1Hoosier

UnitedMethodists

togetherwww.inareaumc.org

January 2008Volume 38Number 1

www. inareaumc.org

HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.The people of The United Methodist Church®

By Phileas Jusupsjusu2002@yahoo.co.uk

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone —Two United Methodist Volun-teers-In-Mission work teams fromIndiana and Minnesota were inSierra Leone in November 2007as part of the Operation Classroomministries’ work in the West Afri-can country.

The Indiana team painted sixclassrooms at the United Meth-odist Preparatory School on theKissy Hospital grounds in east-ern Freetown making the class-rooms a pleasant environmentfor students.

Rick Chandler, the team lead-er, also gave pastoral services byassisting the local pastors at theMango Brown Memorial UnitedMethodist Church.

“We also made a ten-year com-mitment to add a second floor tothe pre-school building,” said PattiPaynter, another pastor in thegroup.

The seven-volunteer Minneso-ta team, including a medical doc-tor, nurses, a pastor and other sup-port staff, spent a week in Manon-koh village in northern Sierra Le-one delivering medical services tomore than 500 patients, some ofwhom walked as far as 15 miles.Manonkoh is 120 miles from Free-town, the country’s capital.

The Minnesota Conference es-

VIM teams minister to needs of citizens in Sierra Leonetablished the clinic in 2006. Itserves the Manonkoh communityin the village hall. The Novemberteam was the second medical teamto visit Manonkoh clinic in 2007.Doris Acton, RN, was in the 2006team that made the decision to es-tablish a community clinic inManonkoh.

She said, “We wanted to find avillage that had no access to healthcare. We interviewed a number ofvillages and chose Manonkoh be-cause it was off the main road.There is no clinic here. There isno health care here and there is aUnited Methodist church andschool here. So we saw that Rev.Edward Kamara already had (es-tablished) a presence here.”

Manonkoh is strategically lo-cated. Other surrounding villagesalso come to Manonkoh on Fri-days to receive treatment. Whenthere is no work team visiting thevillage, the clinic is run on Fridaysby nurses hired by the MinnesotaConference.

Reported illnessesAmong the most frequently re-

ported cases of illness during thevisit were malaria, upper respira-tory infections, diarrhea, malnu-trition, worms and other parasit-ic-type infections. Pregnant wom-en and nursing mothers rankedhigh on the daily attendance sheet.

“We encourage mothers to con-

tinue breastfeeding. We also givemedical education that keeps themhealthier and we enjoy a lot ofgood relationship with them,” Ac-ton said.

The Manonkoh community el-ders expressed delight for whatChief Abu Sesay described as “ablessing that we would not wantto lose.” Chief Abu said the clinichas created a positive impact onthe community, and his people aremuch healthier and happier nowthan before.

Christopher Koroma, head

The Indiana teampainted sixclassrooms at theUnited MethodistPreparatory School.

Trainee nurse Mary Kamara talks with a pregnant women and nursingmothers on hygiene, malaria prevention and treatment at the Manonkohclinic. Health education is one effective way the Sierra Leone UMC Con-ference is dealing with malaria and HIV infections.

teacher of UMC Primary Schoolat Manonkoh, said patients comefrom even Makeni, the provincialheadquarter town, because of thegood quality of medication deliv-ered at the clinic.

Need for permanentstructure

Members of the Manonkohcommunity said they need a per-manent structure for the clinic.They are apprehensive that theclinic might be discontinued atany time since the benefactors

have not constructed any buildingand basically run the clinic fromthe community center. The elderssay a clinic building will providea better health care environmentand security for the drugs whileat the same time minimizing theneed to transport drugs and equip-ment on clinic days. They there-fore are appealing to the Minne-sota Conference to construct ahealth center for the clinic.

The community is prepared tocontribute labor, local materialsand land should the MinnesotaConference decide to erect a struc-ture for the clinic.

Limited health care facilitiesare among the key challenges withwhich the post-conflict Sierra Le-one government is grappling. Si-erra Leone is ranked second high-est in infant mortality in a recent-ly published Central IntelligenceAgency report.

Phileas Jusu serves as directorof communications for the SierraLeone Annual Conference of TheUnited Methodist Church.

By Daniel R. Ganglerdgangler@inareaumc.org

INDIANAPOLIS – The ImagineIndiana Design Team members arein the process of writing a 50-pageproposal to enact the uniting ofboth the North Indiana and SouthIndiana conferences later thisspring.

Congregations are at the heartof the proposal with a commit-ment by the newly proposed con-ference to bring services and oth-er resources closer to congrega-tions in order to “make disciplesof Jesus Christ for the transforma-tion of the world.”

The team’s two-day retreat ledby Bishop Mike Coyner was Dec.14-15 in Indianapolis. The teamheard a summary report of his 18

Nine districts proposedCongregations at heart of Imagine Indiana Design Team proposal

District Day events, discussed forhours the structure of the new con-ference beginning at the localchurch, heard reports from sever-al task forces and gave final ap-proval to a proposed pension andhealth care benefits package. Theteam continued its work on Jan. 4and will meet again on Jan. 15 tofinish its first draft of a plan tounite the two conferences.

The proposal begins with thecongregation and proceeds orga-nizationally to clusters, districtsand the conference.

According to thedistrict days reports,the most popular andaffirmed part of theproposal is the clustering of con-gregations to add both support andaccountability to all congrega-tions. Also under this proposal, allpastors will be required to be partof a covenant group which mayor may not include the samechurches that are in the congrega-tion’s cluster.

Conference structure will beproposed to place three service

Conference structure will beproposed to place service centersacross the state.

centers across thestate instead of cen-tralizing services inIndianapolis. A sepa-rate Indiana Confer-ence Center will con-tain conference ad-ministration, commu-nication and the bish-op’s office in greaterIndianapolis.

Nine districtsTaking into consideration a

marketing study done in partner-ship with the University of India-napolis, the team will propose ninedistricts for the new Indiana Con-ference – three in northern Indi-ana, three in central Indiana andthree in southern Indiana. Districtboundaries are still being consid-

ered. Each district will have a dis-trict superintendent that lives inthe district and will be supportedby a regional service center.

The team will propose threeregional district centers, one to beplaced in northern Indiana, one incentral Indiana and one in south-ern Indiana. Each of these centerswill serve three districts and willinclude three district superinten-dents, a district ministries direc-tor and program staff, administra-tive assistants and a receptionist/communicator.

Commenting on the 12-mem-ber team’s work, Coyner said, “Iam excited about the work of theImagine Indiana Design Team asit prepares a final recommenda-tion to be considered by the two

Continued on PagContinued on PagContinued on PagContinued on PagContinued on Page 2e 2e 2e 2e 2

January 2008

HoosierUnitedMethodists

together2 FROM THE BISHOP

MISSION STATEMENT: To reflect the teachings of Christ throughstories and pictures, thereby sharing key moments and concerns inthe life of his Indiana church and its people. To share joy, to sharepersonal faith, to share challenges, and to refresh the spirit.

www.inareaumc.org

Char Harris AllenBishop Michael J. Coyner

Ida EasleyMark Eutsler

Chip GastMark Gough

Members of the Indiana Area Communications Commissionand Editorial Advisory Group:

Steve Bahrt, chairmanJack Howey

David V.W. OwenBruce PalmerRobert Sharp

Matthew StultzBert Talbott

January 2008 Vol. 38 No.1

Indiana Area Bishop/Publisher: Michael J. Coyner

Editor: Daniel R. Gangler

Editorial Assistant: Erma Metzler

Printed by: HNE Printers, Columbus with soy-based inks on recycled/recyclable paper

Editorial Offices:Hoosier United Methodists TogetherIndiana Area United Methodist Church1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 210Indianapolis, Indiana 46208Phone: 317-924-1321Fax: 317-924-4859e-mail: editor@inareaumc.org

Hoosier United Methodists Together (ISSN-1544-080x) is a monthly (except June,August and December) publication ofIndiana Area United MethodistCommunications, 1100 W. 42nd. St.,Indianapolis, IN 46208, for clergy, laity andseekers. Periodicals postage paid at

Indianapolis, IN. Printed in the U.S.A.copyright 2005 Indiana Area of The UnitedMethodist Church.

Postmaster: Send address changes to HoosierUnited Methodists Together, 1100 W. 42ndSt., Suite 210, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

Subscription Information: Call 317-924-1321.One-year subscription, $12, single copy $1.50

Change of Address: Send the mailing labelwith your new address to:Erma Metzler, Together, Indiana Area UMC,1100 W. 42nd. St., Suite 210, Indianapolis,Indiana 46208 or e-mailemetzler@inareaumc.org

Commentaries and letters provided byIndiana Area United MethodistCommunications do not necessarily representthe opinions or policies of Bishop MichaelCoyner, the Indiana Area or The UnitedMethodist Church.

Permission is hereby granted to United Methodist congregations to reprint stories, notpreviously copyrighted, in church newsletters. Together is supported by connectional giving.

HOOSIER UNITED METHODISTS

Annual Conferences. They are being imag-inative, creative and yet faithfully focusedupon creating a new Indiana to fulfill ourmission of ‘making disciples of Jesus Christfor the transformation of the world.’”

Upcoming reviewsA task force from the design team is

writing a report that will be reviewed bythe team at its meetings this month in Indi-anapolis.

At the close of a Jan. 4 meeting, the teammembers discussed their plans with theYoung Leaders Team that met last summer.The team also will meet for a review of theproposed plan with last year’s Imagine In-diana Planning Team and co-chairs of lastyear’s Discernment Teams on Jan. 15 in In-dianapolis. Part of the team met with dis-

trict superintendents of both conferences forreview and input during their meeting atDePauw University in Greencastle on Jan.7.

North Indiana Lay Leader KaycMykrantz and South Indiana Lay Leader IkeWilliams also plan to hold focus groups forfeedback as the plan is being shaped.

The Imagine Indiana report to both an-nual conferences will be available in Feb-ruary and will be discussed during a state-wide presentation to be held online and inmultiple locations on Palm Sunday after-noon or evening, March 16.

For more information, log on towww.inareaumc.org and click on the Imag-ine Indiana logo on the left column. Com-ments can be e-mailed toImagineIndiana@inareaumc.org.

Imagine Indiana from Page 1

The New Year always seems to bring afresh start. We make New Year’s resolu-tions (reports say more than 80 percent ofall American adults make such resolutions);we write on a fresh calendar; we makeplans; and we focus on the future. Whilethere is nothing magical about the flip ofthe calendar to a new year – es-pecially with electronic calen-dars that don’t actually flip apage – this time of year seemsto invite us to make a fresh start.

The Gospel of Jesus Christis all about such fresh starts.The Good News is that our pastsins and failures are forgiven,and a new life in Christ is pos-sible for us.

Years ago I saw a play done by a youthgroup in which God was portrayed as Onewho had a bad memory. People on the stagekept talking about and worrying about theirpast mistakes and their regrets, and yetwhen they finally prayed to God about thoseworries and regrets, God would respond “Idon’t remember that.” It was an odd play,but it made an important point. From God’sperspective as best we can understand it,God’s forgiveness of our past is so com-plete that God does not even remember ourforgiven sins.

A fresh start in a new yearIn fact, the Letter to the Hebrews, re-

flecting Exodus 25:40 and Jeremiah 31:34,says it this way:

“The time is coming, declares theLord, when I will make a new cove-nant with the house of Israel and withthe house of Judah. It will not be like

the covenant I made with theirforefathers when I took themby the hand to lead them outof Egypt, because they did notremain faithful to my cove-nant, and I turned away fromthem, declares the Lord.

“This is the covenant I willmake with the house of Israelafter that time, declares theLord. I will put my laws in

their minds and write them on theirhearts. I will be their God, and theywill be my people. No longer will aman teach his neighbor, or a man hisbrother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ be-cause they will all know me, from theleast of them to the greatest.

“For I will forgive their wicked-ness and will remember their sins nomore.” – Hebrews 10:8-12In Christ that time has come, and that

New Covenant has been revealed. God isindeed a God who forgives, forgets and

offers us a fresh start.May this New Year be a time when we

accept this gift of a fresh start, and may italso be a time when we offer that gift toone another. It is a time to let go of old hurts,regrets and pains. It is a time to forgive andforget. It is a time to accept the fresh start

we have in Jesus Christ.May it be so in 2008.

Bishop Michael J. CoynerIndiana Area of

The United Methodist Church“Making a Difference in Indiana

and around the world”

$12 for one year $20 for two yearsHere is my contribution to assist with Together’s expenses

Subscribe today!Together will inform you of religious news near and far, will inspire you

with stories of faith and will connect you with a larger family of Christians.

Send your name, address and check to:Hoosier United Methodists TogetherIndiana Area United Methodist Church1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 210Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

Thank you for your support.

Together photoBishop Mike Coyner, seated at the head of the table, and Imagine Indiana Design Teammembers listen to young adult church leaders discuss the proposals being written by theteam during a two-hour session on Jan. 4.

3Hoosier

UnitedMethodists

togetherwww.inareaumc.orgEDITORIAL

To assist both United Meth-odist laity and clergy in sharingtheir faith stories with others, thelay leaders of both the IndianaNorth and Indiana South confer-ences are sponsoring an IndianaArea convocation to be held inIndianapolis.

Kayc Mykrantz,lay leader of theNorth Indiana Con-ference, and Ike Will-iams, lay leader of theSouth Indiana Conferenceof The United MethodistChurch, invite both laityand clergy to a uniqueLEAP Year Event –Let’s Establish APriority to Tell OurStory – the weekend of Feb. 29–March 1 at United Methodist-re-lated University of Indianapolis.

They will be joined by Dr. Ed-die Fox of The World MethodistCouncil and nationally known

Fox

A two-day event in sharing faith through personal storiesFox, Reisman to lead LEAP convocation Feb 29-March 1

Reisman

LEAP Registration Form

To register for the LEAP to Tell Our Story event, please complete this registration form andsend it with a check for $50 per person to the Indiana Area of The United Methodist Church,attn. Lisa Timmerman, 1100 W. 42nd Street, Suite 210, Indianapolis, IN 46208. Thank you.

Deadline: February 14, 2008

Name/s _____________________________________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________ State ________ ZIP _________________

Phone number (AC__________) ______________________________________________

Cell phone (AC__________) ______________________________________________

e-mail address________________________________________________________________

Local church __________________________________ of _____________________ District

tive director of Next Step Evan-gelism Ministries, where her fo-cus is empowering others to takethe next step of faith on their spir-itual journey. Reisman providesfaith shaping ministries throughher writing and in the context ofretreats, seminars, workshops andrevivals both nationally and inter-nationally. She is a native of Gulf-port, Miss., and had lived in Cali-fornia, Tennessee, Georgia andConnecticut before moving to In-diana in 1993 with her husband,John and three children.

Eddie FoxThe Rev. Dr. H. Eddie Fox is

the World Director of Evangelismof The World Methodist Council.He is responsible for leading 16Regional Secretaries of WorldEvangelism in developing indig-enous evangelism on every conti-

nent. The World Methodist Coun-cil, an association of churches be-longing to the Methodist-Wesley-an tradition and representing morethan 76 mil-lion constit-uents in 138countries,through itsDivision ofW o r l dEvangelismis challeng-ing membercongrega-tions to Of-fer Christ Today. As the World Di-rector, Fox preaches World Evan-gelism missions, develops holis-tic models of evangelism minis-try of word, deed and sign, teach-es, and encourages lay and clergyto be about the ministry of shar-ing the good news of Jesus Christ.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Reflection onCity Church

I was present at the service onSunday, Oct. 7 (Nov.-Dec. 2007Together) at the site of CityChurch in Gary. I remember whenthe congregation closed. I also re-member when we closed bothFirst UMC and Indiana Harbor inEast Chicago, when we closedAmbridge, Glen Park, and Mar-shalltown in Gary, and when weclosed Centenary and Christ UMCin Hammond.

We apologized to the communi-ty for failing to continue in vital

ministry at City Church. Are wealso prepared to apologize to theseother communities for failing in ourministry to them as well? It appearsthat we simply do not know how tobe in ministry in the urbancommunity. Obviously, otherchurches are carrying on effectiveministry in these neighborhoods.

Is there not something we canlearn from them? What is Godcalling the UMC to do in thesecommunities? Probably not plantflowers.

– Rev. Bill KasterPlymouth, Ind.

Trinity UMC

North Indiana Conference Evan-gelist, the Rev. Kimberly Reismanin a two-day event leading partic-ipants to become confident insharing their faith through person-al stories.

LEAP will run from openingworkshop at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb.

29, through closing worshipat 3:30 p.m. on Saturday,March 1, at Ransburg Au-ditorium in Esch Hall.

Registration will open at5 p.m.

Indiana BishopMike Coyner will

lead opening worshipfollowed by a presenta-

tion by Fox.The Christ United Method-

ist Church Choir of Franklin willprovide special music for theevening.

Cost is $50 per person includ-ing materials and Saturday lunch.A brochure including a registra-

tion form is available online atwww.inareaumc.org. Printed bro-chures will be mailed to lay lead-ership across the state in January.A registration form also is provid-ed with this story.

Leaders of the LEAPevent Feb. 29-March 1

Kimberly ReismanThe Rev.

K i m b e r l yD. Reismanserves asthe NorthI n d i a n aConferenceEvangelistof The Unit-ed Method-ist Churchand execu-

The Imagine Indiana DesignTeam will soon bring to the NorthIndiana and South Indiana Con-ferences of The United Method-ist Church a proposed plan foruniting the two conferences whovoted unity this past spring.

Part of the Design Team’s re-port proposes a clustering ofchurches and the formation ofclergy covenant groups, as twoimportant aspects of the new In-diana Conference, to meet thechurch’s goal of “making disciplesof Jesus Christ for the transforma-tion of the world.” Both of theseproposals are designed for congre-gational support and accountabil-ity to meet the church’s goal.

Conversations about clergy cov-enant groups and congregationalclusters have been lively the pastfew months, receiving both strongpraise and straightforward criti-cism during the 18 district discus-sions with Bishop Coyner and inother discussions with members ofthe Imagine Indiana Design Team.

Both are proven concepts usedin other United Methodist confer-ences within the church, but forthese ideas to be fruitful andstrengthen the church in Indiana,they need to be introducedthrough gracious invitations forparticipation, not mandated withpunitive actions if congregationor clergy decide not to participateout of fear or previous unpleas-ant experiences. Hospitalityneeds to be coupled with supportand accountability of our congre-gations and their pastors.

Personally, I look forward toclergy covenant groups. As an or-dained elder serving the church inan extension ministry, I have notbeen part of such a group of fouror more clergy and have felt the

lack of such support in my ownministry. Yes, I have fear of be-trayed trust from past experiences,but being accepted in a group ofpeers makes such a group invitingdespite my fears. I need the spiri-tual discipline that such a group canoffer and I feel my ministry willbe better with participation.

I also have heard fears ex-pressed for the clustering of sev-eral congregations to work to-gether on community ministry aswell. Pastors have expressed anoverload anxiety with anothermeeting to attend in addition tocovenant groups. If the cluster-ing of churches is only seen as“another meeting to attend,” thenit may be nothing more than ananxiety producing event.

On the other hand, clusteringto serve the greater community inwhich we are placed will be a shar-ing of ministry for the transforma-tion of that community, county andstate. Some clustersmay very well be abust, but those clustersof congregations thatthink with like mindsand hearts will be moreable to face an ever-more secularized soci-ety giving witness tothe world that God islove.

The genius of John Wesley,founder of The United Method-ist Church and other Wesleyandenominations, was his insis-tence that the world was truly hisparish, not the bounds of the par-ish, the church or its membership.All people are members of God’sfamily. Clusters of congregationsworking together will give wit-ness that United Methodists areorganized and connected to trans-

Covenant groups, clusters concepts worth developingform the world with God’s lovein Jesus Christ.

The Imagine Indiana DesignTeam proposal won’t be the end-all plan for bringing the new Indi-

ana Conference into acomplete and wholebeing. If approved, theproposal will physical-ly bring the two confer-ences into one, howev-er it can only usher in anew conference whosemission, ministry, wit-ness and outreach willbe shaped into a reality

by those who are nominated toserve as the leaders of that newconference. In Wesleyan terminol-ogy, the new conference will con-tinue to be made perfect or whole.

Even at its best, the DesignTeam proposal is only a plan onpaper until it is lived out and re-shaped in the lives of those whoclaim the plan as their own.

-- Daniel R. Ganglerdgangler@inareaumc.org

Hospitality needs to be coupled withsupport and accountability of ourcongregations and their pastors.

January 2008

HoosierUnitedMethodists

together4 INDIANA

Lynne DeMichele, former di-rector of Indiana Area UnitedMethodist Communi-cation and editor ofHoosier United Meth-odists Together wasinducted into the Unit-ed Methodist Associa-tion of Communica-tors’ Hall of Fame ofnoted retired commu-nicators during the as-sociation’s October2007 meeting inCharleston, S.C.

DeMichele was the communi-cations director for Indiana Unit-ed Methodists for 12 years beforeretiring in 2002. She served asboth vice president and presidentof the United Methodist Associ-

FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Rev. JohnS. Eley, senior chaplain of theFranklin United Methodist Com-munity, has beennamed Chaplain of theYear for 2008 by theUnited Methodist As-sociation.

The United Method-ist Association, basedin Vandalia, Ohio, re-cently announced thecelebration of excel-lence recipients for thecoming year, includingEley. These recipients were nom-inated by their facilities and select-ed by a committee of their peers.

Consisting of United Method-ist organizations throughout thenation that offer healing and car-ing ministries to children, youth,older adults and families, the Unit-ed Methodist Association will rec-ognize Eley at its annual meetingin Orlando, Fla. on March 29.

Eley, an ordained Elder of theSouth Indiana Conference of TheUnited Methodist Church, hasserved as a chaplain of the Frank-lin United Methodist Communitysince 1993. Prior to his appoint-ment at the retirement community,

Eley

Eley named United Methodist‘Chaplain of the Year’

he served in a local church setting.In addition to his chaplaincy re-

sponsibilities, Eley has adminis-trative responsibilitiesfor the activity and so-cial service depart-ments, as well as super-vising three on-campussalons.

This past year, Eleywas in Boston, Mass.to accept the “BestPractice” award on be-half of the chaplaincyservices provided by

the Franklin United MethodistCommunity, to its residents andpatients at nearby Johnson Memo-rial Hospital.

Eley is married to Robyn Eley.The couple has three children andreside in Franklin.

The Franklin United Method-ist Community is a continuingcare retirement campus that in-cludes 195 independent homes,150 residential and assisted livingapartments and accommodationsfor health and dementia care. TheFranklin Community currentlyserve more than 600 residentsfrom throughout Indiana and theUnited States.

The theme for both North In-diana and South Indiana Annu-al Conferences will be “Friendswith Christ,” with Scriptureverse John 15:15 (“I do not callyou servants any longer, becausethe servant does not know whatthe master is doing; but I havecalled you friends, because Ihave made known to you every-thing that I have heard from myFather.”)

You can help both Annual Con-ferences by submitting entries onor before March 1 for one of thefollowing:♦ Original artwork for the ban-

Both 2008 Indiana AnnualConferences need artwork, song

ner to Gloria J. Nelson 107 WCampbell St., Edinburgh, IN46124 Church: 812-526-5840,Fax: 812-526-8617, e-mail:gnelson@sicumc.org orrevgjnelson@aol.com

♦ Original song or new words toa non-copy-written melody toLynn Renne Aldersgate UMC5130 Lincoln Ave. Evansville,IN 47715, Church: 812-477-7816, Fax 812-477-8658, e-mail lrenne@aol.comThe artwork and original song

selected will be used by both an-nual conference sessions this com-ing spring.

New venture builds on princi-ples of senator’s symposium forIndiana teens

The University of Indianapolisand the office of U.S.Sen. Richard G. Lugarrecently announced theformation of a centerdedicated to inspiringand developing newgenerations of leadersfor Indiana, the nationand the world.

The Richard G.Lugar Center for To-morrow’s Leaders willbuild on the principles of the an-nual Lugar Symposium for To-morrow’s Leaders, a one-dayevent that gathers Indiana’s tophigh school juniors for expert-led

UIndy announces Lugar leadership centerdiscussions on public issues andworld events. The university hashosted the symposium since it wasfounded in 1977.

The new center willbe a permanent homefor the annual sympo-sium and will provideextended experiencesfor high school andcollege students thatexpose them to leader-ship opportunities, thevalue of leadership inservice to others, is-sues of ethics and in-

tegrity in leadership and the qual-ities of strong leaders. Building onthe university’s core values, thecenter will reinforce the value ofa liberal arts education in prepar-

ing young people to be tomor-row’s leaders.

“We started the Lugar Sympo-sium for Tomorrow’s Leadersduring my first year in the Sen-ate, and the University of India-napolis has been an extraordinarypartner for the past 30 years,”Lugar said. “More than 15,000young Hoosiers have come to thiscampus for the symposium to de-bate, learn and expand theirthoughts and horizons about howto lead Indiana’s future. I amdeeply honored by the permanentestablishment of the Richard G.Lugar Center for Tomorrow’sLeaders and excited about thepossibilities for public serviceand leadership in our state thatwill be inspired in new genera-

tions of Hoosiers.”The center will have a director

and a nonpartisan external advi-sory committee.

“We in the UIndy communityare delighted to be building on ourlong and treasured relationshipwith Senator Lugar,” universityPresident Beverley J. Pitts said.“The qualities he represents –leadership, community service,integrity, ethics and global per-spective – reflect the values we tryto instill in our students.”

Extending the goals of theLugar symposium, the center willdevelop:♦ Leadership academies for high

school students at their schoolsand on the UIndy campus, withinstruction by university fac-

ulty. UIndy already offers suchacademies in economics andfinance.

♦ Program enhancements for highschools that expose students tomodels of civic leadership.

♦ A weekend retreat for highschool students focused on theattributes of the Rhodes Schol-arship, which Lugar himselfwas awarded as a student in the1950s.

♦ Annual recognition of an Indi-ana high school student whoexemplifies leadership in pub-lic service.Lugar is a Distinguished Trust-

ee of the United Methodist-relatedUniversity of Indianapolis, havingserved on the board from 1970 to2002. He was awarded an honorarydegree in 1970 and taught politicalscience as a visiting professor in1976, between his last term as may-or of Indianapolis and his first termas a senator. He is a member of St.Luke’s UMC in Indianapolis.

DeMichele

Former communications directorinducted into UMAC Hall of Fame

ation of Communicators andhelped create what is now Para-

graph 645 in the Bookof Discipline, thatsays, “In each annualconference there shallbe a commission oncommunications orother structure to pro-vide for these func-tions and maintain theconnectional relation-ship.”

Beyond Indiana,DeMichele was the first journal-ist to get into Monrovia, Liberiaduring the wind down of the civ-il war there, sneaking in on aUnited Nations relief flight. Shewent to report on the status of theOperation Classroom schools and

clinics.She also helped organize the

largest United Methodist pil-grimage ever to Israel – morethan 900 Midwesterners.DeMichele and former IndianaArea Bishop Woodie W. Whitevisited a Palestinian refugeecamp and interviewed some ofits residents.

DeMichele also edited threebooks for Indiana members andpublished by Providence House:Treasure in Clay Jars, a collectionof local faith stories, which provedto be a best seller for Providence;Small Wonders, a collection ofchildren’s faith stories; and Amaz-ing Grace: A bicentennial historyof the Indiana Methodist Churchwritten by E. Carver McGriff.

Lugar

Holy Places: Matching Sa-cred Space with Mission andMessage, by Nancy DeMott,Tim Shapiro, and Brent Bill, isthe kind of practicalguide congregationsneed to help themwith the challengesof renovation, re-modeling, expansion,or building.

A u t h o r s N a n c yDeMott, Tim Shapiro,and Brent Bill drawfrom the experience ofthe Indianapolis Center for Con-gregations’ work during the pastdecade with more than 300 con-gregations on building issues. Nomatter how extensive the project,the authors encourage congrega-

New book helps congregationsconsider building challenges

tional leaders to keep mission andmessage at the forefront of anybuilding project.

Holy Places offers a step-by-step process for anycongregational build-ing team. The processhelps teams look atwhere they are now,where they want to be,and how to move to thatnext level. Each phaseof this process – dis-cern, decide and do –

consists of a series of questionsthat congregations must address.The book’s process assumes noparticular level of prior knowl-edge about building issues.

With in-depth advice, illustra-tive examples, and detailed descrip-

tions of how to proceed, Holy Plac-es makes what could seem a monu-mental project manageable. Thebook includes sections on Identity,Trends and Assets, Financial Con-cerns, Oversight, Spiritual Discern-ment, Communication, Project De-livery, Clergy Involvement, andmore. A glossary of terms, informa-tional appendix section and re-source list provide additional sup-port for readers considering congre-gational building projects.

This book is available atwww.amazon.com.

For more information, log on towww.centerforcongregations.orgor call the Center for Congregationin Indianapolis at 317-237-7799, inFort Wayne at 260-435-1880 andin South Indiana at 866-307-1880.

New venture builds on principles ofsenator’s symposium for Indiana teens

5Hoosier

UnitedMethodists

togetherwww.inareaumc.orgINDIANA

North Indiana United Method-ists can be proud they are support-ing a new way of doing missions.HAPI, a brand new for-profit busi-ness was started in March 2007with seed-money grants from theUnited Methodist General Boardof Global Ministries and its Wom-en’s Division.

A group of women artisanswith no other means of incomehave been trained and are beingguided through the process of de-veloping their business in the

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – ClayChurch, a “United MethodistCommunity of God’s Love” inSouth Bend expanded its minis-try in November and moved intoa new second facility.

The church’s original seven-acre south campus at 17646Cleveland Road had no room togrow. The 1,300-member congre-gation expanded its facilities witha 20-acre north campus at 52866North Ironwood located one-tenth of a mile north of its nowsouth campus.

South Bend Clay Church expands to new buildingThe new 35,000 square-foot

north campus building doubled thechurch’s space and is completelyhandicapped accessible. Clay builta raked floor sanctuary for bettervisibility and placed two projectionscreens on either side of the front.The choir loft is larger than the oneat the older facility. The church alsoinstalled a theater lighting system,upgraded its sound system and in-stalled pews to comfortably seat600 participants.

Near the new building’s frontentrance, the church created a

space for people to connect. Itcontains several small parlors withcouches and a cafe that serves cof-fee, hot chocolate, juice and bakedgoods on Sunday mornings.

Clay’s children’s ministry hasits own wing in the new building.The wing resembles the MainStreet of a little town. Each roomhas a different storefront. Namesof the stores include Gabriel’sDaily News, Noah’s Boat Rentaland Jonah’s Fish Market. The larg-est room is for the group worshipand contains a stage.

The church plans to develop itscampus grounds by putting in agarden, walking paths and two pa-vilions, as well as an outdoor pic-nic area for the community to use.

The original south campushouses Clay’s Firehouse YouthCenter for youth (grades 6- 12).It contains a gym, fellowship halland large kitchen, spaces the newfacility does not have.

Other plans for the youth cen-ter include a computer lab forhomework, a coffee shop, a sandvolleyball court and an athletic

area. The church also plans to pro-vide a couple of rooms at theyouth center for outside commu-nity groups.

Clay’s lead pastor is Dr. HerbBuwalda. The Rev. Kim Bloomserves as associate pastor. Thechurch also has 12 program and11 support staff members.

For more information aboutClay Church, log on towww.claychurch.com.

This story was based on a long-er story that appeared in TheSouth Bend Tribune.

Haitian women artisans find support in new for-profit businessmountain village of Mizak, Haiti.They are marketing their hand-embroidered products throughtheir own Web site,www.HaitianArtisans.com.

In order to assist them in a verytangible way, volunteer groups inIndiana are assembling the em-broideries into greeting cards thatare sent to customers across theUnited States. Several UMchurches have made the once-a-month commitment to assemble,including in Fort Wayne, First

Wayne UMC, Saint Joseph UMC,Covenant UMC and 1st UMC; inWarsaw, Warsaw UMC; in Mari-on, Herbst UMC, Mier Commu-nity and several others are com-ing on board.

There are several ways to beinvolved including: product as-sembly, secretarial help, research,development and individual vol-unteers to work at the co-op sitein Mizak to help eliminate pover-

ty in the poorest country of theWestern Hemisphere.

Please pray for HAPI and con-tact Lorelei VerLee atGodsDesign@gmail.com for fur-ther information.

GULFPORT, Miss. – Volunteersfrom Tennessee and Virginiaspent Tuesday, Dec. 4 putting thefinishing touches on a storm-damaged house on SecondStreet. They were among 6,500volunteers, including hundredsof Hoosier United Methodists,who have been part of the Katri-na Rebuilding Program at Trini-ty United Methodist Church inGulfport.

“It’s been overwhelming,” saidCarol Kawa, a volunteer fromKingsport, Tenn. “To go intohomes that have been devastated,to help rebuild, to meet the home-owners, to see the gratitude ontheir faces, has just been a realmoving experience.”

“It has been an incredible op-portunity for Trinity to be involvedin the community, to open theirhearts and doors and to truly makea difference in people’s lives,” saidCourtney Allen, Rebuilding Pro-gram Coordinator for Trinity.

The rebuilding program atTrinity actually began days afterKatrina, when the church fed morethan 35,000 people in three weeks.After that, volunteers came toclean-up 700 homes and rebuildmore than 640 houses.

Gulfport housing recovery programends after rebuilding 640 homes

Photo by Sharon DuntenRepresenting months of work by volunteers from all over the country,Southport UMC participated in one of the last house blessings from Trin-ity UMC Gulfport recovery station, November 2007. Courtney Allen,Recovery Coordinator at Trinity, gave a candle to a hurricane survivor tobe lit as rememberance of God's shining light during trials in life.

Trinty’s recovery numbers♦ Hosted more than 6,500 volun-

teers.♦ Logged more than 750,000

hours. ♦ Gutted approximately 700

homes. ♦ Positive rebuilding steps in

more than 640 homes.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (UE) – TheUniversity of Evansville is proudto announce Bob Dion, associateprofessor of political science, asthe recipient of this year’s Exem-plary Teacher Award.

The ExemplaryTeacher Award is pre-sented each year by theUnited Methodist Gen-eral Board of HigherEducation and Minis-try, as a way of recog-nizing excellence inteaching at UnitedMethodist Church-re-lated institutions ofhigher educations. Dion was hon-ored with the award Dec. 19, dur-ing the UE Winter Commence-ment ceremony.

“We’re very proud today to an-nounce Dr. Dion as the recipientof this prestigious award,” said UEVice President for Academic Af-

UE professor recognizedfor excellence by HigherEducation and Ministry

fairs Susan Kupisch. “Since com-ing to the University of Evansvillein 2001, Dion has consistently re-ceived top evaluation marks fromhis students, from his colleagues,

and from his superiors.“Dr. Dion truly does

personify the exempla-ry teacher.”

Dion came to UE in2001 from SycracuseUniversity, as an assis-tant professor of polit-ical science. He re-ceived tenure and waspromoted to associateprofessor in March

2007.In his time at UE, Dion has

been chair of the University’s Sny-der Concert and Lecture Seriescommittee and has, for four years,been chairperson of the Evans-ville-Vanderburgh County HumanRelations Commission.

On Dec. 5, almost two and ahalf years later, that extraordinarymission came to an end.

“This is the last official missiontrip down here through TrinityChurch,” Kawa said. “It’s very,very sad. It’s been a very emotion-al time.”

Story courtesy of WLOX,Channel 13, Biloxi-Gulfport.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Dr.James Bushfield, director of Con-nectional Ministries of the SouthIndiana Conference, recently an-nounced the addition of JenniWalker to the conference staff.

Walker will be the resourceadministrator for volunteers-in-mission work teams and disasterresponse volunteers. According toBushfield, “this new staff positionwas created in response to the

South Indiana Conference adds administratorfor VIM, disaster response volunteers

overwhelming number of workteams from congregations all overthe South Indiana Conference re-sponding to the needs of the GulfCoast and Baker Chapel and ourneed to grow our connectionalcapacity to respond to disastersand other community and globalneeds.

“In experimenting with newstaffing models for a new confer-ence, Jenni will be working from

Now is the time to start think-ing about curriculum and 2008VBS supplies.

Landon DeCrastos, key ac-count manager forthe Cokesbury storein Fishers, Ind.,would like to make himselfavailable to you. He is availableto come to your church to givelearning sessions regarding dif-

Cokesbury available to help withresource needs of congregations

ferent types of curriculum thatare available.

DeCrastos also is able to helpyou with any other church sup-

plies or growth re-sources you mayneed. If you are in-

terested in meeting with LandonDeCrastos, contact him by e-mailat ldecrastos@cokesbury.com orby telephone at 317-849-1551.

the Turning Point United Method-ist Church in Evansville, with fre-quent visits to the conference cen-ter in Bloomington for staff teambuilding.”

To contact Walker for help withVIM and disaster response formsbefore you go, forms after you’vegone, VIM trip insurance, ques-tions on where to go: email her atjwalker@sicumc.org or call at812-893-1760.

Dion

January 2008

HoosierUnitedMethodists

together6 INDIANA

General Conference Clergy DelegatesFrank Beard 2936 Bagley Dr. W. Kokomo, IN 46902Kim Reisman 3072 Hamilton St West Lafayette, IN 47906Brian Siefert 1007 Arundel Drive Kokomo, IN 46901Cindy Reynolds 3201 E Center St Warsaw, IN 46582Mike Dominick 4130 S. Albright Rd Kokomo, IN 46902General Conference Lay DelegatesKayc Mykrantz 2105 E Broadway Logansport, IN 46847Carolyn Johnson 2550 Yeager Road Apt 19-2 West Lafayette, IN 47906Jim Ottjes P O Box 483 Akron, IN 46910Paula Shrock 8420 E 100 N Greentown, IN 46936Ed Fenstermacher P O Box 869 Marion, IN 46952Clergy Jurisdictional DelegatesMark Fenstermacher 2708 E Jackson Blvd Elkhart, IN 46516Michelle Cobb 650 E 4th Street Hobart, IN 46342Mary Eileen Spence 720 W Jeffras Ave Marion, IN 46952Chris Nunley 665 Windy Oak Ct Hebron, IN 46341Gregg Parris 5901 E Woodside Road Albany, IN 47320Jurisdictional Lay DelegatesPat Weeks 12038 Clubhouse Drive Fisher, IN 46038Charles Hefley 4839 N Parkway Dr Kokomo, IN 46901Ashely Loomis 131 El Dorado Tr Ft. Wayne, IN 46818Ken Adams 3619 Albright Rd Kokomo, IN 46902Ruth Ellen Stone 4121 Woodview Dr Clayton, IN 4618Reserve Clergy Delegates to Jurisdictional ConferenceBob Dexter 56816 Meadowood Dr. Elkhart, IN 46516Jean Brindel 656 Maple Drive Frankfort, IN 46041Reserve Lay Delegates to Jurisdictional ConferenceAlbert Bohnstedt 5926 Millhollow Lane Ft. Wayne, IN 46815Monet Shettle 3452 E 1300 N Alexandria, IN 46001Three Additional Reserve Clergy DelegatesToni Carmer 13519 Leo Road Leo, IN 46765

North Indiana Delegates to General and Jurisdictional ConferencesPaul Arnold 1791 E Ravenwood Lane Columbia City, IN 46725Heather Olson-Bunnell 963 Oak Park Dr. Roanoke, IN 46783Three Additional Reserve Lay DelegatesEllen Rhoades 6114 Sapphire Trail Fort Wayne, IN 46804Jack Dwiggins 10837 S Springboro Rd. Brookston, IN 47923Ann Hanson 8608 W Tulip Tree Dr Muncie, IN 47304

PLAINFIELD, Ind. – The Rev. Frank Beard, superintendent of theKokomo District (NIC), leads an orientation session for delegateselected from both North Indiana and South Indiana Annual Con-ferences of what to expect at the 2008 General Conference of TheUnited Methodist Church meeting April 23-May 2 at Fort WorthTexas. The two General and Jurisdictional conference delegationsmet for the first time on Saturday morning, Dec. 8 at the UnitedMethodist Church of Plainfield. Most of an opening joint sessionwas spent in introducing delegates to each other, hearing a pre-sentation by Bishop Mike Coyner on the “7 Vision Pathways” pro-posed by the Council of Bishops and the General Church’s Con-nectional Table. The two delegations also met separately to con-sider possible episcopal candidates for the election of one bishopin the North Central Jurisdiction to fill the vacancy left by retiringBishop Sharon Brown Christopher of the Illinois Area. The NorthCentral Jurisdiction is scheduled to met July 15-19 in Grand Rap-ids, Mich. The delegations are scheduled to meet again Jan. 12.

Hoosiers begin work toward 2008General, Jurisdictional conferences

Jurisdictional ConferenceJuly 15-19, 2008www.ncj2008.org

General ConferenceApril 23-May 2, 2008www.gc2008.umc.org

By United MethodistNews Service

How are delegates elected tothe United Methodist GeneralConference? How many votes arerequired for the assembly to ap-prove a petition? What is the roleof bishops in the once-every-four-years gathering? And why is itimportant to keep a copy of theDaily Christian Advocate handythroughout the proceedings?

These and many other ques-tions are answered in “ExploringGeneral Conference,” a five-ses-sion online course offered by Unit-ed Methodist Communications foranyone wanting to learn moreabout the denomination’s top leg-islative body and how it works.

The course is free and beingoffered to give people a basicworking knowledge of thechurch’s legislative process in ad-vance of the 2008 General Con-ference. About 1,000 delegateswill gather next April 23-May 2in Fort Worth, Texas, to set churchpolicy, approve a budget andspeak on behalf of the denomina-tion regarding social and moral

“The course is ideal for anyoneattending the 2008 General Con-ference, including communicatorsand delegates, as well as UnitedMethodists interested in learningmore about how the denominationmakes decisions,” said site admin-istrator Cheryl A. Hemmerle.

Participants can begin thecourse anytime between Nov. 15and Dec. 26 and move through the

General Conference basics explored in online course

sessions at their own pace. Addi-tional sessions will be offeredfrom January through next May.

Launched Nov. 15, the coursegarnered more than 150 partici-pants in its first three days and isexpected gain momentum as Gen-eral Conference approaches,Hemmerle said.

Betty Jackson signed up be-cause she will serve as a volun-teer marshal at the 2008 meet-ing. “I’m really excited about go-ing,” said Jackson, a member ofEbenezer United MethodistChurch in New Johnsonville,Tenn. “I’m taking this course inhope it will give me an idea ofwhat will be going on.”

Arthur Sponagel is participat-ing in “Exploring General Con-ference” because he wants tolearn more about United Method-ism. After spending most of hislife in two other denominations,he has been a United Methodistsince 1986.

“One thing I like about Meth-odism is you are expected to con-tinue studying. I hope to learnmore about how the church oper-ates,” said Sponagel of St. Paul’s

United Methodist Church in LasCruces, N.M.

In addition to interactive fea-tures such as videos and quizzes,participants can participate in fo-rums to ask questions and shareideas.

Among other things, the courseincludes information about:♦ The history, role and purpose

of General Conference;♦ How delegates are elected,

their role and responsibilities;♦ How petitions, the general

church budget and other impor-tant matters are decidedthrough General Conference;

♦ Social issues facing The UnitedMethodist Church and thedenomination’s stance on thoseissues; and

♦ Highlights of the 2004 GeneralConference and what’s aheadfor 2008.To register, visit http://

training.umcom.org. For more in-formation, call 888-278-4862 ore-mail training@umcom.org.

This story is based in part onresearch by Barbara Dunlap-Berg, an editor with United Meth-odist Communications.

“The course is ideal for anyone attendingthe 2008 General Conference, ...as well asUnited Methodists interested in learningmore about how the denomination makesdecisions.”

–Cheryl A. Hemmerle

Together photoMembers of the North Indiana Conference 2008 General and Juristional delegations metDec. 8 at Plalinfield UMC.

7Hoosier

UnitedMethodists

togetherwww.inareaumc.orgINDIANA

During the 2007 summer campseason the South Indiana Confer-ence Outdoor Ministries servedapproximately 1,475 guests, thatincludes 710 summer campers and765 retreat guests. This representsa small increase in participationcompared to the 2006 summercamping season.

According to IanHall, director of theconference’s OutdoorMinistries, the dramat-ic arts camp and adven-ture programmingwere probably the bestattended programs thispast summer. “Dramat-ic arts camp providesparticipants with bothon and off stage experience whichthey can then take back to theirlocal congregation. On Mondaymorning campers choose a one actplay to perform. During the weekthey are equipped with the skillsto realize all aspects of the dra-matic performance. Dramatic artscamp culminates with a Fridaynight performance attend byfriends and family of campers,”explained Hall.

Unique campsThe most unique camp experi-

ences this summer was the AdultBackpacking camp. This past fallOutdoor Ministries returned toNorthern Virginia to hike the Ap-palachian Trail.

“Within a supportive Christianatmosphere, participants experi-

Hall

South Indiana Conference served 1,475 during 2007 camping seasonDramatic arts, adventure camps best attended in South Indiana

enced the beautiful mountain vis-tas the trail has to offer. This sev-en-day, on-trail hiking experiencecover more than 50 miles. Eveningfireside worship included time forgroup discussion and personal re-flection,” said Hall. Outdoor Min-istries provided backpacks, tents,

cooking equipment andfood.

Another uniquecamp was the JuniorHigh Extreme Adven-ture. This summer,campers joined Out-door Ministries to ex-plore Kentucky’s RedRiver Gorge.

“Campers experi-enced three days of

backpacking. While on the trail,they had the opportunity to cooktheir own food, sleep in tents inprimitive campsites and build newfriendships with fellow campers,”said Hall.

During the evening, campersenjoy Bible study, discussion, andfireside worship. On the fourth day,campers explored another side ofthe Red River Gorge where theyclimbed on natural rock forma-tions. The camp culminated with a12-mile introduction to kayaking.

Accepted for who they are“As with each Outdoor Min-

istries program, campers are ac-cepted for who they are and pro-vided with a nurturing environ-ment where they can truly expe-rience Christ’s unconditional

love,” said Hall.The key to a quality summer

camping staff is the volunteer di-rectors who recruit volunteercounseling staff. Hall said, “Op-

portunities are always availablefor individuals who wish to getinvolved with Outdoor Ministries’summer camping program. We ateam of four full-time workers.”

Outdoor Ministries employs 45seasonal employees including 10summer camp counselors and 35

support staff.“Outdoor Ministries also was

blessed to have in excess of 200volunteer participate in programsduring the eight-week summer

camping season,”said Hall. Thoseinterested in volun-teering can contactthe Outdoor Minis-tries office formore informationat toll-free 800-919-8160 ext. 217or by e-mail atihall@sicumc.org.

What about 2008?Outdoor Ministries is establish-

ing 2008 summer camping sched-ules, with new adventure pro-gramming, mission opportunitiesand district camping options arein the works. For 2008 Hall said

SIC camping numbers for 2007♦ 1,475 campers♦ Three camping and retreat facilities,♦ 380 camper bed spaces per week♦ 49 camp staffers♦ 200+ volunteers:♦ Cost: Two nights $150 Four nights: $275.

Clergy General ConferenceAnn Glass 600 Simmons St. Plainfield IN 46168Greg McGarvey 11879 Silverado Dr. Fishers IN 46038David Penalva 2801 W. Washington St. Indianapolis IN 46222Darren Cushman Wood 5065 West 16th Street Indianapolis IN 46224

South Indiana Delegates to General and Jurisdictional ConferencesJames Bushfield 1520 South Liberty Dr. Bloomington IN 47403Beth Ann Cook 2109 Lincoln Evansville IN 47714Lay General ConferenceIke Williams 1515 Cool Creek Dr. Carmel IN 46033Patricia Miller 1041 Muessing Road Indianapolis IN 46239Rita Gaither-Gant 4102 North DeQuincy St. Indianapolis IN 46226Vickie Newkirk 2870 South 700 West New Palestine IN 46163John Lawson 7124 Gregory Creek Ln. Westchester OH 45069David Crane P.O. Box 797 Washington IN 47501Clergy Jurisdictional ConferenceJudith Purvis 1601 Old Orchard Road Vincennes IN 47591Kent Millard 100 West 86th Street Indianapolis IN 46260Rosa Harris 4062 East 34th Street Indianapolis IN 46218Kevin Armstrong 3808 North Meridian St. Indianapolis IN 46208John Abbott 7995 East 21st Street Indianapolis IN 46219Marie Lang 3530 S. Keystone Ave., Suite 300 Indianapolis IN 46227Lay Jurisdictional ConferenceCarolyn Marshall 204 North Newlin Street Veedersburg IN 47987Luke Robbins 8512 Springmill Road Indianapolis IN 46260Dan Evans P.O. Box 1367 Indianapolis IN 46206Benjamin Boruff 6120 Thrushwood Drive Indianapolis IN 46250Sandra Ruby 707 West Pike Street Crawfordsville IN 47933Bert Talbot 2004 East 91st Street Indianapolis IN 46240Clergy Reserve delegates to Jurisdictional ConferenceJean Wilson 1201 Locust Street Jeffersonville IN 47130David V.W. Owen 1100 W. 42nd St., Suite 210 Indianapolis IN 46208Raymond Wilkins 2153 Dr. Andrew J. Brown Ave. Indianapolis IN 46202Lay Reserve delegates to Jurisdictional ConferenceEthan Jones 421 Main Cross Street Charlestown IN 47111Anne Bunch 837 Maple Avenue Terre Haute IN 47804Beckie Minglin 2155 Canvasback Drive Indianapolis IN 46234

Outdoor Ministries is planning aseries of weekend volunteer op-portunities designed to providecongregations with an opportuni-ty to retreat while giving some-thing back to the community as awhole. Spring dates will be an-nounced in January.

For the record, the SIC OutdoorMinistries has an operating budgetof $618,000. The ConferenceCouncil on Ministries tithes$85,900 or 13.9 percent of its in-come to Outdoor Ministries, the ad-ditional $532,100 or 86.1 percentis funded through user fees.

Outdoor Ministries is commit-ted to living within it funded bud-get. In 2008 CCOM will fund 25percent of the Outdoor Ministriesoperating budget.

“Equipped with a generousgrant of $131,000 for CCOM andthe Conference Council on Fi-nance and Administration, Out-door Ministries is currently con-ducting part two of a facility re-covery process. Phase two in-cludes site-wide basic infrastruc-ture improvements as well as com-bating delayed cosmetic mainte-nance to year round retreat facili-ties,” according to Hall.

Congregations are encouragedto utilize the three camping andretreat centers within the South In-diana Conference. Camp Indi-Co-So, Camp Mone’to and CampRivervale provide ideal locationsfor local church retreats. Contactthe Outdoor Ministries office formore information 800-919-8160.

Together photoMembers of the South Indiana Conference 2008 General and Jurisdictional delegationsmet Dec. 8 at Plainfield UMC.

These young campers participated in the South Indiana Conference’s3rd & 4th Grade Sports Camp held this past June. They represent the1,475 campers that participated in SIC Outdoor Ministries in 2007.

January 2008

HoosierUnitedMethodists

together8 GLOBAL & MISSION NEWS

By Linda Green

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) –Africa University officials are tak-ing steps to keep teachers and oth-er staff at a time when many pro-fessionals are leaving Zimbabwebecause of the country’sstruggling economy.

The Africa Univer-sity Board of Direc-tors approved a poli-cy for staff retentionduring its Nov. 28-Dec. 1 meeting. Thepolicy is aimed at keepingprofessional and skilledstaff.

In the past three years, nearly20 experienced staffers have left

By Linda GreenA UMNS Report

Members of the Commissionon Pan-Methodist Cooperationand Union want to affirm theirWesleyan heritage and mutualcovenant as churches in full com-munion with one another.

The commission adopted a res-olution to that effect during itsNov. 15-17 meeting in Chicago.The body includes representativesof The United Methodist Churchand three historic African-Ameri-can Methodist churches - the Af-rican Methodist Episcopal, Afri-can Methodist Episcopal Zion andChristian Methodist Episcopal.

African Methodist EpiscopalZion Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett,who chairs the commission, saidthe resolution reflects uncertain-ty about whether commissionmembers are in full communion

Africa University acts to keep staff in face of weak economyAfrica University for jobs outsidethe country. The school has a fac-ulty and staff of 250 people, serv-ing nearly 1,400 students fromaround the continent.

News media have reported thatsome 25,000 teachers of primary,

secondary and higher ed-ucation have left Zim-

babwe for greenerpastures.

The devaluationof the Zimbabweandollar, shortages of

commodities and con-tinuous power outages

and water shortages are con-tributing to the exodus of staffacross the country. The official hy-perinflation rate is 8,000 percent,

and news media report the currentinflation of food and fuel at 14,841percent.

“The combined impact of theseand other related factors has madeit extremely difficult for the uni-versity to recruit and retain criticalprofessional staff,” said ZimbabweBishop Eben Nhiwatiwa, chairmanof the finance committee.

Former vice chancellor Ruduk-zo Murapa cited experts as say-ing the best coping strategies arethose that address working condi-tions and include “an incentiveand motivation system” as themost effective way to pay staff.“They maintain that attractive sal-aries and better working condi-tions are the key to retaining

Pan-Methodist commission urges ‘full communion’with one another.

Full communion, Jarrett ex-plained, means that each of theMethodist bodies recognize andaccept their common connectionwith Wesleyan tradition, recog-nize and honor various orders ofministry, agree on the basic tenetsand doctrines, and acknowledgethat there are ministries “we arefully called to and obligated toshare in.

“We are one people, yet di-verse, yet one,” he said.

To take effect, the resolutionmust be affirmed by the 2008general conferences of The Unit-ed Methodist Church, the AfricanMethodist Episcopal Church andthe African Methodist EpiscopalZion Church, and the 2010 meet-ing of the Christian MethodistEpiscopal Church.

Two other churches, the Afri-can Union Methodist Protestant

“We are onepeople, yet diverse,yet one.”

– Nathaniel Jarrett

A UMNS photo by Linda Green.African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, the new chair-person of the Commission on Pan-Methodist Cooperation and Union,worships at the Coppin Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Churchduring a community-wide Nov. 17 Pan-Methodist gathering in Chicago.

skilled professionals in their homecountries.”

Africa University has receivedsupport from numerous founda-tions and agencies. However, com-pensation of staff and staff careerdevelopment are critical issues thatneed solutions, Murapa said.

Time of transitionDuring the meeting, the board

appointed a new interim vicechancellor to take the UnitedMethodist-related universitythrough a period of transition fol-lowing Murapa’s decision to stepdown after almost 10 years. Fan-uel Tagwira, dean of agricultureand natural resources, took overDec. 1 as interim leader.

“We are in a critical time oftransition in the life and work ofAfrica University,” said the Rev.Jerome King Del Pino, in his re-port to the board about the mis-sion and ministry of Africa Uni-versity. Del Pino serves as the topexecutive of the United Method-ist Board of Higher Education andMinistry.

“Times of intensive transitionare both a blessing and a burden.They offer time to anticipate andplan for new beginnings, a freshstart on a journey that continuous-ly unfolds new possibilities andchallenges. They also afford us anopportunity, retrospectively, totake stock of the big picture,” hesaid.

Church and the Union AmericanMethodist Episcopal, were earli-er approved as new members ofthe Commission on Pan-Method-ist Cooperation and Union. The2008 and 2010 general conferenc-es are expected to approve the fullmembership of these two church-es into the commission.

The general conferences alsowill vote on a proposal to changethe name of the commission to thePan-Methodist Commission. Theproposal stems from conversationamong Methodist bishops lastMarch about the lack of clarityabout the word “union.”

WASHINGTON – The people ofThe United Methodist Church andNothing But Nets – a global, grass-roots campaign to prevent malar-ia – announced in December thatthe Rev. Gary Henderson, execu-tive director of the Global HealthInitiative, traveled to Mali, Africaas part of a United Nations Foun-dation and Nothing But Nets del-egation to observe the distribution

More than 700,000 nets distributed in 2007Nothing But Nets distributes 133,000 nets to families in Mali

of more than two million long-last-ing insecticide-treated bed nets tochildren and their families.

“To be able to see the end result –distributing nets to families at risk – isextremely gratifying,”

– Gary Henderson

Nothing But Nets campaignsupporters funded 133,000 of thebed nets that were distributed Dec.

13-19 as part of the largest inte-grated health campaign in Mali,where malaria is a leading causeof death for children under fiveyears of age. By the end of the in-tegrated health campaign, all chil-dren under five will be protectedby an insecticide-treated net.

“We’ve seen such support andgenerosity for this campaign fromUnited Methodist congregations,youth groups and individuals. To beable to see the end result – distrib-uting nets to families at risk – isextremely gratifying,” said Hend-erson. “Observing the cooperativeefforts of all of the organizations in-volved in the health campaign tobring better health to children inMali also will be helpful as we seekto build on the denomination’s longstanding focus on health ministriesand to expand those efforts.”

The integrated health campaign

was organized and implementedby the Malian Ministry of Health,in collaboration with Measles Ini-tiative and other international part-ners. As part of this integratedhealth campaign, more than 2.8million children under the age offive also receives vaccinationsagainst polio and measles, Vita-min A supplementation and de-worming medication.

Nothing But Nets, a project ofthe United Nations Foundation, isa global, grassroots campaign tosave lives by delivering long-last-ing, insecticide-treated bed nets tothose most in need. A $10 dona-tion covers the cost to purchaseand distribute a bed net and edu-cate the recipient on its proper use.

To date, the Campaign has en-gaged more than 60,000 individ-uals, raised more than $16 millionand distributed more than 700,000nets in 2007.

For more information, log onto www.nothingbutnets.net.

President Bush signed legisla-tion on Dec. 31, in Crawford,Texas allowing state and localgovernments to cut investmentties with companies doing busi-ness in Sudan, even as he ex-pressed concerns that the billcould interfere with his right toset foreign policy.

According to The New YorkTimes, the measure, called theSudan Accountability and Divest-ment Act, is aimed at pressuring

President signs bill allowing Sudan divestmentSudan to end the violence in theDarfur region, where 200,000people have been killed and morethan two million driven from theirhomes in a four-year conflict thatMr. Bush has termed a genocide.

The bill, which passed bothhouses of the U.S. Congress unan-imously, makes it easier for mu-tual funds and private pensionfund managers to sell their invest-ments and allows states to prohibitdebt financing for companies that

do business in Sudan. It also re-quires companies seeking con-tracts with the federal governmentto certify that they are not doingbusiness in Sudan.

“I share the deep concern of theCongress over the continued vio-lence in Darfur perpetrated by thegovernment of Sudan and rebelgroups,” Bush said in a statementissued from his ranch.

But the administration has ex-pressed reservations about the bill.

9Hoosier

UnitedMethodists

togetherwww.inareaumc.orgVIEWPOINTS

Outcalt

By Todd Outcalttoutcalt@calvaryunited.org

This past month my familyattended the final regular-sea-son Colts football game at theRCA Dome in India-napolis, courtesy ofsome church mem-bers who were kindenough to give ustheir tickets. Thatevening as we hud-dled toward thedome, we scurriedpast several men whowere stationed at var-ious street corners, each jos-tling a plastic cup filled withcoins. Seeing these homelessmen brought back memories ofan old friend – Jerald – who,for several years, seemed wo-ven into the fabric of my lifeand ministry.

I first met Jerald when hecame into my office demand-ing money for bus fare. He was,at first glance, a guy whoseemed more than a little downon his luck. After some conver-sation, it was apparent that hesuffered from mental illness,was a danger to no one but him-self and had a dry sense of hu-mor. Over time, as I came toknow him, he often surprisedme with his depth of knowl-edge about history, science andreligion. Much of my time withJerald was spent trying to findhim shelter, food or medicalhelp, but in between theseweekly or monthly adventures,we would often talk about life.

Jerald died about a year ago

The least of theseand I, along with three or fourother pastors, made up his fu-neral entourage as we laid himto rest in a pauper’s grave northof Lebanon. Each of us said afew words and tried to recol-

lect a life lived onthe streets, but alsoa life we hadknown by nameand each tried tohelp in tangibleways. We wereamazed at theways God hadused Jerald totouch our lives andto bring joy into

the lives of others.I thought of Jerald again

walking to the Colts game andwondered how, in 2008, ourcollective expressions of lovemight touch even the least ofGod’s children. We are mostoften at home and often feelthat we are at our best as achurch, when we are minister-ing to those who are approach-able, loveable, clean and finan-cially secure. But in God’seyes, we are fulfilling Christ’slove when we minister to theleast of these.

I hope 2008 will help us tosee the least, the last and thelost in our communities and beable to find new friends in peo-ple like Jerald.

Todd Outcalt serves as se-nior pastor of Calvary UMC inBrownsburg, Ind. His new blogis toddoutcalt.blogspot.comand some of his latest writingcan be found in digital form onwww.Amazon.com.

By Jean Brindel,Captain Fund TeamNorth Indiana Outdoor Ministry Projectjbrindel@sbcglobal.net

During the North Indiana An-nual Conference session in June2006, the North Indi-ana Outdoor MinistryProject to upgrade fourcampsites was set intomotion. The way I liketo say it is, “we wereasked to get out ducksin a row to do theprojects.” Thus, ourfirst task was to get ourducks – develop engi-neering plans, estimatecosts and hire a consulting firm todetermine the level of economicsupport. In other words, plan forsuccess.

We now have ducks. Theproject is divided into phases toallow the building and funding tobe manageable. The Epworth For-est Campus projects will be phaseone. The engineers have complet-ed the initial drawings. The costsestimates for the project have beenmade. Now, for the final ducks toget in line – awareness meetings.

Awareness meetings are oppor-tunities for a few folks to gatherfrom across the conference to hear

We now have our ducks in a rowabout the specifics of the projectand to determine the possible lev-el of support for the plan. Thissupport includes feedback, faithand financial support – head, heartand wallet.

Here are some folks to bethanked for helping togather the ducks. Theyinclude Mark Warsco,an attorney from Ft.Wayne, and MarkWesterhausen of DulanWard and DeWald, aCPA firm in FortWayne, who gracious-ly developed the en-dowment documentsfor the Outdoor Minis-

try project. The family foundationof Victor and Kristine Porter, For-mula Thunderbird Boat Companyof Decatur, Ind., made a very gen-erous donation of seed money forthe Epworth Forest Project. Alsothanks are in order to the mem-bers of St. Mark UMC of Decaturfor their gift of seed money. Seedmonies are funds used for start-up costs for the capital campaign.

The last piece of “getting ourducks in a row” before the capitalcampaign can really be launchedis the task of getting feedback andinformation through awarenessmeetings.

About ten Outdoor MinistryProject awareness meetings willtake place across the North Indi-ana. At these meeting, UnitedMethodists will be asked to hearthe plan, look at projects costs andfinally to pray about their possi-ble level of support. This is not atime to ask for money, so if youare invited to one of the awarenessmeetings, leave your checkbookat home. This is the time and placeto measure and determine if theright ducks and are lining up.

Continue to pray for North In-diana Outdoor Ministry Project aswe finish lining up our ducks.

For more information, log ontowww.nicumc.org.

Jean Brindel, CFRE, AFP,serves as senior pastor of SaintMathhew United MethodistChurch in Franfort, Ind.

Brindel

United Methodistswill be asked to hearthe plan, look atprojects costs andfinally to pray abouttheir possible level ofsupport.

BODY, MIND & SPIRIT

By Lorin L. Clemenzlclemenz@sbcglobal.net

When dealing with those in-volved in gambling, logic is setaside.

Why is it that enough is neverenough? The owners of the river-boat casinos alwayswant to expand somore people can gam-ble. State legislatorswant to find more waysof increasing gamblingrevenues. State SenatorRobert Meeks ofLaGrange wants theState of Indiana to al-low a license grantedto a Gary location to betransferred to a northeastern coun-ty such as Steubin. There it willdraw people from Michigan andOhio as well as Hoosiers from theFort Wayne area. This action con-

Why is it with gambling, logic is set aside?tinues the expansion of legalizedgambling in Indiana.

Why is it that so many believethat the finances used for gam-bling come from deep pockets?Most of us realize we have a cer-tain amount of disposable income.If I choose to spend it for an item

not in the budget, thenI also must decide fromwhere the money mustcome. If I gamble andloose a large amount ofmoney, then I mighthave to put off buyinga car or other majorpurchases. It is a choicethat is mine to make.Hoosiers’ spendinghabits have a direct af-

fect on businesses that in turn, iftheir income drops, will pay few-er taxes to the state. That down-turn tightens the finances for stategovernment and what it can or

cannot do to serve the public.Why is it that the laws of truth

in advertising do not apply to gam-bling? Stores that sell lottery tick-ets often will advertise that lastweek patrons at the store won$5,406 but do not tell the totalamount of tickets sold. I would liketo know that amount, too. A pro-fessor and some Texas student vol-unteers compared lottery ticketsfrom the forty-four states that sellthem for the information given onthe tickets. Indiana ranked fortiethout of the forty-three in giving mis-leading information on the tickets.

Why is it that the actual socialcosts of gambling put forth by theState are seldom comparable withfigures that academic circles putforth? Many scholars studying theeffects of gambling on society sayit costs three-to-four dollars in ex-penses for each dollar the statemight derive from gambling re-

sources. When will the State of In-diana implement a study to find theactual social costs of legalized gam-bling supported by the State? Yes,such a study will cost a significantamount of money and will take timeto complete. But the actual figurewould be helpful in deciding ifgambling resources are worth it oran undue burden upon society.

Why is it that the State of Indi-ana cannot see and admit to itsaddiction to gambling revenues?Alcoholics or compulsive gam-blers must hit the bottom beforethey will admit they have a prob-lem and cannot solve their addic-tion. How far must the State ofIndiana go before it realizes thereis a problem and help is needed?

Enough is enough! It will takea tremendous effort from all of usto overcome Indiana’s addiction togambling. To begin the process,call, e-mail or write your StateRepresentative, State Senator and

Governor Mitch Daniels today.Share your views in opposition tothe explanation of legalized gam-bling in Indiana by the GeneralAssembly and ask for a change ofdirection from acceptance of gam-bling revenues. Openly requestthat their decisions have a foun-dation that will take us, as a State,far into the future, not locked intodecades-long commitments to le-galized gambling. We can solveour financial problems as a statewithout the expansion of gam-bling. Such an expansion will con-tinue to ruin families and contin-ue to be a detriment to society.

Lorin L. Clemenz serves as co-ordinator of the Indiana CoalitionAgainst Legalized Gambling. Heis a retired Elder of the North In-diana Conference.

For your Senator’s orRepresentative’s contact informa-tion, log on to www.gov.in/legis-lative.

Clemenz

January 2008

HoosierUnitedMethodists

together10 CHRONICLES

HUNTINGTON, Ind. –The Huntington Districthonored ten United Meth-odist laity with the 2007Cross and Flame Awardsduring a district worshipservice held at Evangeli-cal UMC on Nov. 5. Thedistrict recognized themfor their dedication as dis-

Huntington District presents Cross and Flame Awardsciples of JesusChrist and for theirwork in their con-gregation.

They included:Aimee Currie ofMonroe UMC,Carol Day ofRichvalley UMC,George DeWeese

By Daniel R. Gangler

The Book of Hard Choices:How to Make the Right Decisionsat Work and Keep Your Self-Re-spect by James A. Autry and Pe-ter Roy (Morgan RoadBooks, 2006) reads asa practical primer onthe process of makinggood and lasting deci-sions rather than anoth-er how-to book on mak-ing decisions. Eventhough it’s a bookbased on business deci-sions, the over ridingtheme is good management basedon ethics, a must for the manage-ment of the church.

Its strength becomes evidentwithin the first few pages. Eachchapter is based on a true-life sto-

Narratives give practical strength to The Book of Hard Choicesry told mostly by those in businessof how managers, CEOs and oth-er leaders took the more difficulthigher road of integrity rather thanthe fast-fix road to an immediateshort-term solution.

Autry and Roy de-fine the five most im-portant aspects of in-tegrity as doing whatyou say you’re going todo, putting other peo-ple’s needs first, behav-ing courageously, en-suring the commongood above all, andmaintaining focus on

respect, honesty, trust and fairness.The book is divided into twen-

ty-two chapters. Each chapter isbased upon a principle written inthe form of a question, such as:“Look the other way or face down

the corruption?” The question isthen answered by a true-life storytold from the viewpoint of a man-ager usually in relationship toemployees and other managersincluding presidents and CEOs.

With this literary device, theauthors tell twenty-two stories in-terweaving their own comments.In these commentaries, why be-comes more important than what.Doing is secondary to being andthe personal integrity of the sto-ryteller.

Two stories deal directly withstories about Christian belief. Oneis in chapter seven about the storyof a woman senior pastor who“fires” an associate pastor. Anoth-er is in chapter twenty-one aboutthe CEO of an amusement park inMissouri who made moral deci-sions about gambling and alcohol-

ic beverages which cost his com-pany millions of dollars in revenue.

Like the Gospel stories, thereis a moral or practical dimensionwoven into each story that is worthrepeating and applying to real life.Like real life, the higher road usu-ally takes longer, is risky but of-ten results in a major change inthe climate or culture of the work-place.

I found chapters three and fiveparticularly important as the Northand South Indiana conferences ofthe church make decisions on be-ing a new conference. In chapterthree the authors write, “It is crit-ical that leaders understand thelong-term and short-term implica-tions of their possible choices, andto understand that the implicationsare not just about money but alsoabout vision and values.”

In chapter five, they comment:“You’ve got to get decision-mak-ing as close to the customer aspossible. That requires trust.”

Another strength is a summaryfollowing each chapter – “Lessonsto remember” – that give adviceconsidered in the chapter just read.

The book is a fast three-to-fourhour read, but one that would bemore easily digested chapter-by-chapter to give time for reflection.

Like previous books in theBishop’s Bundle of Books, a blogis available to those who wouldlike to comment or read commentsby others about this book atwww.bookofhardchoices.blogspot.com.This book is available fromwww.Cokesbury.com (both inhardback edition or as an e-book)and from www.Amazon.com (new,used and electronic).

The United Methodist GeneralBoard of Pension and Health Ben-efits has announced a change inthe cost for their Retirement Plan-ning Services for 2008.

For 2008, these services will beFREE to all eligible participantsin the UM Pension Plans. Thisyear, Ernst & Young FinancialPlanning Services is being offeredto eligible participants at no cost.In the past, this service was $99Jan. 1 through March 31 and $149after March 31.

Another change to this serviceis that participants now have un-limited phone time. In the past,this program was sold in three-

Pension board offersfree financial planningto participants

hour blocks. But all this year, par-ticipants can call Ernst & Youngas often as they like and spend asmuch time on the phone as neces-sary.

Ernst & Young Financial Plan-ning Services are available to:♦ Active participants,♦ Surviving spouses, and♦ Terminated and retired partici-

pants with an account balanceof at least $10,000.Eligible participants can take

advantage of this free service bycalling Ernst & Young directlyat 800-360-2539 from 9 a.m. to8 p.m., EST, Monday throughFriday.

By Cindy Stump

For the past four years, themembers at First United Method-ist Church in Noblesville, Ind.,have helped the staff at IndianaUnited Methodist Children’sHome in Lebanon make Christ-mas special for the children andyouth living there. The homeserves more than 165 childreneach year by providing them withfood, shelter, clothing, counselingand education. As victims of ne-glect, abandonment and abuse theindividual care and loving envi-ronment at the home is a beaconof hope for these often forgotten

Bring joy and make them smilechildren.

Each year Noblesville Firsthelps the home by providingChristmas presents for all of thechildren. After each child isasked, “what do you want forChristmas?” three gift tags perchild are prepared, sent to thechurch and placed on a tree. No-blesville First members take thetags and make Christmas wishescome true.

One couple negotiated a dreamof a deal then purchased a new,top of the line cotton candy ma-chine for the home to use at theirfestivals and celebrations. Threefriends enjoyed hunting through

Bishop Michael J. Coyner hasannounced the following chang-es within the Indiana Area. Alldates effective 2007 unless other-wise noted. These appointmentsare based on Cabinet reports re-ceived by Indiana Area Commu-nication during the months ofNovember and December 2007.

North Indiana ConferenceAndrews, Greg from Supply, Hun-

tington to Local Pastor, Hun-tington, 1/1/08

Boggs, Tamara first appointmentto Lowell, Calumet, 1/1/08

Bradford, Gregory from no ap-pointment to Liberty Mills,Huntington, 1/1/08

Burke, Fred E. Jr. from no ap-pointment to Alexandria JoyceChapel, Marion, 11/25

Davault-Gilbert, Denise fromNorth Liberty, Michiana toFamily Leave, 11/1

French, W. Edward from LibertyMills to Retirement, 12/31

APPOINTMENTSInskeep, Dave from Reynolds/

Yeoman, Lafayette to Stidham,Lafayette, 1/1/08

Knepple, Sandra J. from Stidham,Lafayette to Winchester First,Muncie, 12/1

Martinez, Juan from Dayton As-sociate/El Mesias, Lafayette tono appointment, Calumet, 9/30

McLin, David from Gary FifthAve., Calumet to no appoint-ment (CME-337.1), 11/15

Neal, Pat from Alexandria JoyceChapel, Marion to no appoint-ment, Marion, 11/04

Nunemaker, Donald first appoint-ment to Richland Center/Bur-ton, Warsaw, 1/1/08

Reyes, Janie G. from Fort Wayne:Christ, Fort Wayne to FortWayne: Inglesia Cristiana, FortWayne, 1/1/08

Smith, Jeffrey from Jackson Hts./West Pt., Lafayette to WestPoint, Lafayette, 1/1/08

Thornton, Joyce from Epworth,Marion to Epworth/Alexandria

First, Marion, 1/1/08Williams, Keith A. from no ap-

pointment to Eaton, Muncie, 1/1/08

South Indiana ConferenceButtery, Wendy from no appoint-

ment to Greens Fork,Rushville, 9/1

Campbell, Norman W. From Mt.Comfort, Indianapolis East toVoluntary Leave of Absence,12/1

Haysler, George C. from no ap-pointment to Rush Branch/Rush Branch: Ebenezer, Co-lumbus 11/1

Kirts, Robert from Leesville,Bloomington to Bedford:Grace, Bloomington, 1/15/08

Lewis, James F. from no appoint-ment to Clarks: Ohio Falls,New Albany, 1/1/08

Mair, Jeffery L. from Shirley-Wilkinson Community,Rushville to Indianapolis:Cumberland, Indianapolis East,1/15

Modlin, Mary Jane from no ap-pointment to Conners: NewLife, Rushville, 8/1

Morgan, Mary Beth from no ap-pointment to Bloomington:First, Bloomington, 7/1

Pence, Diane Menke from GreatRivers Annual Conference, Il-linois to Extension Ministry:Hamilton Center, 10/16

Pendleton, Frank A. from Mt.Zion/Mt. Zion: Embury, New

Albany to Mt. Zion/Mt. Zion:Embury, New Albany, 9/1

Reynolds, Hugh W. fromTunnelton: Bono/Tunnelton,Bloomington to no appoint-ment, 11/30

Slough, Max from Linton:Glenburn, Bloomington to noappointment, 7/1

Stiles, Kevin from Indianapolis:Cumberland, Indianapolis Eastto Shirley-Wilkinson Commu-nity, Rushville, 1/15/08

Thompson, Richard from no ap-pointment to Fishers, India-napolis East, 1/1/08

Wilfong, Charles D. fromGreensburg, Rushville to NewAlbany District Superinten-dent, New Albany, 12/1

countless stores for the exact pairof red tennis shoes one youngwoman couldn’t live without. Another family spent Thanksgiv-ing weekend scouring the Internetin search of the hard-to-findyouth-size Dallas Clark Colts jer-sey that a certain boy just had tohave.

Once the fun is done an end-less parade of gifts is hand deliv-ered to the Children’s Home staffwho take the baton and do theirpart to ensure each child has ev-erything he or she asked for underthe tree on Christmas morning.

For more information, log on tohttp://childrenshome.net.

of Liberty Center UMC, Deanand Barbara Hart of JeffersonCenter UMC, Mary JaneNichols of New Corydon UMC,Arden Schilling of EvangelicalUMC in Huntington, MarySmith of Poneto UMC, AnnSpahr of Roanoke SeminaryUMC and Doris Stout of BerneTrinity UMC.

11Hoosier

UnitedMethodists

togetherwww.inareaumc.orgCHRONICLES

NEW YORK (GBGM) – The mis-sion agency of The United Meth-odist Church is resuming a pro-gram that places young adults inmission settings in the UnitedStates for 10 weeks of summerservice and education.

A dozen persons ages 18 to 25will be selected for 2008 as theprogram is reintroduced afternearly a decade of inactivity. Thesponsor is the Mission PersonnelProgram Area of the GeneralBoard of Global Ministries.

The young people selected totake part will receive a $1,000 sti-pend, travel to and from their placeof assignment, and room and

United Methodist mission agencyresumes summer intern program

board.The revival of the summer pro-

gram is part of a renewal of em-phasis on short-term young adultmission service at the missionboard. The Rev. Suzanne Field-Rabb is the newly named execu-tive secretary for youth and youngadult ministries.

Summer interns will be placedwith United Methodist institutionsand churches across the UnitedStates.

Successful applicants must beable to dedicate a full ten weeksto the program. Orientation beginsin New York City on June 1. Ser-vice gets underway on June 8 andends on August 2, followed by aweek of debriefing, again in NewYork. Participants must have com-pleted at least one year of highereducation. An online applicationform is at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/connections/youth/.

The deadline for applications isFeb. 1. Phone interviews will takeplace in March. Notifications ofacceptance will come in March orApril and the placements will beannounced in May.

RALPH W. BLODGETT, 104,retired pastor (NIC), died Dec.5,2007. He is the father of the Rev.Judith B. Purvis, Vincennes Dis-trict Superintendent. A memorialservice will be held at a later date.Survivors include: three daughters,Vivian Sue Shields, Rebecca JuneDowning and Judith B. Purvis.Condolences may be sent to theRev. Judith B. Purvis, 1601 OldOrchard Rd, Vincennes, IN 47591(vinumcds@sbcglobal. net).

MARY JANE COHEE, wid-ow of the late Rev. Kenneth Co-hee (NIC), died Dec. 9, 2007. Amemorial service will be held at alater date.

RUSSELL J. COMPTON,retired pastor (SIC), died Dec. 8,2007. A memorial service washeld Dec.15 at Gobin MemorialUMC. Survivors include: one son,Clyde Compton, 5 Linden Lane,Ogden, Dunes, IN 46368; fivegrandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

WILLIAM CROPPER, re-tired pastor (SIC), died Dec. 20,2007. A memorial service washeld Dec. 27 at Laws-Carr-MooreFuneral Home in Milan, Ind. Sur-vivors include: his wife IreneCropper, 7007 S Bearwallow Rd,Maysville, KY 41056; one daugh-ter, Jeannine Applegate; two sons,James Cropper and Dennis Crop-per; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

ELEANOR DAVAULT, 83,mother of the Rev. Denise DavaultGilbert, pastor of North LibertyUMC (NIC), died Nov. 27, 2007.A memorial service was held Nov.30 at Grace UMC in South Bend.Condolences may be sent to theRev. Denise Davault Gilbert, P.O.Box 904 North Liberty, IN 46554.

JANET YVONNE DEAL,73, wife of the Rev. David Deal,retired supply pastor to BredenUMC in Terre Haute, Ind. (SIC),died Dec. 10, 2007. A memorialservice was held Dec. 14 in Mar-

DEATHSshall, Ill., with graveside servicesat the Plainville (Ind.) Cemetery.

Memorials can be given to ascholarship fund for her grand-children. Survivors include: hus-band, the Rev. David Deal; twosons, Larry Deal of Springfield,Ill., and Deacon Deal of Sullivan,Ill.; two grandchildren; threegreat-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren. She was precededin death by a daughter, Lynn Deal.Condolences can be sent to theRev. David Deal, 302 HollyStreet; Marshall, IL 62441.

WARREN DEXTER, 96, fa-ther of the Rev. Robert Dexter,Michiana District Superintendent(NIC), died Dec. 4, 2007. A me-morial service was held Dec. 9 atTrinity UMC in Fort Wayne. Con-dolences may be sent to the Rev.Robert Dexter, 56816 Mead-owood Dr., Elkhart, IN 46516.

JEANNIE DUNTEN, 44, ofLafayette, daughter-in-law of Dav-id and Pastor Marilyn Dunten, as-sociate minister at New HavenUMC in the Fort Wayne District(NIC), died Nov. 30, 2007. She issurvived by her husband David,two daughters Stephanie and Jes-sica Dunten, both of Lafayette; herparents Don and Shirley Heck ofCarmel, Ind.; A sister Donna Maiof Westfield, Ind. A funeral masswas held Dec. 5 at St ThomasAquinas Catholic Church in WestLafayette, Ind. Condolences maybe sent to Mr. David and the Rev.Marilyn Dunten, New HavenUMC, 630 Lincoln Highway, NewHaven, IN 46774.

THELMA F. GENTRY, 93,mother of retired pastor and formerdistrict superintendent the Rev.James E. Gentry of Indianapolis(SIC), died Dec. 16, 2007. Survi-vors include three sons, the Rev.James E. Gentry of Indianapolis,Ralph E. Gentry of Meidian, Ida-ho, and Chuck L. Gentry of OrmondBeach, Fla.; six grandchildren; andnine great-grandchildren. A memo-rial service was held Dec. 23 with

burial in Zoar UMC Cemetery nearCorydon, Ind. Condolences can besent to the Rev. & Mrs. James E.Gentry, 6431 Shamel Drive, India-napolis, IN 46278.

WILLIS GOODWIN, a min-ister in John’s Island, S.C. activein mission projects with pastorsand laity in the Bloomington andEvansville districts, who went toJohn’s Island. Goodwin, 72, diedDec. 10, 2007 in South Carolina.A memorial service was held Dec.14. For information on memorialcontributions, please contact theBloomington District UMC Office.Condolences can be sent to Ms.Eartha Goodwin, 2751 BohickettRd., John’s Island, SC 29455.

FLORISE M. JACKSON, 65,chair of the finance committee ofthe General Board of Global Min-istries and a long-time national fig-ure in United Methodist Women,died on Nov.12, 2007 in New Jer-sey. Condolences can be sent to theNewton Family, 410 OxfordStreet, Piscataway, NJ 08854.

ALICE KIRKPATRICK,widow of the late Rev. John Kirk-patrick (SIC), mother of KathieClemenz, mother-in-law to theRev. Lorin L. Clemenz, died Dec.7, 2007. A memorial service washeld Dec. 12 at Wesley ManorChapel in Frankfort, Ind., withinterment in the Ball Hill Ceme-tery at Cutler, Ind. Condolencescan be sent to the Rev. and Mrs.Lorin Clemenz, 6337 CreekviewLane, Fishers, IN 46038.

ELVINA RAY, mother of re-tired minister Larry Ray (NIC),died Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 atRosewalk Village in Lafayette,Ind. Survivors include: sons, Lar-ry Ray of Lagro, Ind. and Rod Rayof Lafayette; one grandson andthree granddaughters, and threegreat granddaughters. A memori-al service was held Dec. 5 at theWhitaker Funeral Home in Clo-verdale, Ind. Memorials can besent to the Cloverdale UMC. Con-dolences may be sent to the Rev

& Mrs. Larry Ray, 2277 N 600 E,Lagro, IN 46941 and Mr. & Mrs.Rod Ray, 71 Brookberry Dr.,Lafayette, IN 47909.

GERALDINE SHEPARD,surviving spouse of the late Rev.Paul Shepard (SIC), died Nov. 10,2007. A memorial service washeld Nov. 21, 2007. Survivors in-clude: two daughters, Marla Shep-ard, 515 E 44th St Indianapolis,IN 46205, Ellen Shepard, and fourgrandchildren.

GERALDINE SINER,former (NIC, SIC) Diaconal Min-ister and widow of the late Rev.John Siner (NIC), died Dec. 28,2007. A memorial service washeld Jan. 3 at First UMC, Bloom-ington, Ind., with burial at Clear-creek Cemetery. Survivors in-clude: two daughters, Darla Sin-er, 4660 Happy Hollow Rd,Bloomington, IN 47408, andKathy Siner; one son, John Timo-thy Siner; and one grandchild

KENNETH C. SWAN, retiredpastor (NIC), died Nov. 26, 2007.A memorial service was held Nov.30 at First Church of the Nazare-ne with burial at the Mt. HopeCemetery in Berne, Ind. Survivorsinclude: his wife, Lena; twodaughters, Dixie L. Craig of Port-land, Diana Kay Dutton of Wa-bash; two sons, Kenneth D. Swanof Marion, and Thomas D. Swanof Portland, Ore.; stepchildrenEdward Sipes, Jr. of Marion; Max-ine Hiatt of Andrews; Lynda Cun-

ningham of Plugerville, Texas;Leslie Sipes of Ft. Wayne; LethaStanton of Muncie; Penny Hiltonof Marion; 28 grandchildren; 31great-grandchildren, and six greatgreat-grandchildren. Memorialscan be made to the First Churchof the Nazarene, 700 Kem Rd.,Marion, IN 46952. Condolencescan be sent to Lena Swan, 9 Val-ley Ct., Marion, IN 46953.

DAVID TRIPP, pastor of Roll-ing Prairie UMC in the MichianaDistrict (NIC), died Dec. 16,2007. A memorial service to sharein the celebration of David Tripp’slife was held Dec.21 at FirstUMC, in LaPorte. Condolencescan be sent to David’s widow, Di-ane Karay, at 3376 E. US High-way 20, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371.

LILLIAN A. WORKMAN,widow of the late Rev. WilburWorkman (NIC), died Dec. 30,2007. A memorial service washeld Jan. 4 at Columbia City UMCwith burial in the Rose Hill Cem-etery in Albion, Ind. Survivors in-clude: sons, Ted Daniel and Tho-mas Workman; daughter, JaniceConrad; 10 grandchildren; and 24great-grandchildren. Memorialscan be given to the Columbia CityUMC building fund.

ROBERT L. ZIRKLE, 79,father of the Rev. Jeffrie Zirkle,pastor of Greensburg UMC (SIC-Rushville District), died Dec.7,2007. A memorial service washeld Dec. 12.

Quotable

“If United Methodists go to GeneralConference professing love for God but getthere and don’t love each other, they becomeliars... Loving one another is the witness that wehave to the world today.”

– Bishop Sally Dyck (Minnesota Area)

Organist continues to play at age 100Photo courtesy Terry Rhine, pastor, Chesterton UMC, Miller’s nephew

Dorothy Miller, , , , , organist at the Nevada Mills UMC near Angola in the FortWayne District, at the age of 100, continues to play for her congregationon Sundays and special occasions. She has been a member of the Neva-da Mills Church for 90 years, becoming a member when she was bap-tized with her two sisters into the Christian faith as a child. Her parents,Lynn and Mary Collins, were married at the same church in 1906 follow-ing the regular Sunday morning service. Dorothy is the oldest of five chil-dren raised in the church. Also living and attending Nevada Mills UMC, isher brother Morris, age 85. She will celebrate her 101st birthday in March.

January 2008

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