This weekend (October 24-25) I had the privilege of preaching at Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City. Many of you have been praying for Pastor Mark Atkinson’s recovery and it was a joy to have him present for the Saturday evening service and for both services on Sunday morning. The church designated this as a “Pastor Appreciation Celebration” and honored the staff members with special gifts as part of a month-long initiative to express their gratitude and support for this leadership team. Pastor Mark is excited to be able to preach this coming weekend and is grateful for all your prayers!
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Sunday evening, I dropped in on Pastor Brent Miller and the team at Gas City Southside Wesleyan Church for their second monthly “Thrive!” service. This is a high energy, intergenerational service. Southside is also continuing to update of the facility with the auditorium currently being remodeled. Pray for Pastor Brent, Naomi, and their team!
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Saturday morning, I joined Pastor Matthew Stewart and a team of his leaders at Sweetser Wesleyan Church for a renewal of their StratOp plan. Rev. Chris Williams and I facilitated their first StratOp retreat back in the spring of 2019. Pastor Matt has been leading the turnaround project at Sweetser with patience and persistence. They’ve made measured progress even through the pandemic and have a great heart to connect with their community. We still have a few weekends available in the spring if your team is ready to take a next step in focusing your ministry for greater impact.

Last week was a delightful few days away for our family as we gathered at Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham, Alabama to celebrate the wedding of Josiah and Elizabeth (Scotch) Gorveatte. Josiah, our second son, is the worship leader on staff with Pastor Brad LeRoy at Harvest Church. Elizabeth is an equine therapist with Agape Therapeutic Riding Resources. https://www.facebook.com/agaperiding
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Halloween and All Saints Day provide another opportunity for our churches to be creative in connecting with their communities. Pastors Dr. Richard and Rev. Carol Schenck led the Noblesville Circle of Hope campus in hosting an outreach event for a variety of community groups on their property. More than 700 visited their campus to take part in the various activities. Pastor Rich was even more excited to report another baptism in their network campus in Beech Grove. Praise God for lives being #madenew

There are three free tickets left for the Exponential Roundtable that The River Church is hosting in Marion on Wednesday. Reach out to Seth Bye at our district office if you’re hoping to join us for these important conversations.

​​Prayers are requested again this week for Rev. Ervin Webster (Warren Park St. Stephens Wesleyan Church), Rev. Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview), Pastor Steve Arnett (New Castle Mt. Zion), Pastor Dan Clark (Monon Wesleyan), and Mrs. Cheryl Laws (Rev. Allen Law’s wife) as they lean on the Lord for their journey toward healing. Pastor Jeff Brady, who is planting Commoners Church, shared on Facebook that he has been diagnosed with Covid-19. He is self-quarantining at home but was able to lead their Thursday evening service online. Thank you for praying for our pastors!

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. There’s still time left in October to let your pastors know how much you appreciate them. I’ve been helping out at Hartford City Wesleyan Church and two times this month we’ve have been blessed with pickup truck loads of fuel for the coming winter by the generous folks at HCWC. Nothing says “Pastor Appreciation” better than free firewood.
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Sunday morning, October 18, Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping with our friends at Hartford City Wesleyan Church. I’ve been helping out in the interim with the unexpected resignation of their pastor earlier this summer. We celebrated communion together and rejoiced with four teenagers who were baptized as a public declaration of their faith. Attendance has been rebounding since reopening in May with 166 in attendance this morning. John Bonham, administrator, and the staff team have done a great job serving the church in this time of transition.
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Sunday afternoon, I joined Dr. Robert Hallett and the leadership team at Lancaster Wesleyan Church for a follow-up meeting from their recent Vision Defining Retreat (VDR). I’m grateful for the leadership that Dr. Hallett is bringing as interim pastor for Lancaster Wesleyan in this time of transition.
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Sunday evening, I met with the congregation at Avon Nehemiah Church. Rev. Ben and Tiffany Thomas planted the church over 11 years ago. Pastor Ben announced this morning that he was stepping down from leading the church. He completed chaplaincy training this past year and will be employed full-time with a local agency. We are grateful for Ben and Tiffany’s faithful service to Nehemiah Church. Please pray for the Thomas family and the church in this transition season.

Pastor John Hannan reported in from Union City CrossRoads Church on this their fourth Sunday of public worship. They are rejoicing with 2 people who prayed to receive Christ this morning and with the four individuals who were baptized. In the first four weeks, CrossRoads Church has celebrated 8 baptisms. Thank you to every leader and congregation who has partnered with our newest church plant!
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Pastor Jeremy Armiger and Assistant Pastor Jim Lo had the privilege of baptizing another new believer at Chesterfield Parkview Wesleyan Church. This was a powerful story of a man who was reconciled with his parents after 25 years. Dr. Lo described it as a “teary, glorious service.”
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Last week’s schedule included LBA meetings at Rochester The Cross on Tuesday night, Fort Wayne Level 13 on Wednesday night, and Hartford City Wesleyan on Thursday night. I come away from these meetings with deep appreciation for the lay leaders who generously invest their time, treasure and talents in advancing the work of God through their local church. The Cross in Rochester is preparing to launch their pastoral search process with the announced retirement of Rev. Mike Cloud who has faithfully served the church for the past five years.
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Coaching conversations last week included Rev. Daniel Fisher (Delphi Wesleyan), Rev. Alan Downing (Frankfort Connecting Point), Pastor Allen Gross (Cicero United), Rev. Ben Capshaw (Elwood Central Wesleyan Church), Rev. Dr. Richard and Rev. Carol Schenck (Noblesville Circle of Hope).

On Thursday morning, I joined an online roundtable of district superintendents who met to review some of the proposed memorials headed toward General Conference 2021. The General Board will welcome district superintendents to the March 2021 meeting for a joint meeting before memorial recommendations are finalized.

The final highlight of the week was hosting Indianapolis Zone pastors and spouses at Thornapple Cottage on Friday evening. Mike Colaw, Region 2 Assistant District Superintendent, joined us for this evening of encouragement, laughter, and prayer.
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​Sherry and I will be out of the office this week for the wedding of Josiah, our son, and Elizabeth in Alabama. I should have cellphone service in case of emergencies but Seth Bye will be available all week if you have a concern that needs immediate attention.

Prayers are requested again this week for Rev. Ervin Webster (Warren Park St. Stephens Wesleyan Church), Rev. Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview), Pastor Steve Arnett (New Castle Mt. Zion), Pastor Dan Clark (Monon Wesleyan), and Mrs. Cheryl Laws (Rev. Allen Law’s wife) as they lean on the Lord for their journey toward healing.

Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, October 11, I had the privilege of representing our district team at Nehemiah Church in Avon. Pastor Ben and Tiffany Thomas first planted Nehemiah Church in their home. A few years later they merged with an existing Wesleyan congregation (originally planted by Pastor Bern and Kathy Lytle) and Nehemiah Church continued its ministry in this new location.
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I brought the morning message and then hosted Pastor Ben and Tiffany for lunch. The church has faced some challenges, even before Covid-19, and Pastor Ben now serves as bi-vocational pastor while employed full-time as a hospice chaplain. Join me in praying for the Thomas family and Nehemiah Church.

Board meetings filled the agenda last week. Tuesday, I joined President Colleen Derr and her team at Wesley Seminary for the annual fall meeting of the Advisory Board. These are exciting days of progress for Wesley Seminary with record enrollment of 524 in the summer semester including 45 students in the new Spanish language pilot project. We are blessed to have Wesley Seminary in our backyard and I encourage every pastor to take advantage of the high quality and low cost programs they provide.

Thursday and Friday, I joined President David Wright and the Indiana Wesleyan University Board of Trustees online for our annual fall meeting. Dr. Wright and his team at IWU have done a remarkable job responding to the challenges of the pandemic. Pray for Dr. Wright and our university as they navigate the increasing complexities of Christian higher education.
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In addition to board meetings, I was grateful for the opportunity to catch up with pastors for coaching conversations. Rev. Paul VanCise (Bryant Wesleyan Church) and I met on Wednesday morning. Pastor Paul’s summer included a well-planned sabbatical and the celebration of his daughter’s wedding. Rev. Lyle Breeding (Bluffton Sonlight) and I met for lunch and an update on the ministry. Pastor Lyle was encouraged by the way their congregation has held together through the pandemic. Rev. Neftali and Grace Lopez met with me on Sunday afternoon for our coaching conversation. Pastor Lopez leads our Carmel Amistad congregation and shared encouraging news about new attenders. He is leading the congregation in an early morning online prayer service that has been going for 168 consecutive days.

Wednesday afternoon, I was able to check in on Pastor Allen and Cheryl Laws at Warren Wesleyan Church. Cheryl had a significant surgery last month and is now recovering at home. Pastor Allen continues to provide key leadership to the community food bank in Warren. He was able to take time to give me a tour of their facility and well-run operation that serves more than 60 families each week.
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The full District Board of Ministerial Development met on Friday and Saturday under the leadership of Dr. David Smith, chair, and Rev. Carla Working, vice-chair and secretary. This team meets with licensed ministers who are in their final years of preparation for ordination. I was able to join the team for the Saturday interviews. We have a wonderful team of volunteers from each of our three regions who invest in our ministerial students. These final interviews reveal the return on that investment as these women and men share what they’ve learned on this journey.
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The 12 candidates we interviewed this year ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s. Some have been life-long Wesleyans and others have more recently found their home in our denominational family. Are there individuals in your congregation that God may be calling? Rev. Carla Working is available in our office to help them take their first steps toward ministerial credentialing with The Wesleyan Church.

Another highlight of the week was meeting with prospective church planters who are prayerfully considering two new projects with us in 2021. There are still 3 million or more Hoosiers to be reached with the Gospel. Pray that God will send workers into His harvest field as He has faithfully done in the past. It was 125 years ago this fall that Rev. and Mrs. Charles Billheimer led a tent revival on the south side of Marion. From that tent meeting was born the congregation first known as the South Marion Wesleyan Methodist Church. Today, we celebrate the legacy of that church planter and the first members of what is now College Wesleyan Church.
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​Congratulations to Dr. Steve DeNeff and the members of College Wesleyan Church on the occasion of their 125th Anniversary! Pastor Steve DeNeff and his team led the church in a wonderful anniversary celebration concluding this past Sunday with an inspiring look at their history and the opportunities before them. You can find the link to that service and Dr. DeNeff’s message here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPEdOiiytZU&feature=youtu.be

​Our newest church plant is CrossRoads Church in Union City led by Rev. John and Beth Hannan. Yesterday, on their third Sunday of public worship, they celebrated four baptisms. We join them in praising the Lord for these lives that are #MadeNew

Pastor Ben Jones and the team at Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church in North Liberty are also praising the Lord for a family of three who were baptized this past weekend. This would be exciting for any congregation but it is a special blessing for this church that had no one baptized last conference year. Pastor Ben is doing a wonderful job leading the turnaround at Beaver Creek.
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We have had several pastors sidelined by illness over the past few months. While we understand the physical reality, there is also a sense of spiritual warfare as our pastors are leading congregations through this pandemic. Prayers are requested for Rev. Ervin Webster (Warren Park St. Stephens Wesleyan Church) who was hospitalized over the weekend. His wife, Karen, confirmed today that he has been released to recover at home. We are continuing to pray for Rev. Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview) and Mrs. Cheryl Laws (Rev. Allen Law’s wife) as they each trust the Lord for a full recovery.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sherry and I had the joy of worshiping with Pastors Zack and Carla Working at Hope Rising Church in Huntington on Sunday morning, October 4. The Workings have been a blessing to the church since accepting this appointment in 2018. The church has grown from averaging 47 in worship in 2018 to averaging 108 last year. They also celebrated 24 baptisms in the past conference year.

The Hope Rising congregation returned to worshiping in person with nearly as many as before the pandemic. Yesterday, for example, they welcomed 112 in worship attendance. In addition to co-pastoring the church with Zack, Rev. Carla Working works with our district office staff and is ViceChair of the District Board of Ministerial Development. After the service, I met with their leadership team and then we enjoyed hosting Zack and Carla for lunch.

Last Monday, I represented our district family in Kokomo at the funeral visitation for Pastor Duane Summitt’s mother before joining with Dr. Wayne Schmidt and the General Board Executive on an afternoon Zoom call. Monday evening, I joined the LBA and pastoral search team from Waterline Church for an online meeting. They have received many resumes but are continuing to pray for the right leader to move them forward. Special thanks to Rev. Scott Rhyno who continues to provide interim pastoral ministry.

Tuesday morning, our district office team met and then I was able to represent our district team at the funeral service for Mrs. Jackie (DeNeff) White at College Wesleyan Church. Dr. Wayne Schmidt, our General Superintendent, hosted a Zoom call for district superintendents on Tuesday afternoon. I appreciate these opportunities to learn from my colleagues and to hear how God is at work across our denominational family. My last meeting for the day was with the staff team at Hartford City Wesleyan Church.

Wednesday, I was on the road again for coaching conversations. I enjoyed catching up with Rev. Mark and Sharie Schnell for an update on their ministry at Albion Wesleyan Church. Rev. Dale Munsell and I met over lunch for an update on his ministry at Cornerstone Wesleyan Church. Later in the afternoon, I met with one of our younger ministers who is exploring pastoral ministry opportunities. My final meeting of the day was Pastor Kyle Horton and Assistant Pastor Kalina Smith who are both nearing completion of their ordination preparation.

Thursday, I was in Anderson to connect with Pastor Bernie Haddad for an encouraging update on the ministry of Eden Unleashed, our church plant in New Castle Correctional Facility. You can read more about this wonderful ministry in this article that was published by Wesleyan HQ: https://www.wesleyan.org/discipleship-is-flourishing-in-indiana-correctional-facility
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I met with Pastor Joe Jackson over lunch for our annual coaching conversation and an update on Anderson United Wesleyan as they prepared for their StratOp retreat. My final meeting for Thursday was with Pastor David and Marcy Shafer for an update on their ministry at North Anderson Wesleyan Church.

Friday morning, I had two meetings with prospective pastors in Marion before meeting with Dr. David Wright and Dr. Carl Shepherd at Indiana Wesleyan University. As many of you will know, these are challenging times for Christian higher education. President Wright is grateful for the support and prayers of our district team. If you ever have questions or if IWU can serve your church in some way, please reach out to Dr. Wright and allow the opportunity for IWU to respond.

Rev. Jason Tash facilitated the StratOp planning retreat for a group of leaders at Level 13 this past weekend. I dropped in on the Friday evening session and appreciated the opportunity to connect with their committed lay leaders. Thank you to Rev. Jeff Brady for providing interim preaching ministry since Pastor Heath Croft left in the summer to serve a church in Alabama. Pray for Level 13 as they move on with their StratOp planning and prepare to launch their pastoral search process later this fall.
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Pastor Joe Jackson and his team at Anderson United Wesleyan Church welcomed Rev. Chris Williams to lead them through a StratOp planning retreat. Pastor Joe and Jennifer Jackson have helped the church rise to the challenge of the pandemic. I dropped in on their Saturday morning session and enjoyed connecting with their team. Pray as they continue to press forward to reach their community for Christ.

Chapel Pike Wesleyan Church (Marion, IN) has launched their pastoral search as part of a planned succession with Rev. Steve Colter transitioning toward retirement. Please keep Chapel Pike in prayer as they seek the Lord’s direction. For more information on this opening, follow this link: https://secure.wesleyan.org/job/frame/8099

Congratulations to Rev. Bill and June Kinnan! Family and friends gathered at The River Church this weekend to honor them as they celebrated 70 years of marriage! Bill and June have a tremendous ministry and that continues in Tom and Bill, their sons, and with David Kinnan and Heather (Kinnan) Semple, their grandchildren.
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We are always excited to join our churches in celebrating changed lives. Pastor Scott McDermid and the Sheridan Six Points Church baptized three more individuals this past weekend. Praise the Lord for lives #madenew!
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We are requesting your prayer for two of our pastors who are undergoing surgery this week. Pastor Dan Clark (Monon Wesleyan Church) and Pastor Steve Arnett (New Castle Mount Zion) are both facing serious conditions that required immediate surgery. Please remember these pastors in your prayers and continue to pray for Rev. Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church) as he is working through physical rehabilitation.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, September 27, was a special joy for our district team as another new Kingdom community was birthed. Pastor John and Beth Hannan have worked diligently, prayed fervently, and served sacrificially this past year in building a launch team and planting the seeds for a new Wesleyan church in Union City. Yesterday was the grand opening of both their ministry and the beautifully remodeled facility that they will call home. It was a delight to represent our district team and bring greetings on this special occasion.
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Mayor Chad Spence joined the team for the ribbon cutting and then more than 80 people filled the auditorium for the first worship service. The congregation is multi-ethnic with many Spanish-speaking attenders. Rev. Claudia Silva, pastor of Casa del Alfarero in Richmond, brought some of her members with her and she did a wonderful job of translating Pastor John’s message.
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Most exciting for Pastor John was the privilege he had of praying with a gentleman to receive Christ. Thank you to every leader and congregation in the Crossroads District who is praying for and investing in CrossRoads Church. Together, we are bringing the hope and holiness of Christ to our region!

Sunday evening, Dr. Jim Lo and I had the privilege of leading a prayer gathering for pastors and ministry leaders in our district. We had participants from each of our regions. It was a blessing to see so many of of our leaders committed to seeking God for empowerment as we lead through the challenges. Thank you to each one who was able to make this a priority and to Pastor Matthew Trexler and his team at The River Church for hosting our gathering.
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Tuesday was another staff meeting day as I worked with our Crossroads District office team in the morning and then connected with the team at Hartford City in the afternoon. A special highlight of the day was the opportunity to connect in person with Pastor Mark Atkinson. He is making steady progress in his recovery from surgery and the extended hospital stay. I’m looking forward to worshiping with Pastor Mark and his team at Eastview Wesleyan Church for Pastor Appreciation Day on October 25. I was in Fishers for lunch on Wednesday with Rev. Scott Rhyno. Scott is serving as our interim pastor at Waterline Church. I was in Fowler on Thursday afternoon for a meeting with Pastor Judy Hatt and Paul Godbey, church treasurer.

Friday, I joined the General Board Subcommittee on Memorials online as we prepared for the upcoming General Board meeting. Dr. Carl Shepherd, our chair, General Secretary Janelle Vernon and Assistant General Secretary Rev. Anthony Casey serve this group well as we work through proposals that the General Board will consider recommending to the 2021 General Conference.
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Friday evening, Sherry and I hosted District Youth President Jessica Folz and a team of youth pastors and spouses for supper and a great time of fellowship. These leaders have done a terrific job navigating youth ministry through the pandemic. They have been creative and persistent in finding ways to help students stay connected to Christ and the church. For example, Andrew Kinney, youth pastor at Chapel Pike, led his students in 130 consecutive days of online devotionals. I am grateful for our Crossroads District youth leaders who are making a difference in this rising generation.
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Saturday morning, I joined the Region 1 District Board of Ministerial Development at College Wesleyan Church for interviews with licensed ministers who have nearly completed their ordination preparation. Dr. Jim Lo does a great job leading this team. These committee members prayerfully invest in these leaders who are preparing to fulfill their calling.
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We’re rejoicing in the news of three more baptisms this past weekend. Pastors Nicholas and Adriana Zarate at Gloria del Rey baptized two new believers and the team at Beech Grove baptized one. Both of these congregations are part of the Circle of Hope Network led by Rev. Dr. Richard and Rev. Carol Schenck. Praise the Lord for lives being made new!
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Our prayers and sympathies are extended this week to Rev. Duane Summitt on the passing of his mother, Mrs. Dolores Summitt, and to Rev. Jay DeNeff and Dr. Steve DeNeff on the passing of Jacqueline “Jackie” (DeNeff) White, their daughter and sister.

Congratulations this week are extended to Rev. Tim and Jennifer Becker on the happy occasion of Jenna’s wedding to Mr. Joshua Fitts on Saturday at Matter Park in Marion.
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​Thank you for all you do to make a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, September 20, I had the joy of worshiping with Pastor Rick Matthews and the team at Southview Wesleyan Church. Pastor Rick and Mary were first appointed to serve at Southview back in 1983. They have done a great job helping their congregation navigate through the challenges of Covid-19. Southview is gathering about 50% of their congregation for in-person worship.
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The members have been faithful in their local church stewardship and in support of their missions partnerships. Southview Wesleyan is also the gracious host for Shalom Church, a Wesleyan congregation comprised of Chin refugees from Myanmar. After the service, I was blessed to enjoy Sister Mary’s home cooking with their family.
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Sunday afternoon, I brought greetings and preached the afternoon message for Shalom Church. Benjamin Tuimuk is appointed to serve this congregation as lay supply pastor. Most of their members immigrated from Myanmar (formerly Burma) in the face of extreme political persecution. There are significant communities of refugees in both Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. Trinity Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis also has a Burmese congregation as part of their ministry in the Garfield Park neighborhood. We are blessed to partner with these brothers and sisters in Christ.
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Sunday evening, Dr. Steve Bray and Campus Pastor Ryan VanMatre led in a dedication service for their new south campus in what was formerly the St. John’s Lutheran Church. Former senior pastor David Anderson was part of the story as this historic facility (112 years old) was gifted from an aging Lutheran congregation to become the home for the thriving south campus of LifeSpring (formerly Fountain City Wesleyan Church) in the heart of Richmond. David Snow, the mayor of Richmond, brought greetings and Dr. Steve Bray preached a challenging message from Nehemiah. Pray that God will continue to bless this step of faith to create a hub of hope in the inner city.
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On Monday, I flew to Florida to represent the General Board on the Board of Directors meeting at Wesleyan Village, Inc. The board includes Rod Benson and Martha Blackburn from our Crossroads District family. Dr. Don Maness serves as Chair and Executive Director. The village has seen lots of improvements under his leadership. If you’ve never visited, Dr. Maness and his team are wonderful hosts and would welcome you to experience the wonderful fellowship of this Wesleyan retirement community.
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Wednesday morning, I was back on the road for coaching conversations. I was glad to be able to connect with Rev. Rick Fletcher (Lifeway Wesleyan Church) and Pastor Kyle Horton (Three Rivers Church) in Fort Wayne. Wednesday evening, I met with Rev. Matthew Trexler, our Region 1 Assistant DS and vice-chair of the DBA, in preparation for our district board meeting.

Thursday, our Crossroads District Board of Administration met at The Branch in Fairmount. Pastor Jeff Luedtke and his team always do a great job hosting events in their second floor conference room. Rev. Craig Thurmon brought the devotional and we enjoyed good discussions and clear decisions on a variety of district concerns. Some of the discussions are weighty but we have a great group of leaders who enjoy working together to keep our district focused on Great Commission priorities.
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One of the highlights of our DBA meetings is hearing from our church planters. Pastor John Hannan sent a very positive report via video from the CrossRoads Church in Union City as they prepare for their grand opening on Sunday morning, September 27. We were also blessed to have Rev. Aldean Pablo join us in person to share highlights from the SEND Church project in Roanoke. You may recall that they baptized 10 believers just lat month. God has opened an unusual door for collaboration with an existing campus. Pray that God will continue to grant wisdom and favor as they press forward to make disciples in Roanoke and southwest Fort Wayne.
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Friday morning, Seth Bye and I were in Noblesville to look at a property for possible consideration as a future church campus. It was good to reconnect with Jacob Thurston on Friday afternoon in Marion to hear more about his work with the Kern Project at IWU. Jake was previously on staff at Ransom Church in South Dakota. He is available to speak to youth groups about ministry education at IWU or for supply preaching. You can reach him at jake.thurston@indwes.edu
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Friday evening, Sherry and I had the joy of being with pastoral couples from our Region 3 North Zone at the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church. Pastor Don and Karen Bayne were our gracious hosts. The food was good, the fellowship was better, and the prayer time was the best. Thank you to each couple who was able to make time to invest in each other and in building a stronger team!
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Saturday morning, I was able to drop in at Lancaster Wesleyan Church to share a devotional with their team as they gathered for Day 2 of their Vision Defining Retreat. Dr. Robert Hallett is serving as the interim pastor this year. He is doing a terrific job of leveraging his extensive consulting experience in helping this congregation create a clear pathway forward into their next chapter of ministry.
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We in the district always love to receive and pass along baptism reports. Dr. Oliver Dongell and the team at Plymouth Wesleyan Church send pictures and the good news that 6 people were baptized in their church on September 13. Praise the Lord for changed lives!
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Pastor Matthew Trexler and the team at The River Church celebrated two more baptisms on Sunday morning, September 20. Praise the Lord for lives #madenew
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Pastors, staff, and district ministry leaders are called to a Prayer Summit this Sunday evening, 6 p.m., at The River Church in Marion. Dr. Jim Lo and a team have prepared a focused prayer gathering for us. We are leading in unusual times. We need fresh anointing to lead our congregations in this time of intense spiritual warfare. I would be grateful if you would make this prayer time a priority in your calendar.
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Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent
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Sunday morning, September 13, I joined Pastor Dan Fisher and the team at Delphi Wesleyan Church for worship. Their in-person attendance has been running more than 75% of pre-Covid numbers, with several new folks becoming part of the congregation since they’ve been gathering in the building. Last year they celebrated 9 professions of faith and 6 baptisms.
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I met with Pastor Fisher and the LBA after the service for lunch and a good discussion. They’ve done an amazing job of updating their facility over the past few years. They recently completed remodeling their kitchen and fellowship room. Delphi Wesleyan has also taken advantage of grants to improve their technology for a growing online ministry. They are also encouraged by the growing response to their new Thursday evening prayer service. God is on the move in Delphi!
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Sunday afternoon, I chaired the LBA meeting at Eastview Wesleyan Church in the absence of Pastor Mark Atkinson. I am glad to report that Pastor Mark is making steady progress in his recovery. He surprised the congregation at the Jonesboro campus by slipping in to worship with them. Please keep Mark and Ronda in your prayers as they continue this recovery process.
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Tuesday morning, I met with Dr. Jim Lo in preparation for our Crossroads District prayer gathering on September 27, 6 p.m., at The River Church in Marion. Dr. Jim Lo leads our district intercession team and will be hosting this summit with me. Please make plans to join us as we pray for revival in our hearts, our churches, and our nation. (Dr. Lo was at The River Church today teaching on prayer in all three morning services and in an afternoon seminar.)

Wednesday, Rev. Theo Griffin (Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church) and I met in the morning for our annual coaching conversation. I was also able to connect with Rev. Craig Thurmon, our district treasurer, in preparation for this week’s DBA meeting. Pastor Craig and Tiffany are working together to plant The Encounter Assembly on the east side of Indianapolis. Wednesday afternoon, I dropped in on Pastor Brad LeRoy and the staff at Harvest Church before heading back to Greenfield. Mrs. Randy Griffin (Theo’s wife and ministry partner) graciously took time to tell me about the ministry she launched in Central New York to care for pastors’ spouses. Stay tuned for more.

Thursday, I was in Fort Wayne to meet with Pastor Dave Dignal (Edgerton Wesleyan) and Pastor Aaron Lee (Cultivate Church) for our annual coaching conversations. Jordan Ashley (CFO for College Wesleyan Church) and I met later that afternoon to sign closing documents for the construction loan on their JC Body Shop expansion project. College Wesleyan is making great progress in raising the funding and in completing this building that will expand their capacity for community ministry.

Friday morning, I met with Jim Bogear in Gas City for an update on the growing coaching ministry that he and Jerolyn are leading together. Rev. Jason Tash and I met in Fort Wayne to review the StratOp consultations he is leading for the district. I was glad to connect with Pastor Aldean Pablo to catch up on the progress of the SEND Church planting project. Here’s a photo from their recent outdoor service. Please keep the Pablos in your prayers!

Saturday morning, I made a quick trip to Huntington to check in on Pastor Chris Williams leading the StratOp consultation for Hope Rising Church. I am grateful for Jason Tash, Matthew Trexler, and Chris Williams who join me in sharing this helpful resource with our district churches. We still have a few dates available in the spring if your team is ready to become even more focused and aligned for Kingdom impact.
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No one needs another meeting, but every church can benefit from gaining greater clarity on their mission and the significant next steps that can help us be more effective in making disciples. Pastors Zack and Carla Working did a great job of preparing their team for this weekend and capped it all off with a baptism celebration in this morning’s worship service. That’s why we do what we do. Praise God for lives being #madenew!
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This week I’ll be in Florida for the Wesleyan Village Board meeting Tuesday and then our District Board of Administration meets in Fairmount on Thursday. I am grateful for each one of you who keeps me in your prayers as I have the opportunity to travel and serve our team.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. I am grateful for the many creative ways that our churches engage with and serve their communities. Pastor Dan and Amanda Clark sent along these photos from the special service that they held yesterday at Monon Wesleyan Church to honor the first responders in their town.
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I trust that you were able to enjoy some time relaxing with your family and friends over this Labor Day weekend. Sherry and I enjoyed taking a few days off including time with our children in Michigan. I hope you’ll be encouraged by this briefer than normal team update.

Last week’s abbreviated schedule included working with an LBA on a pastoral search, interviewing prospective church planters, conducting coaching conversations, and leading staff meetings. One of the highlights of last week was a meeting on Friday with Rev. Mike Hewitt (our district’s church multiplication champion), Rev. Bernie Haddad, and Toni, one of the ladies that Bernie is discipling through Mercy Unleashed.
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It is so encouraging to hear how God is at work through this ministry to prisoners and their families. Our church plant (Eden Unleashed) in the New Castle prison continues to meet for ministry but outside guests are still restricted. Pray for Danny and the other men in our church there who are faithfully discipling within the walls.

Again this week we have the privilege of rejoicing with our churches that are celebrating lives #madenew by the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Pastor Paul VanCise shared good news of three baptisms in the Bryant Wesleyan Church on September 6 and 2 more on August 23 in their ministry partnership that Joe Schmidt is leading in Dunkirk.
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​Pastor Jeremy Armiger and Dr. Jim Lo baptized three new believers at Parkview Wesleyan Church in Chesterfield. God is honoring the focused prayer and community evangelism that Parkview is pursuing.

Pastor Neftali Lopez and the congregation at Carmel Amistad Iglesia Wesleyana celebrated lives being #madenew in an outdoor baptism on Sunday. Three new believers publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord!
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Jesus declared, “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:7 (NLT)
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​We’re thanking God for answered prayer. Three of our pastors who tested positive for Covid-19 over the last several weeks have all received tests confirming that they are now free from the virus. Thank you for each one who joined them in prayer.

Pastor Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview) has been released from the hospital to recover at home from his recent heart surgery. It was great to speak with Pastor Mark by phone from his home on Thursday. Please continue to remember Mark and Ronda in prayer.

PRAYER GATHERING set for September 27, 6 p.m., at The River Church in Marion. This is a change from the previous announcement. For the past few months our district pastors have only gathered on ZOOM for updates and prayer. This month, we will plan to meet in person. Dr. Jim Lo and I will be hosting this prayer meeting as we seek the Lord for revival in our churches and in our land. If you are able, please plan to join us.

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sherry and I enjoyed worshiping with Rev. Rob and Melinda Tippey at Wabash New Journey Community Church on Sunday morning, August 30. In person attendance was strong again yesterday with many young families and several IWU students. I had the privilege of installing Pastor Tippey on behalf of our Crossroads District team. Pastor Rob cast vision in an anointed message about “The Church I See” from Luke 14:25-33. He challenged the church with the reminder that “we’re not here to fill seats, we are here to make disciples.”
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After the service, we joined the Tippey’s and the young adults of the church for a delicious meal. New Journey was blessed to be launched by Pastors Tom & Sarah Cochran. Pastor Brian & Jessica Scramlin followed the founding pastors and built well on that foundation. Pray for Pastor Rob and Melinda as they lead New Journey into this next exciting chapter of impacting Wabash with the Gospel.
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I connected with the Level 13 Church leadership team last Monday evening and confirmed interim ministry plans and their upcoming StratOp consultation with Jason Tash on October 2-3. Tuesday, I met with the Crossroads District team at Abbey Coffee in the morning. Sherry and I hosted the Hartford City Wesleyan Church staff for a meeting and supper at our place on Tuesday evening.
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Wednesday included a flurry of calls, texts and emails. The best news of the day was the phone call from Pastor Mark Atkinson that he was being transferred to IU Health’s Blackford Hospital so he can rehab closer to home. Wednesday evening, I met with the LBA at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church as they confirmed plans for the interim until Mark is healthy enough to return. They have a strong staff team that will be sharing the load for this vital ministry. While we were meeting, Pastor Mark sent us a photo via text so we returned the favor.
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Thursday afternoon, I met with Dr. Mark Eckart via Zoom for an extended discussion about possible merits and models for more collaborative ministry between the Indiana South and Crossroads district. Mark continues to heal from a recent procedure on his vocal cords and is grateful for our prayers. Thursday evening, Seth Bye and I hosted a Zoom meeting for our pastors on communication they had received from the district office. The issue of effective ministry to persons who struggle with same sex attraction is a growing challenge in our congregations and colleges. Our aim is to minister with love and an optimistic view of God’s grace that can empower people to live in freedom.
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Friday, I dropped in on Rev. Rick Carder and the DBMD Zone team that was meeting with ministerial candidates at Eastview Wesleyan Church in Gas City. The DBMD (District Board of Ministerial Development) plays a key role in helping individuals process their calling and walk with them as they prepare for a lifetime of vocational ministry. I am grateful for each of our ministers and lay leaders who collectively volunteer hundreds of hours each year to serve alongside our students in this significant assignment.
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Mr. Carl Shepherd led a group of us serving on subcommittee of the General Board in a Zoom meeting on Friday afternoon. The postponing of General Conference allowed for additional refinement of proposed memorials that will be considered by the board at its fall meeting. Carl and Vicki are actively involved at Indianapolis Trinity Church and Carl also chairs the IWU Board of Trustees. We’re praying with Carl and Vicki as Vicki battles cancer.

Friday evening and all day Saturday, I served with Rev. Jason Tash as he led the Hartford City Wesleyan Church in a StratOp planning retreat. Jason is currently serving as VP for Development at Destiny Rescue but also graciously serves as part of our district team for these weekend consultations. The team at Hartford City Wesleyan Church worked well together in processing through the planning elements. Pray for HCWC as they move through this transition time and prepare to launch their pastoral search.
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I am always excited to hear from our pastors with reports of changed lives and baptism celebrations. Pastor Lyle Breeding shared the good news that he and Assistant Pastor Lane Sander had the joy of baptizing 5 new believers at Sonlight Wesleyan Church in Bluffton. Praise the Lord for lives #madenew!
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Rev. Aldean Pablo, our church planter in Roanoke/SW Fort Wayne reported 10 baptisms and more than 130 in attendance for an outdoor worship celebration this past Sunday at SEND Church in their cooperative ministry with the Sonrise UMC campus. Pastor Aldean had the special privilege of baptizing his son, Eleazar. Praise God for lives #madenew!
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​Please continue to pray for healing grace to our pastors with physical concerns: Rev. Mark Atkinson (Gas City Eastview), Rev. Nicolas Zarate (Circle of Hope), and Pastor Steve Arnett (New Castle Mt. Zion).

Our sympathies and prayers are extended to the family and friends of Rev. Ray Hood, a retired minister who served for many years as pastor of Fishersburg Wesleyan Church. Rev. Hood passed away last week and his funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 1, at the Whetsel Funeral Service in Alexandria.

We believe that prayer makes a difference. We are inviting district pastors and lay leaders to join us for a concert of prayer at 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. Dr. Jim Lo will be leading us in this prayer time with a special focus on revival in our churches. We would love to have you join us.

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sherry and I enjoyed worshiping at our home church on Sunday morning. Waterline Church was our neighborhood church when we first moved to Indiana. Pastor John and Danielle Freed welcomed us as members in 2015 and we’ve appreciated the evangelistic passion that still marks the church today. Earlier this summer, John and Danielle transitioned into a staff role leading church planting with the Great Lake District. The lead team has been working diligently through a pastoral search process and we met together after the morning service. Following the leadership team meeting, Sherry and I were delighted to host the staff for lunch. Please pray for Waterline as they seek the Lord for their new lead pastor.
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Sunday evening, Sherry and I joined the church family at Hartford City Wesleyan Church for a hymn sing and ice cream fellowship. It was heart-warming to share in singing these well-loved songs of the church. They topped off the evening with an ice cream sundae buffet. About 50 people joined us for this evening of fellowship and inspiration. This was the first congregation-wide event hosted by the church since March. Thank you to Josh Munoz, worship director, and his team for putting this event together. I am having a lot of fun serving with John Bonham, Administrative Director, and the other members of the ministry team at HCWC while we work through this transition period between pastors.
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Wesley Seminary honored its 2020 graduates in an online commencement ceremony on Saturday afternoon, August 22. IWU President David Wright and Wesley Seminary President Colleen Derr brought greetings to this graduation class. Congratulations to members of our district team who graduated this year including Rev. Ryan Van Matre, campus pastor at Richmond LifeSpring South, and Jordan Rife, worship pastor at College Wesleyan. Dr. Derr reports that Wesley Seminary is off to a great start in this new academic year with record enrollment in July (502 students).
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Assistant DS Matthew Trexler has been leading a cohort of pastors in Region 1 who meet on one Monday morning each month for the past year for learning and encouragement. I was able to drop in on this week’s session and was encouraged to hear the stories of God’s faithfulness in this season. Iron does sharpen iron and we are better together.
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​Monday afternoon, I met with Rev. Johanna Rugh and her husband Robert. The Rugh’s have moved to Indiana with Johanna continuing her service at Wesleyan headquarters working with Education and Clergy Development with special attention focused on FLAMA, our ministerial training program for Hispanic pastors. It was also good to catch up with Dr. David Drury and hear more about how God is at work in the growing network of house churches that now spans coast to coast.
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Tuesday morning, I checked in on the staff at Eastview Wesleyan Church before heading to Marion to meet with our district office team. Tuesday afternoon, I joined Wesleyans online for the Welcome 2020 Conference hosted by our own Rev. Zach Szmara, pastor at Logansport The Bridge Wesleyan Church. One of the celebration points was the Immigrant Connection has now served more than 8000 people from 120 countries. I am thankful for Zach’s leadership as Executive Director for this important ministry that equips churches to help people enter the legal process for immigration. For more information, here’s the link to their website: https://www.wesleyan.org/discipleship/immigrant-connection

Wednesday’s meetings included Dr. Bob Hallett (interim pastor at Lancaster Wesleyan Church), Rev. Jeff Brady (Marion Commoners House Church), and Dr. Jeremy Summers who has returned from a season in the south.  I was able to visit with Pastor Mark and Ronda on Thursday at the hospital in Fort Wayne. It was a blessing to be able to represent our district team as we joined together in prayer. The good news this past weekend was that Pastor Mark is improving and could soon be released to a rehabilitation facility. His family and the church are posting regular updates on Facebook for those who want to follow more closely. Thank you for continuing to pray with us for his full recovery.

Friday included sermon preparation for Sunday morning at Waterline. I also hosted an online meeting with our Assistant District Superintendents in preparation for an important letter that will be coming to our district pastors. If you are a lead pastor in our district, please check your email on Wednesday.

Saturday morning, August 22, Assistant DS Mike Colaw (pastor at Indy Trinity) hosted a Zoom meeting for pastors in Region 2. I appreciated the opportunity to hear how God is faithfully at work in our different settings. Pastor Theo Griffin brought a praise report of a baptism last week at Greenfield Brown’s Chapel, with two more planned for the near future. Pastor Mike reported that 3 more people have recently testified to a call to ministry for a total of 10 young leaders that he is mentoring. He also shared some exciting opportunities that they will be offering for Region 2 pastors in their monthly leadership development meetings this fall.

Congratulations to Rev. John and Sherryl Wrightsman on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. John and Sherryl have served both in local church ministry and then with Indiana Wesleyan University before officially retiring. We are thankful for their ministry and their beautiful example of a Christ-centered marriage.
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​Thank you for all you do to advance God’s Kingdom!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent