Sunday morning, Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Jeremy and Ana Armiger and our friends at Parkview Wesleyan Church in Chesterfield, Indiana. After the morning service, I met with the LBA and then Sherry and I hosted the Armiger family for lunch. We are blessed to have this family as part of our district team.
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Parkview Church has experienced a significant transition in the past few years. The church has walked together through the death of their long-term and dearly-loved Pastor Paul Trent, through two effective interim pastors (Rev. Bob VanCise and Dr. Jim Lo), and then on to welcoming the Armigers. While the pandemic has slowed the momentum that they were experiencing, the church continues with prayer walks and community outreach.
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Most recently, Rev. Armiger and Dr. Lo led the effort to distribute 1000 candy canes and prayer cards to homes in the surrounding community. They celebrated 19 new professions of faith last conference year and baptized 15 new believers in the past 2 years. Change is never easy for any church. In fact, some churches would rather die than change. I’m grateful for changes that Parkview has been willing to make so far to regain their focus on making more disciples. Pray for God’s continued blessing as they make the Great Commission their first priority.

Sunday afternoon, I met with the LBA at Muncie Memorial Drive Wesleyan Church. They’re in a time of transition with Rev. Lee Miller stepping out to plant Crossover Church near the reservoir on the east side of Muncie. The LBA has secured a supply pastor to help with preaching. After a good time of discussion, we have planned a Local Church Conference for January 24 to allow for broader input from the membership as they consider options for the future. Pray that God will bless with direction and unity.

Yesterday morning, January 10, was the first church visit assignment for Dr. Jim Lo as the newest member of our district team. Dr. Lo visited with Pastor David Leitzel and the Hamilton Wesleyan Church family yesterday to bring greetings and encouragement from our district team. Dr. Lo shared a positive report from this first appointment.
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Rev. Seth Bye, who has been making church visits, will now be preaching each Sunday at Nehemiah Church through the spring and assisting them as interim pastor. Dr. Lo agreed to come alongside to help me with church visits through this spring season. With permission from the DBA, we’re developing a plan that will have a district coach like Dr. Lo, assigned to every pastor. Our district pastor coaches will visit a group of churches each year to preach or bring greetings, meet with the LBA, and visit with the pastor for encouragement and counsel. They will also be available for prayer and counsel to the teams of pastors with which they’ll be working.
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Leadership development, church revitalization, and church planting are the top three priorities for our district collaboration. I saw each of these partnership opportunities on full display last week. Saturday afternoon, Dr. Richard Schenck and the District Board of Ministerial Development for Region 2 met online for interviews with 4 ministerial candidates. The clergy and lay leaders who serve on our DBMD play a significant role in the preparation of those who are answering God’s call to ministry. In a given year, our DBMD members will serve as many as 100 candidates. We are grateful for their service!
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Church revitalization matters. Every church can become increasingly intentional, better aligned, and more effective in making disciples. One of the ways that our district team helps local church leaders is by facilitating StratOp events. StratOp is an opportunity for your leadership team to assess current realities and plan for the future potential that you sense God is initiating. Hartford City Wesleyan Church worked with Rev. Jason Tash last summer for their first round of StratOp planning. Last Tuesday evening, Jason was back for the plan review. It was encouraging to see the progress the team had made, even in a pandemic, by completing 9 of their short-term objectives.
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Church planting is the third key of our district collaboration. While almost any healthy church can plant a daughter congregation, one of the strengths of being part of a district is that we can do this together. Assistant DS Mike Colaw leads our team in Region 2 and took time last week to interview Lee Miller about the new church he’ll be planting. Mike shared the video with the Region 2 pastors. Every partnering church will be part of the story of Crossover Church. Together, we’ll be celebrating every new believer and every baptism.
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Speaking of baptisms, I was delighted to hear that Pastor Shane Wilson (Columbia City New Hope Wesleyan) and Pastor John Hannan (Union City CrossRoads) were able to connect last week to give and receive a blessing. New Hope Church had a portable baptistry that they were able to donate to CrossRoads Church. Pastor John and his team brought it back to Union City and set it up in time to celebrate two more baptisms this past Sunday. Thank you to Pastor Wilson and New Hope for their generosity. Praise the Lord for partnerships and lives being made new!
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Another exciting way churches can partner is in united prayer. Yesterday was the launch of “21 Days of Prayer” with Brookhaven Wesleyan, Lakeview Wesleyan, and The River Church partnering in this prayer initiative. Pastor Tony Bye, Pastor Chris Williams, and Pastor Matthew Trexler committed to working together to raise the prayer temperature in their congregations and community. There is power when we agree together in prayer!
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​Sherry joins me in expressing sincere condolences on behalf of the Crossroads District family to Rev. Dr. Joe Harmon (interim pastor at New Castle Memorial) on the passing of his mother, Anna Belle Fraker of Beckley, West Virginia. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Dr. Harmon and the extended family. https://www.roseandquesenberry.net/obituary/anna-fraker
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The Crossroads District and the Thrive Initiative of The Wesleyan Church have teamed up to provide a practical way to bless our pastors. You are running hard in ministry but, to sustain long-term effectiveness, you also need to rest well. Toward that end, we are making available a $475 grant towards a retreat of two nights or more. Learning resources and planning tools are provided to make this time as profitable as possible. When you complete your retreat, the Thrive Initiative has a $500 matching grant available with a second set of learning resources.

​If your church also elects to participate in this initiative (i.e. paying down ministerial student loans, topping up retirement, fitness equipment), additional matching funds up to $500 are available. For the first month, this opportunity is only available to the first 100 solo or senior pastors that sign up. This opportunity will be made available to assistant pastors starting February 2, 2021.

For more details, please follow this link:
​https://www.crossroadsdistrict.org/restwellinitiative.html

Thank you for making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, January 3, I had the privilege of bringing greetings from our district team and worshiping with Pastor John and Beth Hannan at CrossRoads Church in Union City. Many of you have been praying with John and Beth as they launched CrossRoads Church on September 27, 2020. While attendance has fluctuated with Covid-19, they’ve welcomed 34 last Sunday and have baptized 8 new believers since launch. They had two first time guests yesterday who filled out a connection card and expressed their desire to get to know Christ.

Pastor John and Beth are committed to expressing God’s love in practical ways. This Christmas they raised funds to bless a grandmother in their congregation. The frame in her car rusted through and the vehicle had to be scrapped. She still wanted to attend with her granddaughter so members of the church had been driving out to bring them. The church raised enough money to purchase a vehicle. Since the fundraising had been anonymous, even the grandmother had contributed to help with the project. Imagine her surprise when they gave her the keys to the car on Christmas Sunday morning.
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Few people would recommend trying to launch a church plant in the middle of the pandemic, but God is on the move as we answer His call into the harvest. Pastor Lee and Jennifer Miller are doing just that on the east side of Muncie. Rev. Miller has served effectively at Muncie Memorial Wesleyan for the past few years but sensed God’s call to reach out to the community where he and Jennifer live near the reservoir. God opened a door for them to hold launch team meetings and preview services in a former Boy Scout camp near the reservoir. This past Saturday, they hosted a sneak preview event that they shared on Facebook. Imagine how encouraged they were when more than 75 people showed up to learn more about Crossover Church. They will plan to continue building a launch team and holding preview gatherings this spring with a launch tentatively scheduled for August. Please keep our church planters in your prayers!
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Many of you who are leading in the local church can relate to Pastor Scott McDermid’s Christmas update from Six Points Wesleyan Church in Sheridan. He wrote: “This Christmas Eve did NOT go as planned. A few days before, we got word of several members who had attended the previous Sunday and now tested positive for COVID (they are doing fine) but due to an abundance of caution we decided to have our Christmas Eve services online only. This was disappointing (it is often one of our busiest services of the year and a great opportunity to have visitors) but our team did a great job creating an excellent online service. Over the past 10 months we have been buying, installing and upgrading our tech (equipment, software, internet speed…) and it all came together on Christmas Eve to allow the online viewer to see and hear all the parts of the service at home.”

The year 2020 confirmed that church is more than just meeting in a building. Pastor Rich Van Vuren shared that Shiloh Wesleyan Church, near Plymouth, reached out in a new way this last year. He wrote: “We have a large number of homeless and extremely needy people in the Plymouth area and responded by doing a drive through Thanksgiving dinner in November.  As a result of the Thanksgiving initiative a few ladies from our church were further burdened and spearheaded a Christmas Dinner initiative in which we dropped off over 200 meals to some of the higher homeless density areas of Plymouth and trailer parks.  We had over 20 volunteers all together.”
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The Crossroads District and the Thrive Initiative of The Wesleyan Church have teamed up to provide a practical way to bless you and your family. You are running hard in ministry but, to sustain long-term effectiveness, you also need to rest well. Toward that end, we are making available a $475 grant towards a retreat of two nights or more. Learning resources are provided to make this time as profitable as possible.
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The Wesleyan denomination’s Thrive Initiative has a $500 matching grant available when you complete the second learning journey. If your church also elects to participate in this initiative (i.e. paying down ministerial student loans, topping up retirement, fitness equipment), additional matching funds up to $500 are available. For the first month, this opportunity is only available to the first 100 solo or senior pastors that sign up. This opportunity will be made available to assistant pastors starting February 2, 2021.

For more details, please follow this link:
​https://www.crossroadsdistrict.org/restwellinitiative.html
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I’ve been encouraging our pastors to rest well and some of them have challenged me to do the same. Last week, Sherry and I enjoyed a two-day getaway with an overnight stay in Jasper, Indiana. Joel, our youngest son, and Christie, his wife, joined us for this adventure. The highlight of our trip was exploring Marengo Cave National Landmark. If you haven’t been there yet, add it to your list. One surprising fact was that this cave has often hosted worship services in one of the larger rooms. There is even a pulpit rock dedicated (1924) to Bishop H.H. Fout of the Indiana Conference Church of the United Brethren. I’d be glad to hear about your favorite places in Indiana to rest and recharge.
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There is no guarantee that 2021 will be any less challenging than 2020, but never doubt that God will prove Himself to be faithful again this year. The spiritual needs have never been greater and the Kingdom opportunities have never been more abundant. I am believing with you for a terrific year of ministry as we labor together here at the Crossroads of America. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians‬ ‭1:3-6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

P.S. – I encourage you to check out this helpful article from Dr. Dan Reiland:
​https://danreiland.com/5-steps-to-lead-strong-in-2021/

The regularly scheduled Crossroads District Team Update will return on January 4, 2021. Our office is closed this week to allow our district staff the opportunity to rest and connect with family.

I am hearing encouraging reports about our churches connecting and serving during Christmas week. We’re hoping to capture as many of those stories as possible in a special edition of our Team Update that we’ll share next Monday.

If you have a ministry report from your church that you would be willing to pass along for this special edition, please email a paragraph with the details and one or two pictures to office@crossroadsdistrict.org with subject line: “Christmas report.”

To be included, please send your report no later than 5 pm, Thursday, December 31.

The Crossroads District and the Thrive Initiative of The Wesleyan Church have teamed up to provide a practical way to bless you and your family. You are running hard in ministry but, to sustain long-term effectiveness, you also need to rest well. Toward that end, we are making available a $475 grant towards a retreat of two nights or more. Learning resources are provided to make this time as profitable as possible.

The Thrive Initiative has a $500 matching grant available with a second set of learning resources. If your church also elects to participate in this initiative (i.e. paying down ministerial student loans, topping up retirement, fitness equipment), additional matching funds up to $500 are available. For the first month, this opportunity is only available to the first 100 solo or senior pastors that sign up. This opportunity will be made available to assistant pastors starting February 2, 2021.

For more details, please follow this link:
​https://www.crossroadsdistrict.org/restwellinitiative.html
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​Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday, December 20, I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Thomas and Julie Beck at Larwill Wesleyan Church. Pastor Thomas has been serving LWC as a bi-vocational pastor since his initial appointment in 2000. Thomas and Julie are joined in this ministry by their son who runs the audio and their daughter who serves in the music ministry. Last conference year they averaged 25 in worship with 3 professions of faith. They have experienced the challenges of the pandemic but in-person ministry has continued through the year. I’m grateful for Pastor Beck and our many bi-vocational pastors who serve so faithfully and sacrificially.
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Last Monday, I was in Fishers to meet with Rev. Jon Wiest who leads discipleship consulting with Groundswell. Jon does a great job helping pastors and their leadership teams across the country to develop personal disciple-making ministries. After my meeting with Jon, I had the joy of stopping by to visit with Dr. Ed Hoover and to wish him a “Happy 93rd Birthday” on behalf of our district family.

Dr. Hoover has the distinction of having served on the district boards of both Indiana Central and Indiana North and on the Indiana District Conference that preceded them. In addition to the many significant ways he has served in our denomination across the years, Dr. Hoover played a key role in the forming of the Crossroads District. He is a great example and encourager to many of us.
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Monday evening, I joined the LAC (Local Advisory Committee) of Avon Nehemiah Church for a meeting via ZOOM. With the resignation of Pastor Ben Thomas, the church has been blessed by the interim ministry of Rev. Jim Bogear. Jim and Jerolyn Bogear have an expanding national ministry coaching leaders so I was grateful that Jim could make time to help us here. With the recommendation of Nehemiah Church’s LAC and the approval of our DBA, I have appointed Rev. Seth Bye to serve as supply pastor through the remainder of this conference. Seth will continue to serve on our district staff team but will be ministering at Nehemiah Church each weekend.
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On Tuesday, our district office staff and their spouses joined Sherry and me for our Christmas staff appreciation luncheon in Kokomo. Even without the pandemic, it has been a year of significant transition with Rev. Chris Williams moving into the lead pastor role at Lakeview Wesleyan Church and Mrs. Roxene Lo retiring. In addition to Seth continuing in his role, Hannah Searcy Brown and Rev. Carla Working have joined the team. They have enjoyed getting to know our team and are both a blessing to work with in our district office.

Tuesday afternoon, I connected with Rev. David Kelly about the ministry of Well Springs of Freedom in their Marion office. I am pleased to announce that we will be partnering with Well Springs to offer free sessions of prayer-guided counseling with their team for 25 of our pastors in the new year. Well Springs has generously provided the first five sessions and the Crossroads District will cover the cost for the next twenty. Pastors, you can learn more about this ministry and schedule your appointment in the Marion office through their website:
https://www.wellspringsoffreedom.com/

Wednesday was a snow day but ZOOM made it possible to connect with Rev. Rochelle and Travis Jenkins for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Rochelle and Travis have been planting a house church called “Circle City Church” in the Irvington area of Indianapolis. Rochelle is also an RN so this has been an extremely challenging year.

The snow day also allowed me to jump in on the Exponential webinar that featured our own Dr. Ed Love with a panel of experts discussing what church planting will look like as we emerge on the other side of this pandemic. It was very encouraging to hear the many ways that God is working even now to launch new Kingdom communities.
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I was back on the road Thursday for a lunch meeting with Rev. Clifton Ashlock in Anderson before heading on to Southview Wesleyan Church. Southview Wesleyan has been blessed by the ministry of Rev. Rick and Mary Matthews since 1983. With Rick’s coming retirement, the church is working through the pastoral search process for the first time in nearly four decades. The LBA is working prayerfully and diligently to prepare to launch their search process in January. Please join them in prayer for God’s direction in this important decision.
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Pastor Matthew Trexler, Assistant DS for Region 1, had a minor surgery on Friday that interrupted his plans to deliver Christmas gifts to Region 1 pastors. I was glad to become Santa’s helper and had the privilege of delivering gifts for Rev. Jeff Brady (Commoners Church), Rev. Mark Schnell (Albion), Rev. Matthew Stewart (Sweetser), and Rev. Allen Laws (Warren). Many of you will know Cheryl Laws has been undergoing treatments for cancer. I was honored to represent our team in prayer with Pastor Allen and Cheryl. Please continue to keep Cheryl and Allen in your prayers.

​My final stop of the day was with Rev. Paul Van Cise in Bryant. I was encouraged to hear how Bryant Wesleyan has been busy in the Christmas season. They helped a paraplegic neighbor with house repairs. They delivered gifts with fire trucks to the residents of County Home. Bryant Wesleyan also blessed an ALS patient in their town with a total of $17,000 contributed by the congregation and members of the community. I love hearing how God’s people are making a difference!
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Saturday morning, I joined the LBA at Lancaster Wesleyan Church for their regular meeting and the opportunity to interview a prospective candidate for their church. In the next 10 years, we will have a significant generational shift in our district with approximately 50% of our pastors retiring. I am thankful that God is at work through our churches in raising up young leaders to carry the torch and expand the Kingdom!

I finished up the week by completing my rounds as Santa’s (Trexler’s) helper. On Saturday afternoon, I dropped off gifts with Rev. Zack Working (Huntington Hope Rising), Rev. Bob McHenry (Marion Nelson Street), Rev. Brian Williams (Simms), Rev. Shawnda Dykhoff (Marion Brinker Heights), and Rev. Ben Parker (Fairmount Back Creek).

On Sunday afternoon, it was great to connect with Rev. Jarod Osborne (Warsaw Pathway), Rev. Aaron Lee (LaOtto Cultivate), Rev. Dave Leitzel (Hamilton), Pastor Kyle Horton (Fort Wayne Three Rivers), Rev. David Dignal (Edgerton), Rev. Kory Christensen (New Haven Impact), Rev. Rick Fletcher (Fort Wayne Lifeway), Rev. Aldean Pablo (Roanoke SEND Church), and Rev. Lyle Breeding (Bluffton Sonlight). It was my first chance to see Rev. Fletcher since his hospitalization. I am grateful for answered prayers for Pastor Rick!

Our prayers and sympathies are extended to the family of Mrs. Della Yaryan, mother of Rev. Randy Yaryan who pastors our Winchester Wesleyan Church. Family visitation and celebration of life have been scheduled for next week. Here’s the link for complete information:
​https://www.sprolesfamilycares.com/obituaries/Della-Yaryan/#!/Obituary
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Here’s a special opportunity for our pastors and those who love them. Earlier this year, The Barna Group surveyed pastors and found that half (51%) admitted they were tired. In the week prior to the survey, 40% admitted that they had felt exhausted or sad. More than 65% of the pastors said they had felt overwhelmed regularly in that month.

​I believe that God is powerfully working even as we move through this pandemic. There is a harvest coming and we must be prepared. To run hard, we need to rest well. The Crossroads District Board of Administration approved setting aside up to $50,000 for a “Rest Well Initiative” that we announced via email to our pastors on Saturday.

In summary, a pastor who successfully applies to the initiative can, after watching a video series on resting well, receive a grant of $475 for a minimum two-day renewal retreat with their spouse (if married). The goal is to come back with a plan for spiritual, emotional, and physical renewal in the coming year. Once the final video series is completed and the reflection report is submitted, the pastor will received a matching grant of $500 from our denomination’s THRIVE program to help fund that plan.

Local churches can also participate by assisting the pastor in this renewal project by investing up to $500 which will also be eligible for matching funds. With the district and local church each investing $500, the pastor would be eligible for a $1000 grant to be issued in June at our district conference. Church treasurers and the LBA vice chair of each church will receive the detailed information. Here’s the website link:
https://www.crossroadsdistrict.org/restwellinitiative.html

“But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” Isaiah 40:31

We are praying that our pastors will make time to get away and wait upon the Lord, so they can be renewed to lead us forward in these exciting days of Kingdom advance!

Special thanks to Rev. Seth Bye, our district THRIVE coordinator, and to Dr. Mark Rennaker and Rev. Johanna Rugh, denominational leaders for the THRIVE program, for their partnership in designing this “Rest Well Initiative.” We are also grateful to the Lilly Foundation for their generous investment in the well-being of our pastors.

Merry Christmas to you, your family, and your church!

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, December 13, I had the joy of worshiping and preaching at South Bend Sonlight Fellowship Wesleyan Church where Rev. Greg & Cheryl Holmes lead the ministry team. Pastor Greg is another of our dedicated bi-vocational pastors.
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Sonlight Fellowship has taken positive steps forward to address repairs to the building and has been able to continue gathering in person. Pastor Greg celebrated two baby dedications in the previous two weeks and welcomed another new member of their church family yesterday morning. After the service, Pastor Greg and I met with their leadership team. They have a strategic location to serve the South Bend community and are prayerfully considering some unique partnership opportunities in the new year.
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Sunday afternoon, I preached at Cielos Abiertos Iglesia Wesleyana in Elkhart. Rev. Eliorgy and Zoirata Guerrero have done a wonderful job planting this church. The initial core group was comprised of refugees from Venezuela. Pastor Geurrero’s many years of church planting and ministry leadership experience in Venezuela proved invaluable as he accepted the challenge of starting over from scratch.
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After the service, Pastor Guerrero shared the exciting news that God is calling them to plant again, this time in one of our Heartland Region districts. They believe God is opening a door for them in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the new year so I will be returning to Elkhart on January 31 to participate in a special commissioning service. Pastor Guerrero has equipped leaders who will be able to carry on the ministry in Elkhart. The best news of the day was that another couple is hearing God’s call to church plant. Pastor Ruben and Susana Santos have been discipling a few families in South Bend and are ready to step out in the new year to launch a worship gathering.

Tuesday morning, I attended the Wesleyan Village board meeting via zoom before connecting with our district staff for our weekly meeting at Abbey Coffee. I met with the staff at Hartford City Wesleyan Church on Tuesday afternoon as we prepared to host two Christmas Eve services. Tuesday evening, I joined in with many of you on the Global Partners ZOOM prayer call with Dr. Dennis Jackson, Dr. Wayne Schmidt, and Rev. David Horn. God is at work around the world, even in this pandemic. Dr. Jackson share the exciting news that close to 200 new Wesleyan churches have been planted globally in the past year.
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Wednesday morning, Dr. Mark Rennaker (Kokomo Southdowns Wesleyan) and I met at his home in Kokomo for our annual coaching conversation and then Rev. Joseph Park, (Lafayette Evergreen Wesleyan) and I met over lunch. The highlight of Wednesday afternoon was a Zoom call from General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt who was making prayer calls with every DS in preparation for the upcoming year of ministry. I am grateful for Dr. Schmidt’s example of intentional and faithful prayer for the leaders in our denomination.

Thursday morning, I enjoyed the opportunity to connect with Rev. Robert McHenry (Marion Nelson Street Wesleyan Church) for our annual coaching conversation. Dr. Steve DeNeff (Marion College Church) and I met for lunch and our coaching conversation. Thursday evening, I chaired the LBA meeting at Hartford City Wesleyan Church as we prepare to launch the pastoral search in the new year.

Friday morning, I met with Dr. Jim Lo who is such a valuable member of our Crossroads District team. In addition to his work with the DBMD, Dr. Lo leads our district intercessor ministry. Friday afternoon, I met with Dr. David Smith who is another valued member of our team. I’ve been blessed to work alongside Dr. Smith, first at Kingswood University and now here in the Crossroads District, for the past 10 years. These dear brothers have deeply impacted my life and so many of our pastors.

Saturday evening, I was able to connect over supper with Rev. Terry and Lennaire Vaughn, church planters of The Bridge Urban Church in South Bend. They have a powerful discipleship ministry with married couples and the ministry to single young adults continues, in spite of the challenges of meeting virtually. I am grateful for their leadership and excited to see what God has in store for The Bridge in the coming year.

We are praying this week with Fort Wayne Lifeway Church as their pastor, Rev. Rick Fletcher, continues to be hospitalized. Pastor Andy Jellison and the team are doing well at caring for the church in Rick’s absence, but we pray for a full and speedy recovery.

Rev. Dan Clark (Monon Wesleyan) continues his cancer treatments. Pastor Dan would be grateful for your continued prayer support for his health and for the Monon church.

Prayers are also requested for Rev. Randy Yaryan and the family of Mrs. Della Yaryan, his mother. The family shared the news via social media that Mrs. Yaryan’s health has taken a serious downturn and that they are placing her on comfort care.
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We’re praising the Lord this week with Rev. Dan Fisher and the team at Delphi Wesleyan Church. Pastor Dan shared the good news that three people prayed to receive Christ yesterday in their morning worship service and another testified to divine healing. We join them in rejoicing with these answers to prayer. God is on the move!

Keep on making a difference until Christ comes or calls us home. Maranatha!

​​Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

This weekend was a change of pace. On Friday morning, Sherry and I drove her father back to Mississippi for a family reunion. We made it in eleven hours and then enjoyed two days with her extended family before heading home on Monday morning. Sunday morning, December 6, I attended a special merging service of two congregations that Sherry’s dad, Rev. Bob Wilkerson, had pastored in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
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Rev. Austin Bishop, the pastor of Great Commission Church, the newly-created congregation from the merger, was a layman under Bob’s ministry. Austin, who was a professional sportswriter and active layman, sensed God calling him to pastoral ministry. Sherry’s dad encouraged him in that calling and Austin eventually became the pastor after Bob retired. You can imagine that it was a special joy for Rev. Wilkerson to celebrate the progress of this ministry under Pastor Bishop’s leadership.

Sunday evening, I had the chance to connect with Rev. Ryan Budde by phone and heard an encouraging report from Jonesboro Westview Wesleyan Church. Pastor Budde had the joy of dedicating a one-year-old child for a new family that began attending this past year. This was a new family that came to Westview Wesleyan through the church’s participation in Revive Indiana. Last week, the DBA approved the decision of Westview Wesleyan to move forward on several key projects around their facility with financing from the Wesleyan Investment Foundation. Pray that God continues to bless their efforts to share the Gospel in their community.
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Last Monday, I met with Rev. Richard Meeks for lunch in Fishers. Rev. Meeks was the DS in East Michigan District before they merged into the Great Lakes District. Richard and his wife now live in Indy where Richard has based his church consultation ministry. He is also available for pulpit supply. Rev. Scott Rhyno and I met with leaders at Northview Church to learn more about a campus development model that they’ve been working with to accelerate their expansion. Pastor Rhyno is providing transitional leadership to Waterline Church in Fishers. My last meeting of the day was on Zoom with the Pastor Search Team from Waterline Church. They’ve been diligently and prayerfully working through the search process and it’s been a joy to serve with them.
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Tuesday, I joined with Rev. Chris Williams and Rev. Matthew Trexler as they provided StratOp facilitation for Pastor Tony Bye and the team at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church. Pastor Tony has been proactive in using the StratOp process to facilitate planning at Brookhaven. This time around the primary focus was how to maximize their online ministry to both stay in touch with their existing congregation and to expand their connection with people who do not yet have a relationship with Christ and the church. We still have a few StratOp consultation dates available this spring. Please reach out to Seth Bye at the District office to see if this process could be a benefit for your team.
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Wednesday, I was on the road for coaching conversations. My first connection of the day was with Dr. Oliver Dongell at Plymouth Wesleyan Church before meeting with Rev. Rich VanVuren at Shiloh Wesleyan Church. My last coaching conversation for the day was with Rev. Jere Gowin who leads the Kingsford Heights Wesleyan Church. Every pastor with whom I meet is being stretched as they lead through the pandemic. Please pray for and do all you can to support our frontline minister leaders.

Thursday, our Crossroads District Board of Administration convened at College Wesleyan Church in Marion. Given Covid concerns we had a large enough room for physical distancing and a few members who joined us via Zoom. While the agenda was full, the highlights of our meeting were the three presentations from church planters who presented their project proposals. Our DBA approved each of these projects, all of which are in our Region 2 (led by Assistant District Superintendent Mike Colaw). You’ll be hearing more about these partnership opportunities as we move forward together. It’s going to take all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people here in Indiana, our corner of God’s harvest field. Have you considered church planting?
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​Here’s a special invitation for all pastors. The current crisis has accelerated the need for change, and it’s bringing great opportunities to multiply disciples. Join General Superintendent Wayne Schmidt and Dennis Jackson, Executive Director for Global Partners, on a 30-minute Zoom call this Tuesday December 8 at 2:30pm OR 8:30pm EST. They are inviting us to join them in looking back on God’s faithfulness and looking forward together — to mobilizing a global Kingdom Force! One that’s multigenerational, multiethnic, multieconomic, women and men, lay and clergy — and multiplies disciples from everywhere to everywhere!
​https://www.facebook.com/globalpartnersonline/posts/3994507483893609
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On a personal note, Sherry and I are delighted to announce that Rev. John Gorveatte and Rev. Lindsey Gorveatte, our son and daughter-in-law, surprised us last month with the exciting news that they are expecting their first child in May. John pastors Center Church in Byron Center, Michigan, and Lindsey serves on staff with Jeff Eckart’s team at Never the Same Camps. Grand-parenting is a brand new adventure for Sherry and me so we are welcoming advice from those of you who have already experienced this joy. In a time of so much loss and grief, I am grateful for God’s precious gifts of life.

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday, November 29, marked the first Sunday of Advent. I had the privilege of worshiping with Hartford City Wesleyan Church and bringing the morning message as we began. The congregation at HCWC is holding strong and serving their community through this difficult season. Several families in the congregation are impacted by the pandemic and the church is rallying together supporting one another in prayer.
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Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. While Christians can and should give thanks every day, there is something unique about the whole country being called by our president each year since 1789 to pause and give thanks to God. We gather and express our gratitude to God for His blessing on our families and our nation. It was a special joy this year for our family to welcome home all four children and their spouses. We also enjoyed our annual “Turkey Trot” in the form of a five kilometer run/walk through Upland.
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The year 2020 has been been unlike any other in my lifetime. The pandemic has taken more than 250,000 of our fellow citizens, nearly 6000 of those here in Indiana. In addition to the collective grief, our nation has been rocked by waves of economic disruption, racial injustice, and political division. The church has not been spared from the impact of these forces. Admittedly, some churches have struggled to find their footing but others have risen to the challenge and are experiencing God’s favor. Lives are being changed. New believers are being baptized. Faith is being strengthened and deepened. Just yesterday morning, four people responded to the invitation and gave their lives to Christ as Rev. John Hannan and Rev. Claudia Silva ministered together at Richmond Iglesia Casa del Alfarero. What a great time to be serving the Lord together!

Some of last week’s meetings were cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns but our Crossroads District staff was able to meet on Tuesday morning. I am thankful for this team and count it a blessing to work alongside Rev. Seth Bye (COO), Rev. Carla Working (DBMD), and Mrs. Hannah Searcy Brown (Executive Assistant/Ministry Partner) to serve our Crossroads District pastors and congregations.

The Crossroads District team joins me in expressing our sincere condolences on the November 24th passing of General Superintendent Emeritus, Dr. Earle L. Wilson. Our sympathy and prayers are lifted up for Sylvia, his dear wife of 65 years, to his brother Rev. Dr. Norman Wilson (member of the Crossroads District team), to his daughter Rev. Dr. Colleen Derr (president of Wesley Seminary and a member of our district ministerial team), and to the many other members of their extended family. The Wesleyan Church shared this note from his family: https://www.wesleyan.org/general-superintendent-emeritus-earle-wilson-passes-away

Our prayers and sympathies are also extended to Mrs. Nicole Trexler (wife of Rev. Matthew Trexler, The River Church in Marion) on the passing of her maternal grandparents, both of Covid-19. Her grandparents resided in Pennsylvania and passed away within three days of each other this past week. Nicole is the daughter of Rev. Roger and Brenda Freed.

Pastor Brad LeRoy (Harvest Community Church in McCordsville) is recovering from his surgery last week and expressed appreciation for the prayer support he has received.

Congratulations to Taylor and Amy Hulse on the birth of their twins, Corbin and Ellyana! Taylor serves as youth minister on Dr. Ollie Dongell’s team at Plymouth Wesleyan Church. If you’re familiar with Taylor and Amy’s journey, you’ll appreciate what a miracle these babies are. We are praising the Lord with them!

​This week’s schedule will include a StratOp consultation, coaching conversations and our December meeting of the Crossroads District Board of Administration. Thank you again for your prayers and partnership as we work together in His harvest field.

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, I had the joy of worshiping at Anderson United Wesleyan Church. Rev. Joe Jackson leads the overall ministry, assisted by Rev. Nick Wilson. Rev. Adriana Zarate and Rev. Nicholas Zarate lead the Hispanic congregation. I had the privilege of preaching to the combined congregation with Rev. Jarvis Ferguson translating the sermon and other proceedings. Anderson United offers simultaneous services on Sunday morning, one in English and one in Spanish. During the sermon time, the children and youth breakout into a shared ministry of discipleship classes. The highlight of yesterday morning was the baptism of three new believers from the Hispanic congregation. Pray that God will continue to bless this unique ministry partnership.
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Sunday afternoon, I traveled north to meet with the members of Albion Wesleyan Church. Rev. Mark and Sharie Schnell, who commute from Marion, have been a blessing to this congregation. They were planning to conclude their ministry there last spring but agreed to continue serving the church through this pandemic. The meeting was hosted by Brian Frisk, another of the many exceptional lay leaders in our district. Pray that God will grant wisdom and unity as they move forward together.
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Last week’s schedule was a little different. Two of the boards with which I serve were scheduled to meet. Due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, the General Board of The Wesleyan Church met online. The Executive Committee met via Zoom on Monday evening and then the full board met on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Board of the Wesleyan Bible Conference Association was meeting in person at Brooksville, Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday morning. I traveled to Brooksville on Sunday evening and returned home on Wednesday afternoon.

​Both meetings were productive but the most newsworthy development is that General Conference has now been postponed until 2022. The uncertainty of travel restrictions into and within the USA, along with likely financial penalties from the convention center and hotels, argued in favor of this delay. Pray for General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt and his team as they navigate these challenging decisions.
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I was back in the office on Thursday and then in Pendleton on Friday morning to meet with a pastor who is transferring into our denomination and preparing to church plant. Friday evening, Sherry and I had the honor of hosting pastors and spouses from Region 1 South Zone 2 for an evening of fellowship and prayer. There’s nothing quite like the fellowship that ministerial colleagues share as we share our joys and lift one another’s burdens. Special thanks to Rev. Mark Atkinson, our zone chair, for coordinating our evening together.
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Saturday morning, I met with Interim Pastor Dr. Bob Hallett and the leadership team at Lancaster Wesleyan Church. Dr. Hallett has provided positive transitional leadership for the LWC team as they prepare to launch their pastoral search. I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Hallett in the future with other churches in transition.

God is on the move in exciting ways across our district team. Three more church planting projects are moving toward DBA approval next month. Let’s continue to pray that God will raise up and send out dozens of church planters to help us reach the 3 million people without Christ in our state.

We are also rejoicing with the reports of lives being made new. In addition to the three baptisms at Anderson United, I received word of 21 more baptisms this past weekend. Campus Pastor Ryan VanMatre reported 5 baptisms at the LifeSpring Church South Campus. Rev. Rick Fletcher reported 3 baptisms as Lifeway Church in Fort Wayne with another profession of faith. Rev. Chris Williams reported 5 baptisms at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. Rev. Logan Patriquin reported 8 baptisms and two more professions of faith at The Branch Wesleyan Church in Lafayette. Lives are being made new! Heaven is rejoicing and so are we!
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Our sympathies and prayers are extended to Rev. Steve Cunnington and his family on the passing of Wanda, beloved wife and mother. The Cunningtons retired after 39 years of faithful service in the Crossroads District, most recently at Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church. Pastor Ed Friberg conducted the graveside service and Rev. Cunnington expressed his appreciation for the way the Plymouth Wesleyan Church ministered to their family.

Our sympathies and prayers are also extended to Assistant Pastor Elizabeth Rhyno (Waterline Church) on the passing of her mother, Vivian Hill, last week after an extended illness. Elizabeth was able to be with her mother and father in Canada for these last difficult months. Pray for Pastor Elizabeth as she prepares to return to Indiana later this week.

We also extend our sympathies and prayers to Rev. Dr. Colleen Derr, President of Wesley Seminary, on the passing of Dixie Derr, her mother-in-law. Dixie Derr is also the grandmother of Megan Cox, who serves as Assistant Pastor at New Journey Community (Wesleyan) Church in Wabash. Other family members have also been hospitalized. Please remember the Derr family in your prayers.

In addition to those who have lost loved ones, this season is especially difficult for our health care professionals. Three of our Marion churches, Brookhaven, Lakeview, and The River, gathered at Marion General Hospital on Wednesday evening. In addition to providing this prayer support, the churches also combined to provide care packages for the nursing staff who are going the second and third mile in their service to others.
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Pastor Allen Laws (Warren Wesleyan Church) is requesting prayer for Cheryl, his wife. Cheryl was hospitalized first in Huntington and has now been transferred to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Our district office will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday and Friday, but our pastors can call me directly if I can help in some way. We are praying that this will be an especially meaningful Thanksgiving Day in the light of these unique and challenging days. Atlantic DS Rev. Peter Moore, my friend and colleague, shared this thoughtful reminder from C.S. Lewis: “We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

​Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, November 15, I had the privilege of worshiping at College Wesleyan Church in Marion and bringing greetings in both morning services on behalf of our Crossroads District team. Dr. Steve DeNeff and his team minster with excellence and intentionality. Between the two morning services, Pastor Steve and I met with their Local Board of Administration. They are, like other churches across our district team, seeking God’s wisdom to navigate through the uncertainties of this pandemic. College Wesleyan just celebrated 125 years of ministry on the south side of Marion. Their newest project, an expansion of the JC Body Shop facility, will provide exceptional space for youth and community outreach programs. I am grateful for Pastor Steve’s exemplary leadership and our partnership in ministry with College Wesleyan Church.
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Sherry and I were invited to celebrate an early Thanksgiving dinner yesterday afternoon with the congregation of Hartford City Wesleyan Church. Mrs. Velvet Haisley and her team from “The Branch” in Fairmount catered the delicious meal. Lake Placid Christian Conference Center provided space enough for distancing. Thank you to John Bonham and the wonderful staff and volunteers at HCWC who put this event together.
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Yesterday, Dr. Lo, who serves as Prayer Ministry Coordinator for our Crossroads District team, ministered in Lancaster Wesleyan Church. Dr. Lo preached in the morning services and then taught an afternoon seminar on prayer walking as part of the evangelism strategy of the church. Dr. Lo ministered on prayer and spiritual warfare in several of our churches this fall (The River Church, Bryant Wesleyan, Lafayette Evergreen) and has a few dates left open for the spring. I appreciate the many ways that Dr. Jim and Roxene Lo invest in our Crossroads District leaders and churches.

Last Monday, I met with Pastor Jeff Brady for an update on the Commoners House Church planting mission. Jeff is also helping provide interim ministry at Level 13 Church during this time of transition. Pastor Mark Atkinson and I met in the afternoon. It is amazing to see the progress that he’s making in his recovery. Pray that God continues to bless him with health and strength.

Tuesday morning, I joined Dr. Schmidt and several other district superintendents for a Zoom call and then headed over to Winchester to meet with Pastor Randy Yaryan for our annual coaching conversation. I swung back through Hartford City for staff meeting before finishing up the day in Huntington.

Hope Rising Church has been working through an intentional revitalization plan that included becoming a developing church for a season. Under the leadership of Rev. Zack Working and Rev. Carla Working, the church has made incredible progress. Last year they had 24 baptisms and averaged 108 in worship. They are consistently running over 100 this fall and are ready to move from developing status into established church status. It was great to meet with their leadership team and work through that next step.
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Wednesday morning, I met with Rev. Craig Thurmon, pastor of The Encounter Assembly and our district treasurer. We connected at Wesleyan HQ to review our midyear progress with the team from Shared Accounting Services, a ministry of the General Treasurer’s office. Our midyear USF collection rate came in at 93% of assessment and we are operating within our budgeted expectations. Thank you to every leader who continues to make our shared stewardship a priority.

Rev. Barry Dixon (Indianapolis Calvary Family Church) and I met at his office for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Barry also serves on our district board of administration. I value his experience and wisdom as we minister together.

Rev. Jim Weinmann (Indianapolis Evanston Avenue) and I met at Wesleyan HQ where Jim also serves on the team in Wesleyan Publishing House. Jim is another of our faithful bi-vocational pastors. In addition to his other responsibilities, Jim serves as a volunteer chaplain with the Lawrence Police Department.

My last coaching conversation of the day was with Rev. Darrel Herring who serves as supply pastor for Indianapolis Central Wesleyan Church. Pastor Darrel was rejoicing with a new believer who came to Christ on the previous Sunday and another who came back to Christ after many years away. Praise the Lord for lives being #madenew!
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Thursday morning, I met with Pastor Matthew Ohime (Hamlet Davis Wesleyan) for our annual coaching conversation. In addition to leading the turnaround and remodeling project at Davis Wesleyan, Pastor Ohime has answered the call to provide leadership in establishing a resource center for homeless people in nearby Knox. God has granted Pastor Matt favor with community leaders like Bob, a local restaurateur, and miraculously provided a free building that we were able to tour together.

​Thursday evening, I was at Southview Wesleyan Church, our southernmost congregation, to meet with their Local Board of Administration to begin conversations about succession planning. Rev. Rick and Mary Matthews have been a blessing as they’ve served here at Southview Wesleyan since 1983.

My last event of the week was in Warsaw. Sherry and I hosted pastors and their spouses from Region 1 North Zone for our annual fellowship time. Our group was smaller with last minute changes but we had a delightful evening with these team members.

We were saddened to receive news last week of the passing of Mrs. Cheryl (Placeway) Boss, wife of Rev. Paul Boss, on November 12. Before retiring in 2015, Rev. Boss served as pastor for Greentown Wesleyan Church and Assistant District Superintendent of the Indiana Central District for more than 20 years. A private family service will be conducted on Wednesday, November 18, in Owosso, Michigan. Our sympathies and prayers are extended to Rev. Boss and Cheryl’s family.
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Rev. Mike and Leslie Colaw are delighted to announce the newest addition to their family last week. Miss Julia arrived safely on Friday morning, November 13. Rev. Colaw pastors Indianapolis Trinity Wesleyan Church and serves as our Assistant DS for Crossroads Region 2. We celebrate this joyous occasion with the Colaw family and welcome Julia to the Crossroads District family!
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​The Covid-19 pandemic continues to provide leadership challenges for us all. Some of our churches may decide that discontinuing in-person services is the wisest course of action in their unique context, but the state of Indiana is not prohibiting any church from holding public worship gatherings. If you are able to provide spatial distancing through seating arrangements and/or multiple services, if you will encourage and provide masks, and if you can care for the necessary sanitizing between services, please know that you are providing an essential service to your congregation and community with our full support.

Let’s pray for and encourage each other as we work together to reach the 3 million here in Indiana, in our corner of His harvest field.

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, November 8, I was delighted to worship with Pastor Scott McDermid and the team at Sheridan Six Points Wesleyan Church. This was my first time to be back at Six Points since Scott became pastor and it was encouraging to see the progress they’ve been making even in the middle of this pandemic. Scott is joined on staff by Andrew Colaw whose responsibilities include youth and worship. Following the morning service, Pastor Scott and I joined the members of their Local Board of Administration for a brief meeting. I am grateful for Pastor Scott, Nicole, and their family. They are new to The Wesleyan Church but are making a wonderful contribution as they lead at Sheridan Six Points.
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Sunday afternoon, I was blessed to worship with Rev. Nicolas Zarate and Rev. Adriana Zarate at the congregation at Rey de Gloria in Noblesville. Pastor Adriana brought an encouraging message from 2 Kings 5 on Elisha and the healing of Naaman. We are grateful to God for the rapid recovery of health that Nicolas has experienced. In addition to leading this ministry as part of the Circle of Hope network, Adriana and Nicholas pastor the Hispanic congregation at United Wesleyan Church in partnership with Rev. Joe Jackson.
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On Monday, the Crossroads District staff met at HQ in Fishers and hosted a lunch meeting with members of the Wesleyan Shared Accounting Services team. General Treasurer Kevin Batman and his team are providing bookkeeping and accounting services for several district and affiliated nonprofit organizations. We appreciate Kevin and his team members for their effective service to our district’s congregations.
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Monday evening, Seth and I hosted the three Regional Assistant District Superintendents for a supper meeting in Fishers. Matthew Trexler (Region 1), Michael Colaw (Region 2), and Chris Williams (Region 3) are a blessing to our pastors through regional gatherings, leadership cohorts, and consulting with their pastors on variety of local church challenges.
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Tuesday was Election Day and I took the opportunity to join with my neighbors voting at Upland Community Church. Thank you for all of you who voted and especially for the extra prayer focus that many of you gave to this election.

Tuesday afternoon I connected with Pastor Johnnie Blair and his team at Tipton Trinity. Michael (Woody) Wood helped me record a video to congratulate Rev. Dr. Richard Waugh, retiring National Superintendent, and the New Zealand Wesleyan Methodist Church on their 20th Anniversary. I had the joy of serving with Richard and the NZWMC team on several occasions as they were launching out and developing resources for church planting. Dr. Waugh is stepping aside after 18 years in national leadership to give priority to leading East City Wesleyan Church where our own Josh Bowlin (from Marion Chapel Pike) serves on the pastoral staff. Rev. Brett Jones was elected as the new National Superintendent and installed by Dr. Waugh, National Superintendent Emeritus.
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Wednesday morning, I met with Rev. Ryan Budde at Jonesboro Westview Wesleyan Church for our annual coaching conversation. It was good to catch up with Pastor Ryan and to meet Nick Reynolds, their newest staff member, who is leading their children’s ministry. Ryan and Shelby, his wife, came to Westview after graduating from Olivet Nazarene University and serving at Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis.

Wednesday afternoon, I met with Pastor Jeff Luedtke for our coaching conversation at Fairmount Wesleyan Church’s own coffee shop, The Branch. In addition to his leadership role at the church and coaching basketball at Mississenawa, Jeff serves on our district board of administration. Dr. Amy Luetke has joined the pastoral staff, with a focus on Congregational Care and Connections, and Sydney Feree, youth ministry director, is the newest member of their team.

My last meeting on Wednesday was in Muncie with Mike Hewitt, our district’s multiplication champion, who was excited to introduce me to another prospective church planter. After our meeting, I dropped in to greet the Rising Hope staff at their weekly supper meeting. They have a great team!
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Thursday morning I was in Columbia City to meet with Pastor Shane Wilson (Columbia City New Hope) for our coaching conversation and then Pastor Thomas Beck (Larwill Wesleyan Church) and I met for our coaching conversation over lunch. Dr. Wayne Schmidt hosted an online meeting for district superintendents on Thursday afternoon that I was able to join by phone. My last meeting on Thursday evening was with the leadership team at Albion Wesleyan Church. Rev. Mark and Sharie Schnell have done a great job ministering to the AWC team through the pandemic. They will not be planning to continue after the end of this conference year so it was good to visit with the AWC about possibilities for the next chapter of their ministry. I’ll be returning to Albion later this month for a congregational meeting.

Friday morning, I was blessed to represent our Crossroads District team at the celebration of life service for Mrs. Melody Barlow, wife of Rev. William (Bill) Barlow. Rev. Jeremy Armiger, pastor of Chesterfield Parkview Wesleyan Church, conducted the service and family members shared loving tributes. Together, Bill and Melody pastored churches in the Crossroads District and also serve at World Gospel Mission. Please remember Bill and the Barlow family in your prayers.

Friday afternoon, I met Rev. Mike Schultz (Indy Trinity East campus pastor) regarding his work with bridging the racial divide. Mike has already seen God bless his initiatives in Rapid City, South Dakota, and in Muskegon, Michigan. It was also good to hear how God is at work on the Trinity East campus.

Saturday morning, I joined in on for the online meeting with Josh Delph (chair), Angela Spangler (Executive Director), and the board of trustees for Fairmount Camp. The camp staff have had a major challenge this year with Covid-19 closing most of their activities. They’ve responded well and were able to make adjustments to still host some events including 60 people for their Married Couples Retreat. The camp is still available to host events with limited capacity this winter and would welcome an opportunity to work with your groups.
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Nothing brings more joy to our team than celebrating with our local churches who are seeing lives being made new by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Muncie Rising Hope Church was praising the Lord with three people who planned to be baptized yesterday morning and then rejoiced with one more new believer who stepped forward to public profess his faith in Christ. Pastor Mike Hewitt is pictured here with their youth ministry leaders Derric and Bree Gowan and the first three teens who were baptized.
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Pastor Mark Atkinson is enjoying being back in the pulpit and leading the team at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church. He is preaching a series of messages entitled “I Want to Go to Church.” The highlight of this weekend was the five people who were baptized as a public declaration that their lives were being made new by God’s grace!
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We continue to have several pastors in our district team recuperating from surgery and illness. Pastor Dan Clark (Monon Wesleyan Church), Pastor Steve Arnett (New Castle Mount Zion), Mrs. Cheryl Laws (Warren Wesleyan Church pastor’s wife), Rev. Ervin Webster (Indianapolis Saint Stephen’s), Rev. Alan Downing (Frankfort Connecting Point), Rev. Tony Bye (Marion Brookhaven), and Rev. Seth Bye (Crossroads staff) are among those in need of prayer this week. Thank you for carrying one another’s burdens in prayer!
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​Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent