Sherry and I were away this weekend celebrating our 39th wedding anniversary by visiting our daughter and her husband in Phoenix. We flew out on Friday and will be back later on Monday. Jordan and Sam attend Sun Valley Community Church and we enjoyed worshiping with them today in their home church. Their home church baptized 186 new believers across their several campuses last weekend. God is so good! Last week began in Orlando as Dr. Wayne Schmidt, our General Superintendent, hosted a meeting on Monday morning with district superintendents gathering before the Exponential Conference kicked off. It was good to catch up with colleagues and to learn more about new initiatives and upcoming events, including FOLLOW ’23. I flew home Monday evening to join more than 100 pastors and lay leaders from our Crossroads District who attended the GROW Leader seminar on Tuesday in Indianapolis. Pastor Chris Hodges did a great job unpacking the principles that have helped Church of the Highlands (Birmingham, Alabama) become one of the largest churches in America. Special thanks to the Wesleyan Investment Foundation for co-sponsoring the event and providing us with a block of tickets. Thank you, also, to each of our leaders who brought team members to experience this exceptional learning opportunity. Tuesday evening, I chaired the district nominating committee meeting. I’m grateful for these committee members and the many volunteers who make our Crossroads District a great team! Wednesday, I was on the road for coaching conversations with Rev. David Cox (Laketon Wesleyan) and Rev. Michael Gallant (Mt. Etna Community Life Church). The final meeting of the day was with Rev. Ben Jones and the leadership team at Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church. Beaver Creek is one of our churches participating in the Next Level initiative. Thursday morning, I was in Muncie to meet with a prospective church planter and then I met with Rev. Andy Cole (Lapel Daybreak Church) for our annual coaching conversation. My final meeting of the day was back in Marion with Dr. Paul Garverick, professor and administrator at Wesley Seminary. It’s always encouraging to be able to pass along praise reports as they’re submitted by our pastors. This week’s good news includes a report from Pastor Scott McDermid that Sheridan Six Points Church is officially debt-free after making their final mortgage payment! Pastor Dan Fisher shared the good news of another baptism at Delphi Wesleyan Church. We’re joining in rejoicing with Heaven over another life #MadeNew by the grace of Jesus Christ! Pastor Brent Miller and the team at Gas City Southside Wesleyan Church shared the good news that they welcomed 8 new members on Sunday, one by transfer and seven joining by their profession of faith! Pastor Nicholas Zarate passed along the good news that Rev. Adriana Zarate has relaunched her online Bible study for women. They’re off to a strong start with 21 ladies joining from Indiana, Nevada, and Mexico. Congratulations to Rev. Emily Hines and Rev. David Hines on the birth of their second child, Simon! Simon joins his sister Petra and his parents who serve on staff at Brookhaven Wesleyan Church. Congratulations to Rev. Ben and Katie Wade on the birth of their second child, Gracie! Gracie joins her big sister Myla. Pastor Ben is on staff at Greenfield Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan Church. Our prayers and condolences are extended to Mrs. Teri Downing, wife of Rev. Alan Downing (Frankfort Connecting Point) on the passing of her mother last week. Please mark your calendar for December 28-30 and add the Follow 2023 Wesleyan Youth Convention to your prayer list. Let’s believe God for a fresh outpouring at www.followconference.org Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity! Your servant in Christ, Mark Gorveatte Crossroads District Superintendent Comments are closed.
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November 2024
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