Thank you for your prayers and expressions of support as our family gathered in New Brunswick, Canada for the last few days of my father’s life. Dad was promoted to glory early on Saturday morning, September 17. Rev. Dr. Ken Gorveatte served three congregations in the Crossroads District over the course of his ministry including Lifeway Church in Fort Wayne (formerly Moeller Road Wesleyan), LifeSpring Church (formerly Fountain City Wesleyan), and, after retiring, Brinker Heights in Marion. He also taught as adjunct religion faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University and served Kingswood University both in administration and as a faculty member.
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We celebrated his life on Sunday afternoon, September 18 at Beulah Camp with Atlantic DS Peter Moore and Pastor Jay Guptill officiating. Dr. Laurel Buckingham shared memories from their 60+ years of friendship and Rev. Joel Gorveatte, my younger brother and missionary to Manhattan, shared the message from God’s Word. We are grateful for the blessing of Dad’s life and are humbled to carry on his legacy of faithful ministry.

Sunday morning, September 25, I had the privilege of representing our district team and praying for Rev. Seth Bye and the launch team members at 317Church in Avon. Some of you may be familiar with the journey in Avon as Seth and Cassidy have answered the call to relaunch a new Kingdom community in this growing region of our state.
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Hendricks is the 3rd fastest growing county in Indiana and Pastor Seth estimates that there are as many as 100,000 unreached people in their immediate harvest field. Seth and his launch team have been serving in the neighborhood and building relationships in preparation for their “grand opening” next Sunday, October 2. If you have unchurched friends or relatives in the Avon community, consider sharing this Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074336215372
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On my way to worship with the team at 317Church, I was able to drop in on Pastor Mike Colaw and the team at Trinity Wesleyan Church for their 9:00 service at their Allisonville Road campus. It was good to connect with Pastor Mike, Leslie, and other friends. In addition to leading a growing church and a young family, Rev. Colaw is completing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Wesley Seminary and serves as our Crossroads District representative on the Indiana Wesleyan University Board of Trustees.
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REMINDER: Our next Crossroads District prayer gathering of the fall will be hosted this Sunday evening, October 2, with Rev. Theo Griffin and the team at Greenfield Brown’s Chapel. The prayer gathering will begin promptly at 6 and is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. We’d welcome you to join us and bring friends as we focus our prayer on revival in our own lives, our churches, and our nation. There is power in united prayer!
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After arriving home from Canada on Monday evening, I was excited to meet with my colleagues who lead the other districts in the Heartland Region. Rev. Les Crossfield (Greater Ohio DS), and Rev. Aaron Sherman (KY-TN DS) joined me in welcoming Rev. Doug Preston (Indiana South DS) as the newest member of our regional leadership team. We met at LifeLine Wesleyan Church, the congregation that Doug had pastored in Greensburg, Indiana. We reviewed the progress of our regional collaboration and approved moving forward on the 2024 Heartland Gathering in Pigeon Forge!
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Wednesday, the district office staff met in Marion and I then traveled on for a coaching conversation with Chris Granados who is serving as our supply pastor at Monte de Sion Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. Chris was excited to share that they welcomed 127 people, a full house, for their church’s anniversary service earlier this month.

Thursday, our Crossroads DBA (District Board of Administration) met at Autumn Hills Wesleyan Church in Pendleton. In addition to the regular matters that come before the DBA, we had the privilege of hearing ministry updates from church planters Rev. Andy Riemersma (Westfield ONE Church) and Rev. Seth Bye (Avon 317Church).
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The DBA also approved a recommendation to elect Rev. Carla Working as Assistant DS and for her to serve as Chair of the DBMD. Dr. Chris Williams will continue to serve as ViceChair of the DBA and the Assistant District Superintendent for initiatives like our Next Level experience.

Thursday evening, I traveled to Plymouth Wesleyan Church to meet with the LBA (Local Board of Administration) as they begin the search process for their next pastor. Dr. Oliver Dongell has served effectively for 20 years, and while he won’t be slowing down much in retirement, he felt that this was the year to pass the baton of leadership. Pray for the LBA as they seek to discern God’s will for this most important decision.
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Friday morning and afternoon, I had the joy of sharing with Dr. Jim Lo in his ministry classes at Indiana Wesleyan University. The students were very responsive and in the afternoon class session we had a special time of prayer for prospective church planters.

Friday evening, Sherry and I were delighted to welcome our first Friday Fellowship for the fall. Rev. Grace Lopez and Rev. Neftali Lopez (Circuit Rider for Hispanic churches), Rev. Elizabeth Rhyno and Rev. Scott Rhyno (Waterline Church), Rev. Ron and Faye Ferguson (Grant City Wesleyan), Rev. Eric and Diana George (Muncie Memorial), and Rev. Aldean and Jessie Pablo (Roanoke Arise Church) joined us for a blessed evening of food, fellowship, laughter, and prayer.
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Saturday’s schedule included meeting with Dr. Rich Schenck and the Intercultural Ministry Task Force for breakfast and a working session in Indianapolis. Two of the ladies from this task force were unfortunately unable to attend this session. This is a fun team helping us think more strategically about the missional opportunities around us here in Indiana.
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I traveled back to Marion to drop in and thank Rev. Bob Burchell and the DBMD team that he leads for their investment in our ministerial students. After lunch with Bob’s team, I jumped over to the IWU football game in time to hear that Dr. David Wright, retired president, was being inducted as Indiana’s newest Sagamore of the Wabash, awarded to citizens who have contributed greatly to the heritage of our state. Congratulations, Dr. Wright! The Wildcats improved their record to 2-1 with the 63-6 victory over Trinity International University.
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Welcome to Max Colaw as the newest member of the Crossroads District ministerial family. Max was born last week to Rev. Andrew and Kaitlyn (Weinmann) Colaw. Andrew is the youth pastor at Sheridan Six Points Church and Kaitlyn is an RN at Riverview Health. Max shares his name with his great grandfather, retired Tri-State District Superintendent, Rev. Max Colaw. Mother and child are both at home and doing well!
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We’re also praising the Lord for stories of new spiritual life across our district. Pastor Brent Miller and the team at Gas City Southside Church celebrated six baptisms yesterday!
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Pastor Andy Riemersma and the team at Westfield ONE Church celebrated another baptism yesterday!
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Rev. Dan Fisher and the team at Delphi Wesleyan Church celebrated four baptisms last week! God is on the move and lives are being #MadeNew!
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I’ve been looking forward to this week for months. Friday, September 30, we are partnering with College Wesleyan Church and Wesley Seminary to hold our first “Celebration of Holiness” seminar. We have a great lineup of speakers for this one-day event and the $20 registration fee includes your meal and Kevin Watson’s new book, Perfect Love. Don’t miss these inspiring and informative presentations on the doctrine that John Wesley called “the grand depositum which God has lodged with the people called Methodists…”
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Note: This event is open to pastors, lay leaders, and ministerial students. Here’s the link to register: https://www.crossroadsdistrict.org/holiness.html
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Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

​Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Sunday morning, September 11, Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Brent Miller and his team at Southside Wesleyan Church in Gas City. Southside relaunched their children’s ministry this morning and Pastor Brent was excited to announce that they have as many as 5 people preparing for baptism in the next few weeks. It was also good to catch up with Mrs. Kim Holloway, mother of Taylor, Southside’s gifted worship leader. Kim and Rev. Tom Holloway, her husband, were part of the West Michigan District team when Sherry and I served there. They now lead a Wesleyan church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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Southside Wesleyan Church is also organizing a short-term missions trip for next year and had 30+ people attend the first informational meeting. Rev. Miller is another one of our many effective bi-vocational pastors. After the morning service, Pastor Brent and Naomi joined us for a delightful conversation over lunch. We are blessed to have the Millers leading at Southside!

Sunday evening, Rev. Gary Bingham and the team at Marion Hillside Wesleyan Church welcomed our Crossroads District Prayer Gathering (CDPG). I am grateful for all that were able to make time to join us for this hour of intercession on behalf of our nation and our mission field here in Indiana. Special thanks to Rev. Bingham, Dr. Jim Lo, Rev. Fred Cromer, Rev. Carla Working, and Rev. Mark Atkinson for leading us through this concert of prayer. Our next CDPG is scheduled for October 2 at Greenfield Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church.
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After enjoying time with family last Monday on Labor Day, our district office staff met on Tuesday morning. Tuesday afternoon, I traveled north to connect with Rev. Sam Maddox, Jr,, pastor at Albion Wesleyan Church, for our annual coaching conversation. Pastor Sam is one of our newest pastors and is off to a great start in Albion.

Many of you have joined our family in praying for my father who developed an infection on his brain after a recent surgery. The medical team advised us on Tuesday to move Dad into the palliative care unit so I traveled to Canada on a roundtrip flight to be with him and to serve as a designated support person (DSP). I was able to arrive on Wednesday evening and be with him through the day and all night Thursday. I spent time with him again on Friday afternoon and made another visit on Saturday morning before flying back home Saturday night.
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Given the uncertainty and distance, I’ll be driving back to Canada early this week to be with my sisters who are there supporting Dad and his wife, Merle. Thank you for your prayers for Rev. Dr. Kenneth Gorveatte as he nears the end of this race and prepares to head Home. Our family is blessed by Dad’s legacy and we rest in the blessed hope we share in Christ and His triumphant resurrection!

Speaking of legacy, Rev. William Babb II celebrated his 100th birthday on September 9 and was honored with a reception hosted at Chapel Pike Wesleyan Church on Saturday afternoon. Rev. Babb is a wonderful example of Christ-like servant leadership and we are so glad that he’s part of our Crossroads District team!
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Another milestone was achieved this past week as Fairmount Camp hosted their 50th Married Couples Retreat (MCR). Only eternity will fully record the significant impact of this ministry in building stronger marriages and families.

We received word that retired pastor Rev. Glen Raney passed away over the weekend. The funeral is planned for Wednesday and we will distribute additional details as they are available. Our sympathies and prayers are extended to his family and many friends in our Crossroads District.
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Dr. Steve Bray announced his resignation from the senior pastorate at Richmond LifeSpring Church this weekend. Dr. Bray has accepted the invitation to become the lead pastor at The Grace Place, an independent church in Stuart, Florida, where he had previously served as assistant pastor. Steve has been a valued member of our Crossroads District Board of Administration and God has blessed his effective leadership at LifeSpring Church. Please pray for LifeSpring Church and for the Brays in this season of transition.

​Have you registered yet for the Celebration of Holiness event, September 30, at College Wesleyan Church? We have a great lineup of speakers for this one-day event and the $20 registration fee includes your meal and Kevin Watson’s new book, Perfect Love. Don’t miss out on this informative and inspiring presentation of this doctrine that John Wesley called our “Grand Depositum.”
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Note: This event is open to pastors, lay leaders, and ministerial students. Here’s the link to register: https://www.crossroadsdistrict.org/holiness.html
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This is our final invitation for the scholarship opportunities for pastors to participate in either the Groundswell Disciple-Making cohort with Rev. Jon Wiest and in the rural ministry cooperative led by Rev. Steve McVey and the Dirt Roads Network. Please contact our district office staff for more information on the scholarship and to register for these leadership development opportunities.
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Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

Our first Crossroads District prayer gathering of the fall will be hosted this coming Sunday evening, September 11, with Pastor Gary Bingham and the team at Hillside Wesleyan Church in Marion. The prayer gathering will begin promptly at 6 and is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m. We’d welcome you to join us as we focus our prayer on revival in our own lives, our churches, and our nation. There is power in united prayer! (Our next district prayer gathering in October will be hosted by Rev. Theo Griffin and the team at Greenfield Brown’s Chapel, on Sunday evening, October 2.)
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Sunday, September 4, was a change from my normal schedule. I was invited to officiate at the wedding of Gillian Haenggi and Timothy Swanson on Sunday afternoon in Bedford. Gillian is a Taylor University graduate who serves as youth ministry director for our Hartford City Wesleyan Church. The wedding rehearsal was on Saturday evening, so Sherry and I stayed overnight and then worshiped at First Wesleyan Church in Bedford with Pastor Michael and Julie McGruder. This ministry is a restart from a church that closed and we received a warm welcome from the growing congregation.
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Another pastoral family in our Crossroads District celebrated a wedding this weekend. Rev. Rob Tippey, pastor at Wabash New Journey Community Church, officiated at the wedding of his son Dathan on Saturday, September 2. The beautiful wedding was hosted at Fairmount Camp. Congratulations to Dathan and Natalee Tippey!
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Last week’s schedule included our regular office team meeting and signing loan documents for WIF. On Tuesday, I connected over lunch in Kokomo with Dr. Oliver Dongell (Plymouth Wesleyan Church) and closed out the day with our three Circuit Riders over coffee in Gas City. I continue to hear such positive reports from the ministry that God is giving to Dr. David Smith, Dr. Jim Lo, and Rev. Mark Atkinson as they preach and encourage churches across our district. I am grateful for these men of God!
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On Wednesday, Sherry and I met with Amanda Banter, Global Partners missionary to the Czech Republic. Amanda is the latest in a long line of Wesleyan missionaries deployed from churches of the Crossroads District. Please pray for Amanda as she returns to the field this week and pray for the ministry of her team as they respond to the needs of refugees from Ukraine.

Wednesday afternoon, I joined Dr. Wayne Schmidt, our General Superintendent, for an online session with district superintendent colleagues. It is always encouraging to hear about the wonderful ways that God is working across our denomination. Another example of that came in my coaching conversation on Wednesday evening (Thursday morning in NZ) with Dr. Clint Ussher, church planter/pastor of The Well in Christ Church, New Zealand. In spite of the pandemic shutdowns, this young Wesleyan church has continued to make disciples who make disciples. Today, The Well is the largest Wesleyan congregation in New Zealand with more than 200 in average worship.
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Thursday, I traveled to Wesleyan HQ in Fishers with Rev. Matthew Trexler, our new district treasurer, for an orientation with the team at Wesleyan Shared Accounting Services. This is the third year of this partnership with the General Treasurer’s office and we are grateful for the excellent work that Kevin Batman’s team does for our district and several others.

Friday afternoon we drove to Orleans, Indiana to connect with DS Doug Preston and the Indiana South DBA. Rev. Preston invited me to lead their DBA through board member orientation and training on Saturday morning. In the afternoon, they allowed me to facilitate a vision development conversation. I came away greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm and unity of this team. DS Preston is off to a strong start and I believe God has wonderful things in store for Indiana South District as they pursue His vision for their district.
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We love to share praise reports of baptisms from across our district team. The most recent report came from Rev. Jon Noggle, our new pastor at Elwood Central Wesleyan Church. Their church had the joy of baptizing one new believer on August 28. Praise the Lord for lives being #MadeNew!
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We’re counting down the days until our Celebration of Holiness event, September 30, at College Wesleyan Church. We have a great lineup of speakers for this one-day event and the $20 registration fee includes your meal and Kevin Watson’s new book, Perfect Love. Make plans to join us for this informative and inspiring presentation.
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Note: This event is open to pastors, lay leaders, and ministerial students. Here’s the link to register: https://www.crossroadsdistrict.org/holiness.html

There are still a few openings left in both the Groundswell Disciple-Making cohort with Rev. Jon Wiest and in the rural ministry cooperative led by Rev. Steve McVey and the Dirt Roads Network. Please contact our district office staff for more information on the scholarship and to register.
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Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent