“PEOPLE, LOOK EAST”
(UMH #202)
WEEKLY NEWS FROM THE EAST DISTRICT
INDIANA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
February 13, 2018
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
2018 Bishop’s lenten study: now is the time
end hunger now packing event scheduled for may 5, 2018
united methodist leaders respond to #metoo and #churchtoo movement
East District umm lenten breakfasts
Life together
year-end reporting
leadership labs
ministry with the poor matching grants
impact 2818: Outdoor ministries
continuing education units
clergy ethics
important dates for clergy calendars
2017 sermon contest open to laity
irs lowers mileage rates for 2017
2018 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

2018 Bishop’s lenten study: now is the time


Join us from11:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.,Wednesday, February 14(AshWednesday) for an impactful Lenten Study, titled "Now is the time," based on St. Luke's UMC Theologian Adolf Hansen's newly written book, "Is it time?"
The study will be done through a Facebook Live discussion with participants Bishop Trimble, Retired Indiana Bishop Mike Coyner, Dr. Adolf Hansen, Dr. Kim Reisman, and Doris Clark. The live discussion will explore ways the body of Christ can journey together through the season of Lent, and engage in critical conversations, for the purpose of understanding our differences, while strengthening ourcovenant with God and one another. We encourage you to invite a friend and join us for this critical conversation on AshWednesday, February 14.
For more information, visit
Engage Locally in Person
United Methodists from across Indiana will have ample opportunities to engage in critical conversations by meeting in person with neighbors from around their community to continue to explore and reflect on the statement, “Now is the Time!”. In the East District, on each Wednesday morning 9:30 - 12:00 from March 7 - March 28 we will host a discussion at First UMC, New Castle. These discussions will be facilitated by trained leaders from our District: Rob Judd, Cindy Garver, Jake Ohlemiller, and Mick Miller. These folks will help move the conversation along, ensuring that participants are taking full advantage of the tools and the time to foster fruitful, inclusive, and enriching dialogue. These opportunities are open to all persons, however,all East District clergy under appointment are expected to be present for these four in-person gatherings on these Wednesday mornings.
Prior toMarch 7th please make every effort to read the book: Is It Time?, by Adolf Hansen.

end hunger now packing event scheduled for may 5, 2018

Saturday, May 5, 2018 we will once again “invade” Hagerstown High School with hundreds of volunteers.
Additional information will come later. For questions contact:
John Huff,
Ted Chalk,
Jay Barden,

united methodist leaders respond to #metoo and #churchtoo movement

Over the recent weeks and months, and continuing on a seemingly daily basis, the media have been saturated with stories of persons coming forward with allegations of sexual misconduct perpetrated by individuals in positions of power and authority. The pervasiveness of the power imbalance is a part of every story being told. Responses have ranged from immediate termination of employment of the accused and bribery for silence to invitations for victims to feel shame.
The Council of Bishops together with the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women reaffirm the core beliefs found in The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles which clearly state, “sexual harassment must be understood as an exploitation of a power relationship and interfering with the moral mission of the Church.”
Further we recognize “sexual assault as wrong no matter the circumstances,” and “among women and men, [we] reject the erroneous notion [that] one gender is superior to another.” Further, our General Rules, founded by John Wesley direct us to do no harm and do good in every possible way at all times. The sin of sexual misconduct must be named by the Church at every level of ministry. Further, we must confront the environment of coarser public dialog and discourse that provides license and cover for sexual harassment, abuse and assault.
For complete article click here.

East District umm lenten breakfasts

The Easter Season is upon us. The United Methodist Men of the East District would like to invite you to a breakfast each Saturday morning during Lent. They start at 7:30 am, and last about an hour and a half. We have music, fellowship, a speaker, and good food! A freewill offering is taken for the hosting church who prepares the breakfast. Spouses and all of our women friends are welcome to attend!
February 17Muncie High St UMC, 219 S High Street, Muncie
February 24Albany UMC, 125 N Broadway, Albany
March 3Daleville UMC, 8104 S Hickory Ln, Daleville
March 10 New Burlington UMC, 8081 S CR 475 E, Muncie
March 17Cammack UMC, 1901 N Cammack St, Muncie
March 24The Garden at Gethsemane, 1201 W McGalliard Rd, Muncie
Come and join us!
Dan Vore
President

life together

Life Togetherfor all clergy will be February 16-17 at Indianapolis Marriott East;Life Together is a time for our community of clergy and clergy spouses to learn, worship, and fellowship as we share this life of ministry, with each other, throughout the mission field of Indiana and our world abroad. Save the date!

year-end reporting

Year-End Reporting submission dates for the 2017 reporting year will be January 1 – February 15, 2018.
  • Login is the church ID number
  • Initial password is password (change after first login)
  • A new quadrenniumbrings new forms – directions are on each line
  • Print and prepare blank forms beforehand to avoid system timeout
  • Please use your monthly Report of Giving for Table 2 figures
  • Important!! The system does not accept anything other than 0-9. No decimals, dollar signs, or commas!! Adding commas or decimals will add zeros to your data.
For those unfamiliar with the system please contact Jenni Walker, for instructional information. To request a paper copy of the forms please contact Carla Johnson at the Conference Center at 1-877-781-6706 or Bernie at the East District Center 765-282-2322.

leadership labs

Leadership Labs for Support Leaders of Emerging Leaders
(directors, pastors, volunteers, part-time, full-time, new, experienced, teachers, leaders, mentors, and the list goes on…)
What are Leadership Labs?
  • For all who support emerging leaders (children, youth, college students, young adults)
  • Intentional Interactions in small group with 5-10 ministry leaders
  • Discussion Based
  • Spread out over 2 months (or more)
  • 2 in person meetings and 2 online meetings
  • No cost
  • Connection and Growth
For complete information go to

ministry with the poor matching grants

Applications are now being accepted for a new matching grant program for Ministry with the Poor. The grants are being funded through the Pyle Trust. These grants are only available to churches this year. Click on this link for complete details. Deadline for application is March 1, 2018.

impact 2818: outdoor ministries

2018 That Thing Registration!
It's time! Set your alarms because over the next week Registration for That Thing 2018 will begin in 3 different phases.
If you are wanting to book multiple lodges, your registration will open today (11/7) at 9am sharp! Click here to register.
​If you are wanting to book a single lodge, your registration will open Thursday (11/9) at 9am sharp! Click here to register.
​If you are wanting to book half a lodge, your registration will open next Tuesday (11/14) at 9am sharp! Click here to register.

continuing education units

We have updated the guidelines for clergy continuing education and spiritual formation. All clergy are encouraged to complete this form and have it returned electronically by June 30 or submitted with the Summer Conversation form to the District Assistant. The CEU information and form can be found at this link:

clergy ethics

It was determined in the Fall of 2014 that the Indiana Conference needed to take a deeper look at the former “clergy boundaries and diversity training” experience. Since that time, a focus group of diverse clergy was convened for conversations, and a task team was created, to begin dreaming about the new possibilities to satisfy this requirement.
We are excited to be in partnership with the Lewis Center for Church Leadership to provide Clergy Ethics online, with the course Maintaining Boundaries in a Digital Age. The cost for clergy is $25.00, and all clergyclassifications (associate members, elders, deacons, local pastors, supply, provisionals, and certified candidates) are required to complete the online clergy ethics course, by December 31, 2018. Additional information, along with login instructions can be found at this link: A list of those who have completed the course will be provided to districts on bi-annually.
Additional opportunities at Covenant Day and Life Together will be provided in late-2018 to enhance and expand the learning/expectations regarding clergy ethics.

important dates for clergy calendars

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

irs increases mileage rates for 2018

The mileage rate has been increased to 54.5 cents per mile for business miles driven. Details here.

2018 dates and information for church treasurers

The 2018 East District Tithe Form is available on the website at
The Church asking for 2018 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

College Avenue UMC – (MUNCIE) SEEKS CHANCEL CHOIR DIRECTOR We are searching for a Chancel Choir director (8-10 hours/week) to support our sanctuary worship service. Responsibilities include conducting the Chancel Choir, selecting anthems, recruiting musicians, and supporting the worship service. Candidates should have musical gifts, a passion for worship, organizational skills, a spirit of hospitality, and experience in a church or similar setting. For a job description, please visit For more information, e-mail or call 765-289-7337.
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).
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 (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 March 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.
Covenant Partners Ministry meets at Muncie Riverside UMC, 1201 N Wheeling Ave., on the first, third and if there is a fifth Thursday from 10-12 to quilt anddo other crafts. We make items to then sell to help purchase items for Community Day, and to supply the breakfast for that morning also. I noticed that the Wood Crafters that meet at the same time have an invitation for others to join them,and perhaps there would be people who would like to come and help make quilts and join the fellowship that goes along with it.
Questions, call 284-2545
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.
Dear Pastors:
WHO and WHAT
Palm Sunday is March 25, 2018. Riverside UMC in Muncie is once again coordinating a large order of palms to be delivered theweek before PalmSunday.
WHY
Americans purchase as much as $4.5 million worth of palms each year—mostly for church celebrations and events like Palm Sunday. Through conventional harvesting, very little of the profits from sales reaches the palm harvesters in Latin America and their communities. Through Eco-Palms, harvesters are paid a fair price for quality palms, which are harvested so as to protect the environment and the health of the palms. Eco-Palm communities also eliminate the middlemen, so more of the income stays within the community. Harvesters receive a five-cent premium on every palm, which they use to hire teachers, send children to school, support the elderly, and more! The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) partners with the University of Minnesota Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Management to make these Eco-Palms available.
The larger the order, the less each of ourchurches pay per palm. Last year’s average palm cost was $0.42 (including shipping) and prices have remained the same at Eco-Palm this year.
HOW & WHEN
Reply to or call the Riverside UMC office[288-4257]bynoon on Monday, February 26with your order. Your church office will be called for pick-up at Riverside when the palms are delivered betweenMarch 27and March 29 or you may want to coordinate an order in your cluster of churches. For more information visit
Thank you for considering this option.
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.
The Garden at Gethsemane UMC – has a supply of study curriculum that they would like to share with whomever wishes to have them. They will be available from the church office at 1201 W. McGalliard, Muncie, phone 765-284-6877, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The list follows.....
Staying in Love, Andy Stanley, 25 participants guides
I Will!, Thom S. Rainer, 4 books
Go Fish, Andy Stanley, 10 study guides
Not A Fan, Teen Edition, 4 study books, 11 journals
How to be Rich, Andy Stanley, 13 study guides, 2 DVD's
Jonah, Navigating a Life Interrupted, Priscilla Shirer, 48 study books, 1 kit/book & DVD

YOUTH MINISTRIES