2017 Charge Conferences

“PEOPLE, LOOK EAST”
(UMH #202)
WEEKLY NEWS FROM THE EAST DISTRICT
INDIANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
September 19, 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
2017 Charge Conferences
clergy covenant day october 25
early response team training classes: coming in september
laity day with the bishop
special offering sundays in 2017
clergy assessment process
training opportunity for church treasurers
mentor training
important dates for clergy calendars
student leadership academy november 17-19
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

2017 charge conferences

All charge conferences will take place during November. Those scheduled on week days will begin at 6:30 pm. And those scheduled for Sunday will begin at 5:00 p.m. View the Charge Conference Schedule for the date and location of your charge conference. View the Charge Conference Agenda. Forms must be completed and submitted online AT LEAST 2 WEEKS prior to your charge conference date. Once I have approved your forms you will print your final report which will include a Signature Page. Please gather signatures and send me a copy of ONLY the Signature Page at Least 3 days prior to your charge conference. Contact Bernie (765) 282-2322 or with any questions or assistance you may need.

clergy covenant day october 25

Our Bishop, Leadership Development and Chairs of the Indiana Conference Clergy Orders call for a gathering of all clergy and clergy candidates (certified candidates, deacons, elders, local pastors, retirees and seminarians) to cultivate our clergy covenant.
All clergy, active and retired, including Elders, Deacons, Local Pastors, Certified Candidates, Seminarians and clergy serving in various Extension Ministries need to attend this important gathering. While this is not a "mandatory" event, all clergy are strongly encouraged to attend.
Zionsville UMC
9644 Whitestown Rd.
Zionsville, IN
Advance registration is requested. Onsite registrations will not have lunch available.
This event isfor clergy only; we are unable to accommodate spouses.
Cost: There is no cost to attend
Lunch is optionalat a cost of $5.00 andmust be requested and paid for during the registration process.
Optional Child Care: Child care is available for purchase during the registration process for $25 per child. Parents will need to pick up their child(ren) during the break for lunch. We are unable to feed children their lunch.
Registration deadline: Sunday October 15, 2017 at 11:59 pm
Click herefor registration

early response team training classes: coming in september

Those interested in becoming certified Early Response Team members or would like to be re-certified, now have several opportunities. Early Response Team training classes are emerging all around Indiana with the current need for certified personnel in the wake of recent extreme weather events. ERT teams are specially trained teams that offer assistance in the days following a weather disaster. They can assist with clean-up work, tasks that help prevent further damage from occurring, and helping to muck out flooded homes. All members of an ERT team are required to complete a training course and undergo a background check.
Here’s a list of ERT training classes coming soon in a church near you:

• ERT Training Certification class - Anderson:September 30

Find out more and register atinumc.org/disasterresponse

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 Wednesday, September 20th if you are planning to attend. You may email or telephone (765) 282-2322.

important dates for clergy calendars

October 25, 2017, Clergy Covenant Day at Zionsville UMC from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 10, 2018, CLM Orientation
February 16-17, 2018, Our Life Together at Indianapolis Marriott East
April 13& 14, 2018, CLM Academy
October 6, 2018, Laity Day with the Bishop

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

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 Worship
Click here for brochure/registration form.

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

Albany UMC – Albany, Indiana (20 minutes northeast of Muncie or 25 minutes southwest of Portland) is looking for a part-time Church Secretary (up to 20 hours/week). If you enjoy crafting high-quality worship bulletins, keeping an office running smoothly, making people feel valued, and working closely with a pastor, this position might just be for you! Starting pay is $10.00 per hour with opportunities for raises, and we can help you set a work schedule that fits your other weekly responsibilities. Contact Pastor Jake Ohlemiller ( or 765-637-8965) for more information--please have a resume handy.
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
MUNCIE HIGH STREET UMC (219 S. High Street, Muncie) is seeking a Financial Administrator who will manage the financial operations for the church. This includes accounts payable, payroll, budget management, database management, and reporting. Prior accounting and bookkeeping experience required. Please email resumes and cover letter to Rev. Stacee Fischer Gehring () and check the church website for more information

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

Connersville First UMC – Connersville First UMC has 20 red polyester, dry cleanable choir robes made in Jacksonville, FL, available to another UM church. The robes are assorted sizes, are in excellent condition, and have gray collars with the cross and flame as well as gray sleeve inserts. If interested, please contact the Connersville First secretary at (765) 825-8506.
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 (765) 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. –2:00 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.
Greetings from Covenant Partners Ministries,
We are in need of two people who would be willing to serve God through Covenant Partners by teaching our youth on Sunday evenings.
The teens and tweens meet at the same time as the worship service...Sundays from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Please contact Pastor Linda McBride at 284-2545, 759-4986, or if you are interested and have prayerfully considered this request.
I will then meet with you and we can discuss it further.
I can hardly wait to see who God brings into the lives of these wonderful young people.
Muncie High Street UMC – High Street Travelers 2017 Trips: 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 Industry UMC – CORRECTION! Craft Bazaar/Soup Luncheon, Saturday, October 21st, Craft Bazaar: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Lunch: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Industry UMC Fellowship Center, 1912 S Mock Avenue, Muncie. Lunch will be all you can eat soup (6 kinds), crackers, cornbread, coffee and iced tea. Desserts and sodas are available for $ .50 and $1.00. Adults $6.00, children (under 10) $4.00, children under 3 are free. We will be selling all kinds of homemade crafts, unique items, antiques, etc. Homemade candy will be available for sale (Toffee, Peanut Brittle, Rock Candy, Fudge, Peppermint Bark). Booth space is still available. Call (765) 288-3016. Click here for poster.
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.
CRAFT BAZAAR
Saturday, October 14th
10:00am to 3:00pm
At Riverside UMC, Wheeling and Neely Ave., Muncie
Quilts (Hand and machine stitched - crib to queen size), stuffed animals & dolls,
Wooden block dolls, pillowcases, placemats, knit hats, dishcloths, & seasonal decorations.
To benefit Covenant Partners Ministries Community Day
If anyone has a homemade item to contribute, please bring it to Riverside UMC
on Friday, October, 13th – 10am to noon.
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.
Redkey UMC – Sunday, November 5, marks 3 years for A Better Life-Brianna's Hope. We are a participant driven, faith based and compassion filled support and recovery group for those battling substance abuse. We are presently 20 chapters in 13 counties with more ready to launch. We have spoken to over 7,100 students and have several schools scheduled. We would like to celebrate by offering your church the opportunity to have one of our folks share during your worship. Our qualified individuals could do 10-30 minutes as you would choose. Actually 20 minutes is about perfect. I think most people are amazed at what they hear. If possible you could do a freewill offering, share a set dollar amount or just let us share. For more details contact Pastor Randy Davis at (765)730-4979.
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

YOUTH MINISTRIES