ONE Church, SoBro Church, and Baptisms!

Sunday, January 26, was the relaunch celebration for ONE Church in Westfield as they moved from their Union Street property into the new YMCA. This is an exciting new partnership initiated by the YMCA. The Y is inviting church plants to worship in the 11 sites across greater Indy. The atmosphere was electric as Pastor Andy Riemersma and the ONE Church team welcomed 246 people to the basketball court. Pray as they continue to reach out for the ONE!
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My next stop was at SoBro Community Church on 46th Street in Indy. SoBro (South Broad Ripple) was formerly known as Divine Direction. Pastor Jerome and Monique Anderson are a blessing as they lead SoBro toward becoming a multi-ethnic congregation (African-American, Hispanic, and Anglo). I was honored to bring the morning message and Sister Monique allowed me to join in playing keyboard with their praise team. Urban ministry has unique challenges but SoBro Church is praying hard and standing strong.
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We arrived home from Africa last Tuesday and took a few days to adjust to the 7-hour time difference. We are grateful for safe travels and the opportunity to be part of what God is doing through The Wesleyan Church in Africa. If you’d like to know more about the project that Dr. Henry Smith is leading at Africa Wesleyan University, here’s a 7-minute video:

Thursday, I was in Marion to meet with Rev. Josh Bowlin (Pastor at Chapel Pike Wesleyan Church) over coffee at Lola’s https://www.facebook.com/p/Lolas-at-the-Inn-Coffeehouse-100091146571491/ in Marion. My next stop was with Dr. Eddy Shigley, professor at IWU and one of our district’s circuit riders, who welcomed me into his evangelism class to talk about church planting. I was also able to welcome Rev. Amber Cook, the newest faculty addition to the School of Theology and Ministry. Amber most recently served as a Wesleyan pastor in the Indiana South District and also served as a Global Partners missionary in New Zealand.
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Friday morning, Dr. Yamil Acevedo (VP for Wesley Seminary) and I met in Fishers for a brainstorming session. Wesley Seminary has been invited by the Lilly Foundation to apply for a significant grant. This grant would fund new collaborative initiatives between the seminary and ministry organizations like our district. I’m grateful for Dr. Acevedo’s leadership and his invitation to be part of this important conversation.
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Saturday morning, I joined Pastor Matthew Trexler and the team at The River Church in Marion for the closing prayer gathering as they concluded 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. I’m grateful for each of our pastors across the district who have challenged their churches to deeper levels of prayer as we launch into this new year of ministry.
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We celebrate every story of life change that comes in from our churches here in the Crossroads network. Rev. Dan Fisher and the team at Delphi Wesleyan Church are rejoicing with another baptism yesterday and Pastor Dan said “with more on the way!”
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Pastor Scott McDermid and the team at Sheridan Six Points Church are also rejoicing with another baptism yesterday following one the previous week. They have another baptism scheduled for this Wednesday evening. Praise the Lord for lives being #MadeNew!
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Yesterday was a powerful Sunday at Brookhaven Wesleyan in Marion, where nine individuals publicly declared their faith through baptism and new life in Christ!

Two exciting events are coming up for our teenagers. Youth leaders: mark your calendars and make plans to bring your students to this year’s Crossroads District All-Nighter, February 21, in Fort Wayne. You can find all the information and registration at this link:
https://crossroadsdistrict.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/174593782
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And it’s not too early to make plans to bring your students to IWU for FUSION, April 4-5. Thank you to Professor Charlie Alcock and his team for creating this opportunity for students to experience the IWU campus and the impact of worshiping with 1500 other high school students from across Indiana. (“Never Too Young,” the middle-school event is scheduled for May 2-3.) https://www.indwes.edu/academics/youth-ministry-events/fusion/
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​Thank you for all you are doing to make a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,

Mark Gorveatte

Crossroads District Superintendent

P.S. Save the date! The Ordination Service and Celebration of Ministry will be held on Friday evening, June 27. The Crossroads District annual conference will be held on Saturday, June 28. With delegates being elected and memorials being discussed for General Conference 2026, we are anticipating a full day of conferencing. Both events will be held in the Marion area.