June 7-9 Nothing Stirs the Soul Like Good Harmony

June 7-9 Nothing stirs the soul like good harmony. As a United Methodist Choir Director, that’s what I strive for every Sunday. As your Relationship Manager at the United Methodist Financial Credit Union, I strive for perfect harmony as well—a harmonious relationship between you and your United Methodist credit union.

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INDIANA OFFICE 9465 Counselor’s Row | Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-677-2191 | www.umethodist.com WELCOME TO THE 2018 INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH!

It is my prayer that over these three days that we would experience vibrant worship, radical hospitality, as well as come with our hearts expectant for all that God is doing and will do through The United Methodist Church in Indiana.

This year as our annual conference theme calls us to, “See All The People,” I am both challenged and encouraged, and I hope you will be as well.

Annual Conference is a time of celebration, worship, reflection, as well as a time where we care for the business of the Church that supports the ministries that are important to our Connectional identity and our mission in the world. I encourage you to carefully read through the reports and additional materials as you prayerfully prepare for our time together.

The 2018 Annual Conference theme, taken from our United Methodist Discipleship Ministries’ campaign of the same name, reminds us that our purpose in gathering together is not all about the business. This is also our time for fellowship, as we connect with familiar friends and engage with those around us, making space for new friendships to flourish. I love this theme because it invites us towards our goal of being “missional” walking hand in hand as lay and clergy alongside our neighbors and communities. To God be the Glory!

It is my hope that our time together will strengthen our call to be engaged in the mission of the Church. We will spend time together in celebration of the work God is doing throughout our state and across the world through God’s faithful people in Indiana. We will not hold back in telling our stories and remembering the beauty of the Call on our lives, engaging our communities in life transforming ministry. As we gather for three days and then scatter to our respective calls and focuses, you will have a responsibility as you return to your local churches and ministry settings, of sharing news of the Annual Conference with hope in your hearts. And we are encouraging each of our churches to host a celebratory Annual Conference Sunday during or after your worship services to share the news of the our ministries as the Church in Indiana and the world Sunday, June 24, 2018.

We will also celebrate that this year marks the 50th anniversary of The United Methodist Church. We will remember our rich, Connectional history and Wesleyan identity as well as renew our call, not retreating from our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This milestone serves as a reminder of the integral role that we, as the Church, serve in the world. As we pause to remember the past 50 years and look forward to our future, we will spend time in prayer and critical conversation, acknowledging that we are not of one mind on all matters before us such as human sexuality. These conversations will hold a vital importance in the way we engage with one another and continue our mission of transforming the world.

It is my hope that the fullness of this Annual Conference Program and Worship Guide will offer itself as a tool for you to fully engage in each aspect of the 2018 Annual Conference.

Be encouraged,

Bishop Julius C. Trimble Resident Bishop Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church AGENDA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 10am-4pm Workshop Digital Theology 2:30-7 Registration open 3-5 Workshops Fresh Expressions See All the People With not For 7-9 Workshops Church Marketing Myth Busting Adolescent Leadership in the Church THURSDAY, JUNE 7 6-10:30am Health Screenings 8:00 Registration and Exhibit Hall J open Breakfast FPM’s Bob Walters’ Memorial 8:30 Workshop New Member Orientation 9:00 Breakfast Gathering of Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members 10:30 CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE 11:45 Dismissal Luncheons EO Tours Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Lucille Raines’ Residence Tour and Lunch Pastors Serving Large Churches 12:45pm Workshop Laity Learning Day 2:00 PLENARY SESSION 3:30 CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS 5:00 Dinners Alumni and Friends of Asbury Theological Seminary Extension Ministries Mission Guatemala Reconciling Ministries Network of Indiana 7:00 CLERGY SESSION CLERGY SPOUSES’ GATHERING LAITY SESSION FRIDAY, JUNE 8 6-10:30am Health Screenings 7:00 Breakfasts Friends of Africa University 7:30 Registration open 8:00 Exhibit Hall J open 8:30 MORNING WORSHIP/BIBLE STUDY 9:00 PLENARY SESSION 12 noon Dismissal Luncheons Candler Alumni Commissioning Orientation Emerging Leaders and Laity Luncheon Methodist Theological School in Ohio Alumni Missions United Methodist Foundation Retirees’ Luncheon 2:00pm PLENARY 3:00 CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS 5:00 Dinners Hispanic/Latino Ministries Indiana Confessing Movement & The Wesleyan Covenant Association Ordinands 7:00 COMMUNITY FUN SATURDAY, JUNE 9 6-10:30am Health Screenings 7:30 Registration open Breakfast Scouting Ministries 8:00 Exhibit Hall J open Breakfast Indiana Conference & Community Prayer Breakfast 10:00 A CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY: COMMISSIONING AND ORDINATION SERVICE

*An online, up-to-date schedule is available at www.inumc.org/inumc18sched with more details on each session and guest speakers. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Business Page 39 Table of Contents 39 Procedural Reminders 40 Plenary Action Items 40

Remembrances Page 57

Retiree Stories Page 83

This Book Belongs To:

All hymns and songs in this booklet are covered by CCLI #11409448.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to Carmel St Mark’s UMC for supporting the luncheon for Clergy serving large churches and to IU Health for supporting the Extension Ministries Dinner. CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE | THURSDAY 10:30AM To view written Memorials honoring those whose lives we will celebrate today see page 57.

PRELUDE - Procession of the Levites OPENING CONGREGATIONAL SONG

TE AMO Verse 2 Chorus I love Your grace that broke the chains Te amo, I love You Of sin and shame forever and ever Con todo mi corazón I love Your mercy Lord You are worthy Te amo I love You Of all the glory forever and ever Con todo mi corazón Oh Lord Your love never fails me With all my heart O Señor Oh Lord Your love never With all my soul O Señor Love never, love never fails! I love You Lord Chorus Te amo Te amo Te amo, I love You I love You Lord Con todo mi corazón I love You Lord Te amo, I love You Te amo Con todo mi corazón Te amo With all my heart O Señor I love You Lord With all my soul O Señor I love You I love You Lord

Verse 1 Chorus I love the way, You never change Te amo, I love You Your word remains forever and ever Con todo mi corazón I love Your name Jesus the same Te amo, I love You Yesterday today forever and ever Con todo mi corazón Oh Lord Your love never fails me Oh Lord Your love never fails Chorus Te amo, I love You Chorus Con todo mi corazón Te amo, I love You Te amo, I love You Con todo mi corazón Con todo mi corazón Te amo, I love You With all my heart O Señor Con todo mi corazón With all my soul O Señor With all my heart O Señor With all my heart O Señor With all my soul O Señor With all my soul O Señor I love You Lord I love You Lord

Te amo Te amo I love You Lord Aaron Lindsey | Israel Houghton | Meleasa Houghton | Rene I love You Lord “T-Bone” Sotoma | Ricardo Sanchez © 2005 Ricardo Music Dot Com (Admin. by Fun Attic Music Te amo Te amo I love You Lord I love You

PROCESSIONAL HYMN - Seating of families of deceased members of the Indiana Annual Conference es- corted by the Conference Superintendents.

Page 1 | Worship PRAISE MY SOUL THE KING OF HEAVEN Angels, help us to adore him; Praise, my soul, the King of heaven, Ye behold him face to face; To his feet thy tribute bring; Sun and moon, bow down before him, Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Dwellers all in time and space. Ever more his praises sing? Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace. Praise the everlasting King. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King. Praise him for his grace and favour To his people distress; DOXOLOGY Praise him still the same as ever, Slow to chide, and swift to bless: Praise God from whom all blessings flow Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God all creatures here below Glorious in his faithfulness. Praise God above ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost Father-like, he tends and spares us, Amen Well our feeble frame he knows; In his hands he gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely as his mercy flows.

CALL TO ORDER OF THE 2018 SESSION Bishop Trimble CALL TO WORSHIP Bishop Trimble For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Let us pray together: We need your presence on the long road, Lord. The road between fear and hope, the road between the place where all is lost and the place of resurrection. Like the disciples walking the road to Emmaus, we are in need of your company! Jesus, stand among us, in your risen power, let this time of worship, be a hallowed hour.

SCRIPTURE - 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Emily Hudson Timothy’s commission and Paul’s departure 1 I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom. 2 Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction. 3 There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will collect teachers who say what they want to hear because they are self-centered. 4 They will turn their back on the truth and turn to myths. 5 But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances. Endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the good news, and carry out your service fully. 6 I’m already being poured out like a sacrifice to God, and the time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. 8 At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.

SERMON - “Steady and True” Bishop Trimble

PRAYER Rev. Duane Carlisle, Jr.

Worship | Page 2 Tender and compassionate God, we seek to know you through the hearing of your Word and pray that we may go beyond hearing to obeying, as shown by the faithful lives of your departed servants whom we honor today. We know that they are precious in your eyes, worthy of your special attention and ours, for they served well in the task that you gave them. Grant that we may feel your presence as did the followers who knew Jesus in the breaking of the bread, and may we experience the fire within that sent them out to share good news. Amen.

READING OF THE NAMES “Reading of Names #2” THE PRAYER Sognamo un mondo senza piu violenza Verse 1 Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza I pray you’ll be our eyes Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino And watch us where we go Simbolo di pace e di fraternita And help us to be wise In times when we don’t know Verse 3 La forza che ci dai Let this be our prayer We ask that life be kind As we go our way E’il desiderio che Lead us to a place And watch us from above Guide us with your Grace Ognuno trovi amore To a place where we’ll be safe We hope each soul will find Intorno e dentro a se “Reading of Names #1” Another soul to love Verse 2 Let this be our prayer La luce che to dai Just like every child I pray we’ll find your light Needs to find a place, Nel cuore restero Guide us with your grace And hold it in our hearts Give us faith so we’ll be safe A ricordarchi che When stars go out each night “Reading of Names #3” L’eterna stella sei Let this be our prayer Nella mia preghiera Let this be our prayer Just like every child Quanta fede see’e Needs to find a place, When shadows fill our day Guide us with your grace Give us faith so we’ll be safe Lead us to a place Guide us with your grace E la fede che Give us faith so we’ll be safe. Hai acceso in noi Sento che ci salvera

O HAPPY DAY Oh happy day (oh happy day) Oh happy day (oh happy day) Oh happy day (oh happy day) He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed) Fight and pray When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed) And live rejoicing every, everyday When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed) He washed my sins away (oh happy day)

Page 3 | Worship COMMUNION The Bishop stands behind the Communion table.

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth. God of Abraham and Sarah, God of Miriam and Moses, God of Joshua and Deborah, God of Ruth and David, God of the priests and the prophets, God of Mary and Joseph, God of the apostles and the martyrs, God of our mothers and our fathers, God of our children to all generations.

And so, with your people on earth and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ. By the baptism of his suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death, and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.

On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

When the supper was over he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to his disciples, and said: “Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here, and on all these gifts of bread and wine in this place.

Worship | Page 4 Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by his blood.

Renew our communion with all your saints, especially those whom we remember before you today.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, strengthen us to run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith. By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet. Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty God, now and forever.

Amen.

And now, with the confidence of children of God, let us pray:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. The bread which we break is a sharing in the body of Christ.

All is prepared, all are welcome to this His table.

(Those assisting with communion will come to the front to receive communion and collect the elements and serve the families of those being remembered today. Those members of Conference seated at tables will use the bread and grape juice provided. Communion is served by intinction.)

MERCY

Verse 1 I will kneel in the dust at the foot of the cross, for all eternity. Bridge (4X’s) where mercy paid for me. May I never lose the wonder, Where the wrath I deserve, Verse 2 oh, the wonder of Your mercy. it is gone, it has passed. We will lift up the cup May I sing Your hallelujah. Your blood has hidden me. and the bread we will break, Hallelujah, Amen. remembering Your love. Chorus We were fallen from grace, (2X’s) Mercy, mercy, but You took on our shame May I never lose the wonder, as endless as the sea. and nailed it to a cross. oh, the wonder of Your mercy. I’ll sing Your hallelujah May I sing Your hallelujah. (Mercy interlude) Repeat Chorus (2x) Hallelujah, Amen.

Page 5 | Worship Last Verse I will kneel in the dust at the foot of the cross, where mercy paid for me.

Prayer after Communion is given by the Bishop

CLOSING HYMN - And Can It Be

Verse 1 Verse 4 And can it be that I should gain Long my imprisoned spirit lay An interest in the Savior’s blood Fast bound in sin and nature’s night Died He for me who caused His pain Thine eye diffused a quickening ray For me who Him to death pursued I woke the dungeon flamed with light

Amazing love how can it be My chains fell off my heart was free That Thou my God shouldst die for me I rose went forth and followed Thee Amazing love how can it be My chains fell off my heart was free That Thou my God shouldst die for me I rose went forth and followed Thee

Verse 3 Verse 5 He left His Father’s throne above No condemnation now I dread So free so infinite His grace Jesus and all in him is mine Emptied Himself of all but love Alive in him my living Head And bled for Adam’s helpless race And clothed in righteousness divine

‘Tis mercy all immense and free Bold I approach the eternal throne For O my God it found out me And claim the crown through Christ my own ‘Tis mercy all immense and free Bold I approach the eternal throne For O my God it found out me And claim the crown through Christ my own Bold I approach the eternal throne And claim the crown through Christ my own

BENEDICTION

PLENARY SESSION | THURSDAY 2:00PM To view all resolutions, reports, and additional business items please see page 39.

LAITY SESSION | THURSDAY 7:00PM Music as we gather

CALL TO WORSHIP We have been invited here by the Living God to come in and rest a while from the busy-ness of our everyday lives. God, bless our time together today.

We have been invited here by our Loving God to pray for the concerns of the world and of our own lives. God, hear the prayers we offer today.

Worship | Page 6 We have been invited here by our Gracious God to hear God’s word and to seek ways that it can live in us and be lived out in us. God, stir us to receive your word and to act on it.

We have been invited here by our Compassionate God to discover ways we can serve God’s will and purpose in the world around us, both near and far. God, call us to action on behalf of brothers and sisters at home and abroad.

We have been invited here by our Omnipresent God, who is here and in all places, to recharge and prepare for the journey, so that we may go out into the world to invite others, to disciple all the world, and to serve in the name of Jesus Christ. God, inspire our hearts by your Spirit in this hour so that all that will be done here and all that we do when we leave here is done in your name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

PRAYER How great are you God! Name above all names, and worthy to be praised. Our hearts sing to you today as we will sing to you for eternity.

We thank you for the privilege of gathering together before you, standing before your throne, as your people, your church, set free by your Word made flesh from the power of sin and death.

Holy Spirit, now move among us through the words you have inspired, and the testimonies of our lives.

Move among us, and help us remember who we are, your church, gathered from people of every age in every tribe, every nation, every language and every culture, and made one people together in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Page 7 | Worship YOU ARE GOOD All the time you are good

Verse 1 You are good all the time Lord you are good All the time you are good And your mercy endureth forever You are good all the time Lord you are good All the time you are good And your mercy endureth forever People from every nation and tongue People from every nation and tongue From generation to generation From generation to generation

Chorus Chorus We worship you We worship you Hallelujah hallelujah Hallelujah hallelujah We worship you for who you are We worship you for who you are (repeat) (repeat) And you are good For who you are (Bridge) For who you are You are good all the time You are good All the time you are good You are good all the time

SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD When You move You move us to tears

Verse 1 And when You fall we fall on our knees Spirit of the living God And when You fall we fall at Your feet Spirit of the living God We only want to hear Your voice Chorus We’re hanging on ev’ry word ‘Cause when You speak and when You move (repeat) When You do what only You can do It changes us Verse 2 It changes what we see and what we seek Spirit of the living God When You come in the room Spirit of the living God When You do what only You can do We’re leaning in to all You are It changes us Ev’rything else can wait It changes what we see and what we seek

Spirit of the living God Tag Spirit of the living God Spirit of the living God Come now and breathe upon our hearts Spirit of the living God Come now and have Your way We only want to hear Your voice We’re hanging on ev’ry word Chorus ‘Cause when You speak and when You move When You do what only You can do It changes us It changes what we see and what we seek

When You come in the room When You do what only You can do It changes us It changes what we see and what we seek

(Bridge) When You move You move all our fears

Worship | Page 8 WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY | FRIDAY 8:30AM Inviting music as we gather

IN YOUR PRESENCE Verse 2 In Your presence there is power Verse 1 Through Your Spirit strength will rise In Your presence there is freedom In Your presence there is mercy In Your presence there is hope In Your presence I’m alive In Your presence there is healing Love restores me I am whole No matter how far I run You are with me No matter how far I run No matter how far I fall You are with me No matter how far I fall Chorus

Chorus (Bridge) Your love is everlasting You will be our guide to the end to the end Your kindness never ends The Lord is with me He will not forsake me God You never leave me (Repeat) Your presence goes before us Your glory has no end Chorus God You never leave me

GATHERING PRAYER (UNISON) Beloved God, Into your presence we come this day, aware of your gift of life. We see, we touch, we taste, we feel Breath- ing in and breathing out, let us sense your Creator Life coursing through our veins. In this way we are one with you and your purpose on this earth. Breathing in and breathing out, we recognize ourselves as your beloved children, co-creators of your King- dom on this earth. We cannot grow this heaven on earth without your desire and help. We are loved, we are mighty, AND we are so small and so few. Breathing in and breathing out, we see ourselves alive and broken. We recognize our failures large and small and feel our need for your healing redemption. We see your sacrifice for us, Redeemer. We are so grateful. Breathing in and breathing out, we open our eyes to one another. Lead us on paths through rustling green pastures, beside lovely still waters, until our souls are restored and prepared. We reach across the aisles of life, letting your Holy Spirit build green spaces between us, bridges between hearts, meeting places of reconciliation and healing, paths of righteousness and, only if necessary, battlefields for justice. Amen

HERE I AM TO WORSHIP And You’re altogether lovely Altogether worthy Verse 1 Altogether wonderful to me Light of the world You stepped down into darkness Verse 2 Opened my eyes let me see King of all days Beauty that made Oh so highly exalted This heart adore You Glorious in heaven above Hope of a life spent with You Humbly You came To the earth You created Chorus All for love’s sake became poor So here I am to worship Here I am to bow down Chorus Here I am to say that You’re my God

Page 9 | Worship (Bridge) And I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross And I’ll never know how much it cost To see my sin upon that cross (Repeat)

Chorus

ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONFESSION (RESPONSIVE) Here we are, housed, fed, clothed. Many of us are aware that we are loved, that we belong. Our comfort blinds us to the vulnerability of others. We look away, lest suffering interfere with the peace we seek. Here we are, people of faith but tempted by illness, injury or sorrow to despair at times. Many of us know all too well the broken places in our lives, The relationships, habits, practices that destroy Your creation, That waste Your efforts to grow new life and resurrect us all. Here we are, invited, accepting, and sometimes sworn To serve You and all Your beloved children. Some of us are eager, some of us are tired, All of us are seeking alignment with You and Your Beloved Community. We invite You to see us, to know us, and heal us. Amen

SCRIPTURE - Luke 7:12-14 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”

SERMON - I See You Rev. Beth Watson

MUSIC

IS HE WORTHY

Verse 1 Do you feel the world is broken? (We do) Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do) But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? (We do) Do you wish that you could see it all made new? (We do)

Verse 2 Is all creation groaning? (It is) Is a new creation coming? (It is) Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst?

Worship | Page 10 (It is) Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)

Chorus 1 Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Of all blessing and honor and glory Is He worthy of this? He is

Verse 3 Does the Father truly love us? (He does) Does the Spirit move among us? (He does) And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves? (He does) Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)

Chorus 2 Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave He is David’s root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave

From every people and tribe Every nation and tongue He has made us a kingdom and priests to God To reign with the Son

Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Of all blessing and honor and glory Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Is He worthy of this? He is! Is He worthy? Is He worthy? He is! He is!

CLOSING PRAYER (if you are able and willing, I invite you to hold another’s hand as we pray) Into Your hands we commend our spirits. May we see Your face in darkness and in light, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, never parted from You even in death. May our hearts go out to one another, seeing into each other’s hearts, loving all as our own, as Your own. We see You, we feel You. We’re right here, next to You. Amen

Page 11 | Worship BENEDICTION Keep holding on, keep the eyes of your hearts open. Look into the faces of the folks at your tables. Speak if you can. “I see you.” Go in peace.

PLENARY SESSION AND RETIREMENT RECOGNITION SERVICE | FRIDAY 9:00AM To view all resolutions, reports, and additional business items please see page 39. Retiree stories may be viewed on page 83.

GATHERING GREETING Rev. Dr. Brian K. White - Chair of the Order of Elders

FORWARD THROUGH THE AGES

Forward through the ages, in unbroken line, move the faithful spirits at the call divine; gifts in differing measure, hearts of one accord, manifold the service, one the sure reward.

Refrain Forward through the ages, in unbroken line, move the faithful spirits at the call divine.

Wider grows the kingdom, reign of love and light; for it we must labor, till our faith is sight. Prophets have proclaimed it, martyrs testified, poets sung its glory, heroes for it died. (Refrain)

Not alone we conquer, not alone we fall; in each loss or triumph lose or triumph all. Bound by God’s far purpose in one living whole, move we on together to the shining goal. (Refrain)

OPENING PRAYER Rev. Julie Macy - Chair of the Order of Deacons PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Pastor Dawn Cuthbert Chair of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members

SCRIPTURE LESSON - Philippians 3:7-16 (NRSV) 7 I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. 8 More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, 11 if somehow, I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made

Worship | Page 12 me his own. 13 Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. 16 Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.

A WORD FROM THE BISHOP Bishop Trimble RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREES The retirees and spouses stand as they are introduced by name.

Doug Barber Mark Allen Fernihough Craig LaSuer Douglas Sanders Steve Bard Daryl Gressel Gail D. Law Bill Shannon Monty Barker C. Archibald Hawkins Brenda Ludwig Jackie Smith Bill Bergstrom George C. Haysler Rob Martindale Scott Stephans Dave Byrum David Heim Yvonne Cuenca Oropeza Laurence Landon Stewart Wade Compton Mark Hill Paul D. Perry JT Thomas Steve Conner Randy Jungkurth Larry Platt Charles Wanner Barbara Cross Bert Kite Patty Roberts Mark Dicken Bob Kumpf Dennis Rush

Brothers and sisters in Christ, you came to us from congregations where the Spirit of the Lord was upon you; and you were charged to preach to the brokenhearted, to visit the captive, to anoint those who were bruised. These things you have done.

We thank God for the community of the faithful in which the Word of God found response. Countless persons have depended upon you for help. In the providence of God, you know that both suffering and joy can be God’s way of teaching and healing.

At your ordination, you received authority to read the Holy Scriptures in the Church of God, to preach the Word, to celebrate the Sacraments, and to order the life of the Church. At your consecration, you received authority to equip the people of God, and to embody the unity of the congregation’s worship with its life in the world. By God’s grace you did many things that seemed to be beyond your power.

We thank God that you were given the vision to be faithful. Death and illness have not come on schedule. The truth has not always been easy to preach. We know something of the grace by which you have lived, and we thank God for your vision.

Never think lightly of the great good that God has wrought through you.

Page 13 | Worship Continue to be true to your calling. May God’s love and power be with you always. Let us pray together.

God of grace, you fill your servants with the vision. You empower your servants with your Spirit. We give thanks for the ministry of these women and men, and for the ways in which you have ministered to us through them. Give them a sense of your abiding presence, that they may continue to love and serve you, and ever grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

RESPONSE FROM THE RETIRING CLASS Retirees Sustaining God, you have been present with your people from generation to generation. Undergird us during this time of transition, and be with all who experience changes in life. You have bound us together to work for your reign on earth. Bless us as we begin this new phase of ministry. Amen.

PASSING OF THE MANTLE Rev. Larry Whitehead - Dean of the Bishop’s Cabinet Rev. Craig LaSuer will pass the mantle to Rev. Lisa Cottingham. The bishop takes the mantle (a stole) and places it on the shoulders of the representative of the retiring class, saying:

In the book of Kings we read of the prophet Elijah’s ministry. The mantle, symbolic of submission to God, fell upon the younger prophet, Elisha, and the spirit of Elijah rested upon Elisha.

The representative of the retiring class rises and places the mantle on the shoulders of the representative of the new full member class, saying:

I transfer this mantle from our generation to the young, indicating thereby that the responsibilities and dedication of the older generation will be caught up and carried on by the young, and the spirit of today’s Elijahs will rest upon today’s Elishas.

The representative of the new class rises, turns to the retiring class, and says:

We who come after you take up the mantle which falls upon us. May we inherit a double share of your spirit.

The bishop responds:

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Worship | Page 14 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1–6)

TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love. Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King. Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee. Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will, and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take my heart, it is thine own; it shall be thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.

DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING Bishop Trimble

For everything there is a season, a time for every matter under heaven. So, too, there is a time for movement, new adventure, fields of service not yet touched. With love, we send you forth in the spirit of John Wesley: May the world be your parish.

Go into the world and respond to the love of Christ in all you do. Live out the vision God has given you. May God’s mercy, grace, and peace be with you. May you be channels for God’s mercy, grace, and peace to the world wherever you may be!

Page 15 | Worship Amen!

Amen!

CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY: COMMISSIONING AND ORDINATION SERVICE | SATURDAY 10:00AM

A Worship Service of Word and the Order for the Commissioning, Recognition, and Ordination of Deacons and Elders with The Giving and Receiving of Appointments

Note: Baptismal Font and the Sacrament of Baptism will be central and will be the foundation for the service.

Procession: Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Cross BoOM Director of Leadership Development Bible Marshall #1 Preacher Baptismal Bowl Commissioning Candidates Bishop’s Assistant Chalice Marshall #2 Bishop’s Banner Towel and Basin Ordination Candidates Bishop Elder’s Stole

PREPARING OUR HEARTS - Music as we gather PROCESSIONAL

1000 TONGUES Where every chain is broken, Every sorrow swept away. Verse 1 Gathered under one name. We are a sea of voices, We are an ocean of your praise. Chorus Gathered under one name. O for a thousand tongues to sing, We are a tide that’s rising, The glories of our Lord, God Almighty. And we cannot be contained. O to sing the Savior’s praise, Gathered under one name. The triumph of His grace, You are worthy, Chorus Yes, You are worthy God. O for a thousand tongues to sing, The glories of our Lord, God Almighty. O to sing the Savior’s praise, With all heaven sing, The triumph of His grace, And all earth below. You are worthy, One holy King, You are worthy God. One highest throne.

Verse 2 With all heaven sing, We have found our anthem, And all earth below. At the cross where sin was slain. One holy King, Gathered under one name. One highest throne.

Worship | Page 16 Chorus O for a thousand tongues to sing, The glories of our Lord, God Almighty. O to sing the Savior’s praise, The triumph of His grace, You are worthy, You are so worthy God.

O for a thousand tongues to sing, The glories of our Lord, God Almighty. O to sing the Savior’s praise, The triumph of His grace, You are worthy, You are worthy God.

O FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES TO SING

O for a thousand tongues to sing He breaks the power of canceled sin My great Redeemer’s praise He sets the prisoner free The glories of my God and King His blood can make the foulest clean The triumphs of His grace His blood availed for me

My gracious Master and my God He speaks, and listening to His voice Assist me to proclaim New life the dead receive To spread through all the earth abroad The mournful broken hearts rejoice The honors of Thy name The humble poor believe

Jesus, the name that charms our fears Glory to God and praise and love That bids our sorrows cease Be ever, ever giv’n Tis music in the sinners ears By saints below and saints above Tis life and health and peace The church in earth and Heav’n

By Charles Wesley; Carl Glaser; Lowell Mason & David Crowder

PRAISE TO THE LORD ALMIGHTY (Bridge) Praise to the Lord, the almighty, Halleluiah, Halleluiah the King of creation; Halleluiah, Halleluiah O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation: Praise to the Lord, who does, All ye who hear, Now to his temple draw near, prosper thy work and defend thee; Praise Him in glad adoration. Surely his goodness and mercy here, daily attend thee: Praise to the Lord, who does Ponder anew, What the Almighty can do, nourish thy life and restore thee If with His love, he befriend thee. Fitting thee well for the tasks that are ever before thee Praise to the Lord! Then to Thy need, O let all that is in me adore him! God like a mother does speed All that hath life and breath, spreading the wings of grace o’er thee come now with praises before him!

Page 17 | Worship Let the Amen, Sound from his people again: Let the Amen, Sound from his people again: Let the Amen,….. Sound from his people again: Gladly for aye we adore him.

(Bridge) Halleluiah, Halleluiah Halleluiah, Halleluiah

Halleluiah, Halleluiah Halleluiah, Halleluiah

GREETING AND PRAYER Bishop Trimble greets the people, and the people respond:

The grace of Jesus Christ be with you all.

And also with you.

We come together to praise God, to remember our baptisms, to hear the Holy Word, and to seek for ourselves and others the power, presence, and direction of the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray.

Eternal God, by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit you gave to your apostles many excellent gifts. Come upon us gathered here to set apart those who will lead among us By calling and equipping us to fulfill your desire That we do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with you. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Please be seated

RECOGNITION OF OUR COMMON MINISTRY AND REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM Bishop Trimble:

Ministry is the work of God, done by the people of God. Through baptism all Christians are made part of the priesthood of all believers, the Church, Christ’s body, made visible in the world. We all share in Christ’s ministry of love and service for the redemption of the human family and the whole of creation.

Therefore, in celebration of our common ministry, I call upon all God’s people gathered here to affirm your faith, first proclaimed in your baptism:

On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?

Worship | Page 18 I do.

Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?

I do.

Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?

I do.

Will you nurture all God’s children in Christ’s holy Church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?

I will. The Bishop scoops and pours water from the font saying:

Today we give thanks again for the gift of water through which the Holy Spirit washes away our sin, Clothes us in righteousness, and empowers us towards God’s mission in the world.

Remember your baptism and be thankful.

We remember our baptism with joy and thanksgiving!

Through your baptism, you were equipped by the Spirit for ministry.

We affirm our common ministry together.

MESSAGE IN MUSIC DOWN TO THE RIVER TO PRAY O sisters let’s go down Down in the river to pray Verse 1 As i went down in the river to pray Verse 2 Studyin’ about that good ol’ way As i went down in the river to pray And who shall wear a starry crown Studyin’ about that good ol’ way Good lord show me the way And who shall wear a robe and crown Good lord show me the way Chorus 1 O sisters let’s go down Let’s go down come on down

Page 19 | Worship Chorus 2 Chorus 4 O brothers let’s go down O mothers let’s go down Let’s go down come on down Come on down don’t ya wanna go down Come on brothers let’s go down Come on mothers let’s go down Down in the river to pray Down in the river to pray

Verse 3 Verse 5 As i went down in the river to pray As i went down in the river to pray Studyin’ about that good ol’ way Studyin’ about that good ol’ way And who shall wear a robe and crown And who shall wear a robe and crown Good lord show me the way Good lord show me the way

Chorus 3 Chorus 5 O fathers let’s go down O sinners let’s go down Let’s go down come on down Let’s go down come on down O fathers let’s go down O sinners let’s go down Down in the river to pray Down in the river to pray

Verse 4 As i went down in the river to pray Studyin’ about that good ol’ way And who shall wear a robe and crown Good lord show me the way

PRESENTATION OF PERSONS TO BE COMMISSIONED AND ORDAINED Bishop Trimble: Who presents these candidates to be ordained, commissioned, or recognized?

Representing Board of Laity - Kimberly Arnott on behalf of the Conference Lay Leader: Bishop Trimble, On behalf of the laity of local congregations who have examined and approved these candidates,

A member of the Board of Ordained Ministry - Rev. Russ Abel, Chair, Board of Ordained Ministry: and on behalf of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Indiana Annual Conference, which has recommended these persons, and this annual conference, which has approved them, we present this person to be commissioned for the work of a deacon:

Diane M. Gattone

And these persons to be commissioned for the work of an elder:

Dereck Fields Susan Nanette Hobson Joseph Sanford Brittney Delane Stephan Bette Marie Thompson Brian Keith White Leah Kathryn Yen

Worship | Page 20 A member of the Order of Deacon - Rev. Julie Macy, Chair, Order of Deacons: Bishop Trimble, We present these persons to be ordained into the Order of Deacon:

Jill Marie DeHaven Buckler Angela Kay Kidd Benjamin Michael Lovell

A member of the Order of Elder - Rev. Brian White, Chair, Order of Elders: And these persons to be ordained into the Order of Elder:

Curtis Aaron Banker Lois Kay Cannon Duane Charles Carlisle, Jr. Lisa Anne Cottingham Jeffrey Barton Herron Glenn James Knepp Samuel William Miller Needham Jacob McGrath Ohlemiller Angel Armstrong Rea Joseph Randall Seger Ann Christine Thomas Sharon Lorraine Washington

And this person who having served this Conference as an Ordained Deacon is now to be recognized as a full elder:

Laura Loudon McDonald

After all the candidates have been presented, they remain standing, and the bishop says: These persons are by God’s grace to be commissioned, recognized or ordained to ministry in Christ’s holy church. Those authorized by the Church to inquire about them have discerned that they are persons of sound learning and of Christian character, and possess the necessary signs of God’s grace, and have demonstrated a profound commitment to serve Jesus Christ. Therefore, we believe them to be duly called to serve God.

THE GENERAL EXAMINATION All remain seated except the candidates and Bishop Trimble, who stand facing one another. Bishop Trimble examines the candidates for commissioning, ordination and recognition:

My sisters and brothers in Christ, you have been called to a commissioned or an ordained ministry. The church now confirms your calling.

As commissioned or ordained ministers, you are to be co-workers with the laity, bishops,

Page 21 | Worship deacons, diaconal ministers, deaconesses, home missioners, commissioned ministers, local pastors, supply pastors and elders. With all who serve God in the Church.

Remember that you are called to serve rather than to be served, to proclaim the faith of the church and no other, to look after the concerns of God above all.

So that we may know that you believe yourselves to be called by God and that you profess the Christian faith, we ask you:

Do you believe that God has called you to the life and work of commissioned or ordained ministry?

I do so believe.

Do you believe in the Triune God, and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

I do so believe and confess.

Are you persuaded that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ and are the unique and authoritative standard for the church’s faith and life?

I am so persuaded, by God’s grace.

Will you be faithful in prayer, in the study of the Holy Scriptures, and with the help of the Holy Spirit continually rekindle the gift of God that is in you?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you, in the exercise of your ministry, lead the people of God to faith in Jesus Christ,

Worship | Page 22 to participate in the life and work of the community, and to seek peace, justice, and freedom for all people?

I will, with the help of God.

Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, accepting its order, liturgy, doctrine, and discipline, defending it against all doctrines contrary to God’s Holy Word, and committing yourself to be accountable with those serving with you, and to the bishop and those who are appointed to supervise your ministry?

I will, with the help of God.

The bishop addresses the candidates: May God, who has given you the will to do these things, give you grace to perform them, that the work begun in you may be brought to perfection. All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen!

All are seated.

THE EXAMINATION OF THOSE BEING COMMISSIONED The bishop says to the congregation:

By affirming the covenant of baptism, all members of Christ’s holy church pledge to serve as Christ’s representatives in the world.

Christ gave all of us this command: “Ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest.” We have asked, and the Lord has answered. These sisters and brothers know our Savior’s concern for God’s people, see the plentiful harvest, and are ready to respond generously to the Lord in the words of the prophet: “Here I am; send me.”

Urged on by the love of Christ and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, they now come to declare in public their desire to live out the covenant made at their baptism by binding themselves to the service of God under the supervision of the bishop and the guidance of ordained colleagues and by being appointed to share as servant leaders in the body of Christ.

Today we commission them to service as they continue to prepare for ordained ministry among us.

Page 23 | Worship THE PRAYER OF COMMISSIONING WITH LAYING ON OF HANDS The candidates for commissioning stand. Bishop Trimble, facing the congregation and extending arms over all of the candidates, prays:

God of the apostles and prophets, of the martyrs and teachers, you raise up men and women to be apostolic leaders in your church. By your Holy Spirit help these, your servants, to understand and live the mystery of your love with boldness and joy. Deepen their sense of purpose as they exercise commissioned ministry. Empower them, and those who will walk with them to guide their ministry, together with all of your people, to heal those who are sick, love those who are outcast, resist evil, preach the Word, and give themselves freely for your name’s sake.

Two at a time the candidates come forward and kneel. Family and friends are invited to stand where they are for silent prayer during laying on of hands for each candidate.

Bishop Trimble, laying hands upon the shoulders of each candidate, prays:

Pour out your Holy Spirit upon Name. Send him/her now to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, to announce the reign of God, and to equip the church for ministry, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

The Conference Lay Leader or his/her representative presents a Book of Worship and Certificate to each candidate as they return to their seats.

MESSAGE IN MUSIC PRAYER OF THE CHILDREN By Kurt Bestor (arr. Francis Wyatt)

Can you hear the prayer of the children? On bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room Empty eyes with no more tears to cry Turning heavenward toward the light

Crying Jesus, help me To see the morning light-of one more day But if I should die before I wake, I pray my soul to take

Can you feel the hearts of the children? Aching for home, for something of their very own Reaching hands, with nothing to hold on to,

Worship | Page 24 But hope for a better day a better day

Crying Jesus, help me To feel the love again in my own land But if unknown roads lead away from home, Give me loving arms, away from harm

Can you hear the voice of the children? Softly pleading for silence in a shattered world? Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate, Blood of the innocent on their hands

Crying Jesus, help me To feel the sun again upon my face, For when darkness clears I know you’re near, Bringing peace again

Dali cujete sve djecje molitive? (Croatian translation: ‘Can you hear all the children’s prayers?’) Can you hear the prayer of the children?.

THE WORD PROCLAIMED Grace Covington Matthew 9:35-38(CEB) Jesus traveled among all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, announcing the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness. 36Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them because they were troubled and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The size of the harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. 38 Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.

Romans 12: 1-2 (CEB) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

MESSAGE IN WORD - That You May Be Faithful Disciples Rev. Brian K. Milford

We Respond

MESSAGE IN MUSIC WE ARE CALLED TO BE GOD’S PEOPLE

Verse 1 We are called to be God’s people Showing by our lives his grace One in heart and one in spirit Sign of hope for all the race

Page 25 | Worship Let us show how God has changed us And remade us as his own Let us share our life together As we shall around His throne

Verse 2 We are bound to be God’s servant Working in His world today Taking God’s own task upon us All His sacred words obey

Let us rise then to his summons Dedicate to him our all That we may be faithful servants Quick to answer now His call

(Bridge) Christ to the Nations Christ to God’s people Christ to each other Sister and brothers

Verse 3 We are called to be God’s prophets Speaking for the truth and light Standing firm for godly justice Bringing evil into light

Let us see the courage needed Our high calling to fulfill That we all may know the blessing Of the doing of God’s will

(Bridge) Christ to the Nations Christ to God’s people Christ to each other Sister and brothers

Christ to the Nations Christ to God’s people Christ to each other Sister and brothers

We are called We are called We are called

EXAMINATION OF DEACON The deacon candidates stand. Bishop Trimble examines the deacon candidate:

Worship | Page 26 A deacon is called to share in Christ’s ministry of servanthood, to relate the life of the community to its service in the world, to lead others into Christian discipleship, to nurture disciples for witness and service, to lead in worship, to teach and proclaim God’s Word, to assist elders and appointed local pastors at Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, to interpret to the church the world’s hurts and hopes, to serve all people, particularly those who are poor, sick, and oppressed, and to lead Christ’s people in ministries of compassion and justice, liberation and reconciliation, even in the face of hardship and personal sacrifice.

These are the rule of life and duties of a deacon.

Do you believe that God has called you to the life and work of a deacon?

I do so believe.

Will you, for the sake of the church’s life and mission covenant to participate in the order of deacons? Will you give yourself to God through the order of deacons in order to sustain and build each other up in prayer, study, worship, and service?

I will, with the help of God, and with the help of my sisters and brothers in the order of deacons.

To the Congregation Sisters and brothers in Christ, this person whom we intend, in God’s name, to ordain to the Ministry of Christ’s holy Church in the Order of Deacon. Their call has been tested in preparation for this ministry and they have been found to be of sound learning and faithful to their vocation. We ask you to declare your assent to their ordination.

Do you believe and trust that they, by God’s grace, are worthy to be ordained?

The people acclaim: They are worthy.

Will you uphold them in their ministry?

The people answer: We will uphold them.

Page 27 | Worship LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR DEACON Bishop Trimble calls the people: As these persons are ordained by God and the church for the ministry of a deacon to which we believe they have been called by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for them.

INVOCATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT We invite the Holy Spirit and recognize that Jesus is with us through the Spirit.

Holy Spirit, Fall on us today Fall on us today Holy Spirit, Fall on us

Those gathered are invited to pray for them in silence. Bishop Trimble, with hands extended over those being ordained, prays: We thank you, Living God, that in your great love you sent Jesus Christ to take the form of a servant, becoming obedient even to death on the cross, and now resurrected and exalted in the heavens. You have taught us, by his word and example, that whoever would be great among us must be servant of all.

Give these servants grace to be faithful to their promises, constant in their discipleship, and always ready for works of loving service. Make them modest and humble, gentle and strong, rooted and grounded in love. Give them a share in the ministry of Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.

The candidates for ordination as deacon are invited to kneel before Bishop Trimble as directed. Representatives may join in the laying on of hands. Family and friends are invited to stand where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of hands.

Bishop Trimble lays both hands on the head of the ordinand, praying: Almighty God, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit for the office and work of a deacon in Christ’s holy church. All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

Immediately the candidate places his/her hands on a Bible as the bishop lays both hands on the hands of the ordinand and says:

Worship | Page 28 Name, take authority as a deacon to proclaim the Word of God and to lead God’s people in ministries of compassion and justice; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

The Conference Lay Leader hands one or more instruments of office to the candidate (Bible, Book of Worship, bowl and pitcher and a plumb line are suitable) A deacon’s stole is placed on the deacon and they return to their seat. Certificates of ordination as a deacon and provisional membership (if not previously commissioned) may be presented at this time.

EXAMINATION OF ELDERS Bishop Trimble examines the candidates for ordination as elder:

An elder is called to share in the ministry of Christ and of the whole church: to preach and teach the Word of God and faithfully administer the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion; to lead the people of God in worship and prayer; to lead persons to faith in Jesus Christ; to exercise pastoral supervision, order the life of the congregation, counsel the troubled, and declare the forgiveness of sin; to lead the people of God in obedience to Christ’s mission in the world; to seek justice, peace, and freedom for all people; and to take a responsible place in the government of the Church and in service in and to the community.

These are the duties of an elder.

Do you believe that God has called you to the life and work of an elder?

I do so believe.

Will you, for the sake of the church’s life and mission, covenant to participate in the order of elders? Will you give yourself to God through the order of elders in order to sustain and build each other up in prayer, study, worship, and service?

I will, with the help of God, and the help of my sisters and brothers in the order of elders.

Bishop Trimble turning to the congregation asks: Sisters and brothers in Christ, these are the persons whom we intend, in

Page 29 | Worship God’s name, to ordain to the Ministry of Christ’s holy Church in the Order of Elders. Their call has been tested in preparation for this ministry and they have been found to be of sound learning and faithful to their vocation. We ask you to declare your assent to their ordination.

Do you believe and trust that they are, by God’s grace, worthy to be ordained?

The people acclaim: They are worthy.

Will you uphold them in their ministry? The people answer: We will uphold them.

LAYING ON OF HANDS AND PRAYER FOR ELDERS Bishop Trimble, facing the ordinands, calls the people to prayer, using these or similar words:

As these persons are ordained by God and the church for the ministry of elders to which we believe they have been called by the Holy Spirit, let us pray for them.

INVOCATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT We invite the Holy Spirit and recognize that Jesus is with us through the Spirit.

Holy Spirit, Fall on us today Fall on us today Holy Spirit, Fall on us

Espíritu Santo, Fall on us today Fall on us today Holy Spirit, Fall on us . Holy Spirit, Fall on us today Fall on us today Holy Spirit, Fall on us

Those gathered are invited to pray for them in silence. Bishop Trimble, with hands extended over those being ordained, prays: We praise you, eternal God, because you have called us to be a priestly people, offering to you acceptable worship through Jesus Christ, our Lord. We thank you that, by dying, Christ has overcome death and, having ascended into heaven, has poured forth gifts abundantly on your people, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, and to fulfill your gracious purpose in the world. Give to these your servants the grace and power they need to serve you in this ministry. Make them faithful pastors, patient teachers, and wise counselors.

Worship | Page 30 Enable them to serve without reproach, to proclaim the gospel of salvation, to administer the sacraments of the new covenant, and to offer with all your people spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Candidates for ordination as elder are invited to kneel before the bishop one at a time as directed. Representatives who are to join in the laying on of hands stand with the bishop. When the bishop lays hands on the head of the candidate, others may lay hands on the candidate’s back or shoulders. Family and friends are invited to stand where they are for silent prayer during the laying on of hands for each ordinand.

Bishop Trimble lays both hands on the head of each ordinand, praying: Almighty God, pour upon Name the Holy Spirit, for the office and work of an elder in Christ’s holy church. All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

Immediately the candidate places hands on a Bible as the bishop lays both hands on the hands of the ordinand and says: Name, take authority as an elder to preach the Word of God, to administer the Holy Sacraments and to order the life of the Church; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. All audibly affirm the action, saying, Amen.

The Conference Lay Leader or his/her representative hands one or more instruments of office to the candidate (Bible, chalice and paten, Book of Worship and a Book of Discipline are suitable) A yoke stole is placed on the elder and they return to their seat. Certificates of ordination as an elder and provisional membership (if not previously commissioned) may be presented at this time.

After laying on of hands of Ordinands, Laura McDonald comes forward and stands before the Bishop and the Chair of the Order of Elders.

The Bishop: Throughout our lives, there are times in living in and out of our callings, that God begins to whisper different ways that the calling could be expressed; today we have one who has heard and responded to God’s new calling for her life.

Today, we receive into the Order of Elders Laura Loudon McDonald. Laura was ordained a Full Deacon in 1997. Laura has faithfully fulfilled her ministry of Word, Service, Compassion and Justice. Through much prayer and discernment, she has felt a call to the ministry of Word, Sacrament, Order, and Service as an Elder in the Indiana Conference.

She has been examined by the Board of Ministry and is recommended and affirmed to change her ordination from the Order of Deacons to the Order of Elders. Bishop to Laura “Laura do you accept the responsibilities and ministry of the order of Elders?”

Page 31 | Worship Laura: “With God’s help I do.”

Bishop: “It is our joy today to welcome Laura Loudon McDonald into the Order of Elders.”

Bishop Trimble and Brian White stand with Laura and place the Elder’s stole on her and pray. She will also receive a Bible and a certificate.

PRESENTATION OF THOSE NEWLY ORDAINED

I present to you these who are newly ordained as deacons and elders of the Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church!

The congregation may applaud as a sign of praising God while the elders are seated.

INVITATION TO OFFERING & CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Today’s offering will be used by the Cabinet to aid pastoral families in times of medical or other emergencies and is handled through the Bishop and Appointive Cabinet.

Bishop Trimble invites forward those who feel a call to ministry or simply want to recommit themselves to the ministry to which they have already been called.

All are invited to join in singing as the offering is received and those responding to the call come forward.

MIZO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CHOIR, DIRECTED BY ZIA R THANGA BERAM NO & HALLELUJAH

COMMUNION SERVICE Bishop Trimble will be the celebrant and the newly ordained will be servers.

The Lord is here. God’s Spirit is with us.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to offer thanks and praise.

It is indeed right, always and everywhere, to give thanks to you, the true and living God, through Jesus Christ. You are the source of life for all creation and you made us in your own image. In your love for us you sent your Son to be our Savior. In the fullness of time he became incarnate, and suffered death on the cross. You raised him in triumph, and exalted him in glory.

Worship | Page 32 Through him you send your Holy Spirit upon your church and make us your people.

And so, we proclaim your glory, as we say: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

To you indeed be glory, almighty God, because on the night before he died, your Son, Jesus Christ, took bread; when he had given you thanks, he broke it, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you; do this to remember me.

After supper he took the cup; when he had given you thanks, he gave it to them and said: This cup is the new covenant in my blood poured out for you; do this as often as you drink it to remember me.

And so we proclaim the mystery of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come in glory.

Therefore, loving God, recalling now Christ’s death and resurrection, we ask you to accept this our sacrifice of praise. Send your Holy Spirit upon us and our celebration, that we may be fed with the body and blood of your Son and be filled with your life and goodness. Strengthen us to do your work, and to be Christ’s body in the world. United in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we raise to you, O God, our songs of everlasting praise.

Blessing, honor and glory be yours, here and everywhere, now and for ever. Amen.

Page 33 | Worship (Those assisting with communion come to the front to receive communion and collect the elements and serve the families of those being commissioned and ordained today. Those members of Conference seated at tables use the bread and grape juice provided. Communion is served by intinction):

The body of Christ, given for you. Amen. The blood of Christ, given for you. Amen.

AS THE DEER

Verse 1 As the deer pants for the water So my soul longs after you You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship you.

Chorus You alone are my strength my shield To you alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship you.

Verse 2 You’re my friend and you are my brother Even though you are a king I love you more than any other So much more than anything.

Chorus You alone are my strength my shield To you alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship you.

Verse 3 I want you more than gold or silver Only you can satisfy You alone are the real joy giver And the apple of my eye.

Chorus You alone are my strength my shield To you alone may my spirit yield You alone are my heart’s desire And I long to worship you.

Ccli Song # 1431 Martin Nystrom © 1984 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. By Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) For Use Solely With The Songselect Terms Of Use. All Rights Reserved. When all have received, the Lord’s table is put in order by the deacons. PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING

Worship | Page 34 The bishop says: Let us pray. We thank you, gracious Lord, for giving yourself to us, and for uniting us in the communion of your Holy Spirit. We bless you for raising up among us your faithful servants. Clothe them with your righteousness and grant that we, with them, may glorify you by giving ourselves to others; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Music is played as those serving communion return to their seats.

THE GIVING AND RECEIVING OF APPOINTMENTS Bishop Trimble says to each District Superintendent:

Bishop Trimble: Are the appointments in your district correct as documented?

Each District Superintendent responds.

Bishop Trimble: Are the Appointments to Extension Ministries, to Attend School and Appointments to Other Annual Conferences correct as printed?

Chair of Cabinet responds.

Bishop Trimble: Will all those receiving appointments please stand? By the authority vested in me as a United Methodist Bishop, I solemnly declare the appointments for the Indiana Conference for the year 2018-2019 to be fixed as documented. As your Bishop and Cabinet, we have recognized our frailties and have asked constantly for God’s direction. My brothers and sisters, do you accept the place of service in the Church of our Lord to which you are now appointed?

*All to Be Appointed: (Ordained, Diaconal Ministers and Lay Pastors) In commitment and renewal to my covenant as a clergy person in The United Methodist Church, I now reverently accept my appointment with a glad mind and will, and I pray that I shall be worthy of my call to the ministry, my conference relationship, and the place of labor to which I have been appointed.

RECOGNITION OF NEWLY APPOINTED CONFERENCE SUPERINTENDENTS

Bishop Trimble: You have been appointed to serve as Conference Superintendents and assigned to Districts to be an extension of the Bishop’s office as a connection and nurturing support for congregations and clergy to accomplish our mission and vision. Do you accept these responsibilities?

District Superintendents: With God’s help I do.

Bishop Trimble: Will all the lay members and alternate lay members please stand? Dear brothers and sisters, we rejoice and give thanks for you who represent 1116 congregations.

Page 35 | Worship We are grateful for your presence here and your dedicated leadership in your local church. Do you now, on behalf of your church, accept those who have been appointed as your spiritual leaders?

Laity: Recognizing our needs for guidance and the care of those who are called of God and prepared to preach the gospel, to administer the sacraments, to give administrative leadership in our churches, and to equip us for our ministry in the world, we gladly accept our Deacons, Elders, Diaconal Ministers and Local Pastors, as well as District Superintendents, Conference Staff, and those in other Appointments Beyond the Local Church. We pledge to them our cooperation, love and support, as we strive to fulfill the mission God has given to the church.

DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING Bishop Trimble blesses the people: The grace of Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all always.

A Deacon dismisses the people Jill Marie DeHaven Buckler

As you return to your communities and churches, go as those baptized in Spirit and truth. Go and serve God and your neighbor with humility, gentleness, and patience accepting each other with love and proclaiming the good news. May the Spirit bind you in unity and peace in all you do.

All reply: We are sent in Christ’s name, embraced by the Spirit, and bound together in the unity of God’s love. Thanks be to God!

RECESSIONAL Recession begins with those on the stage.

SOMETHING IN THE WATER

Verse 1 He said, “I’ve been where you’ve been before. Down every hallway’s a slamming door. No way out, no one to come and save me. Wasting a life that the good Lord gave me.

Then somebody said what I’m saying to you, Opened my eyes and told me the truth.” They said, “just a little faith, it’ll all get better.” So I followed that preacher man down to the river

(Climb) And now I’m changed And now I’m stronger

Chorus There must’ve been something in the water Oh, there must’ve been something in the water

Worship | Page 36 Verse 2 Well, I heard what he said and I went on my way Didn’t think about it for a couple of days Then it hit me like a lightning late one night I was all out of hope and all out of fight

Couldn’t fight back the tears so I fell on my knees Saying, “God, if you’re there come and rescue me.” Felt love pouring down from above Got washed in the water, washed in the blood

(Climb) And now I’m changed And now I’m stronger

Chorus There must be something in the water Oh, there must be something in the water

And now I’m singing along to amazing grace Can’t nobody wipe this smile off my face Got joy in my heart, angels on my side Thank god almighty, I saw the light Gonna look ahead, no turning back Live every day, give it all that i have Trust in someone bigger than me Ever since the day that I believed

Chorus I am changed And now I’m stronger (Add BGV) There must be something in the water (Amazing grace) Oh, there must be something in the water (How sweet the sound) Oh, there must be something in the water (That saved a wretch) Oh, there must be something in the water (Like me) Oh, yeah

I am changed (I once was lost) Stronger (but now i’m found) (Was blind but now i see)

The ordinands, commissioned ministers, and associate minsters will receive family and friends in the hall.

Page 37 | Worship NOTES AND REFLECTIONS

Worship | Page 38

BUSINESS SECTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Procedural Reminders

Page 39 | Business

PROCEDURAL REMINDERS

The following reminders are in response to questions frequently asked during the Annual Conference Session. Understanding these procedures will enable you to be a more effective member of the Conference. Please refer to the entire Rules and Structure document on the Conference web site www.inumc.org/ac18.

1. The Annual Conference Session operates under the Conference Rules and Structure document. 2. During debates, each speaker is limited to two minutes so that voting members may hear as many different perspectives as possible to inform their decision-making. 3. To vote, a member must be seated within the Bar of the Conference. 4. Distribution of materials - no person or group shall distribute material by any means within the bar of the Annual Conference without the approval of the Sessions Committee. 5. Being recognized to speak - Members who wish to address the conference should stand at the nearest microphone and wait until the Bishop calls on you. If you are seated in the limited mobility seating area, raise your voting card and a microphone will be brought to you. PLENARY ACTION ITEMS

1 | Consent Calender (entire reports can be found online www.inumc.org/ac18)

According to our Conference rules, the Consent Calendar consists of a) items that have no implications to the Conference budget and b) those items that have no direct impact on conference teams, committees or boards for their comment prior to consideration by the members of the conference.

MOTION: That the Board, Agency and Committee Reports listed on the Conference Website under the heading “Consent Calendar” be accepted and added to the record of this Conference Session.

2 | Nominations Report (This report is in your packet of materials.)

MOTION: That the Conference Nominating Committee’s report be accepted as presented.

Submitted by: The Nominations Committee Ed van Wijk, Chair

Business | Page 40 3 | United Methodist Foundation of Indiana, Inc. (The entire report can be found online www.inumc.org/ac18)

The United Methodist Foundation of Indiana, Inc. (UMFI) and The Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church share a covenant agreement. As part of that agreement, the Annual Conference affirms a slate of incoming board members. The UMFI board is made up of between 15 to 21 members; currently there are 16 members and an additional 2 ex-officio members. Our by-laws limit the number of clergy to no more than 20% and require that at least 60% of our members be United Methodist. Currently, 18% of our members are active elders in our Conference and 100% of our board is United Methodist. Members are elected for a three-year term and can only serve three consecutive terms. This year we must say farewell to three long time board members as they will be stepping down. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to John Clay, Jim Gentry and Tom Heck for their dedicated service.

MOTION: I respectfully submit for affirmation by the Annual Conference the following slate for the class of 2018-2021 for the Board of Directors of the United Methodist Foundation of Indiana, Inc.:

Forrest Bowers, Jack Burks, Shelley Johnson, and Jan Passmore.

Submitted by: D. Manet Shettle, President

4 | Board of Trustees (The entire report can be found online www.inumc.org/ac18)

MISSION The Board of Trustees is responsible for the legal and property concerns of the Indiana Annual Conference.

SOLD PROPERTIES In 2017, eight discontinued or abandoned church and conference properties were sold for a total of $680,000 in five districts.

SHERA TRUST DISTRIBUTION The Board made the following distributions with the net earnings from the fund: $378,360 to the Annual Conference to fund the 2019 Retiree Health Insurance Subsidy; $108,540 to fund Operation Classroom, Taiama Enterprise Academy. The sum of $51,395 will be retained in the fund to build the corpus and protect against inflation.

MOTION: That the Board of Trustees report be accepted as presented.

Submitted by: Board of Trustees Alfred S. Brothers, Jr., President

Page 41 | Business 5 | Pension and Health Benefits (entire report can be found online www.inumc.org/ac18)

SUMMARY Our Board is a supportive ministry which ensures access to health care and pension services so that our clergy and their families can either maintain their health and well- being or receive mental, physical or emotional care in order to renew their wholeness and health. Healthy and well cared for clergy and clergy families have greater potential to be strong leaders. Healthy, strong leaders of our Indiana area congregations are better able to accomplish our mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Wespath Benefits website www.wespath.org , is an invaluable resource for health care and pension information, tools, and life-enhancing decisions. In regard to Health Benefits and options for you and your families, please consider how you and/or your church can support clergy health.

We encourage clergy to learn and participate in their retirement planning. We are grateful for the tremendous growth in participation in the matching UMPIP! Please consider attending The Clergy Benefits Academy on October 29-31, 2018 in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Members of our Board who have attended this event affirm that it is worth your time and attention. Registration site: https://www.regonline.com/registration/ Checkin.aspx?EventID=2256692

Each year the Conference Board offers a retirement seminar in early March for those persons retiring that year. The seminar covers all benefit-related matters in retirement. In addition, the General Board offers an online retirement webcast for persons who will be retiring this year (May dates are posted) for them to learn more about their future planning. See https://www.wespath.org/events/ for event details and registration.

We have a Compassion Fund, which was created to assist the most vulnerable of our retired participants. Applications for Compassion Fund grants are available from the conference office. All applications and grants are held strictly confidential, are based on need, and are granted on an annual basis.

Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits would like to share our appreciation to all of our partners in ministry, including the Indiana Area Foundation, and our excellent conference staff – Kathy Mitchell, Sherry Austin and Linda Eskew.

On behalf of the Indiana Conference, the Board of Pensions and Health Insurance would like to thank the Board of Trustees for the distribution of $378,360 from the 2017 earnings of the Shera Farm Trust. These funds will be utilized to fund a portion of the Retiree Health Insurance Subsidy obligation in 2019.

Susan Spaulding, Chair

Business | Page 42 MOTION: That the Past Service Rate for years of pre-1982 service for 2019 will be $731, which represents a 2.5% increase.

Additional items listed in the report representing no change from 2018: Funding Policy, Section A; Clergy Retirement Security Program (CRSP), Section B; CRSP Matching Contributions for Pre-funding Retiree Health Insurance Costs, Section C; Rental/Housing Allowance Resolution for Retired or Disabled Pastors, Section D; Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP), Section E; Group Health Insurance Program, Section F; Retired Clergy/Conference Lay Employee and Surviving Spouse Medicare Supplement, Section G; Adoption Benefit, Section H; Other Benefits, Section I.

MOTION: That the report Sections A through I be approved as presented.

Submitted by: Board of Pension and Health Benefits Susan Spaulding, Chair

6 | Expanding Our Ministries in Creation Care 2017 RESOLUTION #1

HISTORY At the 2017 Annual Conference, the following motion was made and passed by the Annual Conference on Resolution 1 – Expanding our Ministries in Creation Care:

MOTION TO REFER – Dave Byrum moved, on behalf of the appointive Cabinet, that the resolution be referred to the Annual Conference Mission and Justice Team, to collaborate with the Task Force and the Alliance for perfection of the resolution for mid-year consideration by the Conference Coordinating Council, and implementation of the final product of their work together. SECONDED

AMENDMENT TO MOTION – Russ Abel moved an amendment to the Byrum motion that the final resolution be brought back to the 2018 Annual Conference Session for approval.

MOTION PASSED AS AMENDED TO REFER RESOLUTION #1 to the Missions and Justice Ministry team to work with the Conference Creation Task Force and Creation Care Alliance. They are to bring a final resolution to the Conference Coordinating Council and then submit it to the 2018 Annual Conference Session for action.

The Mission and Justice Ministry staff has worked very closely with the Creation Care Alliance over the past several months. The Conference Coordinating Council, at their April 7, 2018 meeting, accepted the revised resolution. The Creation Care Alliance submits the revised resolution to the 2018 Annual Conference Session for approval.

Tom Heaton, Associate Director of Mission and Justice Elaine Amerson, Convener Creation Care Alliance

Page 43 | Business REVISED RESOLUTION: EXPANDING OUR MINISTRIES IN CREATION CARE Sponsoring Group: Conference Creation Task Force and Creation Care Alliance Contact Persons: Jimmy Moore ([email protected]), Brian White (brian.white@ inumc.org)

[This legislation follows upon the action of the 2017 Indiana Annual Conference to increase awareness and constructive actions toward environmental holiness and ecological sustainability.]

A CALL TO ENVIRONMENTAL HOLINESS Whereas: The United Methodist Book of Discipline makes clear our commitment to care for our environment in Our Social Principles (see opening paragraph below); and,

Whereas: The United Methodist Council of Bishops in their pastoral letter “God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action” in 2009 beseeched every United Methodist, every congregation and every public leader to participate in God’s renewing work and pledged to lead in toward environmental holiness with specific actions in each annual conference (see the nine pledges below); and,

Whereas: There is clear and growing evidence that by reducing the carbon footprint and utility costs for an annual conference and congregation, these monetary and human resources are released to be directed for mission efforts in our four focus areas; and,

Whereas: The continuing degradation of our natural world, which disproportionately affects the poor, both in our own state and worldwide, and diminishes prospects for improving health globally, calls upon us as people of faith to make our witness clear through our words and actions;

Be It Therefore Resolved: • The people of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church will make a renewed effort to bear witness in their congregations, homes, their communities, their workplaces and schools, advocating in these places for policy and practical actions in accordance with the Council of Bishops 2009 Pastoral Letter. • We encourage congregations to establish “creation care teams” to evaluate and encourage greater ecological sustainability in each of our settings; and, • We ask the Indiana Annual Conference to annually celebrate the actions of congregations and individuals who demonstrate significant initiatives and commitment to caring for God’s creation. ++++++++++++++ Social Principles: The Natural World

All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways in which we use and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are useful to human beings. God has granted us stewardship of creation. We should meet

Business | Page 44 these stewardship duties through acts of loving care and respect. Economic, political, social, and technological developments have increased our human numbers, and lengthened and enriched our lives. However, these developments have led to regional defoliation, dramatic extinction of species, massive human suffering, overpopulation, and misuse and overconsumption of natural and nonrenewable resources, particularly by industrialized societies. This continued course of action jeopardizes the natural heritage that God has entrusted to all generations. Therefore, let us recognize the responsibility of the church and its members to place a high priority on changes in economic, political, social, and technological lifestyles to support a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world leading to a higher quality of life for all of God’s creation.

From the pastoral letter entitled God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action, the Council of Bishops made the following pledges: “With God’s help and with you as our witnesses— 1. We as your bishops pledge to answer God’s call to deepen our spiritual consciousness as just stewards of creation. 2. We pledge to make God’s vision of renewal our goal. 3. We pledge to practice dialogue with those whose life experience differs dramatically from our own, and we pledge to practice prayerful self-examination. 4. We pledge ourselves to make common cause with religious leaders and people of goodwill worldwide who share these concerns. 5. We pledge to advocate for justice and peace in the halls of power in our respective nations and international organizations. 6. We pledge to measure the “carbon footprint” of our episcopal and denominational offices, determine how to reduce it, and implement those changes. We will urge our congregations, schools, and settings of ministry to do the same. 7. We pledge to provide, to the best of our ability, the resources needed by our conferences to reduce dramatically our collective exploitation of the planet, peoples, and communities, including technical assistance with buildings and programs, education and training, and young people’s and online networking resources. 8. We pledge to practice hope as we engage and continue supporting the many transforming ministries of our denomination. 9. We pledge more effective use of the church and community Web pages to inspire and to share what we learn. From God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action, 2009.

7 | Responding to Anti-Semitism and Recent Acts of Hate 2017 RESOLUTION #4 REVISED

HISTORY By action of the 2017 Annual Conference Session, this resolution was referred to the Coordinating Council. At its September 30, 2017 meeting, the Council referred the original resolution to the Mission and Justice team to have conversations with the maker of the motion and see if there were amendments the team would like to offer. The revised resolution is before you.

Page 45 | Business WHEREAS, anti-Semitism – targeting persons of Jewish faith and/or heritage for hatred, violence, or mistreatment – has been called one of the oldest forms of group prejudice; and

WHEREAS, any racism is a sin against the God in Whose image ALL people are lovingly created (Genesis 1:26-27, Acts 17:26); and

WHEREAS, as members of the wider body of Christ, we mourn the sad history of Chris- tian mistreatment of Jewish people; and

WHEREAS, as United Methodists in the United States, we mourn the sad history and on- going problems of racism within both our nation and our denomination; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the Jewish foundations of our Christian faith, the continuing importance of the Hebrew Scriptures for our Church, and the Jewishness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, a February 2018 report from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) noted “a trend of rising anti-Semitic attacks and more subtle forms of discrimination across the European continent” (https://www.adl.org/news/op-ed/europes-anti-semitism-problem-needs-a-reckoning); and

WHEREAS, another recent ADL report noted a 57 percent increase in documented anti-Semitic incidents in the United States last year, “the highest tally that the Jewish civil rights group has counted in more than two decades” (https://www.apnews.com/caf- 56960410f4422a8db19cb996365e9/Report:-Anti-Semitic-incidents-soar-by-57-percent- in-2017); and

WHEREAS, in the United States, Jewish people are no more than about two percent of the overall population (http://ajpp.brandeis.edu/), but the official hate crime statistics of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for recent years, including 2016 (the last year on record), has consistently found them to make up the majority of all victims of hate crimes based on religious bias (https://ucr.fbi.gov/ucr-publications#Hate); and

WHEREAS, the FBI’s 2016 annual hate crime statistics, released in November 2017, found that reported hate crimes in 2016 in America rose for the second year in a row, with half of hate crimes driven by racial/ethnic bias targeting African Americans (https://www. reuters.com/article/us-usa-hatecrime-fbi/u-s-hate-crimes-rise-for-second-straight-year- fbi-idUSKBN1DD2BA); and

WHEREAS, within Indiana, we have seen such incidents within the past two years as Ku Klux Klan flyers distributed around Monument Circle in Indianapolis on the first day of Black History Month in 2018 (https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2018/02/02/white- pride-flyers-found-monument-circle/1087731001/), as well as two separate bomb threats against the Jewish Community Center in Indianapolis (http://fox59.com/2017/03/12/an-

Business | Page 46 other-bomb-threat-targets-indy-jewish-community-center/) and a bullet being fired into the classroom of a synagogue, Adath B’Nai Israel Temple in Evansville (http://jewishjour- nal.com/news/nation/215840/gunshot-fired-classroom-window-indiana-synagogue/); and

WHEREAS, it would be irresponsible to either call all criticisms of the fallible Israeli government anti-Semitic (as all human governments need prophetic challenge at times) or to ignore anti-Semitism when it appears in criticism of the world’s only Jewish state; and

WHEREAS, we have valued, faithful members with diverse views on such political issues as the 2016 U.S. Presidential election and the Arab-Israeli conflict, but we can all unite in condemning such intolerant hatred; and

WHEREAS, we see no conflict between our holding firmly to the truths of our Christian faith and wanting our Jewish, Muslim, atheist, or other neighbors who may believe differently, as well as fellow Christians, to be treated as we ourselves would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12); and

WHEREAS, our Bishop Julius Trimble has a record of commendably speaking out against racism and anti-Semitism;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that as the Indiana Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church we express our deep sadness over recent expressions of racism and anti-Semitism; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we declare our strong, unwavering belief that ALL people—women no less than men, and individuals of any age, ethnicity, background, or culture no less than those of any other—are equally created in the image of God and entitled to have their God-given dignity respected; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we stand together today to affirm our strong commitment to the statements in our United Methodist Social Principles that “We deplore acts of hate or violence against groups or persons based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender, disability, status, economic condition, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religious affiliation” (2016 Discipline ¶162) and that “we recognize racism as sin and affirm the ultimate and temporal worth of all persons” (¶162.A); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we declare our commitment to the principle that our neighbors in our local communities of any faith or no faith should be free to lawfully follow their beliefs in peace and mutual respect with their neighbors, without facing threats, violence, or coercion from others; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, for the sake of offering guidance to prevent discussions of the Arab-Israeli conflict from being tainted with any hint of anti-Semitism, we urge

Page 47 | Business avoidance of the following: • Echoing historic anti-Semitic rhetoric, stereotypes, or conspiracy theories in criticisms of Israelis; or • Singling out Israel, the world’s lone Jewish state, for condemnation, isolation, or punishment, according to a harsher standard of judgment than is used with the Palestinian leadership, Israel’s neighbors, or other nations; or • Dismissal of concerns about threats and violence against either Israelis or Palestinians; or • Any sort of broad, collective blaming of all Jews, all Israelis, all Palestinians, or all Muslims.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we encourage United Methodists within our annual conference to discuss this resolution with others in their congregations, to educate themselves about racism and anti-Semitism, to find opportunities to express their solidarity with victims of racism or anti-Semitism, to pray and work for a more just and welcoming society; and

FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that we direct our conference secretary to arrange, within the next 30 days, to have this resolution posted on the Indiana Conference website and shared with the Jewish Community Center in Indianapolis, Adath B’Nai Israel Temple in Evansville, the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, the President and General Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, the President and General Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, the President and General Secretary of the United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race, the President and Ecumenical Officer of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, as well as any other organization or leader deemed appropriate.

Submitted by John Lomperis Lay Equalization Member from North District

8 | Welcoming the Migrant in our Midst 2017 RESOLUTION #5 REVISED

HISTORY By action of the 2017 Annual Conference Session, this resolution was referred to the Coordinating Council. At its September 30, 2017 meeting, the Council moved to amend the resolution by deleting the words “and provide agricultural labor for produce and other goods that sustain us.” The amendment passed and the Resolution was supported as amended. The revised resolution is before you.

RATIONALE: The United Methodist Church affirms the worth, dignity, and inherent value and rights of all persons regardless of their nationality or legal status. Yet we have

Business | Page 48 neighbors, co-workers, friends who have been separated from their loved ones or are living in fear of their families being torn apart through our broken immigration system. We have sisters and brothers around the world fleeing violence and hunger and searching for a safe place.

WHEREAS, the state of Indiana is made up of many immigrants who have migrated to our state seeking safety, security and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, immigrants and refugees sit in the pews of Indiana’s United Methodist Churches and provide agricultural labor for produce and other goods that sustain us; and

WHEREAS, we have benefited by the leadership of immigrants and refugees. They have added to our witness for Christ as we have all dedicated ourselves to the church’s mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world; and

WHEREAS, the writer of Leviticus commands the love of the immigrant, who “shall be to you as the citizen among you.” (Leviticus 19:33-34); and

WHEREAS early in Jesus’ life, he was a refugee to Africa fleeing persecution and violence in his homeland. (Matthew 2:13-15) and told us that nations would be judged on the basis of the way they fed the hungry, clothed the naked and cared for prisoners (Matthew 25:31-46); and

WHEREAS, careless rhetoric has ignited xenophobic and racist attitudes among some of our fellow citizens;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, as followers of Jesus, commit ourselves to work to eliminate racism and violence directed toward newly arriving migrants from all parts of the world as well as those who have lived and worked among us for some time and that we express our opposition to any policy that breaks apart families and excludes refugees solely on the basis of their religion or national origin;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, to that end, the Conference encourages all churches to educate and equip its members to provide hospitality and welcome to migrants and refugees in their communities (the Resolution approved by General Conference “Welcoming the Migrant to the United States” would be an excellent resource); to take further actions and advocacy for just policies through prayer and discernment; and to support the continued development of the Immigration Rights Network in the Justice and Mission Team of the Indiana AC.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Conference calls upon our political leaders and policy makers to assure our laws affirm the worth, dignity, inherent values and rights of immigrants and refugees.

Page 49 | Business There is no financial impact to the Indiana Conference by adopting this resolution.

Submitted by Rev. Steven Conger, Sr. Pastor, Meridian Street UMC, Indianapolis Rev. Matthew Landry, Associate Pastor, Meridian Street UMC, Indianapolis Rev. Darren Cushman Wood, Sr. Pastor, North UMC, Indianapolis Rev. Ronnie Bell, Associate Pastor, North UMC, Indianapolis

9 | Wesley Seminary & The University Senate 2017 RESOLUTION #6

HISTORY By action of the 2017 Annual Conference Session, this resolution was referred to the Coordinating Council. At its September 30, 2017 meeting, the Council voted to support this resolution.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary, which was founded in 2009 at Indiana Wesleyan University, is located within the geographical boundaries of Indiana Annual Conference and offers course work in both Marion and Indianapolis…

WHEREAS the process for a seminary to be approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church must begin with an invitation from the University Senate to the seminary…

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary offers a Master of Divinity Degree and is fully accredited by both the Association of Theological Schools (National Accreditation) and The Higher Learning Commission (Regional Accreditation) …

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary has over 500 students enrolled including a significant number with ties to INUMC… (This makes Wesley one of the largest seminaries in the United States.)

WHEREAS Wesley seminary is committed to raising up strong leaders for local churches who are well versed in the distinctive heritage of Methodist/Wesleyan theology…

WHEREAS Wesley meets the unique needs of Spanish speaking students by allowing them to learn in their heart language (Wesley offers the only ATS accredited MDiv offered entirely in Spanish)… • Classes in Spanish are taught in Bogota, Colombia, Florida, and Marion, Indiana and online.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary is committed to raising up women leaders for the church and teaching the body of Christ to affirm the call of women in ministry… • The Center for Women in Ministry and Leadership at Wesley will work to affirm and

Business | Page 50 advance the gifts of women, help them discover their calling and strengthen their leadership. • Students will also interact with strong women role models; the administrative leadership of Wesley Seminary is 75% female; two assistant deans and the head of the Seminary are currently women.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary is committed to teaching the importance of social holiness and Jesus’ call to care for the “least of these”… • In 2015, Wesley Seminary President JoAnne Lyon received the prestigious World Methodist Peace Award (which was also presented to Nelson Mandela). This award was given in recognition of her work as founder and former CEO (1996-2008) of World Hope International. Dr. Lyon began that ministry in her home and, in twelve years, grew the organization to a $17 million global Christian relief and development agency serving in 30 countries and dedicated to alleviate suffering and injustice.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary is committed to equipping students for ministry in an ethnically diverse and global context…

• All students are required to take a class in the Cultural Context of Ministry • Wesley Seminary has established urban ministry training centers in Indianapolis with African –American leaders to facilitate Master’s level training to 100+ leaders. • Wesley has recently formed a partnership with Missio-Alliance to more effectively serve the global church. • In the last 12 months, fact-finding trips have been taken by faculty and administrators to the countries of China, Japan, India, Vietnam, Haiti, England, Colombia, Puerto Rico in order to determine “next steps” for educational centers.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary is fully committed to reflecting the ethnic diversity of the Kingdom of God and has a diverse enrollment…. • Of Wesley’s 500+ students in 2017, 20% self-identify as African-American, 15% Hispanic with a total student body diversity of 36%. • Thirty-eight percent of faculty are diverse in ethnicity or country of origin.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary offers a specialization in church planting and multiplication that provides leaders with necessary knowledge, experience, skills and confidence to initiate new churches, sites and venues… • Wesley Seminary has designed a 12-hour specialization in Church Planting that all MDiv students can complete. • Wesley Seminary has designed a 12-hour specialization in Church Health and Revitalization.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary full time faculty includes well known United Methodists as both full time and adjunct faculty. • Full-time UMC faculty members are Dr. Safiyah Fousa (Professor of Spiritual Formation), Dr. Kwasi Kena (Professor of Christian Ministry) and Dr. Joy Moore (Professor of Homiletics

Page 51 | Business and Christian Ministry as of July 1, 2017). • Adjunct UMC faculty members include: Dr. Chris Bounds, Dr. Constance Cherry, Dr. Hugo Magllanes, Dr. Justo Gonzalez, Dr. Daniel Flores, Dr. L Wayne Smith, and Dr. Mark Trump. • Wesley also calls on several INUMC clergy to teach courses.

WHEREAS Wesley Seminary is committed to equipping students for ministry in a cost- effective manner while they serve in their local church… • Wesley Seminary also realizes that there is a huge financial cost for seminary students. Thus, Wesley Seminary is committed to keeping the program affordable. • Wesley Seminary offers significant discounts to pastors serving a local parish ($100 off of the current $468/credit hour = $358) and a tuition rate (2016-2017) already deeply discounted by the Wesleyan Church for all pastors across all denominations.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Indiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church instructs our Conference Secretary to send a letter to the University Senate of the United Methodist Church urging them to invite Wesley Seminary into dialogue about becoming a fully approved seminary for training United Methodist candidates in ministry.

Submitted by: Beth Ann Cook, Elder

Co-signed by: Steve Ailes, Elder Laura Ballinger, Deacon Steve Beutler, Elder Jeff Buck, Elder Riley Case, Elder Sandy Cooper, Elder Gary Cooper, Elder Mike Dominick, Elder Ed Fenstermacher, Laity Chris Hancock, Laity Andy Kinsey, Elder Todd Ladd, Elder Amy Land, Laity Bob Land, Elder Kayc Mykrantz, Laity Mitch Norwood, Elder James Ottjes, Laity Todd Outcalt, Elder Scott Pattison, Elder David Penalva, Elder Jeanne Winter, Elder

Business | Page 52 10 | Exemption of Property Trust Provisions 2018 RESOLUTION #1

Whereas a special General Conference of the United Methodist Church has been called for February 2019; and

WHEREAS one or more proposals will be considered at the General Conference which will lead the church forward with a sense of mission while at the same time dealing with sensitive issues of human sexuality; and

WHEREAS no matter what Way Forward is approved by the General Conference meeting in 2019, it is most likely that there will be disruption in local churches; and

WHEREAS this disruption will be great enough that some churches may believe it necessary to withdraw from the denomination in order to be effective in their mission and ministry; and

WHEREAS there is already in the discussions at the present a tentative agreement that in case of local church withdrawal out of conscience such churches should be granted an exemption from the trust provisions of the Discipline so that they may keep their property without penalty; be it therefore

Resolved that out of respect for the conscience of the churches of our fellowship, the Indiana Conference be on record as supporting such an agreement, whether or not it becomes officially inscribed in any Way Forward agreement.

Submitted by: Riley B. Case, Elder

Requested action – Resolution be recorded in the minutes of the conference and a copy forwarded to the Council of Bishops.

Reason for resolution – No matter what the action of the 2019 General Conference, the church will face some disruption within conferences and within local churches from those who believe differently from the direction of the General Conference. A policy in place that will affirm the convictions of local churches should help United Methodism avoid some of the bad experiences of other mainline churches, and should communicate to our people that our denomination does care about local churches.

Financial implications - No

Page 53 | Business 11 | Affirming Historical Position and Doctrinal Standards 2018 RESOLUTION #2

Whereas a General Conference of the United Methodist Church has been called for February 2019, and

WHEREAS one or more proposals will be considered at the General Conference that will lead the church forward with a sense of mission while at the same time dealing with sensitive issues of human sexuality, and

WHEREAS it should be helpful for those preparing proposals for a Way Forward to know where annual conferences stand in regard to these issues, so to better prepare proposals that will have the support of the people:

Therefore, be it resolved that the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church is on record that at its 2018 Annual Conference, the conference affirms the present doctrinal standards of the United Methodist Church, and affirms also its statement that Christian marriage is between a man and a woman, and affirms also the historic questions asked of candidates for ministry that they dedicate themselves to the highest ideals of the Christian life including the statement to exercise “fidelity in marriage and celibacy in singleness.” In addition, the conference requests that any Way Forward not propose any deletion or compromising of this historic position.

Submitted by: Riley B. Case, Elder

Requested action – Resolution be recorded in the minutes of the conference and a copy forwarded to the Council of Bishops.

Reason for resolution – A vote on this resolution would indicate how much support there is or is not in the Indiana Conference for upholding the historic United Methodist stance on human sexuality.

Financial implications - No

12 | Annual Conference 2019 Budget (This report is in your packet of materials.)

MOTION: That we approve the 2019 Annual Conference budget, as presented.

Submitted by: Council on Finance and Administration Doug Worthington, Chair

Business | Page 54 Listen to What Our Members Have to Say

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“ Eric and I have been members for over eight years. We stay because of the meaningful relationships and exceptional customer service. We want to highlight an exceptional employee. Though it’s our first experience working with Jason Fishburn, we applaud his outstanding performance. We recently purchased a vehicle in Tennessee and Jason was there for every step. He was patient, friendly, and knowledgeable. He communicates in a timely manner and even called us on Easter Sunday to answer a question. As a church choir director, his plate is full and we didn’t expect or ask him to call then; however, he felt it was important. In the like, he ensured our loan was ready on a Saturday, so we could pick up our car that day. This meant phone calls, texts, and e-mails needed to happen on his day off. Jason clearly went above and beyond and we are grateful. It was a lovely reminder of why we choose a smaller financial institution. Fast, welcoming, and exceptional people, like Jason, will ensure a bright future for the United Methodist Financial Credit Union.” - Rev. Dr. Kimberly Pope-Seiberling and Eric Seiberling, Broken Sheep, LLC

We look forward to being part of your story!

INDIANA OFFICE (In the Indiana UMC Conference Center) 301 Pennsylvania Parkway | Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46280 317-677-2191 | www.umethodist.com

REMEMBRANCES MAY 2, 2017 – MAY 1, 2018

FRANCES ABRAM

Frances “Francie” Abram, spouse of the Rev. Philip Abram, previously serving North Scipio United Methodist Church in retirement, passed away surrounded by family on September 26, 2017, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was 86.

Francie is remembered in these words: “Art was her life and family was her love. She loved the Lord and enjoyed spending time with all of her church family. She will be remembered by many in the art community, church family, and as a teacher of young children.”

She is survived by her husband, Philip; her children: Brenda (Charles) Jarvis, Sean (Jeanne) Carroll, Matthew (Vickie) Carroll, and Tina (Damon) Walker; siblings Joyce Doty and Jean (Paul) Klusmeier; 10 grandchildren and their families; and extended family. Francie was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Earl and Mary Morris; her sons, Michael Carroll and Kevin Carroll; and her sister, Mary Grace Skelton.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on October 6, 2017. ANNETTE AYERS

Pastor Annette Marie Ayers, 59, of Gary, Indiana, pastor serving Gary Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church and Gary Centennial United Methodist Church, passed away on March 18, 2018.

Annette was born on March 9, 1959, in Harvey, Illinois, to Henry and Carol Ayers.

She is survived by sons Noel Green, Jerome Ayers, and Derrel Cheers; her sister, Carletta Reed; her brother, Anthony Cantrel; four grandchildren; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Willie Reed.

A funeral service was held on April 2, 2018, at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in Gary, Indiana. ROBERT BARNARD

The Rev. Robert Gene Barnard, 86, of Liberty, Indiana, retired elder, passed away on August 7, 2017.

He was born March 27, 1931, to Parris and Ruth Shepler Barnard and was a member of the former Greenwood School’s last first-grade class in 1937. He graduated from Short High School in Liberty, Indiana, and from Purdue University. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he worked at Indianapolis Life Insurance Company.

Bob received a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary in 1970. Following ordination, he served United Methodist churches in Columbia and Orange in Fayette County, and at University, Roberts Park, and Southport in Indianapolis. Later, he was an AIDS program consultant with the Indiana Department of Health, where he was the first trainer of HIV-AIDS counselors at the state’s anonymous AIDS testing sites.

Bob also worked in furniture sales and interior design in Ohio and Indiana. He was a driver for Union County Transit until retirement in 1993. He was a greeter for Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home in Liberty for several years and a trustee of the Union County Public Library for 16 years, as well as a member of Friends of the Library. He received the Golden Bee Award in 1996 for his years of support of the library.

He loved music and supported the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years. He enjoyed antique and classic cars, and he served for many years as president of the Hoosier Heritage Chapter of the Society of Automotive Historians. While in Indianapolis, he organized the Indiana chapter of Lambda Car Club. He was a member of the Indiana Historical Society as well as Union County Historical Society, where he was recognized for his contribution of peanut butter pies to its bake sale at the annual Liberty Festival.

Bob is survived by his aunt, Letha Shepler, several cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside memorial service was held at West Point Cemetery in Liberty, Indiana, on August 19, 2017.

Page 57 | Remembrances MARY MYRNA BECK

Mary Myrna Beck, 91, of Franklin, Indiana, passed away April 17, 2018. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Verner Glenn Beck, retired elder, and mother of the Rev. Michael Beck, retired elder. Myrna is remembered as one who will be missed by family and friends, but who leaves a legacy of love and faith that will live on in the countless lives she touched.

She was born on April 20, 1926, the daughter of Harry and Alice Davis Kidd. She grew up in Fayette County, Indiana, and graduated from Alquina High School. She married Glenn Beck in 1943.

In 1955 Myrna committed her life to Jesus Christ, which led to a life of ministry in The United Methodist Church. She was a partner in ministry with her husband as he served Indiana United Methodist churches in Fayette, Rush, Shelby, Hamilton, Marion, and Johnson Counties, serving a last appointment at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Indianapolis.

Myrna led youth in the early years of their ministry and enjoyed being part of Bible Study Fellowship, which led to her being a highly respected leader of numerous Bible study groups. She loved being with family and bringing them together for family dinners. She was well-known for her cooking and produced a cookbook that is cherished by her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Beck Quick; sons the Rev. Michael (Mickey) Beck, Mark (Nancy) Beck, and Keith Beck; five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and her niece, Marlene Richardson (Keith) Cook. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glen, after 67 years of marriage; and her sister, Maxine Kidd Richardson.

A memorial service was held at Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community in Franklin, Indiana, on April 21, 2018, and a graveside service followed at Everton Cemetery in Fayette County, Indiana. NAOMI BLAISING

Naomi “Nona” Louise Blaising, 88, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on April 2, 2018. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Blaising, retired elder. She is remembered as a beautiful, kind woman who, with her husband, put Christ first in all things in their life, and one who had a deep faith, a fun spirit, and took interest in everyone.

Naomi was born December 17, 1929, in Seattle, Washington. It was recalled that when she was 11 years old, her family moved to a new town, where a cousin invited her to attend the local United Methodist church. As a result, Naomi found Christ and was eventually led to attend present Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. There, she met her future husband Mark.

She graduated from Western Washington University in 1951 and later received a master’s degree in special education from Ball State University. She worked for several groups that supported the disabled, disadvantaged, and homeless, including Association for the Disabled in Elkhart County (ADEC) in Elkhart, Indiana; Fletcher Place Community Center in Indianapolis; and Feeding the Homeless in Sarasota, Florida.

On June 26, 1954, she married Mark Blaising, and they were married for more than 50 years. Naomi was an important partner in their ministry in The United Methodist Church for more than 40 years, serving churches throughout Indiana and including mission work in South America and Africa.

Naomi is also remembered as a loving, strong, and devoted mother who modeled the Christian faith, authenticity, and compassion, and who was a loving grandmother to beloved grandchildren. She introduced her family to the love of nature, including the Pacific Northwest and Siesta Key, Florida.

She is survived by her children: Janilee (the Rev. John Wimmer) Blaising, Stephen (Terri) Blaising, and Anne (Todd) Bidelman; six grandchildren; her sister Pat Jonas; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mark; and her granddaughter, Kathryn Blaising-Wimmer.

A worship service celebrating her life was held April 5, 2018, at First United Methodist Church in Noblesville, Indiana. Burial followed on April 6, 2018, in Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) Cemetery, New Haven, Indiana.

Special thanks to Stephen Blaising, Naomi’s son, for sharing his thoughts and memories for this remembrance. DOROTHY BONECUTTER

Dorothy E. Keller-Bonecutter, of Auburn, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Armour Keller and spouse of the Rev. Maurice Bonecutter, retired elder, passed away May 12, 2017. She was 94.

Dorothy was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, on July 23, 1922, the daughter of Homer Glenn and Laude Watson Rough. She married Armour J. Keller on August 30, 1946, and he preceded her in death on November 30, 1977. On April 16, 2003, she married Maurice C. Bonecutter in Auburn, Indiana.

She was a graduate of Cochranton High School in Cochranton, Pennsylvania; Meadville Commercial College in Meadville,

Remembrances | Page 58 Pennsylvania; Houghton College in Houghton, New York; and she received a Master of Arts in Education from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

She worked as a secretary in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and later at Fort Wayne Public Library, now Allen County Public Library. She served as secretary to the pastor of Brookside Evangelical United Brethren Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, and as secretary to her pastor and husband, Armour J. Keller. She taught in elementary schools in northern Indiana for 21 years, retiring in 1984.

She was a member of the Indiana State Retired Teachers Association, the DeKalb County Retired Teachers Association, the DeKalb County Historical Society, the Entre Nous Literary Club, the Jackson Homemakers Club, and First United Methodist Church in Auburn, Indiana. She was a member of United Methodist Women, serving as an officer at conference, district, and local levels. She was a past member of Logansport District Board of Global Ministries and North Indiana Conference Board of Global Ministries. She also served on the Indiana Committee of Christian Rural Overseas Programs (CROP). She was a volunteer at the DeKalb Memorial Hospital, now DeKalb Health, and a volunteer driver for the Northeastern Center Mental Health organization in Kendallville, Indiana.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Maurice; four daughters: Dianna (Thomas III) Gibson, Angela (Galen) Hose, Christina Keller, and Veredith Keller; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three stepchildren: Jess (Nancy) Bonecutter, Diane (Ronald) Brewer, and Debra (Kent) Woodring; seven stepgrandchildren and 15 stepgreat- grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Dale (Pauline) Rough and John (Berdena) Rough; and her sister, Doris (Ralph) Hines. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Gaylord E. Rough and his spouse, Elzada; and brother Floyd Rough.

A funeral service was held May 15, 2017, at Auburn First United Methodist Church in Auburn, Indiana, followed by burial in Roselawn Cemetery in Auburn. HAZEL BRETT

Hazel M. Colgan Sumwalt Brett, 88, surviving spouse of the Rev. Leland Brett, retired elder, passed away on November 4, 2017, in Franklin, Indiana.

Hazel was born on May 18, 1929, in Franklin County, Indiana, to Lawrence T. and Anna Bell Hamm Colgan. She married Donald E. Sumwalt on January 1, 1949, and he preceded her in death in 1985. On July 28, 2001, she married the Rev. Leland Brett, who passed away in 2015.

Hazel was a 1947 graduate of Springfield High School in Franklin County, Indiana, and attended Indiana Central College, now the University of Indianapolis. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin.

She was a social worker for Triniteam Caregivers in Chippewa County, Wisconsin, from 1988 until her retirement in 1994. She previously worked and volunteered at Zion Care at Zion United Methodist Church, where she was a member and former president of the evangelism committee, United Methodist Women, and pastor-parish committee. She also served as lay leader in the Northwest District. She volunteered in hospice programs and the AARP Widowed Persons Service, all in Chippewa County.

She is survived by her sons, Samuel G. (Cheryl Lacey) Sumwalt, Thomas (Eileen) E. Sumwalt, and James A. Sumwalt (Margaret Zahn); six grandchildren and stepgrandchildren; and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and her spouses.

A memorial service was held December 2, 2017, at Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community in Franklin, Indiana. JUDITH BROWN

The Rev. Judith Ann Brown of Mechanicsville, Virginia, retired deacon and spouse of the Rev. William Brown, also a retired deacon, passed away on June 28, 2017. A devoted wife, loving parent, and enthusiastic grandmother, she was 75.

Judy earned a bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College and a master’s degree in sacred music from Union Theological Seminary. She was a permanent deacon in The United Methodist Church and served as a minister of music in churches in Indiana and Virginia, most recently at Church of the Creator in Mechanicsville. She is remembered as having spent her entire adult life sharing her love, talent, and passion for music.

She is survived by her husband, William; her sons, Hoyt Brown and Doug (Amy) Brown; sister-in-law, Diane Newton; brother- in-law, Don Brown; six grandchildren; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Hazel Newton; her brother, Jack Newton; her nephew, Dwayne Newton; and her sister-in-law, Cheryl Brown.

A celebration of life service was held on July 12, 2017, at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia.

Page 59 | Remembrances EDITH BRUNER

The Rev. Edith Hill Bruner, 99, of Warrenville, Illinois, retired elder, passed away June 11, 2017.

Edith was born May 17, 1918, in Westfield, Indiana. She served several Indiana United Methodist churches, including Richland Center, Lafayette Congress Street, Francesville, Star City, Veedersburg, Winslow, Carrollton, Darlington, and Willow Branch before retiring in 1981.

She is survived by her daughter, Frieda Onken; her grandchildren and their families; and her sister, Ruth King.

A funeral service was held June 15, 2017, in West Chicago, Illinois. JANET CASTERLINE

Janet F. Casterline, 81, of Anderson, Indiana, passed away November 20, 2017. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Kaye Casterline, retired elder.

Born October 27, 1936, in Anderson Indiana, to Nellie and G. Frank Swetnam, she lived most of her life in Anderson.

Janet graduated from Bethel College and taught school at South Elementary and East Elementary Schools in the South Madison Community School Corporation before her retirement.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Anderson, where her husband served as calling pastor. He also served as pastor of Frankton First United Methodist Church for 12 years.

Janet is survived by her children: Michal Casterline, Patti Casterline, and David (Anita) Casterline; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kaye; and her sister, Mary Sharpe.

A memorial service was held November 26, 2017, at Loose Funeral Homes & Crematory in Anderson, Indiana, followed by burial in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. E. LYNN CHAMPION

The Rev. E. Lynn Champion, retired elder, passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 26, 2017, surrounded by loving family. He was 80.

Lynn was born on January 26, 1937, in Columbus, Indiana, to Paul and Elsie Baute Champion. He graduated from Columbus High School and later from Evansville College, now University of Evansville. In 1963, he graduated from Methodist Theological School in Ohio as a member of its inaugural graduating class.

Following ordination, Lynn served two churches in Indianapolis. In 1969, he joined the chaplaincy staff at Community Hospital, also in Indianapolis, and retired as director of pastoral care in 2001.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Judith; his son, Dr. Stephen (Melanie) Champion; his stepdaughters, Heather (Mark) Urschel and Juli (Michael) Carter; and eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Saundra Whipker.

A celebration of life service was held on August 30, 2017, at Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services in Indianapolis, Indiana. JAMES CHERRY

Pastor James H. Cherry III, 75, of Shelbyville, Indiana, retired local pastor, passed away May 25, 2017. He is remembered as a man of strong faith, devoted to his family and religion.

Jim was born April 13, 1942, in Asheville, North Carolina, to James Henderson II and Katherine Buck Cherry. He married Merrie “Jo” Cranford Cherry on June 29, 1962.

Jim began his career in Schenectady, New York, in the financial management program of The General Electric Company. His work required the family to move frequently, and they spent time in New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and North Carolina until arriving in Shelbyville, Indiana, in 1978.

He worked for GE and Wellman Thermal Systems until 2003 and then began a second career in ministry. He graduated from Christian Theological Seminary and served Fairland United Methodist Church beginning in 2013.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville for 35 years. While there, he taught Sunday school, served as chairperson of the administrative board, the board of trustees, and the pastor-parish relations committee. He was a

Remembrances | Page 60 member of Shelbyville Rotary Club and a former member of the Unique Club. He served on the board of Shelby County United Fund for You (SCUFFY) and on the Shelbyville School Board for one term.

A celebration of life service was held on June 2, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville, Indiana. LOUIS EDWARD CLARK

Pastor Louis Edward Clark, retired local pastor, passed away June 4, 2017. He is remembered as a man of great integrity who was trustworthy, honest, caring, discerning, wise, teachable, and forthright.

Louis was born October 8, 1933. He married Julia Kathleen Hack on March 7, 1957, and they were married for 56 years before her death in 2013.

He served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman during the Korean War, personally sacrificing much to serve his country and provide for his family. Later in life, he was a Christian Science Reading Room volunteer, a Mason, and a member of Scottish Rite.

In ministry, Louis took special interest in Bible study and teaching, pastoral care and hospital visits, and sharing with his neighbors. Friends remarked on his amazing knowledge of the Bible. His son has written that his father’s heart was in God’s Word, and growing closer to our Lord was his passion.

He served four Indiana United Methodist churches, including Bethlehem, Rosedale, Brazil Epworth, and Clay City, before retiring in 2000.

A memorial service was held on July 28, 2017, in Zionsville, Indiana, later followed by placement of cremains in Wolfboro, New Hampshire.

Special thanks to the Rev. Phillip E. Clark, Louis’s son, for sharing his thoughts and memories for this remembrance. ROBERT COLLIE

The Rev. Dr. Robert Morris Collie, Th.D., of Fort Wayne, Indiana, retired elder, passed away May 1, 2017, at age 88. His family has written that “we lift Bob up with gratitude and love for being with us for so many years, and we send him off to his new life with our eternal God in Heaven.”

Bob was born December 15, 1929, to Zula and Turner Morris Collie in Eastland, Texas. During his senior year in high school, he was invited to preach his first sermon in his home church, First United Methodist Church of Eastland. Following graduation, he attended Texas Wesleyan University and the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

He was appointed as pastor to churches in Texas and Louisiana before moving to California with his family, attending the Pacific School of Religion, part of Graduate Theological Union, in Berkley and graduating summa cum laude with a Doctor of Theology in Religion and Personality Sciences degree.

In 1969, he became director of the Office of Pastoral Care of the United Methodist West Ohio Conference, and while there, was certified a diplomate by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors. Nine years later, he answered a call to Indiana to start the Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne. Later, he became a clinical social worker and worked in private practice. He wrote six professional books and more than 25 articles that were published internationally.

Bob served on the boards of several community organizations and participated in various civic activities, including many years as part of the Rotary Club of Fort Wayne. His hobbies included hiking, travel, music, reading, history, and anthropology. He had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and told many funny stories about his days as an Eagle Scout in the Rocky Mountains, including his adventures with “Whitey,” the grey mule.

He had many friends from Fort Wayne and around the world who were always a source of great joy and laughter and serious exchange of ideas. His friends never tired of visiting and uplifting him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Annalie; daughter Crista Fay (Lawrence) Boyles; sons Robert Turner Collie and Felix Moxter; and grandson, Lukas Otto Moxter.

A celebration of life service was held May 20, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Special thanks to Annalie Collie, Bob’s wife, for sharing her thoughts and memories for this remembrance.

Page 61 | Remembrances NELLIE COOPER

Nellie Lee Cooper, 98, surviving spouse of the Rev. Dr. Lawrence D. Cooper, retired elder, and partner in life and in ministry, died peacefully on July 21, 2017, in Greenfield, Indiana.

Nellie was born September 28, 1918, in Fairview, Indiana, to John and Nellie Gibbs Lee. She grew up on the family dairy farm, located on what is now called the Nell Lee Road.

She graduated from Vevay High School in 1936 and then attended Hanover College and the Indiana State Teachers College, now Indiana State University. In 1941, she earned a lifetime teaching license for grades K-12, and in 1944, earned a Bachelor of Science in English from Hanover College.

While living in Ohio County, Indiana, and teaching at the Cass-Union Consolidated School, she attended the local Methodist church. There she met Lawrence D. Cooper, and they were married on March 27, 1942, a marriage of over 65 years until his death in 2007.

Nellie is remembered as “the consummate ‘preacher’s wife,’” serving as Lawrence’s “chief of staff,” gatekeeper, and valued advisor. She was also active in the churches they served, teaching Sunday school, leading youth groups and clubs, and editing many newsletters and bulletins.

After retirement, the couple lived in rural Hancock County, Indiana, and Nellie remained active there with books, gardening, grandchildren, family, friends, and pets. For over 60 years, she was a member of the Rising Sun, Indiana Chapter 326 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Nellie is survived by son Stephen Cooper and his wife, Patricia Sweeney Cooper, who was also her friend and caregiver after Lawrence’s death; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lawrence.

A memorial service was held on July 26, 2017, at Eden United Methodist Church, in Greenfield, Indiana. Burial followed at Eden Cemetery in Hancock County, Indiana. EDWARD CURTICE

The Rev. Dr. Edward Burton Curtice, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, retired elder, passed away May 29, 2017. He was 75.

He was born in Gary, Indiana, the son of Edward and Ethel Curtice.

He served many Indiana United Methodist churches, including those in Avon, Cloverdale, Evansville, and Indianapolis. He was a member of Surfside United Methodist Church in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, and worked with the Stephen Ministry there.

He is remembered as passionate about golf and Indiana basketball, and he loved his dog, Chippy.

He is survived by his daughter, Allison Lynn Curtice. He was preceded in death by his parents. MARJORIE DICKEY

Marjorie Dickey, surviving spouse of the Rev. John Dickey, retired elder, passed away on March 25, 2018. JENNIFER DWYER

Jennifer Dwyer, 60, spouse of the Rev. Mark Dwyer, elder, passed away on November 15, 2017, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She will be remembered for the love and support she gave to family, friends, and animal companions.

Jennifer was born May 27, 1957, to John and Marjorie Murdock Fletcher. She married Mark Dwyer on December 15, 1979.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at the University of Evansville, and in 1993, she became a licensed nurse practitioner. She worked at Indiana University Health as a nursing educator for nearly 30 years.

She was an active member of various United Methodist churches as well as Chi Omega sorority and the Junior League of Indianapolis. She enjoyed gardening, camping, and traveling to national and state parks.

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Mark; son, Noah A. Dwyer; and daughter, Hannah K. Dwyer. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life service was held at the Daniel F. O’Riley Funeral Home in Indianapolis, Indiana, on December 1, 2017.

Remembrances | Page 62 MARY OPAL EARLEY

Mary Opal Earley, of Franklin, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. William Earley and mother-in-law of the Rev. Eric Kersey, pastor of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away June 28, 2017.

Her family wrote that “Opal would want any person who reads this to please remember the timeless words of John Wesley: Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.”

Opal was born July 7, 1927, in Southport, North Carolina, the daughter of Willie and Mary Alma Suggs. For over 50 years, she served with her husband, the Rev. William Earley, in Indiana United Methodist congregations, including Pleasantville, Merom, Graysville, Cicero, Arcadia, Dearborn Hills, and Martinsville.

Bill and Opal spent many years in mission service at Servants in Faith and Technology is rural Alabama, and at McCurdy School, now McCurdy Ministries, in New Mexico. They were also instrumental advocates and workers in the Emmaus Community, and they led many trips to Israel and the Holy Land.

They are also remembered as humble and grateful members of The Greatest Generation. Their last journey together was to the opening of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

Opal is survived by daughters Sharyn (Eric) Kersey and Gayle (Jack) Stultz; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and special friend and caregiver Sherrell Clark; siblings Junior Suggs, Ronald Suggs, and Janice Chestnut. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; two daughters; and one brother and one sister.

A private family celebration was held July 1, 2017, in Martinsville, Indiana. MILDRED ELAM

Mildred S. Elam, 92, of Warren, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Charles Elam, passed away June 28, 2017.

She was born February 11, 1924, in Wolf County, Kentucky, the daughter of Linvill Thrasher and Stella M. Amburgy Shull. She graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in Vancleve, Kentucky, and attended Asbury College, now Asbury University.

Mildred married Charles Elam on August 27, 1948, and he preceded her in death in 2002. She was a homemaker and enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and ceramics. She was a member of United Methodist Women.

She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte (Gary) Messick; her son, Philip (Bonnie) Elam; five grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; her brother, L.T. (Mary) Shull; and her sister, Wanda Koch. In addition to her husband, Charles, she was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Martha Pierson and Frieda M. Kyle; and brothers, Raymond C. Shull and Clemons B. Shull.

A celebration of life service was held at Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel in Warren, Indiana, on July 1, 2017. Interment followed in Spring Hill Cemetery in Warren. LOIS ENDRIS

Lois F. Endris, of Greenwood, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Owen Endris, retired elder, passed away on January 15, 2018. She was 91.

Born June 10, 1926, Lois was the daughter of Hosea and Emma Lingle. She was employed as a secretary at Fort Harrison Finance Center for 15 years and previously worked at Western Electric, both in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a member of Center United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, where she was active in United Methodist Women and the missions committee.

Lois is survived by her son, Owen “Phil” (Robin) Endris II; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Owen; and her brothers, Bernard Lingle and Charles Lingle.

A memorial service was held on January 20, 2018, at Center United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Interment followed at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Greenwood, Indiana. CARL EWICK

The Rev. Carl D. Ewick, 81, retired elder, passed away on August 12, 2017, at Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community in Franklin, Indiana.

He was born June 4, 1936, in Shelbyville, Indiana, to Harold and Lola Buell Ewick. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1953 and attended Indiana State University. He graduated from Christian Theological Seminary in 1982.

Page 63 | Remembrances Carl served many Indiana United Methodist congregations, including West Terre Haute and Bethesda, Pleasant Grove, Brazil Union, Prairie City, Perryville, Gessie, Emison, Oaktown, Brownstown, and Shelbyville West Street, before retiring in 2004.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving from 1953 to 1958, and enjoyed studying the Bible and Southern gospel music.

Carl is survived by his wife, Nancy Bogetto Ewick, to whom he was married on August 16, 1969. He is also survived by his sons, Daryl Ewick and Thomas (Selena) Ewick; his daughter, Carla (Michael) Mosley; and 13 grandchildren. His sisters and their families also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services were held at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory in Shelbyville, Indiana, on August 17, 2017. Interment followed in Miller Cemetery in Shelby County, Indiana. EVERETT DEAN FAGER

The Rev. Everett Dean Fager, 70, of Plymouth, Indiana, retired elder, passed away on January 31, 2018. He was most recently serving Knox United Methodist Church and was the spouse of Janet Fager, conference assistant serving the North District.

He was the son of Luther V. and Nola Elliott Fager, born on April 6, 1947, in Redkey, Indiana, and he married Janet Stahl on June 12, 1993.

He graduated from Jay County High School. He continued his education at the University of Evansville, Boston University, and Drew University, and he earned a doctorate in ministry degree.

His family recalls that he was passionate about reaching out to the least, the last, and the lost through the Emmaus Mission Center Care and Share Day and in day-to-day encounters with people. Excellence in worship was also a priority for Dean. He excelled at caring for members of his flock who were in crisis and grief, and many considered this to be one of his greatest gifts.

In addition to his current appointment to Knox, Dean served many Indiana United Methodist churches, including Muncie Fairview, First and St. Mark’s in Decatur, Albany, Osceola, Taylor Chapel, Peru Main Street, Plymouth First, and Logansport First. He also served as associate director of Council of Ministries of the former North Indiana Conference from 1991-94.

He is survived by his wife, Janet; his children: Eric (Jess) Caskey, Michael (Sarah) Caskey, Ryan Fager, Nick (Trudy) Caskey, Benjamin Fager, and Sarah Fager; and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Jeffrey (Sally) Fager. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Holly Fager.

A celebration of life service was held on February 3, 2018, at Knox United Methodist Church in Knox, Indiana.

Special thanks to Janet Fager, Dean’s wife, for sharing her thoughts and memories for this remembrance. PAULINE M. GILMORE

Pauline M. Gilmore, 79, passed away on December 1, 2017, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was the spouse of Pastor Edward Gilmore, who serves Flint United Methodist Church in Angola, Indiana, and she is remembered as a loving and giving woman.

Pauline was born on August 21, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to Stephen and Mary Egan Hastings, and on April 6, 1968, she married Edward J. Gilmore. She worked as a secretary in Chicago until retirement. In 2010, she moved to LaGrange, Indiana.

She is survived by her husband, Edward; her sons, Daniel Gilmore and David Gilmore; her daughter, Beverly (Ronald) Lullo; three grandchildren; and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Stephen Hastings.

Funeral services were held on December 9, 2017, at Howe United Methodist Church in Howe, Indiana, and burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange, Indiana. MICHAEL GONZALEZ

Pastor Michael Anthony “Gonzo” Gonzalez, 54, of Delphi, Indiana, passed away on February 21, 2018. He was most recently serving Wheatland Avenue United Methodist Church in Logansport, Indiana, and is remembered as one who was passionate about ministering to any and all.

Michael was born July 28, 1963, in Tampa, Florida, to Louis Gonzalez and Darline Del Pino Melendreras. He earned his GED from Jefferson High School in Tampa. He was a veteran U.S. Army Ranger and trained medic, having served in South Korea.

Remembrances | Page 64 He formerly worked for Apria Healthcare in Lafayette, Indiana, and for the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette, and he recently completed EMT training.

Michael was a member of Delphi United Methodist Church, where he led the men’s ministry, sang with the praise team and adult choir, and was active with the church’s mobile food pantry. He also assisted in leading a monthly worship service at Carroll Manor Home in Delphi. He was called to pastor Wheatland Avenue United Methodist Church in 2016.

He enjoyed natural horsemanship training and led many seminars, locally and abroad. He achieved a black belt in martial arts and enjoyed teaching his skills to high-risk youth. He enjoyed cooking, singing and playing his guitar, and he was an avid reader who spoke four languages. He also starred in many training films, occasionally worked as an extra in television shows, and enjoyed historical reenactments.

He is survived by his wife, Beth; children Michael, Sarah, Abby, and stepson, Eric; his mother and stepfather, Darline and Val Melendreras; sisters, Melanie and Griselda; brother, Charlie; and extended family.

A celebration of life service was held at Delphi United Methodist Church in Delphi on February 25, 2018. TRICIA HALFERTY

Tricia L. Halferty, 54, spouse of Pastor Michael Halferty, who serves Waterloo United Methodist Church in Waterloo, Indiana, died February 20, 2018. She is remembered as one who enjoyed crafting, babysitting her precious granddaughter, and spending time with her family.

Tricia was born August 16, 1963, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was the daughter of B. Neil and Patti Ann Redman Lewis. She graduated from Kennett High School in 1981 and received her bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 1985.

She began her career as a news photographer in Decatur, Illinois, and then worked in marketing and communications for Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Taylor University in 2010. Most recently, she worked for Ruoff Home Mortgage in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a marketing specialist.

She is survived by her father; her husband of 30 years, Michael; daughter, Anne Halferty; son, Andrew (Brittany) Halferty and their daughter; stepdaughter, Kelley (Tony) Knickmeyer and their children; sisters Terri Kiplinger, Tracy (James) McGinnis; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her mother.

A celebration of life service took place February 28, 2018, at Feller & Clark Funeral Home in Auburn, Indiana. VESTA HILL

Vesta Mae Arnett Hill, 96, surviving spouse of the Rev. Frederick Hill, retired elder. passed away on January 15, 2018, in Franklin, Indiana. Formerly of Indianapolis, Indiana, she was a resident of Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community for 27 years, where she often taught watercolor, oil painting, and crafts to her fellow community residents.

Vesta was born in Pleasant Hill, Ohio, on July 21, 1921, to Charles H. and Maude Pierce Arnett. She married Frederick D. Hill on November 26, 1945.

In 1944, Vesta graduated from Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio, and became a registered nurse. In 1970, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with high distinction from Indiana University School of Nursing and was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, now Sigma. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing degree in 1977.

Early in 1945, she enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, was commissioned a second lieutenant, and was stationed at Wakeman General Hospital at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. She also held nursing positions at Grant Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio; and for nearly 20 years at the Bureau of Community Health Nursing of the Marion County Health Department in Indianapolis. She retired in 1984 as assistant administrator of nursing research and evaluation.

In retirement, Vesta worked part-time for Midwest Alliance in Nursing and then traveled south with her husband each winter for 10 years to work with Nomads On a Mission Active in Divine Service (NOMADS) as volunteers for The United Methodist Church.

Vesta was a charter member of Rosedale Hills United Methodist Church, where she taught a young adult Sunday school class for many years and was active in United Methodist Women.

She is survived by her daughter, Terry Spencer; five grandchildren; two sisters, Viola Yingst, her twin, and Betty Hare; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frederick; her daughter, Judy Rank; her sister, Bernice Jones; and two brothers, Samuel Emerson Arnett and Roscoe Arnett.

Page 65 | Remembrances A memorial service was conducted on January 21, 2018, at Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community in Franklin, Indiana. Burial followed at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin. KATHIE HOSTETTER

The Rev. Kathie Mensendick Hostetter, 63, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2017. She was most recently serving Roselawn United Methodist Church in Roselawn, Indiana, and was the spouse of the Rev. John Hostetter, senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Rensselaer.

Kathie was born in Carthage, Illinois, on August 16, 1954, the daughter of Robert G. Mensendick Sr. and Katharine A. Wendorff Guither. She was raised in Carthage and graduated from Carthage High School in 1972. She attended Illinois Wesleyan University, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education. In 1980, Kathie was awarded a Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

On July 19, 1980, she married John Hostetter, and he survives.

Kathie served several churches in the former North Indiana Conference from 1981 to the present. For the past nine years, she served as pastor of Roselawn. Prior to becoming a pastor, she taught music in Buba, Illinois.

She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Rensselaer and had been active with the Girl Scouts of America for many years, working with the Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana-Michiana Council in Goshen, Indiana. She is remembered as a true believer in Christ who also loved music and spending time with children and grandchildren. In her leisure time, she enjoyed birdwatching and her cats.

She is survived by her husband, John; and her children, Stephen (Mary) Hostetter and Anne (Michael) Valentine. Also surviving are her mother, Katharine Guither; two grandchildren; and her brother, Robert G. (Diana) Mensendick, Jr.

A celebration of life service was held September 16, 2017, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Rensselaer, Indiana. EVA DANIELS HOUCK

Eva Daniels Houck, 92, of Albany, Oregon, surviving spouse of the Rev. L.C. Beasley, passed away on June 10, 2017. She is remembered as a woman whose chief desire and joy in life was serving her Savior anywhere she found a need.

Eva Lorene Agee, daughter of E. E. and Winona Agee, was born May 18, 1925, in Redmond, Oregon. She graduated from Cascade College in 1947, majoring in psychology and education. She later earned a Master of Arts in Education at Ball State University while teaching second grade in Muncie, Indiana.

In 1949, she traveled to Kentucky to teach at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. During that time, she met the Rev. L. C. Beasley, and they were married in 1955 in the first church wedding local residents had experienced. They continued in ministry in the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Kentucky and then in Muncie, where they were residing at the time of his death in 1965.

In 1971, the family moved to Sweet Home, Oregon, and Eva married Arnold L. Daniels. Eva taught special needs children there and was also active in ministry with Cambodian refugees before relocating to Phoenix for her husband’s health. Following his death in 1991, she returned to Albany, Oregon, and married Mervin Olson in 1996. After Mervin’s death, she married William Houck in 2003. They were active in senior ministries and visitation until his death.

Throughout her life, Eva traveled to most states in the United States as well as Europe, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Central America, and Russia. She maintained connection with many of the friends she made over the course of her life.

Eva is survived by her children, Charlene Skarphol, and Mark (Carol) Beasley; grandchildren Evan and Chelsea Skarphol, Brooke and Kevin McCollister, Jenna Skarphol, Amy Beasley, Lauren Beasley; and two great-grandsons. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husbands.

A celebration of life service was held on June 24, 2017, at Grace Bible Fellowship in Tangent, Oregon. SHARON ISON

Sharon E. Ison, 74, of Seymour, Indiana, spouse of Pastor David Ison, retired local pastor serving Freetown United Methodist Church and Surprise United Methodist Church, passed away April 28, 2018.

She was born June 11, 1943, the daughter of Earl and Thelma Scott Carmichael, and she married David H. Ison on August 4,

Remembrances | Page 66 1961.

Sharon was a beautician for over 40 years.

She is survived by her husband, David; her daughters, Lisa (Denny) Hamilton and Terri (Mike) Pettit; four grandchildren: Kaleb (Lindsey) McKinney, Kegan (Erin) McKinney, Samone (Zach) McCallie, and Mitchell (Molly) Pettit; one great-granddaughter; and her brother and two sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Carole Rucker Fleetwood.

A funeral service was held on May 3, 2018, at Voss & Sons Funeral Service in Seymour, Indiana. Burial followed at Freetown Cemetery in Freetown, Indiana. MELBA KILBURN

Melba King Kilburn, 87, spouse of the Rev. Walter Kilburn, now deceased elder, both of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away on December 21, 2017.

Melba was born December 7, 1930, in Blakely, Georgia, to Rufus Rural and Vera Iris Brightwell King.

She served as a pastor’s wife for many years and assisted her husband in ministry, first in Alabama and then in Indiana, following his transfer in 1962.

She was a homemaker and a member of Midway United Methodist Church in Douglasville.

She was survived at the time of her death by her husband, Walter; her nieces and nephews; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Philip Kilburn and Michael Kilburn; and her sister, Alfrieda Jarrett.

A memorial service was conducted on January 4, 2018, at Midway United Methodist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. WALTER E. KILBURN

The Rev. Walter Eugene Kilburn, retired elder, passed away on January 28, 2018, in Douglasville, Georgia. He was 90.

Born on May 1, 1927, in Florence, Alabama, Walter was the son of John Thomas and Velma Butler Kilburn. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He entered Methodist ministry in Alabama, transferring to Indiana in 1962. He served many Indiana United Methodist congregations, including Loogootee, Edgewood, Terre Haute First, Zionsville, Speedway, Connersville First, Kokomo Main Street, and Churubusco, retiring after 40 years of service.

He was a member of Midway United Methodist Church in Douglasville.

He is survived by nieces and nephews Angie and Leo Wells, Iris and Ed Richards, Mack Jarrett, Eric and Debbie Jarrett; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Melba; sons Philip Kilburn and Michael Kilburn; and a brother, John T. Kilburn, Jr.

A memorial service was held on February 12, 2018, at Midway United Methodist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. JOHN KNECHT

The Rev. John Richard Knecht, 96, retired elder, passed away on August 9, 2017, in North Manchester, Indiana. He is remembered as being truly loved respected and one who touched many in a positive way.

He was born and raised in Hartford City, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana Central College, now University of Indianapolis, in 1942. He attended United Theological Seminary and was ordained in 1945. He received a Master of Arts from Yale University in 1946 in preparation for mission work in China (1946-47), where he taught history and sociology at Lingnan University in Hong Kong.

When he returned to the United States, John served as pastor at Evangelical United Brethren churches in Clay City, Indiana, and Terre Haute, Indiana. He then served 10 years at The Board of Evangelism for the EUB church, participating in many youth mission trips. In 1965, he was named president of United Theological Seminary and held that office until his retirement in 1985.

John had a lifelong love of baseball and was a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He established and coached the first baseball team at Lingnan and later invented a baseball board game for his children. Golf was his recreational passion, and he played more than 545 different courses around the world, including all those on which the British Open has been held. In retirement, he and Marjorie traveled extensively, including six trips to China as group leaders for Seminars International. He served on the board and was an avid supporter of Habitat for Humanity in Wabash County, Indiana.

Page 67 | Remembrances He was survived by his wife of 74 years, Marjorie, now deceased; four children, Catherine, Mark (Joan), Luke (Jeanne), and Matthew (Barbara); eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on August 19, 2017, at North Manchester United Methodist Church in North Manchester, Indiana. MARJORIE KNECHT

Marjorie Ellen Hill Knecht, 96, passed away January 4, 2018, in North Manchester, Indiana. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. John Richard Knecht, retired elder, now deceased. She will be remembered for her genuine kindness, her encouraging and positive presence, and as a source of inspiration for her family, of whom she was very proud.

Marjorie was born in Bourbon, Indiana, daughter of the Rev. Silas and Gertrude Hill. She spent her youth in the Indiana communities of Bourbon, Churubusco, Nine Mile, Albion, Roanoke, and Tyner, where she graduated from high school. In 1942, she graduated from Indiana Central College, now University of Indianapolis.

In May 1943, she married John Knecht, and they moved to Dayton, Ohio, where she taught high school English and Latin while John studied for the pastorate. She attended Yale University in 1945 to prepare for mission work in Canton, China, where she and John lived between 1946 and 1947.

Returning to the United States, John and Marjorie fulfilled pastoral assignments in Clay City, Indiana, and Terre Haute, Indiana, before moving to Dayton, Ohio, in 1956. Marjorie’s focus and devotion were on raising her four children and fulfilling the role of a pastor’s wife.

She was very active in her children’s school activities and served in leadership positions for local and national women’s organizations associated with The United Methodist Church. She loved music and frequently played the piano for church events and the organ for high school commencement ceremonies. She loved reading and birdwatching, and summers were often spent at Oakwood Park on Lake Wawasee, where she pursued these passions.

In 1969, Marjorie returned to the classroom and taught for 11 years at Dunbar High School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year one year. Her subjects included world literature, English, etymology, and Latin. She always said, “I learned as much as I taught,” and she was loved and respected by her students and colleagues.

In retirement, Marjorie and John moved to Sebring, Florida. They traveled extensively as group leaders to China for Seminars International; made multiple trips to England, Scotland, the European continent; and took a trip around the world. In 1999, they relocated to North Manchester.

Marjorie is survived by four children, Catherine, Mark (Joan), Luke (Jeanne), and Matthew (Barbara); eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held in the chapel at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, Indiana, on March 3, 2018. PATRICIA KYLE

Patricia B. Kyle, 93, retired diaconal minister, community clergy leader, and activist, passed away September 28, 2017, in Warren, Indiana. She is remembered for her passion for overcoming racial and economic injustice and for changing the lives of many through her service.

Pat was born July 25, 1924, in Aurora, Indiana, to Raymond and Beatrice Kyle. After graduating from Indiana University, she became director of Christian education at First United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana. She received a master’s degree in religious education from Perkins School of Theology and while there, served as director of the Wesley Foundation at North Texas State University in Denton. Following graduation, she returned to Indiana as director of the Wesley Foundation at DePauw University.

In 1964, she became director of children’s work at Fletcher Place Methodist Church and Community Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, combining her commitment to teaching with her deep concern for people in difficult circumstances. These interests led her to the position of director of community ministries at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in South Bend, Indiana. She served various Indiana United Methodist churches and was a founding member of the North Indiana chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, also serving as a national president of that organization.

In 1986, she traveled to Africa to visit with those who helped create the Republic of Zimbabwe, attend the World Methodist Conference in Kenya and learn about apartheid in South Africa. For several summers, she served as hostess at the Westervelt House of the Ministers’ Union at the Chautauqua Institution on Lake Chautauqua, New York.

In retirement, Pat returned to South Bend, where she served as director of the soup kitchen at First United Methodist Church. She was a member of Broadway Christian Parish United Methodist Church in South Bend from 1996 until her death.

Remembrances | Page 68 Pat is survived by her sister, Peg Zieber, and nephew, Jim Zieber. She is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held December 1, 2017, at St. Paul’s Memorial United Methodist Church in South Bend, Indiana. DILLON LAFFIN

The Rev. Dillon D. Laffin, 101, retired elder, passed away March 20, 2018, in Clear Lake, Texas. He served United Methodist churches for 52 years, including congregations in Indiana and in Texas.

Dillon was born November 4, 1916, in Celina, Ohio, and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. After military service, he graduated from Taylor University and Garrett Theological Seminary, now Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

He is survived by his daughters, Marcia (Nelson) Lemon and Deborah Lounsbury; and four grandchildren and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Vivian, and infant daughter, Darlene.

A memorial service was held March 24, 2018, at Clear Lake United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. MARILYN LANTZ

Marilyn Jo Steiner Lantz, 85, of Goshen, Indiana, spouse of the Rev. James Lantz, retired elder, passed away on September 8, 2017. She was also mother of the Rev. Ann Lantz, former elder of the Indiana Conference and currently serving in Colorado, and grandmother of the Rev. Christopher Lantz, elder serving LaGrange First United Methodist Church in LaGrange, Indiana.

Marilyn was born on May 19, 1932, in Portland, Indiana, to Russell Q. and Iva Iris Miller Steiner. On August 30, 1953, she married James E. Lantz. She is remembered as a caring person who “never saw a stranger.”

In 1950, she graduated from Leo High School in Leo, Indiana, and attended the Methodist School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was a registered nurse for 28 years before retirement from Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville, Indiana, in 1994.

Over the course of her life, she resided in various Indiana cities and towns, including Anderson, Avilla, Kendallville, Elkhart, Hoagland, Muncie, and Syracuse, before moving to Goshen in 2011.

She was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse. She took special interest in youth ministry and United Methodist Women, as well as many volunteer activities.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, James; her children Steven (Sheri) Lantz, William (Kathy) Lantz, and Ann (Agnes) Lantz; her brother, Griffen (Dorothea) Steiner; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service was held September 13, 2017, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse, Indiana. Private family burial took place at Celebration Park at Greencroft in Goshen, Indiana.

Special thanks to the Rev. James Lantz, Marilyn’s husband, for sharing his thoughts and memories for this remembrance. OLON REX LINDEMOOD

The Rev. Olon Rex Lindemood, of Penney Farms, Florida, retired elder, passed away peacefully February 19, 2018. Remembered as passionate, caring, and direct, Rex was 89.

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 16, 1928. He was a graduate of Pocatello High School in Pocatello, Idaho, and Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He then graduated from Drew Theological School and was ordained into the Oregon-Idaho Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Rex married Verna Louva Simonson on May 5, 1951, and after pastoring congregations in Idaho for several years, Rex and his family returned to Indiana. He pastored several Indiana United Methodist congregations, including Jefferson Chapel-Coesse, East Chicago First, Hartford City Trinity, North Webster, and Dyer, before retiring in 1991. He served on the General Methodist Church Temperance Committee during the 1950s.

In retirement, Rex and Verna moved to Penney Retirement Community in Penney Farms and were active members of that community for 27 years.

Rex is survived by his wife, Verna; sons Stephen Rex, Mark Drew, and Olon Mulford and their spouses; 11 grandchildren; and

Page 69 | Remembrances nine great-grandsons. He is also survived by his sister, Myrtle Bacon. He was preceded in death by his brother, George; granddaughter, Betsy; grandson, Jeffery Lindemood; and great-grandson, Brooklynn RayOlon Walker.

A memorial service was held March 5, 2018, at Penney Memorial Church in Penney Farms, Florida. BARBARA LINDLEY

Barbara Lovina Lindley, 83, of Ontario, Indiana, spouse of C. Howard Lindley, retired elder, passed away on July 7, 2017. She is remembered as one who was devoted to God and lived out what she believed.

She was born near Decatur, Indiana, on November 20, 1933, the daughter of George and Elizabeth Schwartz Blount. In 1952, she graduated from Salem High School in Salem, Indiana.

On June 15, 1952, she married C. Howard Lindley, and while he pastored many Indiana United Methodist congregations, she was active in United Methodist Women, especially in missions.

Barbara is also remembered as one who loved people and made the world around her better. People who knew her told stories about how she made a difference in their lives. With a fun spirit, she was creative with painting, crocheting, and making Jell-O salads. She enjoyed music, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Howard; her children James (Un Hui) Lindle and John (Meda) Lindley; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and her brothers and sisters and their spouses. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, Kenneth Lindley and David Keith Lindley.

A funeral service was held July 12, 2017, at Howe United Methodist Church in Howe, Indiana. Cremation and burial followed in Riverside Cemetery in Howe, Indiana.

Special thanks to C. Howard Lindley, Barbara’s husband, for sharing his thoughts and memories for this remembrance. SHIRLEY MCCOY

Shirley R. Adams McCoy, 89, of Franklin, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Dean M. McCoy, passed away May 7, 2017.

She was born May 20, 1927, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of John and Inez Northern Adams. In 1969, she graduated from Vincennes University and later served as a licensed practical nurse at Sullivan County Community Hospital and in Corydon, Indiana. She also previously worked in Farmersburg, Indiana.

Shirley married the Rev. Dean M. McCoy on September 4, 1949, and he preceded her in death in 2010.

She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin and the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed and loved reading, sewing, and playing dominoes and Mexican dominoes.

Shirley is survived by sons Jeffrey L. McCoy and Robert D. McCoy; daughters Betty Meyer and Ada Colleen McCoy; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dean.

A memorial service was held at Wright Chapel of the Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community in Franklin, Indiana, on May 11, 2017. MARK MILLER

The Rev. Mark J. Miller, 63, of Chrisney, Indiana, elder serving Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Chrisney, passed away October 22, 2017. Mark is remembered for his love of Jesus Christ, his dedication to ministering and serving others, and his love of musicals.

Mark was born February 15, 1954, in Greenfield, Indiana, the son of Homer and Mildred Whitesides Miller. He received his Master of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and was a United Methodist pastor for 35 years. He served as a chaplain for Spencer County Sheriff’s Office and worked with Spencer County Hospice.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons David (Heather) Miller and Matthew (Courtney) Miller; seven grandchildren; his brother, Kevin (Sherie) Miller and sister, Dana Miller. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service was held October 31, 2017, at Philadelphia United Methodist Church in Greenfield, Indiana, and burial followed at Philadelphia Cemetery in Greenfield.

Remembrances | Page 70 BETH MYERS

Beth Ann Jury Myers, 88, of Bloomington, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Charles Myers, passed away June 21, 2017. She is remembered as one who “loved her God, her family, and her friends, and whose wish would be for peace in the world; and for all peoples to learn to respect the differences in one another and to give thanks for the many gifts we each bring to life.”

Beth was born in Woodford County, Illinois, on May 9, 1929, the daughter of Harold B. and Lyla Burnham Jury. She attended a one-room school and often rode her bicycle or pony to school.

She was a graduate of Washburn Township High School, and in 1950, she graduated from Knox College with a Bachelor of Arts. In 1971, she earned a master’s degree in education from Indiana Central College, now University of Indianapolis.

She married Charles L. Myers on June 17, 1950, and they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, for Charles’s employment. In 1955, the family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, and then to Farmington, Maine, and during that time Charles studied for ministry. The family returned to Indiana in 1958, where Charles served United Methodist churches in Carlisle, Batesville, Bloomington, Greenwood, Lebanon, New Albany, and Indianapolis.

Beth taught elementary school in Bloomington and Greenwood. She also worked as a social worker in Lebanon and for a brief time, as a realtor in Indianapolis. She also, alone or with her husband, often led religious retreats for men and women of various United Methodist congregations in Indiana.

She is survived by her children: Susan (Stan) Myers Celestian, Margaret Myers Barr, and Paul (Deborah Oliver) Myers; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; and her brother, Richard D. Jury.

A funeral service was held at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, on June 26, 2017. ALBERT HARDY NALL, JR.

The Rev. Albert Hardy Nall, Jr., of Jackson, Mississippi, retired elder, passed away July 26, 2017, at age 85. He is remembered as an exceptionally gifted man who lived a long and good life.

Hardy was born June 25, 1932, in Petal, Mississippi, to Hardy and Erma Shannon Nall. He graduated from Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi, in 1950 and later graduated with honors from Millsaps College, where he won acting awards for his performances and was active in athletics, the Millsaps Singers, and president of Omicron Delta Kappa.

After serving in the Korean War, he entered Yale Divinity School, and in 1959, he was awarded the Wolcott Calkins Prize for excellence in pulpit speaking. In 1960, he graduated with a master’s degree in sacred theology and was ordained in the Indiana Conference.

His last appointment was to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, where he served from 1968 to 1980. In 1983, he was employed by T.I.S., Inc. and spent 15 years in training, development, publishing, and operations there.

In 1998, Hardy returned to Jackson and for the last 18 years of his life, he was actively associated with Briarwood United Methodist Church as a teacher, preacher, church visitor, and member of the Monday Morning Prayer Group. He loved reading, writing, corresponding with friends, and restoring antique furniture and old clocks.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Carol Kathryn Nall. He is survived by his sons, Alan Nall and Lindie Nall, and their children and grandchildren. He is also survived by Carol’s children and their families: Kathryn and Bill Hermann; Greg and Olga Carson and their children; and John and Janet Carlson and their children; and by his siblings, Virginia (Pete) Spitzkeit, Jo Loflin, Joyce (Richard) Dortch, and John (Bettye) Nall.

A memorial service was held August 10, 2017, at Briarwood United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. CHARLES BRUCE NAYLOR

The Rev. Charles Bruce Naylor, 76, retired elder, passed away January 31, 2018, in South Bend, Indiana. He was credentialed in both the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana.

Bruce was born May 18, 1941, in Grand Prairie, Texas, to Edd and Lorene Lambert Naylor. He married Patricia L. Henry Philyaw on June 19, 1976.

Bruce pastored many churches in his 55-year career, serving most recently as co-pastor of Southside Christian Church in South Bend.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; his daughters, Erin (Michael Grant) Philyaw and Jana (Michael) Csenger; four grandchildren;

Page 71 | Remembrances and a brother, Borden Naylor. He was predeceased by his parents.

A celebration of life service was held on February 3, 2018, at Southside Christian Church in South Bend, Indiana. BRIAN NEWBY

Pastor Brian Wade Newby, of Kingman, Indiana, supply pastor at Kingman United Methodist Church, passed away May 26, 2017. He was 47.

Brian was born in Danville, Indiana, on May 3, 1970, the son of Curt and Wendy Horstmann Newby. He graduated from South Montgomery High School and served in the U.S. Army during Desert Storm. After returning from military service, he studied industrial maintenance at Ivy Tech Community College and electro-mechanical engineering at Sinclair Community College.

He worked at Pace Dairy in Crawfordsville, Indiana, for 15 years, where he met his future wife, Tamara Dee Hunt. They were married on October 4, 2003.

He was the current pastor at Kingman United Methodist Church, an associate pastor at Spirit of Life ministries, and owned and operated Integra Engineering in Kingman. He was very active in the church and participated in several mission trips.

Brian loved people, woodworking, camping, fishing, hunting, anything outdoors, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. He belonged to the Men of Iron and was the assistant coach for the Bloomingdale Bulldogs and Marshall Bobcats baseball teams.

He is survived by his parents; his wife of 13 years, Tami; six children: Charlie, Allison (Brett) Williams, Briana, Trent, Caleb, and Marc; two granddaughters; two sisters, Jodi Newby and Stephanie (Augie) Lockhart; father and mother-in-law Tom and Dee Hunt; brother-in-law Tom (Misty) Hunt; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A funeral service was held at Spirit of Life Ministries, on May 31, 2017, in Kingman, Indiana, and burial followed at Kingman Fraternal Cemetery in Kingman. ISABELLE OTTER

Isabelle Ellen Otter, 81, spouse of the Rev. Warren Otter, retired elder, passed away at her home in Fishers, Indiana, on January 5, 2018.

She was born January 25, 1936, in Frankfort, Kentucky, the daughter of Sylvester and Jessie Pate Rearden.

Isabelle was a member of Noblesville First United Methodist Church in Noblesville, Indiana, and had been a librarian for Allen County Public Library and Anderson University. Beginning in college, she was recognized for her soprano voice and sang solos for oratorios. She also joined her husband in giving musical concerts for community and church groups.

She is survived by her husband, Warren; children Karen (Michael) Staton and Gregory Otter; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.

A memorial service was held January 13, 2018, at Noblesville First United Methodist Church in Noblesville, Indiana. MARTHA PIERSON

Martha Shull Pierson, 95, passed away on May 31, 2017. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Raymond E. Pierson, retired elder.

Martha was born July 12, 1922, in Wolfe County, Flat, Kentucky, to Linville Thrasher and Stella Mae Amburgey Shull, and in her rural youth, participated in growing crops, raising a cow and chickens, preparing food, housekeeping, and sewing her own clothes. She graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Kentucky and studied at Berea College and Asbury College, now Asbury University. At age 50, she became a licensed practical nurse and practiced hospital nursing for 15 years, including 10 years at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

During World War II, Martha taught school in a one-room schoolhouse in Kentucky. In 1947, she married Raymond Pierson and they moved to Cameron, Louisiana, for Ray’s first church appointment. Subsequently, they moved to Georgia and Indiana, and after retirement, moved to Crossville, Tennessee.

Martha loved her family, and she taught many how to sew, something she loved to do. She was a member of a quilting group in Crossville for many years, won ribbons for her quilts at fairs and shows, and made at least one quilt for each child and grandchild. Martha and Ray also cultivated abundant vegetable gardens and shared their bounty with neighbors.

She is remembered by her children as a beautiful young woman who married and raised five children primarily on her own

Remembrances | Page 72 while their dad worked long hours at his churches. “Each of us loved her, and we will miss her dearly. She lived an amazingly full life, loving each of us and developing us into the adults we came to be. Many of the ‘good parts’ of us are a direct result of her mothering, her hard work, joy, tolerance, kindness, and her sense of humor and ability to laugh at life’s troubles.”

Martha is survived by her children: Paul Timothy (Judy Smith); James Marcus; Mary Kathryn (Patrick) Jenkins; David Leon; Rebekah Faye (Ed) Pierson-Treacy; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Mildred Ethel Elam and Wanda Faye Koch; and her brother, L.T. Shull. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 69 years, Raymond; her brothers, Ramon Churchill and Clemons Bernard; and her sister, Frieda Mae Kyle.

A funeral service was held June 3, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Crossville, Tennessee. BENJAMIN PLYBON

Dr. Benjamin F. Plybon, of Indianapolis, Indiana, spouse of the Rev. Bonnie Plybon, retired elder, passed away July 22, 2017. He was 87.

He was born in Huntington, West Virginia, on February 12, 1930, the son of Romeo and Ruby Davis Plybon. He was professor emeritus of mathematics at Miami University and the author of many published papers and textbooks on mathematics and physics. He is remembered as a mentor to many students and members of the Miami University Astronomy Club.

He was an active member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, where he served as a lead teacher in adult Sunday school for many years, attended the men’s group and weekly Bible study, and sang in the choir.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; and his children, Dr. Amy Plybon Peterson, Laura Plybon, Daniel Plybon, and Kathleen Plybon Korman. He is also survived by his sisters, Elinor Hayes, Nellie Plybon, and Mary Ellen Davis; and his brother, Dr. Ira Plybon. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Naomi Bowen, Ruby Xylphia Coyle, and Ulah Plybon; and his brothers Romeo Elsworth Plybon, Robert Plybon, and Lowell Plybon.

A service was held on August 5, 2017, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. A private family burial followed later in Ridgelawn Cemetery in Huntington, West Virginia. ANNA POWELL

Anna Mae Powell, 104, of Lebanon, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. C. Kenneth Powell, retired clergy, passed away November 23, 2017. She is remembered as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She was born in Clinton County, Illinois, September 9, 1913, to John Carl Peter and Anna Justina Gerling Potthoff. Raised and educated in southern Illinois, Anna Mae graduated from Centralia High School in 1931. She married Kenneth, on August 11, 1932, and they celebrated 74 years together before his death in 2006.

She was a laboratory-certified church school teacher. She taught grades K-6 and trained teachers for both church school and vacation church school. She was also active in United Methodist Women.

She is survived by children Charlotte I. (Don) Olson and Gary D. (Peggy) Powell; her daughter-in-law, Margaret Sharon Powell; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and extended family.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Duane Powell; brother, Frederick “Bud” Potthoff; and two sisters, Arlene Potthoff and one in infancy.

A funeral service was held December 2, 2017, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Lebanon, Indiana. Interment followed at Hopewell Cemetery in Boone County, Indiana. DIANE PURNELL

Diane Lynn Purnell, of Evansville, Indiana, spouse of the Rev. George Purnell, retired elder and former superintendent of the Southwest District, passed away May 25, 2017.

She was born January 16, 1950, in Tecumseh, Michigan, the daughter of Nello and Jennie Stevens. She grew up and graduated from Deerfield High School in 1968 and from Eastern Michigan University in 1972.

She married George Purnell on January 23, 1980. Beginning in 1987, they served four Indiana appointments, including United Methodist churches in Pittsboro, Evansville, and Bloomington, and lastly until retirement, as district superintendent of the Southwest District in Evansville. George observed that people genuinely grieved when Diane moved to a new place.

Page 73 | Remembrances She was a long-time member and past president of Evansville BB Chapter of P.E.O., a founding member and past president of Bloomington EV Chapter of P.E.O., and a member of book clubs, bridge clubs, and a Tuesday morning Bible study group at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Evansville, her home church. She loved to make food and play cards, especially euchre, in family gatherings.

She worked for Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana in Evansville and Bloomington, first as an adjunct instructor and later as director of student retention in Bloomington. She helped students and families find ways to continue their education at Ivy Tech and helped many students find their way through the curriculum.

Her family shared that people who met Diane even once were impacted by her spirit. She lived every day with a rare authenticity and contagious joy. Her Christian faith was evident in every encounter she had with people. She simply accepted people, and her way of being with others brought out the best in them.

She is survived by her husband, George; her daughter, Sarah Purnell; and stepchildren Daniel Purnell, Dawn Purnell Furlong, and Dustin Purnell. She is also survived by sisters Nancy McCormick, Judy Bowman, and Teresa Gardner; and extended family.

A memorial service was held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Evansville, Indiana on June 3, 2017.

Special thanks to the Rev. George Purnell, Diane’s husband, for sharing his thoughts and memories for this remembrance. MARIE REYNOLDS

Marie E. Reynolds, 91, of Brownsburg, Indiana, passed away on April 8, 2018. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Louis Reynolds, retired elder.

Marie was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg.

She is survived by daughters Susan (Mike) Grecco, Carol (Andy) Hallowell, and Laura Reynolds; and three grandsons. She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Yingling. She was predeceased by her parents, Paul E. Cruit and Mae Cruit Wolfe, and grandson Mark Grecco.

A funeral service was held on April 11, 2018, at Taylor Funeral Home in Amanda, Ohio. Burial followed in Amanda Township Cemetery in Amanda. EARL ROBBINS

Earl Franklin Robbins, of Bloomington, Indiana, 94, surviving spouse of the Rev. Janet Robbins, passed away January 25, 2018. He is remembered as a man of joy, kindness, and compassion, and for whom family and God were central to his life.

Earl was born September 12, 1924, the son of John and Nellie Robbins. He grew up in Bedford, Indiana, and left home for the first time to serve as an Army medic during World War II. He retired from General Motors in Bedford after 30 years of service.

Earl and his wife, Janet Shotts Robbins, ministered together for over 20 years in Indiana and then moved to the Middle East to preach the word of God as missionaries.

At age 86, Earl and Janet settled in Bloomington, enjoying church and family until Janet’s death in the spring of 2017. His obituary at the time of his death includes the affectionate observation that “as with many true loves, Earl never recovered.”

Earl is survived by son Terry (Linda) Robbins; daughter Sheryl Price; brother John (Colleen) Robbins; and a large extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife; sons, Danny Robbins and Mike Price; and 10 siblings.

Funeral services were held on January 29, 2018, at Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home in Bloomington, Indiana, followed by entombment at Valhalla Memory Gardens in Bloomington. SYLVIA RUHL

Sylvia Washler Ruhl, of Winona Lake, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Donald L. Ruhl, former pastor in the Northwest District, passed away May 30, 2017. She was 93.

She was born to John and Sada Rose Washler on September 3, 1923, and married Donald L. Ruhl on May 20, 1948.

Sylvia earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Education at Ball State Teachers College, now Ball State University. She taught music and business for five years and worked as a substitute teacher for many years.

When her husband was called into ministry, her role in life took on new meaning. Her family records that “as in the book of Ruth, ‘whither thou goest, I will go’ became her mantra,” and she was a loyal pastor’s wife, a wonderful helpmate and “right

Remembrances | Page 74 hand” to her husband. They served several Indiana Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist churches, including Avilla, Teegarden, Tabor, Nappanee, Whiting, Logansport, Rensselaer, and Auburn. She considered Main Street United Methodist Church in Logansport her home church.

Sylvia’s favorite missions were Red Bird Mission in Kentucky; McCurdy School, now McCurdy Ministries, in New Mexico, and Heifer International. Her children recall many mission trips with their parents, a vital part of their lives that they later continued with groups from their congregations.

Sylvia was a Chicago Cubs fan and lived long enough to see them win the World Series.

She is survived by three sons: M. John (Linda), Benjamin Max (Deb), and Timothy Louis (Bobbie); daughter Jane Ann (John) Goodrich; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; one son, Don Ruhl, Jr.; brother Louis A. Noirot; and daughter-in-law Cara Beth Ruhl.

A celebration of life service was held June 3, 2017, at Fisher Funeral Chapel, followed by burial at Newville Cemetery in DeKalb County, Indiana.

Special thanks to Jane A. Ruhl Goodrich, Sylvia’s daughter, for sharing her thoughts and memories for this remembrance. FRANK SABLAN

The Rev. Franklin Delano Sablan, of Indianapolis, Indiana, senior pastor of Veedersburg United Methodist Church, passed away August 24, 2017. He was 73.

Frank was born March 13, 1944, in Agana, Guam, to the Rev. Dr. Joaquin and Beatrice Sablan. He graduated from Oakland City University and earned a master’s degree in music from Indiana State University. He then earned a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Frank became as an associate professor of music at the University of Guam while serving as a pastor of the General Baptist Church. After several years, he left Guam and began serving the former South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1979.

Moving to Southern California to be closer to his family, Frank was subsequently appointed to churches in the California- Pacific Conference. He also served on several national committees of The United Methodist Church during this time. In retirement, he returned to Indiana, where he served as a part-time pastor.

In addition to spending time with family, one of Frank’s joys was riding his motorcycle. He frequently rode across the continental United States, including the Alaska Highway, and he made friends wherever he traveled.

He is survived by his companion, Darlene Aguirre; his sons John Sablan and Michael Sablan; sisters Irene (Chuck) Ballinger and Pauline Sablan; his granddaughter; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service was held September 7, 2017, at Broadway United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. JOHN SCUDDER

Pastor John Scudder, 90, of Waldron Indiana, retired local pastor, passed away April 4, 2018. He will be remembered for his giving spirit and his love of reading and gardening.

John was born in Switzerland County, Indiana, to James Ora and Bessie Reed Scudder. He grew up in Switzerland County and graduated from Vevay High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.

He married Paulina Sigmon on July 3, 1949, and they shared 66 years of marriage before her death in 2015.

John worked at the U.S. Shoe Factory for four years and then served with the Indiana State Police as a trooper, then as detective sergeant, and later as first sergeant, retiring in 1983 after 29 years of service.

After earning a degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, he served Indiana United Methodist churches, including Holton, Fairview, Pleasant Grove, and East Enterprise, from 1985 to 2013.

He was a southeastern Indiana board member for the SCIOC and served on the merit board for the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Department. He was passionate about the American Red Cross and a dedicated donor. He was a faithful member of East Enterprise United Methodist Church and one of the first organizers and members of Harmony and Hymns at the Swiss Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation Center until his health no longer permitted it.

John is survived by his son, Dennis Alan (Rachel) Scudder; his daughter, Susan Diane (Rodney) Alexander; three grandchildren;

Page 75 | Remembrances and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 66 years, Paulina; brother James Earl Scudder; sister Marjorie Stivers; and infant sister, Mary Hazel Scudder.

A funeral service was held April 13, 2018, at Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay, Indiana. Interment followed in Vevay Cemetery in Vevay. VIRGINIA SHANNON

Virginia Gardner Shannon, 94, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Lloyd Shannon, passed away April 18, 2018. She is remembered especially for her love of her family and her church.

She was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Virginia is survived by her daughters: Colleen Endres, Charlotte (Bill) Carpenter, Rebecca (Mike) Peterson, Patricia (Dr. Tom) McKain, and Vickie Branam; 15 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Philip (Bonny) Gardner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; and a son-in-law, Edward Endres.

A celebration of life service was held at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, followed by burial in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park in New Albany, Indiana. BONNIE SHOAF

The Rev. Bonnie Shoaf, 81, of Lafayette, Indiana, retired elder, passed away July 11, 2017. She is remembered for touching the lives of countless people over the years, even in her final days.

A 1953 graduate of Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Bonnie held various secretarial positions before becoming resident program director of Pine Creek United Methodist Camp in Pine Village, Indiana, in 1969. She and her family served as caretakers and resided there for 12 years.

She attended Purdue University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and she was ordained in 1988. She served United Methodist congregations throughout northern Indiana, including Goodland, Raub, Porter, South Bend First, Bourbon, Buck Creek, Burlington, and Armstrong. Most recently, she served as visitation pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Lafayette, where she was a member. She also served as a visitation chaplain for Serenity Hospice, a ministry she cherished.

Her family recalled that “retirement didn’t suit her because she felt her work was never done” and that her calling was to help people understand God’s love through the pulpit, mission trips, or quiet conversations. She loved her community in Lafayette as well as her world travels, including trips to Israel, Greece, the Caribbean, Iceland, Ireland, and Japan. She especially enjoyed traveling with family to watch the Chicago Cubs in games across the United States. She attended games 6 and 7 of the 2016 World Series and watched her beloved Cubbies become World Series champions on her 81st birthday.

She parachuted from airplanes on four occasions, taking her grandchildren and others with her, and “the exhilaration of the fall left her on solid ground in her faith for Christ as she knew He created the heavens and earth.”

Bonnie is survived by son Rick (Alice) Johnson; daughters Wanda Miller, Kelli (Mike) Robinson, and Shelli Treely; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Maxine (Blanchard) Nelson. She was preceded in death by her brother, Wallace Shoaf, and sister, Dorothy Alice Mournout.

A celebration of life service was held on July 24, 2017, at Grace United Methodist Church in Lafayette, Indiana. Burial followed in Armstrong Cemetery in Greenhill, Indiana.

Special thanks to Rick Johnson, Wanda Miller, Kelli Robinson, and Shelli Treely, Bonnie’s children, for sharing their thoughts and memories for the remembrance. DONALD SMITH

Donald Lee Smith, 74, of Terre Haute, Indiana, spouse of Pastor Laura Smith, retired local pastor, passed away December 27, 2017. He is remembered as one who enjoyed his family and who was an avid fisherman and reader.

Don was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on June 22, 1943. He graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute in 1961. He worked as an electrician and was a 52-year member of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers #725. He was also a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Terre Haute.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Laura; children Cheryl (Brent) Chandler, Brent (Teri) Smith, and Edward (Lynne) Hutcheson; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Tressa and Harry Ruffner.

A celebration of life service will be scheduled at a later date.

Remembrances | Page 76 GRACE SMITH

Grace Evelyn Smith, 99, of Indianapolis and formerly of Clinton, Indiana, passed away February 5, 2018. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. James V. Smith, retired elder.

Grace was born June 9, 1918, in Adams County, Indiana, to Everet H. and Ruth A. Buckey Blowers. She was a kindergarten teacher and homemaker. She was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Clinton.

Grace is survived by three daughters: Sharon (Tom) Smith, Betty (Tom) Boff, and Marilyn (Tim) Harding; four grandchildren; two stepgrandsons; four great-grandchildren; and one stepgreat-grandson. She is also survived by one brother, Max Blowers. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James; sisters Beverly Blowers and Flo Money; and a brother, Jack Blowers.

A service was held February 8, 2018, at Frist Funeral Home in Clinton, Indiana, followed by burial at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Clinton. MILTON STAHL

The Rev. Milton E. Stahl, 86, of Spring Lake, Michigan, retired elder, passed away January 20, 2018, surrounded by family.

He was born September 30, 1931, in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, the son of Harry Grant and Viola Jeanne Budlong Stahl. He graduated from Washington Gardner High School in Albion, Michigan, in 1950.

He attended Western Michigan University and graduated from Albion College in 1956. After college, he began a career in banking in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and continued in his field for over 33 years. He was a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and at the time of his retirement, he was president of a banking corporation in eastern Michigan.

On June 7, 1954, he married Katherine Ruth Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana. Later in life, Milton was called to ministry and studied at seminaries in Indiana and Illinois. He served United Methodist churches in Indiana and Michigan.

After retirement, Milton and Katherine moved to Spring Lake, and the United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven, Michigan, became their home church. Milton often assisted pastors at the Church of the Dunes by making home and hospital visits. He volunteered for many years to bring Sunday afternoon church services to area care facilities as a representative of the Church of the Dunes.

Musically gifted, Milton played the piano, organ, and other keyboard instruments. He also sang in high school, college, and church choirs. He was a Mason and a Past Master, and a member of the Shrine and Scottish Rite.

Milton is survived by his wife, Katherine, and their children: Sheryl (John) Bild, Lee (Christine) Stahl, Cynthia (Kraig) Brandes, Jay (Beth) Stahl, and Laura Stahl; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stewart Stahl; and his sister, Margery L. Stahl.

A memorial service was held May 15, 2018, at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven, Michigan. MYRENE STEELE

Myrene Liverett Steele, of Valparaiso, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Dr. Ralph Steele, retired elder, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2018. She was 95.

She was born December 13, 1922, in Walla Walla, Washington, to the Rev. Adam Reid Liverett and Lola Viletta McNeely. She married Ralph Samuel Steele in 1946, and together they served many United Methodist churches in Indiana, including Indianapolis Bethel, Danville, South Bend Grace, Hammond First, and Valparaiso First.

Myrene was a graduate of Butler University, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, and she worked at Boston Public Library for a time while her husband attended Boston University School of Theology. In retirement, she and her husband continued to minister through Educational Opportunities Tours as Indiana regional directors.

Myrene was a member of P.E.O. for 55 years. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and at the local hospital. She was known on the book-talk circuit for her Erma Bombeck programs.

She is survived by her children: Richard (Leah); John (Carol); and Janet; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. Leon McNeely “Neel” Liverett and brother-in-law, Lowell Wesley (Jean) Steele. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; and her brothers: Adam Reid (Elsie), Wilbur Maurice “Maury” (Alice), and Elwyn Moystn (Helen).

Page 77 | Remembrances A memorial service was held April 7, 2018, at First United Methodist Church of Valparaiso in Valparaiso, Indiana. ERNESTINE STEPHENSON

Ernestine Lucille Pask Stephenson, 98, passed away on July 22, 2017, in Noblesville, Indiana. She was the surviving spouse of the Rev. Paul Stephenson, retired elder.

“Ernie,” as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was born November 25, 1918, in Millville, New York, to Gailey Smith Sr. and Clara Ruth Peters Pask. She graduated from Medina High School in Millville in 1936. While attending Taylor University, she met Paul B. Stephenson, and they were married on June 30, 1938.

Paul and Ernie served many United Methodist churches in Indiana, including Hamilton, Faith-Trinity, Winchester, Noblesville First, Fort Wayne First, Portland, Asbury, Ridge, Rochester Grace, and Michigantown. Ernie sang in the choir of each of the churches they served.

She was a member of Tri Kappa, P.E.O., and United Methodist Women. She volunteered at many community hospitals, including 6,500 volunteer hours at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville. She also served as membership secretary for Noblesville United Methodist Church for several years.

International travels with her husband included two pastoral exchanges with Palace Avenue Methodist Church, Paignton, Devon, United Kingdom, as well as many trips to Europe, South America, Australia, and the Holy Land.

Ernie is survived by four children: Philip James (Gerri) Stephenson; Jean Ann Maxwell; Paul Bruce (Maria) Stephenson; and Claire Ann (Gary) Smith; five grandchildren; and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; five siblings; and her son-in-law. She was the last living member of her generation of the Pask and Peters families.

A celebration of life service was held on July 29, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Noblesville, Indiana, followed by burial in Crownland Cemetery in Noblesville. DELBERT STOLL

Pastor Delbert W. Stoll, 72, of Loogootee, Indiana, retired local pastor, passed away October 17, 2017. He is remembered as one who loved music and could play any instrument.

He was born April 17, 1945, in Rugby, North Dakota, to John H. and Minnie Ashton Stoll. He married Dorothy “Dot” Gingerich on February 22, 1964.

Delbert was a pastor at Shoals United Methodist Church for over nine years, and he worked as a maintenance supervisor for Loogootee Community Schools for over 30 years. He was known as a “jack of all trades” and enjoyed riding his motorcycle, woodworking, golfing, and vacationing in Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy; children Karry (fiancé Michelle) Stoll and Tina (Charlie) Blackwell; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Zetta (Joe) Graber Lengacher; Howard (Mary) Stoll; Ruby (Paul) Miller; Don (Debbie) Stoll; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Chuck Stoll, infant brother Frank Stoll, Bob Stoll, Dorothy (Zook) Berkey, Jim Stoll, and John D. Stoll.

A funeral service was held October 20, 2017, at Loogootee United Methodist Church followed by burial in Providence Mennonite Cemetery in Montgomery, Indiana. MARY JEAN STROH

Mary Jean Newby Stroh, 97, of Franklin, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Dr. Byron Stroh, retired elder, passed away on June 25, 2017. She is remembered as one who would want others to honor her by loving their neighbors, friends, and family as she did.

She was born November 26, 1919, to Berlin and Wilma Jones Newby, in Arcadia, Indiana. She married Byron Stroh on July 23, 1941, and her family recalls that during a time when generations of family lived together, Byron and Mary Jean warmly welcomed extended family members into their home.

Mary Jean engaged in church, work, civic, and family life. She retired from Indiana University School of Medicine as executive assistant to the dean. She was a member of North United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Byron served as senior minister as his final appointment.

Her family recalls that she grew glorious gardens, often hosted grandchildren for fun-filled adventures and overnight visits, and that family vacations where highlighted by her keen wit, her competitive spirit, and her generous love of family. They

Remembrances | Page 78 have written that she was happiest when surrounded by family and that she lived well, laughed often, and loved much.

In retirement, she drove friends to arts events and appointments, and she remained active by thoughtfully serving fellow residents at Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community and maintaining a busy schedule of shuffleboard, card games, and dominoes.

Mary Jane is survived by her children: John (Beth), James, and Mark (Mary); and five grandchildren and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Byron.

A celebration of life gathering was held at Otterbein Franklin SeniorLife Community in Franklin, Indiana, July 15, 2017. JOANNE THOMAS

JoAnne Thomas, of Muncie Indiana, spouse of Pastor Jerry Thomas, retired local pastor serving Cammack United Methodist Church, passed away September 25, 2017. She was 69.

JoAnne was born in Muncie on August 15, 1948, to Shirl and Eva Upchurch. She graduated from Muncie Central High School and was employed at Supervalu, Inc., in Fort Wayne, Indiana, for many years.

She was an active church member and enjoyed collecting porcelain dolls, chickens, and dogs.

JoAnne is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jerry; her son, Gary (Kim) Thomas; two grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister Sue (Tim) Smith, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers and sisters.

Services were held September 28, 2017, at Cammack United Methodist Church in Muncie, Indiana. Burial followed in Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Muncie. O. TARRELL THOMPSON

The Rev. O. Tarrell Thompson, of Owensville, Indiana, retired elder, passed away April 16, 2018. He was 91. He is remembered as one who was always involved in the churches he served and the communities in which he lived.

Tarrell was born to Orion P. and Nancy Askren Thompson on September 18, 1926, in Owensville. He attended Owensville High School, Oakland City University, Kentucky Wesleyan College and Methodist Theological Seminary of Ohio.

He was a General Baptist pastor from 1954 to 1964 and became a United Methodist pastor in 1964. He served Indiana United Methodist churches in Rockport, Connersville, Centerville, Washington, Bedford, Seymour, Westfield, and Evansville, as well as Van Wert, Ohio.

He participated in many mission trips, including ones to the Tinian Island in the Marianas and Guam. In 1992, he retired from full-time ministry but continued to serve as interim pastor at Bethlehem General Baptist, Fort Branch United Methodist Church, Fort Branch Presbyterian Church, and Fairview Presbyterian Church in Princeton, Indiana.

He received the Harry Denman Evangelism Award from the Foundation for Evangelism of The United Methodist Church. He was also honored with a Distinguished Volunteer Award from Christian Camping International by the Miami District Response of The United Methodist Church.

Tarrell was a chairperson for Nighcrawler Ministries, coordinating work teams in response to natural disasters in Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. He was a member of several Masonic and fraternal organizations, including Scottish Rite, Shriners, and Lions Club, as well as a member of the American Legion and a life member of VFW Post #1114 in Evansville, Indiana.

He is survived by his children: Annetta Prieshoff, Ronald Thompson, and David Thompson; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Lena Hurt Thompson; two brothers; and two sisters.

A service was held on April 21, 2018, at Stodghill Funeral Home in Fort Branch, Indiana. Burial followed at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch. LUCY THORNTON

Lucy Thornton, surviving spouse of the Rev. William Thornton, passed away on September 20, 2017. She was a resident of Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Page 79 | Remembrances PAT TOBIN

The Rev. Pat Tobin, 83, retired elder, passed away in Sandusky, Ohio, on January 4, 2018. He is remembered as a very good singer and one who enjoyed meeting people and visiting shut-ins and new people in the community.

Pat was born February 7, 1934, in Peoria, Illinois, to Dr. Patrick J. and Elizabeth Carolyn Erxleben Tobin, and he married Ruth Ann Richter on May 12, 1967.

Pat served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command during the Vietnam War, stationed at many military bases during that time.

After ordination, he served many United Methodist churches in northern Indiana, including Walton/Anoka, Twelve Mile, Logansport Third Street, Pretty Lake Trinity, Avondale, Somerset Woodlawn, and Bremen Grace, before retiring in 2001.

Pat is survived by his wife, Ruth; sons Patrick Sean (Nancy) Tobin and Philip Tobin; daughters Colleen Tobin and Kimberly (Chris) Sorce; seven grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents and his half- brother, Phillip Tobin, who was killed at Pearl Harbor during World War II.

A celebration of life service was held January 13, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sandusky, Ohio.

Special thanks to Ruth Tobin, Pat’s wife, for sharing her thoughts and memories for this remembrance. HOWARD TYNER

The Rev. Howard Leon Tyner, 93, of Wabash, Indiana, retired elder, passed away surrounded by family on August 13, 2017. He is remembered for his passion and desire that all might know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and his love and sacrifice for his congregations, community, and family.

Howard was born to Clark and Pearl Tyner on the family farm on March 15, 1924. He graduated from Somerset High School in Somerset, Indiana, and joined the U.S. Army shortly after graduation to serve in World War II. After military service, he returned to farm life for many years before his call to ministry.

He married Delight Suddarth, who passed away April 2, 1993, after 48 years of marriage.

Howard studied at Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University, and then attended seminary in Chicago, Illinois. After ordination, he devoted his life to serving Christ as a United Methodist Church pastor, serving many Indiana congregations, including Roann, Peoria, Fulton, Santa Fe, Amboy, South Milford, Pleasant Lake, Geneva, Bourbon, Muncie, Kendallville, Elwood, Cassville, and Michigantown.

He was an avid gardener and would often lend a hand to the farmers in his church. He was also well-known for his sense of humor. He enjoyed watching ball games, his favorite teams being the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Colts, and Indiana University teams.

After retiring, Howard and Delight developed a love of crafts. He enjoyed traveling to craft festivals with his wife and daughters and producing crafts with his woodworking tools as well as painting figurines and wall hangings.

He is survived by his daughters: Connie (George) Loughman, Kitty (Richard) Moyer, and Debbie Tyner; seven grandchildren; and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Delight; and one son, Terry Lee Tyner.

A funeral service was held at Woodlawn United Methodist Church in Somerset, Indiana, on August 19, 2017. Burial followed in Mississinewa Cemetery in Somerset. HAROLD UNDERWOOD

The Rev. Harold E. Underwood, of New Albany, Indiana, retired elder, passed away December 2, 2017. He was 101.

Harold was born to Hollie and Ethel Underwood in Linton, Indiana. He pastored many churches in the former South Indiana Conference, most recently Ohio Falls United Methodist Church.

He is survived by sons H. Max (Bonnie) Underwood, R. Anthony Underwood, and Timothy G. (Jo) Underwood; daughter Rita J. (Bill) Underwood Stites; 13 grandchildren; and their families. He is also survived by his sister, Susalee Stark.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, A. Josephine Underwood; his great-grandson; brothers Terah and David; and sister Ruby Patton.

A funeral service was held on December 9, 2017, at Seabrook Dieckman & Naville Funeral Home in New Albany, Indiana.

Remembrances | Page 80 Interment followed at Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park in New Albany. HAROLD WALKER

The Rev. Harold Ray Walker, 80, of Plainfield, Indiana, retired elder, passed away surrounded by family on October 29, 2017. He is remembered as a humble man who felt he never did enough, but his life proved otherwise.

The son of Ray and Edith Walker, Harold was born in Shelby County, Indiana, on April 6, 1937. For over 39 years, he served many Indiana United Methodist churches, including those in Hope, Elizabethtown, Lawrence, Cory, Edwardsville, Smith Valley, Mooresville, Mount Vernon, Speedway, Winchester, and Elkhart.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his daughters Gwyn (Brent) Myrick, Dawn Walker-Seyerle (Carl Seyerle), and Sarah Lowe (Adam Levine); six grandchildren; and their families. He is also survived by his siblings, Glenna Owen and Michael (Patricia) Walker; and his faithful companion, Buddy.

A funeral service was held November 2, 2017, at Myers-Reed Chapel in Columbus, Indiana, followed by burial at Garland Brook Cemetery in Columbus. ROBERT WALTERS

The Rev. Dr. Robert Walters, 64, of Plainfield, Indiana, retired elder, passed away unexpectedly on July 31, 2017. He is remembered as a devoted husband and father, former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, and retired pastor and missiologist who dedicated his life to serving others and who nourished people around him with love, faith, and humor.

Bob was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 17, 1952, to Robert and Thelma Walters. He developed a love of travel and cross-cultural friendships early in life while traveling overseas with his family. He met his future wife, Teresa (Teri) Thompson in 1970, just before his high school graduation, and they married in 1974.

Bob graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in general engineering. He was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1974, and after earning his wings, piloted U.S. Marine Corps helicopters in the Caribbean and North Atlantic. While stationed at the Marine Corps Air Station in New River, North Carolina, he made the decision to resign from the Marine Corps and enroll in seminary.

After graduating with a Master of Divinity, Bob was ordained as a pastor in the former South Indiana Conference. Over the years, he served Indiana congregations in the Underwood area, Pekin, Plainfield, Indianapolis (Central Avenue, Sunrise at Geist, and Meridian Street), and Lebanon. He also served at Metro Ministries in Indianapolis and Bloomington.

In 1991, Bob joined a clergy delegation to the Katanga province of Zaire, now Democratic Republic of the Congo. He began working to build a connection between United Methodist leaders in Katanga and Indiana. In 1997, at the request of Bishop Ntambo Nkulu, he became director of the theological seminary in Likasi. Together with his Congolese church colleagues, Bob developed a new model for mission in the Katanga province. He later earned a Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology, basing his dissertation on his work with church leaders in the Congo.

Bob, his daughter the Rev. Taylor Walters Denver, and the Rev. Joseph Mulongo, founded Friendly Planet Missiology in 2009. Traveling thousands of miles by bicycle, Bob and his colleagues served the people of Katanga with conviction, commitment, passion and compassion. He recorded his wisdom and adventures in his 2016 book “The Last Missionary,” and was at work on a sequel at the time of his death.

A life-long learner and voracious reader, Bob also found joy in things like restoring his vintage MG convertible and watching Dr. Who. He had a passion for travel and being outdoors on his bicycle, and it was during a ride that he suffered a fatal heart attack. He is remembered for his passion for social justice and as a maverick and champion of the underdog, a mentor to many, and a friend to all.

He is survived by his wife, Teri Walters; his children, the Rev. Taylor (Stuart) Denver, Robbie (Jordan) Walters; and his granddaughter, Evelyn Denver. He is also survived by his brothers, Gary (Patty) Walters and Mike (Bonnie) Walters; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law.

Services were held at Plainfield United Methodist Church in Plainfield, Indiana, on August 5, 2017.

Special thanks to Teri Walters, Bob’s wife, for sharing thoughts and memories for this remembrance.

Page 81 | Remembrances MARION WILLIAMS

Marion N. Williams, 100, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on February 27, 2018. She was the spouse of the Rev. Foster Williams, retired elder.

Marion was born in Syracuse, New York, on February 5, 1918, to Harold and Lillian Naumann. She was a secretary for the First Baptist Church in Syracuse before coming to Indianapolis and working for 14 years as a teacher at Indianapolis Public Schools 45 and 18, retiring in 1986. She was a former member of the Alpha chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa.

Marion is survived by her husband, Foster; daughters Eileen (Tom) Kisicki, Betty (Skip) Kaczynski, and Donna (Matt) Matlik; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Harold (Dorothy) Naumann. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Cheryl Ann Williams.

A memorial service was to be held at a later date. MARY JANE WILLIAMS

Mary Jane Coleman Williams, 91, of Vincennes, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Charles Addington Williams, passed away June 8, 2017.

She was born on August 21, 1925, the daughter of Stanley and Emma Wampler Coleman, in Knox County, Indiana. She married Charles Addington Williams on July 15, 1956.

Mary Jane graduated from Bruceville High School and worked at Public Service Company of Indiana for 18 years. She was a member of Community United Methodist Church in Vincennes.

Mary Jane is survived by her son, Brad C. Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; one son; and three sisters.

Graveside services were held June 12, 2017, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Vincennes, Indiana. DOROTHY WRIGHT

Dorothy Bernice Wright, of Greenfield, Indiana, spouse of the Rev. Robert D. Wright, retired elder, passed away November 27, 2017. She was 91.

She was born October 10, 1926, in Willow Branch, Indiana, to Paul and Luella Van Duyn Milner. She married Robert D. Wright on March 6, 1945.

She attended Zionsville United Methodist Church and Brandywine Community Church in Greenfield.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; her children: Max (Lea) Wright, Susan (Michael) Bennett, Patricia Joan McCauley, and Donna Franklin; six grandchildren and their families; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Barbara Wright, and a grandson.

A memorial service was held December 1, 2017, at Brandywine Community Church in Greenfield, Indiana, followed by burial in McCray Cemetery in Wilkinson, Indiana. MARIE WRIGHT

A. Marie Lamb Wright, 91, of New Albany, Indiana, surviving spouse of the Rev. Lloyd Wright, retired elder, passed away on May 4, 2017.

She was born in Annawalt, West Virginia, and was a retired special education teacher for Brown County Schools in Indiana. She also worked for the Indiana United Methodist Conference and for the Methodist ministers’ pension fund.

Marie was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in New Albany.

She is survived by her husband, Lloyd; sons David (Martha) Wright and Terry (Lisa) Wright; daughters Marilyn (Darrel) Dorton and Marlene Russell; brothers Gordon Lamb, Gale Lamb, and Gerald Lamb; sisters Gladys Jones, Donna Gibson, and Jean Grose; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; two brothers; and two sisters.

A funeral service was held at Trinity United Methodist Church on May 10, 2017, in New Albany, Indiana, followed by burial in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park in New Albany.

Remembrances | Page 82 RETIREMENT STORIES OF MINISTRY MAY 2, 2017 – MAY 1, 2018

DOUGLAS BARBER

Camp ministry is central to my call and life of ministry. Serving as a counselor and director of church camps in the Church of the Brethren and United Methodist Church fed my soul as I sought to pay it forward to the next generations. Here I developed relationships with colleagues and laity which nourished my soul. Participating in the transformation of campers’ lives is one of the greatest highlights of my ministry.

In turn, this fueled my ministry in the churches I served. There have been so many mentors who blessed my life over 38 years of ministry. Learning and growing through our continuing education programs connected me with those mentors and unleashed the transforming presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Whatever personal struggles I faced, I was loved, nurtured and guided by so many relationships through the years.

God’s gift of musical talent and learned skills was a constant throughout my ministry. A high point was the guitar group formed at Ossian UMC. Once a quarter, we led an informal, casual worship service in the fellowship hall. To blend our talents, the variety of our musical interests generated a variety of expressions of worship.

During our blessing of the animals, all of them were well behaved and left no deposits to clean up.

Transferring my orders to The United Methodist Church was genuinely a following of the Holy Spirit. I discovered John Wesley to be a surprising kindred spirit. I identified with so much of his writing. Wesleyan theology gave me a clarity of thought and belief.

The Walk to Emmaus became a tool God used to continue my personal spiritual growth as well as provide an arena to utilize and strengthen my pastoral skills. I discovered so many new colleagues and laity with whom to share ministry. Each weekend brought amazing revelations of the Holy Spirit’s work transforming so many hearts and souls. The Emmaus community developed leadership and servants which strengthened each congregation I served. I observed several of my parishioners experience God’s transforming love and grace. To see long held burdens released and healing begin in their lives were miracles of eternal value and worth.

I thank God and the Church for the privilege of serving as a pastor, counselor, preacher and spiritual director. Retirement will be a discovery of God’s new calling and ministry. God isn’t through with me yet!

STEPHEN BARD

My first introduction to the North Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church was in February, 1992, when I was appointed to a two-point charge (Pleasant Mills and Salem). I had been an ordained Wesleyan pastor for 18 years. I saw the need of continuing education and pursued the Course of Study, graduating in 1998, and completed the three years of provisional training afterwards. At the 2001 Annual Conference, Bishop Woodie White recognized my ordination orders.

My service to the UMC has totaled 26 years and has all been in the Northeast District. As a result, my wife, Jackie, completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees and has taught in the North Adams Community Schools for 26 years.

My passions have included mentoring and missions. After being asked to instruct in several lay academies, the district superintendent asked me to coach men and women who desired to be appointed as local pastors. I have been doing this for at least 15 years. I thank God for the opportunities to be a part of or lead mission work teams to several places, such as St. Johns Island, South Carolina; Slidell, Louisiana; Henryville, Indiana; and Red Bird Mission and Henderson Settlement in Kentucky.

Page 83 | Remembrances MONTY BARKER

I was ordained as a deacon in 1981, which was a year of many changes in our lives. Our daughter was born two weeks before Annual Conference and was in the Perinatal Intensive Care Unit at Prentice Women’s Hospital in Chicago. On the night of ordination as a deacon, she coded, and we were called back to Chicago immediately after the service in Bloomington. Thus began the balancing act of family and church. We learned early the difficulty of priorities, but we always knew that the church and family were top priorities.

Soon in my ministry, I heard a call to another priority, and that was missions. From early in my ministry, I felt God nudging me toward work teams, and that call became stronger as I began working with Operation Classroom and other mission projects within the church. I have seen the church’s ministry become so vibrant and alive in Sierra Leone, Senegal, Korea, and the Philippines, and it makes me proud to see the cross and flame in other countries as well. I believe the church is making a difference and transforming lives throughout the world.

I plan to share my retirement with Operation Classroom and hope to see many schools like the TEA built throughout Africa and wherever there is need. God is truly good, and God paves a way. Sometimes it is difficult to listen and hear, but in God’s call, all things are possible. One of the things I found most comforting in The United Methodist Church is that God’s call is to many. One person does not have to do it all. Many are called and together we accomplish much.

WADE COMPTON

Two years after hitchhiking out to Washington D.C. at age 16 to participate in the largest anti- war demonstrations of the Vietnam era, I had a born-again experience with Jesus in January 1973. After being dramatically saved, I knew I could spend my life in no other way than telling others trapped in The Matrix about the way out. Jesus: The Way, The Truth and The Life.

I am grateful that I did not need to spend my life building refrigerators at GE (as I did for a couple of years) or working at a water treatment plant (as I did one summer), or working on Wall Street (though I have bought and sold a few stocks), preparing taxes or selling widgets, etc. I count it a great blessing that a large part of my responsibility was to study and think. I was privileged to be able to think about history, economics, science, philosophy, current events, politics/moral issues, education, the culture wars, and the faithfulness (or not) of the church, and relate those areas to my congregation and others through the lens of the eternal Word of God.

I considered it a gift to be able to help lead people away from the mindless minutiae that a fallen culture wants their lives to be invested in. It was an honor to call people to focus their lives on what counts in this world and the next.

Now, seeing that inviting the fish to flop their way up to our wooden and limestone structures for a specific two-hour period (Sunday School, Worship) out of 168 hours in the week is not working that well in this secular culture, I am leaning toward becoming “more vile” these days. I am finally moving toward becoming a true son of Wesley and actually going to the lake to catch fish. I’m looking at finding “a little eminence” to do some field/street preaching on. In the meantime, I have started a new business.

A fork in the road is coming for the church and we need to stop fearing it. The end is near and it’s going to be beautiful!! Now, off into the sunrise with Biker-Chick, wife, Teri.

STEVEN CONNER

What an incredible journey. Often, I have said to those around me, “What a privilege to get to do what I get to do.” Through all the ups and downs that come with the territory of “pastoral ministry,” it has been an amazing ride. I am simply grateful for the privilege of serving as a pastor in The United Methodist Church through all these years and blessed to have shared them with my partner and ministry teammate, Jada, my wife of 42 years, by my side. We have done this together.

Every church community we were privileged to serve added significantly to our lives and our unfolding ministry journey through a growing cadre of friends, blessings, and stories we have collected along the way.

For us, it was always about “the Call,” the deep and deepening sense, with every step we took and challenge we faced, that God had called us to serve in ministry. It has always been God’s call that kept my feet on the path when things were difficult, that kept me moving forward, that allowed me to dig deep and grow deep during the seasons that were hard.

I discovered along the way that there are no perfect churches, better appointments, or greater opportunities than simply where you are.

Remembrances | Page 84 Most importantly, I have learned we don’t do this alone. God provides mentors, friends, colleagues, and church communities that He works through to call us, shape us, form and transform us, and guide us. From my home church of Main Street United Methodist Church in Kokomo from which my roots grow deep to the many mentors God placed in my path, the friends who have come alongside, and every church we were blessed to serve, I simply say, “Thank you!” You each are an incredible gift to our lives for which we are deeply grateful. If I have one “shout out” to give personally at the risk of leaving so many out, it would be to my good friends of my youth, John and Larry, who helped me find the path of discipleship with Jesus to begin with.

And I am most of all so deeply grateful to my beautiful wife, Jada, and our family: Nathan and Shanna; Christen and Tony; our five beautiful grandchildren; our extended families; and our close lifelong friends who have always been there to encourage me along and never gave up believing in who God was calling me to be. Thank you.

BARBARA CROSS

Before my first breath, all the days of my life were written in His book. All days – future for my life – not to harm me, but to give me hope for the future (Psalm 139:16b; Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV).

The first of many memories I will share involved Kendra, a precious three-year-old girl with Down’s syndrome. Kendra’s mom heart-wrenchingly shared with me that the doctor said Kendra would never talk or be potty-trained. But I will never forget when tears of joy fell from my eyes the first time she placed her hand on my heart and said, “Miss Barbara.” Patiently, she was potty-trained at the end of the preschool year, too!

The second was preaching just two days following my mom’s death. Entering the room following my mom’s death was the Rev. Nigel Everett, a woman, who calmly said to me, “That’s in two days,” quieting my fears of preaching on Sunday. I had never experienced a woman pastor, which was one of the reasons I kept saying “no!” to God’s call.

Third, I was challenged with the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis. It required a three-month recuperation period. During this recuperation period, I was confronted with a life-or-death situation since my liver had stopped functioning. I surrendered my life totally, telling God, “Whether I live or die, my life is for Your glory.”

The fourth was my treasured graduation from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary. Graduation from seminary was a dream of mine since I had eighty-eight undergraduate hours in elementary education, but not a bachelor’s degree. Nonetheless, with God all things are possible, and by His grace in 2007, I received a Master of Arts in Christian Formation.

Finally, a traumatic fall fracturing my C-1 and C-2 vertebrae left me between life and death. According to the medical professionals, my life on earth should have ended, but not according to God.

During these times, there were many days when I asked God: “What do these formidable situations have to do with Your plans for my life?” However, I thank my compassionate and loving God, who brought hopeful, abundant “new life” to me through them. And each day, I continue with “new life” to love and to serve Him and others until my last breath is taken.

My heartfelt prayer is that future generations believe, trust, obey, and follow God, knowing His plans are perfect.

MARK DICKEN

I have enjoyed the ways I have been able to use my education and experience as an attorney in ministry over the years, particularly in the South Indiana Conference, offering education to clergy on tax issues, being an early advocate of child protection policies, developing resources for church leaders to help reduce the risk of legal claims against their churches, and helping clergy colleagues deal with some issues in their churches. It certainly came in handy when serving as counsel for the church and counsel for the respondent in some disciplinary matters that nearly came to trial and during my tenure as chair of the Indiana Conference Board of Trustees. I believe my experience trying cases in court had a positive effect on my preaching as I advocated for faith in Christ on Sunday mornings.

I’ve also enjoyed starting praise bands for live modern worship music in five of the last six churches I’ve led, from Indianapolis to the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. When some of us wanted contemporary worship music at Annual Conference 20-plus years ago, we were allowed to have a “pre-Conference praise gathering,” but Boanerges, the band from Southport United Methodist Church, and I were not allowed to be part of the official Annual Conference worship. Thankfully, we have come a long way since then, but too many churches are still fighting the worship wars.

Finally, nothing in 32 years of ministry would have been possible without the loving support of my wife, Barbara. She married a litigator who told her one day we would live in the governor’s residence, yet she realized I was struggling with

Page 85 | Remembrances a call to ministry before I admitted it. She moved all over Indiana in great and not-so-great parsonages and in simple missionary housing in Liberia. She has given up jobs she enjoyed and was good at to move with me. She comforted me and our daughters while bearing her own pain when some in the church attacked me. One of the lines in the song I wrote for our wedding is “Today God will bless me with you for my wife.” God did every day. And still does.

C. ARCHIBALD HAWKINS

As I enter a new call in ministry to retirement, I have been reflecting on the first call and how I have been nurtured along the way.

I am thankful for the people God placed in my life that encouraged me to be open to God calling me to ministry. I call them “saints,” but I am sure they would be the first not to accept that title: family members, Sunday school teachers, UMYF sponsors, caring adults in the church that I attended that saw something in a teenage kid that I couldn’t see myself.

I am thankful for the “band of brothers” who have been my colleagues in ministry from days in seminary until now.

I am thankful for the members of churches that have allowed me the great honor of being their pastor and have nurtured and cared for me and my family along the way.

And lastly, I have received great care and nurture from my children, grandchildren, and especially my wife, Becky McClure.

I am indebted to all and can look forward to God calling me again.

DAVID HEIM

My ministry could be summed up as a commitment to pastoral ministry with a focus on children, youth, and missions. One of my favorite stories is as follows:

One time on a Saturday evening in the late summer of 1983, I was rehearsing a youth mission work trip presentation with about 20 youth in the sanctuary of Valparaiso First when we were interrupted by a young couple needing assistance. The couple were to have been married by a local judge who didn’t show up. With marriage license in hand and plane tickets for a honeymoon flight the next morning, they asked if I could perform their marriage.

I asked if the youth could be attendants, and the couple happily agreed. The youth and I were in shorts and sockless sneakers. There was no time to change clothes. I put on my clergy robe with sneakers and bare ankles, the boys lined up as groomsmen and the girls as bridesmaids at the communion rail, and I performed the wedding. They left overjoyed and very grateful. Two years later, I received a postcard from the couple saying, “We are still married, and we still laugh about our wonderful and unusual wedding. Thank you!”

There are many stories of wonderful people and events in the span of my 36 years of full-time ministry in seven wonderful churches. In almost all the stories I could share, there is the common thread of unexpectedly being pulled from what I should do to doing what I needed to do to help someone in need and to try to show Christ’s love.

M. BERT KITE

While presiding at a wedding, I would often say to the newlyweds, “My, what joy awaits you!” After saying this, often a snicker or even raucous laughter would pass through the congregation. Then I would say to the bride and groom, “I know, you think I’m referring to the honeymoon! But I’m speaking about all the joy that will bless your lives in the days and years to come…”

This is precisely how I continue to feel about ministry: My, what a joy it is to be God’s servant! I have rejoiced in weddings, baptisms, getting to preach week after week to a congregation one knows and loves, as well as sharing Bible study, fellowship, meals, and “life together” with so many wonderful people. I have particularly cherished the deep relationships with a congregation’s leaders as we would pray and discern together how, working with God, we could turn this into the most effective outreach post for Christ that was possible in that community.

And because there have been many more joys than sorrows, I have long cherished this privileged life serving Our Lord Jesus. I have especially loved growing the church to which I was appointed and doing all I could to help persons come into a loving relationship with Christ, while growing those already a part of that church family into fully functioning disciples.

I have not worked alone. Deb has been a constant support and encourager, working side by side throughout these years as we have sought to model a loving and healthy marriage and family life for families we were serving. (Thanks, Deb, for everything!)

Remembrances | Page 86 Lastly, I must thank our covenant group, which has been a forty-year source of wisdom and strength. These are the friends one calls at 3 a.m. when a child is stranded in a faraway airport or a problem seems insoluble. We have encouraged one another, traveled the world together, and spent more meals together than we could ever recount. We are so blessed! So, I want to thank Bill & Pam Keith (R.I.P.!), Greg & Peggy McGarvey, David V.W. and June Owen, and Mike and Jacquie Reed. Our ministry has been enhanced by each of these dear friends, and so to all clergy, I say: Develop a covenant group! It will bless you beyond measure and keep you from many pitfalls.

BOB KUMPF

On paper, the past 17 years of my life have been in pastoral ministry, trying to cover all the bases and complete all the paperwork required to meet the needs of the church. But in reality, they have been so much more than that. These years have been filled with countless hours of prayer and attempting to allow God to work through me in addressing issues of pain, loneliness, hunger and hopelessness. But they have also been opportunities to celebrate in finding joy and life both in the quiet places and the midst of community.

I find a common reflection with Paul as he writes in Acts 20:19, “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears...” and I served knowing that I was never alone. I have been blessed by a loving and supporting spouse, many cherished friends and colleagues who have shared in so many ways, and a deep trust in a relationship with The One who gives me strength and hope when mine runs low.

I feel that while I have served primarily in my appointed charge, the focus of my ministry has always been to take the Good News to all people. To this end, I have remained very active in local and foreign mission work and rejoice in the opportunities I have been given to work in connection with other congregations and believers in offering healing and hope to all people. I feel that I have been fed in witnessing God’s hand at work in initiating a program that helps to identify and provide for the hungry students in our schools as well as the continued lives, both young and old, through special ministries in prisons and addiction centers. I have been blessed to serve on teams that are tearing down the walls of denominational differences in bringing people to know Christ as Lord of all in Emmaus and Chrysalis weekends and events. The list goes on.

And so, again reflecting Paul’s words in Acts 20:22, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem [retirement], not knowing what will happen to me there.” But I know it’s going to be good!

CRAIG LASUER

I was serving at Fort Wayne Good Shepherd with Michael Coyner, and he put me in charge of starting a young families’ group. So, my wife and I got busy and had our second child as well as gathered many of the young families of the church together for fellowship and discipleship.

There was a couple who were part of that group who had a child with major developmental challenges, and the wife was suffering with some mental health and emotional issues as well. One day, as she sat in my office, she had a breakdown, and I took her to the hospital for some emergency and then longer-term care.

I continued to minister to her over the years and then it came time for me to move. We met one last time at a fast-food restaurant to say goodbye. She said, “Can I ask you something I’ve always wanted to ask a pastor?” I said, “Of course.” She said, “Why do we pray every week, ‘Our Father who aren’t in heaven?’ I thought God was in heaven!” I gave her the explanation and was so thankful she felt comfortable to ask me that very important question!

Of course, now I know that God is not only in heaven but everywhere, including all the precious lives of the people we’ve had the privilege to be in ministry with.

Thanks for that privilege, Indiana Conference. Shalom.

GAIL LAW

In the spring of 2003, I never would have imagined that I would be going into the professional ministry. I had been a businessman since 1974, working in commercial banking most of that time, with other ventures of retail and owning a mortgage brokerage business. Even though the business ventures were good to me and my family, there was an inner restlessness to become more than just having a career that satisfied my own self-interest.

After talking with my pastor about this restlessness, she started me on a journey of discerning my heart. In that process, I made the decision to become a local pastor. This was the living and giving experience that I inwardly longed for but had been too fearful to pursue.

Page 87 | Remembrances I began my journey as a pulpit supply pastor in October 2003 and was then appointed pastor in February 2004. I can safely say, after 14 years, that this experience has in so many ways filled my selfish heart with blessings of giving myself in ways I had never done before. It was the perfect fit for me and for my family. It has allowed us to continue living in our home most of the time and yet to be able to serve others for Christ.

One ministry I have become involved in this year has answered another calling within me and my wife, Cindy. Together we are serving in a jail ministry in Fulton County. This is a ministry we plan to continue as we enter into retirement and beyond. It is a powerful way to serve those who are part of a growing population that have some of the greatest challenges. It is a way to bring Jesus Christ into the lives of those who are feeling unloved and unworthy and to give them hope with the message of Jesus’ redeeming love. It is a giving without expecting anything in return. The hurting, who have been discarded as lost causes by many, can know that they are not alone in their struggles. Our new friends can be redeemed and rescued. Praise be to God!

BRENDA LUDWIG

My 18 years of ministry as a pastor led me from Wheeler to Mitchell with a couple of stops in between. Wheeler United Methodist Church was the perfect small church to begin my journey. Anything I suggested, they would wholeheartedly try. I had a parsonage next to the church, and I would sit on the steps and pass out pop, candy, or popsicles to the neighborhood children. Before long, the vandalism to the church stopped, and the children would come to Sunday school and Vacation Bible School.

The next church I served was Hebron Salem. We had so much fun with our outreach programs. Monthly breakfasts for the community, breakfast with the Easter bunny, and an egg hunt brought families to the church. The biggest challenge we faced was taking on the responsibility of the township food pantry. That small church embraced the community through service to those in need and are doing it still to this day.

While God chose the churches I served to teach me different forms of ministry, I know Fowler was the blessing of children. We thrived in our children’s ministry, where God has given my gifts of service. Our worship was filled with children of all ages. We had huge groups of children in our Wednesday night programs. We were able to build a playground for the church, community, and preschool children to enjoy. A preschool was started. I loved every minute of ministry there, even when my husband died suddenly there while some of us were in Zambia. They supported my granddaughter and me throughout the next year with prayer, understanding, encouragement, and a lot of love.

Fowler was where God encouraged me to expand missionally. The Enrights and the Vances were missionaries from our church, and through them and the generosity of the church, I fell in love with Zambia.

My last church to serve before retirement is Jacob Finger in Mitchell. I have always had a sense of adventure, and God fulfilled this by sending me to Southern Indiana. While here only a short time. I have experienced the excitement of church camp and Royal Family Kid’s Camp.

I will praise God always for all the experiences he has given to me during my ministry years. In retirement, I will be serving a church in Michigan part-time and serving God’s children at Kafakumba in Zambia. To God be the glory for great things He has done in my life.

DENNIS RUSH

It seems like only yesterday that I received my first appointment at Decatur First. I still can’t quite grab hold of the significance of it. Phil Hillsamer was the senior pastor at First. He took me under his wings, taught me the intricacies of day-to-day ministry, and shared this advice that I’ve tried to live by and yet often have failed to live up to: Be sure to take time for your family.

Over that time, I’ve had family, and I’ve had the family of God. I thank God for the support of my wife, Lana, and my five children. For the next 34 years, I served one congregation, Selma Christ, later Selma Christ/New Burlington, and what a joy it has been. What wonderful people. Each one has blessed me deeply. Many became to me as parents or grandparents; others as brothers and sisters in the faith. The support and encouragement I received was overwhelming.

Early in my ministry, I learned the importance of prayer partners who prayed for me, encouraged me, and walked with me. When they departed this earth, others stepped in and took over the role of Aaron and Hur.

I remember fondly the pizza, the Pepsi, the fudge, the IU games, the athletic events, the baptisms, the weddings, the invitations to participate in family events, and much more. Of course, I also remember the visits over the backyard fence

Remembrances | Page 88 with the pastor next door, Steve and his wife Julie Helm, and their wonderful kids. What a joy to converse with and talk ministry with Steve.

Sharing the message of good news and hope has always been a joy as the Body of Christ assembled each Sunday. What a joy to see those who were children become adults willing to serve Christ’s church. Being there for others during the difficult times of hospitalization has been a satisfying and rewarding part of my ministry.

And investing time with the children has been an exciting experience that brings a smile to my face. One of the unique roles later in ministry was mentoring children through Kids Hope at the local elementary school.

Ministry never ends. The family of God is always there. And I thank God for all the wonderful opportunities to serve not only for the past 38 years, but hopefully, into the future.

SCOTT STEPHANS

It started preveniently with a word spoken to someone else across the noisy foyer. The evening evangelistic service at Barbour Avenue United Methodist Church had just ended. The uplifting buzz of the closing song carried over into the conversation, handshakes, and hugs at the door. I was there talking to a few of my college friends. We had taken a break from our engineering studies to worship the Designer of the cosmos. Pastor Brent was there debriefing with the visiting evangelist about the spiritual footers poured in place that night. I wasn’t listening to them. They weren’t speaking to me. But these words found their way into my ears: “Brent, you know I think there will be some young men from this congregation go into the ministry.”

Late that night I laid awake, unable to sleep. The echo of those words reverberated through the canyon of my soul: Some young men, some young men. From this congregation, from this congregation. Go into the ministry, into the ministry, into the ministry. With the dawn came a new day for me, for those words were personal and powerful, providential and prophetic. Now what?

I felt a kind of schoolboy giddiness. My spirit was on cloud nine, but changing my life course in midstream of my senior year made no sense. I went to talk to Pastor Brent. He explained the call to ministry. Check, I got it. God was calling me into ministry. Really? Out of engineering? I loved engineering. I went to talk to my academic advisor. After I explained what was happening and how I believed I was being called into ministry, he spoke to me these words of confirmation: “Sounds like you’ll be going from designing buildings and bridges to designing souls for the Kingdom of God.” Works for me!

For forty years it’s worked for me.

The 2018 Class of Retirees were invited to share ministry stories as they reflected on the lifespan of their calling. However, some members were unable to share their story publicly.

RETIREES RECOGNIZED WHO DO NOT HAVE A STORY PRINTED:

BILL BERGSTROM DAVE BYRUM DARYL GRESSEL MARK HILL RANDY JUNGKURTH ROB MARTINDALE YVONNE CUENCA LARRY PLATT PATTY ROBERTS BILL SHANNON JACKIE SMITH JT THOMAS CHARLES WANNER LAURENCE LANDON STEWART PAUL D. PERRY GEORGE C. HAYSLER MARK ALLEN FERNIHOUGH DOUGLAS LEE SANDERS

Page 89 | Remembrances Find us this weekend. {And every day after THAT}

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