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Sunday morning, August 27, Rev. Nathan Richardson and the team at Southview Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis welcomed me to bring greetings from the Crossroads District and to preach. Following the morning service, I met with Pastor Nathan and the LBA for an update on their ministry. They are excited to be marking their 56th Anniversary this October and will also be celebrating paying off their mortgage.  Southview has an active ministry in addition to Sundays with a preschool meeting in their facility and activities like basketball and Zumba classes open to the community. They partner with another local church in serving at the food bank. The church hosts an onsite weekend camping experience for families over the Labor Day weekend. They also graciously host Shalom Church, a delightful congregation of immigrants from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). In addition to hosting this ethnic congregation, Pastor Nathan is also prayerfully exploring the possibility of hosting a church plant for Spanish-speakers. I enjoyed sharing lunch with Pastor Nathan and his family and then dropped back to the church to greet Pastor Benjamin Tuimuk, who leads the Burmese congregation. Shalom Church continues to do well and God is blessing their special focus on children and teens.  My last stop on Sunday was at Hartford City Wesleyan Church to check in on Pastor Joshua Fox and the team as they hosted a back-to-school bash. Pastor Josh is starting his second year at Hartford City and it's encouraging to see the church rebounding under his leadership!  Yesterday was a good day at ONE Church in Westfield. Pastor Andy Riemersma reported in that their young congregation had the privilege of dedicating 10 babies with 186 people in attendance for this special occasion. God is on the move in Westfield!  Pastor Lyle Breeding was able to be back in the pulpit at Bluffton Sonlight Wesleyan Church yesterday after his recovery from surgery and the Lord blessed with people lining the altars for prayer. Sonlight also celebrated another baptism. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew!  Pastor Aldean Pablo and the team at ARISE Church in Roanoke celebrated 3 more baptisms yesterday and expect up to five more new believers will be ready to take this step in September. Praise the Lord for spiritual progress in our newest church in Allen County!  Pastor Joe Jackson reported in that the team at United Wesleyan Church in Anderson also had a good day with two more baptisms. This has been a summer of outreach at United with a car show in July and the kickoff of their Upward soccer league on August 16.  Some of you will know that The River Church has a campus in Chesterton lead by Andy Hammonds. They celebrated another baptism yesterday for a total of four in the past two weeks. Praise God for what He’s doing in northwest Indiana!  Pastor Ben Jones reported in that Beaver Creek Wesleyan Church (North Liberty) had a wonderful baptism celebration on Saturday with eight people publicly professing their faith in Christ!  And if that wasn’t exciting enough, Pastor Ben and Kirsten welcomed their second child and first son, Leo, early this morning. This handsome baby boy weighed in at 8 lb., 7 oz. and 20.5 inches tall. We extend congratulations and prayers for God’s blessing on this growing family!  Last week’s schedule included meetings with Dr. Mark Rennaker (Kokomo Southdowns) and then Rev. Jeff Brady (Commoners Church) on Tuesday in Marion. Tuesday evening, I joined the leadership team at East Liberty Wesleyan Church (north of Decatur). Rev. Dennis Croy has accepted their invitation to serve as supply pastor for the remainder of this conference year with the possibility of accepting their call as pastor in the spring.  Wednesday morning, I met with Rev. Cary and Cindi Sanders to explore next steps toward launching a new ministry in the Fountain Square community in downtown Indianapolis. Dr. Rich Schenck and I met in Noblesville on Wednesday afternoon for an update on the Circle of Hope network of congregations. Dr. Schenck is also providing leadership for multi-ethnic ministry projects this year. Wednesday evening, I joined the LBA at The Branch Wesleyan Church in Lafayette for a planning meeting. They have supply preachers lined up through Christmas. Pray with them as they navigate through this season of transition.  Thursday morning, I joined Rev. Dan Fisher in Delphi for our annual coaching conversation. After fully remodeling the church, Pastor Dan has undertaken another big project in remodeling the first floor of their parsonage that is more than 120 years old. Thursday afternoon, I jumped in on the vision webinar hosted by Tony Morgan and the Unstuck Group. Friday was another full day starting with 6:00 a.m. prayer at The River Church. Nicole Trexler, Pastor Matthew’s wife, brought the devotional encouraging us to not make prayer so complicated, but to focus on sincerity and embrace spontaneity in our conversations with God.  My next meetings were at Wesleyan HQ in Fishers. I connected with Rev. Claudia Ruiz who is leading a three-campus network serving Richmond, Union City and Portland. I also met with Rev. Grace Lopez who has been serving as supply pastor at Monte de Sion in Indianapolis. While at headquarters, I was able to briefly observe Rev. Carla Working leading the training for all DBMD leaders in our denomination. We miss having Rev. Working on our district staff but celebrate the wider platform God has entrusted to her for our North American churches.  Friday evening, Sherry and I were blessed to host three pastoral couples for an evening of fellowship at Thornapple. Rev. Nathan and Jenny Richardson (Indianapolis Southview), Rev. David and Marcie Shafer (North Anderson Wesleyan), and Dr. Rich & Rev. Carol Schenck (Circle of Hope network) honored us with their presence for an evening meal, laughter and prayer. Some fall and spring dates are available but slots are filling up so please reserve the time that works best for you!  Speaking of dates, there’s still time to take your lifetime date to this year’s Married Couples’ Retreat at Fairmount Camp, September 7-10. You may register at this website: https://fairmountcamp.breezechms.com/form/26a0334395555415  Please place the Follow Conference on your church’s prayer calendar. We’re believing God for a powerful move among our next generation students and their leaders. You will want to attend and bring as many teenagers as possible for this life-changing experience!  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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