 Sunday, May 18, Rev. Mark Wooten and the team at New Castle Memorial Wesleyan Church welcomed me to their morning worship service. Before the service, Pastor Mark took me on a tour of the recent updates in their gymnasium and children’s ministry spaces. They have a growing preschool program and are connecting with new families through this outreach.  Following the service, the LBA members joined me for a standup meeting and then I had the privilege of hosting Pastor Mark and Pam Wooten for lunch. I was inspired by the stories of God’s faithfulness as they’ve stepped out in faith. Some of you may have known Pam’s father, Rev. Everett Freels.  Sunday evening, I joined Dr. Chris Williams and the congregation at Lakeview Wesleyan Church for their annual Local Church Conference. It was encouraging to hear the reports of progress with increases in worship attendance (up 14% to 286) and professions of faith (108 this year, up from 52). The LCC closed with a compelling challenge from Dr. Williams for the congregation to consider a bold move. You can hear more about this proposal at Lakeview’s website: https://www.lakeviewwesleyan.org/pcupdate2025  Crossroads District SAM (Senior Adults Ministry) led by Rev. C.K. Chitty and Deborah Levite, enjoyed a fabulous trip to Branson, Missouri. Dr. Charlie Harris once again served the team well with his exceptional bus driving. This group of 57 vibrant seniors enjoyed great fellowship, delicious food, and exceptional entertainment. If you’d like more information about their next big adventure, please join their Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1489666665258717 Dr. Aaron Perry and the team at Wesleyan Education and Clergy Development hosted their second TheoCon (Theological Conversations). Pastor Mike Colaw and the Trinity Church staff hosted the event at their Olio Road campus.  Wesleyan theologians, pastors, and denominational leaders gathered on Tuesday and Wednesday for conversations around the person of Christ and our proclamation of this truth. Dr. David Smith and other Crossroads District leaders appreciated this opportunity for conversations and reflection. Special thanks to Dr. Perry for his vision for this initiative. I was on the road Thursday for coaching conversations in Fowler with Harold Holdeman, our lay supply pastor, and then with Rev. Don Bayne at New Carlisle Wesleyan Church. The day took on special significance with the announcement of another new arrival in the Gorveatte family. Rev. Joel and Christie Gorveatte welcomed their son, Samuel, early that day. On Friday morning, I had the privilege of holding our seventh grandchild and praying a blessing over this precious gift from God.  Friday afternoon, I joined Rev. John Hannan and the team at CrossRoads Church in Union City. Pastor John and Beth, his wife, continue to find creative ways to express God’s love for the needy families in their community. Every other Friday night, John’s team feeds 70-90 people and provides fun games for the children and adults.  Pastor John shared the encouraging story of this young father who just returned from two months in a rehab program that John arranged. Now clean and sober, he is married, parenting four girls, and following Jesus. Praise God for lives #MadeNew!  My next stop on Friday night was at Waterline Church in Pendleton. You may be hearing the reports of God at work in young adults across America. I had a glimpse of that movement at Waterline as a room full of young adults gathered for an evening of prayer and worship. Special thanks to Pastor Scott Rhyno for hosting this inter-denominational worship event.  Our Crossroads District Chaplains’ Fellowship is growing stronger. We enjoyed an amazing luncheon at North Anderson Wesleyan Church with the special treat of James Stamper’s famous smoked brisket. We welcomed another new Wesleyan hospital chaplain and the team continues planning a continuing education event for this fall. If you know a Wesleyan chaplain who should be part of this fellowship, please forward contact information to our district office.  Pastor Andy Jellison and the team at Lifeway Church in Fort Wayne are rejoicing with two more baptisms this past Sunday. Praise God for lives being #MadeNew!  We received word that Dr. Joe Sawyer (100 years old) entered his eternal reward on Friday morning. Dr. Joe and his wife, Lois, faithfully served the Lord through a wide range of ministry in The Wesleyan Church, including church planting, serving as a district superintendent, and holding leadership roles at headquarters. Please remember Lois and the Sawyer family in your prayers. We will share funeral arrangements as soon as they are available.  This is a friendly reminder that Annual Service Reports and Local Church Statistical Reports are due tomorrow, May 20. All credentialed ministers are required to submit their reports annually. If you need help accessing your report, contact Michael Wood at the district office. Annual Service Reports and Local Church Statistical Reports due tomorrow, May 20! Fairmount Camp has opened registration for this year’s exciting summer youth camps. This year, Fairmount Camp will offer separate camps for middle school students (June 9-13) and high school students (June 16-20). For more information or to register, check out their website: https://www.fairmountcamp.org/teen-camp.html  Pastors and Delegates, save the Dates and join us at Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion:
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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