Sunday, December 1, Pastor Dan Fisher and the team at Delphi Wesleyan Church welcomed me to worship with them and bring the morning message. Pastor Dan and Amy have served this congregation since 2007 and the past few years have been some of the most fruitful. Last year, with an average worship attendance of 54, they baptized 11 new believers. Pastor Dan’s ministry focuses is on practicing prayer and preaching holiness.
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On Monday, December 2, I was back in Marion for a planning meeting with our district staff. I dropped in at Muncie Rising Hope Church on Monday night as Pastor Michael Hewitt and their growing young adult ministry hosted an evening of worship and prayer for Ball State University students. It’s encouraging to see our churches ramping up their ministry with young adults.
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​Tuesday, I was on the road to meet with Rev. Aldean Pablo in Fort Wayne and then traveled on to Hamilton to connect with Pastor David Leitzel for our annual coaching conversation. Then, on Wednesday morning, Rev. Steve Arnett (New Castle Mt. Zion) and I met in Muncie for our coaching conversation. It was good to hear about Pastor Steve’s recent well-deserved sabbatical.

The homegoing celebration for Rev. Herb Mohler was held in Marion at noon on Wednesday. Rev. Mohler was a beloved pastor for 26 years and our District Secretary for the Indiana North District for 20 years. Pastor Ron Forsythe conducted the service and Pastor Steve Colter brought the comforting message from God’s Word.

My last stop on Wednesday was a coaching conversation with Rev. Michael Gallant, pastor of Mt. Etna Community Life Church. Pastor Mike has announced his retirement and is leading well in this year of transition. Here’s the job posting if you know of candidates:
​https://secure.wesleyan.org/job/frame/9494

​Thursday morning, I dropped in on Dr. Chris Williams and the monthly leadership cohort for area pastors that he hosts at Lakeview Wesleyan Church. I was reminded again of the truth that “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Pastor, if you’re not yet in a leadership cohort but want to take advantage of these growth opportunities, please reach out to our district office.
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Thursday afternoon, your Crossroads District Board of Administration met for our last quarterly meeting of the calendar year. We had a full agenda but the highlight was hearing from our Pastor Janiel Caraballo who leads The Exit Church in Anderson, our most recent church plant.

It was exciting to hear how God is at work changing lives through this new congregation. Thank you to each of our pastors and churches that are investing financially and supporting our Crossroads District church planters in prayer.
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More than 150 pastors and their spouses joined us at Indiana Wesleyan University on Saturday morning for our district Christmas fellowship. In addition to a tasty brunch and encouraging fellowship, we enjoyed a private concert with Conductor David Chin and the IWU Chorale. Another highlight was the awarding of seven $1000 scholarships for pastoral couples to attend the Harvest Foundation Retreat in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic next October.
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Sunday morning, December 8, I had the opportunity to worship with Rev. Matthew Trexler and the team at The River Church in Marion. This has been our home church since we moved to Upland back in 2017 and Sherry serves on their local board of administration. These are exciting days at The River Church with attendance at their two campuses (Chesterton and Marion) regularly surpassing 1600 this fall.
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This coming Saturday is their annual “Big Give” which provides a Christmas meal and all the trimmings for 1250 families. They continue to rejoice in changed lives with eight more baptisms on the previous weekend. The next big step of faith at The River Church is opening a new campus on the east side of Grant County where they’ve had over 1200 people attend at least once in the past 7 months.
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We love to share baptism stories as they come in from across our district team. Pastor Rob Tippey and the team at New Journey Church in Wabash celebrated five more baptisms on the first Sunday of December!
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Pastor Joe Jackson and the team at Anderson United Wesleyan Church celebrated two more baptisms yesterday. These are two more young men who came to Christ through United Wesleyan’s Upward Soccer program. Praise the Lord!
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Pastor Nathan Richardson and the team at Indianapolis Southview Wesleyan Church were also celebrating yesterday as two more new believers stepped out to publicly declare their faith in Jesus Christ through obeying His command to be baptized. God is on the move!
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​Make plans now to join with hundreds of churches across America in the upcoming 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting hosted by the Church of the Highlands. The dates are set for January 5-25. They have freely provided an incredible treasure of resources for churches and individuals who will be joining in this annual prayer focus. Here’s the link:
​https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/resources
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May God’s goodness overwhelm you, your church, and your loved ones in this Advent season!

​Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!

God has been so good and we have so much for which to be grateful. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5
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Sunday morning, November 24, Pastor Seth Bye and the team at 317Church in Avon welcomed me to bring greetings and the message from God’s Word in their 11 a.m. service. These are exciting days at 317Church as they prepare to welcome 20+ families moving into the new homes being built adjacent to their property. Earlier this month, Pastor Seth and his team of 43 volunteers welcomed more than 500 people to their property for a community festival. They also baptized two new believers on November 3!
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On my way to 317Church, I was able to drop in on Rev. Scott and Rev. Elizabeth Rhyno at Waterline Church. Waterline is making full use of the new facility in Pendleton. This Sunday, they hosted two services with families and friends gathering at tables for worship, teaching, and a delicious meal. (If you look closely, you can find at least 5 ordained ministers in this one photo. You’ll have to look closely to find Dr. David Swisher but he’s there.)
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On my way back from Avon, I dropped in at The Exit Church. Janiel and Leana Caraballo launched this new ministry this fall after a year of residency at Rising Hope Church in Muncie and in partnership with Living Hope Church (formerly Central Wesleyan) in downtown Anderson. One of the unique features of this ministry is that Janiel preaches in Spanish and English, translating thought by thought. Pray as The Exit Church reaches out to the increasingly diverse community in Anderson.
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Last week’s schedule included coaching conversations with pastors from Fort Wayne (Rev. Mike Henry), Cicero (Rev. Allen Gross), Gas City (Rev. Brent Miller), and Greentown (Rev. Eric Roemer). We are blessed with so many gifted and dedicated pastors!

I also met with three different LBA (Local Board of Administration) teams last week concluding with the team at New Carlisle Wesleyan Church on Wednesday evening in preparation for their upcoming pastoral vote. I dropped in for a prayer time with Pastor Trexler and the LBA at The River Church in Marion on Monday night before heading on to meet with the LBA at Sweetser Wesleyan Church. Sweetser is moving forward with Dr. Aaron Perry providing exceptional leadership as their interim pastor. Pray for them as they prepare to launch their pastoral search process in the spring.
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The four district superintendents of the Heartland Region (Rev. Les Crossfield from Greater Ohio, Rev. Aaron Sherman from Kentucky/Tennessee, and Rev. Doug Preston from Indiana South) convened in Cincinnati on Thursday. It was good to catch up with these colleagues and to hear the encouraging reports of God at work across our region.
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Saturday morning I was back on the road to help host our initial Crossroads District Chaplains Fellowship in Kokomo. Rev. Bob Burchell is graciously serving as chair and Rev. Jeff Brady is serving as secretary. We have 11 men and women appointed by the district to full-time chaplaincy in a variety of settings from hospitals to prisons. We also have a growing number of ministers serving in part-time paid or volunteer chaplain roles. The next gathering of this team will be on February 22 in the Marion area. Reach out to the district office and we can pass along your name to be included in this group.
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Pastor Tim Becker and his team at Elwood Main Street Wesleyan Church celebrated 2 baptisms yesterday. Praise God for these two young men who took this step of obedient faith!
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Pastor Marc Ulrich and the team at ReThink Church in Merrillville are celebrating the stories of six new believers who were baptized on Sunday. Pastor Marc shared some of those powerful redemption stories when we spoke on the phone. God is on the move in Merrillville!
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Rev. Chris Taylor and the team at Plymouth Wesleyan Church celebrated 8 baptisms last week (7 of the candidates pictured above). This has been an exciting season of growth at Plymouth Wesleyan Church and we join them in giving thanks to God for His faithfulness.
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Last Sunday, November 17, was another day of celebration at ONE Church in Westfield as Pastor Andy Riermersma and his team baptized two new believers. Pray with the ONE Church team as they work on their transition to the new YMCA beginning in January. If you have unchurched family members or friends in Westfield, please let them know about ONE Church.
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The young lady pictured above with Pastor Noah Farmer was baptized on Sunday. She made the special effort to invite 19 family members and friends who came to witness her public profession of faith at Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City. Praise the Lord!
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Congratulations to Rev. Alexander and Rebecca Henry on the arrival of Micah David Henry. Micah’s father, Alexander, is assistant pastor at Elwood Main Street Wesleyan Church and Micah’s grandmother is Rev. Michele Henry who serves on staff at Marion Brookhaven Wesleyan Church. Exciting days ahead for the Henry family!
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​Please lift up Rev. Scott Miller (Anderson Lone Oak Wesleyan Church) in your prayers for a full and speedy recovery. Pastor Scott was injured in a traffic accident last week that required surgery, but we’re pleased to report that he was released on Saturday to recover at home. Rev. Harvey Herring, one of our beloved retired ministers, continues to need prayer for a serious physical need.

Pastors and spouses, we can’t wait to see you next Saturday, December 7, for our Christmas Fellowship Brunch at Indiana Wesleyan University. In addition to sharing fellowship over a meal together and enjoying a private concert with the IWU Chorale featuring your Christmas favorites, there will be some very special door prizes. We’ll see you at 10 am!

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

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

P.S. Like many of you, Sherry and I will be traveling to be with family this week. I’ll be working today (Monday) but am taking vacation to be out of the office until next week. (The Team Update will not be published next Monday, December 2.)

This young man, Rev. Joseph Park, has been pastoring Evergreen Wesleyan Church in Lafayette for 50 years! That’s the current record in our district and Pastor Joe just keeps on going strong. I had the privilege of bringing greetings from our Crossroads District team and preaching. Last year this congregation averaged 60 in worship attendance with 11 professions of faith. They continue to have a strong commitment to world missions and community impact.
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Following the morning service, I met briefly with the LBA (Local Board of Administration) and then hosted Pastor Joe and Nancy for a delightful conversation over lunch. They were headed back to the church for the food pantry that serves more than 100 families.

Rev. Grace Lopez, Assistant District Superintendent for Hispanic Ministries, brought together leaders from several of our Hispanic congregations on Saturday night, November 16. Dr. Rich and Rev. Carol Schenck, pastors of Circle of Hope Church in Noblesville, welcomed this passionate group of more than 250 Wesleyans and their pastors from across our district. The youth group from Monte de Sion shared a drama skit while worship teams from Frankfort and a combined team (Westfield ONE Church, Indianapolis Trinity and Avon 317Church) led us in singing.
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Another highlight of the evening was the special recognition of Dr. Norman Wilson who completed 50 years of ordained ministry in The Wesleyan Church. Many of those years were devoted to serving among and advocating for our Spanish-speaking Wesleyan brothers and sisters. We also welcomed Daniela Cabriales, the newest credentialed Hispanic leader in our district team. Pastor Daniela and her family just completed their move from Wisconsin to join Pastor Zach Working at Hope Rising Church in Huntington.
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Monday morning, I was back in Marion for the weekly meeting with our district office staff. The Women in Ministry cohort was together at The River Church so I dropped in on the way. Rev. Carla Working usually facilitates these meetings but she was hosting another meeting at Wesleyan HQ, so Rev. Angela Spangler led the session as the ladies continued their study of best practices in preaching.
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On Tuesday, Rev. Cathy Howie hosted a luncheon with some of the residents she leads at Trinity Wesleyan Church. This was a sharp group and I was encouraged to hear that Pastor Mike Colaw and Trinity will be doubling the number of residents and interns in the next cohort.
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​Rev. Don Bayne (New Carlisle Wesleyan) and I met in South Bend on Tuesday afternoon in preparation for his upcoming pastoral vote. Then Pastor Terry Vaughn (The Bridge Urban Church) and I met for an update on the new church planting project coming to the Fountain Square neighborhood in Indianapolis. Please keep this exciting project in your prayers!

Wednesday, Rev. Andy Jellison (pastor at Lifeway Church) and I met in Fort Wayne for our annual coaching conversation. My final stop of the day was in Winchester. For 20 of the past 22 years, Rev. Randy and Carol Yaryan have been hosting an afterschool VBS as a follow-up to their Halloween outreach. They held the closing session on Sunday morning with 48 in attendance, including 27 children who had perfect attendance for the week!
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Thursday, I was back in Marion for lunch with a married couple who are exploring the next steps in their ministry service. I finished up the day in LaOtto at Cultivate Church. Pastor Aaron Lee and his LBA (local board of administration) welcomed me to their monthly meeting. It was good to thank them for their partnership in our district team and to work with them in preparation for the upcoming pastoral vote this spring.
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Saturday morning, Sherry joined me as we welcomed our Indianapolis area pastors and their spouses for our fellowship brunch. This was the third gathering for the conference year (Warsaw in September, Fairmount in October). Rev. Scott and Rev. Elizabeth Rhyno hosted us in the new facility in Pendleton which is now home to Waterline Church. We enjoyed the food and door prizes but the real value was in our fellowship and prayer time.
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Our next time together as the Crossroads District pastoral team will be our Christmas gathering at Indiana Wesleyan University on Saturday, 10 a.m., December 7. The RSVP invitations have been sent to pastors by email so please reserve your seats today.

We love sharing the stories of God working in our churches and people publicly professing their faith in Christ through water baptism. Rev. Dan Fisher, pastor at Delphi Wesleyan Church, shared the exciting news of two more baptisms in their church family on November 17. Praise God for these victories!
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Pastor Lily Kurker shared the encouraging report that four new believers were baptized yesterday at Carmel Amistad Iglesia Wesleyana. We join Amistad and Heaven in rejoicing with these lives being #MadeNew by the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
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Pastor Andy Riemersma reported two baptisms at Westfield ONE Church yesterday morning. Praise the Lord!
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Congratulations to Pastor Paul VanCise and the team at Bryant Wesleyan Church as they’ve been celebrating their 140th Anniversary. Here’s a picture of the congregation (gathered in the top left of the photo) making their own “140” on the lawn!
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God is on the move!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. - Here’s a video from the Hispanic worship gathering held Saturday night at Circle of Hope Church in Noblesville:
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Sunday morning, November 10, I was grateful for the opportunity to represent our Crossroads District team for the installation of Rev. Philip Trent as the new pastor at Parkview Wesleyan Church in Chesterfield. This church was planted in 1933 by Pastor Trent’s great-grandfather Roy Hines. Pastor Trent’s father, Paul, also pastored the church. The congregation has welcomed Pastor Philip and Heather Trent back home with open arms.
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The service also included an opportunity for the church to express appreciation to the military veterans who are part of this congregation. Following the service, Sherry and I enjoyed getting to know the Trents as we hosted them for lunch.

Sunday evening, I dropped in on Pastor Mike Weller and the team at Restoration Church. They’ve relocated to a shared space hosted by Living Hope Wesleyan Church (formerly Central Wesleyan) in Anderson. Although it is less than 1 mile from their previous location, this has been an adjustment for folks in the congregation who don’t have vehicles. Pastor Mike and Elizabeth Weller are making a difference among the marginalized folks in the inner city.
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I was in Marion on Monday to meet with our district staff and then hit the road again on Tuesday for a coaching conversation in South Bend with Pastor Greg Holmes (Sonlight Wesleyan Church). Pastor Greg’s recovery from his fall and back surgery is progressing slowly but steadily. He appreciates your prayers!
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Rev. Carla Working, Director of Clergy Care and Development for The Wesleyan Church, convened a Zoom meeting that I was able to join on Tuesday afternoon. This was a helpful discussion with DBMD leaders from across the denomination on the revised licensed minister credential and requirements. We are blessed to also have Rev. Working leading our Crossroads District’s DBMD!

Wednesday’s coaching conversations were with Rev. Johnnie Blair (Tipton Trinity Wesleyan) and then with Rev. Jerome Bell (Pendleton Autumn Hills). On Thursday morning, I dropped in on Dr. Chris Williams’ leadership cohort at Lakeview Wesleyan Church. It was encouraging to hear how God is at work in the lives and ministries of these leaders and I appreciate Dr. Williams’ commitment to investing in leaders.
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Rev. Aaron Lee (LaOtto Cultivate Church) and I met in Fort Wayne over lunch on Thursday in preparation for his upcoming pastoral vote. My last stop of the day was with Rev. Michael Hewitt and the team at Muncie Rising Hope Church. They hosted an afterschool meal and creative VBS experience for children as a follow-up for the families they met at Trunk or Treat.
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We always enjoy connecting with our retired pastors and their spouses for the fellowship brunches that we host each fall and spring. More than 40 of our honored retirees gathered at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church on Friday morning. They enjoyed the food, but the fellowship was even better. The highlight of our gathering was Dr. Joe Harmon’s message on joy. We’d love to have you join us for the spring fellowship brunch to be held at Waterline Church (9586 Brookes Way, Pendleton, IN 46064) on Friday, April 25, 10:00 a.m.!
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We’re celebrating reports of life change and public professions of faith coming in from our Crossroads District team. Pastor Don Bayne and the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church family celebrated seven baptisms last Sunday!

Pastor Jacob Gibson and the team at LifeSpring Church had the joy of celebrating 16 baptisms last weekend. Praise the Lord for lives being #MadeNew!
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Two exciting events are on the calendar for this week. We are hosting a fellowship brunch for lead pastors and (if married) their spouses this Saturday, November 16, 10:00 a.m.. at Waterline Church (9586 Brookes Way, Pendleton, IN 46064). The RSVP link has been sent to pastors. We’ll have food, fellowship, and some surprises. Thank you to Pastor Scott Rhyno and his team for welcoming our gathering in their new church home.

​Our Hispanic congregations are coming together this Saturday, 6:00 p.m., at Circle of Hope Church in Noblesville for an evening of prayer and worship under the direction of Rev. Grace Lopez, Assistant District Superintendent. God is working in powerful ways among our Hispanic congregations and I’m looking forward to the special night!

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

Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte, Crossroads District Superintendent

Pastor Sam Maddox and the wonderful congregation at Albion Wesleyan Church welcomed me to worship with them on Sunday morning, November 3. I brought greetings from the Crossroads District team and preached on the Great Commission. Following the worship service, the members of the LBA (Local Board of Administration) met with me for a brief conversation and prayer.
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These are exciting days of Kingdom impact at Albion Wesleyan. Pastor Sam and the team averaged 67 in worship last conference year (up 31% from 51) with 12 baptisms. In the first six months of this conference year, they’ve already celebrated another 10 baptisms.
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I completed my third campus recruiting visit last week, this time at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Dr. Jim Dunn, a long-time member of the Crossroads District before answering the call to become OKWU’s president, is leading well and the university is experiencing growth.

My campus visit included time in class with Dr. Josh McNall, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology. Dr. McNall and I served together back in the West Michigan District when he joined Chad McCallum’s team planting Compass Church.
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President Dunn, Dr. Mark Weeter (Provost), and I met with some of the upper-level ministerial students on Tuesday in the coffee shop. I also enjoyed a follow-up conversation with a prospective church planter.
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Rev. Torrey Martin, Campus Pastor (originally from Tipton, IN) welcomed me to preach in the Wednesday chapel service and we shared lunch with ministry students. The last stop was with Dr. Dunn and Pastor Torrey as they welcomed church leaders (including Wesleyan churches from Maryland and Ohio) for the internship/residency fair that OKWU hosts each fall.
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​The Wesleyan Church is blessed with five Christ-centered universities. The challenges of Christian higher education are great but the need to impact the next generation for Christ is greater. Thank you for praying for and supporting our Wesleyan schools!
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I traveled home on Thursday to join Rev. Carla Working and our DBMD (District Board of Ministerial Development) for their fall interviews on Friday at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church. Special thanks to Carla, Dan VanDuyne, and the committed team members who invested this time with our ministerial students.
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It is encouraging to see how God is calling women and men, younger and older, college students and second-career professionals. The courses are important, and the interviews are essential, but the best gift in this process are the words of prayer and encouragement offered to these individuals who are being called by God to serve the Church.
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Thank you for praying for Rev. Randy Yaryan, pastor of Winchester Wesleyan Church. He is recovering from his fall from a ladder and subsequent back surgery, but even that couldn’t keep him from baptizing another new believer on Sunday. Please pray for Pastor Randy’s full and speedy recovery!
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Dr. Steve DeNeff and the team at College Wesleyan Church in Marion celebrated another baptism yesterday. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew!
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Pastor Seth Bye and the team at 317Church in Avon were excited to report two more baptisms on Sunday. Please keep Pastor Seth and his team in your prayers as they make disciples in one of the fastest growing areas of our state.
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Pastor Rob Tippey and the team at Wabash New Journey Church were blessed as two more people publicly professed their faith in Christ through baptism yesterday. Praise God!
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Pastor Ryan Budde and Westview Wesleyan Church welcomed three new members yesterday and baptized two new believers. Good things are happening in Jonesboro!
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Pastor Joshua Fox and Hartford City Wesleyan Church celebrated the baptisms of six new believers yesterday. They also welcomed Rev. Michael Colaw as their youth pastor. (Michael formerly served on staff at Shiloh Wesleyan.) These are good days at HCWC!
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Pastor Tony Bye and Brookhaven Wesleyan Church are praising the Lord for 9 baptisms on Sunday. The day was bittersweet with Rev. David Hines concluding his time on staff at the church as he has accepted a new role on the faculty at Taylor University. We pray for God’s blessings on Rev. David and Rev. Emily Hines in this exciting new chapter of ministry.
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​Thank you again Crossroads District for your generous response to the critical need of hurricane victims in North Carolina. Our second transport truck loaded with relief supplies left from Plymouth Wesleyan Church last week. In addition to the generosity of our area Wesleyan churches, other churches and community groups joined in this effort. There will be future opportunities to contribute and serve in the long journey of recovery, but thank you for responding quickly and generously to the immediate needs!

​I’m looking forward to our retired ministers’ brunch this coming Friday, November 8, at Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City. Dr. Joe Harmon will be our guest speaker. There’s still time to RSVP if you’d like to join us.

We also have an Indy area fellowship brunch for lead pastors (and spouses, if married) at Waterline Church in Pendleton on Saturday morning, November 16. Thank you to Pastor Scott Rhyno and his team for welcoming our gathering in their new church home.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte, Crossroads DS

P.S. Don’t forget to vote!

I’m traveling to Oklahoma Wesleyan University this week and Michael Wood, our District Administrator, is on a well-deserved family vacation, so this is an abbreviated team update. Stay tuned for more next week!
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Sunday morning, October 27, Rev. Zach Working and the team at Huntington Hope Rising Church welcomed me to bring greetings from our district team and the message from God’s Word. God has been blessing this turnaround ministry and it was a joy to worship with them.
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Dr. Chris Williams, Assistant DS and pastor of Lakeview Wesleyan Church, hosted leaders from three churches on Saturday for the Next Level church workshop. Dr. Williams will host another group in the spring so if you missed out on this opportunity, let us know so we can add your team to the waiting list.

Rev. Jeff Luedtke and the team at Fairmount Wesleyan Church reported in with two baptisms on October 20. It is encouraging to hear how God is moving at Fairmount Wesleyan!
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Dr. Craig Thurmon, District Secretary and church planter, reported in with two more baptisms at The Encounter Assembly on the east side of Indianapolis. Praise God for lives #MadeNew!
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Pastor Joe Jackson and Anderson United Wesleyan Church are celebrating two members of their youth group who publicly professed their faith in Christ through water baptism yesterday!
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Pastor Michael Gallant and the team at Mt. Etna Community Life Church are rejoicing in five more baptisms! Community Life Church is one of our newest congregations having joined us in the last two years after disaffiliating from their previous denomination. The church is growing and these baptisms are just the latest evidence of God’s gracious hand on their ministry.
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​I would welcome your prayers for traveling mercies and productive conversations with potential church planters at OKWU!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte / Crossroads District Superintendent

What a great day! Pastor Scott Rhyno and the team at Waterline Church in Pendleton/Ingalls celebrated the grand opening of their first permanent facility. The first thirteen years for Waterline, since being planted by John and Danielle Freed, were in a series of temporary facilities with setup and storage almost every weekend. God opened the door for a long-term lease in a multipurpose space that Waterline’s team transformed into a welcoming worship center.
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They hosted a community outreach event on Saturday that welcomed more than 100 neighbors. On Sunday, they launched with two morning services (9 and 11) and needed the space for 170 (net) attending. The most exciting part of the day was four baptisms. Two of those baptisms came as a result of the husband laying tile in the facility. God used what he heard and saw in the lives of the Waterline volunteers. He prayed to receive Christ and then yesterday, he and his wife drove all the way from Louisville to be baptized. God is on the move at Waterline!
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Sunday evening, I had the privilege of installing Rev. Edward Silliman as pastor at Nelson Street Wesleyan Church in Marion. Pastor Ed and Bonnie Silliman have been warmly welcomed by the congregation. The church has been doing community outreach on Saturdays and they have welcomed between 30 and 40 guests for these events.
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Monday morning, I was in Marion to meet with our district staff and also had the opportunity to check in with Rev. Carla Working’s cohort meeting at The River Church. I’m grateful for Carla’s willingness to invest in our women in ministry each month.
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Pastoral search season came early this year. On Monday evening, I met with the LBA at Tipton Trinity Wesleyan Church to begin their search process with the announced transition of Rev. Johnnie Blair. Then on Wednesday evening, I met with the LBA at Mount Etna Community Life Church where Pastor Mike Gallant has announced his retirement. This pastoral search process will be a new experience for this congregation which recently joined our district family.
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Last week included coaching conversations with Rev. Shane Wilson (Columbia City New Hope), Rev. Ed Friberg (Plymouth Shiloh), Jerry Smith (Tipton Ash Street), Rev. Jarod Osborne (Warsaw Pathway), Rev. Matt Ohime (Hamlet Davis), and Rev. Jere Gowin (Kingsford Heights). I’m grateful for our leaders who faithfully serve in such a variety of contexts.

When I was heading north last week, I dropped in at Plymouth Wesleyan Church. It was encouraging to see the generosity of our churches and other community groups that are pitching in to provide relief for the flood victims in North Carolina. Assistant Pastor Levi Lehman was coordinating the packaging of contributions for the second semi-trailer. If the generosity continues at this pace, they’re looking at sending our third trailer load next week.

I’m grateful for the volunteers from our district who accompanied Rev. Don. Bayne (New Carlisle Wesleyan) to serve in North Carolina last week. Pastor Ben Jones is taking another team back to North Carolina to help with unloading the delivery truck and they will also assist with the cleanup efforts.
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Ben’s team will need to be able to lift 30 lbs. You will need to bring a sleeping bag, air mattress, bedding, and towels. If you’d like to join Ben’s team, you can contact him via email: [email protected]. The pastors in NC report that they need volunteers to help with the work since their teams have been doing it nonstop since the crisis started. They are grateful for people who are flexible and willing to serve.

The week closed out with a delightful “Pastors and Spouses’ Brunch” hosted by Pastor Jeff Luedtke’s team at The Branch Cafe in Fairmount. We enjoyed a delicious meal, great fellowship, and some fun door prizes. Our next get-together is scheduled for November 16 at Waterline Church. The RSVP link is still open for pastors to register.
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This is Pastor Appreciation Month and Wesleyan Publishing House is offering a 25% discount code for Wesleyan pastors. Just click on the link or scan the QR code to take advantage of this special offer:
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Pastor Sam Maddox and the team at Albion Wesleyan Church celebrated another baptism yesterday. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew!
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​​​Thank you for all you do to make a difference for eternity!
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​Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte
​
​Crossroads District Superintendent​
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P.S. All credentialed ministers appointed to local church service are invited to save the date of December 7 for our Christmas gathering. This Saturday brunch will be hosted on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University and will feature a Christmas concert from the IWU Chorale. Seating is limited, and a link to RSVP has been sent to pastors.

Sunday morning, October 13, I had the privilege of worshiping with Pastor Andy Riemersma and the team at ONE Church in Westfield. These are exciting days at ONE Church as they prepare to relaunch ministry in the new Westfield YMCA in January. This young church has already baptized 13 new believers in this conference year. Pray that God will continue to bless this ministry that is so passionately committed to reaching everyone in their community who is still unreached.
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Sunday afternoon, I was back in Marion to check in with Rev. Don Bayne (New Carlisle Wesleyan Church) and the team heading for North Carolina. Thank you to every church that has already generously donated and to those churches that will be donating as the second semi-trailer leaves from Plymouth next week.
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We prayed with Pastor Don and the other seven volunteers including Rev. Andrew Colaw (New Carlisle Wesleyan) and Rev. Ben Jones (Beaver Creek Wesleyan) who are traveling together to serve in cleanup operations over the next three days. Special thanks to the management team at Keller Trucking for providing the semi-trailer and to Rev. Wes Munsell for volunteering his time to drive roundtrip to make this crisis response possible, transporting nearly 35,000 lbs of supplies!​
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Special thanks also to Rev. Christian Kelly and Marion Lakeview Wesleyan Church for graciously serving as the collection site for this initiative.
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This year, I committed to our DBA that I would make recruiting visits to all five of our Wesleyan colleges. My first stop was at Kingswood University back in September and this past week I was on campus at IWU for three days. Dr. Mike Tapper welcomed me into his Systematic Theology class on Tuesday.
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Dr. David Vardaman welcomed me into his Church Leadership class that same day and I enjoyed the guest lecturer, Dr. Chris Williams (Lakeview Wesleyan), who made a masterful presentation on leading change in the church.
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I was back on Wednesday for a lunch meeting with students and faculty. Pastors, if you’ve not been on campus lately, take time to connect with our professors and students in the School of Theology and Ministry (STM).
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My last day on campus concluded with a time of questions and answers in Dr. Eddy Shigley’s course on Evangelism and Discipleship. It was encouraging to catch up with so many faculty and students from the Crossroads District.
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Other meetings last week included meeting with the LBA at Six Points Church in Sheridan, signing closing documents for a district property in Kokomo, and a lunch meeting on Friday with our new district treasurer, Rev. Scott Rhyno.

I was delighted to host a couple from Kingswood University for a weekend vision tour as they consider ministry opportunities. On Saturday, we dropped in at the FUEL conference, checked out Waterline’s new facility in Pendleton with Pastor Rhyno, and finished the day with supper in Union City with Assistant District Superintendent Grace Lopez and Rev. Neftali Lopez. We also dropped in to visit Pastor Claudia Ruiz Wilson and the Casa de Oracion campus.
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We continue to rejoice as stories come in from across our Crossroads District where God is changing lives. Pastor Noah Farmer and the team at Eastview Wesleyan Church dedicated three children and baptized four new believers yesterday. Praise the Lord!
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Pastor Sam Maddox and the team at Albion Wesleyan Church are celebrating one more public profession of faith through water baptism. Pastor Sam texted me “God is on the move!”
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Dr. Chris Williams and the team at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion celebrated as four more new believers stepped out in obedience to be baptized in water. Lives #MadeNew!
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​One special note from the Lakeview baptism was having Rev. Duane Seitz (Silver Lake Wesleyan) come back to baptize his great-granddaughter, Mallie Fritch. What a special blessing for both of them!

Prayer is requested for Pastor Randy Yaryan (Winchester Wesleyan) who fell from a ladder last week and severely injured his back. The surgery procedure on Saturday included 8 screws and 2 rods. Doctors anticipate a 6-8 weeks recovery period. Thank you in advance for your prayers!

​Thank you for all you do to make a difference for eternity!
​
​Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte
​
​Crossroads District Superintendent​
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P.S. All credentialed ministers appointed to local church service are invited to save the date of December 7 for our Christmas gathering. This Saturday brunch will be hosted on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University and will feature a Christmas concert from the IWU Chorale. Seating is limited, and a link to RSVP will be sent out this week!

Sunday morning, October 6, I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Chris Taylor and his team at Plymouth Wesleyan Church. Pastor Chris is off to a strong start. The sanctuary has been updated since my last visit with new carpeting and video projection upgrades. Attendance is growing in both services. Most importantly, they’ve launched one-on-one discipleship with 60 more people signing on just last weekend.
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The response to the Hurricane Helene relief challenge has been so strong that they may be loading a tractor-trailer just from their community. After preaching in both services, I had the joy of hosting their family for lunch. Lisa Taylor, in addition to being the pastor’s wife, leads the growing childcare ministry that Plymouth Wesleyan offers to the community. Pastor Chris Taylor also graciously hosts the monthly leadership cohort that Dr. Chris Williams facilitates for pastors in the South Bend region.
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Sunday evening, I joined Pastor Duncan Prior at Laketon Wesleyan Church for a special LCC (Local Church Conference) to receive new members, elect new board members to fill some vacancies, and to install the new leadership team. I was encouraged to see the progress at the church as Pastor Duncan and Elaine build on the strong foundation that Rev. David and Suzanne Cox laid in this revitalized congregation. God is still doing great things in small towns!

Last week began with our staff meeting on Monday before heading out to sign property sale documents for Fort Wayne Three Rivers Church. On Tuesday, I was back on the road for coaching conversations. My first stop was in Logansport with Pastor Zach Szmara at The Bridge. Zach and the team at Immigrant Connection just completed their national conference last week and celebrated the remarkable growth of this ministry in the first 10 years.
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The Mexican consulate from Chicago was setting up their remote services again at The Bridge. This program serves hundreds of people in the course of just a few days and The Bridge has hosted the consulate staff for several years. Thank you, Pastor Zach, for your vision and for the incredible first 10 years for Immigrant Connection!

From Logansport, it was a quick drive over to Rochester to meet with Pastor Martin Furrow (The Cross) and then on to Plymouth to connect with Pastor Matthew Ohime (Davis Wesleyan) before heading home.

Wednesday’s coaching conversations began with Pastor Paul Van Cise (Bryant Wesleyan Church). My next stop was with Pastor David Dignal (Edgerton Wesleyan Church) before heading south to Indianapolis for a meeting with Pastor Ervin Webster (St. Stephen) and then wrapping up the day at SoBro Church (formerly Divine Direction) in a coaching conversation with Pastor Jerome Anderson.
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​For those of you, like me, who didn’t know, SoBro is the local designation for the South Broad Ripple neighborhood in Indianapolis. The church leaders proposed and the DBA approved the name change to better connect with their mission field. SoBro Church has recently welcomed new families from Nigeria and Honduras. Pictured above is the SoBro team from their recent community clean-up day.

Thursday, I was in New Castle for coaching conversations. I met with Pastor Ron Ferguson (Grant City Wesleyan) and with Rev. Mark Wooten (Memorial Drive Wesleyan). Pastor Mark is one of the newer team members in our district, transferring to us from the Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Mark and Pam, his wife, recently launched Castle Kids, a before and after-school program for children that is helping them connect with new families.
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Please remember that October is Pastor Appreciation Month! Lay leaders can find free resources at this link: ​https://www.wesleyan.org/event/pam-2024

We love to celebrate the stories of life change that come in from our Crossroads District team. Last week, we had just sent out the team update without any baptism reports. Minutes later, I received good news from Pastor Michael Hewitt that Rising Hope Church in Muncie had baptized three new believers on Sunday, September 29!
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Yesterday was the 17th anniversary of Pastor Matthew and Nicole Trexler planting The River Church in their living room. From that small group to more than 1500 that gathered yesterday, God continues to change lives through this dynamic ministry. Eight more new believers were baptized yesterday!
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Pastor Andy Cole had Assistant Pastor Naomi Small lead in a special Family Sunday at Lapel Daybreak Church which included the dedication of three babies and one baptism!
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God is continuing to write redemption stories at New Journey Church in Wabash as Pastor Rob Tippey and his team reach out into the community. Praise God for lives #MadeNew!
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Pastor Sam Maddox and the team at Albion Wesleyan Church are praising God for nine new members joining their church family and another baptism. God is on the move in Albion!
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Pastor Nathan Richardson has been praying about ways the Southview Church in Indianapolis could better connect with the growing Hispanic community in their neighborhood. Rev. Claudia Ruiz Wilson, pastor of the Casa Network, had recently started a home group on the south side of Indy. She and Pastor Nathan are strategizing for the best way to work together to reach these new neighbors. Yesterday, they worshiped together for the first time. Next Sunday, Pastor Claudia will be preaching at Southview. Pray that God will guide and bless this partnership!
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Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers are extended to Rev. Don Bayne on the loss of his father, Donald, last week. Pastor Don will take part in the funeral but also plans to lead the response team to North Carolina next Sunday afternoon. Pastors will receive a direct email on funeral arrangements.

Thank you to every pastor and each church that has already generously responded to the challenge from our Crossroads District to provide relief to our friends in North Carolina. Special thanks to Dr. Jon Kulaga and his leadership team at Indiana Wesleyan University who generously donated $2000 for this district relief project.
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Just a reminder that the most urgently needed items are:

• Bottled water (large quantities)
• Feminine hygiene products, diapers, and toiletries
• Canned food and nonperishable items (cases preferred)

​We invite you to collect these supplies and drop them off at Lakeview Wesleyan Church (5316 S Western Ave, Marion, IN 46953) on Saturday, October 12 or Sunday, October 13 before 2:00 PM. Look for the large box truck in the parking lot.

Your contributions will make a significant impact on the communities affected by this devastating storm. For updates from district leaders in the affected areas, please visit www.wesleyan.org/helene.
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​​Thank you for all you do to make a difference for eternity!
​
​Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte
​
​Crossroads District Superintendent​
​
P.S. All credentialed ministers appointed to local church service are invited to save the date of December 7 for our Christmas gathering. This Saturday brunch will be hosted on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University and will feature a Christmas concert from the IWU Chorale. More details to follow. Seating is limited, and a link to RSVP will be sent out soon.

Rev. John Hannan and the team at CrossRoads Church in Union City celebrated the 5th anniversary of this church plant on Sunday, September 29. I was honored to be there on their launching Sunday and it was exciting to be back with them again yesterday for this special celebration. Pastor John and Beth, his wife, started casting vision back in 2019 with just a handful of followers around tables in a local restaurant. This new congregation made it through the pandemic and continues to make a difference in this small community straddling the border of Indiana and Ohio.
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CrossRoads Church has baptized more than 40 new believers since launching. The auditorium was packed yesterday to celebrate this ministry milestone. Pastor Hannan and Rev. Claudia Ruiz Wilson have partnered in Hispanic ministry in the area. Pastor Claudia was present with members of the Casa Network for this special occasion. Following the service, we crossed the state line for a delicious fellowship meal provided by the Casa Network.
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Sunday evening, I joined Pastor Ryan Budde and the congregation at Westview Wesleyan Church for an evening of praise through songs and testimonies. Members shared stories of God’s faithfulness and healing touch. Assistant Pastor Brian Holland praised the Lord for the growth of their youth ministry from 10 to more than 50 in the past few years. Many of these students were previously unreached by any church. Now their families are also connecting.
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Last week included coaching conversations and a variety of other connections but the highlight of the week was our first quarterly meeting of the DBA (District Board of Administration). The DBA cares for all business of the Crossroads District Conference between the annual meetings. This business includes a range of items from property transactions to pastoral appointments to approving new church planting projects.

This meeting was held at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion on Thursday afternoon with all but three of our 14 members attending. Rev. Neftali Lopez stepped down from his at-large position when Rev. Grace Lopez accepted appointment as Assistant District Superintendent for Hispanic Ministries. Rev. Matthew Trexler was elected on a three-year term to fill this at-large vacancy. Rev. Scott Rhyno (Pendleton Waterline Church) was elected to serve as District Treasurer. We also welcomed Dr. Dale Sloan (Fort Wayne Three Rivers Church) as a new lay member of the DBA. Dr. Chris Williams, Assistant DS, led the board in a governance exercise around the Four Helpful Lists that is part of the StratOp process.
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In other news of interest, the DBA approved Property Improvement Matching Grants (pastors will be notified this week), funding for 10 scholarships to the Harvest Foundation Retreat in the Dominican Republic (both October 2025 and April 2026), and welcomed Dr. Eddy Shigley (IWU professor) as the newest member of our Circuit Riders. Our meeting closed with a special presentation from Rev. Joshe Bose. Joshe served as national superintendent for The Wesleyan Church in Bangladesh from 2012 to 2024. During his leadership, the number of churches and preaching points grew from 12 to 77. Now, Joshe has accepted the invitation of Global Partners to launch the South Asia Development Project. The DBA was challenged by the reality that 25% of the world’s population lives in that region and less than 2% are Christians. Our meeting closed with prayer for Rev. Bose and this new initiative.
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I have already been in contact with Rev. Jerry Lumston, District Superintendent for our North Carolina West, and we’ll pass along additional information directly to our pastors about opportunities for our churches to respond to the crisis. Please keep our Wesleyan churches and their leaders in your prayers as they work through the recovery efforts and bring aid to their communities.
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Just two more weeks until FUEL is coming to Indianapolis (October 11-12). Rev. Santes Beatty, Director of NextGen Ministries invites all youth and children’s workers to attend this convenient and helpful training event. This year’s event is held right here in our backyard so make tracks, not excuses. (Scholarships are available from the district office if finances would keep you from participating.) Here’s the link to register for the two-day event.
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​Each year, our district conference receives reports from our various ministry champions. Every ministry matters and we’re grateful for the outstanding ministers who generously provided point leadership for these initiatives last year. This week’s excellent report is from Rev. Steve Mathews & Dr. Rich Schenck, District Global Partners Co-Directors. Click here to read their report.
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​​Thank you for all you do to make a difference for eternity!
​
​Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte
​
​Crossroads District Superintendent​
​
P.S. All credentialed ministers appointed to local church service are invited to save the date of December 7 for our Christmas gathering. This Saturday brunch will be hosted on the campus of Indiana Wesleyan University and will feature a Christmas concert from the IWU Chorale. More details to follow. Seating is limited, and a link to RSVP will be sent out soon.

Also, just a friendly reminder that next month (October) is Pastor Appreciation Month! Free resources can be found at this link: ​https://www.wesleyan.org/event/pam-2024
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