Click here for a printable version of GPconnect.
http://gp-email.brtapp.com/files/gpconnect/03.26.14/gpconnect03.26.14.pdf
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ira DeSpain gives Last Lecture tonightConnecting Council recap: from becoming to growing
In the news
Topeka Center for Peace and Justice to grant Builder of Peace Award to Dr. Robert HarderNow accepting nominations for The Angie Newman Award
Order your Great Plains business cards today
Last call to register for confirmation rally in El Dorado, Kan.
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Basic lay servant class offered May 2-3, in Omaha area
United Methodist Health Fund to provide free registration to Healthy Congregations Retreat
Rural church photos sought
Lenten Studies at the resource center
What does the Book of Discipline say about employment of non-appointed church staff?
CMC offers training as Pastoral Care Specialist
GCFA Board holds first quarter meeting
The Apprentice Institute offers resources
United Methodist Church Foundation enewsletter
EmberHope’s Faith Connection available
Christian Copyright Solutions newsletter
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation Scholarship Program
United Methodist Men Men’s 100 Club scholarships available
United Methodist Men’s 100 Club 25th annual dinner
Explore United Theological Seminary April 23, in Dayton, Ohio
DNA update
Saint Paul SOT search for president moves to finalists
MERCY AND JUSTICE
New Africa University vice chancellor unanimously elected
Registration open for Volunteers in Mission team leaders' training
Ogallala and Grand Island to host disaster training
Get out and take it to the streets for Hands on the Great Plains
Nebraska United Methodist Foundation garage sale
CLASSIFIEDS
Waverly First UMC in need of Christian education directorUM4GI seeking two summer interns
Church pews available in Topeka
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Ira DeSpain gives Last Lecture tonight
Ira DeSpain, the Minister to Baker University since 1992, will deliver his "Last Lecture" at 9 p.m., Wed., March 26, at Rice Auditorium. The event is part of a series hosted by Baker's Student Activities Council. The public is welcome to attend.DeSpain, a 1970 Baker graduate, is retiring at the end of June after serving as an ordained minister for 42 years. A third-generation minister, DeSpain, 65, began his career in ministry at Edgerton United Methodist Church. His retirement will mark the first time in more than 100 years in which there isn't a DeSpain clergy.
DeSpain's lecture will focus on living a life of moderation and balance. "The life you live will not be the life you plan," he said. "Balance and moderation will help you navigate uncharted waters."
The lecture will be livestreamed at www.bakerU.edu/lastlecture.
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Connecting Council recap: from becoming to growing
Topeka District Superintendent Kay Scarbrough said it well when she said, "We need to change our language from becoming one, new conference to growing as the new Great Plains Conference." The Connecting Council met in the spirit of growing the conference and living into the new structure and Great Plains missional priorities.What is the Connecting Council?
The Connecting Council held its spring meeting at Grace UMC, in Olathe, Kan., on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 21-22. The Connecting Council is the body that works on behalf of the annual conference between annual conference sessions.
The Plan of Organization says, "There shall be a Connecting Council similar to Common Table, Leadership Team and Focus Team whose purpose shall be to review and evaluate the conference’s missional progress, to align major initiatives of the GPUMC, to enhance communication with all parts of the annual conference, and to take such actions between sessions of the annual conference as are permitted."
The Connecting Council replaces the predecessor groups from the three former conferences.
•Full recap
Connecting Council recap: from becoming to growing
3/26/2014
Click here to see larger image.Topeka District Superintendent Kay Scarbrough said it well when she said, "We need to change our language from becoming one, new conference to growing as the new Great Plains Conference." The Connecting Council met in the spirit of growing the conference and living into the new structure and Great Plains missional priorities.
What is the Connecting Council?
The Connecting Council held its spring meeting at Grace UMC, in Olathe, Kan., on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 21-22. The Connecting Council is the body that works on behalf of the annual conference between annual conference sessions.
The Plan of Organization says, "There shall be a Connecting Council similar to Common Table, Leadership Team and Focus Team whose purpose shall be to review and evaluate the conference’s missional progress, to align major initiatives of the GPUMC, to enhance communication with all parts of the annual conference, and to take such actions between sessions of the annual conference as are permitted."
The Connecting Council replaces the predecessor groups from the three former conferences.
Friday
The Rev. Evelyn Fisher, director of congregational excellence, led the opening devotional and preached from Exodus 13:17-22. She reminded the group of all the work that has been done to become one, new annual conference, and how overwhelming it has sometimes been. Reflecting on Gil Rendle's book "Journey in the Wilderness," Fisher retold the story of the Hebrews carrying the bones of their ancestor Joseph out of Egypt, and in Joshua 24:32, how the remains were finally laid to rest at Shechem in the promised land. As we move forward as the Great Plains Conference, Fisher reminded the group of how we too may have to leave our old bones (unhelpful traditions from the former three conferences) behind. Fisher’s words emboldened the Connecting Council to continue the journey to be the Great Plains Conference.
Bishop Scott Jones followed with remarks about Missouri Conference Bishop Robert Schnase's new book, "7 Levers." The Connecting Council was asked to read the book in order to discuss it at the meeting. Jones said, "Schnase tells powerful stories. There is sense in which I think, oh my heavens, this is my life for the last 10 years. Except he (Schnase) is from Missouri!"
The book focuses less on particular solutions and more on questions to be asked. Jones asked, "How would we answer these questions for the Great Plains?"
Jones also highlighted the gravity the Connecting Council meeting. He talked about how the group would be setting some traditions that might stand for years to come. He said, while scary, it's also a time of great opportunity to shape things for the future.
The Connecting Council broke into small groups to discuss the book and then reported out their table’s responses to their discussion and the book. Read a summary of the major points made during the discussion.
Action items
The two-day meeting was a combination of the Connecting Council taking action on behalf of the Great Plains Conference and reviewing material in preparation for the Annual Conference Session to be held June 11-14, in Lincoln.
Courtney Fowler presented the format for electing delegates for the 2016 General Conference meeting. It was accepted with encouragement to offer as much information as possible about candidates via the conference website.
In preparation for voting for delegates at the 2015 Annual Conference Session, the body approved negotiating for electronic voting devices at a cost up to $50,000. Questions were asked about funding the devices through registration fees in combination with a multi-year funding plan from Mission Shares. The devices make it possible to see real-time voting results and cut voting time down to a fraction of the time achieved by other methods.
Annual Conference Session awards
The Denman, Francis Asbury and Angie Newman awards will be recognized on the floor of the Annual Conference Session. Additional award presentations will be held at each recipient's local church or appropriate forum. Other groups are encouraged to continue their awards and share winner information with the conference.
Annual Conference Session
Offerings taken during the Annual Conference Session will benefit the mission partnerships of Haiti/Zimbabwe/Nigeria, Global HIV/AIDS, Youth Service Fund and the End Human Trafficking Advance.
Future Great Plains Annual Conference Session dates and locations were announced:
2015: Wichita, June 10-13
2016: Topeka, June 1-4 (tentative dates)
Safe Gatherings Policy and the UMC Personal Conduct Policy
The Safe Gatherings Policy and the UMC Personal Conduct Policy were referred to the authoring committee to refine language. The group was in agreement that the Great Plains Conference should have a single Safe Gatherings certification for all levels of the church, however some of the language supporting its implementation was disputed. The authoring committee will revise the policies and bring them back to the Council via email for further review. Safe Gatherings is the training to protect children, youth and vulnerable adults, while the Personal Conduct Policy covers both sexual ethics issues and harassment topics. Both policies will be brought before the members of the Annual Conference Session.Click here to see larger image.
Saturday
The meeting began with Bishop Scott Jones leading the singing of “Holy, Holy, Holy” followed by prayer led by Gateway District Superintendent Alan Davis.
Steve Burnett, Disaster Response Team member, presented the Great Plains Disaster Response Plan and it was approved unanimously. The Connecting Council also approved Tri-community UMC’s request to use the proceeds from the sale of its property to reinvest in the ministry in the Omaha area it serves. In similar fashion the Connecting Council approved a request from United Methodist Open Door, in Wichita, to do a fund development campaign. Open Door focuses on offering food security and other economic support services to those in need.
In other action the Connecting Council approved amendments to the Moving Guidelines, accepted a finance report, learned about a public education resolution coming from the Mercy and Justice Team, accepted a report from the Mission Alignment Task Force on how well the conference structure and ministry is supporting the mission priorities, and approved increasing the hours for district administrative assistants to 40 hours per week.
The Connecting Council reviewed a number of items, offered amendments and will pass on a number of items to the Annual Conference Session for a vote. Major items include recommendations for minimum clergy salaries, recommendations from Pensions and Health and Trustees, Annual Conference Standing Rules and the 2015 Funding Plan. Material to be considered for vote at the Annual Conference Session will be part of the pre-conference briefing materials posted on the conference website and printed for those wanting a hard copy for a fee of $25. (Contact Roxie Delisi at rdelisi@greatplainsumc.org to order your hard copy of the pre-conference briefing materials.)
The names of the Episcopal Residence Committee were released and include: Maria Campbell, Kent Rogers, Brad Kirk, Marilyn Moore, Tom Watson, Marilyn Zehring, Jose Olivas and Jose Miranda. The group represents a balance of members from all three former conferences. This is the group that will evaluate and recommend the permanent location for the episcopal residence. The Committee will be affirmed during the Annual Conference Session.
The next meeting of the Connecting Council is set for Oct. 3-4.
New print publications to publish in April
Recipients of the former conferences’ print pieces were asked if they would like to continue to receive a print these in the form of GPconnect. Our new circulation list will include the names of those who returned their business reply card plus the administrative board members of each congregation. GPconnect print will also be made available on our website and will be emailed to those who request it.
GPconnect print complements our weekly GPconnect email blast. The weekly GPconnect email blast focuses on announcements, events, news information and resources in a timely fashion. GPconnect print will focus more on feature stories and long form reporting. We also hope to share some of our best photography highlighting the ministry of the Great Plains.
We plan to tell stories about churches, congregations and ministries living our missional priorities. We will also do our best to help our readers stay informed about to the larger United Methodist connection.
The first few issues will focus on our Plan of Organization, our new structure, new resources for local churches and introducing you to those in ministry across the Great Plains. We plan to highlight great congregations, led by great leaders working in their communities to make great disciples who are transforming the world.
•New Great Plains Disaster Response Plan approved by the Connecting Council
http://www.greatplainsumc.org/files/gpconnect/03.26.14/a_03.26.14_2014_great_plains_disaster_response_plan.pdf
•Summary of the major points made during discussion of Bishop Robert Schnase's book "Seven Levers"
Connecting Council discussion points on Bishop Robert Schnase’s book “Seven Levers”
(Taken from the March 21‐22 Connecting Council meeting minutes.) Your local church may want to have the
same discussion using the reading of “Seven Levers” as a small group study.
Bishop Jones thoughts on “Seven Levers”
The book represents the journey that all of the conferences in the South Central Jurisdiction Conferences have
been on for a number of years.
What did you learn and what can you apply to the Great Plains Conference?
Small group table discussion recap of points made in response to “Seven Levers”
The annual conference should be focusing on fruitfulness by demonstrating what we have done. The
conference roll should be to hold congregations accountable for their fruitfulness.
The annual conference session should be more then reporting, should be a time for learning and also a time of
revival to also energize. If this is what we need to do at annual conference it raises the question, how do we
get business done?
In reference to the big ideas coming from the Missouri conference – we need our own big ideas for the Great
Plains Conference and people to own it and make it happen.
Learning at annual conference session – finding central locations for the conference. Small churches – do these
ideas happen in small churches?
Their needs to be a sense of urgency about this. Might be controversial and we might need to leave a lot of
bones in the dessert (referring to Rev. Evelyn Fisher’s devotional).
Kansas East struggled with new church starts, doing anything but admitting failure. Failure sometimes needs to
happen. Accepting that there is a resurrection, there must be a death. We have seen great things in the Next
Steps Program (small and large churches) have great outcomes because of some of the things that are
happening in this conference.
The fringe (descriptive image) is what we need to be looking at. Mission priorities – empowering the local
church – annual conference needs to support this. Make sure the mission priorities are reflected in all of our
communications (such as agenda of meetings). Make sure at all conference meetings mission priorities are
being discussed. Let teams and committees know how their work is meeting these priorities. Make sure
people on the teams and committees are passionate about what they are doing, if they are not passionate,
they will not show up.
The fringe (book reference) – Train to equip, train people to go beyond the church walls. Clergy peer learning –
wondering how much support is given to young and new clergy? Hairball (book reference) – the more layers of
bureaucracy the larger the hairballs grow and young adults have no time for this. We need to share best
practices with others so that others can be doing those things. Empower and challenge annual conference to
be more than a business session.
Took stock of where we are at and shared opinions about where things are going. Talked about Biblical lever
and how hard it is. We are not ready to be where Missouri is, in terms of size of the Connecting Council we are
still in a filtering down process.
We need to examine our leadership streams, how we make our decisions. Collaboration. Equipping people
with what they want to do. Working harder is not getting the job done. Reexamine what we are training lay
leaders to do.
Annual conference session is a time of renewal and revival, but we do have to take care of business. Helping
local churches and members to become more connected to what a conference is and communicate more and
deeper on that level.
The annual conference goal is building relationships with each other. This has not been “planned.” District lay
leaders should be mobilized about initiatives in the district and conference (like Hands on the Great Plains).
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In the news
People Magazine features ministry of Endura UMC in Endura, Kan.
Editor’s note: People Magazine featured Eugene Westerhouse and the Kingdom Builders Wheelchair Ramp Ministry of Eudora UMC, Eudora, Kan.Eugene "Westie" Westerhouse takes humility to a whole new level.
Ask the 87-year-old Eudora, Kan., resident about his good deeds and he'll start talking about wood and tape measures and four-by-fours.
When pressed about his good deeds, he says, "I was just looking for something to do."
But to many Westerhouse is a godsend, having volunteered his time and still-significant muscle designing and building free wheelchair ramps for more than 300 people with special needs for nearly four decades.
"Westie is known to almost everybody within a 100-mile radius of here," says friend and wheelchair ramp co-builder Bill VanDeBerghe, who leads the Kingdom Builders ministry of the Eudora United Methodist Church, the umbrella for Westerhouse's charitable works
Read the People Magazine’s full article.
Eugene "Westie" Westerhouse takes humility to a whole new level.
Ask the 87-year-old Eudora, Kan., resident about his good deeds and he'll start talking about wood and tape measures and four-by-fours.
When pressed about his good deeds, he says, "I was just looking for something to do." But to many Westerhouse is a godsend, having volunteered his time and still-significant muscle designing and building free wheelchair ramps for more than 300 people with special needs for nearly four decades.
"Westie is known to almost everybody within a 100-mile radius of here," says friend and wheelchair ramp co-builder Bill VanDeBerghe, who leads the Kingdom Builders ministry of the Eudora United Methodist Church, the umbrella for Westerhouse's charitable works.
"He's extremely embarrassed by any attention," says VanDeBerghe "but Westie is a remarkable man and quite a leader."
She should know.
Westie built a ramp for her husband, Gary, 62, after he suffered a serious stroke last June.
"Westie is our superhero!" she says.
Westerhouse, a former rural postal carrier who lives with his wife of 65 years, Dottie, on the farm homesteaded by his great-great-grandparents, built his first wheelchair ramp in 1978 when contacted by a church bishop with a parishioner in need.
"I took time off from carrying mail and traveled about 110 miles to go help an old gentleman who needed a ramp so he could get to the doctor," Westerhouse says. "And it just kind of grew from there."
Westerhouse retired from the postal service in 1993 and since then estimates he and his crew of fellow church members have built about 14 ramps a year.
"The one I'm building right now is for a lady who is handicapped and will never be out of her wheelchair," Westerhouse says.
"And I've built two now in the last few months for children," he says. "It's great to be able to help these young people."
Those in need learn about Westerhouse's ramps in a variety of ways – word of mouth, through the church and, more recently, from a feature article in the local newspaper ("Let me send you a copy," Westie offers).
For Deb and Gary Jennings of Lawrence, Kan., the Kingdom Builders came to them after a call from Deb's mom.
"I was in shock and didn't know what to do or what our needs might be," says Deb, 57, of Gary's stroke.
"I had assumed my husband would be walking out of the hospital," she says. "But when that couldn't happen, Westie and Bill calmed me down and led me into the world of wheelchairs and wheelchair ramps."
Westerhouse constructs each ramp in sections inside his home workshop, with the average cost in materials between $700 and $800.
These materials are often paid for through church funds or through grants from local health agencies. All labor is donated, with a crew of up to a dozen volunteers installing home ramps under Westerhouse's guidance.
"It's remarkable," says VanDeBerghe. "Westie is 87 and the vast majority – in fact everyone – we're building for are people much younger than he is.
"He has this incredible stamina we are all amazed by," he says. "Building the ramps can be very tiring, but Westie is right there in the middle of the work."
"I had no idea how much our world would change once we had the wheelchair ramp," says Deb Jennings.
"We call our ramp 'The Freedom Ramp,' " she says. "And I can't say enough good about Westie. He started the ball rolling on how we were going to enter into this new world."
Westerhouse's typically humble response?
"Wherever I'm needed," he says, "I'll go."
Lincoln paper puts spotlight on past at St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Neb.
Editor’s note: This week’s Neighborhood Extra, a product of the Lincoln Journal Star, featured Don Stewart, pastor at St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Neb.Six years ago, Peter Alloway was a high school freshman who wrote an essay for an English assignment titled “My Hero.”
The name that immediately came to mind was that of the pastor of the youth program at his church.
Peter Alloway wrote: “Have you ever met someone you admire so much that you wish you could be just like them? I have, and his name is Don Stewart.”
Peter’s father, Senior Pastor Wayne Alloway Jr., couldn’t agree more.
Read Neighborhood Extra’s full article.
Six years ago, Peter Alloway was a high school freshman who wrote an essay for an English assignment titled “My Hero.”
The name that immediately came to mind was that of the pastor of the youth program at his church....
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Topeka Center for Peace and Justice to grant Builder of Peace Award to Dr. Robert Harder
Dr. Robert Harder, a native Kansan who served as pastor of the East Topeka Methodist Church from 1958 to 1964, will be recognized for his accomplishments in the Kansas State Government on April 3.
The Topeka Center for Peace and Justice will hold their second annual Peace Party at the Ramada Inn Hotel and Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom. Several organizations will be honored along with Harder, who will receive the individual Peace Builder’s Award. In addition to being a United Methodist clergy member, Harder served as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment and as the first-ever Secretary of the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services. The event starts at 6 p.m.
To purchase tickets, contact TCPJPeaceAwards@cox.net or call 785-235-0203. Click here to read a 1971 newspaper article from the Lawrence Journal-World about Dr. Harder and his work.
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rZUyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=HucFAAAAIBAJ&pg=7242,5561163
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Now accepting nominations for The Angie Newman Award
The Great Plains Conference is now accepting nominations for The Angie Newman Award. Angie Newman (1833-1910) was active at many levels in the Methodist Episcopal Church (MEC), the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society of the MEC, the Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the MEC and the WCTU. In 1888, Angie was the first woman elected as a delegate to General Conference. While she and other women were denied seats on the floor, they made their presence known and worked so that women would have the privilege of voice and vote at General Conference.
The Angie Newman Award is to honor a laywoman of the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) whose contribution to the church and the community is an example of the spirit of Angie Newman. The ministry of the recipient should demonstrate commitment, compassion and a sense of justice for all people, especially women, youth and children.
If you know a laywoman who contributes to the church and community with a ministry that demonstrates commitment, compassion and a sense of justice, nominate her for this award. Nominations should be submitted in the form of an essay explaining how she has exemplified Angie Newman’s spirit.
Download the flier with more information about the award.
Nominations must be received no later than May 14 to be considered for 2014. Send completed nomination forms to Bette Trumble at btrumble@greatplainsumc.org or 12400 Buffalo Rd., Springfield, NE, 68059.
When information on other awards is available, it will be posted at www.GreatPlainsUMC.org/ac-awards.
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Order your Great Plains business cards today
The Great Plains United Methodist Conference will be printing business cards. If you need additional Great Plains United Methodists branded cards or if you have yet to order your business cards please contact Roxie Delisi at rdelisi@greatplainsumc.org and provide the information you would like on your card, including church or agency affiliation, address, phone numbers, fax, email, website, etc.
The Great Plains logo treatment retains the fonts from the Kansas Area and the watermark from the Nebraska logotypes and stationery treatments. The cost is approximately $35 or less for 500 cards, depending on the number of people who choose to purchase cards. Click here to see a sample card.
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Last call to register for confirmation rally in El Dorado, Kan.
Only a few days remain to register your confirmation class for this event to be held at First UMC in El Dorado on April 12. The registration deadline is this Saturday, March 29. Online registration is required. April 12 is the registration deadline for the McCook, Neb., rally on April 26.
Bishop Jones invites all confirmation classes to join him. All events will be held from Noon - 5 pm CDT. The cost for each event is $10 per person and includes lunch. For more info, click here. Questions? Contact Shane Hinderliter at shane@greatplainsumc.org.
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Basic lay servant class offered May 2-3, in Omaha area
God calls every Christian to a life of servanthood as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Everyone begins Lay Servant Ministries with the basic course as a prerequisite to other courses.
The basic course will be led by the Rev. Jim Corson and Lay Servant Greg Alonso on Friday, May 2, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Bellevue Aldersgate UMC in Bellevue, Neb, which is in the Omaha area.
In the book “Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course,” Sandy and Brian Jackson discuss processes to help individuals discern and respond to God’s particular call on their lives. This course invites participants to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices and being part of a group that holds members accountable in discipleship. It offers guidelines for optimal communication in leadership and presents numerous types of ministries in which lay servants may assume roles. Throughout the study, thoughtful questions provide excellent opportunities for individual consideration and group discussion.
Registration fee is $25 and deadline is April 25. The registration fee covers Saturday lunch, snacks, and instructor’s materials. Participants must purchase the required book for the basic course separately. View the flier for a registration form, instructions for purchasing the book, and more information.
If you have any questions about this event, contact Catherine McGowan at the Missouri River district office, 402-898-9862 or cmcgowan@greatplainsumc.org.
If you have any questions about lay servant ministries within the Great Plains Conference, contact Bob Aderholt at 402-752-3317 or bobmary@windstream.net.
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United Methodist Health Fund to provide free registration to Healthy Congregations Retreat
All Great Plains United Methodists interested in congregational health ministries are invited to the 2014 Healthy Congregations Retreat to be held April 25 & 26, with optional pre-retreat sessions Thursday April 24. The retreat is provided at no charge through the sponsorship of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund.
The Rev. Dr. Ron Johnson, pastoral counselor at Bartlett (Tennessee) UMC Counseling Center will present a two-part keynote "Helping Faith-Full People Live Health-Full Lives" focusing on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of health from a congregational perspective. Johnson will speak as a pastor and "consultant" to congregations involved in and imagining new health ministries. The keynotes will include hands-on, practical principles translated from Johnson's work as a pastoral counselor in a church-based counseling center.
After each day’s keynote, you can choose from a variety of workshops and trainings covering the spiritual, mental, physical and social components of health — you will benefit from information you can take home and use in your church and community.
Register today at healthfund.org/retreat and enjoy two days of relaxation, interesting and fun workshops and networking with friends and peers. The Healthy Congregations Retreat is held at the Rock Springs 4-H Center in the scenic Flint Hills region of Kansas.
For current Healthy Congregations teams or those interested in getting started, the retreat is a great opportunity to complete the seven training courses needed for certification. Healthy Congregations provides Great Plains churches with professional team training, helpful resources and annual funding of $1,000 for health ministry programs.
The full schedule and online registration form are available at healthfund.org/retreat. Please share this invitation with other Great Plains United Methodists who might be interested in this fun and enjoyable opportunity.
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Rural church photos sought
Great Plains United Methodist Rural Advocates is planning a display at the 2014 Great Plains Annual Conference Session to promote the rural churches of Kansas and Nebraska. Rural churches should submit photos of the rural church "being the church" to be used in a slide presentation. Photos can be sent to the Rev. Robbie Fall at robbie.fall@gmail.com with the words "Rural church being church" in the subject line.
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Lenten Studies at the resource center
Lent is a time when many Christians strive to deepen their spiritual life by a commitment to a more intentional prayer life. But many of us struggle with questions about prayer. How is it best to pray? Are there times of the day and places when praying will be easier for us? And does praying do any good at all for those who suffer; for my friends and family; for myself? The following studies will give you insight and hopefully some answers to these questions and help each participant gain a deeper connection to God through prayer.
Rueben Job’s new study entitled “Listen: Praying In a Noisy World” guides both individuals and groups in learning how to listen for, understand and follow God’s guidance. Ideal for Lent, or any time of year, this six-week study encourages daily prayer for individuals and the sharing in a group setting of what has been learned and a time to practice prayer together. It also features video segments of a variety of people speaking about their prayer experiences. The leader and prayer guide are included with these sessions
1.This Is My Son, Listen to Him – Prayer connects us to God
2.Pray Like This – Prayer helps release our fears and needs to God
3.A Trusted Mentor – We must be intentional in our listening to God
4.Everyone Needs Help – In prayer we find help and healing
5.Flying Solo – In prayer we find God’s guidance
6.Getting Into Position – We must be attentive and expectant to hear God’s voice
Using stories, award winning author and speaker, Walter Wangerin, in his prayer DVD study titled “The Four Acts of Prayer” shows us that four simple acts can bring us into a closer communion with God that will support us in our daily living. Join Wangerin as he explores vital elements of the complete circle of prayer. A study guide is provided with these four simple acts
1.We Speak –a. Praying with Others, b. Praying the Prayers of Others, c. Our Own Prayers
2.God Listens
3.God Speaks – a. God Speaks Your Name b. The Words God Uses c. The Ways God Speaks
4.We Listen – a. The Pieties b. Emptiness Before God
“Prayer: Does It Make A Difference,” filmed in the Rocky Mountains and taught by author Philip Yancey, struggles with some of the hardest questions about prayer. Is God listening? If God knows everything, what’s the point of praying? A leader and participant guide are included with these six inspiring lessons
1.The View From Above – Prayer is seeking to see reality from God’s point of view
2.Why Pray? – Because Jesus did
3.Keeping Company With God – Prayer helps us discover who we are and who God is
4.How To Pray – Find a time and place each day to connect to God
5.Prayer Problems – What do you do when prayers are not answered
6.Does Prayer Change Anything? – Maybe ourselves
If you would like to reserve one of these studies email Diane Dunkerson at ddunkerson@greatplainsumc.org or call 800-435-6107. To discover all the great prayer studies available at the resource center visit our online catalog at www.gpresourcecenter.org.
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What does the Book of Discipline say about the employment of non-appointed church staff?
The General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) frequently receive from pastors, church members, committee members and employed church staff questions about the employment of non-appointed lay staff in the local church. This article gathers together the most frequently asked questions with related sections of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, 2012.
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CMC offers training as Pastoral Care Specialist
The Counseling and Mediation Center, Inc., a certified American Association of Pastoral Counselors training center, is offering training to become a certified AAPC Pastoral Care Specialist. Scheduled to begin this fall, this training program will consist of 50 hours of small group consultation dealing with such topics as brief term, supportive counseling methods, crisis intervention, grief and loss, divorce recovery, pastoral diagnosis, referral and the application of pastoral care principles in the broader functions of ministry. The consultation group meetings will provide a confidential setting in which personal growth is encouraged. The 50 hours will begin with a retreat and finish with either monthly or bimonthly sessions.
This training is open to all clergy and lay church care professionals wishing to develop their skill level. The location for the training will be central to the participants. The trainers will be Doug Morphis, retired Great Plains elder and AAPC Diplomate, and Jim Godbey, retired Great Plains elder and AAPC Certified Pastoral Counselor. The Counseling and Mediation Center, Inc., has offices in Wichita, Dodge City, Hutchinson and Winfield, Kan.
If you have questions, please email the Rev. Jim Godbey at cmcdc@sbcglobal.net. You can also stop by the CMC booth at the 2014 Annual Conference Session.
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GCFA Board holds first quarter meeting
Nashville, TN – The board of directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) met in Nashville, Tennessee February 20-21 for the first quarter meeting of 2014.
GCFA reports that 20 annual conferences paid 100 percent of their general Church apportioned funds for 2013. This represented an 89.73% apportionment payout, which was only slightly behind the 2012 payout of 90 percent – the highest in several years. The 20 annual conferences are Alaska, Baltimore-Washington, Central Texas, Desert Southwest, East Ohio, Greater New Jersey, Holston, Illinois Great Rivers, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Peninsula Delaware, Red Bird Missionary, Tennessee, West Michigan, West Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. General Secretary Moses Kumar said “The commitment shown by each of the annual conferences to The United Methodist Church ministries is reassuring. The connection of United Methodists is strong.
Read more here.
Twenty annual conferences paid 100 percent of general Church apportioned funds Shared Services Department begins work throughout the connection Nashville, TN – The board of directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) met in Nashville, Tennessee February 20-21 for the first quarter meeting of 2014.
GCFA reports that 20 annual conferences paid 100 percent of their general Church apportioned funds for 2013. This represented an 89.73% apportionment payout, which was only slightly behind the 2012 payout of 90 percent – the highest in several years. The 20 annual conferences are Alaska, Baltimore-Washington, Central Texas, Desert Southwest, East Ohio, Greater New Jersey, Holston, Illinois Great
Rivers, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Peninsula Delaware, Red Bird Missionary, Tennessee, West Michigan, West Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.
General Secretary Moses Kumar said “The commitment shown by each of the annual conferences to The United Methodist Church ministries is reassuring. The connection of United Methodists is strong.”
Bari Watson, chief officer of Episcopal services and operations for GCFA, presented the board with a plan for the new Shared Services Department. The department will work internally with the staff and board and externally with annual conferences and general agencies of the church to develop and support shared initiatives. Watson said, “We are excited about this new phase of working together in the United Methodist connection. Our Shared Services team members – and all the staff of GCFA – are ready to work to achieve our goals of providing an excellent customer experience for all who interact with GCFA. This supports and expands our foundational ministry of administration to the church.”
Watson also shared the development of an integrated marketing and communications plan that will expand the agency’s connection with the church through the use of all forms of communication including social media. She also announced that GCFA will integrate its website into the newly revised umc.org. The new site will launch later this spring.
The board received a thank you from General Secretary Barbara Boigegrain of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) for GCFA’s support of the Central Conference Pension Initiative (CCPI) to fund pensions for clergy throughout the global United Methodist connection. With the Central Conference Pension Initiative reaching its $25 million fundraising goal, she reported that clergy around the world, including every eligible central conference pastor, now have reliable pension support through their conference and/or government program. Boigegrain commented that it was the work of several
entities of the church that steered this program to its fruition. Boigegrain and Tim Koch, chief financial officer of GBOPHB, presented GCFA with a plaque commemorating its work in the support and implementation of the initiative.
The second quarter meeting of the board will be held in Nashville in May.
The General Council on Finance and Administration coordinates and administers financial resources, safeguards the legal interests and rights of the church, and provides administrative resources to enable
the fulfillment of the mission of The United Methodist Church.
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The Apprentice Institute offers resources
The Apprentice Institute, located in Wichita, Kan., provides educational experiences in the area of Christian spirituality, develops resources for individual and church renewal and engages in research to advance the field of Christian formation.
The Apprentice Institute also offers great resources and opportunities available to the church in any way possible. Josh Luton, a certified candidate for elder in the Wichita East District and coordinator of education and resourcing at The Apprentice Institute, has provided links as a way of introduction to Apprentice.
•The Apprentice Series by James Bryan Smith — A main resource. Small group curriculum for growing in Christlikeness
•The Apprentice Institute’s blog — Regular content on spiritual formation, disciplines, narratives, etc. Top posts:
oGive Up the Lenten Rat Race: Try Surrender
oTired of Bearing That Burden? Embrace Forgiveness
•Formation for Mission: Becoming the Change Our World Needs — The annual national conference, this year Oct. 9-11, at Friends University. Speakers include Shane Claiborne, Brenda Salter McNeil, James Bryan Smith and more.
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United Methodist Church Foundation enewsletter
Every week the United Methodist Church Foundation sends out an enewsletter. Various theological and biblical topics are covered. Current information on personal finance, planned giving and charitable giving is also included. If you would like to receive the enewsletter, you can sign up here.
This week’s enewsletter
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EmberHope’s Faith Connection available
Faith Connection is a monthly newsletter from EmberHope with things you can do to help them serve at-risk youth. The newsletter features stories about the impact of their work with these at-risk youth.
February’s issue discusses Spark 4 Hope, boys and their horses, cell phones, healing hearts, Campbell’s Soup labels, becoming a foster parent and speaker availability.
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Christian Copyright Solutions newsletter
The March edition of Christian Copyright Solutions' newsletter discusses making sure your vacation Bible school is copyright compliant as well as other resources. Read more.
http://gp-email.brtapp.com/files/gpconnect/03.26.14/ed_03.26.14_christiancopyrightsolutionsnewsletter.pdf
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The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation Scholarship Program
Beginning April 1, the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation (NUMF) will again be taking applications for scholarships that have been set up for seminary students. NUMF is pleased to be able to administer a total of 16 scholarships this year for the benefit of those persons pursuing an advanced ministerial degree for service in Nebraska.
The Foundation will begin accepting applications April 1, for the following scholarships:
•The Albert R. Murdoch Ministerial Scholarship
•The Alice Kruse Ministerial Scholarship
•The Alice Kruse Seminary Scholarship
•The Alva Clark Seminary Scholarship
•The Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship
•The Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship Fund
•The Cowles United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship
•The Murdock Ebenezer UMC Professional Church Leader Scholarship
•The Myrtle E. Williams Seminary Scholarship
•The Verl & Sylvia Miller Memorial Scholarship
•The Scahill Family Scholarship
The application deadline is June 30, 2014, except for The Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship, which is May 31, 2014.
In addition to the scholarships listed above, the Foundation administers The Andrew & Nevabelle Howe Scholarship, with the assistance of the Gateway District Superintendent's office. Preference is given to students from the Gateway District. Subsequent consideration is given to applicants of the other ten Foundation scholarships that are submitted by the application process. The Foundation will also award The Cal Leeds Scholarship, The Rev. Albert W. Winseman Scholarship Endowment, The Atherton Memorial Scholarship Fund, and The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund. An application process will not be required for submission for these scholarships.
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation would like to acknowledge additions to the scholarship program this year. Due to generous donors, the following scholarships are new to the Foundation: The Myrtle E. Williams Seminary Scholarship, The Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship Fund and The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund. Thank you for being NUMF’s partner in ministry.
For application materials and more information, please visit The Foundation’s website at www.numf.org/scholarships. If you would like to talk to The Foundation about how you can honor the memory of a loved one or help a seminary student, please call 877-495-5545.
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United Methodist Men Men’s 100 Club scholarships available
Three scholarship opportunities are available for those entering or have entered full time Christian service. The 100 Club will be offering up five $1,000 scholarships. The Fleming Family Foundation and the Dean Jean and Randy Fleming scholarship will also be $1,000 each. These scholarships will be awarded at the 25th annual United Methodist Men’s 100 Club dinner on Wed. June 11, at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St., Lincoln, Neb. Dinner is scheduled for 5 p.m. with the live auction beginning at 5:45 p.m.
Download applications here:
•100 Club scholarships
•Fleming Family Foundation scholarship
•Fleming-Humphrey-Goff scholarship
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United Methodist Men’s 100 Club 25th annual dinner
You are invited to the United Methodist Men’s 100 Club 25th anniversary scholarship dinner and auction scheduled for Wed., June 11, at 5 p.m., at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M St., in Lincoln Neb.
Five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to selected men and women who plan to enter or are already serving in full-time Christian service. This annual report outlines the 100 Club’s financial health and offers background for additional gifts.
The goal is to attract 15 corporate or individual sponsors with a gift of $1,000. Corporate tables are available for $500 each. Download this flier for more information about sponsorships.
Youth from the Great Plains Conference are invited to the dinner at no charge. Gifts also help underwrite the cost of youth meals. Individual dinner tickets are available for $25. Reservations can be made by emailing Randy Fleming at auctioneer_32@msn.com. Attendance is limited to 150 people, early registration is encouraged. If you are a member of the Annual Conference Session you may select to attend the dinner and be charged through the Great Plains United Methodist Conference online registration form.
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Explore United Theological Seminary April 23, in Dayton, Ohio
All prospective ministry students are encouraged to join United Theological Seminary on Wednesday, April 23, 2014, for an exciting day of touring United’s campus and meeting with staff, faculty and current students.
The day will include opening worship with President Wendy Deichmann, a panel on the United experience, getting started at United, a faculty panel and breakout sessions, a campus tour and closing worship.
For more information about this free event, visit United's website or contact Monique Tremaine at 937-529-2220.
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DNA update
Dr. Don Nations, a former pastor and church planter, is the founder of DNA Coaching, which provides consulting and coaching to business and churches.
Click here to read a recent online article he wrote about why you have to show up and asking if you are aligned.
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Saint Paul School of Theology search for president moves to finalists
Michael Parmely, presidential search committee chair, sent this letter announcing the next step in filling the president position at Saint Paul School of Theology
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New Africa University vice chancellor unanimously elected
Dr. Munashe Furusa, a Zimbabwean and dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Dominguez Hills, was unanimously elected as the new vice chancellor of Africa University, Bishop David Yemba announced Wednesday, March 19.
Yemba, chancellor of the United Methodist University in Old Mutare and episcopal leader of the Central Congo Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said the appointment is effective July 1.
Yemba said Furusa has the qualifications needed for dealing with the nature of Africa University – church-related, Pan-African and private.
Read the full announcement.
Dr. Munashe Furusa, a Zimbabwean and dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Dominguez Hills, was unanimously elected as the new vice chancellor of Africa University, Bishop David Yemba announced Wednesday.
Yemba, chancellor of the United Methodist university in Old Mutare and episcopal leader of the Central Congo Area in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said the appointment is effective July 1.
Yemba said Furusa has the qualifications needed for dealing with the nature of Africa University – church-related, Pan-African, and private.
“We wanted someone who is able to face challenges such as growth,” said Yemba, who noted that the university has grown from two faculties to seven in more than 20 years.
He said Furusa will build on the work of the first three vice chancellors of Africa University – who laid the foundations for the institution, consolidated relationships, and managed human and financial resources.
“It is also expected that the new vice chancellor will be called to be more aggressive in the area of fundraising. We believe Furusa will be able to fulfill this mission,” Yemba said.
Bishop Marcus Matthews, episcopal leader of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and vice chairman of the Africa University Board of Directors, praised the choice of Furusa.
“We are fortunate that a scholar of Dr. Furusa’s eminence and wide experience in Africa and the United States has agreed to serve as the next vice chancellor of Africa University,” Matthews said. “His extensive contacts in the international business and education communities will raise the profile of Africa University around the world.”
The Rev. Dr. Kim Cape, general secretary of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, said Furusa was the unanimous choice of both the search committee and the AU Board.
“He was the final choice from 70 applicants. He impressed both students and faculty during his visit to the campus,” Cape said.
Furusa replaces Fanuel Tagwira, who has held the post of vice chancellor since 2009. Tagwira plans to take a sabbatical and then return to the Faculty of Agriculture at AU.
A member of the Board of Directors for the National Council for Black Studies, Furusa has maintained strong ties with African people and organizations. He works closely with African American and African elected officials, African consul generals, ambassadors, black churches, nonprofit organizations and Chambers of Commerce to create opportunities for developing underserved communities in the U.S. and Africa.
Furusa, a first-generation college student, received his doctorate in African literature and critical theory, and his master’s and bachelor’s in English from the University of Zimbabwe.
Africa University, established by The United Methodist Church in 1992, draws students from all over Africa. The current enrollment of 2,000 represents students from 29 countries, and nearly 5,000 graduates are changing the face of Africa as they become leaders in the church, government, business, and civil society.
While at California State University, Dominguez Hills, Furusa served as professor and department chair of Africana studies, chair of the Academic Senate, and the executive director of the California African American Political and Economic Institute.
He has also chaired and served on numerous committees, and been honored with several university recognitions, including the university’s Excellence in Service Award, the Lyle E. Gibson Dominguez Hills Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Frederick Douglass Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service. He was twice awarded the Cheikh Anta Diop Award for Outstanding Research in Africana Studies.
In Zimbabwe, Furusa served in numerous posts, from high school principal and assistant professor at the University of Zimbabwe, to chairman of the Zimbabwe Literature Curriculum Development Committee.
His publications include The Borders in All of Us: New Approaches to Global Diasporic Societies, and African Womanhood in Zimbabwean Literature: New Critical Perspectives on Women’s Literature in African Languages
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Registration open for Volunteers in Mission team leaders' training
Serving our neighbors better requires that we learn about their lives and cultures. Great Plains Volunteers in Mission offers training to equip team leaders to create spirit-filled and culturally relevant mission experiences domestically and internationally.
Upcoming training dates:
•Topeka District
April 26, at Countryside UMC in Topeka, Kan., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
•Prairie River District
May 10, at Trinity UMC in Grand Island Neb., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
•Dodge City District
June 28, Location TBA, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
•Blue River District
July 26, at Centenary UMC in Beatrice Neb., from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Cost is $30 per person, which includes lunch and training materials. Register online. Deadline for registration is one week before the event.
If you would like more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the Rev. Kalaba Chali, mercy and justice coordinator for the Great Plains Conference, at kchali@greatplainsumc.org or 316-684-0266.
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Ogallala and Grand Island to host disaster training
A disaster strikes and you want to volunteer? Get trained to become an Early Response Team now.
Trained early disaster response teams are called by invitation from the community that has been impacted by a disaster. They are able to help their own communities and those of others to prevent further damage to personal residences. Become ready to respond when a disaster strikes by attending one of these specialized one-day UMCOR classes. The training sessions are open to members of all congregations.
The training in Ogallala, Neb., on May 3, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ogallala First UMC (421 N. Spruce St.). Register here.
The training in Grand Island, Neb., on May 10, will also be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Grand Island Trinity UMC (511 N. Elm St.). Register here.
The cost for the disaster training is $25, which covers meal, training materials, t-shirt and ERT badge.
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Get out of the building and take it to the streets for Hands on the Great Plains
Imagine the impact of more than 220,000 United Methodists working “hands on” in their local community to help change the world. Plan a hands-on day as just one of many ways to engage in your community.
Hands on the Great Plains is more than just one particular work day. Great Plains United Methodists are called to be hands on every day … engaged in the community and bringing people to Christ. Get started.
April 26 through May 18 is the window to launch a hands-on or engagement plan for your community. You are encouraged to advocate for being hands on every day.
Get out of the building, advocate for change, advocate for involvement in your community through other non-profits, business partners and your school. Find out the needs where you live and get hands on; get out of the building and take it to the streets.
To view resources, ideas and other tools, visit www.handsonthegreatplains.org.
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Nebraska United Methodist Foundation garage sale
Looking to unload some extra items, or do you love a bargain? The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation (NUMF) can help. Please plan to donate your good, gently used items by May 13, or plan to attend the first annual garage sale May 15 – 18, at the NUMF office, located at 100 W. Fletcher in Lincoln, Neb.
All proceeds benefit Gifts From The Heart - a very special fund providing support for youth programs; camping; mission work and trips; pastoral education and support; and help where it's needed most.
For more information, please view the flier or call 877-495-5545.
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Waverly First UMC in need of Christian education director
First UMC in Waverly, Neb., is looking for a part-time director of Christian education. Waverly FUMC is a vibrant congregation with a strong Christian education program. Please send your applications and resumes to fumcwaverly@windstream.net by April 18. If you have any questions, call the Rev. Scott Shreve at 402-350-3140.
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UM4GI seeking two summer interns
The United Methodists for Grand Island Parish (UM4GI) in Grand Island, Neb., has two summer intern positions available for the summer of 2014. These positions are full-time from May 12 through Aug. 10, and include a stipend and housing.
The UM4GI ministry internship exists to provide church ministry experiences through which young adults can discern their vocational callings, develop gifts for ministry and serve the ministry needs of the parish. Among the ministry experiences for the internship are mentoring with clergy and/or ministry professionals, leadership for vacation Bible schools, camping ministries, children’s Sunday school at Trinity UMC, Neighborhood Night Out and the youth mission trip. Other possibilities for experience and leadership include adult discipleship groups, pastoral care and visitation ministries, funeral and wedding ministries, preaching and worship leadership.
Deadline for applications are April 1. Application and full internship description.
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Church pews available in Topeka
Two church pews are available in Topeka, Kan. If for more information, contact Beverly Hall at amo@amo.kscoxmail.com or 785-232-6801.
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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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Wichita, KS 67207 United States
(316)686-0600
Topeka Office:
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Topeka, KS 66604 United States
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Wichita Office:
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Wichita, KS 67207 United States
(316)684-0266
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