Impact, 21 Days, and LBA Meetings

Sunday morning, January 22, Sherry and I had the joy of worshiping with Rev. Kory Christensen and his team at New Haven Impact Church. Pastor Kory and I had the privilege of serving together back in West Michigan District as he was answering his call to ministry. It is always good to hear how God is working in his ministry and family. The in-person attendance was down due to the weather but there was a good spirit in the worship service. We also shared in communion as they do every Sunday.
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After the service, Kory and Becky joined us for lunch along with their son, Peyton, and his fiance, Bailey. It was encouraging to hear how God is blessing their outreach and disciple-making in the community, especially to learn how God is working through Becky’s public school leadership.

Pastor Brent Miller (Southside Wesleyan Church in Gas City) shared the best news of all from this weekend. A woman prayed to receive Christ on Friday, then she asked about baptism on Saturday, and Pastor Brent had the privilege of baptizing her on Sunday morning. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew by Jesus Christ!
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Last Monday, before our district staff meeting, I dropped in on the leadership cohort led by Pastor Matthew Trexler. This team has been journeying together each month both in learning and prayer for the past couple of years. I appreciate the investment that each leader makes in participating and I salute Pastor Trexler for pouring into this team.
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Tuesday morning, I met with Dr. Matthew Stewart in Marion in preparation for a Thursday evening meeting with the LBA at Sweetser Wesleyan Church. Over lunch, I met with Pastor Steve Arnett (New Castle Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church) in Muncie for our annual coaching conversation.

Tuesday evening, I met with Rev. Tony Bye and the LBA at Marion Brookhaven Wesleyan Church as they prepared for the upcoming vote to renew the pastoral call. Brookhaven is rebounding well from the pandemic and it was exciting to hear the testimonies of life change that they shared in the meeting.
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Wednesday included meetings with Rev. Ashlyn Luttrell, pastor of Wabash North Wesleyan Church, a coaching conversation in Huntington with Rev. Zack Working (pastor of Rising Hope), and a meeting with Rev. Trevor O’Dell (Lancaster Wesleyan Church) in preparation for an upcoming LBA meeting.

Thursday morning, I made a quick trip up to Monon Wesleyan Church to connect with our new pastor, Rev. Dr. Bradford (Brad) Snyder. Pastor Brad and I had served together in West Michigan District over a decade ago so it was fun to hear how God has been blessing Brad and Peggy in their semi-retirement. We’re glad they’ve joined the Crossroads team and Pastor Brad is already making a difference in Monon.

Thursday evening, I met with Dr. Stewart and the LBA at Sweetser Wesleyan Church. They’ve been making upgrades to their facility and they continue to find creative ways to minister to their community.
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Friday morning, I was invited to lead the devotional to begin the 6:00 am prayer service at The River Church in Marion. We have several district churches participating in the “21 Days of Prayer and Fasting” initiative led by Pastor Chris Hodges and the team at Church of the Highlands. Thank you for every way in which you call your church to prayer!
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We had planned to host several pastors and their spouses for supper in our home but cancellations due to illness made rescheduling the best option. Since we had the evening open, Sherry and I drove to Fort Wayne to share a meal with Rev. Mike and Hannah Henry. Mike is one of our newest pastors. He serves Level 13 Church bi-vocationally. While leading the church, Mike and Hannah serve as EMTs.

Saturday afternoon, I dropped in on Rev. Logan Westrick, pastor at Tipton Ash Street Wesleyan, and then drove up to Lancaster Wesleyan Church to meet with Pastor Trevor O’Dell and the LBA. Saturday evening, Sherry and I were invited to enjoy a delightful meal and fellowship with Tim and Gillian Swanson. Gillian is the youth director at Hartford City Wesleyan Church and I had the honor of performing Tim and Gillian’s wedding last year.

Speaking of youth ministry, please plan to bring your teens to the 2023 Crossroads District All-Nighter in Fort Wayne on Friday, February 17. Click the image below for more information or to register your youth group. Rev. Jessica Folz, our District Youth President, along with Rev. Lane Sander are a great team, always providing an incredible experience for our youth groups. I hope to see you there!
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Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. – There’s still time to register your team for the Next Level Church Experience led by Dr. Christopher Williams. This experience includes the opportunity for your team to develop an updated action plan and receive a $1000 matching grant for your next outreach initiative. Check out the link below for more information.
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