(UMH #202)
WEEKLY NEWS FROM THE EAST DISTRICT
INDIANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
August 18, 2015
eAST dISTRICT cENTER
PO Box 2464
MUNCIE, IN 47307
(765) 282-2322 / EAST DISTRICT WEBSITE
volunteers in mission needed
elect your church historian
the bishop’s student leadership academy
clergy and clergy candidates – save these dates
East District Continuing Education event with Dr. Richard Eslinger
laity sunday October 18
east district fall pastor’s meeting
laity day with the bishop October 17
educational opportunities trips planned for 2016
employment opportunity
petition submission begins for general conference 2016
revitup!
conversation with kay kotan
PASTORS – HAVE YOU ACTIVATED YOUR INUMC EMAIL ACCOUNT?
vital congregations goals
ABUSE PROTECTION POLICY RESOURCES
LOCAL CHURCH News and EVENTS
youth ministries
important dates for your calendar
important links
2014-2015 educational opportunities
volunteers in mission needed
Help is still needed in Dunkirk and Redkey.We still need volunteers to help finish a home in Dunkirk that was destroyed by last fall's heavy rains and to replace a roof on a home in Redkey that was damaged by the same heavy rains. For the home in Dunkirkwe need a drywall a finisher to skim house, need gutter workers, need people to move dirt and get the yard ready for grass seed, after dry wall is done need painters. Then trim work. We also need to construct a wheelchair ramp and concrete workers for garage floor. Please contact Rev. John A. Young at or 765-278-8733 for more information or to schedule a time to volunteer.
elect your church historian
This isthemost important year!For several years, we have sent an annual plea for the encouragement of charge conferences to elect a local church historian (Disc. ¶ 247.5)
This year it is especially importantso that . . .
all our churches will have historiansso that . . .
the church historians can get training for their challenging jobsso that . . .
they will effectively preserve the story of God's workings in their churchesso that . . .
the churches can be inspired by those storiesso that . .
the churches will tell their storiesso that . . .
the stories will win disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!
Now, you ask, what training?The Local Church Historians' School is coming this fall!It's being underwritten by the Indiana Conference Commission on Archives and History.It will be a free, semester-long course mediated by emails, and thus will not require any fees, travel, meetings, classes, or exams.
Letters explaining this will go to all pastors, lay leaders, UMW presidents, and of course historians by the end of August.So at your charge conferences , please elect a historian and then sponsor that person to enroll in the LCH School!
They may enroll by sending Richard Stowe an email at by September 7.If they miss this deadline, they can still be added to a waiting list for the next offering.
Thanks for your wonderful cooperation in the cause of Christ!
The bishop’s student leadership academy
The Bishop's Student Leadership Academy is a weekend retreat held November 20-22, 2015 for high school youth (grades 9-12) to explore what they are passionate about, what problems in the world get them fired up, what gifts and tools God has given them, and what amazing ideas they have now for sharing Christ's love. Recommend a high school student leader from your church for an empowering weekend that emphasizes God's calling in his or her life both now and in any future vocation.
For registration information, please visit:Bishop's Student Leadership Academy
Clergy and Clergy Candidates – Save these dates
Registration link for Clergy Covenant Day
The theme for “Our Life Together” will be “The Wilderness Experience: Equipped for, Thriving through, and Living Beyond.” Bishop Mike Coyner will be the keynote speaker – with the first day’s presentation on “ministry transitions” and the second day’s presentation on “personal transitions.” The OLT team will be selecting three Indiana clergy to preach at the worship services at “Our Life Together”.
east district continuing education event with dr. Richard Eslinger
East District Continuing Education EventBring a Team and discover new ways to celebrate the seasons with Music, worship, teaching , and preaching
Pastors, Worship Leaders, Choir Directors, Lay Leaders, Sunday School Teachers, Small Group Leaders
Celebrating the Seasons of the Incarnation:
A Workshop to help with Planning Music, Worship, Preaching, and Teaching
Seasons of the Liturgical Year; Teaching and Proclaiming the Gospel; Exploring Music and Worship Arts
Presented by Dr. Richard L. Eslinger and Dr. Elise S. Eslinger
Saturday September 26
9:00 am — 3:00 pm
$15 Registration includes Lunch
Event Location:
First United Methodist Church
199 South Perry Street
Hagerstown, IN 47346
and Save
DR. RICHARD L. ESLINGER
Dick has served as Director of Worship and Preaching for the General Board of Discipleship of the United
Methodist Church, and as a pastor of congregations large and small, urban and rural. Since 2001, he has served as a member of the faculty of United Theological Seminary, as Professor of Worship and Preaching, and was Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean from 2008-2011. Dick retired from full-time faculty responsibilities June 30, 2015 although he will continue teaching at the seminary on a part-time basis. Dick is the founding Director of the Center for Worship, Preaching and the Arts, and has developed projects and seminar offerings on the sacraments and on preaching, with teaching congregations around the country as well as in the region. Among is numerous books on preaching: A New Hearing: Living Options in Homiletic Method; Narrative and Imagination: Reaching the Worlds that Shape Us; Pitfalls in Preaching; and The Web of Preaching.
Dr. Elise S. Eslinger
Raised as a Methodist preacher’s kid in Mississippi, Elise earned her B.A. from Millsaps College, was awarded the Masters of Theological Studies by St. Meinrad School of Theology in 1994, and Doctor of Ministry degree by United Theological Seminary in 2010. She has been a lifetime church musician, serving as organist and director of music and worship arts ministries in numerous congregations across the country. She served as compiler and editor for both the original Upper Room Worshipbook and the exciting new edition of the Worshipbook released in 2006 and its Accompaniment and Worship Leader edition released in June 2007. As a member of the worship staff of the General Board of Discipleship she helped with the development of new worship and music resources including: Celebremos I and 2, Songs of Zion, Hymns for the Four Winds, Psalms for Singing, Singing Our Prayers, and Songs of Shalom.
She was also the founding Director of the Institute for Applied Theology at United Theological Seminary, and director of its worship choir. She retired from her fulltime roles in 2008, but continues active as adjunct faculty and as worship and music consultant.
laity sunday October 18
Laity Sunday will be October 18th and is a wonderful time for our congregations to celebrate the ministry of the laity. There are worship helps available on the Discipleship Ministries webpage http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/laity-sunday-2015-worship-helps and the Board of Laity is working on promoting the event. If churches have other events planned for that Sunday, they are more than welcome to celebrate and utilize their lay leadership in other ways or on other Sunday’s in the month of October.east district fall pastor’s meeting
East District Fall Pastor’s Meeting, Thursday, October 8th, The Place, 205 S 21st Street, New Castle, 2 - 4 p.m. or 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. All pastor’s serving a church in the East District will be required to attend one of the two sessions. You may choose to attend either the afternoon session, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. or the evening session, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. In both meeting times attendance will be taken.laity day with the Bishop October 17
Laity Day with the Bishop:
On October 17th, the laity of the United Methodist Church will be joining together to talk about what it means to be a fruitful leader at the Laity Day with the Bishop (www.inumc.org/laityday). All laity are welcome to attend, not just those who are designated as Lay Leaders in our congregations.
This event will feature speakers and workshops all geared toward fruitfulness, leadership, and relationship. This is a time to work together, to reflect and think through how we can have an impact on our congregations and the world.
The cost of the event is $10 to cover the cost of lunch.
educational opportunities trips planned for 2016
Special ordinand offer for Holy Land TripAny Elder or Deacon who was ordained by Bishop Coyner and has not previously traveled to the Holy Land with Educational Opportunities (EO) is eligible for a special trip pricing for the February 2-11, 2016, trip. This is a special farewell trip that Bishop Mike and Marsha Coyner have planned with EO as their last official tour with the Indiana Conference. Special pricing is also extended to anyone who will be ordained at the 2016 session of Annual Conference. The all-inclusive price based on double occupancy is $2,098 from Indianapolis and $1,998 from Chicago. This is a savings of $1,100. Also, clergy spouses may go for this discounted price with the addition of $200. An ordained may also recruit four full-paying passengers in order for the spouse to travel free. Information, brochures and registration forms are available from Norm Nellis, Trip Coordinator, at 765-491-5011 or .
employment opportunity
Muncie High Street is seeking to staff two newly created part-time positions:The Director of Children’s Ministries will champion and drive the calling to reach children for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This person will lead in the spiritual growth and direction of the ministries to children and is responsible for giving oversight to weekly children’s ministry by developing the team and vision to carry out the plan.
The Director of Older Adult Ministries will develop and coordinate programs for older adults both within the membership of the church and in the surrounding area. The church already has three thriving ministries with older adults in a weekly Thursday Luncheon, a semi-annual, six-week Update Learning offering a variety of classes, and High Street Travelers with its own director in place.
Persons interested in either position should contact Dr. N. Dale Mendenhall () with a short biographical statement and a resume.
RICHMOND CENTRAL UMC – Central United Methodist Church in Richmond, Indiana is currently seeking a faith oriented individual to assume a part-time position (up to 32 hours/week) as Business Manager. This role requires exceptional people and organizational skills. The Business Manager will need to have a background in accounting/bookkeeping to handle the church finances (recording contributions, coordinating payroll, and managing accounts payable). This individual will work in cooperation with the church secretary to coordinate the tasks necessary to facilitate the weekly flow of ministry. We are looking for a team player with the ability to multi-task, work independently, and communicate clearly with various groups both within and outside of the church.
Resumes should be submitted to by July 31.
Pastor Tom Ream
Lead Pastor
Central United Methodist Church
1425 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374
HARTFORD CITY TRINITY UMC – Trinity Church (Hartford City, IN) is looking for a part time bi-vocational Director of Children’s Ministry to support our growing children’s ministry and provide leadership to help further develop this ministry. For more details or to apply go to www.trinityumchc.com/employment or email at .
petition submission begins for general conference 2016
Nashville, Tenn. – Petitions for consideration by the 2016 General Conference may be submitted to the Petitions Secretary beginning April 1 and continuing through October 13, 2015.According to church law, "Any organization, clergy member, or lay member of The United Methodist Church may petition the General Conference..."
Detailed instructions for submitting a petition are available on the General Conference website at gc2016.umc.org. Petitions must be typed and may be submitted through the General Conference website, by postal mail, or via e-mail to . This email address should be used for petition submission only. All other correspondence should be directed to . Petitions submitted without digital media need to be submitted by July 1, 2015 to allow time for transcription and translation. Click here for more information the petition process. Click here to read more.
revitup!
The General Board of Pensions and Health Benefits is again offering a unique opportunity for young clergy to enhance their personal, financial and leadership skills. revitup is scheduled for Oct. 5-7 in Bloomingdale, Ill. For more information, check it out on their website. They are offering an incentive for the first 50 clergy to register. Rejuvenate is offering six $500 scholarships for this event. Contact Mary Ann Moman () for more information.
pastors—have you activated your INUMC email account
Vital Congregations/GCFA will be using inumc.org email addresses for pastors exclusively. So now your inumc.org email is a necessity. Once activated you can have it forwarded to your personal email address. Eventually this will be the only email address used by the District as well. Carla (877-781-6706) at the Conference Center will be happy to help you if you experience problems.vital congregation goals
Based on the email address you submitted when you enrolled you will receive a weekly email reminder to submit your information. You may submit it weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly.REPORTS - Once you enter and save your weekly information, you can click on the “Reports” tab at the top of your screen to see your local church’s dashboard of information.
QUESTIONS - Email if you have further questions or call 317/564-3254.
ABUSE PROTECTION POLICY RESOURCES
Click here for policy resources. There is also “Safe Sanctuaries” material available through Cokesbury at www.cokesbury.com.LOCAL CHURCH NEWS AND EVENTS
Covenant Partners Ministries – Community Day, providing bags of groceries and cleaning supplies for those in need, fourth Wednesday of each month. Sunday evening meals provided by local churches. Contact Pastor Linda McBride at (765) 284-2545. Clothing made available to community 1st Friday of each month June through October 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following is a list of items needed in each bag If you or your church would like to donate bags of groceries or cleaning supplies for Community Day.Food List for Community Day
2 small cans of tuna
1 18-oz jar of peanut butter
1 jar of jelly
2 cans of vegetables (any kind)
1 box cereal (any kind)
1 can applesauce or other fruit
2 cans of soup
1 box spaghetti
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 box of corn bread mix
Cleaning/Personal Care Supplies
1 bar or bottle of unscented hand soap
Laundry detergent (small bottle or box)
Dish detergent (16 oz)
Facial tissue (1 box)
Toilet paper (4 rolls)
Shampoo/conditioner
Place in brown bags with handles, if possible.
Covenant Partners Ministries is in need of two refrigerators. If you are able to help with this need please contact Pastor Linda McBride at (765) 284-2545.
Muncie High Street UMC – High Street Travelers 2015 Trips: September 23, Fall Factory Fun Day, Columbus, OH; October 7-14, California Rail Discovery; October 22, Fall Mystery Trip; November 18, Lacomedia Dinner Theatre: A Christmas Story, The Musical; December 2-4, Christmas in Nashville, TN. 2016 Trips: January 24, Southern Caribbean Cruise. For pricing and information contact Deb Heeter by email
Muncie Riverside UMC –
Dear Colleagues in Ministry,
We are called to care for God's good creation. Please share the following with your congregation and especially your green team.
A graphic of the following is attached for use in bulletins or on screen.
THE GREENING OF MIDDLETOWN
A Community Film Screening
Caring for God’s good creation is the first commandment given in Genesis 2:15 when God places the man “in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
On Wednesday, August 19, Riverside UMC will be showing the film, “The Greening of Middletown” from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Riverside is located across from the fairgrounds at 1201 N Wheeling Ave.
The documentary was created right here in Muncie, explaining environmental sustainability and becoming a greener community. For more information, visit facebook.com/greeningofmiddletown or sustainableindiana2016.org.
Thank you for sharing this opportunity with your congregation so that we can help God create the Muncie God has in mind.
Muncie St. Paul’s UMC – Come to Muncie St. Paul’s UMC for Lunch, Good Food, Fellowship & Fun. Open to public 4th Friday of each month at noon. RSVP by Wednesday prior to lunch at 765/288-6454. Cost $3.50.
New Burlington UMC – Monthly breakfast -- 7:00 - 9:30 a.m.
Come join us for our monthly all you can eat breakfast every 3rd
Saturday of the month, only $5! All proceeds go to support local
mission projects. New Burlington UMC is located by the reservoir at
8080 S CR 475 E, Muncie.
The Garden at Gethsemane UMC – The Garden at Gethsemane UMC has a kit for use as a tool to use in the church's Stewardship Campaign. It is by Bob Crossman, entitled COMMITTED TO CHRIST, Six Steps to a Generous Life. The kit is complete and available to whomever would like to pick it up.
Call the church office to arrange for pick-up at 765-284-6877. Ask for Jackie....Blessings!
YOUTH MINISTRIES