Elwood Central, New Churches, and Baptisms!

Sunday morning, Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping with the Elwood Central Wesleyan Church family. It was encouraging to see how the congregation has rallied to support the Capshaw family and each other in this time of sorrow. Before the service, Sherry and I were able to spend time with Amanda, Isaac, and Noah Capshaw. After the worship service, I met with the Local Board of Administration (LBA) to work on next steps. Please pray for God’s blessing on the outreach ministries the church has planned for this fall.
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Sunday evening, I was blessed to connect with two of our newest churches. At 4:00 p.m., I met with Pastor Andy Riemersma and the launch team at ONE Church in Westfield for their first “Foundations” gathering. Andy and Leanza are building a strong team as they move toward their January 23, 2022 launching service.
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I was also able to join Pastor Jerome Bell and his team at Autumn Hills Church in Pendleton for their concert of prayer as they move toward their September 12 launch. Pastor Jerome and his team hosted a funeral service on Saturday for a relative of one of their launch team members with more than 100 present. Several unchurched family members expressed interest in connecting with this new church. Please pray for our church planters!
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Last week’s schedule included Zoom meetings, staff meetings, coaching conversations, and a chance to connect with Assistant DS Mike Colaw as he gathered Region 2 Pastors for a time of worship and prayer on Tuesday morning. Mike and Leslie do a great job networking and resourcing Region 2 pastors. They have a terrific lineup of speakers for this fall.
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The 21 Days of Prayer collaboration between Brookhaven Wesleyan, Lakeview Wesleyan, and The River Church wrapped up with a combined prayer service on Saturday morning at The River. It was good to be together in united prayer and worship with Rev. Tony Bye, Rev. Chris Williams, and Rev. Matthew Trexler. We’re taking next steps to invite more churches across our district to join in with this focused prayer initiative in January 2022.
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Thank you to the many Crossroads District pastors and their spouses who joined us at the Elwood High School auditorium on Saturday afternoon as the church and community gathered to celebrate Pastor Ben Capshaw’s life and ministry. Thank you also to every Crossroads District church that is participating in our matching grant initiative. While funds are still being received, we are well on our way to exceeding the $10,000 mark in giving that will be matched by $10,000 from the Crossroads District Thrive Fund with another $10,000 committed from the denomination’s Thrive Fund. Thank you for your generosity and for your continued prayers for the Capshaw family.
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Our sincere condolences and continued prayers are extended to Mrs. Rachel (Light) Budde on the passing of her father, Rev. Verl Light, an ordained Wesleyan minister. Rev. Light passed away on Wednesday in Indianapolis. The funeral was held on Sunday in Tipp City, Ohio, where Rev. Light had pastored three of the area Wesleyan churches. Rachel’s husband Ryan pastors our Westview Wesleyan Church in Jonesboro. Click here to view the obituary.
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Please join us in prayer for Rev. Bob Van Cise who was hospitalized two weeks ago and continues to make progress in the rehabilitation unit at Marion General Hospital. Prayers are also requested for Rev. Randy Yaryan (Winchester Wesleyan Church) and several family members who are battling through Covid.

​We love to hear how God is on the move in our churches and changing lives! Here are just a few of the stories of lives #MadeNew that are coming in from around the Crossroads District:

Earlier this month, Rev. Martin Furrow and The Cross Church in Rochester had the joy of baptizing four new believers who were reached through their Celebrate Recovery ministry!
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Pastor Dave Leitzel and his team at Hamilton Wesleyan Church celebrated 11 baptisms last Sunday in a wonderful outdoor service!
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Pastors Amanda and Johnnie Blair also celebrated baptisms at Tipton Trinity Wesleyan Church!
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Pastor Scott McDermid and the Sheridan Six Points Church family are rejoicing with three more baptisms last week!
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Pastor David Cox reported in that Laketon Wesleyan Church celebrated another baptism yesterday. This was a young lady who gave her life to Christ at summer camp and wanted to publicly profess her faith in Christ for her family and friends.
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Pastor Allen Gross had the joy of baptizing a married couple at Cicero United Wesleyan Church yesterday morning.
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Pastor Aldean Pablo and the team at SEND Church (soon to be Arise Church) celebrated another baptism yesterday in their outdoor worship service.
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Thank you for being part of a great team working together in God’s strength to reach the more than 3 million people in our state who do not yet have a relationship with Christ and His Church. What you are doing matters for eternity!

​Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent