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10 Jan

January 10, 2011 |

G. Blair Dowden, President of Huntington University (left) and Bishop Phil Whipple chatting between periods of the hockey game.

Jason and Donna Hollopeter. Donna is associate director of Global Ministries.

Phil Burkett (left) and JR Reich take a stretch while their spouses, Darlene and Cathy, talk. Darlene and Cathy are, respectively, administrative assistants to Global Ministries and the bishop's office.

The staff and spouses of Healthy Ministry Resources (the UB national office) waited until January 7, 2011, for their annual Christmas party. December was just too crowded with events and traveling.

The evening started with a buffet meal at Don Hall’s Guesthouse in Fort Wayne, Ind. Then they adjourned to the Fort Wayne Coliseum for a hockey game between the local Komets and the Evansville Icemen. The Komets put in a terrible performance in a boring game, losing 3-1. But still, everyone had a good time.

Especially when persons found themselves on the big game screen. Phil Burkett (husband of Global Ministries administrative assistant Darlene Burkett), was pictured alongside a “Look-a-Like” photo of George Lucas. A few minutes later, the Kiss Cam caught Jason and Donna Hollopeter, who promptly complied.

08 Jan

January 8, 2011 |

Allison and Trevor Kuney

For the past couple of years, Allison Dunten has worked part-time at the United Brethren national office while attending Huntington University. She has helped Finance Director Marci Hammel with various finance-related tasks. Allison is the daughter of Rev. Darwin and Polly Dunten, who serve Findlay First UB church (Findlay, Ohio).

On January 1, Allison married Trevor Kuney. The wedding was held at Lakeview UB church in Camden, Mich. On January 6, they stopped by the UB offices, where we had some gifts awaiting them.

The newlyweds have settled into an apartment in Huntington. Allison will continue doing some work in the Finance department.

07 Jan

January 7, 2011 |

Jason Hollopeter retired as senior pastor of Corunna UB (Corunna, Ind.). The new senior pastor is Kevin Whitacre, who started on January 1, 2011. Kevin was previously youth pastor of The Well in Huntington, Ind.

07 Jan

January 7, 2011 |

Christmas basket outreach in Blissfield, Mich.

Christmas basket outreach in Blissfield, Mich.

Rochelle Jensen, Zion UB, Blissfield, Mich.

We joined with the Catholic Church to provide grocery bags full of supplies for their Christmas basket outreach program. Our children preformed in a wonderful Christmas Musical Program with singing and choreography. And on Christmas Eve, we had our annual worship and praise service with communion and candlelight ending. There were 141 in attendance for the service, which ended at midnight!!

06 Jan

January 6, 2011 |

Mark Smith, Morocco UB, Temperance, Mich.

Christmas at Morocco is always a busy exciting time.

  • The first Saturday in December is the Christmas In Ida Parade. We designed and had a float in the parade with several walking behind handing out candy and showing our love to all with a “Merry Christmas.”
  • Our annual Christmas Program was held December 19, with many from the congregation performing specials, and as always our Mark and Company Skit was a hit!
  • Then Christmas eve our beautiful decorated sanctuary was the spot where several came to a beautiful service and message by Pastor Todd Greenman.

06 Jan

January 6, 2011 |

Judy Alchin, 70, a member of Fowlerville UB (Fowlerville, Mich.), volunteers her time at the Christian-based Family Impact Center in Fowlerville. The center provides a variety of services–food, clothing, spiritual counseling, and basic needs assistance. Alchin serves on the board of directors and runs the office when the executive director is away.

“It’s a joy to come in here knowing I am helping someone,” she says.

An article about Judy Alchin and her volunteer work was published on LivingstonDaily.com.

06 Jan

January 6, 2011 |

Michael Sturgill was appointed supply pastor at Olivet UB (New Lebanon, Ohio) after the passing of former senior pastor George Rhodifer in July 2010. Michael holds a local license and was being mentored by George.

Bill Blue has been appointed senior pastor of Shoreline Church (Oak Harbor, Ohio), effective January 1, 2011. Involved in the stationing process were Bishop Phil Whipple, cluster leader Brad Kittle, and Personnel Relations chairperson Tally Gallogly. Bill, formerly youth pastor of Fowlerville UB (Fowlerville, Mich.), replaces Steve Fish, who concluded his ministry at Shoreline on November 14 (as reported earlier).

Mike Stine resigned as pastor of Mt. Carmel UB (Fulks Run, Va.) effective December 31, 2010. The stationing team consists of Bishop Phil Whipple, cluster leader Dennis Sites, and local PRC chairperson Lynn Mohler.

05 Jan

January 5, 2011 |

Marshall Woods, senior pastor, Mill Chapel, Reedsville, W. Va.

Our church has a wonderful director of plays and director of music. We had a play/cantata, “It All Happened in the Country.” There were such large turnouts that we had to do the play 2 nights. Also, we had a Christmas Eve service at 10 pm. It lasted about 30 minutes and ended with a candlelight service. About 100 people attended.

We also collected bags of new socks to send to a Guatemala orphanage.

05 Jan

January 5, 2011 |

Marvin Schwartz, senior pastor, New Horizons Community Church

Christmas is always a special time of the year for us at New Horizons Community Church. The highlight of the season (Jesus’ birth) is our Christmas Eve Candlelight service. However, this year was different from previous years (unplanned).

We had scheduled a Children’s Christmas program for an evening service on December 11, but because of the weather we had to cancel that night. This left us scrambling for another date and time. Because of scheduling and other church events, our only option was December 24 during the Candlelight Service. This rescheduling brought with it some uncertainty with regard to attendance and the amount of time needed for the added program.

The LORD knew what He wanted with this event, and we could not have planned this any better. Our church was full! We had over 300 in attendance with a wide range of ages. We most likely will plan this way for another year.