North Central District's Vision:
Creating a culture of discipleship amongst the pastors and congregations in the NCD who reach their communities for Christ.
North Central District News
United Methodist Church

P.O. Box 1447, Marion, IN 46952 
(877) 781-6710-Toll Free, (765) 319-3704-Direct 
(765) 864-0739-Fax 
In This Issue
Rev. Cobb on Renewal Leave
Bishop Julius C. Trimble Assigned to Indiana Conference
Bishop Mike Responds to Western Jurisdiction Decision
Clergy Covenant Day
Hope Sightings
Honoring God Through Caring for Your Body
Electric Stage Piano for Sale
Jerusalem 29 A.D. Materials
Chairs for Sale
New Pastor Orientation
Change in Date for Fall Pastors' Meeting
Charge Conference Dates
Changes for Indiana Non-Profit Corporations
IN Extension Course of Study
Flint, Michigan Water Assistance
Picnic for Pastors and their Families
Building Discipleship Centers
Job Opportunities
Vital Signs
Youth Events
United Methodist Women
District & Conference Upcoming Events
Area Events
Newsletter Publication
District Staff Contact Information
Quick Links
Join Our List
July 21, 2016

 
Pastors and laity are invited to drop in and visit with Rev. Cobb at her "Virtual" offices on the calendar. Click the button above. If you would like to have a scheduled appointment, please contact the District Center. 

Rev. Michelle Cobb on Renewal Leave

 
Rev. Michelle Cobb will be on renewal leave from June 17 through July 31.  If you need assistance, please contact the District Center, 877-781-6710. Rev. Lamar Imes will be assisting during her absence. 

Bishop Julius C. Trimble Assigned to Indiana Conference

 
The Committee on Episcopacy of the North Central Jurisdiction announced the assignment of Bishop Julius C. Trimble to the Indiana Episcopal Area Saturday, July 16. Bishop Trimble will begin his service Thursday, September 1, 2016. Married to Racelder Grandberry-Trimble, a professional counselor and graduate of Methodist Theological School of Ohio. They are the parents of three adult children: Cameron, Candiace, and Julius ThomasRead more here 

Bishop Mike Responds to Western Jurisdiction Decision

 

Bishop Coyner

Bishop Mike has sent the following message to be shared with churches regarding the Western Jurisdiction's decision to consecrate as bishop a married lesbian woman.  Please feel free to share this in whatever ways you deem appropriate.

 

Talking Points for those concerned about the election of a married lesbian in the Western Jurisdiction:  1.  That election and consecration is being challenged with the Judicial Council who will rule on its validity this fall,  2. Many persons, including many bishops, including our bishop, are upset about the actions of the Western Jurisdiction,  3. While we are a "connectional church" in fact each Annual Conference and certainly each Jurisdiction has a great deal of autonomy,  4. We in Indiana intend to remain faithful to our Discipline and to the Gospel, in spite of actions of others.  As I always tell my children and grandchildren, "Everyone else is doing it" is no excuse for misbehavior.


Clergy Covenant Day - November 10

 
All clergy, active and retired, including Elders, Deacons, Local Pastors, Certified Candidates, Seminarians and clergy serving in various Extension Ministries, are all invited to a clergy gathering designed to help cultivate our clergy covenant. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, November 10, Zionsville UMC. This is not a mandatory event, however, clergy are strongly encouraged to attend. This event is for clergy only. Childcare services will be made available. Deadline for registration is end-of-day, Tuesday, November 1. To learn more and register, visit:  
Hope Sightings


'"Be. Hope." was the theme of the 2016 Indiana Annual Conference held Thursday through Saturday, June 9-11, at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. The three-day event focused on three prongs of embracing, living, and realizing hope in communities around Indiana and also throughout our world. During this time two scriptures were used to center the body on HOPE:
  • For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. -Jeremiah 29:11
  • But that's not all! We gladly suffer, because we know that suffering helps us to endure. And endurance builds character, which gives us a hope that will never disappoint us.  -Romans 5:3-4
During the opening worship service, Thursday, June 9, Bishop Michael J. Coyner and other conference leaders used a unique mission and ministry weaving to announce the official open of the Conference.
   
"Hope. It's quite a theme isn't it," remarked Bishop Coyner. He continued, "if there is anything our world needs, it's hope." He also said that true hope is more than wishful thinking.'

The North Central District Center would like to hear your "Hope Sightings" around the District.  If you have something you would like to share, please email the District Center.
 
"Honoring God Through Caring for Your Body" - Parish Nursing

 
"Honoring God Through Caring for Your Body," sponsored by Health Ministries and Faith Community Nursing of the Indiana Conference, Sat., Oct. 7, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Grace UMC, 219 E. Mulberry St., Kokomo. The keynote speaker will be Chef Wendall Fowler, Author-Health Columnist, Spiritual-Motivational Speaker and Host Contributor for WISH-TV.
  • "Seeking Balance in the Land of Milk & Honey," Jessica Ward, MS, RD, CD, CEDRD, Director of Therapeutic Services at Selah House
  • "Supplemental Interventions in Weight Management and Implicated Obesogens," Kim Mossburg, MS, RD, LDN, ATC, Lecturer in Nutritional Science
  • "Healthy Living - Putting It Together," Cheryl Howard, RN, BSN, Care Manager, Faith Community Nurse
  • "Healthy Eating as Your Age: Feeding Your Mind, Body & Soul," Valerie Amend, MS, RD, CD Instructor, Nutrition Dept. of Family Consumer Sciences
  • "Raising Healthy Eaters," Lindsey Pedigo, MPH, CHES HHS Extension Coordinator Purdue Extension Howard Co. and Linda Echelbarger, NEP, Assistant Purdue Extension Howard and Tipton Counties

To obtain a brochure click here.  You may register at inumc.org/parish nursing.  The deadline to register is Sept. 15.  

Electric Stage Piano for Sale

 
Dr. Constance Cherry has a almost new, electric stage piano for sale that would be perfect for a church.  If interested, please contact Dr. Cherry by clicking here.

Jerusalem 29 A.D. Curriculum

 
The Russiaville UMC is wanting to know if anyone has the Jerusalem 29 A.D. curriculum that they would be willing to give/loan to the church.  If so, please contact Rev. Anne Kumeh at [email protected].
Chairs for Sale

 
Actual Chairs
New Horizons UMC, Anderson, has 100 green chairs that they are wanting to sell.  They are asking $5 per chair. If you have any questions or want more information, contact the church office at 765-644-0949, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

New Pastor Orientation August 6

 
For all pastors serving in their first appointment (Supply, Local Pastor, Elder, Deacon) and all pastors new to the Indiana Conference. Pastors who should have attended in the past but were unable to attend should also register.

There is no cost to attend, however lunch will be served so we ask that you register to be included in the lunch count.

Optional Child Care: They will be happy to ensure that child care is available. Please be aware that you will be assessed a per child fee. We will contact you regarding the fee and further registration information for your child(ren).

Registration deadline is Sun., July 31.

Complete information and registration click here

Change in Date for Fall Pastors' Meeting

 
The fall pastors' meeting that was originally scheduled for Thurs., Sept. 8 is needing to be rescheduled for Wed., Sept. 14 from 9 a.m.-12 noon at Cross Roads UMC, 2000 Scatterfield Road, Anderson.  A breakfast will be provided by the church. If you should need child care, please contact the  District Center by Wed., Aug. 31.

This is mandatory for all full-time clergy in the North Central District. Part-time pastors (local and supply pastors) are expected to attend this gathering of pastors under appointment in the North Central District. Those pastors on extension ministry and retired pastors are welcome.
 

Charge Conference Dates

 
The District Operational Team has set the 2016 charge conference dates and locations. Charge conferences will not meet in cluster groups as in the past. Each church has been assigned a location. All sessions are from 3-5 p.m. To find a list of the dates and locations, please click here. If a church has a conflict with a date, please contact the District Center on what date/location your church wishes to attend.   

Changes for Indiana Non-Profit Corporations

 
Important filing changes for Indiana nonprofit corporations. Significant changes are being implemented to the reporting requirements for Indiana nonprofit corporations over the next several months. Beginning July 1, the Business Entity Report filings will be made on a biennial cycle, and nonprofit corporations will file a Business Entity Report every other year with the filing fee increasing from $10 to $20. Because the biennial reporting cycle is being implemented mid-year, the reporting requirements vary depending on when a nonprofit corporation was incorporated. Read the full article here.

  Indiana Extension Course of Study: Fall 2016

 
Online registration is open for the Indiana Extension Course of Study School fall term, which begins Sept. 9. Part-time local pastors who wish to enroll may click here or for more information. 
 
This is the first time the Course of Study registration is completely online, eliminating the need for paper registration forms. The deadline for registration is July 31. Registrants may pay in full with a credit card online or by check. Checks must be received by Aug. 15. Partial payments are not accepted. The Indiana school is an extension of the Garrett-Evangelical School of Theology and is designed to accommodate part-time local pastors who wish to further their education. 

North Central District's Response to a Disaster

 
Dear Pastor,
 
Although the news is no longer front page news, the tragedy still remains. The water crisis in Flint, MI is a tragedy that will have long term consequences on the Flint, Michigan residents for generations to come. How are we to respond as the North Central District?
 
Prayers are needed. Many of us have been praying about this tragedy since it first made the headlines. There is an additional response that we can make as the North Central District and that response is to provide financial support. 
 
Mr. Peter Plum, the Emergency Water Crisis Coordinator for the Michigan Area informed me that the greatest need at this time is a financial need. The United Methodist churches in the Flint, MI area are now the Resource Centers that distribute water, filters, and ZeroWater pitchers. Funds are needed to continue to resource these Centers. Mr. Plum also stated that since a target date has not been identified by the authorities when the water will be safe to drink in Flint, the need for resources will be an ongoing need.
 
North Central District pastors, laity and congregations, let's respond to this crisis by making such a financial impact that the residents of Flint, MI, along with the United Methodist Churches in the Flint, MI area will know that they are not alone, but that others care long after this crisis is no longer headline news. No gift will be too small.  Donations will be collected from May 31st through July 31st.  Remember, no gift is too small.  The goal is to raise a minimum of five thousand dollars  ($5,000).
 
You may give online on the Conference website by clicking here and selecting "Flint Michigan."  For those of you who prefer to donate by check, you can send the check to the Indiana Conference Center, 301, Pennsylvania Parkway, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN, 46280 or to INUMC, Dept. 6089, Carol Stream, IL 60122. Be sure to write Flint Michigan on the memo line.
 
Thank you for your support.
 
Grace and Peace,
DS Michelle Cobb

Picnic for Pastors and their Families

 
The North Central District will be having a picnic for the pastors and their families on Sat., Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Davis Park, 4507 Nichol Ave., Anderson.  The food and table service will be provided.  Please RSVP to the District Center by Mon., Aug. 22.
Building Discipleship Centers

Building Discipleship Center: It's About...
Building Discipleship Center: It's About...

The following is information in regard to Bishop Coyner's Building Discipleship Centers campaign: 

Our Goals
$9,000,000 - Project Goal
$6M - Epworth Discipleship Center Project
$1.3M - Buck Lodge Project
$925K - Camp Indicoso Lake Project
$1M - Scholarship Endowment 

RESOURCES:
Click here to download the Building Discipleship Centers' one-sheet.
Building Discipleship Centers Overview: discipleship-center-overview.pdf
Discipleship Center at Epworth: epworth-discipleship-center.pdf
Buck Lodge at Epworth: epworth-forest-buck-lodge.pdf 
Lake at Indicoso: indicoso-lake-project.pdf 
Camp Scholarship Endowment: inumc-camp-scholarships.pdf

You may also watch: https://vimeo.com/156850735

You may make a donation by clicking here or by sending a check to the Indiana Conference, 301 Pennsylvania Parkway, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46280 made out to the "Indiana Conference" with a note stating that is for "Building Discipleship Centers."
 
 Job Opportunities

 
For more information on the following job opportunities, please click here.
  • St. Matthew UMC, Frankfort - Administrative Assistant
  • Mt. Olive UMC, Marion - Pre-School Aide, part-time
  • Shiloh UMC, Kokomo - Director of Youth Ministry
  • First UMC, Elwood - Director of Children and Youth Ministries
  • TransFormation Internship Application 
   
Vital Signs
 
Vital Congregations

Reporting your church's vital signs continues to be important. Bishop Coyner and the Cabinet use this information every month.

  

Continue to report weekly; catch up if you have missed reporting; begin now if you have not reported vital signs in the past. Find more information HERE about the process.

 

If you have stopped receiving the weekly reminders, please contact the District Center.   

 

Youth Events
 
Connect

Click here for more details on these events and other youth events.

 

 

 

Make plans for camps this summer!  Check out beacamper.com.  

 

United Methodist Women Upcoming Events
 
Please click here for the District UMW website.  The UMW May newsletter may be obtained by clicking here.
  • Mission U Sampler Day, July 23, 2016, DePauw University, Greencastle
  • Silent Retreat, Aug. 26-28, 2016, Sarto House, Evansville - To register, please click here.
  • District UMW Fall Meeting, Sept. 17, 2016
  • UMW Conference Celebration, Oct. 7-8, 2016, Grace UMC, 219 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo
  • Leadership Development for District Officers, Nov. 5, 2016, First UMC, 3150 E. Myra Ln., Martinsville
  • Local officer Training, Nov. 12, 2016
District & Conference Upcoming Events
  • District Luncheon for New Pastors, Wed., Aug. 10, 12 noon, Cross Roads UMC, 2000 S. Scatterfield Rd., Anderson
  • District Staff Meeting, Thurs., Aug. 11, 11:00 a.m., Grace UMC, Kokomo
  • NC Supply/Retired Pastor Breakfast, Sat., August 13, 8 a.m., First UMC, 109 S. 8th St., Frankton

  • NC Supply/Retired Pastor Breakfast, Sat., August 20, 8 a.m., Russiaville UMC, 180 N. Union St., Russiaville

  • District Leadership Team, Thurs., Aug. 25, 3:00 p.m., TBD
  • District Pastors' and their Families Picnic, Sat., Aug. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Davis Park, 4507 Nichol Ave., Anderson
  • North Central District Pastors' Meeting, Wed., Sept. 14, Cross Roads UMC, 2000 N. Scatterfield Road, Anderson
  • New Bishop's Installation Service, Sun., Sept. 11, 4 p.m., St. Luke's UMC, 100 W. 86th St., Indianapolis
  • Clergy Spouse Luncheon, Tues., Sept. 13, 12 noon, Hostess House, 723 W. 4th St., Marion
  • Clergy Spouse Dinner, Thurs., Sept. 15, 6 p.m., Wesley Manor,1555 N. Main St., Frankfort
  • Lay Servant Academy, Saturdays, Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Kemp UMC, 228 N. Main St., Tipton
  • Laity Day with the Bishop, Sat., Oct. 15, TBD
  • Clergy Covenant Day, Thurs., Nov. 10, Zionsville UMC
  • District Lay Leadership Training, Sat., Nov. 19, TBD
Area Events - For full details, please click here.
  • The Hoppers in Concert, Thurs., July 28, 7 p.m., Epworth UMC, 105 W. 8th St., Matthews
  • GriefShare, Thursdays, Aug. 4-Oct. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m., St. Mark's UMC, 4780 E. 126th St., Carmel
  • Ole Hickory Chicken and Noodle Dinner, Sat., Aug. 6, 4-7 p.m., Colfax UMC, 114 Oakland St., Colfax
  • Tenderloin Dinner, Sat., Aug. 20, Mt. Olive UMC, 2015 N. 300 W., Marion
  • Hopewell 175 Year Celebration, Sat., Aug. 27, 2-6:30 p.m., Hopewell UMC, 3460 E. CR 500 N., Frankfort
  • Mission Auction, Sat., Sept. 10, 9 a.m., Zion UMC, 5051 E. CR 400 N., Kokomo
  • Walk to Emmaus (Men's Walk #239), Oct. 6-9, Epworth Forest, North Webster, IN
  • Walk to Emmaus (Women's Walk #240), October 13-16, Epworth Forest, North Webster, IN
  • Chicken & Noodle Dinner, Sat., Oct. 15, Salem UMC, 6701 S. 775 E., Zionsville
  • Chili Supper, Sat., Feb. 18, Salem UMC, 6701 S. 775 E. Zionsville
North Central Central Newsletter
The North Central District News is published weekly by email. You are receiving this email due to your position in the church or you have requested it. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact the District Center.
District Staff Contact Information
 
Rev. Michelle Cobb, District Superintendent
     (317) 459-7220, [email protected], [email protected] 
Rev. Lamar Imes, Associate District Superintendent 
     (765) 251-0792, [email protected]
Rev. Steven Clouse, Church Development 
     (574) 238-2461, [email protected]
Becky Rees, District Assistant
     (877) 781-6710, (765) 319-3704, [email protected]