Parkview’s Pastor, Retirees’ Brunch, and Baptisms

Sunday morning, November 10, I was grateful for the opportunity to represent our Crossroads District team for the installation of Rev. Philip Trent as the new pastor at Parkview Wesleyan Church in Chesterfield. This church was planted in 1933 by Pastor Trent’s great-grandfather Roy Hines. Pastor Trent’s father, Paul, also pastored the church. The congregation has welcomed Pastor Philip and Heather Trent back home with open arms.
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The service also included an opportunity for the church to express appreciation to the military veterans who are part of this congregation. Following the service, Sherry and I enjoyed getting to know the Trents as we hosted them for lunch.

Sunday evening, I dropped in on Pastor Mike Weller and the team at Restoration Church. They’ve relocated to a shared space hosted by Living Hope Wesleyan Church (formerly Central Wesleyan) in Anderson. Although it is less than 1 mile from their previous location, this has been an adjustment for folks in the congregation who don’t have vehicles. Pastor Mike and Elizabeth Weller are making a difference among the marginalized folks in the inner city.
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I was in Marion on Monday to meet with our district staff and then hit the road again on Tuesday for a coaching conversation in South Bend with Pastor Greg Holmes (Sonlight Wesleyan Church). Pastor Greg’s recovery from his fall and back surgery is progressing slowly but steadily. He appreciates your prayers!
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Rev. Carla Working, Director of Clergy Care and Development for The Wesleyan Church, convened a Zoom meeting that I was able to join on Tuesday afternoon. This was a helpful discussion with DBMD leaders from across the denomination on the revised licensed minister credential and requirements. We are blessed to also have Rev. Working leading our Crossroads District’s DBMD!

Wednesday’s coaching conversations were with Rev. Johnnie Blair (Tipton Trinity Wesleyan) and then with Rev. Jerome Bell (Pendleton Autumn Hills). On Thursday morning, I dropped in on Dr. Chris Williams’ leadership cohort at Lakeview Wesleyan Church. It was encouraging to hear how God is at work in the lives and ministries of these leaders and I appreciate Dr. Williams’ commitment to investing in leaders.
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Rev. Aaron Lee (LaOtto Cultivate Church) and I met in Fort Wayne over lunch on Thursday in preparation for his upcoming pastoral vote. My last stop of the day was with Rev. Michael Hewitt and the team at Muncie Rising Hope Church. They hosted an afterschool meal and creative VBS experience for children as a follow-up for the families they met at Trunk or Treat.
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We always enjoy connecting with our retired pastors and their spouses for the fellowship brunches that we host each fall and spring. More than 40 of our honored retirees gathered at Gas City Eastview Wesleyan Church on Friday morning. They enjoyed the food, but the fellowship was even better. The highlight of our gathering was Dr. Joe Harmon’s message on joy. We’d love to have you join us for the spring fellowship brunch to be held at Waterline Church (9586 Brookes Way, Pendleton, IN 46064) on Friday, April 25, 10:00 a.m.!
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We’re celebrating reports of life change and public professions of faith coming in from our Crossroads District team. Pastor Don Bayne and the New Carlisle Wesleyan Church family celebrated seven baptisms last Sunday!

Pastor Jacob Gibson and the team at LifeSpring Church had the joy of celebrating 16 baptisms last weekend. Praise the Lord for lives being #MadeNew!
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Two exciting events are on the calendar for this week. We are hosting a fellowship brunch for lead pastors and (if married) their spouses this Saturday, November 16, 10:00 a.m.. at Waterline Church (9586 Brookes Way, Pendleton, IN 46064). The RSVP link has been sent to pastors. We’ll have food, fellowship, and some surprises. Thank you to Pastor Scott Rhyno and his team for welcoming our gathering in their new church home.

​Our Hispanic congregations are coming together this Saturday, 6:00 p.m., at Circle of Hope Church in Noblesville for an evening of prayer and worship under the direction of Rev. Grace Lopez, Assistant District Superintendent. God is working in powerful ways among our Hispanic congregations and I’m looking forward to the special night!

Keep on making a difference in the cause that counts for eternity!

Your servant in Christ,
Mark Gorveatte, Crossroads District Superintendent