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Sunday morning, July 26, Rev. Seth Bye was representing the Crossroads District at Albion Cornerstone Wesleyan with Rev. Dale Munsell and I had the privilege of preaching in both services at the New Castle Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church. Pastor Steve Arnett has led the church through significant changes in the past few years. They are currently having about 50% of pre-Covid worship attendance.  With their flexible seating providing social distancing, Mt. Zion offers two service times with the first requiring masks and the second making masks optional. They are also launching a new group Bible study next month on eight Sunday evenings in which they’ll view episodes of “The Chosen” (https://studios.vidangel.com/the-chosen) and then work through discussion questions. Later on Sunday afternoon, I met with leaders in the Kirklin Wesleyan Church for an important conversation about their future direction. Please pray that God will grant His wisdom and peace in this congregation.  Last Monday, I met with the Hartford City Wesleyan Church staff on Monday and the Crossroads District office team on Tuesday. Dr. David Smith, chair of the District Board of Ministerial Development, joined our staff at Lakeview Wesleyan Church for a planning meeting as we prepare for the August 15 ordination service. Ordained ministers will gather at 12:30 and the service will begin at 1 p.m. with Dr. Wayne Schmidt presiding. Wednesday, I joined Dr. Ed Love at Wesleyan HQ in Fishers for the Wesley Seminary course he was teaching on church multiplication. Dr. Love does a great job investing in these students who not only complete the academic experience but who are also actively engaged (or exploring the opportunity) in planting new churches.  Wednesday afternoon, I met with Aldean Pablo and Jon Wiest, his coach, for an update on the church planting project in Roanoke/southwest Fort Wayne. God is opening doors and we’re praying with Aldean, Jessie, and their team as they stay focused on making disciples who make disciples. Thursday over Saturday, Sherry and I were in Grand Rapids to celebrate Jordan’s marriage. You may recall that Covid-19 interrupted Sam and Jordan’s original wedding plan, as it did for so many others. We hosted a small wedding at our home on April 18 but the venue that had been booked for the original date was finally able to host the event on Friday, July 24. Sam and Jordan reaffirmed their wedding vows before family and friends gathered from California, Louisiana, and Florida. It was a beautiful evening that honored God and celebrated this new marriage.  We are always delighted to share reports of changed lives. Pastor Scott McDermid and Six Points Church in Sheridan celebrated baptisms on Sunday, July 19, and Pastors Zach and Carla Working celebrated 8 baptisms yesterday as part of their annual outdoor worship service. Please share pictures from your baptism celebrations!   We’re rejoicing with Rev. Carol Schenck as her brother Ron was released from the hospital after a battle with Covid-19 that kept him in the hospital for 115 days. Thank you to all who joined their family in prayer for this miraculous recovery. Pastor Carol also passed along word of Jarrett and Caroline Roskey’s wedding on July 21. Jarrett is the communications pastor for the Circle of Hope network of churches. Congratulations to Jarrett and Caroline!  Church of the Highlands will be hosting their Grow Conference as a free online event this week, July 28 -29. You will be able to learn the heart behind all that Grow has to offer, as well as how to practically implement essential systems and structures into your church. This dynamic online event will empower and refresh you, as well as provide you with the practical ministry tools and resources you need to help your church grow. Here’s the link to watch online at home or with your team: https://growleader.com/growconference/  Thank you for all you do to advance the Kingdom! Your servant in Christ, Mark Gorveatte Crossroads District Superintendent Comments are closed.
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