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Another great forward step has been reached in Indiana. At a meeting December 15 of representatives of the denom- inations holding membership in the State Council of Churches, an agreement was reached where- by each denomination through its state or area office will exchange lists of proposed re- location of churches and con- templated proposed new churches in the state. Every effort will
some elimination of competing situations if local congrega- tions are willing. It will be possible to assure many small communities better church programs if it will be poss- ible to combine congregations by Presbyterian in one locality meeting with a stronger group be made to respect the courte- of another denomination in one sies of good church planning place, and the reverse taking so as to avoid competition and place in another area. It being over-churching of an area if at all possible.
accepted that a congregation with a single denominational connection is generally more effective than a Federated Church with mixed loyalties.
While this is being done on a top administrative level it must be kept in mind that local demands and pressures Localities interested in such discussions sholld confer with cannot always be overcome on the administrative level. The National Missions chairman of plea is to all local Churchmen to strive to do to others in
the Presbytery or write the Synod's Executive for National church location as you would Missions, Rev. Roy E. Mueller, D.D., 1132 North Alabama St.,
have others do to you.
Radio Program Praised
Lavish praise was given the new weekly radio program, "Thy Kingdom Come," at the premiere of the program in NBC Radio Studios, Rockefeller Center, New York. An invited audience of close to 250 church leaders witnessed the first presenta- tion of the program, which is sponsored jointly by the Pres- byterian Church in the U. S. A., and the National Council of
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Soon the topic in family circles will be "Where are we going?", with the talk being about vacation plans. Parents and young folks will exchange ideas as to where we have been and what should be the next direction for travel across the highways of our nation. This sort of family discussion will lead to a happy and pro- fitable vacation for the entire family. It is certainly to be preferred to any vacation plan that a single member of the family can lay out and expect everyone else to enjoy because it is what he or she wants.
This type of family thinking together can well be adopted by more of our churches. After all, a local congregation is much like a large family. There should be a common goal and a mutual desire for the interests and welfare of all.
So why not try at the be- ginning of this new year to have group discussions as to where we hope to go in 1955. Every society or organization can profitably have a forum meeting to discuss the successes and failures of last year and findings can all be pooled by the Session as an overall program.
There should be nothing done simply because "we have always done this." Why? Is it still fulfilling a need? Can the goal be accomplished better by a change of method? Should a new area of spiritual helpful - ness be explored? Are the men learning about the whole church or just having a usual dinner club type of meeting that has no emphasis on the church? Are women's meetings only polite chatter-feasts? Do the youth learn of Christ's way as well as have fun?
A restudy of the program of every church in our Synod would make for a blessed year in every church. "Religion" is a popular topic today. Let's make it a time for understand- ing and conviction as to the reality of Christ as our per- sonal Savior.
Continued from page 1. " CHALLENGE OF CHRISTIAN LIVING"
When John W. Trueb accepted the stewardship responsibility from the Board of Deacons he asserted that he was only in- terested in the "job" if the church would make every effort to become an " Honor Church" The Session of the church, charged by the enthusiasm of the deacons, immediately established a benevolence goal for 1955 equal to the " Honor Goal" suggested by the General Assembly and then added a gift of $900.00 for the Westminster Foundation at Indiana University, and $613. 00 for Hanover College, to make a total budget nearly $5,000 higher than had ever been given by the church before.
The actual work of the can- vass followed very closely the lines recommended by the Gen - eral Assembly except that it was highlighted by the chair- man' s persistent statement that " We are not trying to 'sell' anyone a bill of goods. All we must do is educate them to the needs." The spirit of the can- vass was of such a high spirit- ual nature that when the first 42 canvassers made their pledges they averaged more than $3. 00 per week per canvasser and they more than maintained the ratio of giving required for Honor Church recognition!
Assisting in this work were 96 canvassers with such good results that there was not a single adverse criticism of the presentation of steward- ship to the people. Rev. Roscoe this church.
The INDIANA PRESBYTERIAN
Published each month except the months of August and September, at 1459 Central Ave., Columbus, Indiana, By The Board of Management of The Indiana Presbyterian.
SUBSCRIPTIONS - 10c. PER YEAR
Editorial and Business Office, 1459 Central Ave., Columbus, Indiana.
Entered at the Post Office at Columbus, Indiana, as secand class matter.
February 11, 1939.
Board of Management
Mrs. Norman Thurston, Chairman, Shelbyville; Dr. Roy E. Mueller, Execu- tive Secretary, Indianapolis; Dr. E. Stanley Kreidler, Secretary Treasurer, Indianapolis; Dr. Leigh O. Wright, Lafayette; Rev. George B. McMican, Fort Wayne; Mr. Joe Cummins, Colum- bus; Rev. Harald King, Lagansport: Mr. Walter Hannan, R. 1, New Albany; Mrs. Charles Marsh, Muncie; Mrs. Carl Kircher, Jasper; Mrs. Scott M. Ford, Indianapolis; Mrs. Heber D. Williams, Indianapolis.
Editorial Board Dr. Ray E. Mueller, Editor Dr. E. Stanley Kreidler Mr. Norman Thurston Mrs. Heber D. Williams
This new day may also see Indianapolis, Indiana.
School and Church
The mission day school at Truchas, New Mexico, has had to refuse children for lack of room this year for the 89 enrolled more than fill the school accomodations. The relation between church and school is very clear. New children from non-evangelical families often say, "I want to come to Sunday school but they won't let me." But by the time a child has been in the day school longer, parents have learned the value of the evangelical training, and the
church school with no objec- tions from his parents.
plan for the year ahead. These Wolvington is the minister of
POSTMASTER:
To save handling, please send change of address on Form 3579 to Indiana Presby- terian, 1132 North Alabama Street, Indianapolis 2, Ind.
REFERENCE
PUBLIC LERARY FORT WAYNE A ALLEN CC., IND. PERIODICALS
FEB 12 1955
The IN
MR. ALSAIT DISE RENS. Y. '.C.A. "AY .. E 2. IND. February 1955
PRESBYTERIAN
Number 12
PRESBYTERIAN MEN
The National Council of Presbyterian Men will hold three major meetings in the early part of 1955.
In order to accommodate the demands created by the rapid expansion of the council throughout the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. , a meeting will be held in New York, February 25-27, in Sacramento, California. February 11-13 and in Chicago, March 18-20. A total attendance of more than 7,500 is ex- pected at the three meetings.
Since its organization in 1949, the National Council of Presbyterian Men has grown by leaps and bounds. It now has 2, 400 chapters, with a total con- stituency of more than 400, 000.
Arrangements for the meetings have been under direction of Dr. Paul Moser, of New York, executive secretary of the council since its organization, and Mr. David Cassat, of Dubuque, Iowa, national president of the council.
The total program of the Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A., in the fields of Christian education, home and foreign missions, evangelism, stewardship, and social education and action will be pre- sented to the men at all three meetings under the theme, "Is Thy God Able?" (Daniel VI, 20). The men will be chal - lenged to undergird the work of the church and strengthen its impact on the community and society. At each meeting, following the pattern established by Dr. Moser at the original meeting of the council in 1949, there will be speeches by outstanding church leaders, dis- cussion groups, Christian singing, and worship services.
Preparations are going forward through- out the church for training of 400 dis- cussion leaders for the expanded program of the discussion or "talk-it-over" groups. Volunteers have been invited to attend at their own expense, one-day training schools in which they will be given instruction in the program of the church and their duties as discussion leaders. Dr. Moser asserts that the "ready response to this invitation has been a fine demonstration of the will- ingness and ability of our layman to rise to the occasion when the church needs manpower."
An innovation at Chicago will be a panel presentation by the General Assem- bly Moderators of the three branches of the Presbyterian Church, Dr. Wade Hamilton Boggs, Sr., Atlanta, Presby- terian Church in the U.S .; Dr. Albert Continued on page 2.
MUSIC IN THE BLOOMINGTON CHURCH
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Professor Oswald Ragatz, organist- choirmaster of the First Presbyterian
Church, Bloomington - Mr. Ragatz on left, and choir.
The congregation is enthusiastic about the solo and choral work of the choir. Composed of I. U. students, mem- bers of the School of Music faculty, and of the local congregation, it is a well balanced group of twenty-four singers, each section supported by trained voices. Several of the star student soloists in current university operas and concerts are among its number. Rev. Joseph Walker is minister.
Dr. Mackay to Lecture at Hanover
Dr. John A. Mackay, president of Princeton Theological Seminary, will deliver the annual Swartz Lectureship at Hanover College on Monday, February 21. He will speak in Parker Auditorium at 9: 30 a.m.
President Mackay, a former moderator of the Presbyterian church, is currently president of the World Presbyterian Alliance and a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.
He has delivered special lectures at Ohio Wesleyan, Union Seminary, Lafayette, Davidson, Queen' s, New York, San Fran- cisco Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Seminary, Southern Methodist, University of Edinburgh, and others. Dr. Mackay holds twelve honorary degrees.
He is author of many books and magazine articles. In 1944 he founded the popular theological quarterly, THEOLOGY TODAY.
The lecture is open to the public.
Professor Oswald G. Ragatz, who this Fall assumed the position of organist- choirmaster of the First Presbyterian Church, Bloomington, is head of the department of organ, Indiana University School of Music. Mr. Ragatz is recog- nized as one of the most talented young organists in America. He has also won world wide recognition as a choral director of church music. This summer he completed his doctoral dissertation at the University of California.
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Volume XXXII
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THE INDIANA PRESBYTERIAN
February, 1955
Call Your Minister
WHEN YOU FACE A PROBLEM. Don't let your prob- lem get too big for you. Most ministers have been trained to help people with the problems of living. The impartial judgment of a spiritual leader, together with his prayers for Divine guidance will enable you to face your difficulty with confidence.
WHEN THERE IS ILLNESS. Day or night, your mini- ster is as near as your telephone. His presence, counsel, and prayer will be helpful. Your pastor will appreciate your phone call when you, your loved one, or friend is ill or going to the hospital.
WHEN THERE IS A WEDDING. Your pastor should be consulted before the wedding day is set. Since you will undoubtedly desire to have one or more conferences with your minister, it is advis- able to contact him well in advance of the wedding.
WHEN THERE IS DEATH. Your minister should be notified immediately when there is a death in the family. He can give comfort and counsel at this difficult time. It is proper to consult him before funeral arrangements are made.
WHEN SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN THE CHURCH. You will meet young people and adults who are new in your community, and others who have not united with the local church. Put in a good word for your church and tell your pastor about these prospective church members.
WHEN YOU MUST MAKE A DECISION. All of life has a spiritual significance. Decisions involve God and human destiny. Make an appointment to see your minister. The viewpoint of your spiritual advisor is valuable.
WHEN SOMEONE DESIRES TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN. Happy, indeed is the pastor who learns of someone desiring to become a Christian. Tell your minister about friends of yours who are interested in knowing more about the Christian life.
Your minister is as near as your telephone.
" CALL YOUR MINISTER"
A leaflet bearing this interesting title is to be found in the pew racks of the Bedford, Indiana, Presbyterian Church, of which Rev. Paul Sherrill is pastor. It has apicture of the minister on the reverse side which helps strangers identify the man they are invited to phone, as well as listing the phone numbers. The con- tent of this leaflet is here reproduced as a suggestion to every Presbyterian lay- men throughout our Synod, and all who read this little paper.
A Unique Christmas Gift
We had an interesting letter at the Synodical Clearing House that bears quoting, with names deleted.
"For many years, my husband's chief interest and activity in the church was leadership among young people and he will never lose his interest in them and their projects. However, in the last few years, his active leadership has been among the men and for the National Pres- by terian Men - and through that organ- ization and its leaders, his interest in Missions has been increased.
"Our daughter, is now Moderator of the a leader in Youth Presbytery; this year she suggested that, as a Christmas gift to him, we stake a claim in Korea, since he had been stirred by the extreme need there due to the war - and that this claim be credited to the Senior High Fellowship of our church."
Christian Education Institute
Approximately 175 people attended a two day training Institute for persons who have Presbytery and Presbyterial, Synod and Synodical responsibilities in Christian Education. The Institute was held at the Irvington Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, February 3 and 4. Eight members of the Headquarters Staff of the Board of Christian Education, representing the various Departments of the Board's work, led the Institute, which was sponsored by the Synod Com- mittee on Christian Education, Rev. Paul
Westminster Fellowship of our Church and E. Chalfant, D. D. , Chairman.
It is hoped that each Presbytery of Synod will have a similar Institute at an early date, led by the persons who have received this training, and to which persons from each congregation holding Christian Education responsibil - ities will be invited.
Camps and Conferences
The full schedule of Camps and Confer- ences for the Synod of Indiana was print- ed in the January issue of " The Indiana Presbyterian." Posters have been sent to each church of Synod listing these dates also.
Please note that there are changes this year affecting JUNIOR CAMPS! Fourth Graders will be in separate camps, and the camp period is for just one week. There will be one week camps for 4th graders, one at Kosci and one at Browns- town. There will be three two-week camps for those who have completed 5th and 6th grades, two of them at Brownstown and one at Kosci. Thus, we have added one Junior Camp to our summer schedule in the hopes that we won't have to disappoint so many prospective campers as we did last summer.
Registration forms for ALL camps, including Hanover Conference, will ap- pear in the April issue of Indiana Pres- byterian. No registrations will be accepted prior to that time. All regis- trations must be upon the form that will appear in the Indiana Presbyterian, properly filled out and signed, accom- panied by a deposit of $7.00 for each registration. Extra copies of the April issue can be obtained from the Committee on Christian Education, 1132 N. Alabama Street, Indianapolis.
Anniversary Surprise
A surprise reception and testimonial program was held for Dr. and Mrs. Lewis W. Gishler on January 13 in the old Presbyterian Church of Muncie. It was 13 years the 12th of January that Dr. Gish- ler was installed as pastor of the church. It never will be known how it was kept so perfectly a surprise when the entire congregation and many friends were in- vited to the reception. However, unknown to the Gishlers until they walked into the church where 500 guests were waiting, this program was presented as a complete surprise. Following the program of music, drama and testimonial talks by various members, a reception was held in the church parlors.
PRESBYTERIAN MEN
Continued from page 1.
E. Kelly, Pittsburgh, United Presby- terian Church; Dr. Lloyd, Presbyterian Church in the U. S. A. ; moderated by Dr. Blake.
New officers will be elected for the coming year and other necessary business transacted at the meeting in Chicago. Voting is limited to official delegates, chosen on the basis of one or more lay representatives designated by each of the 257 presbyteries of the church, corresponding to the number of lay commissioners to General Assembly, to- gether with one ministerial representa- tive designated by each synod, and lay representatives designated by the boards and agencies of the church.
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THE INDIANA PRESBYTERIAN
February, 1955
THEY ALSO SERVE
Mitchell Church Centennial Service
The Mitchell Presbyterian Church in Lawrence County, the first in this com- munity, was organized January 24, 1855 in a log school building north of Mitchell. In 1859 it was moved to its present location on Main Street, where a frame building was erected and later remodeled into the present brick church and annex. The first pastor was Reverend John M. Bishop and the present one is Reverend Carl C. Schiffeler.
On January 23 the Centennial Observance began .at 9:30 with the usual morning services, followed by a basket dinner, a song fest and a special service in the afternoon to which out-of- town guests, former ministers, and the community were invited.
Pictures of some of the charter members and early Sunday School classes, the originial communion cup, and other items of interest were on display.
A Success Story
A review of the annual reports to the congregation of the Highland Presbyterian Church reveals a truely successful teach- ing of stewardship. Recognizing that the practice of the Christian life not only affects the spiritual outlook of the individual, but also the use of time and possessions. The every member canvass in this church increased the number of pledges from 217 to 243. The pledges for current operations of the church amounted to $17, 110. 32 which is $3, 456. 00 more than was received from pledges last year and $828. 72 above the budget for 1955. The benevolence pledges for the church amounted to $3, 759.68 which is $700.00 above the benevolence receipts from envelopes last year and $103. 36 above the budget for 1955. This certainly demonstrates the results of good steward- ship teaching and careful work in con- ducting the canvass.
Rev. Herman G. McCoy the minister of this church reported also the net in- crease of church membership was 77 last
Accomplishment In Stewardship
An outstanding accomplishment in Stewardship is reported by the Deacons of the Greenwood Presbyterian Church and conducted by a Commission composed of Doris Brewer, Bob Boren, Jim Barnes, Ben Rahn and W. C. Jennings. An honest effort was made to contact every active and inactive, resident and non-resident member of this Church. Never in the 129-year history of the Church was such an outstanding sum of money pledged in one year. To date, the campaign results are:
1954
1955
Increase
Number of pledgers
63
143
80
Number of tithers
8
47
39
Total amount
$5, 140.00 $12,636. 20
Average pledge
76. 00
88.37
$7, 496. 20 12. 37 480.00
( ** Bldg. Fund not included in '53 Canvass, though budgeted in 1954. )
Of the 63 pledgers registered in 1954's campaign, 32 increased their ' 55 pledge. In addition to actual pledgers, 41 persons made no pledge but desired envelope sets in order to give to the Church next year, which means that against an actual membership of 210, 235 persons will be 1955 contributors. This includes many non-resident and not a few inactive members. Rev. J. Bruce Melton is minister.
The Lord's Acres
PURDUE COUPLE' S CLUB OF UNIVERSITY CHURCH
The University Presbyterian Supper Club holds a Christmas party just before the college vacation, for children who will likely have less.
Three of these little children loved to play the piano for it was a rare treat among other things that happened that evening. Members of the Supper Club choose a child, visit the home, see the need, and then have the pleasure of buy- ing presents for these children. The night of the party they bring them and really share their evening. It is a de- light to the children and Christmas takes a new meaning when these young people have served their little brothers. They see how others live and know what the Christ gift means tolittle children. Twenty children were entertained.
WOMEN SERVING DINNER TO THE LORD'S ACRES WORKERS
The Lake Village Presbyterian Church has completed its third year with a 70- acre plot rented on a 50-50 basis as a community Lord's Acres Project. Each year a new chairman is named and two men to assist in handling all the details. This year Meddie Madison directed the work with the help of William Abbott and Halsey Davis with a total of 42 men work- ing on the land. Each year there are other interested people who share in some way with the operation including the many women who several times through- out the season furnish refreshments and dinners for the men.
The work is so arranged that in any particular phase there is not more than one days work. Most of the men do not have the opportunity to work more than once or twice although they enjoy work- ing together because of the real sense of fellowship and Christian dedication that many of them would like to go every time a group sets out for the Lord's Acres. Some of the men travel as far as nine miles to help.
Through the project the men of the church feel that they are making a real contribution to their Lord and His Church, and they are having a tremen- dously good time doing it.
Thirty acres of soy beans with a good average of thirty seven bushels per acre and forty acres of corn with an average of seventy bushels per acre made a financial profit of $3.458. 79 for the work of the Kingdom. Nearly ten thousand dollars has been realized in these three years of the Lord's Acres. All of this has been done in addition to an every member canvass for local budget needs. The membership of the church is 114. Rev. William F. Schuster is minister.
year. The crowded condition of the facilities require two worship services and a second section of Sunday school for the children up to the third grade.
Pledged to Bldg. Fd. None **
480. 00
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THE INDIANA PRESBYTERIAN
February, 1955
PWO POLICIES
1954 to 1958 (As outlined by Miss Edith Brookmiller)
1- TO FOLLOW THE OBJECTIVES from the Purdue meeting in a personal way, including the By: Mrs. Heber D. Williams use of the self-training program (pp. 80-81, in the Handbook. ) All Presbyterian women are asked to send an example from actual experience in Christian living, under the caption, "I Saw It Happen," to Outreach. Miss Elsie Penfield, who will be contact secretary for the 1958 national meeting, asks us to share any ideas we may have for it with her.
2- TO LAUNCH "THE FELLOWSHIP OF FOLLOWERS" in which we redis- cover for ourselves these objectives, using Bible study, the Year-Book of Prayer, TODAY, and the inspirational literature at our disposal, and realizing that, "Christ's Way is For Me. "
3- TO UNDERSTAND THE POLICIES OF PWO - using the report of the national meeting, p 135, with an emphasis on the work of elected nominating committees in the local organizations, and testing ourselves with "The Marks of a Good Organization." Each church is asked to have a Secretary for Evangelism in its Fellowship Department, for whom there is special litera- ture available. Each church group also should have one woman who is a "specialist" in knowing the PWO organization plan and goals.
4- TO LAUNCH NEW IDEAS of leadership training, including help for Synodical and Presbyterial officers and a World Service Seminar.
5- TO LAUNCH NEW METHODS of departmental presentation at all meetings by training and teaching.
6- A PUSH TOWARD EMPHASIS of the departmental plan; no church is too large or too small to use it. Miss Brookmiller has valuable suggestions to use in increasing the participation of members in the local units.
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