Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!

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

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

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

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

Your servant in Christ,
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Mark Gorveatte

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

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

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

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

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte, Crossroads District Superintendent

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

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

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

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

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

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte, Crossroads DS

P.S. Don’t forget to vote!