Sunday morning, August 25, Rev. Don Bayne and the team at New Carlisle Wesleyan Church welcomed me to bring greetings from our district team. Pastor Don has been faithfully serving New Carlisle since 1995. Andrew Colaw is also on staff leading worship and youth.
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It was encouraging to hear how they’re reaching out to their community. The director of the local seniors’ center was present in the service to invite the congregation to an appreciation dinner in gratitude for the impact NCWC has had on their residents. The church family hosted a “back-to-school” event to provide 300 students with backpacks and school supplies.

Following the service, I met with the LBA (Local Board of Administration) and then hosted Pastor Don and Ty (his son) for lunch. While out for lunch, Pastor Don showed me the warehouse from which the church has blessed 1600 families with donated home furnishings.
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Sunday afternoon, I met with the congregation at Monon Wesleyan Church. Dr. Brad Snyder is completing his service to the church and they are having the difficult conversation about whether they still have the capacity to continue on. I’m grateful for the small but faithful group of believers who maintained this ministry over the past few years.
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Last Monday, I had the privilege of presenting a Clifton StrengthsFinder workshop with the Taylor University School of Business. As many of you know, Dr. Sherry Gorveatte joined the Taylor faculty as Assistant Professor of Accounting, so it was fun to meet and serve her colleagues in the department.
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I dropped by The River Church to catch up with the leadership cohort that Pastor Matthew Trexler leads each month. God is writing some exciting stories of Kingdom impact through these cohorts and I’m grateful that Dr. Chris Williams will also be leading cohorts this fall. The last meeting of the day was back with the leaders at The Branch in Lafayette. They are prayerfully considering a bold step to increase their impact in their region.

Tuesday morning, I was back on the road for coaching conversations. My first stop was with Pastor Josh Fox over coffee at Common Grounds in Hartford City. It was encouraging to hear how God is at work in his growing family (8th grader, 4th grader, and kindergartener) and also blessing the church. My next stop was with Pastor Dan Van Cise in Marion. God has been answering the faithful prayers at West 8th Street. Pastor Dan has been calling the church to a Saturday morning prayer meeting each week for the past 3 years. Attendance this summer is up 10 per week over last summer and here’s a picture from their baptism yesterday!
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My last meeting of the day was with Dr. Eddie Shigley. Professor Shigley is a tremendous blessing to our IWU students, but he also has a passion for encouraging pastors in the local church. He and Esther, his wife, have provided marriage and family seminars for area congregations and we’re exploring ways to partner in the future.

Wednesday, I met with Michael Wood in Arcadia to sign documents before heading on to Avon to meet with Rev. Seth Bye for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Seth and Kassidy (along with Sonora) are pressing forward in relaunching ministry in Avon as 317Church. Thank you to those churches who have added 317Church to your multiplication budget. Pastor Seth was celebrating the 3 professions of faith so far this summer and looking forward to continued growth as they move into the fall.
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My next appointment was a Zoom call with several of our chaplains. We have 11 currently under appointment to this category of service in our district and many more who serve in part-time employed or volunteer chaplain roles. These chaplains serve in a variety of roles including law enforcement, long-term and hospice, correctional facilities, and educational institutions. The team is working to develop a day of orientation, training, and fellowship for those who currently serve and for others who would like to learn more about these ministries. If you’d like to be on their list for additional information, send a note to the district office.

Rev. Grace Lopez, our Assistant District Superintendent for Hispanic Ministries, (along with her husband Rev. Neftali Lopez) met with me to provide an update on her activities this summer and plans for the fall. I am especially grateful for the leadership Pastor Grace provides to our Spanish-speaking ministerial students in the FLAMA program.

Thursday morning, I joined Pastor Noah Farmer and his team at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church for their 21 Days of Prayer gathering. The church was also hosting an IWU staff breakfast so the building was hopping. Rev. Tony Bye and I met at Lola’s Coffee for our ACC (annual coaching conversation). Pastor Tony shared a good report from Brookhaven Wesleyan Church with growth in their young adult ministry, especially with young married couples. They’re also rejoicing with 11 baptisms so far in this conference year.
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My last stop of the day was with Dr. Chris Williams for our ACC and to catch up on district work as Chris serves us well as Assistant DS and ViceChair of the DBA (district board of administration). I also dropped in at Lakeview Wesleyan Church on Saturday morning as Dr. Williams affirmed the congregation for their strong participation in the 21 Days of Prayer.

Saturday also provided an opportunity to check in with Pastor Scott Rhyno and the team at Waterline Church as they are finishing last minute details on their new facility in Ingalls. They had another great crew of volunteers and, while I didn’t know all of them, I did recognize one of the team. You know him as Dr. Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent, but if you know Pastor Wayne well, you would know that it was almost General Contractor. Thank you, Dr. Schmidt for leading by example in your own local church!
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Sherry and I were in Lapel on Saturday evening for the beautiful wedding of Noah and Jaci (Cole) Colaw. Proud parents of the bride, Rev. Andy and Elicia Cole, hosted the festivities in the wedding venue they’ve renovated just north of Lapel. Rev. Michael Colaw, proud father of the groom, officiated with assistance from Rev. Andy Cole and from the grandfathers, Rev. Richard Cole and Rev. Joe Colaw. Noah and Jaci will be returning to the IWU campus this fall as they continue to study for pastoral ministry. Our best wishes and prayers for God’s blessing on their life and ministry.
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Nothing brings more joy than to hear the stories of lives being transformed by the Gospel! Pastor Ron Forsythe (Lancaster Wesleyan Church) had the privilege of baptizing two young men this past Sunday!
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Pastor Scott McDermid had the joy of baptizing another young lady last weekend as part of the special day when the youth ministry at Six Points Wesleyan Church took responsibility for the worship service. God is on the move in Sheridan!
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Pastor Walter Martir and the team at Indianapolis Monte de Sion Iglesia Wesleyana celebrated an outdoor baptism on Saturday afternoon, August 24, and three young adults publicly professed their faith in Christ. Pastor Walter was also excited to share that five more people prayed to receive Christ on Sunday morning!
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Two more Sundays until we gather for the Celebration of Ministry on September 15, 5 p.m., at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. The ordained ministers will meet promptly at 4:30 for our group photo and directions for our participation in the service. The service begins promptly at 5 p.m. led by our General Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Schmidt. We will also celebrate retiring ministers and those who have achieved decadal milestones in their ministry. The ordination service will be followed by a reception to greet those newly ordained and for a time of fellowship. Plan to join us!
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FUEL is coming to Indiana, October 11-12! 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. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing several of those reports for you to enjoy. Every ministry matters and we’re grateful for the outstanding ministers who generously provide point leadership for these initiatives. This week’s excellent report is from Rev. Dr. Chris Williams, Assistant District Superintendent. Click here to read his 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. COURAGE TO LEAD – Shawn Lovejoy is bringing his one-day leadership training event for pastors and business leaders to Indianapolis on September 17. Shawn has been both a successful commercial real estate developer and an effective church planter. We’re grateful for Shawn’s willingness to offer a 30% discount for our district pastors. Sign up early and use the discount code “Wesleyan” when you register and let’s learn to be more courageous leaders. https://www.couragetolead.com/oneday

Sunday morning, August 18, Pastor Ben & Kirsten Jones welcomed me to Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church to bring greetings from our Crossroads District team and to preach the Word. Rev. Jones is in his fifth year pastoring, his fourth year of marriage and now the proud father of two beautiful children.
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Last year, with an average of 36 in attendance, they baptized 6 new believers. Pastor Ben already has 2 people lined up for their next baptism. Following the morning service, I met briefly with the LBA (Local Board of Administration) and then hosted the Jones family for lunch. We were delighted that they went out of their way on Saturday to come by the Open House Pastors’ Fellowship on their way back home from visiting family in Ohio.
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My next stop was in Anderson to connect with Pastor Janiel and Leanna Caraballo as they lead the Exit Church launch team in hosting a neighborhood block party. They were encouraged by the number of new connections and the overall positive response. Things are moving quickly as they prepare to launch Exit Church on September 15. Keep praying!
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My final stop of the day was at Fairmount Camp for the closing rally of Legacy Camp. Rev. Gale Janofski directed the camp under the leadership of Krista Brown, Executive Director. Rev. Ken Dykhoff led the singing and the Janofski’s joined him in singing the Gaither classic, Something Beautiful. Rev. George Cecil was the camp evangelist and challenged all of us to “get used to different” as we follow Christ in His mission to make disciples. Next year’s Legacy Camp will welcome Dr. Joe Harmon as the keynote speaker.
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Monday’s schedule included a district staff meeting in Marion and a board meeting in Monon, but the highlight was dropping in to say hello to the monthly cohort that Rev. Carla Working leads for women in ministry. I’m grateful for Carla’s continued invest in this group even as she leads at Wesleyan HQ and chairs our DBMD (District Board of Ministerial Development).
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Tuesday morning, I met with Dr. David Drury online for our annual coaching conversation as he continues to lead a team of pastors in One Multichurch Network, a house church movement, in addition to his full-time responsibilities at Global Partners. Tuesday evening, I was able to join Pastor Matthew Trexler at The River Church as they closed their 3-night revival services themed “ReSet.” Jason Delgado from Courage to Lead preached the final service and the altar was lined with people coming for prayer.
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Wednesday, I was back on the road for a coaching conversation with Pastor Jacob Gibson (LifeSpring Church). We met in Richmond at Carlos’ Cuisine, a new restaurant launched by Carlos and Jessie, two of our staff members in the Casa Network of churches. My final stop of the day was with the LBA at The Branch Wesleyan Church in Lafayette. I also connected with youth staff who were leading an exciting game of “Capture the Flag.” Yes, I did have temporary flashbacks from my years as youth pastor and district teen camp director.

The highlight of Friday was joining in the celebration as Rev. Theo Griffin, pastor of Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church in Greenfield, successfully presented his doctoral research project to the online colloquium. On behalf of Wesley Seminary at IWU, Dr. Connie Erpelding conferred his earned degree. Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Theo Griffin (and to Randy, his very supportive wife) on this significant accomplishment!
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Saturday was so much fun! Sherry and I welcomed 70 pastors, spouses, and some PK’s to our home in Gaston. We had so much fun hosting pastors and spouses in our home in Upland for Friday evening fellowship over the past 7 years. With the change in location, we wanted our team to know they’re always welcome. Best of all, it provided an end of summer fun opportunity for our pastors to get together.
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We couldn’t have pulled this off without James and Kelly Stamper. Rev. Stamper (North Anderson Wesleyan Church) is not only an executive pastor, but he is also a master chef when it comes to smoked brisket. The meal received raving reviews. Pastor Mike Hewitt (Muncie Rising Hope) came through with the tent, tables and chairs. Our youngest guests were under 5 years old and our most senior guests (Rev. Duane and JoEllen Seitz) are celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this coming Saturday. And, thanks to my coach and partner, Randy Yaryan, the DS is undefeated in the cornhole competition!
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Yes, God is moving and we have more baptisms to report this week:

Pastor Joshua Fox passed along the good news of another baptism at Hartford City Wesleyan Church as a high school student publicly professed his faith in Christ. Praise the Lord for young lives impacted by the Gospel!
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Rev. Sam Maddox and Albion Wesleyan Church were blessed by the powerful testimonies of two men who publicly professed their faith in Christ through baptism. We join AWC in rejoicing with these lives #MadeNew by God’s amazing grace!
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Pastor Dan Fisher and Delphi Wesleyan celebrated baptisms in the river at the city park with dozens of people looking on and six new believers publicly professing their faith in Christ. Delphi Wesleyan averaged 54 in worship last year and had 11 baptisms. God is answering prayers for revival!
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Less than 30 days! That’s right, our Crossroads District team is gathering on September 15, 5 p.m., at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion for an inspiring Celebration of Ministry. Our ordained ministers will meet promptly at 4:30 for a group photo with the ordinands and final directions for our participation in the service. The service begins promptly at 5 p.m. led by our General Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Schmidt. We will share in the ordination of twelve persons approved by this year’s district conference. We will celebrate retiring ministers and those who have achieved decadal milestones in their ministry. The service will be followed by a reception to greet those newly ordained ministers. Plan to join us!
​

Each year, our district conference receives reports from our various ministry champions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing several of those reports for you to enjoy. Every ministry matters and we’re grateful for the outstanding ministers who generously provide point leadership for these initiatives. This week’s report is from Rev. Carla Working, Chair of the District Board of Ministerial Development. Click here to read her report.

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

Your servant in Christ,
​
​Mark Gorveatte
​
​Crossroads District Superintendent
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P.S. COURAGE TO LEAD – Join us as Shawn Lovejoy brings his one-day leadership training event for pastors and business leaders to Indianapolis on September 17. We’re grateful for Shawn’s willingness to offer a 30% discount for our district pastors. Sign up early and use the discount code “Wesleyan” when you register and let’s learn to be more courageous leaders. https://www.couragetolead.com/oneday Shawn brings wisdom from his experiences both as a successful commercial real estate developer and an effective church planter, so this event can be a good investment in your lay leaders.

Sunday afternoon, Pastor Claudia Ruiz Wilson and the leadership team at the CASA network of churches welcomed me in Richmond. I brought a message from God’s Word and then led in a prayer of consecration for three of their ministerial students who will be stepping into leadership roles with this expanding network, which includes congregations in Richmond, Union City, and Portland. Pastor Claudia is now working with four families in Indianapolis who are willing to be part of the launch team for another CASA campus. Pray that God continues to provide wisdom and strength for this growing network of churches!
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Rev. Jerome Bell and the team at Autumn Hills Church in Pendleton welcomed me to bring greetings from the district and to share the evening message. This new church launched during the pandemic and has continued to offer an evening service with discussions around tables. This evening’s service continued with a shared meal. The congregation continues to impact families through their “Art Camp” each summer and a monthly “Art Club” evening session. Pray for Pastor Jerome and Lenita as they lead this growing ministry.
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My Sunday morning schedule allowed me to stop by Rising Hope in Muncie for the beginning of their first service. Pastor Mike and Kim Hewitt continue building a strong team and developing a church planter pipeline. This morning’s worship team featured their three sons!
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On my way from Muncie to Richmond, I was also able to check in with Rev. Randy Yaryan and the team at Winchester Union Street Wesleyan Church. Pastor Randy continues to lead the church after 27 years with a special focus on children’s ministry and Bible quizzing. The delightful children’s choir sang in the morning service.
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Last week’s schedule began with our office staff meeting in Marion on Monday. I was on the road for coaching conversations on Tuesday. Paul Crisp and his team from Campus.edu allowed me to spend two days (Wednesday and Thursday) with them filming lesson introductions for a new course on Church Leadership and Management that can be taken for ordination credit through https://www.kingswoodlearn.com/. Congratulations to President Steve Lennox and Dr. Darren Campbell for their game-changing initiative!
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Saturday was a special day that reminded me of the many ways God is working across our district team. I began the day in Marion and heard Levi Trexler, an 18-year-old, bring the message from God’s Word to kick off an hour of prayer at The River Church.
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My next stop was in Indianapolis where I was honored to represent our district at the homegoing celebration for Mrs. Helen Shepherd Schenck, a beloved 98-year-old saint. Mrs. Schenck, a faithful prayer warrior, counted 5 ordained ministers among her 5 children and their spouses, including our own Dr. Ken Schenck. What an amazing legacy of faith passed on to the next generation!

My third stop was at Monte de Sion Iglesia Wesleyana in Eagledale on the west side of Indianapolis. Pastor Walter Martin and his team have been reaching out to their neighbors on Saturdays by cooking pupusas. The church has nearly doubled in the past few months (91 in attendance last Sunday) and they’ve purchased 200 chairs to make room for their growth. They are looking forward to celebrating five baptisms later this month.
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My last stop of the day was in Greenfield at the surprise party that Randy Griffin hosted to honor her husband Pastor Theo Griffin on his 60th birthday. We’re praying with Rev. Griffin, pastor of Brown’s Chapel Church, as he prepares to defend his doctoral dissertation this week.
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We’re always excited to pass along baptism reports! Dr. Steve DeNeff and the team at College Wesleyan Church in Marion are celebrating three more believers publicly professing their faith in Christ through water baptism. Praise the Lord for lives being #MadeNew!
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Pastor Calimerio Rodriguez and the team at Frankfort Templo de Poder Iglesia Wesleyana are praising the Lord for a beautiful baptism service today in the river. Three adults and two teenagers publicly professed their faith in Christ!
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You are invited to join us for the Celebration of Ministry on September 15, 5 p.m., at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. The ordained ministers will meet promptly at 4:30 for our group photo and directions for our participation in the service. The service begins promptly at 5 p.m. led by our General Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Schmidt. We will share in the ordination of twelve persons approved by this year’s district conference. We will celebrate retiring ministers and those who have achieved decadal milestones in their ministry. The service will be followed by a reception to greet those newly ordained and for a time of fellowship. Plan to join us!
​

​Each year, our district conference receives reports from our various ministry champions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing several of those reports for you to enjoy. Every ministry matters and we’re grateful for the outstanding ministers who generously provide point leadership for these initiatives. This week’s excellent report is from Rev. Michael Hewitt, district champion for church planting. Click here to read his report.
​
​​Thank you for all you do to make a difference for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte
​
​Crossroads District Superintendent
​
P.S. COURAGE TO LEAD – Shawn Lovejoy is bringing his one-day leadership training event for pastors and business leaders to Indianapolis on September 17. Shawn has been both a successful commercial real estate developer and an effective church planter. We’re grateful for Shawn’s willingness to offer a 30% discount for our district pastors. Sign up early and use the discount code “Wesleyan” when you register and let’s learn to be more courageous leaders. https://www.couragetolead.com/oneday

It was encouraging to see first hand the good work that God is doing through Sonlight. Last year, worship attendance grew from 167 to 202 (+21%) with 28 professions of faith and 12 baptisms. Just last week, they baptized 6 more new believers. They have another baptism service coming up on October. God is on the move in Bluffton!
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Dr. Chris Williams and the team at Marion Lakeview Wesleyan Church hosted Pastor Janiel Caraballo to share the vision of Exit Church, the new church plant in Anderson. Dr. Williams and Lakeview tapped into their 1% church multiplication fund to donate $5000 to help this new ministry get off to a strong start. With the 1% church multiplication initiative approved by district conference in 2023, that investment will be matched with another $5000 from the Great Commission Fund. Has your leadership team decided which church multiplication project you’re going to invest in this year?
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Monday included a district staff meeting, a Christmas planning team meeting, and then I was on the road to meet with Rev. Jerry Alexander and the leadership team at Living Hope Church in Anderson. The board welcomed Rev. Mike Weller (Restoration Church) and Pastor Janiel Caraballo (Exit Church) to consider a proposal to host both of these ministries in their community building known as “The Bateman Center.”
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The concept was unanimously approved by the board of Living Hope and details are being worked out this week. Exit Church would launch their worship services onsite in September and Restoration Church would move their services there in October.

Tuesday morning, I met with Rev. Michael Gallant in Marion for an update on the progress at Mt. Etna Community Life Church, Sherry and I had lunch with recent IWU grads in Fort Wayne on Tuesday to share about the ministry opportunities in our district. We ended the day in Shipshewana enjoying an evening of worship with CeCe Winans.
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Thursday afternoon, I was back in Fort Wayne at Sweetwater’s cafe to meet with Rev. Sam Maddox, Jr., Rev. Sam Maddox, Sr., and a friend who has helped out with their ministry at Albion Wesleyan Church. They’ve been praying together about ministry multiplication opportunities in surrounding communities including Kendallville.

Friday morning, I met with Rev. Tim Kellerman, DS for the Church of the Nazarene in this region. We’ve been connecting about every other month for the past year. I’ve appreciated our times of fellowship and prayer. Dr. Arron Perry and I met in Marion. Dr. Perry has agreed to serve as interim pastor for Sweetser Wesleyan Church. Sunday evening, Dr. Perry was there for the back to school party that Sweetser hosted for children in their neighborhood.
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Yesterday was another amazing day of baptisms across our district. Pastor Tony Bye and the team at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church gathered outside last evening for a baptism service. Ten people entered the waters of baptism to publicly profess their faith in Christ!
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Pastor Matthew Trexler and The River Church team celebrated baptisms in the worship services and then out on the lawn. A total of 16 people publicly professed their faith in Christ!
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Pastor Brent Miller and the team at Gas City Southside Wesleyan Church took their baptism service down to the Mississinewa River for the first time in many years. They are rejoicing with 17 people who obeyed Christ’s command to be baptized in witness to their hope in Jesus. Pastor Brent shared that a few others came up to him after the service to be included in their next baptism service. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew!
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Don’t miss the Celebration of Ministry on September 15, 5 p.m., at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion. The ordained ministers will meet promptly at 4:30 for our group photo and directions for our participation in the service. The service begins promptly at 5 p.m. led by our General Superintendent, Dr. Wayne Schmidt. We will share in the ordination of twelve persons approved by this year’s district conference. We will also celebrate retiring ministers and those who have achieved decadal milestones in their ministry. The service will be followed by a reception to greet those newly ordained and for a time of fellowship. Plan to join us!
​

Each year, our district conference receives reports from our various ministry champions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing several of those reports for you to enjoy. Every ministry matters and we’re grateful for the outstanding ministers who generously provide point leadership for these initiatives. This week’s excellent report is from Rev. Jessica Folz, district champion for youth ministry. Here’s the link:
​https://drive.google.com/file/d/18m6rLxeagHJ8dyurwjD58zdgQ2z-lQEN/view?usp=sharing
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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. We’re excited to partner with our friend Shawn Lovejoy and his organization, Courage to Lead, to offer this leadership training event for pastors and business leaders on September 17, right here in Indianapolis. Shawn has been both a successful commercial real estate developer and an effective church planter. We’re grateful for Shawn’s willingness to offer a 30% discount for our district pastors. Sign up early and use the discount code “Wesleyan” when you register and let’s learn to be more courageous leaders. https://www.couragetolead.com/oneday