Carmel Amistad, Pentecost Prayer, and Baptisms

​Sunday morning, May 23, I had the privilege of worshiping with Rev. Neftali and Grace Lopez and the congregation at Carmel Amistad Cristiana. It is always a joy to be with this loving church family. Pastor Neftali had the privilege of dedicating the newest member of the church. I brought the message and then met with the board members after the service.

Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday and many of us were able to participate in the special online prayer events (7 a.m. and 7 p.m.) hosted by our General Superintendent Dr. Wayne Schmidt. It was encouraging to hear the stories of God at work in Wesleyan churches around the world. It was also good to see the number of people from our district who joined in the comment section.
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Last Monday included a meeting with Rev. Matthew Trexler (Marion River Church) about an exciting leadership development opportunity coming up on June 21. Ken Murphy (Cypress Wesleyan Church) and Serena, his wife, will be joining us for a day of learning for pastors and their spouses. Hold the date and stay tuned for details that will be emailed to pastors.

Tuesday morning, I met with Rev. Ervin Webster (Indianapolis St. Stephen Church) for our annual coaching conversation. Tuesday afternoon, I met with the Crossroads District staff and then closed out the day with Rev. Mark Schnell and the Hartford City Wesleyan staff.

Wednesday morning, Dr. David Smith and I met for an update on his new book and work with our district pastors. Dr. Bob Hallett and I met about a potential interim ministry assignment. That afternoon, I met with Dr. Rich Schenck (Noblesville Circle of Hope) for an update on our missions partnership with Bangladesh. My last meeting of the day was on Zoom with the board of Wesleyan Bible Conference Association (Wesleyan Village in Brooksville).
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Thursday and Friday were office days primarily working on year end reporting. Thursday wrapped up with an LBA meeting at Hartford City Wesleyan.
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Saturday, I was able to jump in with Pastor Mike Colaw and the team at Fishers Trinity Wesleyan Church for their inaugural Veritas Conference. We had a strong turnout from across the district for these helpful sessions on crucial issues that we’re facing today. Thank you to Pastor Mike and the Trinity team for their vision and hospitality!
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Saturday afternoon, I joined Pastor Aldean Pablo and the team at SEND Church in Roanoke as Rev. Jason Tash was wrapping up their StratOp planning retreat. Aldean is doing a great job bringing together his team as they prepare for a fresh relaunching this fall. If you and your team would value the investment of a weekend with our StratOp team, please reach out to the district office for the remaining dates available this fall.
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Praise the Lord that He is still in the business of changing lives! Dr. Steve Bray and Campus Pastor Ryan Van Matre had 8 people step forward for baptism yesterday at Richmond LifeSpring South and Pastor Kyle Horton and the Fort Wayne Three Rivers Wesleyan Church celebrated with Thomas this month as he publicly professed his faith and obeyed the command of Jesus Christ to be baptized. #MadeNew
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​Our prayers and sympathies are extended to Rev. Bob McHenry (Marion Nelson Street Wesleyan Church) on the passing of his brother Walt McHenry on Sunday morning, May 23.

Our congratulations are extended to Assistant Pastor Laura Walls (Fishers Waterline Church) and her husband Micah on the birth of Malachi, their first child. Rev. Clifton (retired) and Arletta Ashlock are Laura’s parents and Malachi’s proud grandparents.
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In less than five weeks, we’ll be gathering in Marion at Indiana Wesleyan University for our 2021 District Conference and Ordination. Ordination is on Friday, June 25, and conference will be held on Saturday, June 26. Pastors have received links to register themselves and their delegates. For more information, including the schedule, visit our website:
​https://conference.crossroadsdistrict.org/

Thank you for making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. Happy Aldersgate Day!
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