coordinator, contacted Bob Babcock, South Indiana Conference Disaster Relief coordinator, to let him know when Indiana is set up to receive work teams and what else we may need. Cumbest said, “It make take us a few weeks to respond, but we have some well trained volunteers ready to help.”
Jenni Walker, resource administrator of the South Indiana Conference, says she is receiving between 25 and 30 e-mails a day and numerous phone calls about volunteering for flood recovery efforts in South Indiana. Walker can be reached at 812-893-1760 or by e-mail at jenniwalker@mac.com. She is working with numerous church and civic organization like the American Red Cross to place volunteers where they are needed in flood recovery efforts.
The North Central Jurisdictional Conference is scheduled to meet July 15-19 at Grand Rapids, Mich. 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. A list of all Indiana delegates to this conference are available by logging on to www.inareaumc.org and clicking on 2008 Conferences.
Members of the North Central Jurisdiction Black Methodists for Church Renewal announce its endorsement of the Rev. Dr. Julius Calvin Trimble as an episcopal candidate for the 2008 North Central Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church. Trimble currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Aldersgate UMC in Warrensville Heights, Ohio. Under his leadership, that church has experienced growth and continued commitment to community-based and worldwide mission support. Trimble served as the District Superintendent of the Cleveland District of the East Ohio United Methodist Conference for seven years. In 2002 he served as Dean of the cabinet and preached at the Annual Conference at Lakeside, Ohio.
Trimble is a native of Chicago. He is a graduate of Illinois State University, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Ashland Theological Seminary.
Biographies of other episcopal candidates of the North Central Jurisdiction can be found online at www.ncj2008.org. Click on “Episcopal Candidates” in right column.
Both Indiana annual conferences unanimously endorsed Kokomo District Superintendent Frank J. Beard for the episcopacy.
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.
In the hope that you have time to devote to reading and might be interested in some of the latest worship, music, and more general church topic titles. Here are 15 that Dean McIntyre, director of music resources at the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tenn., recently discovered and found useful and informative.
One of the 15 was co-written by a familiar author: Michael J. Coyner and Randy Maddox, et al. A Year with John Wesley and Our Methodist Values. Nashville: Discipleship Resources, 2008. This little book that was given out to all 2008 General Conference delegates explores the essence of John Wesley’s life and witness and the transforming power of the early Methodist movement through great themes expressed in contemporary language and in contemporary situations.
Check out the whole list at: www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46426&loc_id=17,823
NOTE: How are you tithing your federal tax rebate? Here’s how a Fort Wayne church challenged its members. .
We are fighting a war against hunger – a war that’s going on right here in our neighborhood as well as around the world. Our Finance Committee issued the following challenge to our members: Tithe 10 percent of your unexpected tax rebate to our War-Against-Hunger fund which will be divided three ways:
This mission is your Church’s way of stepping out in a risk taking, proactive way to show we are Christians by our compassionate love to those who are hungry. It is also a means to satisfy your need to give. If each of you give just 10 percent of your unexpected rebate ($60), we can raise several thousand dollars to share in our community and around the world. We didn’t count on it; we didn’t expect it. Let’s show we are Christians by our love.
We felt this was such a great opportunity to share unexpected resources. This is a great opportunity and we wanted to share it with you. – Forest Park UMC, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Edinburgh United Methodist Church Youth Ministry needs band instruments that are new or used drum set, guitars, and/or any other instruments that may be useable or in good shape.
If you can help with this request, please call 812-526-5840.
Victory: Overcoming the Trials of Life: “From the moment of birth, to the instant of death, we run the race of life. Too soon the race is over. Too soon the victory won or lost. This series is designed to equip every person to be a caregiver - someone who can shine light in the dark places of the heart: Answers to anger, Stress and burnout; Winning over worry and fear, Trauma and extreme crisis, Death and grief, Marriage in crisis; The crisis of divorce, Basics of care giving, Children in crisis; Transitions of life. Breaking Free: Making Liberty in Christ a Reality in Life: leads you through a study of the scriptures to discover the transforming power of Christian freedom. Based on Isaiah 61:1-4, this in-depth study draws parallels between the captive Israelites and today’s believers. Most Christians today do not fully enjoy the abundant life God intended. God intends for you to: know God and believe Him, glorify God, find satisfaction in God, experience God’s peace, enjoy God’s presence. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Passionate Soul of a Man: God designed men to be dangerous, look at the dreams and desires written in the heart of every boy: To be a hero, to be a warrior, to live a life of adventure and risk. Sadly, most men abandon those dreams and desires aided by a Christianity that feels like nothing more than pressure to be a nice guy. It is no wonder that many men avoid church, and those who go are often passive and bored to death. The heart of a man, The poser and the question, The wound, Healing the wound, A battle to fight, An adventure to live, A beauty to…, A band of brothers. Prayer Does It Make A Difference? When God’s People Pray, The Jesus I Never Knew, God Is Closer Than You Think, Celebrate Recovery, Chasing Daylight, Just Walk Across The Room, Christianity’s Family Tree and many more.
For more information, call Angel at 800-783-5138 for help selecting the right resource for you or e-mail Angel Rea.
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.” June “Picks” have been posted. Highlighted are these titles:
Efird Bible Study Series: Birth Narratives (Study 4); Joshua: Be Strong and Courageous; Life of Mary; Life of Nehemiah; and Life of Noah. Our newest DVD resource, Three Simple Rules: Conversation with Rueben P. Job, will be available following Annual Conference.
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.”
If the SIC Center do not receive an order form by June 30, a 2008 journal will NOT be printed for you. Order forms can be found online at www.sicumc.org. Phone orders will not be accepted.
For extra bound copies or for anyone not in the categories above, the prices is $15 each, CDs are $5 each. After June 30 journals must be ordered directly from the printer and additional charges may apply.
EMILY B. HUIE, 69, of West Lafayette, Ind., died at home June 13, 2008, after a year-long struggle with cancer. She and her husband John Huie were long-time supporter of Africa University. A memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at St. Andrew UMC, 333 Meridian Street in West Lafayette. Visitation will follow the services. Graveside services will be held in Pulaski, Tenn. Survivors include: Husband, John; two sons, John Carlton and Michael Lane; grandchildren, Matthew, Anna, Taylor, Grant and Rhett. Memorial gifts may be given to Purdue Foundation with a memo notation for Huie Endowment for IPIA (International Programs in Agriculture) in memory of Emily Huie. Mail to: Agricultural Development Office, 715 W. State St., West Lafayette, IN 47906. Condolences can be sent to John Huie at 23 Flowermound Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906-9050.
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 June 20, 2008.
North Indiana Conference
South Indiana Conference
First UMC in Anderson, Ind., is looking for 3 quarter-time positions of Junior High Youth Director, Senior High Youth Director and College Age Director. Individuals seeking these positions or a combination of these positions need to have a dynamic spiritual life and deep commitment to Jesus Christ; an ability to relate to youth and to communicate their faith; and an ability to build ministry teams. Our vision for youth ministry at Anderson First UMC is to develop youth who:
If you believe you are the person God is calling to one or more of these positions contact the Rev. John K. Wortinger at Anderson First United Methodist Church with your resume.
E-mail address: john@andersonfirst.org
Postal mail address: 1215 Jackson Street Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: 765643-6977
United Methodist Communications is looking for a Marketing Associate to work with the Connectional Giving team in Nashville, Tenn. This position:
Contact hr@umcom.org for application.
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inareaumc.org/job.htm.
Last updated on 06/19/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.
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