New Journey and Baptism Update from Plymouth

Sherry and I had the privilege of worshiping at Wabash New Journey Church yesterday morning with Pastor Brian Scramlin. Many of you know the story of Pastor Tom & Sarah Cochran stepping out in faith more than seven years ago to launch this ministry before accepting their current role at Chesterton Expansion Church. Pastor Brian and Jessica came back to Indiana after serving on staff in Spooner, Wisconsin.
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The church meets in a former public school building that provides a welcoming space for the congregation and their neighborhood. After the service, Sherry and I shared lunch with the Scramlins along with Megan Cox (Youth Pastor) and Matt, her husband. The staff families are all graduates of IWU and several other IWU staff and alumni are part of this exciting congregation.
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​I joined with 200+ participants at College Wesleyan Church to enjoy this year’s Global Leadership Summit. The event featured outstanding speakers and creative elements to challenge us to take our leadership to the next level. Special thanks to Rev. Chris Williams, Site Coordinator, and the team at College Wesleyan who did a terrific job hosting the event. There was a strong representation this year from IWU administrators and faculty. For the top 50 quotes from this year’s speakers (like this nugget “Most organizations fail for reasons everyone is aware of but no one says.” or this one, “Of course talent counts, but effort counts twice.”), check out the list at: http://churchleaders.com/news/308247-top-50-quotes-global-leadership-summit-2017.html

For video highlights, check out this site: https://vimeo.com/229426137/c8fa48c4b2

Next year’s event is scheduled for August 9 and 10. You can find registration information (and an early bird discount) at this website:  https://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/

​We’re excited to welcome Rev. Mike & Kim Hewitt who landed in Muncie this past week and are settling in to build a launch team for our first church plant in Muncie in nearly 50 years. They need your prayer support for this vital first phase. They would also welcome your help in connecting with any unchurched friends, relatives or co-workers in the Muncie area. Pastor Mike would welcome your email: munciechurchplant@gmail.com

We’re looking forward to hearing more reports about the baptism services at our churches since the challenge at district conference to schedule at least one more. Dr. Ollie Dongell called last week to let me know that 43 people publicly professed their faith in Christ through baptism this month at Plymouth Wesleyan Church.
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​Many of you have already received Dr. Schmidt’s excellent statement on the violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. If not, I encourage you to read and share this post as you express your own condemnation of the bigotry and violence:
https://www.wesleyan.org/6587/a-statement-on-charlottesville-from-the-general-superintendent-of-the-wesleyan-church

Don’t be silent, but don’t stop with words. The Gospel begins with reconciliation with God but results in reconciliation between all, regardless of the color of our skin. Pray and work toward that reconciliation. One timely step would be to participate in the upcoming Christian Community Development Association annual meeting in Detroit:
​https://ccda.org/get-involved/ccda-national-conference-detroit/

​I am pleased to announce that Seth Bye has joined our district office team. He will work directly with Chris and me in scheduling, communications and event planning. Seth’s home church is Brookhaven Wesleyan and he most recently served on staff at Waterline Church. We’re excited to have him join the team and you’ll enjoy working with Seth!

Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte

P.S. If you’re in the area, don’t miss Rev. Chris Williams preaching this week at Fairmount Camp’s Old Time Camp Meeting!
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