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This story is from Dave Marty, pastor of the Faith Chapel UMC, located in rural Huntington District.  The church averages just over 100 attenders in worship each week.  What’s going on in your church’s mission field?  If you’d like to share with your sister congregations how God is moving, send your story to Ed Fenstermacher.  Here’s what Dave has to report…

What do the pregnant Mary and Elizabeth of the Christmas story have to do with congregational development?  And how does the "deep middle" of the redevelopment journey–a place of not knowing but of being open to and grounded in God’s love–relate?  Find out by reading the following article from the CourageousSpace October 2009 e-newsletter, which is reprinted with permission.

The following is the September 2009 "Background Data for Mission" article distributed by the General Board of Global Ministries Research Office and is reprinted by permission.

This is a photo of just a few of our growing number of Hispanic leaders in the Indiana Conference.  The Indiana Conference now has over 80 persons who have attended the Hispanic Module 1 course.  The course’s purpose is to equip leaders to help start new Hispanic/Latino faith communities and ministries.  Many of those trained are still involved in Hispanic/Latino ministry throughout the state. 

This past Sunday, Selma United Methodist Church successfully launched its Muncie-based Compass Church congregation with 160 people in attendance!  Of these, according to Selma UMC’s senior pastor Rev. Mark Ellcessor, fifty newcomers from outside the church’s existing launch team attended.  Here’s what the campus pastor, Jeff Ellis, had to say to his launch team this week…

MissionInsite is planning to change from 2008 data to 2009 data by next week.  The new data will also include projections to the year 2014.  Anyone a part of an Indiana United Methodist church can access this data 24/7 at no cost, thanks to underwriting by Church Development funds.  To become a registered user, follow the steps given below. 

Need help in navigating the site, producing or analyzing reports?  Consider attending a free one-hour on-line workshop with Ed Fenstermacher.  A "basic" class will be offered Oct. 28 and an "advanced" Nov 3.  He is also willing to bring the workshops to your church.

It’s not too late to register for the Module 1 Hispanic/Latino training course being offered by the conference Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at Southport UM Church in Indianapolis.  This will be especially helpful for churches interested in ministry with Hispanics/Latinos.

Module 1, a part of the United Methodist Church’s National Plan for Hispanic Ministry, is the first step for laity who are interested in becoming Hispanic “lay missioners” of the United Methodist Church.  Pastors can become “pastor mentors” who help lay missioners as they work with a Hispanic/Latino ministry in their church or community.  Module 1, however, is a great place for Hispanics and non-Hispanic laity and clergy to begin, whether or not they wish to become lay missioners or pastor mentors. 

If a person were to walk into your church could they quickly understand what its member expectations are?  Or does your church even have clear expectations? 

At Southwest Airlines, their expectations are so simple and concise that within a few minutes a bunch of UM Church Developers and I were able to recite them from memory.  They are to have 1) a WARRIOR SPIRIT, determined to fight against all odds to make something happen, 2) a SERVANT’S HEART, follow the golden rule, treat others with respect, be egalitarian, and 3) demonstrate a FUN-LOVING ATTITUDE.

What would your church be like if every member exhibited those three expectations? 

What can one person do to impact hunger in their community?  Elizabeth Abel, a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in Elkhart, proves that one person can do a lot–even when that person is ninety years old! 

If a church wants to raise the level of its members' commitment to its mission, it should take a close look at Southwest Airlines.  Yes, that's right, a secular business.

The following article is by Rev. Mark Ellcessor, senior pastor of Selma United Methodist Church.  The church is preparing to launch a new congregation targeting those living in northwest Muncie.  Funding, in part, is coming from a conference Church Development grant.  Is your church doing a similar outreach effort?  If so contact Ed Fenstermacher so he can share your story.  Here’s Mark’s …

Did you know that there are 50% more Hispanics living in Indiana today than there were when the last U.S. Census was taken in 2000?  How is your church reaching out to this growing population?  Not sure what to do?  Consider sending someone--or better yet a team--to a training event Oct. 29-Nov. 1.