District NewsNEWS FLASH! Fire at the District Office.  A passing motorist noticed smoke and saw flames about 7:00 AM on Thursday. No cause has been determined at this time however itappears that the fire started in the utility room which contained the boiler and all of the telephone and electrical mains. The fire was contained to the utility room and the crawl space which runs the length of the building. Actual fire damage was limited to the hall way (which now has no floor) the utility room and the office entrance. We thank God that there was no loss of documents and although extensive smoke damage to all of the office equipment.
The insurance company has been super in helping us to contact the  right peopleand take the right steps toward restoration. As soon as the fire inspectors release the building to us we will begin cleanup and restoration. This will be done by a professional company. At present we are working feverishly to get ourcomputers cleaned and set up in order to have at least a skeleton operation going by the end of February.
If you need to contact the district office please contact Phyllis Richards or George Hurst using their home numbers as found in the district journal.
If you know their cell numbers you may also use them however we did not think it advisable to publish them on this site. The emails for both Phyllis and George are viable and are checked regularly. Please feel free to use these as well:
Thank you for your prayerful support. We will keep you informed as the things transpire. January/February 2008 LEE'S LINES With all of the uncertainties throughout our nation and world, it is reassuring to know that we have an “Anchor that is steadfast and sure.” We have confidence that we can trust the Lord knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us.” Mrs. Lee and I wish for our District Family the very best throughout 2008 and pray that God will grant us the desires of our hearts. Much can happen in the course of a year. Christmas of 2006 we enjoyed the season with our daughter and son-in-law and our three grandchildren, Katie and her husband Jason, Ellie and her husband Harold, and Spencer. WOW! What a difference a year makes. This Christmas we had two additional bundles of love and joy in our family. Nearly 11 months ago, our granddaughter Ellie gave birth to our first great-grandbaby. She is a beautiful little baby named Gracie Jo Stewart. She is precious. Three months ago our older granddaughter Katie and her husband adopted a beautiful little boy from Ethiopia. The best the doctor’s can tell, he is approximately 16 months old. What an electrifying personality. His name is Samuel Musse Brabson. Musse means Moses. Samuel was found at the side of the road at approximately six-months of age and he was quite ill. Through the providence of God, he was taken to a wonderful orphanage in Addis Ababa where his caregivers were compassionate and gave him tender, loving care. This past October, Mrs. Lee traveled to Ethiopia to be with our granddaughter during the adoption process. Our daughter Debi had been there one week prior to Beverly so it has been a family affair. The adoption became a miracle in itself. Needless to say, the Christmas season was alive with laughter, tears of joy and thanksgiving. Mrs. Lee and I are doing our very best to spoil Samuel and Gracie and then return them to their parents. Many of you were aware of the adoption process and prayed for Beverly during her nearly-three-week trip to Ethiopia. Thank you so much for your support, interest and prayers. My lines to you have been personal but I sincerely hope that you and your family had a marvelous Christmas season. In the midst of all the activities, I trust the Christ Child of 2,000 years became very meaningful to you once again. Mrs. Lee and I love and appreciate our District Family. Let me close by saying once again, Happy New Year and may Christ mean more to you each day. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Clayton and Loretta Sparks and Pastor Ken Yingling In November, Clayton Sparks, member since 1940 of Richmond, Indiana Church of the Nazarene was presented a Distinguished Service Award. Pictured are Clayton and Loretta Sparks and Senior Pastor, Ken Yingling. We extend our congratulations to this loyal and faithful member of Richmond First. IN SYMPATHY Rev. James L. Stephens, age 75, joined the Church Triumphant on Friday, November 9, 2007. His memorial service was conducted on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at the Castleton Church of the Nazarene with Senior Pastor James Lochary officiating. Rev. Stephens had served in the pastorate for nearly 30 years on the Northwest Indiana District. Our deepest sympathies are extended to his wife, Claudette, and the family. PHYLLIS RICHARDS RECEIVES EAGLE AWARD Phyllis Richards was surprised at the District Christmas Banquet to receive the 2007 District Superintendent’s Eagle Award. She has served nobly and efficiently as secretary at the District Office for 26 years. We congratulate her on this achievement. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD On Saturday, December 8, 2007 the United Community Church of the Nazarene presented their pastor and wife, Rev. Darwin and Jean Pressler, distinguished service awards. The awards were presented at the Christmas Dinner for their faithfulness to Christ and the Church. The Jerry Adams Family provided the musical program. The Presslers were surprised by the attendance of several people from churches the Presslers had served through the years. Two of their children were also present. WELCOME NEW PASTOR AND WIFE Rev. and Mrs. John Carr and Grandbaby The Indianapolis District is happy to welcome Rev. and Mrs. John and Lucy Carr as the new Senior Pastor and wife of the Southport Church of the Nazarene. Pastor Carr received an excellent vote from the congregation and was installed on December 9, 2007 by District Superintendent Ted R. Lee. Pastor Carr has served on the pastoral staff in Illinois at North Pekin, and Sterling First and then as Senior Pastor at Alanson Lakeview, Richfield, Bethel, Amada, and Petoskey, Michigan. We welcome the Carrs to the Indianapolis District. EVANGELIST AVAILABLE Rev. Byron Hunt, elder in the Church of the Nazarene, is available for pulpit supply. You may contact him at 765-853-5488 or write him at 110 W. Walnut Street, Losantville, IN 47354. He is an excellent preacher of the gospel. REVIVAL AT STRINGTOWN The Stringtown Church of the Nazarene and their Senior Pastor Bill Bean invite you to revival services on January 27-30, 2008. Dr. James Mellish will be serving as their evangelist. Larry and Phyllis Richards will be the song evangelists. PASTORS’ WIVES IN SURGERY Rev. Joy Wisehart, pastor’s wife at Indianapolis First Church and Lisa Brune, pastor’s wife at Indianapolis East Side have recently had major surgery. We are all asked to remember them in prayer for speedy recoveries. DOUG AND PAULA WRIGHT’S GRANDSON Rev. Doug and Paula Wright, Senior Pastor at Edinburgh for the past 15 years, received confirmation that their grandson, Coleton has ALD (Adrenoleukodystrophy). There is no cure for ALD. ALD is a deteriorating disease which will make Coleton unable to move, talk or see in the near future. His parents have no insurance. Let’s surround Coleton and the Wright family with our prayers. FUTURE DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR Ladies Day at Olivet February 29-March 1 World Day of Prayer March 7, 2008 Easter Offering Sunday March 23, 2008 Pastors and Spouse Retreat @ Pigeon Forge, Tennessee April 7-10, 2008 District Day of Prayer and Fasting May 1, 2008 District Prime Time Day Spring Fling with Geraldine and Ricky May 3, 2008 Baby Day May 4, 2008 Mother’s Day and Pentecost Sunday May 11, 2008 District Ministerial Studies Board Meeting May 17, 2008 District Credentials Board Meeting May 17, 2008 Camby Camp Meeting Sunday Emphasis May 18, 2008 Camp Work Week May 19-23, 2008 District Day of Prayer and Fasting June 5, 2008 NYI Worship and Convention June 18, 2008 Junior and Senior High Camp June 15-19, 2008 Pastor’s Annual Reports Due June 16, 2008 District Nominating Committee Meeting and Finance Committee June 21, 2008 District Camp Meeting — Dr. Oliver Phillips and Dr. Louie Bustle, Evangelists Brian Arner, Song Evangelist June 23-29, 2008 District SDMI (Sunday School) Convention (Noon-4:00 p.m.) June 28, 2008 Children’s Camp — Grades 2, 3, and 4 AND Pre-Teen Camp — Grades 5 and 6 July 7-11, 2008 NMI Convention August 1-2, 2008 Pre-District Assembly Rally — 5 p.m. August 3, 2008 District Assembly — General Superintendent Dr. Jesse Middendorf, presiding — 8:30 a.m. August 4, 2008 NAZARENE MISSIONS INTERNATIONAL WE DID IT! (drum roll….) We reached our goal for Books for Pastors: $55,426. We are the first district on the Central USA Region to reach 100% payment. Congratulations, Indianapolis District! This is an eternal investment! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! PASTORS TEAM to Mexico, April 23-30 – working in Villahermosa. Sign up today! Deposit of $700 due Feb. 15. Passport required. Total cost (not including personal spending) is $1300 per person. Contact Pastor Bill Bean now to register: 317-462-4372 or 317-523-4869, or e-mail him at w.bean@insightbb.com. Indy First, Indy Westside, and North Vernon are taking Work & Witness teams to global ministry sites this year. Join the Indianapolis Extreme Missions Team! Volunteer to serve on a District, Domestic or Global Ministry Team. February is Alabaster Month PATALANO FAMILY UPDATE The Patalano Family (LINKS) is now in the States and will be on our district soon for services. Their new e-mail address is:patalano@earthlink.net At the completion of their home assignment, their new ministry assignment is Sao Tome. DEPUTATION SCHEDULE: Mar. 2 am Fortville Mar. 2 pm Indpls.First Hispanic Mar. 3 Greensboro Mar. 4 New Castle Southside Mar. 5 Brooklyn Mar.6 Shepherd Community Mar. 7 Stringtown Mar. 8 Centerville Mar. 9 am/pm NC Westview Meet the Patalanos in person at one of these services. March 2-8, 2008 GREAT DEAL! The great folks at Shelbyville First will take your gently used clothing, shoes, household linens and toys (no missing parts or damaged items; at least one year’s use remaining), CCKs and SPPs to the Pennsylvania warehouse. Contact Billie Nolley at 317-604-8051 or 317-835-4154 NYI CELEBRATE LIFE RETREAT FEBRUARY 29TH & MARCH 1ST CAMP CAMBY Two days of celebrating life together through worshipping our Creator and enjoying the unique talents He has given us 30+ different areas of talent and sport Many will advance to REGIONAL CELEBRATE LIFE 2500+ teens on May 8th - 10th @ ONU Registration form and $50 due FEB. 11TH Visit Indydistrict.org for info. & forms or click on the link below Tony McCrary, DCL Director tonymccrary@embarqmail.com 317 -485-6443 DISTRICT TEEN MISSION TRIP JULY 7TH - 13TH Post-hurricane Katrina relief work in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area $450 TOTAL COST 1st payment due March 16th Participants are still talking about the last district mission trip in ’04 - please consider serving in ’08! watch a promo video at: Ryan Goode, Mission Coordinator ryan@nvnyi.com or 812-346-5075 PUT IT ON YOUR CALENDAR FEB. 2ND - Bible Quizzing @ Fortville MAR. 8TH - Indy Dist. Quiz Tournament JUNE 15th-19th - Jr/Sr High Camp @ Camby Information and applications for teens and adults can be found in the 'Forum' section of the web site under 'Jr. High & Sr. High Camps' SUNDAY SCHOOL & DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL From the “CHAIR” Below is a letter I received recently from our general SDMI director, Dr. Woodie J. Stevens. “John Wesley urged his followers to preach often, but not to preach unless they first started a class. Wesley’s genius was in starting small groups for people to discover Christ, the Scriptures, and each other. Have you discovered the power of Sunday School and small groups in closing the back door of the church? “Most folks visit church with two questions: (1) Will I find God here? (2) Will I find a friend here? Many busy people are incredibly lonely and need a safe place to find friends. Sunday School classes and small group fellowships are ideal settings to assimilate visitors to the church. “Recently, a church experienced a pastoral leadership change. A man testified during a Sunday School class, ‘The only reason I’m in this church is because of this class.’ This speaks to the value of Sunday School and small groups. “I pray the Spirit of the Lord will give you “great fruit that remains” as you make Christlike disciples.” Sincerely, Woodie J. Stevens SDMI Director Holiness Today Campaign February 2008 Subscription packets available @ holinesstoday. org or call 1-800-877-0700 2008 Continuing Lay Training Study “Beyond Sunday, Everyday Conversations in Disciple-Making” You can order books, leader’s guide, teaching resources, PowerPoint slides & register @ www.c1t.nazarene.org Work your Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries and your Sunday School & Discipleship Ministries will work! Discipleship Summit March 29, 2008 Indianapolis Westside Church of the Nazarene A Listening-to-You Tour Who should come? All ministry leaders, pastoral and lay. Why should you come? To move your ministry team. . . · beyond programs to relationships. · beyond Sunday to everyday. · beyond jobs and careers to lifestyle. Discover a fresh passion for pursuit of the mission. Revitalization of the Sunday School and passionate discipleship ministries are the future. Help create it! Register today: | 
