Benefit for Dylan Morrison

Friends & family will be holding a benefit for Dylan Morrison on May 18, 2013 at Waterford Mennonite Church on St Rd 15 south of Goshen, IN.  Doors will open at 4 p.m.  For this event, we are selling wristbands for $5, which will be your entry ticket, as well as showing support for Dylan.  The evening’s activities include food, silent and live auctions and children’s activities such as a bounce house and dunk tank.  Your business could assist us in making this a successful event by donating items for the auctions, gift cards, or monetary gifts towards food or other expenses for the evening.

Dylan Morrison is an 11 year old boy who was first diagnosed with Thyroid cancer in 2009, at which time he had extensive throat surgery at Riley’s Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis to remove it.  He has been cancer free until January 2013 when, during his scheduled 6-month checkup, doctors found the cancer in his throat, and has now also spread into his lungs.  Dylan’s mom, Rachel Spencer, and dad, Matt Morrison, are planning a trip with Dylan to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, PA to hear the doctor’s plans for throat surgery.  The family is awaiting a prognosis for the lung cancer.

Rachel works in a housekeeping job and rents a house in Goshen, and Matt works in a Goshen factory.  Matt has health insurance through his work, but Rachel, Dylan & his 3 younger brothers are being covered by Medicaid.  We are holding this benefit in order to help with finances so that the family won’t need to worry about Dylan’s health care expenses, and there will be money for his medical needs in the future.

Cash donations may be made to the Dylan Morrison Benefit Fund at any Interra Credit Union branch.  Item pick up may be arranged by calling the number below.  EIN #90-0935482

Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns at 574-862-2831.

Sincerely, Deb Witmer

Bumper-Stcker Mentality (1)

    One of my minor irritations is the tendency of some people to be influenced by a quip, a phrase, or a slogan. I call it Bumper-Sticker Mentality. Often you see or hear these phrases during political campaigns. But some people seem to live their lives as if their moral or intellectual code was an accumulation of slogans which are clever, but seriously impoverished of any practical application. I am convinced that these slogans and phrases serve a more transient and ephemeral purpose of manipulating people toward some action. These actions can be voting a particular way, purchasing a product, or subscribing to some one's notions of  how things ought to be.
   Take for example "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything". Sounds great doesn't it? But let's look at it. It assumes that if you are not speaking up, taking a obvious and vocal stance on a position(usually the one that the phrase is attached to), then you must be gullible and weak. It seems to disrespect or be dismissive of those people who seek a more thorough examination of all sides of an issue. It seems to downplay the importance of reaching practical, workable solution through the art of compromise and negotiation.
    Truth will not fit on a bumper sticker. Just as a mason's level will not measure the curvature of planet Earth, a short phrase, abbreviated of a full range of perspectives, cannot give you an accurate reading of the situation at hand. Explore, examine, investigate, especially the opposing side's information. But stay away from Bumper Sticker Mentality.

Lay Servant Ministries Report

March 25, 2013

Lay Servant Ministries Report

Submitted by Mike Settles

    The Lay Servant Committee of the North District of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church works diligently to provide opportunities for Lay people to become trained and equipped for service within their local churches and also within other United Methodist Churches.

   This spring we held our Lay Servant Academy at Evangel Heights Church in South Bend.

    The Lord blessed this Academy with fifty-one graduating students. Many of these students were regulars. They look forward to seeking more knowledge about service in many different ministries, and so return every year for the training. They also report that they enjoy the fellowship and the opportunity to get to know new faces and socialize with familiar ones. This academy offers both, educational and fellowship opportunities.

    It is important to develop lay leadership within our churches. Lay people provide the feet, the arms, the heart and the brains of service to the churched and the unchurced. It is in response to God’s call that lay people serve. And it is in response to God’s call that we continue to provide training and educational opportunities for lay servants.

    This last academy offered the Basic course, taught by Denise Parker, from which sixteen students graduated, and six other courses of advanced study including: Creating Disciple-Making Faith Communities, taught by Rev. Paul Rogers; Accountable Discipleship, taught by Mike Grib; Dancing with Words, taught by Carol Robison; Preaching 1, taught by Rev. Bill Hemmig; Preaching 2, taught by Rev. Rob Nelson; and Preaching 3, taught by Rev. Pat Somers.

    In the future, we will be looking to expand our academy offerings to a wider geographic area, and to offer a variety of academy models. The academy which was held at Evangel Heights was a five consecutive Saturday school. We will be also looking at how we might offer a Friday/ Saturday model, or some other structure yet to be identified. The Lay Servant Committee is open to ideas from all who may be interested.

   Ideas and suggestions may be offered to Mike Settles, Coordinator for the North District Lay Servant Ministries at mike.settles@inumc.org.

    We praise God for a successful academy. We thank Evangel Heights for hosting in a most welcoming manner. We look forward to growth in academies offered and students participating district-wide.

Richardsonian Romanesque Design and a Potawatomi Warrior

As a member of the Leadership Team for the North District of the Indiana United Methodist Church, I had reason to travel to Laporte this morning for a team meeting.
    Laporte is the county seat of Laporte County. As I am a fan of county courthouses, I took time to walk around the Laporte County Courthouse and enjoy its architecture.
    The building was constructed of red sandstone in 1872. It has very articulated triangular peaks. The tower rises very high above the top story of the building. One can see the tower for miles away.
    It is a beautiful building. The rectangular windows are topped with semi-circular panes with attractive design embedded into them.
    The historic identifier in front of the building states that the architecture is of Richardsonian Romanesque design. Not being a student of architecture, I visited Wikipedia for a description...
Richardsonian Romanesque is a style of Romanesque Revival architecture named after architect Henry Hobson Richardson.
      On the one side of the building, I believe north, there stands a sculpture of a Potawatomi warrior with a broken spear. The broken spear communicates "peace". This sculpture by Howard A. Demyer, was set in 1976 as part of our country"s bicentennial celebration. 
    If you travel through Laporte and are a fan of history, take a few minutes to enjoy this courthouse. I may have to go back someday when it is open for business to see the inside.
   Oh yes, the meeting was productive also.
   

Of Magic Lanterns and Violet Ray Electro Therapy Machines

    The Elkhart County Historical Society operates a museum in what previously was the Bristol high school. The building retains most of its original look. Radiators on the walls by the windows, 1940 light fixtures, even the tile on the floor looks to be about from the 1940s or earlier. Of course, the building itself appears to be about one hundred years old. A great place to house an Historical Society!
    Sherry and I attended an event there just last night. The staff had chosen a few interesting items to highlight and discuss.
    Matt displayed and described the " Violet Ray Electro-Therapy machine". This device had been marketed during the first part of the twentieth century as a means of cure for just about any illness. So much faith people had in technology and invention that they were willing to give it a try. It is a pretty cool looking device. Too bad we aficionados of psychedelia during the late 60s and early 70s did not have those. I can imagine a "Violet Ray" party while listening to Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon".
    But traveling back further in history... Matt also presented us with two 75mm gun shells. These shells are from the first world war and have been modified as "Trench Art". The shells had been adorned with "flower" design. There was much discussion amongst the visitors as to the symbolism of placing flower design on what was an instrument of war. It reminded me of that photo from the 60s where a war protester puts a daisy in the barrel of a soldier's rifle.
   Then we were left to the interpretive skills of Liz. She showed us the " Permanent Wave Machine". At first glance, it looks like a device for milking young cows. But, as Liz describes, it was a hair curler type of instrument from 1928. Invented by Marjorie Joyner, this machine was the first to have been patented by a black woman. The term "black power" may be associated with the 1960s, but it had its roots in the work and efforts of the Marjorie Joyner types.
    Perhaps my favorite of the presentations last evening was Patrick's "Magic Lantern". Before holographs, prior to computer graphics, before movies and silent picture shows, there were "Magic Lanterns". These devices projected an image on a wall or surface. The slides that were used appeared to be about 2"x6". Each slide was made of painted glass. Somewhat like the "overhead projectors" of the 1960s in its operation, it looked like a 1950s camera. Again, something to experience while listening to Pink Floyd.
    All of these devices and interpretations evoked, not only a sense of history,  but also a sense of how our imaginations and cognitive conjurings make the human experience singular in a universal timeline that reaches back and forward as far as any telescope can hope.
    Good job Matt, Liz, and Patrick. Sherry and I will return!

The Rock of Unalterable Time

One of my favorite themes in fiction or movies is time travel. According to WikipedIa, the first fiction having to do with time travel was " Memoirs of the Twentieth Century" by Samuel Madden, published in1733. Wikipedia lists over 100 books, over 100 movies, and about 15 video games that relate to time travel.
    If not obsessed with the past, we sure are infatuated with it.
    My favorite movie dealing with time travel is "Back to the Future".
    If we could move about in time, then perhaps we could change our conditions or situations. But then, everyone could.
Imagine a reality in which millions or billions of people were recreating the past so as to benefit themselves at the moment.
There would be no absolute standard or "floor of reality" upon which one could plan or assume any control at all.
If we think that we are at the mercy of fate now, image how precarious a life would be without the rock of unalterable time to anchor us somewhere.
    Well, enough commentary on the uselessness of time travel.
Another favorite theme is that of multiple universes. But I will discuss that some other time.

20th Century, Natsalgia, and Swivel-Racks

I am quite a nostalgic fellow. I enjoy history and exploring the social, artistic and emotional aspects of history beyond just the facts and details. I can easily place myself in the era with only a few period prompters. When I visit the historic homes of Thomas Jefferson, Andrew Jackson, or others, my questions tend toward how the less commonly known among them would have lived. Where would the servants have walked as they went to serve the breakfast?
   So, when I have an opportunity to visit a place that seems to be held in a particular time of the past, I take that opportunity with a sense of excitement.
    Such is the case this morning...
    Very close to the junction of Highway 6 and state road 15, there is a restaurant called the "20th Century". The current owner has had it for 37 years and it was around a long time before that.
    When one enters, one can notice the bar with bar-stools that seem to be the original 1950s or 1960s equipment. The faux-wood booth tables are worn from the scrapping of plates, cups and utensils. The all glass front remains, also a construction of the 50s or 60s.
    While the walls are adorned with nastalgia invoking promotional signs for " Cushman Scooters" "Dri-Gas" and others, it is easy to see that the quality of nostalgia is natural rather than created. It is as if one stepped into the twilight zone of restaurants.
    I felt much at home. During the 1960s, when my Mom and I would hop Greyhound buses for Lafollette Tennessee, the bus would often stop at such restaurants. I remember those times fondly. Those bus-stop restaurants always had a swivel-rack of comic books. I would purchase one, for about ten cents, and enjoy reading it while we waited for our breakfast. I looked for the swivel-rack this morning at the 20th Century. I was brought back to current day reality when I could not find the rack.
    Still, this is a great place to eat.
And by the way, the food is perfect, and the service is more so.
The address is 19964 us 6 Milford In. 46542.
Phone 574-831-4913
Hours of operation...
     M-F  5:00am-10:00pm
     Saturday  5:00am-2:00pm
     Sunday...closed.

Morning Has Broken

A new day invitingly lays out before us, willing to be shaped and formed. We each carry into this day the  history of a mixture of favorable and unfavorable memories. This moment is when we get to choose which of those memories will have affect and impact on this day.
    I particularly like the song "Morning Has Broken". It reminds me that all things seek to be renewed. Our spirits, the day, the work of the day, and the potential rewards the day, all lay awaiting our signature.


Morning has broken
Like the first morning,
Black bird has spoken
Like the first bird.
Praise the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them springing
Fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain's new fall
Sunlit from heaven,
Like the first dewfall
On the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
Of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness
Where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight!
Mine is the morning.
Born of the one light
Eden saw play!
Praise with elation,
Praise ev'ry morning,
God's recreation
Of the newday!


Words: Eleanor Farjeon

Visioning

In the book " Pastoral Care: An Essential Guide" the author, John Patton teaches(page 44) what I shall paraphrase here...
    To deliver good pastoral care, one must listen to where the care receiver is at the present in emotional mental, and spiritual terms. This establishes a beginning point at which the person's needs are to be understood. Then, it is important for the the care-er to listen to the story of how the present has come about. What situations or conditions have led to this point?
    And then the care-er should invite and listen to the story of a vision for the future. What would you like to see happen in the future?
    When we understand the present condition, know the history of its development, and see the vision for the future that our care receiver wishes, then we are in a position to truly "care". We may or may not have the answer or solution, but we can be that ear by which our care receiver can hear for themselves what they need. And it that process we can find the answers, or find someone who has them.
    This is good advice for any friend listening to another friend about problems or conditions.
    Be slow to offer advice and solution.
    Be a listener. A sincere, present, empathetic, listener.

    This is also good advice for those participating in problem solving for government, business, family, or most other situations...
    Grasp the present condition.
    Identify the influencers that have caused the present.
    Allow the client to "vision out" where to go from here.
    We each facilitate the best solution when we just listen to our care receiver's own words.

   

"Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see".

"Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see".
    This was Cassius Clay's inspiring motto leading up to his fight with Sonny Liston on this day in 1964.
Cassius Clay won that fight and became the world champion in boxing.
    Agility, response, and  practice. These were the attributes that I believe kept Clay safe from the blows of an expert in hitting. We can be encouraged by the triumph of Clay on that day in 1964.
    Let us remain agile in our health, our moral standing, and in our community contributions as we enter the fight with cynicism in our day.
    Let us have the courage to respond in ways that respect and defend our persons, our dreams, and our goals as we engage what is sometimes the fight of our lives.
    Let us practice, over and over, our skills, our strategies for moving ourselves forward by volunteering for community service, contributing to charitable organizations, and assisting those in need.
    Cynicism is a large and powerful fighter in the ring of life. If we just stand there and not move or act, we will surely be hit. We shall surely be defeated.
   
"Your hands can't hit what your eyes can't see".
    Let us be in movement such that cynicism has no chance at connecting with us.
   Let us move in the ring of life.
   

Valentine's Day, Winston Churchill, and Philippians

    As it is Valentine's Day, I gave my wife chocolate covered strawberries from Owen's Grocery store in Warsaw as a gesture of sweetness and nurture. She, knowing my admiration for Winston Churchill, gave me  three metal dispensers of red sticky-notes which read "Action This Day".
    Churchill was know for achieving results, in part, by encouraging others and specifying to others what is priority with his notes of "Action This Day". When a subordinate received such a note, they knew what to follow through on.
    We sometimes become so entangled in the hustle and bustle of daily living that we lose sight of priorities from time to time.
    The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, knew how to encourage others toward effective and productive goals...

Philippians 4:8

King James Version (KJV)

⁸ Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

     I also encourage all of us to think on such things. And, as we are inspired, to diligently take action on those things which have inspired us.
   Tell those around you that you love them, this day.
    Start writing your book, this day.
    Start exercising, this day.
    Whatever priorities you have set for yourself on the agenda of life, set them in motion.
Take Action This Day.

   

Support Your Local MDA Jailbird

I am participating in the MDA fundraising event "Lock-Up" in Kosciusko County.
They have charged me with "Having an extremely big heart".
The jail date is Tuesday, February 26 at 11:30am at Noa Noa Restaurant.
The name of the child that is the inspiration for my fundraising work is Cole.

My bail is set for $3000.00.
    I am sure you would like to make a contribution to my bail.
So please go to http://www2.mda.org/goto/mikesettles13
and make a contribution!
Please hurry...February is almost here!
Thanks, Mike

Have a Constitution Affirmation Party

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

    Yesterday the President took the oath to protect and defend the United States Constitution. The preamble to the Constitution tells us what the Constitution is about. It tells what the Constitution attempts to provide for.
    But it isn't just the President that takes this oath. When I accepted my position on the Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals, I also swore to protect the Constitution, as do all elected and appointed officials.
    But let's not stop there. I propose that if you are a citizen of the United States, get together with some other citizens and have a Constitution affirmation party. Have a ceremony where you each formally and verbally swear to protect and defend the Constitution. Be good citizens.
Caveat...
    You might want to actually read the Constitution so that you know what it is you are committing yourself to. Don't just let others tell you what it says. Know for yourself.

Regarding Social Change Gravity

    National Public Radio ran a story this morning hat I thought deserved a response of some kind...
The story discusses the trend among younger people to decline an affiliation with an organized church denomination, group, or other entity which is formally organized.
    This is not a new trend. For decades membership in churches, service clubs, even bowling leagues has been declining. It seems that younger people do not want to be "labeled" or identified with some formal establishment of religious, political, or service group. There is a strong tendency among younger people to live out religion, faith, politics, and anything else that expects a statement of belief or position as a solo act.
    I respectfully submit, to the young and the not so young, that Maslow's hierarchy cannot be short circuited.
    The conditions at the lower levels must be completed before the higher ones can be achieved. In short, to gain self-actualization, one must first become established with self-esteem, particularly to have the respect, or association with others. I feel there are many people who want self-actualization immediately, without social completeness. Much like wanting a high position in an organization without first proving themselves within the culture and society of the organization.

    (chart from Wikipedia)

    I further, respectfully, recommend that changing the world for the better depends upon formalized organizations that can live beyond a current generation. These organizations, which seem unwieldy at times, gain social-change gravity as they find sympathy and support from people willing to invest in them. This gravity is a force that helps to hold society in place.
    I encourage affiliation with formal churches, political parties, even bowling leagues. It is within these organizations, these focus-communities, that belongingness is achieved. And it is through these organizations that self-actualization acquires social relevance rather than self-indulgence.
    Check out the NPR story at...
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/01/14/169164840/losing-our-religion-the-growth-of-the-nones

Community Dinner Invitation!

    The Claypool United Methodist Church is hosting its January Community Dinner this Friday night, 11th, from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
    The pricing is as follows...
    Adults: $8.00
    Children ages 7-12: $4.00
    Children under 7: Free.
This is a wonderful event that brings people together for a time of fellowship and good eats.
Claypool United Methodist is located at 105 Church st. in Claypool Indiana, just a little south of Warsaw.
    Looking forward to seeing you there.

Register for the North District Lay Servant Academy

    For members of United Methodist Churches in the following counties in Indiana...
Elkhart, Kosciusko, La Porte, Lake, Marshall, Porter, St. Joseph, and Starke Counties...
   You are encouraged to consider registering for Lay Servant Academy.
    Not only will you learn much, but you also will develop long-lasting friendships.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE-Lay Academy

1/11/2013

The North District Lay Servant Committee is gearing up for Spring 2013 classes which will run    5 consecutive Saturday mornings from February 2 through March 2, 9 - 12:15 Eastern Time, 8 - 11:15 Central Time.
The location - Evangel Heights United Methodist Church in South Bend.
The Registration Fee - $25 payable to North District INUMC (mail to PO Box 1701, La Porte IN 46352)
The Registration Deadline - January 11, 2013
Questions? Contact Mike Settles at cmsettles@juno.com or 574-596-9810
The registration form can be acquired by the following link.
http://indianaumc.s3.amazonaws.com/059719A4452D4B758199C5F032CDCC4F_Lay%20Academy%20Reg%20Flyer%202013%2002-03.pdf

The Authenticity of Claypool United Methodist Church

   Those of you who may live close to Warsaw...or anyone willing to drive the distance...
My first Sunday preaching as pastor of the Claypool United Methodist Church is January 6th.
You are invited.
    The church is located south of Warsaw, in Clapool at 105 Church Street.
    Sunday school is at 9:00am
    The worship service begins at 10:20am.
    This Sunday we are also celebrating Holy Communion. The grape juice is grown and provided by a member of the church...she prepares the bread also.
   These people reach toward authenticity. Visit, and you will experience their authentic nature.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all.
    As of Tuesday, January 1st, I began as pastor of the Claypool United Methodist Church. Wish me well, send your prayers.
    I continue to live in Elkhart and serve of the Elkhart City Board of Zoning Appeals.
Peace to all!

St. Paul's is Waiting for You

    This Sunday, December 30th, I will deliver my last message as Lay Speaker and member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Beardsley in Elkhart. I will begin as pastor of the Claypool United Methodist church on January 1st. It is with mixed feelings that I make this transition. Surely, I feel called to pastor at Claypool. But also, I have become close friends with so many,all, of the people at St. Paul's. This St. Paul's congregation has befriended me, developed me, supported me, and otherwise brought me to a place in my life where I feel ready to serve as pastor. This St. Paul's congregation can do the same for you. Whether you feel called to serve as pastor, or other leader in a church, St. Paul's is the perfect place to continue your faith journey. If you do not have a home church, or are in the transition from congregation to another, visit St. Paul's. Not only is there room for you...they've been waiting for you.

Let's Get Back to Utopian Scenario

    Posted on Facebook today was a man dressed as a street prophet carrying a sign that read..." false alarm". Yes, it seems that we have survived yet another doomsday prediction. Like Y2K, and the 9/9/99 computer scare, December 21, 2012 has come and gone like any other day. And that, for many people, is just the problem. This most recent apocalyptic prediction, inspired by the Mayan end-of-calendar event, was quite a composition of the most minimal historic fact(end of calendar), with fictitious imaginings, all of which were to create a sensational idea of a cataclysmic scenario.
    Some people live such uninspired lives with no hope in sight that they quickly create or acknowledge such far-fetched idea as the world ending in such a manner that they will finally be left in a state common to other people...without resources, destitute, chaos. They want for other people to experience the disaster that life has been to them financially, emotionally, socially or otherwise.
    Whether as a Christian, a loyal citizen, a good neighbor, or decent person, we each can make a difference in the lives of others. Sometimes it is just a kind word that will encourage someone. Sometimes hearing someone out when they want to speak of their challenges and turmoils will give them peace.
    We can in fact make this world a better place. But we have to be invested socially. We have to care.
If we were to volunteer for a non-profit organization, make a contribution, or otherwise support those forces in society that seek to "make the world a better place", then maybe we will see the end of doomsday predictions. Maybe people will begin to predict Utopian scenario again.

Kingdom Attributes Will Bring About a Change in Society

E. Stanley Jones was a Methodist missionary in India during the twentieth century. In 1938 Time magazine called him "the world's greatest missionary". It is from his devotional "Victorious Living" that I take two unrelated phrases with which I remind all that Jesus, and the Kingdom that He allows us entry into, can transform the world from envy, confusion, strife, and violence into peace, abundance, and love...
    "You cannot make the golden age out of leaden instincts. Human sin is the real barrier to the new world" Jones
    "The Kingdom, therefore, is the one open door before a confused and morally collapsed world. Jones
Yes, we have seen much intolerable violence lately. And though there are many things we should do within our legislative structures to address this violence, the most effective thing we can do is transform the world from its fallen nature to the one God intended for us. Jesus is that one open door. Jesus will bring about God's will as described in Isaiah 11:6 "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
    Even in the Lord's Prayer we find that God intends His Kingdom to be alive amongst us...
"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
    For those who are followers of Jesus, I encourage you to introduce others to Jesus. I encourage a regular and sincere study of the teachings of Jesus. Jesus taught peace, and healing, and service, and other reconciling acts. These are the Kingdom attributes that will bring about a change in society.