Evergreen, Iglesia Wesleyana, and Baptisms!

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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