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HOOSIER UNITED METHODIST
Mission Opportunities

For Mission Monday April 14, 2008 

This newsletter is paid for through your annual conference connectional ministries giving.

Edited by Daniel R. Gangler, director of communication dgangler@inareaumc.org.

FOR THE LATEST IN DISASTER NEWS AND RECOVERY LOG ON TO www.disasternews.net and www.gbgm-umc.org/umcor

Deaths

Mission News

News of South Indiana United Methodist Women

Newly Listed Mission Opportunities

Previously Listed Mission Opportunities

Mission Opportunities Reminders

THIS WEEK’S EVENTS

UMC 2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE BEGINS WEDNESDAY

The 2008 General Conference of The United Methodist Church begins Wednesday, April 23 in Fort Worth, Texas. Events and live Web casts will be carried on the GC Web site at www.gc2008.umc.org.

E-HUM will be posting daily reports happenings at GC. A General Conference Prayer Guide, list of North Indiana and South Indiana General and Jurisdictional Conferences delegates, and other information about General Conference is posted online at www.inareaumc.org.

OPERATION CLASSROOM PACKING PARTY IN TERRE HAUTE DISTRICT

  • April 24, at 9 a.m. at Breden Memorial UMC, 2228 S. 7th St. in Terre Haute
  • Please contact the Terre Haute District Office, 1403 Chestnut Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. Call 812-237-0101 or 800-919-8168.

WESTSIDE INDY CHURCH HOSTS NEEDS FAIR WITH 40 AGENCIES SATURDAY

Individuals and families with disabilities of any kind are welcome at the Special Needs Family Resource and Information Fair, to be held Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Speedway United Methodist Church, 5065 W. 16th St. (16th and Winton) in Indianapolis.

The fair will feature more than 40 state and local agencies who serve individuals with special needs and their families. These organizations will be on hand to answer questions and provide information, while a carnival featuring games and face painting will run concurrently. The event is free, and free child care is available to children of parents visiting the information tables. Lunch is available for a small donation. Spanish interpretation will also be available. Families also can register for a prize drawing featuring several prizes donated by area businesses and the exhibiting organizations. The fair will have information applicable to individuals of all ages, from infancy through adulthood. For more information, contact the Westside Special Needs Network voice mail at 971-2619, email bdehoff@iquest.net, or visit www.speedway-umc.org.

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DEATHS

MARY ANN STAFFORD, mother of the Rev. Deb Rousselle (associate pastor at Portage First UMC, NIC) died on, 2008 April 16. A memorial service was held Saturday, April 19 in West Virginia. Condolences may be sent to Pastor Debbie Rousselle, 2301 Deerview Dr., Portage, IN 46368.

JOHN MARTY, father of the Rev. David Marty of Faith Chapel UMC in Huntington, NIC), died April 17, 2008. A memorial service was held this morning, April 21 at the Reynoldsburg UMC in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Condolences can be sent to the Rev. David Marty, 2978 W. 1100 N., Huntington, IN 46750-9759.

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MISSION NEWS

SOUTH AFRICAN WITH HOOSIER TIES TO BE HONORED IN PRETORIA, S.A.

The Rev. Theo Kotze, father of Derek Kotze former South Indiana Conference Third World Missionary in Residence several years ago, will be posthumously honored with the presentation of the Order of the Baobab by the South African Government on April 22 in Pretoria, SA. The elder Kotze is scheduled to be remembered for his outstanding contribution to the fight for democracy and against apartheid.

Theo Kotze taught for a short time at Notre Dame University in South Bend when he was banned from entering South Africa. He was a pastor in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. When apartheid died, he was allowed to return home.

Theo Kotze’s wife, Helen, and their sons will be in Pretoria to receive the award during a formal ceremony.

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE UPDATES SKILLS OF MIDWIVES IN DARFUR

“I am very old, I have helped women to give birth and I am now helping their children to give birth,” explains Hawa. “The work is in the heart. God is the only guidance I have had.” Many traditional birth attendants, especially older ones, are illiterate and have never received any formal training.

As part of an integrated approach to humanitarian needs in Darfur, Church World Service coalition partner Action by Churches Together-Caritas has set up mother and child care services in all its health care facilities across the violence-torn region. The centers offer pre- and post-natal care, health education, safe delivery facilities, and assistance carried out by trained midwives.

Last year, 82 midwives and traditional birth attendants who are working in camps and rural areas in South and West Darfur took part in training and were equipped to improve services and support the clean, safe delivery of babies.

This past February, 50 midwives of all ages from South Darfur attended a five day refresher course held in Nyala. Altogether, an additional 100 women are receiving training throughout February and March.

Butheina, one of the younger midwives, says proudly, “We have learned how to combat harmful traditional practices, how to care for women before and after delivery, as well as the need for urgent referral in complicated cases.” – Church World Service

CHURCH WORLD SERVICE HONORS MOTHERS EVERYWHERE

What We Do – Women and Children

The world over, women and children are among the most vulnerable population groups. Church World Service gives special priority to the needs of both women and children by supporting initiatives that emphasize gender awareness and improve women's access to resources, education, and decision-making; as well as initiatives that undergird the rights, protection, and future that children deserve.

Photo gallery: CWS honors mothers everywhere Church World Service salutes mothers around the world, who are at the heart of the human family.

For ways you can assist mothers everywhere, log on to https://secure.churchworldservice.org/catalog/display.php?sid=2.

TRAVELERS TO ZIMBABWE ALERTED TO RISKS INVOLVED

This Travel Alert is being issued to update U.S. citizens on safety and security concerns throughout Zimbabwe due to ongoing political instability following the March 29 national elections, and advises them to consider carefully the risks of travel to Zimbabwe at this time. This supersedes the Travel Alert for Zimbabwe dated Feb. 15, 2008 and expires on June 1, 2008.

U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of travel to Zimbabwe. While the country awaits results of the March 29 presidential elections, security forces including some military and police, as well as war veterans are creating a climate of intimidation and fear across the country, particularly in rural areas and high-density suburbs. There have been attacks on opposition supporters, renewed farm invasions, and arrests of election officials accused of vote tampering. There is a continued risk of arbitrary detention or arrest.

Americans should be particularly aware of using still, video or telephone cameras in any urban setting, or in the vicinity of any political activity, as this could be construed by Zimbabwean authorities as practicing journalism without accreditation, a crime punishable by arrest, incarceration and/or deportation.

American citizens traveling to or resident in Zimbabwe should register with the U.S. Embassy by completing a registration form online at https://travelregistration.state.gov. Registration enables the Embassy to contact American citizens in case of emergency and provide updates on the security situation.

As the Department of State continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 202-501-4444.

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NEWS OF SOUTH INDIANA UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE UMW AT GENERAL CONFERENCE

The South Indiana Conference United Methodist Women Executive Team sends their prayers to the South Indiana Delegates to General Conference. The South Indiana delegates are Women’s Division Director Rita Gaither-Gant, Conference President Vickie Newkirk and Carolyn Marshall, former Women’s Division President.

Please keep General Conference in your prayers.

PRAYER SHAWLS AND STOLES:

Prayer shawls and stoles, made by United Methodist Women of the South Indiana Conference, were blessed by Bishop Coyner and both Cabinets, on April 9 at the Indiana Area office in Indianapolis. The prayer shawls and stoles will be placed on the South Indiana delegates’ chairs on General Conference opening day Wed., April 23.

UMW LUNCHEON AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The United Methodist Women’s Luncheon will be held on Friday, June 6 at noon during the South Indiana Annual Conference Session at Indiana University Memorial Building in Bloomington. Missionary Beth Ferrell is scheduled to be the luncheon speaker. Register for the luncheon by May 23 with checks made payable to UMW-South Indiana Conference. For more information, please contact Sue Shafer at 765-935-2500 or hsshafer@verizon.net.

SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION

The theme is “Living the Sacred: Psalm 21:1” The School will be held on the campus of the University of Indianapolis. Super Saturday will be July 26. The weekday schedule will be July 27–30, 2008. The studies this year will be “I Believe in Jesus – Leader: Bishop Michael Coyner; Israel-Palestine – the Revs. Mary Wilder Cartwrright and James Dwyer; Native American Culture – the Rev. Billie Nowabbi, the Rev. P.T. Wilson and Rita Gaither-Gant. For more information check out the Southwind newsletter and the SIC UMW Web site at www.gbgm-umc.org/sicume/scm.

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NEWLY LISTED MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

None posted this week.

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PREVIOUSLY LISTED MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

MICROCREDIT PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO WOMEN’S GROUPS

Microcredit is programs extending small loans, and other financial services such as savings, to very poor people for self-employment projects that generate income, allowing them to care for themselves and their families. It's found that, time and again, microcredit is particularly empowering to women who are working to keep their families together and healthy in extremely trying times. If your church's women's group would be interested in an hour's program on microcredit and how people worldwide – particularly people of faith – can get involved, please feel free to contact Rev. Lisa Marchal at 317-489-9173 or lmarchal@results.org. – e-HUM

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MISSION OPPORTUNITIES REMINDERS

More information about these opportunities as well as a listing of ongoing projects and contact information can be seen at www.inareaumc.org/general_info/mission_opportunities_listings.htm, which has all the details for these opportunities.

BOOKS OF WORSHIP NEEDED IN SIERRA LEONE

FIRST YEAR MEDICAL RESIDENT SEEKS INTERNSHIP IN AFRICA

FLOOD RECOVERY IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS TO ASSIST CASE MANAGERS

  • For those wanting to volunteer, contact Van Wyck at mevanwijk@hotmail.com or by phone at 219-261-2273 or John Mayfield, case management supervisor, at jmay49@hotmail.com.
  • Churches wishing to make monetary donations to assist victims of the recent flooding in North Indiana may send funds to: North Indiana Conference UMC, PO Box 869, Marion, IN 46952.
  • Note memo for Flood Relief in North Indiana – Account 030401.

PENNIES FOR PEACE MISSION PROJECT IDEA FOR THIS SUMMER’S VBS

POTATOES FOR VACATION

SEWING MACHINES NEEDED IN SIERRA LEONE

  • For more information, call the Bloomington District office at 800-919-8161 or 812-339-1445.

UMCOR’S SAGER BROWN DEPOT NEEDS HELP WITH KITS

  • For more information, log on to www.umcor.org and click on “Help Sager Brown Deliver Kits of Hope.”

UNITED METHODIST VOLUNTEER IN MISSION TEAMS NEEDED IN MEXICO

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AT CENTERVILLE, IOWA

  • Contact the church office at 641-856-3862 or the Trustees Chair at 641-895-0381.

UNITED METHODIST VIMS NEEDED TO BUILD MONTANA PLAYGROUND

  • May 2-5, 2008
  • For more information, contact: Barbara Galusha Karst, High Plains Coordinator, bgkarst@vcn.com.

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RX CONNEXION TO HOLD ANNUAL CONSULTATION IN LINCOLN COUNTRY

  • May 2-4
  • Fees: $75 - Meeting Registration, 3 meals, snacks (no breakfast)
  • Lodging: $65 - Reserved Room at near-by Baymont Inn or $15/night Limited lodging space is available at the Midwest Distribution Center
  • Optional Tour: $10 Lincoln Springfield Tour Saturday evening
  • Registration Deadline is April 15 (tax day).
  • For more information or to receive a registration form, visit www.gbgm-umc.org/northcentralvim/rxconnexion.html or write umvim-ncj@brookings.net for a copy.

OPERATION CLASSROOM SCHEDULES MORE WORK TEAMS THIS YEAR

  • Pine Creek – May 3. Rev. Bruce Mowery is coordinating the project. For more information contact bemowery@hotmail.com.
  • Bo Centenary School – June 19-July 11. For more information contact Kay Hess at: hess100@juno.com.
  • Itabuna Methodist Church, Brazil – June 27- July 11. For more information, contact Carolyn Wagner.
  • Henderson Settlement – July 20-26. Applications are due March 12. For more information contact Anne at annekumeh@aol.com
  • W.PL. Brumskine UM School – Oct. 4-19. Kay and Lamar Zeigler are the team leaders. Contact the OC office or Tom at ttillett@ralis.com  for more information.

NORTH KATANGA ANNUAL CONFERENCE DELEGATES COMING TO INDIANA

  • May 5-16
  • If your church, cluster or district is interested in hosting a day or an event, contact Lourdes Gonzalez or Bob Walters at the conference center.

OPERATION 2008 CLASSROOM TEAMS

  • Sierra Leone
  • May 6 to 22 – Sierra Leone – Koidu Secondary School - U of I, Lang Brownlee, team leader
  • June 18 to July 9 Sierra Leone – Bo Centenary School, Kay Hess, team leader, hess100@juno.com 
  • To Liberia
  • June 24 to July 11 – Liberia – Tubman-Gray School, Ken and Kitty Decker, team leaders, ken.decker@prodigy.net or kitty.decker@prodigy.net
  • October 9 to 28 – Liberia – W.P.L. Brumskine School, Lamar and Kay Ziegler, team leaders, lamar@rnthompson.com

MISSION TO CUBA HAS AN OPENING FOR MAY 17-28 TRIP

  • Please contact Neil Vander Linden, ngvl@charter.net or 864-859-3652 for further information.

SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE UPCOMING MISSION TRIPS

  • June 2008
    • Harrodsburg UMC to Henderson Settlement, Ky.
    • Youth District Mission Trip Location TBA
  • July 2008
    • July 12-19 – Mooresville First UMC to Calnali,, Mexico
  • Summer 2008
    • Bedford First UMC to Louisiana
    • South Indiana Native American Mission Trips
  • September 2008
    • Sept. 20-27 – Ames Chapel UMC to John’s Island, S.C.
    • Sept. 22-29 – Mooresville First UMC to Henderson Settlement, Ky.

MISSION OPPORTUNITY – TRAVEL TO MEXICO WITH COLUMBUS D.S.

  • June 14-21
  • For more information including a brochure visit the Columbus District Web site www.coumc.org or e-mail Brian White.

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GARY, IND. TO HOST FIRST EVER TEACHUM FAIR

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIOLOGIST NEEDED FOR LIBERIAN VIM TRIP

  • June 19-July 5
  • Cost is $3,500
  • Contact: Team Leader, Julie Warren, steadleaze@charter.net or call 817-453-2682 or 817-975-9216.

MINNESOTA MEDICAL MISSIONS TO SIERRA-LEONE NEEDS PHYSICIAN

  • June 26-July 8, 2008
  • September 27-October 7, 2008
  • For further information please contact Doris Acton, RN at doris.acton@nhylandsumc.org or at 952-835-7585.

MISSOURI CONFERENCE SPONSORING HEALTH VIM TRIP TO MOZAMBIQUE

  • Late June through early July, 2008, sponsored by the Missouri UM Conference
  • For more information, call Tom Mitchell if you have questions or want more information. Phone 314-725-4003 or e-mail TomM8132@aol.com.

NORTH INDIANA SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION

  • July 9 for the Drive-In Day
  • July 9-July 12 at Manchester College, in North Manchester, Ind.
  • More information and registration to come.

OPERATION UTAH INVITES VOLUNTEERS TO UTAH MISSION TO NAVAJOS

  • July 9-21
  • For more information, contact Scott or Anita Pattison by phone at 260-347-0056 church or 260-347-3621 home or e-mail them at gspattison@sbcglobal.net

KOKOMO CHURCH INVITES OTHERS TO UTE INDIANA NATION VIM TRIP

  • July 17-July 29
  • If you are interested in finding out more information about this opportunity call the cell number below. I look forward to hearing from you! Seeking God’s Horizon, Paul Rogers, cell phone: 765-863-0127.

SMITH VALLEY UMC MISSION OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE

  • Cartagenta, Colombia, South America
  • July 19-26
  • Contact Pastor Joe for more details at 317-432-6706

SOUTH INDIANA SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MISSION SCHEDULED FOR JULY

  • July 26-Super Saturday Session
  • July 27-30 Weekday School.
  • For more information check out the “Southwind” newsletter by logging onto: www.gbgm-umc.org/sicumw/

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR GULF PORT HURRICANE RECOVERY IN AUGUST

  • Gulf Port, Miss., Aug. 9-17
  • Contact Peg and Arley Ellingson, 203 S. 1st Ave Hinton, IA 51024, phone: 712-947-4551(h), 712-947-4553 (o), 712-203-8068 (c) or e-mail: pellingson@usa.net.

MADISON CHURCH PLANS MISSION TRIP TO ENGLAND IN SEPTEMBER

  • Sept. 22 through Oct. 1
  • For more information, call Debi Partridge at 812-273-4601 or email her at partridge2@verizon.net. The price for this trip is $3,000 and the team is almost full.

DETROIT CONFERENCE VIM TEAM PLANS TRIP TO HAITI FOR NOV. 7-14

  • Nov 7-14
  • Contact Curtis Bartz, 313- 278-4849 or jbartz@mich.com for information and an application.

TWO MISSION DISCOVERY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS BREAK

WARSAW DISTRICT PLANS 2009 MISSION TRIP TO LIBERIA

  • Jan. 10 through 24, 2009
  • If you are interested, call the Warsaw District Office at 800-783-6111.

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Compiled as a service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communication in Indianapolis.

Last updated on 04/21/2008

Questions or comments: webmaster@inareaumc.org