A weekly newsletter to keep you connected

Please click the button below to see the schedule for West District Missional Office locations. 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 both laity and clergy. 
 
Blessings and Prayers,
The West District Staff


CHARGE CONFERENCE MEETINGS ARE COMPLETE! 

Thank you to all who attended, and who made sure the reports were submitted correctly and on time. If you woud like to view or download the materials that were shared at the charge conference meeting, you can do so at www.inumc.org/chargeconference or at the individual links below:

We will now require your church to submit a copy of the signature cover page from your charge conference reports. (This is different from the past few years.) If you have not done so already, please send the signed cover page to Katie in one of the following ways:

    • Scan and email to [email protected]
    • Fax to 765-276-4789
    • Postal mail to 704 S. SR 135, #D379, Greenwood, IN 46143
    • Hand deliver at charge conference meeting
NEW ONLINE CLERGY ASSESSMENT PROCESS

The Clergy Assessment is a new online system, and will be completed annually for providing feedback, mentoring and coaching resources, and improving clergy fruitfulness as disciples, as leaders of congregations, and as missional developers in the community and world. 

The Clergy Assessment is a formative process rather than a summative procedure to assist clergy in gaining greater insights through self-reflection, self-evaluation, and feedback provided by the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee in areas to affirm and areas that need further development. The purpose of ongoing feedback for clergy is not to 'prove' but to 'improve'.

A Conference generated email was sent to all pastors and Staff Parish Relations Chairpersons regarding how to access the system to complete the clergy assessment.  Deadline to complete the online form is November 30.  For more information go to http://www.inumc.org/clergyassessment.
GIVING TUESDAY - NOVEMBER 29th


November 29, United Methodists will once again come together to support the work of Advance projects and missionaries on UMC #GivingTuesday.

This year, consider supporting a project that is working in an area you care about, such as hunger and poverty, education, or social justice. For a complete list of projects, visit The Advance.

We would love to hear about creative ways in which you are raising awareness and funds for mission - especially what you are planning for UMC #GivingTuesday. T

Thank you for your passion as we live out God's mission together. Should you have any questions about UMC #GivingTuesday, please contact [email protected].

Find UMC #GivingTuesday banners/ads, FAQs, impact stories, and links to videos and other resources to help you participate in the campaign.

Use this link (www.umcmission.org/give) to make your donation November 29.


DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY POSITION AVAILABLE

First United Methodist Church is located in the historic town of Crawfordsville, IN. The church is seeking a full-time Director of Youth Ministry and Contemporary Worship to oversee two ministries - youth ministry and contemporary worship. It is understood that there will be times where time and energy will be given to one ministry over another ministry but that it will balance itself out in the end.

As the Director of the Youth Ministry, this person shall seek to foster Christian community through building relationships with young people in grades 6 through 12 that strengthen their commitment to the church and growth in faith in Jesus Christ. The youth ministry team includes weekly volunteers as well as the Youth Advisory Board. The program is comprised of Youth Group, including small group breakouts, special events, Sunday morning youth education, and service opportunities.

As the Contemporary Worship Coordinator, s/he will be the "producer" of each Gathering worship service and special programs. This involves working collaboratively and mentoring worship leaders as well as the worship band.

The ideal candidates will have a deep and living relationship with Jesus Christ, a call to minister to youth, gifts in leadership and vision, musical ability to lead worship with an instrument, a Bachelor's degree and two years of volunteer or paid youth ministry experience. The salary range is $44,000-$48,000.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
NEW CERTIFIED LAY MINISTER PROGRAM

Lay Servant Ministries
Registrations are currently being taken for the 2016-2017 CLM Program.

Orientation - March 11, 2017; Retreat - April 20-22, 2017

The Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a position that was approved at the 2012 session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. It is a position designed to enhance the quality of ministry and ability of small membership churches, team ministry in larger membership churches, and ministry in other settings to meet the spiritual and temporal needs of a constantly changing world (Paragraph 271, Book of Discipline, United Methodist Church).
 
What is the Certified Lay Minister Academy?
The Certified Lay Minister Academy consists of an orientation session for the Certified Lay Minister program, followed by a 3 day intensive training. The sessions are currently offered in Indianapolis to provide a central location for individuals coming from a variety of areas from across the conference.  Full participation in all of the classes is required in order to satisfy the training requirement for certification.

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 [email protected].

WEST DISTRICT LAY SERVANT ACADEMY
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Sullivan First UMC - 107 N. Court Street, Sullivan

Lay Servant Ministries
Registration closes today! Please click here for class details and to register by 11:59 p.m.

Registration fee is $10 per participant. This fee includes refreshments, but not lunch or class materials. Attendees will need to either bring a sack lunch or be prepared to eat out in Sullivan. Registrants are responsible for purchasing and preparing materials ahead of time. Participants will be contacted by class leaders with information on materials needed.
CLASSES OFFERED:
  • BASIC - This class will introduce the participant to the various lay servant ministries in The United Methodist Church. It will help the participant discern which ministries they feel called to serve in, and prepare them for the advanced classes.
    - Led by Jon Overbey 
  • ADVANCED - PREACHING: Message Preparation and Delivery - This course is designed to help prepare, develop, and deliver sermons.
    - Led by Rick Pressel   
  • ADVANCED - LEADING WORSHIP 
    - Led by Jim Roach

BACK TO BASICS CONFERENCE - REGISTER TODAY!
Saturday, February 4, 2017 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant UMC - Terre Haute
CTCT-20160826_155700_0

This exciting conference is open to all pastors and laity in the local church. Ministry leaders are especially encouraged to attend. 

Break-out sessions will cover all age levels of ministry, and focus on the most fundamental aspects of discipleship in particular ministry areas. These break-out sessions will be facilitated by persons currently working in local churches that have proven, fruitful success in their particular areas of expertise. These facilitators will be willing to assist local leaders after the conference in accomplishing next steps. 


Back to Basics - West District Feb 4, 2017
Back to Basics - West District Feb 4, 2017

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