“PEOPLE, LOOK EAST”
(UMH #202)
WEEKLY NEWS FROM THE EAST DISTRICT
INDIANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
August 22, 2017
eAST dISTRICT cENTER
PO Box 2464
MUNCIE, IN 47307
(765) 282-2322
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY – WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM UNTIL 3:00 PM, THURSDAY 8:00 AM UNTIL 4:00 PM / EAST DISTRICT WEBSITE
Fall Pastor’s meeting
Leadership Training “Disciples Making Disciples”
laity day with the bishop
special offering sundays in 2017
clergy assessment process
training opportunity for church treasurers
mentor training
2nd annual academy of pastoral care
local church historian’s school
indiana conference disaster academy
important dates for clergy calendars
student leadership academy november 17-19
the culture of the call church award
East District Fall Lay Academy—save the date—October 21 & 28
2017 sermon contest open to laity
Bishop’s 2018 Israel trip
irs lowers mileage rates for 2017
2017 Dates and information for church treasurers
employment opportunities
certified lay minister program
east district umw news and events
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
2015-2016 educational opportunities

fall pastor’s meeting

The East District Fall Pastor’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 5th at Connersville First UMC, 729 N Central Avenue, Connersville.
All Pastor’s serving a church in the East District will be required to attend one of two sessions. You may choose to attend either the afternoon session, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. or the evening session, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. In both meetings times attendance will be taken.

leadership training “disciples Making disciples”

September 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Muncie College Avenue UMC, 1968 W Main Street, Muncie.
"Disciples Making Disciples" with Steve Manskar from the General Board of Discipleship Ministries.
You must register on the Conference website before September 13.Click here for registration.
Lunch will be provided.

laity day with the bishop

October 7, 2017
Christ UMC
8540 US 31 S
Indianapolis
Laity Day with the Bishop is a day for all lay persons in the church to further develop in their leadership, worship and grow in their faith, and connect to other laity from around Indiana.
This year we will be focused on the theme "Together We Are More". We will hear from Bishop Trimble a powerful reminder of our connection to one another and to our faith. We will recognize the many ways laity throughout the conference are serving Christ and making a difference in their neighborhoods, our state, the country and around the world. We will celebrate that "Together We Are More" and embrace the role lay persons have to make a difference for Christ.
Click here for complete information

special offering sundays in 2017

Imagine No Malaria(August)
Ministerial Scholarships(September)
World Communion Sunday(October 1, 2017) provides scholarships for U.S. racial- and ethnic-minoritystudents and international students, on both undergraduate and graduate levels.
United Methodist Student Day(November 26, 2017) furnishes scholarships and loans for students attending United Methodist-related and other accredited colleges and universities.
Christmas Offering for Children(December)

clergy assessment process

It is that time again for the Clergy Assessment. The Clergy Assessment Process began August 1 and will conclude on November 30. All appointed local church pastors (elders, deacons, and local pastors) are encouraged to complete the Clergy Assessment, along with their S/PPRC.
On August 1, you should have received an email from the INUMC Online Portal User Information. If you haven’t already done so, you can set up your password any time prior to taking the Clergy Assessment.
set your password
Once set, you will automatically receive a 2nd email asking you to verify your password within 72 hours. (This online portal and password will also be used to access Charge Conference forms this fall.)
An information page, which includes updated instructions for both clergy and S/PPRC, can be found at Clergy Assessment Instructions.When you are ready to begin the Clergy Assessment, use the following link to begin.
INUMC Online Portal

training opportunity for church treasurers

The East District will have a training session for Church Treasurers on Thursday, September 28th at Hagerstown UMC, 199 S Perry Street, Hagerstown from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Heidi Harding, Associate Director of Financial Services for the Indiana Conference, will be providing the training. Although this is planned for the church treasurers we would also like to invite the finance chairs to attend as well. Please let me know no later than Thursday, September 21st if you plan to attend. You may email me at or telephone (765) 282-2322.

mentor training

All Full-Elders, Full-Deacons, Associate Members and Local Pastors who have completed Course of Study are invited and encouraged to attend dCOM Mentor Training on Monday, September 25th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at New Castle First UMC, 1324 Church Street, New Castle.Those who have previously attended mentor training are also encouraged to attend.
Please let Bernie know by Monday, September 18th if you are planning to attend. You may email or telephone (765) 282-2322.

2nd annual academy of pastoral care

2nd Annual Academy of Pastoral Care
Date: Thursdays, September 14, 21, 28 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Theme: Chaplaincy supporting Community: Police & Emergency Services, Congregations, and our Populations
Location: IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Outpatient Medical Pavilion
Click here for flyer and registration information.

local church historian’s school

Hoosier church historians will go “back to school” this fall, as the second offering of the Local Church Historian’s School will get underway from September through December. The School is designed for United Methodists who are serious about caring for and improving their church’s program of history. Twelve weekly lessons will be delivered by e-mail. No fees, travel, meetings, deadlines, or exams are involved—just solid learning in the comfort and privacy of one’s home. There will be opportunities to apply the learning right in one’s own church. The only prerequisite is access to dependable email service. Minimal computer skills are needed, and a certificate of completion will be awarded at the end.
Registration deadline:September 1,2017
Contact Richard Stowe at with questions about the event.
Click here for registration.

indiana conference disaster academy

August 18-19, 2017, Camp Moneto
The Indiana Conference Disaster Academy is a training and connecting opportunity for any and all interested in Disaster Response or the work of UMCOR. Topics covered will include the foundations of Disaster Response, practical resources that equip the local church to respond, opportunities for serving, and more. UMCOR Trainer Christy Smith will be leading the event and it is likely that Cathy Earl, Director of US Disaster Response for UMCOR, will be joining us on Friday. Connect with others in your area or around the state and learn ways to transform lives of those in need before, during, and after disaster strikes.
Cost: $75.00 per person
Registration deadline:August 10, 2017 at 11:59 pm
Contact Allison Curts at with questions about the event.
Click here to register today!

important dates for clergy calendars

October 25, 2017, Clergy Covenant Day at Zionsville UMC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 16-17, 2018, Our Life Together at Indianapolis Marriott East

student leadership academy november 17-19

The Student Leadership Academy Fall Retreat is a weekend retreat for high school youth (grades 9-12) to explore what they are passionate about, what problems in the word 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. Learn more

the culture of the call church award

The Culture of the Call Church Award seeks out these churches so that we might highlight their ministry and provide local church leadership with a platform from which they can encourage and equip other faith communities for this life-transforming, church-transforming work.
Know a faith community that excels in identifying, supporting, mentoring and encouraging young people age 35 and younger who are called to Christian service? We need to hear from you!
Anyone from the local church, district or conference may make nominations. Self-nominations are also welcome, but we need them no later than September 15th to be considered for 2017.
Click here to learn more or submit nominations.

east district fall lay academy—save the date—october 21 & 28

New Castle First UMC
1324 Church Street
New Castle, IN 47362
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Lunch included
Classes: Basic Lay Servant Ministry, United Methodist Polity and Leading Worshipp

bishop’s 2018 israel trip

Pastors, join Bishop Julius Trimble and First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble in Israel. The dates are January 29 through February 7, 2018. You would be out of the pulpit for one Sunday unless you choose an extension to Egypt or Jordan.
Pastors can earn a trip for every 5 full-paying passengers that accompany them. This does not add to the cost for those traveling with you. There are savings for those passengers who register in the next 5 months. Brochures are now available by registering for the cruise with Educational Opportunities Tours. If you are not yet a tour host it is easy to do so.
Feel free to contact Norm Nellis if you have interest or questions. He is the Trip Coordinator for the Bishop and is currently serving Pine Village UMC. He would be glad to talk with you or help you promote the trip. Contact Info: Norm Nellis, 765-491-5011 or

irs lowers mileage rates for 2017

The mileage rate has been lowered to 53.5 cents per mile for business miles driven. Details here.

2017 dates and information for church treasurers

The 2017 East District Tithe Form is available on the website at
The Church asking for 2017 is 1.15% of your tithable income.
January 15 Last day for prior year tithe payments
January 31 4th quarter 941, W2s to employees, W3, W2s to SSA (Earlier deadline!!), 1099s to
Independent contractors
February 15 Year end reporting closes, 1096, 1099s to IRS
February 28 WH3s to IN Dept of Revenue
April 1 Property tax exemptions to local assessor’s office (if changes)
April 30 1st Quarter 941
May 15 Form NP20 to IN Dept of Revenue, Personal property tax forms to local assessor’s office
May 31 Local church audit form to Conference Center
July 31 2nd Quarter 941
October 31 3rd Quarter 941
Useful websites
Audit/Financial Report Form click here
Financial forms on Indiana Conference website
General Council on Finance & Administration
Indiana Conference
UM giving
Indiana Department of Revenue
IRS forms
General Board of Pensions and Benefits

employment opportunities

The Compass UMC – The Compass Church Seeks Contemporary Worship Director for Selma Campus (full-time)
The Compass Church is a contemporary, multi-site United Methodist ministry with three campuses in east central Indiana with a vision of “reaching, teaching, and releasing disciplers and leaders for Jesus Christ.” We are seeking a full-time Worship Director for our Selma Campus. Are you a creative, inspiring, team-building person who loves to worship Jesus? Would you like to join a growing, multi-campus ministry that focuses on developing leaders who develop leaders and making disciples who make disciples? Does leading worship and overseeing a network of worship leaders across three campuses intrigue you? If so, we would love to have you join our team! If full-time, this position will be coupled with another area of ministry that matches your gifts and talents with the church's needs. Part-time inquiries for the worship position alone will be considered. Please go to for more information.
The Compass Church Seeks Youth Ministry Director for Selma Campus (full-time)
The Compass Church is a contemporary, multi-site United Methodist ministry with three campuses in east central Indiana with a vision of “reaching, teaching, and releasing disciplers and leaders for Jesus Christ.” We are seeking a full-time Youth Ministry Director for our Selma Campus. Does leading youth ministry at a large church and overseeing a network of youth ministry leaders across three campuses interest you? Are you a motivated, Christ-honoring, leader-inspiring, teacher of Scripture who loves middle school and high school teens? Would you like to join a growing, multi-campus ministry that focuses on developing leaders who develop leaders and making disciples who make disciples? If so, we would love to have you join our team! If full-time, this position will be coupled with another area of ministry that matches your gifts and talents with the church's needs. Part-time inquiries for the youth ministry position alone will be considered. Please go to for more information.
Eaton UMC in Eaton, Indiana (about 20 minutes from Muncie) is looking for a pianist and/or organist to play during Sunday morning worship service from 9:30 to 11:00 AM. Pay is negotiable. If interested please contact Jesse Bivens @ 765-768-6848 (leave a message and will get back to you).
The Compass Church Seeks Children’s Ministry Director for Yorktown Campus (part-time)
The Compass Church is a contemporary, multi-site United Methodist ministry with three campuses in east central Indiana with a vision of “reaching, teaching, and releasing disciplers and leaders for Jesus Christ.” Does leading children’s ministry at a medium-sized church and working with a network of children’s ministry leaders across three campuses in a large church interest you? Are you an organized, fun-loving, leader-inspiring, teacher of Scripture who loves children from birth to fifth grade? Would you like to join a growing, multi-campus ministry that focuses on developing leaders who develop leaders and making disciples who make disciples? If so, we would love to have you join our team! This is a part-time position (10-12 hours / week), beginning as soon as the candidate is available. Please go to for more information.
HARTFORD CITY TRINITY UMC is seeking to hire a worship leader. The worship leader works with the lead pastor to plan, organize, and lead worship. Trinity Church has a blended style of worship that uses traditional elements of worship in a modern way. We are looking for someone who will help us build up the music portion of worship.If interested or you know someone who would be interested please contact Pastor Dustin Jones at 765-618-5344.
A good candidate will:
- be able to play guitar and/or piano as well as vocally lead
- be willing to try new things
- be willing to play hymns as well as contemporary music
- have a teachable attitude that is open to learning from others
- be able to work with and lead others

East district umw news and events

March 2017 Newsletter
December 2016 Newsletter
September 2016 Newsletter
June 2016 Newsletter
March 2016 Newsletter

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 .

LOCAL CHURCH NEWS AND EVENTS

Covenant Partners Ministries – Community Day at Covenant Partners provides groceries, cleaning supplies, and personal care items, along with breakfast, legal advice, hair cuts, and blood pressure checksto people in need of those services, on the fourth Wednesday of each month except December which is the third Wednesday.
A meal is provided after the 4:00 Sunday worship service. If you are interested in making/serving a meal, please contact 284-2545 at set up a Sunday evening.
Clothing and household items are made available to the community the 1st Friday of each month May through October 11 a.m. –2:0 p.m. You are welcome to bring clothing and household goods to Covenant Partners the week of the give-away. Any questions, just call 284-2545 M-F 1:00-4:00 p.m.
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 has been given a UMC church sign by the Yorktown UMC. However, it will need refurbished and will cost approximately $500 to do so. If you would like to contribute money to them to assist with this please mail your donations to CPM, 911 W Jackson Street, Muncie, IN 47305 or contact Pastor Linda McBride at (765) 284-2545.
Muncie High Street UMC – High Street Travelers 2017 Trips: August 15-23, Canadian Rockies By Train; August 23, Beef & Boards: West Side Story; September 14, Lacomedia: Mega Broadway Hit; October 18, Mystery Trip #4; November 15, Lacomedia: Timeless Christmas Memories. For pricing and information contact Deb Heeter by email
Muncie Riverside UMC – Wood Carvers & Crafters at Riverside
Wood Carvers & Crafters come together at Riverside UM Church on the 1st, 3rd and 5thThursdays each month at 10:00am to work on their projects and share ideas with one another. Beginners always welcome. Bring your projects and necessary project materials. Riverside is located at 1201 N. Wheeling Ave., Muncie, IN. Call 288-4257 for information.
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.
Richmond Central UMC – “A Man Fully Alive”- Men’s Conference Hosted at Richmond Central UMC
September 29th-30th plan to attend “A Man Fully Alive” Men’s Conference here at Central. The conference will be Friday 7:00-9:00pm and on Saturday 9:00am-3:30pm. This conference will be led by Todd Braschler, a Christian speaker and author who travels the country to speaking at conferences. (For more information on his ministry visit: This would be a great opportunity to invite friends! Registration is $25, which can be paid at the time of registration or on the day of the event. To register, please call the church office at (765) 962-8543. If you might be interested in assisting with this event or would like more information, please contact Pastor Curtis Banker at
Richmond Central UMC – Laugh, love and learn to be…Forever Fruitful. God’s blueprint for marriage. August 18th, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. and August 19th, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sponsored by Centerville, Richmond First and Richmond Central United Methodist Churches. The cost is $40 per couple or $25 per single. Lunch will be provided.
To make your marriage the fruitful covenant God originally designed.
Join Pastor Tim and Pam Johnson s they explore God’s three commands in Genesis 1:28. For more information visit or contact : Tom Ream (Richmond Central UMC) at 765/962-8543 or Ted Chalk (Richmond First UMC) at 765/962-4357.

YOUTH MINISTRIES