GP Connect – News & Announcements - Great Plains Annual
Conference Episcopal Area – Wednesday, 29 January 2014
Click here for a printable version of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Administrative services department offers bi-monthly newsletter
Cross needed for 2014 Great Plains Annual Conference set design
Great Plains Conference mercy and justice coordinator announced
Baker appoints Kevin Hopkins as next university minister
EQUIP DISCIPLES
African children’s choir to perform at Monticello UMC
Youth ice skating event a success
Learn about congregational care ministries
Christian Copyright Solutions offers special discount
Churches reaping benefits from member shopping habits
Daily Digest offers national United Methodist news
Event planning videos help plan Hands on the Great Plains event
How to make sure your Super Bowl gathering is legal
Increase Generosity in Your Church
People with disabilities have faith, too — help them live it
One-day Mission u to be March 15
Great Plains gathering for small churches — October 2014
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Evoke ministry every day, everywhere
Nebraska Synod of ELCA offers discernment retreat
Perkins offers information session for prospective students
United Methodist clergywomen enewsletter
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Fire destroys boy’s dormitory at Jalingo Orphanage
Bishop Matthews calls for prayers after yet another shooting
Missionaries share holiday letter
Human Relations Day observance
Volunteer in mission teams sought
Mercy & Justice Team — how to listen to local congregations?
Justice For Our Neighbors: Nebraska helped 1057 clients in 2013
Applications being accepted for Micah Corps internship
EDITORIAL
Human trafficking – women and girls of sacred worth
CLASSIFIEDS
Help wanted — First UMC of Leavenworth
KidsPlay chromatic handbell set for sale
Union UMC furniture for sale
Administrative services department offers bi-monthly newsletter
The administrative services department of the Great Plains
Conference launched their first newsletter this week. This newsletter will be
sent out every other month as a source of news and information from the
administrative services department. Each issue will feature items that will be
helpful to the work of persons in the local church who work with finances.
To view the newsletter, click here.
Cross needed for 2014 Great Plains Annual Conference Session set
design
The annual conference session planning team is looking for a 6
ft.-plus sized cross to use on the stage during the annual conference session.
Please contact the Rev. Michael Patzloff at mpatzloff@greatplainsumc.org to
find out more and to make travel arrangements. The annual conference session is
scheduled for June 11-14, 2014, at the Lied Center, in Lincoln, Neb.
Great Plains Conference mercy and justice coordinator announced
Chali
The Rev. Kalaba Chali is the new mercy and justice coordinator
for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. Chali comes from Missouri
where he most recently served as associate pastor of college students, youth
adults and connections ministries for First UMC, in St. Charles, Mo. He has led
numerous Volunteers in Mission trips while in that position to both local and
international mission sites.
Recent volunteer service includes serving on the Gateway Board
of Mission and Growth, in St. Louis, evaluating grant applications. From
2008-10 he worked with Justice for Our Neighbors in Dallas, Texas, referring
community members to JFON legal clinics and serving as a volunteer interpreter.
In addition to previous church appointments in Missouri and Texas, he has
served on the Dallas, Texas, International Rescue Committee; he has worked in
prison ministry and other mission and justice volunteer capacities.
He is a graduate of Africa University, has a Master of
Theological Studies from Southern Methodist University and is working on a
doctoral degree from Evangel University, in Springfield, Mo., in Intercultural
Studies and Missions.
Chali said, “I’m excited to begin this new journey within the
Great Plains Conference. As someone who has lived in several countries and
states in the U.S., each place has impacted and shaped me to be the person I’m
becoming. Every stage of my life journey is a school that I attend with
humility and openness to learn, to grow and to mature as a person called to
further God’s kingdom on earth. I look forward to serving with sisters and
brothers in the Great Plains Conference.”
“Chali brings a wide variety of gifts and experiences to the
Great Plains Conference, and we are eager to welcome him,” said Evelyn Fisher,
congregational excellence director for the Great Plains Conference. “He has
extensive international and domestic experience in mercy and justice ministries
and high cross-cultural competency.”
Correction to Linda Stewart’s position announcement in last
week’s “GPconnect.” Linda Stewart is the new disaster response coordinator for
the Great Plains Conference. Last week’s announcement omitted her title.
Baker appoints Kevin Hopkins as next university minister
Brian Posler, executive vice president for academic affairs and
dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, announced Thursday that Baker
University has hired the Rev. Kevin Hopkins as minister to the university,
effective July 1.
Hopkins will replace the Rev. Ira DeSpain, who announced his
upcoming retirement from Baker in May 2013 after serving his alma mater (’70)
as university minister since 1992.
Click here to read more.
African children’s choir to perform at Monticello UMC
Monticello UMC in Shawnee, Kan., will host a live concert by the
Asante Children's Choir from Rwanda, Africa on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
The concert will feature traditional African music, Christian vocal music and
high energy drumming and dance — all in traditional dress. The children, ages
5-14, come from an orphanage in Rwanda. They have seen civil war, fighting,
illness and genocide — yet they bring hope. The evening is sure to inspire all
to remember that hope exists through education, perseverance and faith in Jesus
Christ.
The concert is free to all and no tickets are needed. A potluck
will follow with the children and community — please bring a dish to share.
Childcare is also available.
The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples
of Jesus Christ and transform the world. The mission of Asante is to care for
those in poverty in the poorest communities in East Africa. Join everyone as
all work together as a diverse community to end poverty for children and
support Imagine No Malaria.
A free will offering will be received to help support the
children and an opportunity to purchase a mosquito net and to support Imagine
No Malaria will be provided. Call the church at 913-441-1435 or visit
www.getGOD.info for additional information.
Youth ice skating event a success
Blue River ice skating
Sunday, Jan. 26, was a very windy and frigid night, but the
weather it did not stop 75 youth (plus adult sponsors) going ice skating at
Mahoney State park. The youth came from nine different churches across the Blue
River District. Waverly, Dorchester, Milford, Seward, New Visions, Christ
United, Raymond, Ithaca and Murdock were all represented.
Everyone had blast (blast of cold air). Even though it was the
first time ice skating for many, they learned quickly. There were three from
Murdock alone who were ice skating for the first time. Waverly First UMC was
greatly represented with 20 youth.
Anna Bornemeier from Murdock UMC commented they she recognized
some faces that were on her bus to the OneEvent.
Photo: Youth from Murdock UMC who took part in the Blue River
youth event
Learn about congregational care ministries
Join Executive Pastor Rev. Karen Lampe and The Church of the
Resurrection Congregational Care team for a three-day seminar designed to
prepare lay volunteers to work alongside pastors and staff to minister to and
care for your congregation as Congregational Care Ministers.
Congregational Care Ministers, or CCMs, are a team of trained
lay volunteers who use their gifts and graces to be the ultimate partner in
ministry with the clergy and staff. This partnership between lay and clergy
will enable you to provide a consistent and deeper level of care to your church
family. Pastors who are interested in the development of CCMs for their worship
settings are strongly encouraged to attend this seminar with their selected
volunteers.
Click here to read comments from previous participants.
Christian Copyright Solutions offers special discount
Christian Copyright Solutions is offering a new WORSHIPcast 2.0
special discount. They listened, and are proud to announce that WORSHIPcast is
now more affordable for small to mid-sized churches, with annual fees beginning
at only $225.
Click here to learn more.
Churches reaping benefits from member shopping habits
UMC Market deemed successful in first year
Nashville, TN – The General Council on Finance and Administration
(GCFA), in conjunction with Zebraplace, launched UMCmarket.org in July 2013.
UMCmarket.org is an online shopping service specifically designed for members
of The United Methodist Church to shop at hundreds of well-known and respected
retailers and get a percentage of their total shopping purchase donated to the
local church or other Church organizations of their choice.
Read more at www.gcfa.org or download the complete press release
about UMCMarket.
Daily Digest offers national United Methodist news
Through the United Methodist News Service subscription service,
you can receive the Daily and/or Weekly Digest. Both the daily and weekly
services provide a synopsis of all the news stories for the day or week with
links for more.
You can view today’s Daily Digest or subscribe now.
Event planning videos help plan Hands on the Great Plains event
Hands on the Great Plains
Transforming service to the world is one of Great Plains
Conference’s missional priorities. Engaging in service to the community
demonstrates an interest in the people outside the church walls and conveys
Christ’s love to all.
Congregations across the Great Plains Conference are invited to
take part in hands-on mission projects or work days in their communities
between April 26 and May 18, 2014. The effort ends with the Change the World
weekend.
Need some ideas for your Hands on the Great Plains event? This
event planning video series, offers five 15-minute or less videos with best
practices for starting and planning a “hands on” community event.
Be sure to register your event and use the resources on
www.handsonthegreatplains.org. Resources include online training videos,
planning guide, logos and social media plans. You can also view information at
www.greatplainsumc.org/handsonthegreatplains.
Also note that planning and implementation grants are available
from United Methodist Communications at www.umcom.org/rethinkchurch.
The goal is to have every congregation model what it means to be
Great Plains United Methodists.
How to make sure your Super Bowl gathering is legal
With an anticipated Super Bowl audience of more than 111 million
viewers this year, hosting a church Super Bowl viewing party is an excellent
outreach opportunity. But even churches that are very aware of copyrights for
typical church activities can be perplexed about copyrights and licensing
relating to the Big Game.
The good news is you are able to present the Super Bowl in your
facilities — but there are a few key points you need to keep in mind to keep it
legal. Click here to read more.
Increase Generosity in Your Church to be topic for Lewis
Center’s annual conference
Each spring, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership holds a
Funding Your Congregation's Vision conference featuring presentations and
workshops to help congregations enhance resources for ministry. This year's
event, Increase Generosity in Your Church, is March 29 in Charlotte, NC.
The conference is ecumenical and designed for both laity and
clergy. Generous support for the conference is provided by the United Methodist
Foundation of Western North Carolina.
Learn more and register.
People with disabilities have faith, too — help them live it
In April, Omaha will host the One God One Call Conference. This
conference seeks to build inclusive ministries that both support the spiritual
lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and introduce
congregations to the unique gifts these individuals have to offer. The
conference is open to all, including self advocates, parents, guardians,
pastors, church leaders, service providers, and people interested in a more
inclusive faith community.
This year's keynote speakers include:
Barbara Newman, an author, teacher, and church/school consultant
for the Christian Learning Center (CLC) Network headquartered in Michigan. Her
books and classroom resources have supported and enhanced the work of those in
disability ministry and inclusive Christian day school classes for many years.
Beginning with Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities, which provided
practical tips for helping students welcome those who have disabilities into
their classes at church or at school, Newman laid an important and practical
foundation for others who have come to recognize the importance of the inclusive
classroom.
Erik Carter, an Associate Professor of Special Education at
Vanderbilt University. His research and teaching focuses on strategies for
supporting meaningful inclusion and promoting valued roles in school, work, and
community settings for children and adults with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Carter is the author of four books, one of which is Including
People with Disabilities in Faith Communities: A Guide for Service Providers,
Families, and Congregations (Brookes Publishing).
People with disabilities have faith, too – will you help them
live it? Click here for additional information and download a bulletin insert.
One-day Mission u to be March 15
Centenary United Methodist Women are hosting a Blue River
District one-day Mission u on Saturday, March 15, at Centenary UMC in Beatrice,
Neb.
Formerly called the School of Christian Mission, it is an
opportunity to grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the
current world context. The studies give particular attention to our
responsibilities for fulfillment of the mission work of the church. Everyone is
welcome to attend — women, men, youth, laity, clergy, UMW members and
non-members. Child care will be provided at no cost upon request
The Rev. Stephen Griffith will lead The Call: Living
Sacramentally, Walking Justly and the Rev. Lyn Seiser will lead The Roma of
Europe.
Coffee and registration begin at 9:15 a.m. in the church dining
room, basement level. Classes begin at 9:30 a.m. and the day will conclude with
worship and communion about 2:45 p.m.
Pre-paid registrations are required by March 5. Lunch and snacks
are included in the $5 registration fee. Other costs are covered by a 2013
grant from the Nebraska Conference United Methodist Women.
Save the date for Great Plains gathering for small churches —
October 2014
This conference is for small churches looking for resources and
ideas for vital ministry. Sessions are intended to create an experience that
will help you in your ministry setting. The conference will be held Friday,
Oct. 10, at 5 p.m., through Saturday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m., on the campus of
Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan.
Speakers at the gathering will be Bishop Scott Jones and the
Rev. Stephanie Caro. The tentative workshop topics include successful
low-budget youth ministry; starting and sustaining young adult ministries;
relevant ministry right here, right now – using Mission InSite for effective
outreach; mental health in rural areas; and conflict in the church family.
Click here to download a bulletin insert.
Evoke ministry every day, everywhere
Orders and Fellowship worship message videos, statements and
educational materials from the learning segments are available on the website.
Click here for links. Orders and Fellowship was held Jan. 14-16, at the Church
of the Resurrection, in Leawood, Kan. The meeting gathered clergy from across
the Great Plains conference for meetings of the Orders and Fellowship,
professional development and building relationships.
Nebraska Synod of ELCA offers discernment retreat
Do you know anyone who has expressed interest in ministry?
“Discernment Retreat: Discerning God’s Call to Spiritual Direction” is
sponsored by the Nebraska Synod and is open to Christians of all denominations.
To learn more see the brochure or call 402-375-1714.
Perkins offers information session for prospective students
Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University will
host Inside Perkins, a two-day event for prospective degree and non-degree
students, Feb. 20–21, 2014, at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas. Inside
Perkins offers the opportunity for prospective students to meet faculty,
interact with current students, and learn about admissions and financial aid.
Click here to read more.
United Methodist clergywomen enewsletter
Every month the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
(GBHEM) produces an enewsletter titled Clergywomen e-Newsletter. This month’s
enewsletter features information regarding an upcoming clergywomen leadership
seminar and an announcement of UMC Cyber Campus’ new website launch.
Click here to read more.
Fire destroys boy’s dormitory at Jalingo Orphanage
Click here to view a PowerPoint telling the story of the
orphanage and the fire that destroyed the boy’s dormitory.
Bishop Matthews calls for prayers after yet another shooting
The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains
Conference peace with justice coordinator.
Gun Violence
On Jan. 25, Bishop Marcus Matthews of the Baltimore-Washington
Annual (regional) Conference wrote: “It is with alarm and great sadness that I
call upon the churches and the people of the Baltimore-Washington Conference to
join me and with one another in prayer in the wake of the shooting at the Mall
in Columbia, which is just a few miles from our Conference Mission Center … As
people of faith, we must claim our power to work connectionally to address
violence and call for effective gun laws. As people of faith, we need to demand
that our political representatives find ways to implement laws to help end
senseless violence that continue to claim innocent lives.”
Click here to read more.
Missionaries share holiday letter
Click here for a newsletter from Hendersons, who serve as
General Board of Global Ministries missionaries working in Mexico. Several
Great Plains churches and individuals help sponsor the Hendersons.
Human Relations Day observance
Human Relations Day Observance
In observance of Human Relations Day Jan. 19, the Evangelism
Team of Centenary UMC in Beatrice, Neb., hosted a presentation by American
Muslims Chaka Muhammad Benson, Samyr El-Refaie and Ahmed Handy. The three men
introduced those in the audience to the origins of Islam and the Five Pillars
of Islam. They discussed some of the similarities and differences between
Christianity and Islam and addressed some of the common misconceptions of
Islam. Mr. El-Refaie, an elementary student at the time of 9/11, spoke of the
loss of friends after that event. A sincere interest in understanding the
religion was evidenced by the questions asked during the question and answer
period. At the conclusion of the program, those in attendance agreed it was an
interesting and very worthwhile program. The speakers were representatives of
the Islamic Center in Omaha and may be contacted at selrefaie@icomaha.org.
Photo: Chaka Muhammad Benson speaks to the more than 50 in
attendance.
Volunteer in mission teams sought
The First United Methodist Church of Mercedes, Texas, is looking
for volunteer in mission (VIM) teams for 2014. There is a demand for help in
the Rio Grande Valley whether it is on the Mexican side or in the U.S. The
church has facilities to host any size of team. If you are interested in
learning more, contact Fanny Ross at 956-565-1683 or Karen Seiver at
956-463-0820.
The Mercy and Justice Team asks: How can we best listen to local
congregations?
On Saturday, Jan. 25, 12 members of the Great Plains Mercy and
Justice Team came together at First UMC, in Fairbury, Neb. It was a time of
getting to know each other by discussing and discerning how best to fulfill our
purpose of “helping local congregations transform the world through ministries
of mercy and through ministries of justice that address systemic issues.”
Several sub-teams had met prior to our gathering and brought
their ideas to the whole team to review. One sub-team is focusing on how best
to listen deeply to local congregations to learn about their needs, their
concerns and their dreams. They shared, “We believe that the Mercy and Justice
Team will gain the trust of the new Great Plains Annual Conference to the
extent that we listen to the people of our annual conference, consult them in
our decision-making processes, rely on their wisdom, and offer them the support
they want and need.”
A brainstorming session helped the group come up with many
creative ideas. Another sub-team is working with our global partnerships in
Haiti, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. Information about the recent fire at the Nigeria
orphanage was shared. Additional sub-teams focus on justice and advocacy,
Volunteer in Mission work, and the “Best of the Best” of the three former
conferences. Several financial and other decisions were made. Tentative plans
for the 2014 Annual Conference Session were developed.
Justice For Our Neighbors - Nebraska helped 1057 clients in 2013
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing
that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
Local churches submitted mission shares faithfully in 2013 to
the former Nebraska Conference. These dollars, in part, supported Justice For
Our Neighbors - Nebraska (JFON-NE) in reaching out to immigrants in many
communities. In the last quarter of the year, six legal clinics were held at
Grace UMC in Omaha, First UMC in Columbus and First UMC in Lexington with the
help of 23 volunteers. JFON-NE works with clients earning less than 150 percent
of the federal poverty guidelines and especially focuses on assisting battered
women, abandoned children and refugees fleeing persecution by providing free,
high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy.
During this past quarter JFON-NE extended services to three
Omaha homeless shelters (Siena/Francis House, Open Door Mission and the Stephen
Center). The idea to work with homeless shelters had first developed last
summer when the Micah Corps interns met with Emiliano Lerda, JFON-NE executive
director, and shared about their work at the Open Door Mission in Omaha. Now,
in collaboration with Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Assistance Services,
JFON-NE is offering on-site delivery of immigration legal services for these
shelters. “These homeless immigrants are among the neediest clients we’ve ever
served, since being without proper documentation or lawful status can be an
insurmountable barrier to escaping poverty,” said Lerda.
“As a result of being homeless, a man from Asia, disabled from
being shot during a robbery, had lost all of his documents and needed to get
assistance,” said Charles Shane Ellison, regional attorney. “With tears in his
eyes, he shook my hand, thanking me for taking time to meet with him. I let him
know the honor was mine.”
To learn more about JFON-NE, a United Methodist ministry started
by UMCOR, or to give a financial gift go to www.jfon-ne.org
In 2014, JFON-NE is no longer supported through mission shares
but is one of 22 mission agencies that local congregations across the Great
Plains Conference pledged to support through their 1% giving.
Applications being accepted for Micah Corps internship
Micah Corps
Connecting with churches doing justice! Micah Corps interns
travel across the conference not only sharing what they are learning and doing
for God's justice, but also find out what is happening in churches and the
broader community.
Applications are online for the 2014 Micah Corps at
www.greatplainsumc.org/micahcorps.
Photo: Look what we found! This church promotes economic justice
by selling UMCOR endorsed and fairly traded Equal Exchange coffee, tea and
chocolate!
Human trafficking – women and girls of sacred worth
Editor’s note: The following was written by Nancy Brown, a
retired Kansas State Legislator. Brown is also a lay leader in the United
Methodist Church, a board member of the United Methodist General Commission on
the Status and Role of Women, a member of the Connecting Council and Mercy and
Justice Team of the Great Plains Annual Conference, Social Action Chair of
United Methodist Women at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and
Ambassador for Healthy Families Healthy Planet.
Do you know that human trafficking, a modern-day form of
slavery, is the second largest criminal industry in the world after drug trade?
Do you know that the Super Bowl will bring in thousands, actually hundreds of
thousands, of people who will either be perpetrators or victims of human
trafficking? Do you know that the highways within our states and communities
are routes of traffickers and victims, and you may pass them on the road or sit
next to them at a restaurant?
Click here to read more.
Help wanted — First UMC of Leavenworth
First United Methodist Church in Leavenworth, Kan., is seeking a
director of music and worship arts. This person is responsible for the music
and worship programs at the church in a 30-hour per week position. For more
details, contact the church office at fumclvks@sbcglobal.net.
Click here for more classifieds.
KidsPlay chromatic handbell set for sale
A KidsPlay chromatic handbell set that includes 20 notes ranging
from low A to high E is for sale. The set includes card holder, video tape and
carrying case. The asking price for the set is $130. If you are interested in
learning more about the set, contact Ardy Mendenhall at 402-796-2256.
Click here for more classifieds.
Union UMC furniture for sale
Furniture and other items from the now closed Union UMC are for
sale in order to raise money to convert the church to community center. Items
include hymnals and choir robes. Click here to view some of the items for sale.
If interested, contact Judy Attebery at judyat@windstream.net or 402-227-5164.
Click here for more classifieds.
Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement
information distributed in GPconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Great
Plains Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.
Want to submit a letter to the editor? Email Kathryn Witte at
kwitte@greatplainsumc.org
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Contact Information:
Episcopal Office: 9440 E Boston Suite 160 Wichita, KS 67207
United States (316)686-0600
Topeka Office: 4201 SW 15th Street PO Box 4187 Topeka, KS 66604
United States (785)272-9111
Wichita Office: 9440 E Boston Suite 110 Wichita, KS 67207 United
States (316)684-0266
Lincoln Office: 3333 Landmark Circle Lincoln, NE 68504-4760 United
States (402)464-5994
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