Hoosier United Methodists 1 www.inareaumc.orgHOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS together

July/August 2007 Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. Volume 37 The people of The United Methodist Church® Number 6 Bishop Lawson remembered as a visionary leader By Daniel R. Gangler She said it was Lawson’s lead- world, the City of God, with an ership that gave birth to new or- ultimate loyalty to a loving God,” INDIANAPOLIS – More than dained orders and to Africa Uni- she said. 400 colleagues, family members versity. He also led the way to spir- With Bishop Michael J. Coyner and friends, gave a final farewell itual formation and was known for of the Indiana Area, Lawson wrote and hour of being a learn- and designed his memorial service honor to Bish- ing teaching weeks before his death. He re- op David Jer- bishop. His quested Holy Communion be a ald Lawson, keen mind was part of the service. He also asked whose life and always mak- colleagues Bishops Judith Craig, legacy were ing connection retired, and Donald Ott, retired, to celebrated in a at schools of be witnesses to his life. memorial Christian mis- Ott began that honor during the communion sion, Chris- service by carrying Lawson’s ash- service June tian-Muslim es into the sanctuary and placing 11 at St. dialogues, them on the communion table. Luke’s United clergy retreats During his co-eulogy, Ott be- Methodist – He taught in- gan, “There is something decided- Church in In- formally ev- ly wrong about being the one to dianapolis. erywhere carry the ashes of our colleague and Lawson, where he friend into the sanctuary, for years Bishop Sharon Brown Christopher 77, died of could bring he carried me and many of you.” cancer at his home in Franklin, others into his “Lawson Leader- Craig responded, “he had a Ind., on Thursday, May 31, 2007, ship Lab.” huge spirit and carried me in following a lengthy illness. Brown Christopher, said at the many ways.” “We have been touched deeply very center of his life has been a The two reminded their hear- Bishop Donald Ott and Bishop Judith Craig eulogize Bishop Lawson. and significantly by David Law- family he deeply loved. He and ers that Lawson was in the first son. We have been touched deep- Martha just celebrated their 57th group to work on Africa Univer- ly by the love and mystery of God wedding anniversary; they met as sity who selected the site with Holy Land.” eryone to do his or her best. He made know to us by the person of high school freshmen in biology many trips. Craig said he also Ott said, “he was so accepting did so many things well.” (See David Lawson,” said Bishop class 61 years ago. When John had a “wonderful love of the of other people, encouraging ev- page 2.) Sharon Brown Christopher, resi- was a newborn, David bought him dent bishop of the Illinois (Great an encyclopedia. Grandchildren Rivers) Area and former bishop’s Matthew, Rachel and Jacob where Benchmarks in the life of Bishop Lawson executive assistance to Lawson in his delight. Wisconsin. The foundation of his life that ♦ Born March 26, 1930, in Princeton, Ind. mittee for first She said Lawson was a vision- made all this possible was a deep ♦ Married Martha Ellen Pegram of Princeton Dean of School of ary leader. “David spun out this vi- personal relationship in God ♦ Degrees: University of Evansville, AB 1955 Theology). sion in his own energizing way that through Jesus Christ. Brown and Garrett Biblical Institute, BD 1959 ♦ President of the filled deep holes in our hearts… Christopher said she believed that ♦ Trainer in leadership development, and instruc- Wisconsin Con- David’s visionary leadership led the his close relationship with God tor at the University of Evansville, Certified ference of way for the Council of Bishops’ made him tenacious – a holy im- trainer for Marriage Enrichment Churches conversations about the global na- patience. He would not take “no” ♦ Member: Pi Gamma Mu Social Science Hon- ♦ President of the ture of the church. He talked about for an answer. orary Fraternity North Central Col- the need for us to consider the glo- “Through his life and through ♦ Pastoral ministry: Epworth, Wolcott, lege of Bishops bal nature of the church.” prayer, he was rooted in another Carrollton, Tell City, IU Wesley Foundation, ♦ Chairperson of the Beech Grove, Carmel Committee to ♦ Evansville District Superintendent Study the Ministry ♦ Director of South Indiana Conference Coun- ♦ Member, execu- cil on Ministries tive committee of David Jerald Lawson ♦ Delegate to North Central Jurisdictional Con- the World Meth- ference (1972-84) and to General Conference odist Council and president of its Committee (1976-84) on International Theological Education. ♦ Elected bishop 1984 and assigned to Wiscon- ♦ Bishop-in-Residence at Perkins School of The- sin Area (1984-92) and Illinois Area (1992-96) ology in Dallas, Texas. ♦ Vice President of the General Board of Higher ♦ Two children: a son, John Mark, married to Education and Ministry (President of Division Louann (who have one son, Matthew); and a on Chaplains and Related Ministry) daughter, Karen Sue, married to Ray Eynon ♦ Vice President and President of the General (who have two children, Rachel and Jacob) Board of Discipleship (and Chairperson of ♦ Died, Thursday, May 31, 2007 at his home in Long Range Planning Committee) Franklin, Ind. ♦ Member Steering Committee for Africa Uni- ♦ Memorial service, June 11, St. Luke’s UMC, versity (Chairperson of its Curriculum and Indianapolis with interment of ashes at Crown Design Committee and of the Selection Com- Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis. Bishop Lawson’s son John Lawson and daughter Karen Eynon read Scrip- ture at their father’s memorial service in Indianapolis. www. inareaumc.org Hoosier United 2 Methodists FROM THE BISHOP together July/August 2007 Thanks for Imagining Indiana The Indiana annual conferences have that work. I appreciate United Methodism. Every team, to share the process of Imagine Indiana, to spoken, and they have approved moving the dedicated, prayer ef- every individual and both confer- hear concerns and to encourage us as we another step forward in the “Imagine Indi- forts that went into the ences devoted many hours to move forward. Please watch for announce- ana” process by significant votes of approv- Imagine Indiana Plan- praying for God’s guidance. Have ments of these District Days, and please al – 78 percent in North and 67 percent in ning Team report that we received and heard all of encourage many laity to attend, not just South. My only worry about the Imagine was approved by both God’s guidance for us? Probably those who are already on conference com- Indiana process this year was that one con- conferences. not yet, but our openness to God mittees. ference might vote “yes” and the Second, I has certainly blessed the process. In the meantime, please keep on “Imag- other vote “no” or that the votes thank all of Now it is time to move for- ining Indiana” – not just how our United might be indecisive, something those who ward. I will be naming an Imag- Methodist Church might create a new con- like a 51 percent approval. raised con- ine Indiana Implementation ference by 2009, but also keep dreaming I am relieved by the positive cerns or who Team, a small group to coordi- the kind of Indiana that God imagines and votes, but before we start mov- opposed the nate the work of bringing an Im- how we can become a part of that move- ing on with this process, allow proposal. In plementation Plan to the 2008 ment of God. me to reflect upon where we are. our United Methodist Church, sessions of the North and South Indiana The late Bishop David Lawson once of- First, I thank all of those who we want and need such dissent, conferences. That Team will coordinate the fered the following words which can guide became involved with the for it helps improve the wisdom work and once again will work through us: “The Christian Movement has always “Imagine Indiana Planning of the body. We do not live un- many other teams, including many of the leaned forward looking for what is around Team” and with any of the 14 Discernment der the tyranny of the majority, rather we current committee structures in both con- the next curve in the road, asking what new Teams. More than 300 people were in- live within a covenant community where ferences. Please pray for that Implementa- response God is seeking from the church.” volved in those processes, and that broad everyone’s voice matters. tion Team as they do their work this year. I invite you to continue Imagining Indi- level of participation has already been help- Third, I thank God for being in this pro- I believe it is my task to be a “cheer lead- ana and help all of us to lean forward. ful and will continue to be helpful as the cess. Perhaps this has been the most prayer- er” for the process and to help the Imple- Bishop Michael J. Coyner next team makes use of the results of all supported process in the history of Indiana mentation Team bring forward a viable Indiana Area of plan. To that end, I am planning to have a The United Methodist Church What others said about Bishop Lawson District Day in all 18 districts this fall, a Making a Difference in Indiana time for me to meet with clergy and laity, and around the world. “Bishop David Lawson was my ‘conse- served several years as a member of the cration bishop.’ He retired the year I was University Board of Trustees. He was a elected a bishop in 1996; he preached for valued member of the UE Community.” that Consecration Service; and he was the – Dr. Stephen G. Jennings, president of HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS retiring bishop assigned to lay hands upon the University of Evansville me for consecration as a bishop. Since that “David was a man of deep drives of time, David has been a colleague, friend, passion for ministry. He could hold you advisor and supporter. He once told me, ‘I spellbound as he described his spiritual am one of your balcony people – encourag- development at the time of his ordination ing you in your ministry as a bishop.’ I have as Deacon and at this ordination of Elder. felt and experienced his support, especially David spent much of his leadership time since I returned to Indiana three year ago. I with Boards of Ordained Ministry. He July/August 2007 Vol. 37 No.6 will miss having him around to provide that shared a real passion for making every step MISSION STATEMENT: To reflect the teachings of Christ through kind of encouragement and advice.” into the ordained ministry a step of faith stories and pictures, thereby sharing key moments and concerns in – Bishop Michael J. Coyner, and growth. David was a natural teacher. the life of his Indiana church and its people. To share joy, to share Indiana Area Bishop He taught Bible, methodology, caring, faith personal faith, to share challenges, and to refresh the spirit. “Members of the University of Evans- or anything pertaining to the equipping of ville community are deeply saddened at the the saints. He tended to maximize each of Indiana Area Bishop/Publisher: Michael J. Coyner Indianapolis, IN. Printed in the U.S.A. death of Bishop David Lawson. Bishop these gifts, and he shared them with all who copyright 2005 Indiana Area of The United Editor: Daniel R. Gangler Lawson graduated from UE with a Bache- cared to receive his concerns. David shared Methodist Church. lor of Arts in Sociology. When he was a a rich life of talent and love, a legacy long Editorial Assistant: Erma Metzler student, he spent much of his time involved to be remembered.” Postmaster: Send address changes to Hoosier in religious life activities. In 1978, he re- – The Rev. Lloyd M. Wright,retired, Printed by: HNE Printers, Columbus with soy- United Methodists Together, 1100 W. 42nd based inks on recycled/recyclable paper St., Suite 210, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 ceived an Honorary Doctor of New Albany, Ind. fellow seminary student Divinity degree, which was awarded dur- with Lawson and lifelong Editorial Offices: Subscription Information: Call 317-924-1321. ing Commencement. Bishop Lawson ministry colleague. Hoosier United Methodists Together One-year subscription, $12, single copy $1.50 Indiana Area United Methodist Church Change of Address: Send the mailing label 1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 210 with your new address to: Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 What’s in the Bishop’s bundle of books? Erma Metzler, Together, Indiana Area UMC, Phone: 317-924-1321 1100 W. 42nd. St., Suite 210, Indianapolis, During each of the two Fax: 317-924-4859 Indiana 46208 or e-mail Indiana annual conferenc- e-mail: [email protected] es sessions, Bishop Mike [email protected] Hoosier United Methodists Together (ISSN- Coyner asked the clergy of Commentaries and letters provided by 1544-080x) is a monthly (except June, the Indiana Area to read Indiana Area United Methodist August and December) publication of and discuss these five Communications do not necessarily represent books during the next con- Indiana Area United Methodist Communications, 1100 W. 42nd. St., the opinions or policies of Bishop Michael ference year: Coyner, the Indiana Area or The United ♦ Indianapolis, IN 46208, for clergy, laity and The Gospel According Methodist Church. to Starbucks: Living seekers. Periodicals postage paid at with a Grande Pas- sion by Leonard Sweet, Members of the Indiana Area Communications Commission ♦ The Book of Hard Choices: How to Make and Editorial Advisory Group: the Right Decisions at Work and Keep Your Steve Bahrt, chairman Self-Respect by James A. Autry and Peter Char Harris Allen Jack Howey Roy, Bishop Michael J. Coyner David V.W. Owen ♦ Provocative Grace: The Challenge in Ida Easley Bruce Palmer Jesus’ Words by Robert Corin Morris, Mark Eutsler Robert Sharp ♦ Keep the Call: Leading the Congregation Chip Gast Matthew Stultz Without Losing Your Soul by Jill Y. Mark Gough Bert Talbott Crainshaw, and Permission is hereby granted to United Methodist congregations to reprint stories, not ♦ Unbinding the Gospel: Real Life Evangelism by Martha Grace Reese. previously copyrighted, in church newsletters. Together is supported by connectional giving. These books can be ordered from Cokesbury by calling toll-free 800-672-1789 and are available online at www.cokesbury.com. www.inareaumc.org Hoosier United WELCOME Methodists 3 www.inareaumc.org together Cutting old ties, giving life to new ties As we go to press, I am prepar- For marriage to take place, I from its beginning. In Acts 13, the comed in their new congregations, fully will provide new vitality to ing to travel to Dallas to officiate feel old ties need to be cut to ini- church at Antioch commissions representatives of the laity will lay one Indiana Conference for de- at the wedding of my youngest tiate new ties and the blessing of Barnabas and Saul to begin new hands upon their new cades to come. But with- son, James. He and his fiancée a new home. In a ceremony of congregations spreading the Gos- pastor and his or her out the cutting of ties, Laura Helmke planned to be mar- marriage on the evening of July 7 pel of Jesus Christ. As they were family as a sign of new relationships, new ried at Walnut Hill United Meth- beginning at 7 o’clock, James and commissioned, they had to let go, their acceptance into orders, new forms of ad- odist Church on Saturday, July 7 Laura will become husband and cut ties, of their dependence on a new community of ministration and over- making it one of those 070707 wife – the birth of a new family. the achievement of others. Had faith, just as I lay sight cannot exist. occasions. Since this is the first However, my mind has a diffi- they not cut those ties and jour- hands on my son and In this issue of To- marriage of one of my three sons, cult time of letting go, while my neyed out on their own, the daughter-in-law dur- gether, there are many the occasion also becomes a turn- spirit jumps for joy in the celebra- church would have never become ing their wedding to passages of life and ing point of his mother’s and my tion of something new, dynamic the universal community of faith let them know they death which were cele- lives as we let go. and filled with hope and aspira- it has become since its humble have been let go of brated in May and June. Since the announcement of tion. But for their sake and my beginning 2,000 years ago. The one immediate family to form Hands were laid on, mantles were their engagement, my mind has sake, letting them go, cutting ties, symbol of that letting go was the their own immediate family with exchanged and a new church char- been playing back a lifetime of becomes necessary. For all prac- laying on of hands, a ritual we their own traditions, their own ter was given and received. These images about James from his birth, tical purposes, they are on their still practice in the church today successes, their own failures and are the rhymes of life among through school and into adult- own even though they have the in baptism, in confirmation, in or- their own striving to live out God’s Christians which we note and hood. He has been on his own for support and care of family, friends dination and even in weddings. reign in a new home. commemorate. As you read these a couple of years, so those initial and the Walnut Hill UMC com- As we let go, we also bless the This year hundreds of United pages, take time to pray for those ties of adulthood already have munity of faith in Dallas. The beginning of something new. Methodist clergy and laity across listed in these pages as they cut been cut, but bringing a new bride wedding ceremony celebrates This month hundreds of clergy the North and South Indiana Con- old ties to form new bonds of fel- into the extended family changes their new life together and com- families in Indiana had to say ferences also will begin to cut ties lowship all in the faith, hope and the dynamics of relationships. For missions them in the founding of good-bye and let go of one con- from the past two conferences that love given to us by God in Jesus the first time in my life, I will be a their new home. gregation as they now embrace have given life to Hoosier congre- Christ. father-in-law with a new daugh- Commissionings are part of another congregation new to them. gations for 40 years in order to cre- Welcome. ter-in-law. Christian life begun by the church Hopefully, as pastors are wel- ate a new conference which hope- – Daniel R. Gangler Another significant first step Problem gambling conference a success at Lawrenceburg As a cooperative project, Gam- loved one’s problem gambling. persons of all professional back- bling Recovery Ministries (GRM) Barrett, Professor Emeritus in “Training conferences like this serve to grounds to provide help more ef- and Lawrenceburg, Ind. Commu- the Department of Psychiatry and fectively to those impacted both nity Mental Health Center, co- Behavioral Sciences, School of equip persons to provide help more directly and indirectly by compul- hosted May 16 the first-ever Prob- Medicine, at the University of Lou- effectively to those impacted by sive gambling. Without the sup- lem Gambling Conference for isville, is a designated research port of the grant given for the southeastern Indiana at the Com- qualified Cognitive Behavioral compulsive gambling.” project, we could not have offered munity Mental Health Center in Therapy therapist and included – Janet Jacobs this Conference or brought the Lawrenceburg. Attending were valuable insights within his presen- presenters and their high quality clergy and laity, who traveled from tation on disordered gambling be- go area of Oak Park. As a counse- Health Center. of instruction to our area.” Jasper, Jeffersonville, Indianapo- havior with regard to both treatment lor with twenty-five years of ex- “This is a significant, initial GRM is an Advance Special of lis, Shelbyville and Richmond. related topics and general informa- perience working with teenagers step in providing professional the South Indiana United Method- The Conference provided an tion for non-therapists. A national- and their families, Bristow provid- training opportunities on problem ist Conference. Community Men- outstanding opportunity to re- ly known pioneer in the mental ed specialized attention to teen gambling treatment and recovery tal Health Center, Inc. is a five- ceive current and relevant infor- health field of problem gambling, gambling behavior in school, issues to persons of all profes- countywide mental health agency mation on problem gambling, Barrett brought together, in his in- home and social settings. Her pre- sions, in our Tri-State area (Great- in southeastern Indiana. treatment and recovery issues struction, the knowledge, research, sentation was of particular inter- er Cincinnati area),” Jacobs said For more information on treat- from leading experts in the field. and years of experience with est to persons who counsel and/or in opening remarks. ment and support group resourc- National speakers, Curtis Barrett, groundbreaking lifestyle programs. work with youth and parents. This conference was made pos- es for problem gamblers and their Ph.D., ABPP, and Margo Bris- Bristow, a Substance Abuse Coordinating this pioneering sible by a grant from the City of families, contact the Rev. Janet tow, MA, were the presenters; and Problem Gambling Counse- project were the Rev. Janet Jacobs, Lawrenceburg Community Grant Jacobs at 812-926-1052 (leave a and two guest speakers from lor and Adjunct Instructor at Tri- Director of Gambling Recovery Program, administered by Dear- message) or e-mail at Gam-Anon, also, shared “real- ton College, shared up-to-date in- Ministries (GRM), and John Mal- born Community Foundation. [email protected]; or call life” information and practical formation on her current work lery, director of Outpatient Servic- Jacobs said, “Training confer- Community Mental Health Cen- advice in terms of coping with a with teen gamblers in the Chica- es at the Community Mental ences such as this serve to equip ter, Inc. at 812-537-1302. Indiana sinks deeper into gambling lobby’s control By John Wolf in the state. The stated objective day, R-Valparaiso, agreed and vot- these groups are in financial trou- casino boat legislation written by was to use the revenue to “reduce ed “no” to gambling expansion in ble because of membership die-off Rogers, with the help of casino While reviewing the 2007 In- the property taxes,” but the real a bipartisan vote. and weak recruitment. attorneys, was to benefit Gary. diana Legislature’s record on gam- plum was to market the Indianap- National anti-gambling My suggestion to the American Now, Gary is close to bankruptcy bling, I recalled a remark by Sen. olis interior of the state and make spokesman Tom Grey said, “The Legion and Veterans of Foreign and is rumored to be dealing qui- David Long, R-Fort Wayne, at the a few owners rich. cancer of gambling metastasizes Wars is to unite. Forget about etly with an Indian tribe to bring a start of the session. The tracks already receive a through greed, governors and “booze, butts and betting,” and land-based casino to Gleason He said, “Gambling in Indiana $27 million subsidy from casino grass-roots apathy.” fight for veteran rehab. Park. is out of control.” taxes. The tracks are to pay the So where was Gov. Mitch There’s no need to worry about Did the legislators “sell their Wrong, senator. state $300 million in reparations. Daniels, who publicly had affirmed Gary casino owner Don Barden souls for slot machines,” as one “Gambling controls Indiana.” Veteran Rep. Chet Dobis, D- “no expansion of gambling?” seeking to bring his extra license local editor put it, or is Indiana so This time, the gambling expan- Merrillville, showed his courage Daniels signed the bill to allow the to Porter County. Veteran Sen. far under control of the gambling sionists took no chances. Centaur by opposing the move to help a slots with the excuse that he also Earline Rogers, D-Gary, took care mentality that its soul is in danger Inc. spent $93,650 lobbying. In- “failed industry” that pays mini- signed into law raids on service of that with an amendment stop- as well? diana Downs spent $42,115. mum wages. clubs, fraternal groups, etc., that ping the license from leaving John D. Wolf is a retired United The main issue was the expan- “Why not help automotive in have illegal cherry master gam- Gary. Methodist minister and is a sion of horse-racing tracks at Kokomo or steel in Northwest In- bling machines hidden away. Lake County legislators also founder of both the Indiana and Anderson and Shelbyville into diana?” he asked. My answer to this deception is put a stop to new taxes on casino National Coalition Against Legal- “racinos” by adding slots, making Rep. Duane Cheney, D-Por- that the slots were illegal before expansion that allows barges. ized Gambling. He lives in them the first land-based casinos tage, and freshman Rep. Ed Soli- and were seldom raided. Most of Keep in mind that the original Valparaiso. Hoosier United 4 Methodists INDIANA together July/August 2007 Charter brings joy to Fort Wayne’s Hispanic United Methodists By Allie Townsend

FORT WAYNE, Ind. – When Ser- “We want the people of Fort Wayne to gio Reyes quit his full-time job to know that there is a Hispanic United devote his time to Hispanic min- Methodist Church and that God moves there.” istry in 2003, he had no idea that four years later, his vision would – Sergio Reyes become a reality – a Hispanic church would be established in members before it can be chartered. lingual event. Sergio speaks in Fort Wayne. Getsemani started to climb forceful, enthusiastic Spanish, Fort Wayne welcomed the first over that mark around Easter, cre- while his wife translates in perfect Hispanic United Methodist Church ating a buzz of excitement that English. The goal: providing a in the state during a charter cere- would lead it to becoming a fully- comfortable environment outside mony Sunday afternoon, May 27, fledged member of the Indiana of language barriers. Pentecost Sunday. Indiana is cur- United Methodist community. “We want to win all the people Together photo rently home to more than 1,200 Excitement would turn to cel- for Christ,” Sergio Reyes said. Bishop Mike Coyner (left) and District Superintendent Lamar Imes present United Methodist congregations. ebration. “That’s our vision. We want the a charter certificate May 27 to Janie and Sergio Reyes, co-pastors of the Sergio, and his wife, Janie During the worship period of people of Fort Wayne to know that new Cristiana Getsemani UMC in Fort Wayne, Ind. Reyes, led the newly chartered the ceremony, a praise band took there is a Hispanic United Meth- Cristiana Getsemani congregation the chancel and after one verse of odist Church and that God moves Church crossing with Hispanics so worship. to worship during a celebration “Open the Eyes of My Heart there. It doesn’t matter what so- all of this really touches me.” “Hispanic Christians have a lot that took place at Christ United Lord,” the lyrics switched to Span- cial class you are, just come, and Also present for the chartering to teach white folks like me,” he Methodist Church in Fort Wayne. ish. With hands raised and feet that be with God.” celebration was United Method- said. “They know a lot about joy The congregation has shared space kept the rhythm of the drums, the Aside from bilingual worship, ist Bishop Michael J. Coyner. during worship. They are loud and in the facility with members of Getsemani congregation offered the church also offers community Coyner called the chartering as enthusiastic toward the Lord, and Christ Church since 2005 and thanks to God with loud cheers outreach programs and discipling. much a victory for The United they always have something to eat plans to continue doing so. and bursts of “Hallelujah!” Attendee Cesar Anzaldua said Methodist Church as it was for the after service.” The North Indiana United All dialogue was offered in the celebration was a gift from God. Hispanic community. Allie Townsend serves as a re- Methodist Conference includes English and Spanish, a regular “This church is just so func- “It takes awhile to develop trust porter for Fort Wayne’s The Jour- five Hispanic congregations, but feature of the service. The Reyes- tional to different avenues of ser- with a new community,” he said. nal Gazette This story was frist they are referred to as missional es, who are currently in the candi- vice to the Hispanic community,” “This is a milestone for trust with- printed in the May 28, 2007 issue churches because they do not have dacy process to becoming United he said. “I’m so thankful to God in The United Methodist Church.” of The Journal Gazettee and was enough members to be chartered. Methodist pastors, offer weekly for all of this. I dreamed at one Coyner said he was floored by used by permission of The Jour- A congregation must reach 150 sermons delivered as a tag-team time of The United Methodist the exuberance of the Hispanic nal Gazetter ©2007. Bikers find hospitality on journey to the St. Louis Arch By Lana and Glen groups did mission work. Half of our students who committed his Robyne our group spent the day at King- life to Christ; the guys stubbornly dom House, a UM-sponsored so- riding through rain while the girls WEST LAFAYETTE, cial service agency. The other were wise enough to catch rides Ind. – Our Wesley half of the group volunteered at into Charleston; and celebrating Foundation group of 18 Centenary UMC’s thriving soup Doug and Olivia’s first wedding “Bikers for Jesus” said kitchen and with other programs anniversary with a renewal of “yes” to a crazy, unique to help the homeless. We stayed vows on the last day of the trip. In and life-changing trip Friday and Saturday nights at all things the groups learned first- from West Lafayette to Manchester UMC, the new home hand about the giving and receiv- St. Louis. church of two Purdue Wesley ing of hospitality and grace – the Plans started when alumni, Doug and Olivia (Kitter- heart of our faith. we received a call last man) Crook. Lana and Glen Robyne direct fall from the Wesley Highlights from the trip includ- the ministry of the Wesley Foun- Foundation at Arkansas ed: the “lake” baptism of one of dation at Purdue University. State University. We were told by ASU Wes- ley about their cycling ministry called “Tour Brownsburg church de Faith.” Photo courtesy Wesley Foundation, West Lafayette The student leaders of Five Wesley Foundation bicyclist traveling on May 15 in Illinois are (from left) Dea- receives Older Adult each group were eager to na Fandrei (Dyer, Ind.), Dusty High (Newport, Ind.), Doug Crook (St. Charles, Mo.), meet, so they mutually Lynn Rostron (Haubstad, Ind.) and Dale McCoy (Lynchburg, Va.). Ministries grant decided to rendezvous in NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Calvary United Methodist Church in St. Louis – half way between our velous time thanks to the hospi- the UMC in Georgetown, Ill. Brownsburg, Ind. has received one of the 26 grants to fund a respective ministries. We were tality of all the churches and cam- Through Central Illinois we Seniors Day Out project in the amount of $1,250. both challenged to do things dif- pus ministries each group stopped stopped at churches providing The Committee on Older Adult Ministries at the United Meth- ferently than in the past. While at along the way. Our Bikers for hospitality of a place to sleep and odist General Board of Discipleship selected 26 projects to fund ASU usually bicycles in May, we Jesus began the trip enjoying the great food. Thank God for small with this year’s round of grant funding. have always gone in August. overnight shelter of First UMC in churches and their Midwestern The grants are provided in partial fulfillment of the Compre- In the end, they took on the West Lafayette along with the hospitality. hensive Plan for Older Adult Ministries approved by General challenge of more miles, going wonderful cooking of its United Twenty miles from St. Louis, Conference. The United Methodist Committee on Older Adult outside their conference, and rais- Methodist Women for supper and we united with the ASU Wesley Ministries received 59 grant proposals. ing money with pledges, while we breakfast as we prepared to start group. While never having met All of the $38,000 allocated for grant funding in 2007 has took on the vision of going in May, our journey. face-to-face, we already shared a been awarded to projects across the United Methodist con- doing mission workand “limiting” We had a lovely lunch at Will- strong bond of shared faith and nection. our trip to 300 miles and four-and- iamsport UMC and a nice hike at commitment. This bond grew as The UM Committee on Older Adult Ministries, established a-half days of bicycling. the falls and Portland Arch. After we bicycled beneath the Arch to- by General Conference and administratively related to the Despite the breezy challenges, brief stops in Covington and Per- gether to end our journeys. General Board of Discipleship, reviewed the applications. everyone on the trip had a mar- rysville, we spent the first night at In St. Louis, our combined Hoosier United INDIANA Methodists 5 www.inareaumc.org together Both conferences vote for uniting into one conference By Daniel R. Gangler past decade. the earliest the new conference “The two conferences became Coyner said, “What could meet would be 2009. Both Indiana United Method- this means in simplified The last such structural ist conferences have approved to engaged… Next year, they plan to terms is that during this change of this magnitude to The begin plans to unite the two con- get married.” year’s annual conference United Methodist Church in In- ferences into one. sessions, the two confer- diana came in 1968, when the – Bishop Mike Coyner Meeting at Purdue University in ences became engaged former Methodist Church and West Lafayette, the North Indiana by approving the recom- former Evangelical United Conference cast ballots on June 1 A simple majority was needed implementation mendation of the Imagine Brethren Church decided nation- that were sealed and counted June to approve the recommendation to team to report Indiana Planning Team to ally to become The United Meth- 8 along with the South Indiana become one conference. In both back to the two unite the two conferenc- odist Church. Conference ballots that were cast locations, the vote was cast fol- Indiana confer- es. Next year, they plan Each Indiana conference, a June 8 at the Indiana University lowing a 60-minute discussion ences in June 2008 with a detailed to get married.” church legislative body com- Auditorium in Bloomington. and time of prayer. plan of implementation to unite If the implementation plan is posed of equal number of laity The North Indiana Conference Upon hearing the results of the the two conferences. A vote will approved next year, the North and clergy, was attended during votes totaled 663 for unity and 190 election, Coyner said, “This is an be taken next year for approval Central Jurisdictional Conference this past month by more than against – 78 percent approval. overwhelming decision in favor of of an implementation plan to of the UMC also would need to 1,300 delegates at each of two The South Indiana Conference moving forward to form one Indi- form one conference in a process approve the uniting of the two locations representing a total of votes totaled 550 for unity, 267 ana conference.” that began last year. Unity discus- conferences. With full approval, 1,218 congregations in Indiana. against and 6 invalid votes – 67 During the next step of the sions have been taking place, for- percent approval. process, Coyner will appoint an mally and informally, during the Roberts returns to Ohio ‘Imagine Indiana’ Song to the tune of “Imagine” by John Lennon Simpson named director of Indy By Alex Stone, Matthew Stultz, Scott Castle, John Mantle Imagine there’s one conference United Methodist Metro Ministries It isn’t hard to do INDIANAPOLIS – Bishop Mike He also served as a member of the Ohio and much of her family lives No more need for division Coyner appointed the Rev. Dr. Minnesota Conference from 1978 in Ohio. She was ordained in the Time to try something new Douglas Simpson as to 1981 and then trans- African Methodist Episcopal Imagine Indiana uniting for the Lord the new Executive Di- ferred to the South In- Church in 1991 and served church- You may say I’m a dreamer rector of the United diana Conference. es in Xenia, Springfield, Cedar- But I’m not the only one Methodist Metro Min- He is a graduate of ville and Bellefontaine, Ohio, be- I hope someday you’ll join us istries effective July 1. American University fore transferring her membership And together we’ll serve as one. Coyner also an- in Washington, D.C., to the South Indiana Conference nounced that the Rev. Garrett-Evangelical in 1997. In Indiana she served Imagine Indiana Dr. Gwendolyn C. Theological Seminary churches in Scott and Indianapo- I wonder if you can Roberts, former direc- in Evanston, Ill. and lis before becoming executive di- Serving the state together tor of Metro Ministries, holds a D. Min. degree rector of Metro Ministries in 2005. Following the Master’s plan. has become the Metro from Newburg Theo- Metro Ministries oversees the Simpson Imagine Indiana serving the whole Ministries Director for logical Seminary in mission and ministries of the state. the West Ohio Conference effec- Newburg, Ind. Asian Help Service located at You may say I’m a dreamer tive July 1. Coyner said, “The two India- Broadway United Methodist But I’m not the only one. Simpson previously served as napolis District Superintendents Church; Brightwood Community I hope someday you’ll join us senior pastor of the Fairview Unit- are very excited to have Doug Center; Fletcher Place Ministries, And together we’ll serve as one. ed Methodist Church in Bloom- coming into the Metro Ministries East of Fountain Square; Vida Stone ington, an appointment he held office, and I personally look for- Nueva United Methodist Church Imagine Indiana since 2000. In Indiana, he previ- ward to working with Doug as he and Centro Familiar on West And all the good we’ll do. ously served Indianapolis Asbury, continues the fine leadership of Washington Street; and Helping Not only here at home Indianapolis Faith, New Spirit, Dr. Gwen Roberts. We are sorry Hands 2007, an Indianapolis Dis- But all ‘round the world, too. Jeffersonville Wesley and on staff to lose Gwen, but she will be an tricts program to assist aged, phys- Imagine Indiana serving the whole world! of the South Indiana Conference. excellent addition to the staff in ically challenged and persons with You may say I’m a dreamer Simpson was ordained Elder in West Ohio.” some health disability through But I’m not the only one. 1975 in the Detroit Conference. Roberts was originally from United Methodist congregations. I hope someday you’ll join us And together we’ll serve as one. North Indiana Outdoor Ministry Site “Imagine Indiana” was written by four clergy – Alex Stone of Hobart, Matthew Stultz of Fort Wayne, Scott Castle of Jasper, Project shows progress, says Brindel and John Mantle of New Albany – on Bishop Coyner’s Holy Land study trip in February.. Alex Stone sang it at both conferences. WEST LAFAYETTE – The North Brindel said the project has cation spot in Indiana where Indiana Conference Outdoor Min- matured as it has been shared with more than five million people istry Site Project continues to positive responses. Phase three vacation annually. Brindel show progress towards a $16 mil- will be completed this fall. called this “Holy Ground in the Both conferences celebrate lion renovation of conference’s The campaign’s financial goal right place.” diakonia, Operation Classroom four camp sites. is $16 million in capital develop- Stories also can be shared and ♦ Jean Brindel, chair of the Cap- ment funds to upgrade all four sent to My Story, North Indiana Celebrated the 30th anniver- Doctor, which has included ital Campaign of the Outdoor campsites and also do a complete Conference, P.O. Box 869, Mari- sary of diakonia ministry and nutrition education, HIV/ Ministry Site Project, reported the redesign of Epworth Forest, which on, IN 46952-0869. the 10th anniversary of perma- AIDS education programs, an goal of the campaign is to reach was last renovated in 1964. Brindel shared a video of nent Order of Deacon. Prior to operating room at Kissy Hos- 15,000 children, youth and adults To help tell the camping sto- camping stories composed by this time, the Order of Deacon pital and a new operation for Jesus Christ each year. ry, the campaign committee the campaign that also showed was a probationary order to the ward. OD is now working on Order of Elder. a Tele-med program waiting The campaign, “Ten Thousand asked conference members to drawings of the planned renova- ♦ Blessings: building a new Ep- tell their individual camping sto- tion. She said, currently, more Celebrated the 20th anniver- for approval from the govern- worth Forest to reach new gener- ries on video at annual confer- than 6,000 campers use these sary of Operation Classroom, ment. Both conferences pro- ations for Christ,” has a three- ence in Elliott Hall. sites each year with 2,000 deci- an outreach mission based in vide 1,500 OC scholarships phase plan to renovate the North The North Indiana Outdoor sions made for Christ. More than Indiana to care for secondary each year. The conferences Indiana Conference campsites. Ministry was founded more than 1,200 volunteers help staff the schools in Liberia and Sierra expressed their appreciation to Campaign leaders have complet- 110 years ago. Three of the four conference’s outdoor ministry Leone. In 1992 OC was ex- Joe and Carolyn Wagner, co- ed phases one and two. NIC campsites are in a prime va- program. panded to include Operation ordinators of OC/OD. Hoosier United 6 Methodists NORTH INDIANA CONFERENCE together July/August 2007

North Indiana Probationary members commissionedcommissioned: (left to right) front row: Alexander G. Hershey, Julie A. Macy, Mary Elizabeth van Wijk; middle row: Michael Ted Lawson, David Meid Marty, Rebecca A. Fisher, Sheri Rohrer; back row: Robert Manton Baszner, Jr., Walter R. Preusz, Kevin G. DeKoninck, Cornelis Eduard van Wijk

North Indiana Conference 2007 Retirees Front row: Dottie Dexheimer, Don Dexheimer, Marlita Newberg and Larry Newberg: 2nd row: Sue Wilson, Doris Winford, Bill Alenduff, Leslie Alenduff 3rd row: Mickey Wilson: 4th row: Dennis Shock, Diana Shock, Joan Haney, Lamar North Indiana Elders ordainedordained: (left to right) front row; Nancy Joanne Richmond, Joann Foster Imes, Joan Imes: 5th row: Jane White-Stevens, Dexter Garman, Mary Ellen Garman, Kaiser, Samuel Polito, Judith E. Fuller; middle row: Steven Lee McPeek, Matthew James Leffler, Charles Kreig, Gloria Kreig: 6th row: Rod White-Stevens, Hosea Drake, Cheryn Drake, David Wyatt Neuen; back row: Christopher S. Roberts, Shalimar Wray Holderly, Jared C. Jen- Brian Witwer Sally Witwer nette, Deborah L. Miller

Both conferences honor retiring Bill Cross North Indiana Conference takes action The presence of the Cokesbury Cross said that the UM Pub- sity in his name. During its session, the North year-by-year review and deci- Book Store at both Indiana annu- lishing House gives more than $1 The South Indiana Conference Indiana Conference adopted sion. al conferences has been a main- million a year to the United Meth- also honored Cross upon his 35 resolutions that: The conference voted to for- stay for decades and so have the odist clergy pension fund. years of service and retirement. ♦ Asked congregations to pray ward three petitions to the 2008 servies of Cokesbury’s Bill Cross. The conference in turn gave On behalf of United Methodist for the people of Darfur and for General Conference to: Both conferences honored re- the money to the Central Con- Publishing House, Cross present- Sudan’s government to admin- ♦ Establish a study group to re- tiring Cross upon his 35 years of ference Pension Fund, which ed the conference with a check for ister in just and fair ways; and view tithing as a basis for Gen- service to the Indiana Area. will first go to the pastors in conference clergy pensions in the asked the General Board of eral Church apportionments. Representing Cokesbury, Cross Liberia. The North Indiana Con- amount of $13,966. The confer- Pension and Health Benefits to ♦ Gives Elders and Licensed Pas- presented a check for the pastor’s ference also gave a $500 Cokes- ence donated this amount to the divest targeted funds in Sudan. tors the responsibility to deter- pensions to the Indiana North con- bury gift certificate in his honor Africa Central Conference Cler- ♦ Increased the priority status of mine the readiness for those ference in the amount of $14,000. for resources to Africa Univer- gy Pension Fund. campus ministry in North In- who wish to profess member- diana. ship in the church. ♦ Lifted a sunset policy on agen- ♦ Ask the General Church to sup- North Indiana elected delegates to cies receiving funds from the port basic health care coverage General, Jurisdictional Conferences conference that allows for a to all citizens in the U.S.A. General Conference lay dele- Chris Nunley of Crown Point, church’s top gates are Kayc Mykranz of Logan- Gregg Parris of Muncie, with re- legislative $9.87 million 2008 expense budget approved sport, Carolyn Johnson of West serve delegates Robert Dexter of body which North Indiana finance council Lafayette, James Ottjes of Da- Elkhart, Jean Brindel of Frankfort. meets every leville, Paula Shrock of Green- The first two clergy and lay dele- four years, will says tithing model works town, Edwin Fenstermacher of gates to Jurisdictional Conference be held in Fort Worth, Texas, Marion. Clergy delegates to Gen- serve as reserve delegates to Gen- April 23-May 2, 2008. For more Paul Arnold, chair of the North Indiana Conference Council on Fi- eral Conference are Frank Beard eral Conference. information, log on to nance and Administration, reported to the NIC session that the new of Kokomo, Kimberly Reisman of The conference added three www.umc.org, click on “Our tithing model is working. He said by mid-May, 269 churches were Lafayette, Bryan Siefert of Culver, more alternate reserve delegates to Church,” then click on “2008 giving at 100 percent and above of their previous year’s askings and Cindy Reynolds of Warsaw, each of the clergy and laity lists General Conference” in the right that 360 churches were giving at 95 percent and above. On May 15, Michael Dominick of Kokomo. using the last ballots vote tallies column. $2.4 million or 24 percent of the budget had been received, compared North Central Jurisdictional to determine those delegates. Al- The North to last year when $2.2 million or 22 percent of the budget had been Conference lay delegates are Pat ternate reserve delegates clergy: Central Juris- received. Weeks of Fishers, Charles Hefley Toni Carmer of Leo, Paul Arnold dictional Con- He also reported that in 2006, the conference had $39,013 in un- of Kokomo, Ashley Loomis of of Columbia City, Heather Olson- ference will be held in Grand der-funded expenses compared to the previous year when it had Fort Wayne, Kenneth Adams of Bunnell of Roanoke. Rapids, Mich., July 16-20, 2008. $129,957 in under-funded expenses. Kokomo, Ruth Ellen Stone of Alternate reserve delegates la- The North Indiana Conference The conference will continue to use the tithing model for connec- Clayton with reserve delegates ity are Ellen Rhoades of Fort is one of 12 conferences in this tional giving. Conference leaders, clergy and lay members are asked Albert Bohnstedt of Fort Wayne, Wayne, Jack Dwiggins of Brook- nine-state region. The states in- to tithe 10 percent of income to their local church. Local churches in Manet Shettle of Alexandria. Cler- ston, Ann Hanson of Muncie.A full clude: Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, turn are asked to tithe monthly 10 percent of their churches’ income to gy delegates to the North Central list including contact information Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Min- the North Indiana Conference. Jurisdictional Conference are will be published in the Septem- nesota, South Dakota and North The conference approved a 2008 expense budget of $9.87 million Mark Fenstermacher of Elkhart, ber issue of the Hoosier United Dakota. The NCJ Conference (compared to the 2007 expense budget of $10.1 million) and a 2008 Michelle Cobb of Valparaiso, Methodists Together newspaper. Web site is under construction income budget of $8.93 million (compared to the 2007 income budget Mary Eileen Spence of Marion, The General Conference, the at www.ncj2008.org. of $8.89 million). Hoosier United SOUTH INDIANA CONFERENCE Methodists 7 www.inareaumc.org together

South Probationary members commissioned: Seated: Michaelene M. Haysler, Bishop Coyner, Callie J. Smith Front L-R: W. Brent Wright, David P. Scifres, Ann Goodall Spahr, Kevin M. Raidy, Kevin A. Wrigley, Karen L. Bray, Sharon Gilson Dunlevy, Mary Beth Morgan Back: Jerald Eugene Turner, Robert M. Kumpf, Dennis Charles Adams, Kevin Reed, John A. Pettigrew, Warren C. Kirk III, Chiyona A’Leeta Bourne, Patricia Sue Watson Last: Stanley D. Abell, Ted Chalk South Indiana Conference 2007 Retirees Front row (L-R): Richard Russell, Patricia Russell, Cynthia Sharp, Robert Sharp, Linda Marie Snider, Roger Parrott, Beverly Parrott. Back row (L-R): Samuel Chizmar, Nan Chizmar, Will Helms, Pam Helms, Carol McIntosh, Larry McIntosh, Gilbert Duley, Linda Gardner, Edward Gardner, Frederick Cox and Sandi Cox. Associate member ordained: Daniel L. Sinkhorn and Bishop Coyner

General Conference April 23-May 2, 2008 Fort Worth, TX North Central Jurisdictional South Indiana Conference Elders ordained: Course of Study Graduates include: Conference Front L-R: C. Reid Walker, Adam Eugene Shourds, Bishop Coyner, Jill Sue Kaetzel, Jim- J. Bart Colwell, Kevin M. Giggy, Peggy Jo Haywood, Mary Jane Modlin, Kathy S. Rousch July 15-19, 2008 mie P. Moon III Grand Rapids, MI Back L-R: Gregory Robert Pimlott, Curtis Clark Hunt, Tom McGilliard, John Leland Adams and Dianne Wells. ‘Evangelism’ put up front South Indiana delegates elected to in Board of Evangelism & General, Jurisdictional Conferences Church Growth’s name General Conference lay del- James Bushfield of Columbus and Minglin of Indianapolis. Clergy egates are Ike Williams of India- Beth Ann Cook of Evansville. delegates to the North Central Ju- Paula Mayberry, chairperson of and Latino ministries and work napolis, Patricia Miller of India- North Central Jurisdictional risdictional Conference are Judith the South Indiana Conference together with the North Indiana napolis, Rita Gaither-Gant of In- Conference lay delegates are Car- Purvis of Vincennes, Kent Mill- Board of Evangelism and Church Conference. dianapolis, Vickie Newkirk of olyn Marshall of Veedersburg, ard of Indianapolis, Rosa Harris Growth said, (we need to) “Open Gary Schaar of congregation- New Palestine, John Lawson of Luke Robbins of Indianapolis, of Rockford, Kevin Armstrong of our hearts and minds to let the al development reported, “There Westchester, Ohio, David Crane Dan Evans of Indianapolis, Ben- Indianapolis, John Abbott of In- wind blow through us. The wind is a great wealth of good people of Newburgh. Clergy delegates to jamin Boruff of Indianapolis, San- dianapolis, Marie Lang of India- of God’s spirit – the Holy Spirit – seeking ways to be engaged in General Conference are Ann dra Ruby of Crawfordsville and napolis. Three reserve clergy del- is allowed to blow through us.” ministry.” His office wishes to Glass of Plainfield, Greg Mc- Bert Talbott of Indianapolis. Three egates are Jean Wilson of Jeffer- Ken Grubb of Acton UMC identify and deploy coaches for Garvey of Carmel, David Penal- reserve lay delegates are Ethan sonville, David V.W. Owen of In- said, “We should step it up a notch new church development and va of Indianapolis, Darren Cush- Jones of Charlestown, Anne dianapolis and Raymond Wilkins to see if we can do the best job small church support. He also ad- man Wood of Speedway and Bunch of Terre Haute and Beckie of Indianapolis. possible with requests for church dresses needs of ethnic minority new start activities. We are mov- churches and Native American South Indiana Conference sets 2008 expense ing from quarterly meetings to ministries. meet more often.” Mayberry reported that four budget at $9.2 million for mission, ministry Glenda Riggs of the small evangelism workshops were held membership church section said in April. A video by Bishop Lloyd Tucker, chairperson of will not increase the budget, since A 4 percent raise in District 75 percent of the churches in the Coyner on evangelism will be dis- the South Indiana Conference internal adjustments were made to Superintendent Salaries was chal- conference are small membership tributed to all churches this sum- Commission on Finance and Ad- compensate for the money. lenged. After a balloted vote (429- churches. “We are very important mer. ministration, reported that the com- Conference approved an ex- 130), the raise remained in effect to this conference and the UMC. A new section on evangelism mission added a last-minute prayer pense budget of $9,289,330 a 0.48 setting the base DS salary in the We are charged with encouraging will be chaired by Jean Winter. ministry team program request of percent increase above the 2007 South Indiana Conference at and challenging each district in The conference changed the name $500 under CCOM budget. This budget of $9,244,735. $75,894 for 2008. serving small membership congre- of this board to the Board of Evan- gations, empower, celebrating the gelism and Church Growth. Jim small membership.” Bushfield asked that the board Visit the newly renovated South Indiana Mayberry reported the board consider the growing needs of Conference Web site at www.sicumc.org also has a section on Hispanic mid-sized congregations. Hoosier United 8 Methodists INDIANA together July/August 2007 Petition to General Conference move forward South Indiana Conference adopts resolutions on Darfur, AIDS The South Indiana Conference give at least $2 per member and Conference: during the 2009-2012 next year’s annual conference adopted resolutions that: to distribute 25 percent of those ♦ No person shall or will be ex- quadrennium in the amount of session. ♦ Asked congregations to pray gifts to HIV/AIDS work in In- cluded from membership in the $4 million through Advance ♦ Two resolutions dealing with for the people of Darfur and diana. UMC for reasons related to gifts. the “effectiveness in essential for Sudan’s government to ♦ Created a conference-wide sexual orientation or gender Resolutions forwarded to the ministry” were referred to administer in just and fair Prayer Ministry Team; identity. Conference Council on Ministries CCOM. The resolution asks ways; and asked the General ♦ Required high-speed Internet ♦ Withdraw membership of the included: that pastors and local congre- Board of Pension and Health connection or additional phone UMC in the Religious Coali- ♦ Affirming important Christ- gations who receive no new Benefits to divest targeted line for dial-up connection be tion for Reproductive Choice. centered ministries that do not members on confession of funds in Sudan; part of parsonage standards; ♦ The 2008 General Conference compromise the biblical stan- faith will need to explain their ♦ Asked congregations to sup- The conference voted to for- will recommit to raising funds dards for sexual morality. Re- ineffectiveness to a plenary port the Global AIDS Fund and ward three petitions to General for the UM Global AIDS Fund ferred to CCOM for report to session of annual conference. South Indiana Conference Awards Laity Manuscript Award was DeWar of Ellettsville First UMC Harry Deman Evangelism won by Sue Forry of the Zions- in the Bloomington District. Award of the UM Evangelism ville UMC. She delivered her Outstanding Small Member- Foundation for the South Indi- message “One in the Ministry” ship Church Award. Glenda ana Conference clergy award saying the church needs to learn Riggs announced that 19 church- went to Karen Devaisher, pastor how to look for God in a culture es were nominated. New Salem of Avon UMC, also chair of the that is not searching for God. UMC in Rushville District and annual conference sessions com- Scouting. The Bishop’s Award Phillip Mitchell, pastor, were mittee. The laity award went to of Excellence went to Boy Scout awarded the Outstanding Small Lloyd Anderson of Barnes UMC Troup 119 and Scoutmaster Lloyd Membership Church Award. in Indianapolis. South Indiana Conference Director Robert Sharp retires after 41 years By Matthew Oates done,” said Sharp. When the final amen was shout- “The thing I ed at this year’s South Indiana enjoyed most North Conference disaster Annual Conference, it marked an was baptizing end of an era in the life of Robert babies – it’s response trailer now in and Cynthia Sharp. sheer celebra- Robert will retire July 1, most tion. A new life recently from his appointment as and an opportu- Fort Wayne Conference Council on Ministries nity to welcome St. Joseph UMC in Fort Wayne is now home to the North Indiana director. a child into the Conference’s disaster response trailer. The trailer, pictured here, holds He takes pride in being the life of the all the supplies a disaster response team needs when responding to a youngest ordained deacon in the church.” He be- weather-related disaster, as well as items needed to aid the victims, Mississippi Conference at age 21 lieves he’s bap- such as flood buckets with cleaning supplies, health kits for personal in 1963. But after 47 years of min- Robert Sharp expresses his graditude to South Indiana. tized about 400 hygiene, water and meal rations. When the trailer is not out with a istry, he’s ready to take a full year babies. team responding to a disaster, it is available to visit United Methodist off and see what forms of minis- working on his MG and three Tri- In addition to completing Cyn- churches to help promote volunteers in mission. try he’ll do next. umphs. “I haven’t had time to pick thia’s task list, he is looking for- The North Indiana Conference Disaster Response team is currently “I’ve driven 35,000 miles a up my wrenches,” said Sharp. ward to worshipping in Blooming- recruiting new members. These teams are composed of volunteers who year since 1994. It’ll be fun not to Looking back throughout his ton area churches and participat- are willing to be trained to respond to disasters. Disaster response vol- travel for a while.” ministry, he is thankful for “the op- ing in social action witness pro- unteers give one day to one week at a time, depending on their avail- The Sharps will stay in Bloom- portunity to serve the conference grams. ability. To learn more contact Gary Peterson at 260-338-0587 or by e- ington, but will use it as home base and leadership. I never expected it.” “I’d like to protest more for jus- mail, [email protected]. when they go visit their six grand- One of the highlights of his ca- tice issues.” children – Maegan and Hannah, 9, reer has been the clergy fellowship. He has passed along tidbits of in Indianapolis; Rebecca, 10, and “I can never, never repay them,” he wisdom to conference staff, and Peterson named North Allen, 7, in Houston; and Made- said, telling of the time Rushville Jim Bushfield, the incoming line, 5, and Bobby, 2, in Charlotte. District clergy camped out at Meth- CCOM director. He continually Indiana disaster response Sharp is grateful to all the con- odist Hospital to pray over the pre- believes the church is headed in ference staff, district and church mature births of his two grand- the right direction. coordinator staffs he has worked with through- daughters. Fifty surgeries and nine Dishing out advice to those Gary Peterson, a member of industrial technology. Through the out the years. “There’s a collective years later, they are fine. coming in – Sharp feels a connec- St. Joseph UMC in years he has been ac- spirit of cooperation I’ve seen,” Sharp’s career started off in tion to this class – he reminds the Fort Wayne, has be- tive in Promise Keep- said Sharp describing the work of Mississippi, but later moved to new ordinands to remember the come the new North ers, Habitat, youth mis- Gary Schaar, Sharon White, Bob Indiana at the invitation of the joyful times, the baptisms, the Indiana Conference sion, high school Sun- Walters, Sandy Harlan, Jennifer Rev. Jimmy Keith and the Rev. weddings, the confirmations, the Disaster Coordinator, day school and Em- Gallagher and other conference David Lawson. Appointed to affirmations and don’t worry about a volunteer position, maus. staff and officials. Bluegrass UMC in the Evansville the criticisms. “Everyone gets crit- succeeding Charles He has led five mis- “The partnership between fi- District, he’s never looked back. icized. You can’t let the complaints Jones of Anderson, sion trips to New Or- nance and programming has been Additional reflections include dominate your life,” he said. “This who will continue as- leans since Katrina to growing. It has been a concern, thoughts on racial/ethnic minority really is an outstanding class … sist in disaster re- assist survivors of the but it has become strong.” participation and joys of ministry. the future looks bright.” sponse coordination. hurricane. Peterson He knows that Cynthia has been “I am pleased at the progress Matthew Oares serves as a cor- Peterson, who is re- Peterson can be reached at 260- making a “to do” list for him, which we have made at racial inclusive- respondent for Indiana Area Com- tired, is a graduate the University 338-0587 or by e-mail at includes painting and yard work, ness in Indiana and across the munications and a member of of Wisconsin with a BS degree in [email protected]. but he is also looking forward to South. There’s still a lot to be Trinity UMC in Lafayette, Ind. Hoosier United VIEWPOINTS Methodists 9 www.inareaumc.org together Who needs diversity training? BODY, MIND & SPIRIT By Sharon A. White Steps of faith In the TV spots we see about Diversity training helps us all to become By Todd Outcalt the message – the women’s re- The United Methodist Church, we more aware and appreciative of the stroom. “I didn’t know the la- hear a voice say “Open hearts, differences in people with whom we come Most pastors can attest that dies restroom had pink walls,” Open minds, Open doors. The peo- people in their congregations he said. “Actually, it was kind ple of The United Methodist in contact. don’t like change. This is evi- of soothing. Your message Church.” How “open” are we? denced every Sunday morning, came along real fine in there!” In The South Indiana Confer- as we witness the At our annual ence, we have commissions, com- from someone else’s viewpoint. in contact. Diversity is not only majority of people sit- conference session mittees and boards that address What we think is a positive ges- about Blacks and Whites. Diverse ting in the same chair this spring, I found people with disabilities, church ture may be a negative gesture for environments also include: wom- or pew location week myself inhabiting and society, ethnic local church someone else. Or someone’s be- en, men, single and married folk, after week. Most of the same area of concerns, Hispanic ministries, havior may seem normal to one people who are physically chal- us could take atten- the auditorium as HIV/AIDS, children’s person, but to another lenged, people who come from dance with just a cur- usual. I sat in the homes, Native Ameri- may be insulting. different cultures, nations, back- sory glance from the same place and lis- cans, racial healing, For example, in the grounds, people who are gay, old pulpit – and I often tened to the same religion and race, the mid-90s when my people, young people, economi- know which families voices. But I also status and role of wom- mother and I lived to- cally diverse people, tall, short, are absent in a given Outcalt heard something en, children, youth and gether I used to take her fat, skinny people – all kinds of week by simply looking at the different this year – a new per- young adults. These to the ophthalmologist people! vacant slots in the sanctuary. spective that was evidenced as are just some of the ar- whenever she had an Diversity training helps us to Some years ago, I remember we stepped out in faith and vot- eas of concern that we appointment. After one broaden our perspectives and asking members of a congrega- ed to imagine a new Indiana as United Methodists of those visits to the opens our hearts and minds to re- tion to move to a different lo- Annual Conference together. cation for the sermon. I asked As many pointed out on both in South Indiana are White Emory University Hos- ceive the gifts of others and share passionate about. pital Clinic, my mother ours as well. Diversity training everyone to stand up and sides of the debate – we have However, someone may be think- said to me, “Sharon, did you no- provides great opportunities for us switch places. Some, who nor- no idea where this movement ing, “Well, if we are conscious of tice that when the doctor ex- to learn about people and to know mally sat on the back row, is taking us. There are so many all of these differences, what do plained everything about my who they really are instead of la- moved to the front. One gen- unanswered questions. There we need to be trained for? Exactly health he always looked at you and beling them based on things that tleman came up into the chan- are few easy answers. We what would we do with diversity not me?” I didn’t realize that until may not be true. cel and sat down behind the weren’t sure where to stand. training? Does it mean I will get she pointed it out. Understand, my In the coming months, I will pulpit. A few of the youth But then, isn’t that what beat up about how I think and feel? mother was in great mental health. seek volunteers for a pilot group moved away from their parents faith in Christ always challeng- Is this a Black or White thing? She didn’t need an interpreter. I to include all kinds of people to and sat in the choir loft. es us to do? Does it mean I’ve been doing took her because she had glauco- participate in an on-line training Then I offered a sermon “Rise, take up your mat and something wrong? I treat people ma and was physically unable to program that we may promote lat- about change and the value of walk!” like I would want to be treated. take herself. er. If you would be interested in seeing the world and our own “Go your way – your faith Shouldn’t that be enough?” Likewise, diversity training being part of this group, call me lives through new perspectives. has made you whole.” Unfortunately, that may not be helps us all to become more aware at the South Indiana Conference Faith, indeed, is a call to em- “Follow me.” enough, because what we consid- and appreciative of the differenc- Center at 800-919-8160 or e-mail brace the unfamiliar and the “Go into all the world.” er respectful or not may differ es in people with whom we come me at [email protected]. unknown. We don’t walk by It’s a big step. Always. We sight, but by faith, the writer of just have to be willing to step Hebrews reminds us. out of the pew. At the end of the sermon that Todd Outcalt serves as the Are you willing to give benefit of the doubt? Sunday, one fellow came up to senior pastor of Calvary me and said he had sat in a new United Methodist Church in By Robert Miller are a rare individual. Many today place that morning to listen to Brownsburg, Ind. are where we are because some- We are saying we have The benefit of the doubt – are one took a chance on us and gave you willing to give it to other per- us the benefit of the doubt. Faith faith in the possibility for Bishop asks us to join call to action sons? Your answer will tell you a is belief in the possibilities and them to change. Bishop Mike Coyner told nual goal from then on of 365 great deal about your potentialities of people. members of both annual confer- churches a year or one a day. Out- faith in human nature. Of all the things we ences that something new is go- side the U.S. we start 400 church- The public mood to- can say to another per- ment there are numerous examples ing on in our denomination. He es a year. day is rather hostile to- son, is there is noting of dramatic changes in people when introduced four calls to action. 3. Reaching the children start- ward human failure. more helpful than “I they were in the presence of Jesus. 1. Live the UM way. Live the ed in 1996 with Children and Pov- We’re becoming more have faith in you.” This God gives us the benefit of the Wesley model of discipleship with erty, we want to reach the children and more impatient attitude of projecting doubt and aren’t you glad. Faith a reemphasis upon the General of our communities, not just our with people who don’t our faith in others can is a willingness to risk your belief Rules of the church – Do no harm; churches. measure up to expect- be a powerful and pos- in the potential of people just as do all the good you can; and stay 4. Stamping out the poverty ed behavior. We are be- itive force, but to with- God does. in love with God through the or- diseases of Malaria and HIV/ coming more unwill- Miller draw it or erase it can Robert H. Miller, Jr. is a retired dinances of the church. AIDS. More than 3,000 children ing to give others the destroy confidence. minister who lives in New Pales- 2. Starting new churches. The a day die of malaria in Africa. We benefit of the doubt. When we One can feel hopeless and lose tine, Ind. goal is 650 new churches from can eliminate malaria in our life- stop giving others the benefit of power to go forward. 2009 through 2012, with an an- time. the doubt, we are saying in prin- Maybe that’s why it’s alarming ciple that we believe they are un- to find a growing hostility toward able to change their behavior. human failure. An impatience that Anytime we are willing to give says, “Jail him, kill him, drop him” others the benefit of the doubt we rather than “help him, save him, are saying we have faith in the believe in him.” possibility for them to change. Christian love is a very special Have you ever been given a way of giving others the benefit of second chance? Has anyone – a the doubt, having faith in the po- parent, teacher, friend or boss – tential of others and reflecting trust ever given you the benefit of the rather than doubt. This was the at- doubt? If you’ve never ever need- titude Jesus had toward people he ed a second chance or a third or met. In his eyes there were no sec- even a fourth or more chance, you ond-rate people. In the New Testa- Hoosier United 10 Methodists CHRONICLES together July/August 2007 Bible Quizzing in the Kokomo District Why hide God’s Word in your heart, when you can cram it in!? With a total of six Quiz-Ins, 27 Since the program was just get- quizzers, 31 quizzes and a poten- ting started in the district, each tial of at least 100 points per quiz, quiz was only over four chapters Lydia Einselen from McGraw- at a time with each subsequent sville UMC knows how to “cram” quiz repeating two chapters while God’s Word! Lydia ended the year adding two new chapters. of Kokomo District Bible Quiz- Youth leaders of Kokomo zing with 3,090 points and an av- Main Street UMC, McGraw- erage of 99.7 points per quiz! sville, St. Luke’s, Bunker Hill, Her rewards were numerous as Shiloh, Zion, Alto and Kokomo well, winning five team trophies, Grace UMCs met together to six Top-Three Quizzers medals help get the program started and and at the final quiz-in on Satur- each quiz was hosted among the day, June 2, she received the Num- district’s churches. ber One Top Ten Quizzer trophy Bible quizzing will pick up and medallion. As a seventh grad- again from September to April on er, that is quite an accomplish- the books of Galatians, Ephesians, ment. But on the quiz seats, ev- Philippians, Colossians and eryone is equal. Philemon. For more information Photo courtesy of Kent Kessler, Main Street UMC, Kokomo This year’s quizzing competi- and pictures. Log on to the the dis- Winners of the Kokomo District Bible quiz were (from left) Matthew Einselen of McGrawsville, Gabby Schwartzer tion was over the book of Acts trict’s Web site at www.gbgm.org/ of Kokomo Main Street, Lydia Einselen of McGrawsville, Lisa Einselen of McGrawsville, Benjamin Fridley of chapters one through twelve. kokomoumc. Main Street, Mariah Rosetto of Main Street, Antonio Viera of KMain Street and Morgan Lee of Main Street. Zionsville youth participate in World Vision famine ZIONSVILLE, Ind. – More than famine. Through the generous struggles of children in Uganda, chain at worship on Sunday Blosser said, “The weekend 50 youth and five adult leaders of support of our sponsors and our worship, Bible morning. It was was life-changing – not just for the Zionsville UMC partic- ZUMC family the study, free time, a powerful, si- children who will benefit from the ipated in World Vi- group raised more than and eventually lent testimony monies raised, but for the partici- sion’s 30 Hour Famine $14,000 to fight hun- food. from the victims pants themselves. The experience April 28–29 to raise ger. Combined with The group of hunger. opened our eyes to the reality of money and awareness numerous grants also put together Participants how blessed we are and how much to the plight of world World Vision has re- a paper chain broke their fast we take for granted. Simple things hunger. ceived from the U.S. consisting of by receiving like having grocery stores, running More than 29,000 chil- government that 2,900 links. The Holy Commun- water and more than one outfit to dren die each day from amount increases to chain was then ion led by Senior wear made huge impacts on us. We hunger and hunger re- more than $56,000. hung all around Pastor Ted thank God for His blessings in our lated diseases. Partici- The weekend in- the sanctuary. Blosser. Many lives and for making this experi- pants willingly gave up food for cluded a 30-hour lock-in at the Each link repre- commented that ence a phenomenal success.” 30 hours so that someone else church where participants en- sented ten children whose lives the Communion bread never tast- For more information regard- could live. They recruited friends, gaged in a variety of activities in- would end that day due to hun- ed so good! The group then feast- ing World Vision’s 30 Hour family, teachers, neighbors and cluding: service projects, “Tribe” ger and preventable diseases. It ed on a great meal prepared by a Famine, log on to teammates to sponsor them for the games that taught them about the was impossible not to notice the team of parents. www.30hourfamine.org. DEATHS

ANNE CLARK, wife of the to Lois Cook, 555 N. Williams St., 2012 Riverstone Ct., Avon, IN 10, 2007. Memorials may be made Alexander, Indianapolis; and Por- Rev. Arthur Summers Clark (re- Nappanee, IN 46550-1544. Me- 46123. to the Christ UMC Building Fund, tia Ham, Nappanee; eight grand- tired – NIC), died May 8, 2007. morials can be made to the Alzhe- FLORENCE JORDAN, 318 North Union Street, Westfield children; three great-grandchil- Survivors include husband, Arthur imer’s unit, Miller’s Merry Man- mother of the Rev. Laura Ballinger IN 46074. dren. Memorials can be given to the Summers Clark; four children, or, 300 N Washington St., (NIC), died May 22, 2007. Condo- DAVID W. WIDMOYER, re- Community Foundation of Elkhart Hazel Clark, Jim Clark, Louis Wakarusa, IN 46573. lences can be sent to the Rev. Laura tired pastor (NIC), died June 12, Co., Inc., 2930 S. Nappanee St., Clark and Marcia Franc; sister to ROBERT SPENCER EC- Ballinger, 251 E. Washington St., 2007. Survivors include his wife, Elkhart, IN 46517 or the donor’s Minnie Lee Jones (widow of the CLES, retired pastor (SIC) and Huntington, IN 46750-2728. Donna; son, Clark (Kathy) Wid- choice. Condolences can be sent to late Rev. Gerald H. Jones), 505 former professor and chairman of DAVID JERALD LAWSON, moyer, Elkhart; and daughters, Donna Widmoyer, 251 E. Market Roxbury Ct., Fort Wayne, IN the Department of Philosophy and retired Elder, Bishop (SIC) died Beth Bowman, Nappanee; Gail St., Nappanee, IN 46550-2119. 46807-3116. Condolences can be Religion at DePauw University, on May 31, 2007 in Franklin. (See sent to the Rev. Arthur Summers died on May 27, 2007 in Green- page 1.) Clark, 3161 Moller Rd., Indianap- castle, Ind. His wife, Kathryn, pre- CHARLES V. ROCKEY, Muncie, Rushville Districts on olis, IN 46224-2101. Memorials ceded him in death on Aug. 24, pastor (NIC), died May 31, 2007. may be given to Jaiama Secondary 2006. Survivors include: sons, Survivors include his wife, Wini- mission trip to Sierra Leone School of Operation Classroom, Bruce and Tom; five grandchil- fred “Winni” Rockey; mother, As Together goes to press, an Operation Classroom work team from P.O. Box 869, Marion, IN 46952. dren, and two great-grandchildren. Annabelle Rockey, Kokomo; four the Muncie and Rushville Districts is currently at Baoma Secondary ROSS COOK, retired pastor LOIS E. GEIBLE, widow of children, Lesa L.Brown, Monica School in Sierra Leone until July 7. This is the school that both dis- (NIC), died May 25, 2007. Survi- the late Rev. Merrell D. Geible “MoMo” Wentzel, Charles D. tricts have been supporting. vors include: wife, Lois; children, (NIC), died June 9, 2007. Survi- “Chuck” Rockey, Jennifer A. The United Methodist supported schools in Sierra Leone are in need Rita Pittman of Tomah, Wisc., vors include: three daughters, Lewis; and five grandchildren. of so many things – paper, books, pencils, pens, chalk, desks, benches, Diane Stewart of Cicero, Ind., Elizabeth Shoemaker, Katherine Memorials can be given to the qualified teachers, housing for teachers, and the list goes on. Like- Gary Cook, Syracuse, Ind.; step- Geible and Rebecca Geible; and Family Ties Gospel Music Minis- wise, there is a very long list of students and their families who know children, Jill Boleman of Atlanta, two sons, David and Norman. tries through the Stout & Son Fu- that to get an education is the hope for the future of the family and of Ga., Mike Anglin of Nappanee, Memorials can be given to the neral Home, 200 E. Main St., Rus- Sierra Leone. Ind., Tom Anglin of Nappanee, Merrell D. and Lois E. Geible. siaville, IN 46979-9187. In addition to working two weeks on the school project refurbish- Ind. and Joan Crieg of Fort Memorials can be sent to Schol- STEPHEN WESLER, of ing the principal’s house at Baoma, the team hopes to walk on a trail Wayne, Ind., former wife, Char- arship Fund, United Theological New Paris, Ohio, and brother of for about 45 minutes to visit a small remote village in the bush. They lotte Morrill of Syracuse, Ind.; 17 Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Rd., the Rev. Mark Wesler, pastor of planned to visit many UMC mission projects, schools and hospitals, grandchildren and 10 great-grand- Trotwood, OH 45426. Condolenc- Christ United Methodist Church clinics and orphanages. children. Condolences can be sent es can be sent to Norman Geible, in Westfield, Ind. (SIC), died May For more information, log on to www.operationclassroom.org. Hoosier United CHRONICLES Methodists 11 www.inareaumc.org together

APPOINTMENTS Bishop Michael J. Coyner has an- Fort Wayne, 6/16 Losantville, Muncie to no appoint- Dunlevy, Sharon from no appointment Paul’s, Rushville to Huntingburg, nounced the following changes within the Forbes, Randy from no appointment to ment, 6/16 to Fishers, Indianapolis East, 6/10 Vincennes, 7/1 Indiana Area. All dates effective 2007 Helmer, Fort Wayne, 6/16 Newton, Jeffery A. from Kokomo Trin- Emily, I. Blaine from Decker, Vincennes Puttman, Greg A. from no appointment unless otherwise noted. These appoint- Foreman, Marl L. from South Bend ity, Kokomo to Kokomo Trinity/ to Retirement, 7/1 to Brazil: Epworth, Terre Haute, 5/15 ments are based on Cabinet reports re- Epworth, Michiana to no appoint- Cassville, Kokomo, 6/1 Enlow, John W. from Disability Leave Raidy, Kevin M. from Whitestown, In- ceived by Indiana Area Communication ment, 6/16 Overman, Craig A. from Mulberry, to Retirement, 9/1/2006 dianapolis West to Bloomfield, during the months of May and June 2007. Frymier, Bret from Washington Cen- Lafayette to Kilmore, Lafayette, 6/16 Felps, David R. from no appointment Bloomington, 6/1 ter, Warsaw to Albion Asbury, Poynter, Susan from New Beginnings, to Atkins Chapel, New Albany, 7/1 Reed, Kevin from no appointment to North Indiana Conference Calumet, 6/16 Marion to Central Michigan Confer- Galbraith, David from Jefferson: Park Indianapolis: Meridian Street, India- Alexander, Jerrold from Anderson Co- Gaylor, Mark A. from no appointment ence, 6/15 Place, New Albany to Connersville: napolis West, 7/1 lonial, Marion to Anderson Colonial/ to Eastlawn, Lafayette, 6/16 Ramirez, Jose A. from no appointment First, Rushville, 7/1 Roberts, Gwendolyn C. from Extension New Beginnings, Marion, 6/16 Greene, Carl from Spartanburg, Muncie to Hammond First, Calumet, 7/1 Gieselman, Tammy from Sabbatical Ministry: ¶ 344.1.a Metro Ministries, Alexander, Will J. from no appointment to Saratoga, Muncie, 6/16 Ramos, Juanita from Hammond Hyde Leave to Boonville: Main St., Evans- Indianapolis to Extension Ministry: to Blaine Center, New Mt. Pleasant, Gross, Jason from Claypool, Warsaw to Park, Calumet to no appointment, 7/1 ville, 7/1 ¶ 344.1.a Metro Ministries, West Muncie, 5/13 Geneva First, Huntington, 6/16 Reyes, Janie G. from no appointment to Gilbert, Daryl A. from New Castle: Ohio Conference, 7/1 Allison, Catherine from no appointment Haney, Evelyn Taylor from Leave of Fort Wayne Christ, Fort Wayne, 6/16 Wiley, Rushville to Crawfordsville: Sanders, Mark from Plainville, to Chesterton, Calumet, 6/16 Absence, Warsaw to Claypool, War- Reyes, Sergio from no appointment to Trinity, Indianapolis West, 7/1 Vincennes to Oakland City: Trinity, Altergott, Karen from Extension Min- saw, 6/16 Iglesia Getesmani, Fort Wayne, 6/15 Gordon-Smith, Elizabeth from Green- Vincennes, 7/1 istry: Family Service Association, Haney, Joan from Westville, Calumet to Rohrer, Sheri from Killmore, Lafayette wood: Honey Creek, Indianapolis Scholl, Matthew Lee from Asbury Theo- Calumet to Westville, Calumet, 6/16 retirement, 6/16 to Transitional Leave, 6/16 East to Leave of Absence, 6/30 logical Seminary to Aley, West Ohio Andrews, Greg from no appointment to Hayward, Damon from Sweetser, Schmoekel, Larry from no appointment Harden, Colleen Ann from no appoint- Conference, 7/1 Petroleum, Huntington, 6/16 Marion to no appointment, 6/1 to Collins, Warsaw, 6/16 ment to Prairieton, Terre Haute, 7/1 Seaver, Tamyra Renee from Indianapo- Anykie, James from Gary Christ, Calu- Helm, Laura from Petersville (South Siefert, Bobby Joe from Emmanuel/ Harris, Rosa from Rockford, Columbus lis: Brookside, Indianapolis East/In- met to South Indiana Conference, 7/1 Conference) to Wabash First, Hun- PawPaw, Kokomo to Kokomo Parr, to Indianapolis: Forest Manor, India- dianapolis: East 10th Street, India- Beall, Michael W. from Muncie Foun- tington, 6/16 Kokomo, 6/16 napolis East, 7/1 napolis West to no appointment, 6/30 tain Square, Muncie to Living Wa- Herron, Jeff from Mt. Carmel, Marion Smith, Joseph E. from Kentland Trin- Haysler, George C. from Butlerville, Shake, Jack D. from Brownstown, ter, Huntington, 6/16 to Sweetser, Marion, 6/10 ity, Lafayette to Elkhart Dunlap, Columbus to no appointment, 6/30 Bloomington to Dale, Evansville, 8/1 Beezley, Michael from Talma, Warsaw Hershey, Alexander G. from no appoint- Michiana, 6/16 Helm, Laura Kathaleen from Petersville, Sharp, Robert Thomas from South In- to Clunette, Warsaw, 6/16 ment to Monticello, Lafayette, 1/16 Tatman, Michael from Kewanna/Pleas- Columbus to Wabash First, Hunting- diana Conference Director to Re- Borgman, Richard A. from Monroeville Hostette Kathie from no appointment to ant Hill, Kokomo to Kentucky Con- ton, North Indiana Conference, 7/1 tirement, 6/30 East Liberty, Fort Wayne to Largo, Roselawn, Calumet, 6/16 ference, 6/16 Helms, William H. from Milltown, New Shrouds, Adam from Kentucky Wesleyan Huntington, 6/16 Ingle, Mark B. from Tipton Kemp, Tormey, Jim R. from no appointment to Albany to Milltown: Hancock to Broadway, Bowling Green District, Breeden, Lynn from no appointment to Kokomo to South Indiana Confer- Granger New Salem, Michiana, 6/16 Chapel, New Albany, 7/1 Kentucky Conference, 7/1 Talma, Warsaw, 6/16 ence, 7/1 Troyer, Martha from Zionsville, India- Hesseman, Janice from Boonville: Main Simpson, Douglas from Fairview, Brittenham, Steve from Helmer, Fort Johnson, Ronald E. from Muncie napolis West, South Indiana Confer- Street, Evansville to Knightstown, Bloomington to Metro Ministries, 7/1 Wayne to no appointment, 6/15 Avondale, Muncie to no appoint- ence to High Street, Muncie, 5/16 Rushville, 7/1 Slavens, Randall J. from PCGM: Tell Brown, Frank from Rigdon, Marion to ment, 6/15 Ward, Lester from Hammond First, Hobbs, Richard Aaron from New Mar- City, Evansville to New Life, no appointment, 6/10 Keene Delos from Roselawn, Calumet Calumet to Hammond First/ ket/New Market: Waveland, India- Rushville, 7/1 Chinn, David from Sugar Grove, to no appointment, 6/16 Hammond Hyde Park, Calumet, 7/1 napolis West to Fishers, Indianapo- Smith, Laura Belle from no appointment Marion to Montpelier, Marion, 6/16 Koziatek, Catherine from Granger New White-Stevens, Jane K. from Tamarack, lis East, 7/1 to Mt. Calvary, Terre Haute, 7/1 Cline, James E. from Hobbs, Kokomo Salem, Michiana to Elkhart Bethel, Michiana to Retirement, 6/01 Hurley, Curtis Noel from Washington: Smith, Rebecca Lynn from no appoint- to West Middleton, Kokomo, 6/3 Michiana, 6/16 Wright Jill from Fort Wayne Christ, Fort Christ, Vincennes to Bloomington: ment to Indianapolis: Maple Hill, Coffman, Daniel from Pleansant Grove, Lapsley, Denise E. from no appointment Wayne to Robinson Chapel, Fort Fairview, Bloomington, 7/1 Indianapolis East, 7/1 Marion to no appointment, 5/13 to Monroeville, Fort Wayne, 7/1 Wayne, 6/16 Ingle, Mark B. from no appointment to Spahr, Ann G. from Indianapolis: Maple Collier, Phillip from South Indiana Con- Luchs, Janet from Monroeville, Fort Indianapolis: Otterbein, Indianapo- Hill, Indianapolis East to North Sa- ference to Tipton Kemp, Kokomo, 7/1 Wayne to no appointment, 6/30 South Indiana Conference lis East, 7/1 lem, Indianapolis West, 7/1 Daum, Desire Renee from Wilmore Lumpkin, Sandi Ann from no appoint- Adams, Dennis Charles from no appoint- Irvine, Michael V. from no appoint- Troyer, Martha L. from Zionsville, India- Memorial, Muncie to Losantville, ment to Rehoboth, Muncie, 6/16 ment to St. Peters, Evansville, 7/1 ment to New Chapel: Vienna, Co- napolis West to High Street, Muncie, Muncie, 6/16 Macy, Julie from no appointment to Adams, John L. from Dale: Garrison lumbus, 7/1 North Indiana Conference, 5/14 DeKoninck, Kevin from Francisville/ Columbia City, Warsaw, 6/16 Chapel/Dale, Evansville to New Kelly, Debora C. from no appointment Tucker, H. Wayne from Jamestown, In- Medaryville, Lafayette to Leave of Mauzy, Maureen from Brimfield, War- Harmony, Evansville, 7/1 to Fredericksburg/Hardinsburg/Mt. dianapolis West to Cambridge City, Absence, 6/16 saw to no appointment, 6/16 Artis, Amy K. from Mt. Vernon: Faith/ Carmel, New Albany, 7/1 Rushville, 7/1 Elder, Ernie D. from Eastlawn/Mt.Zion- McCoy, Catherine D. from Judyville, Mt. Vernon: St. Paul’s, Evansville to Kirk, Warren from no appointment to Turner, Jerald E. from Atkins Chapel, New Tippecanoe, Lafayette to Mt. Zion/ Lafayette to Williamsport/Judyville, Tanner Valley, Columbus, 7/1 Grandview Rockport First, Evans- Albany to Petersville, Columbus, 7/1 Weaver Chapel, Lafayette, 6/16 Lafayette, 6/16 Bond, Curtis from Cambridge City, ville, 7/1 Tuttle, Doug from no appointment to Fergusson, Austin from Albion Asbury, McPeek, Steven from Living Water, Rushville to Lebanon: Otterbein, Kumpf, Robert from Harmony/Har- Hickory, Vincennes, 5/15 Warsaw to no appointment, 6/16 Huntington to Kewanna/Pleasant Terre Haute, Indianapolis West, 7/1 mony: Lena, Terre Haute to Har- Vester, Robert from McCutchanville Fisher, Rebecca from Wabash First, Hill, Kokomo, 6/16 Bond, Ford from Prairieton, Terre Haute mony, Terre Haute, 7/1 Community and McCutchanville Huntington to Fort Wayne Faith, Nelson, Christopher Charles from to Plainville, Vincennes, 7/1 Lints, Judith A. from no appointment to Elberfeld/New Jerusalem, Evans- Bourne, Chiyona A. from no appoint- Coal City: Beech, Terre Haute, 5/15 ville to McCutchanville Community, ment to Hillside, Vincennes, 7/1 Lunsford, Troy from Conners: New Evansville, 7/1 Indiana Area leads jurisdiction Bradley, Ray C. from Fairview/ Life, Rushville to Pershing, Walters, Jon B. from UMC of New Cov- Mauckport, New Albany to Retire- Rushville, 7/1 enant, Alaska Missionary Confer- ment, 4/30 Maple, Ethan from Milltown/Milltown: ence to Retirement, 6/30 in 2006 VIM service Bray, Karen L. from Linden, Indianapolis Hancock Chapel, New Albany to In- Watson, Patrica S. from SWC: With all 12 conferences of the United Methodist North Central Ju- West to Emmanuel, Terre Haute, 7/1 dianapolis: Old Bethel, Indianapo- Fredricksburg/SWC: Hardinsburg/ lis East, 7/1 risdiction reporting their 2006 Volunteer in Mission activities, Indiana Brockway, Michael S. from North Salem, SWC: Mt. Carmel, New Albany to Indianapolis West to Indianapolis: Miller, Robert Bradley from Huntingburg, Salem, Fredrick District, Baltimore- conferences led the other ten conferences by a long shot. West Newton, Indianapolis West, 7/1 Vincennes to Greenwood: Honey Washington Conference, 7/1 In dollars contributed, the South Indiana Conference contributed more Case, Timothy L. from Indianapolis: Creek, Indianapolis East, 7/1 Welsh, Barry from Laurel, Rushville to than $1.4 million and the North Indiana Conference contributed more Rosedale Hills, Indianapolis West to Moon, Jim from Noblesville First, In- no appointment, 6/30 than $800,000 or 30 percent of the jurisdiction’s total VIM contributions. no appointment, 6/30 dianapolis East to Jeff Park Place, White, Brian K. from Terre Haute: When it came to the value of work completed converted to dollars, Cash, Cheryl from Monroe City, New Albany, 7/1 Temple, Terre Haute to District Su- the South Indiana Conference contributed more than $3.2 million worth Vincennes to Monroe City/Decker, Nelson, Gloria Jean from New Life, perintendent, Columbus, 7/1 Rushville to Edinburgh, Indianapo- Willis, Ronald Alan from Indianapolis: of work and the North Indiana Conference contributed more than $1.4 Vincennes, 7/1 Chizmar, Nancy Harmon from Tanner lis East, 6/30 West Newton, Indianapolis West to million worth of work or a total of $4.6 million or 45 percent of the Valley, Columbus to Rushville: St. Nickrand, William George from PCGM: Tell City, Evansville, 7/1 jurisdiction’s total value of work. Overall, the jurisdiction contributed Paul’s, Rushville, 7/1 Newburgh UMC, Evansville to Wilson, Joe from Hickory, Vincennes to $7.3 million in contributions and $10.7 million in the value of work. Collier, Phillip B. from Crawfordsville Unity Chapel, New Albany, 7/1 Friendship, Vincennes, 5/15 This was almost a doubling of volunteers reported over last year. Trinity, Indianapolis West to Kemp, Otter, Warren from Noblesville First, Windley, Mark from no appointment to Church-wide the General Board of Global Ministries reports that Kokomo (North Indiana Confer- Indy East to no appointment, 7/1 Mauckport, New Albany, 5/15 the number of participants in United Methodist Volunteers in Mission ence), 7/1 Padgett, Samuel L. from Oak City Trin- Winter, Jeanne S. from Emmanuel, Terre Cook, Pamela C. from Fishers, Indianapo- ity, Vincennes to Corydon, New Al- Haute to Loogootee, Vincennes, 7/1 climbed from just under 20,000 in 1992 to almost 111,000 in 2006, lis East to Paoli, Bloomington, 7/1 bany, 7/1 Wright, W. Brent from Indianapolis: St. with several peaks and valleys across the 15-year period. The total Deeter, Dennis Leon from Loogootee, Peters, Phyllis L. from Bridgeton, Terre Luke’s, Indianapolis West to number of mission volunteers registered by Global Ministries in 2006 Vincennes to Retirement, 6/30 Haute to no appointment, 5/15 Jamestown, Indianapolis West, 7/1 was 112,486, including several programs in addition to Volunteers in Dragan, Randy M. from no appointment Pettigrew, John A. from Crawfordsville: Youngblood, Owen from Cory, Terre Mission. to Wesley Chapel, Terre Haute, 5/15 Christ/New Richmond, Indianapolis Haute to no appointment, 12/31/06 Reporting your church’s VIM trips to your conference office is an Duley, Gilbert from Bethel: Smith’s West to Crawfordsville: Christ, In- Zetterberg, Dennis C. from Indianapo- dianapolis West, 7/1 important task in completing your congregation’s VIM trip. Campground/Bethel, New Albany to lis: Otterbein, Indianapolis East to Retirement, 7/1 Phillips, Allen R. from Rushville: St. Ogilville, Columbus, 7/1 Hoosier United 12 Methodists together July/August 2007 Volunteers in Mission Team Leader Training September 8, 2007

Presented by the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Mission Volunteers Resource Team Kokomo, Indiana North Indiana Conference Mission Outreach and Ministry 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m

REGISTRATION for Team Leader Training Who should attend? Leaders and/or participants of work teams, youth leaders.

What is the cost? $10 person which includes lunch ______and basic materials plus Name Phone Number $25 for VIM Training Manual (only 1 needed per church). ______Address City, State, Zip Topics include: How to plan a mission trip, where to go when your church wants to send ______a team, spiritual enrichment, being a Address Church team member, cultural sensitivity, insurance and liability forms regard- less of where you go, issues of risk, Check all that apply: † team leader † youth leader and answers to questions. † national work team † international work team † clergy † lay For more information: Contact Bonnie Albert [email protected] Make checks payable to North Indiana Conference and mail to 219 464-1447 P.O. Box 869, Marion, IN 46952 Registration deadline is Sept. 5, 2007

Fall 2007 Continuing Formation Events South Indiana Conference Center, 1520 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington

September 10 First Mondays “Kickoff” October 3 Financial Planning for those Led by PT Wilson intending to retire in the next South Indiana Conference Center three years. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Led by George Hunsaker Full Schedule available at South Indiana Conference Center www.sicumc.org\events 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 5 Financial Planning for those over 50, but not planning to retire within the next three years. Led by George Hunsaker South Indiana Conference Center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 8 Financial Planning for those under 50. Led by George Hunsaker South Indiana Conference Center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

October 15-16 4th Annual Convocation for Pastors at Columbus, Ind. Bishop Deborah L. Kiesey Guest Bishop from the Dakotas Area