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HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS e-NEWS
For Friday, June 27, 2008 – Sunday is the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
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.
The Area Office closes at Noon on Fridays during the summer months.
THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES
Election Crisis in Zimbabwe Causing Humanitarian Needs
70% Believe More Than One Religion Can Lead To Eternal Life
North Indiana Conference Merit Scholarship Announced
Sierra Club Recognizes Three Indianapolis Um Congregations
IRS Increases Mileage Rates through Dec. 31
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News and Information about Flood Relief |
BIBLE PASSAGE FOR SUNDAY
These are the words of Jesus:
Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me. And anyone who welcomes me also welcomes the one who sent me. Anyone who welcomes a prophet, just because that person is a prophet, will be given the same reward as a prophet. Anyone who welcomes a good person, just because that person is good, will be given the same reward as a good person. And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will surely be rewarded.
-- Matthew 10:40-42
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
www.americanbible.org
NEWS
ELECTION CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE CAUSING HUMANITARIAN NEEDS
After a June 22 observance, United Methodists continue to pray fervently this week for their sisters and brothers in the southern African nation of Zimbabwe, as the political and humanitarian crisis there reached a new peak. The United Nations Security Council issued a unanimous declaration June 23 condemning pre-election violence that caused Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of Zimbabwe's opposition party, to withdraw June 22 from a presidential runoff just five days before it was to be held, reported the New York Times. At least 85 people are dead and thousands injured in the violence, according to tallies kept by doctors treating the victims.
In a joint letter issued in Geneva June 24, the World Council of Churches and the World Student Christian Federation requested the UN, the South African Development Community and the African Union to pay “urgent attention to the humanitarian needs of the people of Zimbabwe, their freedom to exercise religion, the destabilization of the political situation and the need to end human rights abuses.” Linda Bloom of United Methodist News Service has written a wrap-up of UMC prayer services and other efforts on behalf of Zimbabwe.
The United Methodist Committee on Relief and the General Board of Global Ministries have been working behind the scenes with other international partners to bring humanitarian relief. United Methodists can continue to give to UMCOR’s Advance Special No. 199456, Zimbabwe Emergency in hopes that some kind of international intervention will enable relief to get to starving, embattled Zimbabweans. – UMNeXus.org
70% BELIEVE MORE THAN ONE RELIGION CAN LEAD TO ETERNAL LIFE
Americans are not dogmatic about their faith, reports the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life in part two of its landmark study on American religion. Focusing this time on what people believe, Pew reports that some 70 percent of Americans believe that more than one religion can lead to eternal life. Among mainline Protestants such as United Methodists, 83 percent believe that more than one faith can lead to salvation. Reflecting their heritage of personal interpretation of scripture, 82 percent of mainline Protestants said they believe “there is more than one true way to interpret the teachings of my religion.”– UMNeXus.org, Pew Research Center
NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE MERIT SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED
The North Indiana Conference recently announced its Merit Scholarship for this year.
Receiving a $1,000 scholarships from the North Indiana Conference are:
- Katie E. Hands of Otterbein UMC, Otterbein, Ind. – Katie plans to attend the University of Indianapolis, majoring in Psychology, Pre-Occupational Therapy.
- Allison E. Rock of Mentone UMC, Mentone, Ind. - Allison plans to attend DePauw University, majoring in English Writing.
- Joel M. Rittenhouse of the Asbury UMC, Portland, Ind. – Joel plans to attend the Ohio Northern University, majoring in Pharmacy.
This scholarship is made possible by the support of local churches for the Methodist Student Day Offering. – North Indiana Conference
SIERRA CLUB RECOGNIZES THREE INDIANAPOLIS UM CONGREGATIONS
Three United Methodist congregations in Indianapolis were among several churches recognized by the Hoosier Chapter of the Sierra Club on June 19 for their efforts to protect the environment.
Epworth UMC, St. Luke’s UMC and Broadway UMC showcased their “green” activities as the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter released a faith appreciation report, “Faith in Action: Communities of Faith Bring Hope for the Planet.” St. Luke’s was one of 50 churches nationwide featured in the national Sierra Club report. The three congregations have formed green ministry teams that have worked to improve the environment through energy audits, educational programs, recycling, greening their grounds and buildings, and many other activities. Other churches recognized by the Sierra Club included Unitarian, Roman Catholic and Episcopalian congregations. – Sierra Club
IRS INCREASES MILEAGE RATES THROUGH DEC. 31
The Internal Revenue Service announced June 23 an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2008. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2008. This is an increase of eight (8) cents from the 50.5 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008. In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the final months of 2008. The IRS normally updates the mileage rates once a year in the fall for the next calendar year.
The new six-month rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses will also increase by eight (8) cents to 27 cents a mile, up from 19 cents for the first six months of 2008. The rate for providing services for charitable organizations is set by statute, not the IRS, and remains at 14 cents a mile. The new rates are contained in Announcement 2008-63 on the optional standard mileage rates.
Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates. – IRS
LEADERS FOCUS ON BACKBONE OF DENOMINATION – SMALL CHURCHES
The United Methodist Church must focus on small and rural churches and not simply go where the wealthy are to build new churches, says a small membership church leader.
Today, 76 percent of the denomination's congregations are small churches, which are defined as those having 200 or fewer members and fewer than 120 in worship.
More than 40 people working with small churches across the country participated in three June 2 telephone-conference conversations, originating from Nashville, Tenn., to learn about revitalizing small churches and ministries from the Rev. Terence Corkin, a small church expert and top executive of the Uniting Church in Australia. The pastors, district superintendents, directors of connectional ministries, lay ministers and community developers also discussed emerging issues and challenges facing small churches. – UMNS
For the complete story, log on to www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072529&ct=5597745
SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE JOURNAL ORDERS DUE MONDAY
Journal order forms can be found on the Web at www.sicumc.org. Phone orders will not be accepted. After Monday, June 30, journals must be ordered directly from the printer and additional charges may apply. First bound copy or CD to the following categories is complimentary to:
- Pastor or the church office (same category)
- Extension Ministry Clergy
- Retired Minister (not serving a church)/Widow
- Committee Member
- Deacon/Diaconal/Deaconess
- Lay Member to Annual Conference/Equalizing Member
For extra bound copies or for anyone not in the categories above, the price is $15 each. CDs are $5 each.
NEWS AND INFORMATION ABOUT FLOOD RELIEF
Archived reports are available online at www.inareaumc.org.
UMCOR CASE MANAGEMENT TRAINING COMING TO INDIANA JULY 7-10
South Indiana Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Bob Babcock has informed e-HUM that he has arranged for UMCOR staff to come to Indiana for two, two-day training sessions, at two locations. Each two-day session is identical in content.
- The first two-day session is scheduled for July 7-8 at Asbury UMC, 1751 27th Street in Columbus, Ind.
- The second two-day session is scheduled for July 9-10 at First Christian Church, 89 S. Main Street in Martinsville, Ind.
All sessions begin at 9 a.m. and run to 5 p.m. each day. Lunch and snacks will be furnished. Everything is at no cost (complimentary) to attendees. Attendees may register with Jenni Walker at jenniwalker@mac.com or by calling call 812-893-1760. Reservations are encouraged, however walk-ins will be accepted. Those from other areas, including the Terre Haute, Vincennes and Rushville Districts, are encouraged to attend, as well as those from other areas who have suffered damage.
Who should attend? People committed to give their time to fellow Hoosiers in need. Volunteers will be asked to do house-to-house visitations to assess damages and file reports to a Long Term Recovery committee.
VOLUNTEERS ASSEMBLE 107 FLOOD BUCKETS FOR USE IN TERRE HAUTE
Nearly 30 volunteers entered the South Indiana UM Conference Center on Wednesday morning. In an hour they assembled 107 flood buckets. A total of 128 flood buckets were sent to the Terre Haute Red Cross relief center on Thursday. The buckets were transported in the Ames Chapel UMC disaster relief trailer. Pictures of the volunteers can be seen at www.blumc.org. – Bloomington District
SOUTHERN BAPTIST COORDINATING VOLUNTEERS AT WORTHINGTON
Allen Haynes is coordinating volunteers in Worthington, Ind. (Greene County). Haynes is the Southern Baptist State Disaster Relief Director. His contact info is 812-239-9335 or 812-201-1408. Volunteers are meeting at 8 a.m. outside the Worthington Elementary School Gymnasium. – Bloomington District
UPDATES FOR INDIANA FLOOD SURVIVORS
As flood victims wait for state and federal aid, new information comes out Wednesday morning to help those Hoosiers wondering what to do next. One of the new developments taking place in the recovery effort is a plan by city officials in Franklin to buy out as many as 60 homes destroyed by flood waters.
Using federal money to buy the land, the city would turn the flood prone neighborhood into an open park.
Home repairs may not be worth it – FEMA and state regulations require the homes be raised up making them safe from future floods and so that could cost more than half the homes' value.
The process to buy out the homes could take four to six months and so the mayor has advised residents to look for temporary housing. A public meeting within the next two weeks will help answer residents' questions.
A few deadlines to remember: Flood victims have until Aug. 11 to register with FEMA for assistance. While the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Columbus at Northside school remains open, the one in Brown County at the High School closed this week but the State and Salvation Army will still be there to provide assistance. – WTHR-TV
NORTH CENTRAL JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
| Indiana Area endorsed candidate, the Rev. Dr. Frank Beard, now has an informative Web site up and running at www.drfrankjbeard.com. |
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 volunteer conference choir. We’re hoping for a solid 50 voice choir that will participate in worship on Wednesday, July 16, at 2 p.m. and Thursday, July 17, 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.
WORSHIP RESOURCES
CHOOSING BETWEEN GAS AND CHOIR
By Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources,
music@gbod.org
UMC General Board of Discipleship
American drivers are reeling from gasoline price increases. Mid-June average prices for regular unleaded gas in the USA have risen from $1.63 in 2000 to $4.03 in 2008. Gas prices are one dollar per gallon higher today than a year ago. The news today is filled with reports of the impact of rising gasoline prices on other costs: food, housing, clothing – the necessities of life, as well as on the extras, like summer vacations. And airlines are now charging extra if you want to check a bag, enjoy a snack or soft drink, or sit in an aisle or window seat, blaming the cost of fuel.
The church is also affected by the gasoline prices its members must pay. (See the article at www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46436.) Members who drive to church may have to choose between paying for the gasoline to put in their cars to come to church or paying for food. Higher gas prices and the larger portion of take-home pay commanded by them may force church members to look at their church participation as just one item on a list of activities and commodities that they must choose between.
For the full story log on to www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46461&loc_id=17,823
MINISTRY IDEA
TEN THINGS TO KNOW WHEN HIRING A YOUTH PASTOR
- Expectations
- Theology
- Interview process
- Questions
- Marketability
- Demographics
- References
- Search Committee Make-up
- Resourcefulness
- Prayer
Read the article by Gerrard Fess at www.ymexchange.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=105&Itemid=10013.
MINISTRY RESOURCES
EDINBURGH CHURCH NEEDS BAND INSTRUMENTS
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.
NORTH INDIANA MEDIA PICKS (Small Group Studies) FOR JUNE
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.
SOUTH INDIANA MEDIA RESOURCE CENTER PICKS FOR JULY
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.” July “Picks” have been posted. Highlighted are these new titles:
1) Confronting Death with Walter Wangerin: Christian Approach to the End of Life; 2) Depot of Hope: UMCOR Sager Brown; 3) NOOMA: Shells; 4) Primetime Moments; 5) Questioning Capital Punishment; and 6) Three Simple Rules: Conversation with Rueben P. Job. 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. An online order form is also available to you.
DEATHS
SHIRLEY PFRANG, wife of Harold Pfrang former SIC conference treasurer (1976-1990), died Sunday, June 22, 2008, at Franklin United Methodist Community. A memorial service to honor her life is scheduled for Saturday, July 5 at 2 p.m. in the Wright Chapel at Franklin UMC Community, 1070 W. Jefferson, Franklin 46131 (317-736-7185). The family will have private services and burial this week in Bloomington, Ind. and Elmhurst Ill. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions be sent to Honey Creek UMC, 2722 South Honey Creek Road, Greenwood, IN 46143 and Franklin United Methodist Community.
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 June 27, 2008.
North Indiana Conference
- None this week
South Indiana Conference
- None this week
NEW EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
BROWNSBURG CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES
Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg, Ind., is a large, growing congregation seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministries. The ideal candidate will be a great communicator with spiritual maturity, a team worker and have a goal-oriented approach and training expertise necessary to grow a vibrant, engaging youth ministry. We offer a competitive salary with continuing education and pension benefits. If interested in an online interview form, please send resume to toutcalt@calvaryunited.org. Applicants also may wish to visit us on the Web at www.calvaryunited.org.
CASTLETON CHURCH SEEKS DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
Castleton United Methodist Church is seeking qualified applicants to fill the full time staff position of Director of Children’s Ministries. Please submit resumes to: Ron Miller, Chair, Staff Parish Committee, Castleton United Methodist Church, 7160 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Deadline for applications is July 15.
KOKOMO CHURCH SEEKS PART TIME YOUTH MINISTRY LEADER
Shiloh United Methodist Church in Kokomo, Indiana, is looking for candidates to fill this part time position. Individuals with deep religious conviction, church affiliation, experience in working with youth, and a flexible work schedule to accommodate various youth activities are encouraged to apply. The position includes teaching youth Sunday school class, leading youth meetings, planning and participating in youth retreats, projects, outings, camps, and mission projects. Hours typically will vary from 10 up to 30 per week depending on the activities. Interested and qualified candidates please send resumes to: Shiloh United Methodist Church, 5741 W. 100 N. Road, Kokomo, IN 46901 or e-mail: shiloh_office@comcast.net.
KOKOMO CHURCH SEEKS PART TIME CHILDREN’S MINISTRY LEADER
Shiloh United Methodist Church in Kokomo, Indiana, is looking for candidates to fill this part time position. Individuals with deep religious conviction, church affiliation, experience in working with groups of children, and a flexible work schedule are encouraged to apply. The position includes providing a children’s message at two Sunday services, providing a children’s worship each Sunday, chairing annual vacation bible school, planning and conducting children’s events and projects through the Children’s Council, and various other related activities. Hours typically will range from 10 to 15 per week depending on the activities. Interested and qualified candidates please send resumes to: Shiloh United Methodist Church, 5741 W. 100 N. Road, Kokomo, IN 46901 or e-mail: shiloh_office@comcast.net.
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS
ANDERSON CHURCH SEEKS PART-TIME YOUTH DIRECTORS
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:
- Have a mature faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
- Have experienced being connected in significant ways to a faith community
- Are affirmed as unique persons loved by God
- Are prepared to handle the challenges of life
- Will follow a lifestyle of Christian service.
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
Other employment opportunities previously listed can be found at www.inareaumc.org/job.htm.
Last updated on 06/26/2008Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.