Newest NIC Congregations

This is a list of the newest congregations in the North Indiana Conference. Some are still concepts, some are in the process of forming, and yet others have already organized and launched. We hope to add many more churches to this list as the 2010 Plan continues to grow and the vision spreads!

Conceptual Phase

Huntertown UMC 2nd Campus Sponsor: Huntertown UMC Leader: Huntertown pastors Site: 33 acres on SR3 Target: Area residents Progress: Has purchased the land; building committees have been formed. Earliest it would build is fall '05 or spring '06.	Northeast Indianapolis Off-site Sponsor: Pendleton First UMC Leader: Amber Karkosky-Litten Site: Ingalls area Target: Unchurched; new residents Progress: The church has a team exploring whether or not to launch off-site efforts; "Cheetah Chicks" are providing outreach to target area.
Warsaw Off-site Sponsor: Warsaw First UMC Leader: Steve Austin Target: Younger adults Progress: The church approved the creation of a building committee to begin looking for possible locations.

Formative Phase

Elkhart New Community Sponsor: Elkhart First UMC Began: Spring 2004 Leader: Ron Mabry Target: Unreached population Progress: Core team led church in 40 Days of Purpose; will begin Warren's class 401 in February.	Marion God's Grace Ministry - Merger Churches: Grace UMC, New Hope UMC, Swayzee Street UMC, and Trinity UMC Began: Nov. 21, 2004 Leader: Don Reed/Don Shanks Progress: Worshipping since Nov. 28, 2004, at the Indiana Wesleyan University chapel; Average: 145.
Plymouth Off-site Sponsor: Plymouth First UMC Began: Fall 2003 Leader: Paul Hancy NIC Grants: $30,000 (3 years) Target: Unchurched GenX-younger Boomers Progress: Identifying potential small-group leaders; officially approved the concept this fall.	Schererville 2nd Campus Sponsor: Merrillville First UMC Began: Spring 2004 Leader: Tim Prowse NIC Grants: $100,000 (3 years) Target: 25-45 year olds Progress: Forming/training leadership team; brought on staff a Minister of Spiritual Development and Small Groups.
Valparaiso Off-site Sponsor: Valparaiso First UMC Began: Spring 2003 Leader: Kurt Nichols Possible Site: 21 acres ($20,000/acre) at 500N & US49 have been purchased by church members; have an option on 18 more. NIC Grants: $100,000 (3 years) Target: Those born after 1958 Progress: 50 people ave. in four small groups; launching a fifth.	Trinity Life Center Sponsor: Lapel Trinity UMC Began: 2000 Leader: Trinity pastors NIC Grants: $100,000 -- Church raised $700,000; beginning 2nd campaign Site: 25 acres SR 13/38 Target: New residents Progress: Recreational fields, building; hope to begin building 1st phase of main building in 2005-a child care center; lining up finances for it.

Launch/Organizational Phase

Fort Wayne Open Arms Sponsor: Good Shepherd UMC Began: 9/16/01 Leader: Donovan Coley Target: Unchurched of SW Fort Wayne NIC Grants: $100,000 (3 years) Worship Avg: 108; Sat. Hispanic service: 20; Wed. Family Night: 85. Site: Former Epworth UMC Constituents: Multi-ethnic: black, white, hispanic, bi-racial	Gary Christ UMC - Merger Churches: Delaney and Grace UMC's Began: 6/16/04 Leader: James Anyike Progress: Began worshipping June 2004 at former Grace site. Sunday Avg.: 120. Has received 17 new members and 5 have accepted Christ. Added an associate pastor.
Hartford City Off-site Sponsor: Grace UMC Began: Spring 2004 Leader: Gary Hall Location: Blackford H.S. gym NIC Grants: $64,00 (18 months) Target: Unchurched Progress: New service, launched in Sept., is averaging 137; 75% are newcomers.