The Mail-Journal, Volume 20, Number 25, Milford, Kosciusko County, 6 July 1983 — Page 15

Community Church ministers to contemporary society

By GAIL WIDMOYER “There is a vast need in this community for great work to be done,” commented James E. Otis, pastor of the newly formed Wawasee Community Church of the Nazarene. “And there is mom for every one of the churches in the area to explode and work harmoniously to fill that need.” Otis, accompanied by several interested community people , is involved in transplanting the former Syracuse Church of the Nazarene into the Wawasee Community Church which will be centrally located in the Milford, Syracuse, Wawasee and North Webster area. “I’ve always felt a deep desire to do some church planting project and I feel there are times’} nd places where the Lord positions people and facilities to do something tremendous. We are literally looking for miraculous growth,” explained the 29-year-old pastor. The primary purpose of the Wawasee Community Church is “to enhance the community’s lifestyle,” continued Otis. “We live nn a stressful, successful society where people need strong spiritual resources to cope with a successful life.” By ministering to a contemporary congregation through high visibility, an updated contemporary image and by going to the people, Otis and church leaders believe they can offer spiritual relief to successful people.Personal Background After completing studies in Christian Ministries at Marion College, Otis served two previous pastorates in Converse, Ind., and Toledo. Ohio. Following eight months as a salesmanager for the Wesleyan Publishing House, he was appointed to., the Wawasee Community Church. Otis was assigned tc the Wawasee area because of “his proven dedication to excellence in pastoral ministries, and his ability to inspire progressive achievement in the -local church.” 1 , “I’ve always felt called tc helping a church grow,” stated Otis who moved to the area with his wife, Patricia, and children. Nichole, Patrick, and Victoria, on June 17.

Lakeland Churches

Cours® J9_ eabmcdc' bbiitiiai deuce acvn ; <kßStyUs*d Cm a Track 9 Holes *32 Par HO6 Challenging Yards I*4 fj kITTI© < OWK FARMERS MUTUAL RELIEF ASS N. fe|> = S Pro Shop Golf Accessories QOSKO M ur j ir -iztZco e " ■MOVbCMICMj Vandalism — Water Damage & Other Perils SAIF CFBVIfF •*! RRI P ’°' B " W , l „A£?J rd ' IN 46542 658-9468 Or 658-9469 TOO YEARS OF DEPENDABLE SERVICE f 1 J S RR 1 658-4927 ’ MILFORD (219) 6&8-4I80 Milford i 118 W. Market Phone 267-8841 Warsaw fb s jO 4 SAIB 651-4511 —I—J I——a——————.a— — I Trailer* CAU I iS TIMMONS KM SHVia 658-4222 A ; GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH FIRST CHURCH OF ALLSAINTS' ZION CHAPEL ÜB. CHURCH BURR OAK I ; n kt P. I :(r> L n L Ckrx» Ab. Sigmund Inc (io»e Mamsti christ scientists episcopal church (cernersyr-wL m JmSn) unite dmethoo?st church Light & Life , OOk bhop A SYRACUSE (ITS N. Detroit) SOUTHSHORE LAKE WAWASEE Rev Don R«s. Pasior ' Lawrence Byrnes. Pastor Serving The Comm« >yChrer4QY«e4» M ind lO no,F,„„ tJ^..i.r s Frank Barcus. Pastor WARSAW Vicar: Rev .David L Hyndman Larry McCullough. S.S. Supt. Sunday School 930 a m Compter. Un« Os Boofa. Bil f.. GMte. Grewing Card. A I" GOSHEN & FIKMADT Worship 9:15a.m. Sunday School IQ am. Holy Eucharist: 9 am. Sunday School 9 a.m. Worship 10 30a m ° P ™ cr ' l Rr tLKHART Sunday School 10: 15a.m. Sunday Service TO a m Wnrxh.n m FOR FRIENDLY .RVICE CALL M Tns-mpu Wednesday7pm QUAKER HAVEN FRIENDS CHURCH CHURCHOF THE BRETHREN LIGHT AND LIF SOOK SHOP open uony V p iy\. To 5:30 P.M.. Syracuse united y p t sme and mN) Evening worship tp.m Syracuse w.-*_v,i t < , Wl( El PENTECOSTAL CHURCH GRACEBRETHREHCHURCH DEWART LAKE John McFarland. Pastor 267-7 —— (Comer Harrison* Pearl St) . LEESBURG Sunday School 9am CHURCHOF GOD Junior Blough, Supt. > David Hudson, Pastor Howard Dwening, Pastor Worship 10a.m. (Quaker Hall) **™ WEBSTER Sunday School 9 30a.m. ■ vniio Sunday School 10am. Tim Hood. Sunday School Supt. WAWASEE HEIGHTS Charles E. Towriss. Pastor Morning Worship TO Mam. Y Sb*!2!? REAT ,ONAL ENJOYMENT Praise and Worship. Sunday 7 M «a BAPTISTCHURCH Sunday Bible Study 7 p.m. BRUCE Sml (ATHON /ZT7Z\ •*'"ke' • S-2 Grand Siam P m Morning Warship TO. 35a.m. (Across From High School) Men s Prayer Breakfast4.Mam. ,y : /\ A>*Wk •ChnsCroft • MacGregor Youth Service, Tuesday 7 p.m. Evening Worship* pm. Worship 4:00 a.m. UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH AlwfIVC Ke n fllir / Mwl \ < -J C Pontoon, Bible Study, Thursday 7: M p.m. Prayer Service* Wednesday 7 pm. S S Lot Sunday School 9:15 am. MILFORD MW UW (UJFU\ Your Lake Homo Away From Home iiu.TrnurTwwKTrunbru Sundav School 9 30 a m Worship TO Ma.m. Kenneth Greenwood. Pastor NllinllMr I liulw yM—THOMy Cnilthpacf Rav Marina WAWASEE COMMUNITY CHURCH UNITEDMETHOOKTCHURCH w<XZL,T£am tx/om Sunday Night Live youth 4p m. Mary Duncan. Lay Leader IWURBer I MlOy k ' Southeast Bay Marina XXX’X”- Ml-Ogh’ ■w.umm* Church School 9: M a.m. MorningWorship9:Ma.m. AWANA Clubs Thurs. AM p.m CHRISTIAN CHURCH UMYF Sunday 6 p m. CD tk» Appt. Only 457-4360 ’? - * w a- * Church School 10 Mam. WAWASEE LAKESIDE CHAPEL Carl Shearer Bible Study Sunday 5 M p.m *■ W p n 7 CHURCHOF THE BRETHREN Harlan Steffen, Pastor LAKELAND COMMUNITY VPWY* IV W Wednesday Midweek Service 7 p.m. 1 NOR TH WEBSTER John Groat, Adult Supervisor CilrX * ElVil CME 1 EK C&nlfrptt uRZlIir SALEM COMMUNITY CHURCH Paul F Shrider, Pastor Sally Jaques Worship OTS a.m "rOM a m OSWEGO <"" A > nazui (v/1 Mll< Southeast OfW.lmof) MorningWorship9Mam. and7pm Rev Roy Mickley. Pastor North Webster Styling Salon Pastor Elmer Milled Sunday School TOMa.m Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m Sunday School 9: Mam Redken 701 S. Hi. itington St. Nancy Shields —Sunday School 9: Mam. OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE Sunday school T1 em. Worship Service 10: Mam. Retail Center Syracuse HmrSiylw Morning Worship 10 30 am. tATHOL IC CHURCH C LUN ETTE UNITED CALVARY UNITED Evening Service 7p.m. , 1 Syracuse Sunday Even, ng Serv.ee 7 p.m , METHODIST CHURCH METHODIST CHURCH MILFORDCHAPEL 457-3474 —, M Prayer Bible Study Wednesday 7 MILFORD Karen Weaver, Pastor (SR 13 South) (Beer Road) ^ SE William Yoder. Pastor MMAND SIWM.MM SPANISH CHURCH OF GOO Sunday Mass 10: Mam. SundaySchooi TOMa.m. X School Supt. t ***" WflllJ3C ft Rrtat Cifc * JT. mi Y ° ’OO6 South st. CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY FAITHWAYBAPnST CHURCH Early Rise pHIImLER I - y lgS use ndiono 46567 Rev. Bernabe C. Moreno (Old SR 15) Barbee Community Church Church School 9:Ma m. Worship Service 11 am. Chris Craft entury Ski Supreme 18MTMf RS Rf ALT Y1 I ll] Sunday School 9:45a.m. MILFONOJUOCTON Driuw. LBMe Bwrhee Lahe) Worship Service TO: 40 am Wednesday Service 7 pm. *?t™fcXZ, K, Wrtma., e«ni n ,r ;tlß .m. V.aW».W»>H» W«»*S«r»k.»..m. •" «ch»l J«nwi. Pun, PHOT «7 «04 SYRACUSE 1- GRACE BIBLE CHURCH UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH Morning Worship TO a m. Tom Stiver, S S. Supt , .... SYRACUSE IWRTHWEBSTER Wedrwsday Bible Study And Prayer Evening Worship 7 p.m. Sunday School 9: Mam. LetUS.MVDTMr Dr David R Haitley. Pastor Rex Li ndemood. Pastor pm Wednesday Bible School 7 p.m. Mommg Worship 1 T 1 Fbafchf AW MMfmg Problem Worship IT am Ow^S^^TMam ° " MISSOURI SYNOD F,BST ,^T!£!lq CMM * CM MORRISCHAPEL I , * cJCWCICrS VIIIA6E PLUMBING & HEATING ibbsl ‘ c imbi CROMWELL Sunday School 9: Mam. JEHOVAH'S WITNESS Mid week w<rship7p.m. Sunday School 9: Mam. 107 E. Mam . 457-4282 Syracuse Frank Barcus. Pastor Worship To:Mam. 4pm. KINGDOM HALL Worship tO M am Sunday School 9 30 am Wednesday Services 7 p.m (East Lake Drive) BETHEL CHURCHOF jfc Worship ServicerO 45am. Sunday: Public Lecture 930 am. V THE BRETHREN SAINT MARTIN DE PORRES LOGAN MONUMENT CO. APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN TURKEY CREEK CHURCH Watchtower study to 3« am CATHOLIC CHURCH MONUMENT DISPLAY &£?.?"■ The A Wf-JODHIfI/ IN SYRACUSE AND GOSHEN ” ««Jl| Syracuse Phone Gr>rhn n Cn?SCS Morning Worship TO am. Church School 930 am BETHANY CHURCHOF ™ AVLallt I' Syracuse Mnone boshen 533-2161 Afternoon Worship 12 -Mp.m. Worship TOMam ,TEDM *r«O<HST CHURCH THE BRETHREN Confession Before Masses 658-4111 457 3666 NEW SALEM CHURCH CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH F. Wayne Lawson. Pastor HASTINGS OFTHEBRETHREN (Armstroep Road) S< ? W,ri T _'7 Morning Worship 9M am. ISLAND CHAPEL f"»B»iBMi (9MNB3ME) OSWEGO UMYF4 m ” Sunday School Mam. UNITED METHODIST CHURCH I 'I A W -a » Glonn Byers. Pastor Dale W. Parker, Pastor UMYF*pm Wednesday Activity Night 7:00 - David Widmoyer, Pastor <C Hif>ft|r V » flriafl Sumtoy School 9: Mam. Sunday School 9: Mam. GOSHEN FIRST CHURCH SOLOMON'S CREEK Mike Zimmerman, Jr, Supt. . ■■’l/VK 3 l/rUU *«■ sh ‘ p . t ° :3B * ,w MorningtWorship 10 Mam. OF CHRIST SCIENTIST UNITEDMETHODIST CHURCH Kendall Biller, Supt - I AROD tTOD IEQ IKif* *— , E 7? ln *. W ° f^ lp>p,m .. ■ Sunday Evening Worship* pm Service TO: Ma m Rev Don Sheline, Pastor Sunday School 9: Mam. I INv». The Frescriehßß DBBfte Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:M Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7 pm. Sunday School 10: Mam. Worship9am Warship TO: Mam. CVDJ&i ICC ni\/ICir\Kl pm Awana Clubs Wednesday *Tsp.m Wednesday Service 7:45pm. Sunday School 10 am. Prayer Meeting Thursday 7:3t pm 4UVM;UX UIVI3WN o H**— ■Mt PIZZA* mmowioib 4g£&\ oJJ-Lc* a ■ » n l <K Phend & Brown, Inc. «>»>««. camt oots rTkyn People ; State Bank MomOffico MRFORD IN *6542 LEESBURG IN 46538 U " 1 " .>1 7'i'4 • MercuryOß . RR Tllf RMH® r tJUMT \ (2)9)658-4166 (219)453-4351 li-r BU SOUTH SHORE ■■HE&*j=gS_±gS£||| • EbbticteDyne-Trak Leesburg **46538 Mon Sot ~ ” A.M.-n.3OP.M. LAKE TIPPECANOE • Sea Eagle InflataHes 453-4111 Leesburg, h .ana

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JAMES E. OTIS Wawasee Community Church “We are actively searching for a new meeting place to house our congregation until plans for a new church materialize,” explained the pastor whose group is meeting in the former Syracuse

God's Prison Gong'

“God’s Prison Gang,” a newly released film featuring Al Capone’s getaway driver, the last member of Bonnie and Clyde’s gang and two other notorious criminals who have become Christians will be shown at Syracuse Church of God, Washington Street, on July 10, at 7:30 p.m. The film, shot behind the walls Husband, wife to speak Saturday Milford’s Christian Women’s Fellowship will be held July 9, in the Milford fire station with Billy and Mary Williams, pastor of Praise Fellowship Church of Hammond as speakers. Pastor Williams and his wife Mary received degrees from Rhema Bible School along with a rural heritage. A Christian academy and two new church fellowships have resulted form their faith and diligence. Men and women are invited to attend this meeting. A continental breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Church of the Nazarene building. Program Offerings Although a meeting place is tentative for the “transplanted” congregation, an expanded program is available for area residents. In addition to the traditional church school and Sunday worship service, Contemporary Christian Life Studies are available every Sunday evening. Through these classes, a maturing Christian individual has the chance to examine contemporary issues facing Christians through a balanced perspective. Rev. Otis and his wife both enjoy singing, so a strong music program is another alternative available to congregation members. All programs available at the Wawasee Community Church will reinforce a “positive worship atmosphere,” said Otis who supports the philosophy that “God is for you against sin.” Anyone interested in the new church’s offerings can contact Rev. Otis by calling 457-2062.

of New York’s Attica prison, is hosted by Art Linkletter. It tells the story of how the work of international Prison Ministry is accomplishing what more guards, higher prison walls and greater financial expenditures have failed to do — keep released inmates from returning to lives of crime. Telling their stories in the 44-minute film are George Meyer, Al Capone’s favorite driver; Floyd Hamilton, (public enemy number 1) the last of the Bonnie and Clyde Gang; Jerry Graham, the “robber king” of California; and Ted Jefferson, convicted of crimes from drugs and robbery to murder. Also featured is “Chaplain Ray,” whose Dallas based Inter national Prison Ministry has changed the lives of thousands of inmates over the past 18 years. Pastor Mike Johnson of the Syracuse Church of God and Pastor John McFarland of the Syracuse Church of the Brethren, hope that all citizens concerned about the problem of rising crime will attend the free screening of this film.

OUR VIEW 1 A weekly guest column provided by Lakeland community ministers. 1 A

Getting back to basics in United Methodism

By KENNETH GREENWOOD Milford United Methodist Church Since the days of her founder, the United Methodist Church has been a denomination living on the “cutting edge of life.” She has always been interested in healing hurts wherever they occur. Due to design, no one person speaks for the United Methodist denomination, but anyone in her membership can be beard by going through the proper channels. As a member of the United Methodist denomination, I would like to write about the basics of the denomination. Like all denominations, she has adherred to her basic beliefs in one era more closely than in other eras. In the words of one automobile manufacturer, namely the Ford Motor Company, who has devised a catchy phrase, “Have you driven a Ford. . .lately?” I would say, “Have you tried the United Methodist denomination ... lately?” If you have, you found some most wonderful happenings that gladdened your heart! I have been a United Methodist pastor for more than 25 years and I have never witnessed a period of time where the basics are being emphasized more strongly. Basics Let me share four basics that might be considered the cornerstones of the United Methodist denomination. They are: Scripture, reason, tradition and experience. The primacy of Scripture was John Wesley’s emphasis. He insisted that Scripture is the principal authority — the only

measure whereby all other truth is tested. Today, pastors are urged to deal with great Scriptural concepts such as inspiration, conversion, grace, law, justification, sanctification, The Second Coming. Hell and the Will of God. Our Church School literature is saturated with and based upon the Scriptures. Though Scripture is sufficient unto itself, and is the foundation of true religion, Wesley writes: “Now of what excellent use is reason, if we would either understand ourselves, or explain to others, those living oracles!” (Wesley’s Works, Volume VI, page 354) Wesley states clearly that without reason we cannot understand the essential truths of Scripture. Reason in this instance however, is not mere human intelligence. It must be assisted by the Holy Spirit if we are to understand His Word. More is being preached today from our pulpits and taught in our Church School classes about a balanced interepretation of Scripture and an emphasis on the leadership of the Holy Spirit than at any time this pastor can remember. As for tradition, Wesley writes that it is generally supposed that traditional evidence is weakened by length of time. Although the evidence is perhaps stronger, Wesley insists: “I do not undervalue traditional evidence. Let it have its place and its due honor. It is highly serviceable, in its kind, and in its degree.” (Wesley’s Works, Volume X, page 75) The United Methodist denomination has been in existence for nearly 200 years. In

my opinion, no denomination has more sound Biblical teachings than United Methodism. The teachings have withstood the storms of time and are much alive today in people called “Methodists.” Experience (apart from Scripture) is the strongest proof of Christianity. John Wesley quotes: “What the Scripture promises, I enjoy. Come see what Christianity has done here.” (Ibid., page 79) John Wesley insisted that we cannot have reasonable assurance of something unless we have experienced it personally. Wesley was assured of both justification and sanctification, because he had experienced them in his own life. Tradition established the evidence a long way off; experience makes it present to all persons. Wesley states that Christianity is an experience of: “Holiness and happiness, the image of God impressed on a created spirit; a foundation of peace and love springing up unto everlasting life.” (Ibid., page 75) Today, a tremendous emphasis is being placed on experience in the United Methodist denomination through such programs as lay-witness missions, spiritual discovery week ends, revivals, spiritual formation week ends and many other excellent efforts designed to deal with Christian experience. As you try one of our United ' Methodist Churches, you will find that we vary greatly in style and personality, but, today emphasis on the basics of Christianity is greater than it has been for some time. United Methodism is back! Try a United Methodist Church you’ll like it.

Wed., J«iyC, ISK-THE MAIL-JO/RNAL

J" Ah* Lenwng Advent res I j l-OR MM Fuh ■■ M SOMETHING NEW — Learning AdviUres for Fm (LAFF) is offering something new for adults 50 and ' Pictured from left are Joan Sharp, cMr Brodrick. Frank Barens and Richard Dttmer, representing dissent churches in the area. < Photo by Jerry Kuhl)

LAFF: fall program for oldei; admits

“Are you going to LAFF?” — is a new phrase appearing around the Syracuse area. LAFF stands for Learning Adventures for Fun and is the name that has been selected for adults 50 and above. LAFF will be held in Syracuse on Thursday, September 15, 22, 29 and October 6. Participants will be able to take up to three courses for the four weeks. Subjects to be offered are: area polities, beginning bridge, cake decorating, Thomas Edison and his inventions, exercise, eyes on astronomy, keeping the downs on the ups, music for fun, mental health and retirement, quilting and religion. The instructors are: Sister Adele Beeham. Frank Barcus, Ruth Dunkard, Anna Craw, Ronald Kramer, Maxine McDougal, Naomi McFarland, Barb Medlock, Ronald Sharp and Jill Stanley. Assembly and current event topic will begin the day. Classes will be at 9,10 and 11 a.m. followed by lunch, travelogue and games.

lial task force was a group from ted Methodist such a program in rt Wayne this sprme excited about of beginning such Syracuse to serve Syracuse and suramunities. The terial Association raging and helped on of the operaL T® operational planning task forc>% composed of: Frank Bar-cus;-'Clar Brodrick, Richard DitOr, Betty Eaton, Harold and Pea r e Hazenfield, Pricilla J»day- David Maish and Joan Shaili. O ■[ Fxmal registration brochures wiWe available early in August. Per? >ns who would like to receive the?gistration brochure when it available should send the 1 name and address to: LA"/If, c/o Calvary United Me odist Church, r 3 box 21A, Syracuse.

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