May 20, 2014

WEST DISTRICT NEWS

A weekly newsletter to keep you connected.

Virtual Office Calendar Now Online

On the West District website www.inumc.org/westdistrict, you will notice the VIRTUAL OFFICE CALENDAR Button. Click on it. This will lead you to a screen that displays John Groves, John Davis and Katie Swisher's Calendars for a week or two in advance.

It is our hope that when you notice where we are planning our "office for the day" you will join us for conversation and share what exciting events are taking place in your places of worship and ministry.

This office time is open to the laity and clergy.

Blessings and Prayers,

The West District Staff

Dear Pastors and Lay Leaders,

Our Annual Conference session is right around the corner, which is why I am writing to you.

Some time ago our Bishop cast a vision that we will start 100 new faith communities over the next year. I'm hoping that you have seen the information about this vision on our website, to know that the Conference is hoping to hand out $500 in seed money to 100 different people or groups who have a vision to start something new in their communities. Following is a reminder of the values undergirding this vision:

Reach the un-churched
Reach the de-churched
Wesleyan Theology
Lay-driven
Empower Laity
Outwardly Focused
Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation
Failing is OK as long as we learn from it - this is a pilot

So today I'm writing to thank you for your belief in the resurrection and the courage it takes to envision a new future for your community in Jesus Christ. I am hoping that several teams from our District are planning to come forward when the invitation is given on Friday morning of Annual Conference, to declare to the Conference that they are answering a call from God to reach some new people in their community.

Will you please let me know if you and/or someone are planning to come forward to give witness to your plan to reach a new people group? Just to remind you, there will be support and advisors to help you with your "point of light".

Blessings & Prayers,
John Groves

EVENTS

In an effort to keep this newsletter as concise as possible, we are listing local church events only on the district web site. To view these events, simply CLICK HERE, and you will be directed to it. If your church has an event you would like featured on this calendar, please e-mail the details to Katie Swisher at west.district@inumc.org.

LIMITLESS: For Such a Time as This

June 27-29, 2014
Registration Deadline Extended!

The West District needs 4 women to represent it at the upcoming UMW "Limitless" Retreat in Indianapolis. This event is completely free for 4 individuals who have a passion for building God's Kingdom and who are interested in exploring how United Methodist Women can help them accomplish that. If you know any such women ages 13-40 or if you are one such woman, please contact District UMW President Kathie Hart by June 1st. Email: kphart85@hotmail.com or (812)345-0876.

LIMITLESS: For Such A Time As This

Extended Deadline: June 1, 2014

Friday, June 27 (7pm) - June 29 (11am)

University of Indianapolis

For Young Women Ages 13-40

Location: University of Indianapolis, 1400 E. Hanna Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227

Vision Statement: To equip young women of faith to transcend barriers and to do justice in their communities by putting faith, hope and love into action.

Scripture:

Esther 4:14: If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive...from someplace else...who knows? Maybe you were made queen for such a time as this.

The weekend will include:

FAITH

Worship and Bible study: Attendees will participate in varied inspirational faith experiences that lay a spiritual foundation and to go beyond barriers.

HOPE

Sessions: Opportunities for enrichment and education will be offered.

LOVE IN ACTION:

Service: We will engage in "take home" service activities

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS: We will find ways United Methodist Women can redefine the organization in the context of a more flexible structure.

FUN: We will engage in activities to let loose energy, to be creative and to bond socially.

Registration Deadline: May 15, 2014 (Extended to June 1, 2014)

Mission U 2014:
Learning Together for the Transformation of the World

July 22-26, 2014

DePauw University, Greencastle, IN

Effective 2013, the School of Christian Mission changed its name to Mission u: Learning Together for the Transformation of the World.

Mission u is the primary mission education event for the Indiana Annual Conference and is planned and implemented by United Methodist Women of Indiana. In addition to the adult programming for ages 17 and up, there are two components:

ChiMiCa (Children's Mission Camp) for ages 3 through 5th grade completed (childcare is provided)
YoPeMiCa (Young Peoples Mission Camp) for middle and high school aged youth

The youth and children's studies parallel the adult studies to create an intergenerational program. Studies are always Biblically-grounded, promote spiritual growth, educate and challenge participants to become more actively engaged in mission.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORMS

Pathways Through The Bible Trip

November 24 - December 3, 2014

Dave Marty and his wife will be hosting a tour of Israel/Palestine through the Jerusalem Center for Biblical Studies (a branch of Educational Opportunities), and you are invited to join them! An electronic brochure is available for viewing here. If you would like more information about the trip, Dave is glad to talk with you. You may contact him at Rockville First UMC (765-569-5356).


Rev. John Groves Superintendent 765-51-UMCDS (765-518-6237) E-Mail John	Rev. John Davis Associate Superintendent (office) 765-276-4797 E-Mail John	Katie Swisher District Assistant (office) 765-276-4797 Preferred Telephone Hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. E-Mail Katie

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