Circle of Hope, Leadership, and Baptisms!

Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping at Circle of Hope Wesleyan Church in Noblesville this morning with Dr. Rich and Rev. Carol Schenck. Not only did they invite me to preach but they also allowed me to join the worship team for a few songs on keyboard. Following the service, I met with the LBA (local board of administration) and then we enjoyed hosting the Schencks for lunch.

Last week began with a fun time connecting with Rev. Carla Working and several of the women in her leadership cohort who gather each month in Marion. They are currently working through the book and video series on “Canoeing the Mountains.”
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Tuesday, I was back on the road for coaching and connections starting the day with Dr. Gregory & Tonnes Lismon in Fishers. Pastor Duncan Prior (Laketon Wesleyan Church) and I met in Nappanee and then I finished up the day connecting with Rev. Rich Van Vuren in Bremen. Wednesday’s appointments included Rev. Scott Miller at Lone Oak Wesleyan and Rev. Jerry Alexander at Living Hope Church, both in Anderson. My last stop of the day was with Dr. Chris Williams and Christian Kelley at Lakeview Church in Marion as we prepare for district conference (June 28).

I was back in Marion on Thursday morning to sit in with Dr. Willaims’ monthly leadership cohort. It was so encouraging to hear the reports of how God is working in churches of all sizes. I’m grateful for leaders who make time to connect and sharpen each other!
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Pastor Ben Parker (Back Creek Wesleyan Church) and I met over lunch for our annual coaching conversation and then I finished up the afternoon with a meeting at Elwood Central Wesleyan Church. Friday was my day of rest last week and I’ve continued to read through Wesley’s sermons. “Repentance of Believers” and “The Means of Grace” are two of the best so far.

Saturday, I was back on the road with coaching conversations. My first stop was with Rev. Duane Cragun at Brinker Heights Church in Marion and I finished up the day with Rev. David Shafer in Anderson (North Anderson Wesleyan Church).

We love to share praise reports from across our district team. Rev. Allen Gross led Cicero United Church in celebrating 8 baptisms yesterday. That’s incredible for a church that averaged 80 in worship last year!
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Rev. Chris Taylor and the team at Plymouth Wesleyan Church had another outstanding day celebrating 13 baptisms! Praise the Lord for lives #MadeNew!
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Pastor Andy Riemersma and the team at ONE Church in Westfield have the biggest baptistry in our district (the Olympic-sized swimming pool at the YMCA). They made good use of it again yesterday with 6 more baptisms. That makes 41 baptisms since ONE Church was planted back in 2021. They’ve averaged 164 in worship since relaunching in the YMCA. Thank you for your prayers and support for this young congregation!
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The Global Exponential Conference in Orlando starts on Tuesday. There’s a good group attending from our district but if you’re not able to join us in person, you can buy a digital pass and livestream the main sessions from this address: https://exponential.org/exponential-global-2025-conference/

Congratulations to Michael and Melissa Wood on the safe arrival of their precious daughter Emma Jean, born on Wednesday. Your prayers and support are deeply appreciated by the Wood family. You can learn more about Emma’s journey on Michael’s Facebook page.
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Congratulations to Rev. Scotty Murphy on accepting the call to pastor Mt. Etna Community Life Church. Rev. Michael Gallant has served this congregation well but he and Liana, his wife, will be semi-retiring in Warsaw to be closer to their grandchildren.
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​Make plans to bring your students to IWU for FUSION, April 4-5. Thank you to Professor Charlie Alcock and his team for creating this opportunity for students to experience the IWU campus and the impact of worshiping with 1500 other high school students from across Indiana. (“Never Too Young,” the middle-school event, is scheduled for May 2-3.)
​https://www.indwes.edu/academics/youth-ministry-events/fusion/

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

Your servant in Christ,

​Mark Gorveatte
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Crossroads District Superintendent
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P.S. Fairmount Camp has opened registration for summer youth camps. This year, Fairmount Camp is excited to be able to offer separate middle school and high school camps. For more information or to register, check out their website:
​https://www.fairmountcamp.org/teen-camp.html