Although suffering from a cold he brought home from the Council of Bishops, Bishop Trimble made an extended visit to South District in early November. He came to meet persons in ministry and encourage us all to remain faithful to our mission and vision. The bishop began his visit with fifteen of our thirty-nine local pastors on a cold Saturday morning. Hosted by Pastor George Browning, the group gathered at New Hope just outside of Salem, Indiana. For over an hour, Bishop Trimble heard stories from each local pastor describing the ministry in the respective churches. The bishop then shared his joy and encouragement for the faithful work of the local pastors in South District. The event closed with the bishop praying for each local pastor and anointing them with oil.
The bishop and Gary traveled to Jeffersonville to meet with Jim Moon, pastor of Park Memorial. Jim shared the story of the work of Park Memorial with the now-closed America’s Best Motel. He told of how the church has shifted to work at Haven House. Haven House is the only shelter in this corner of the state. The work is critical. The bishop met two wonderful persons whose life has been transformed by the work of Park Memorial. Bishop also toured Haven House where we met many persons working to minister to the homeless in the New Albany, Clarksville, Jeffersonville area. Persons took turns sharing how lives have been transformed by the various ministries.
Saying “goodbye” to the riverfront, Gary drove the bishop to Corydon. Bishop toured Macy House and heard the story and dreams of the 4:34 ministries. Pastor Rob Pryor and Pastor Betty Sieberns shared how the homeless were being transformed in the Corydon area and beyond.
On Sunday morning, Bishop Trimble and Gary traveled to the French Lick to worship with the Springs Valley cooperative parish. After a windshield tour of French Lick and West Baden, bishop joined the four congregations at Ames Chapel. There we worshipped together and prayed together. Bishop proclaimed the gospel and led all in a service of Holy Communion. As we left, Bishop celebrated and blessed the ministry of Pastors Dennis Adams and Cody Jellison.
The bishop made one last stop to bless and encouraged Steve and Pam Tedrow, our directors and managers of Camp Rivervale. Bishop had not seen this camp before. As a part of the visit, we toured the Robertson Meeting House (aka Old Bethel Church). This log building was constructed in 1807 in the forests outside present-day Charlestown, Indiana. Bishop also visited the Otterbein Lodge and enjoyed the beauty overlooking the White River.
We thank the bishop for his visit and for encouraging so many persons who are working in the shadows quietly, daily transforming lives and sharing the gospel with those they serve.