In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Rev. Ashlee Alley appointed to clergy development position
UM Communications (UMCOM) launches Easter ad campaign
Spiritual seekers Rethink Church more easily with new website
Elkhorn Valley District welcomes Leigh Ann Kramer
Need childcare for the Great Plains Annual Conference Session?
Correction for last week's GPconnect
In the news
United Methodist congregations in the news
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy session dates — May 28-31
METour deadline extended
2014 Great Plains UM Cowboy Trail Bike Ride/Walk to be May 24
Advanced Lay Servant Class offered May 30-31 in Wayne, Neb.
United Methodist Men host 23rd annual Family Night at the "K"
How to worship in small membership congregation
Camp Fontanelle work days set for April 12 and May 10
Marriage Encounter weekends to be held in Lincoln, Lexington and Omaha, Neb.
Mission u: 3 opportunities, 3 sites, 3 dates
Newsletter links
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Preparing for Disaster Response hands-on service
Provide a Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster
Epworth Village welcomes new PR and fundraising coordinator
Epworth Village volunteers
Bishop Sherer-Simpson speaks on behalf of Epworth Village
Connect your Hands on the Great Plains event with local schools
Summer Micah Corps Interns selected
Jesus weeps – resisting violence, building peace
Omaha UMs take part in rally directed at Nebraska Legislature
Lenten prayer “For those in search of home”
Women and Girls of Sacred Worth – May 3 in Kansas City
CLASSIFIEDS
Youth director needed at Haysville UMC
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Rev. Ashlee Alley appointed to clergy development position
The Rev. Nancy Lambert, assistant to bishop and director of clergy excellence announces the appointment of the Rev. Ashlee Alley as the clergy development and recruitment coordinator for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. Alley will work out of the Lincoln, Neb., conference center.
She graduated from Southwestern College, in Winfield, Kan., and has an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary. Ashlee was involved in campus ministry for more than a decade, having served most of those years at her alma mater, Southwestern. She was also involved in a number of activities related to helping people identify their call to ministry and know how to respond to that call at both the conference and general church level.
Ashlee is an ordained deacon in the Great Plains Conference and loves to travel, serve in mission, run long distances and write. You can find Ashlee online at www.ashleealley.com; Twitter: @ashleealley; Facebook: fb.com/ashleealley and by email at aalley@greatplainsumc.org.
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United Methodist Communications (UMCOM) launches Easter ad campaign
Love. Hope. Joy. People aren't just looking for colored eggs and chocolate bunnies at Easter time. United Methodist churches want to help people in their communities find the deeper, more fulfilling things they're searching for - give them ways to open their hearts, reach out to others and embrace the miracle of God's love.
Our Easter advertising is launching March 31 in select television markets and nationally on digital sites and mobile.
Much as our Advent campaign did, the Easter advertising will encourage members of your community to RETHINK how they find greater meaning in their lives.
Click on the link below to view our :30 video spot!
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pSJWRkr3R8I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Your church can download the :30 or :15 videos HERE and use them on your website, in worship or on social media platforms. You can even invite people to come to your Easter services or let them know about a special event by using our customizable :23 spot. The deadline to order is April 11. If you are interested in a customized version, please email us at immediaservices@umcom.org.
For more information, call RETHINK CHURCH at 1-877-281-6535.
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Spiritual seekers can Rethink Church more easily through new website
The new site at RethinkChurch.org leads visitors through the concept of rethinking church and helps them to find opportunities to get involved both virtually and in real life.
United Methodist Communications partnered with FiveStone to redesign the media-rich site that includes short stories, photo galleries and videos that demonstrate what it means to Rethink Church through the lens of eight focus areas. These focus areas are basic needs, creation care, education, humanitarian relief, malaria, spirituality, vocation and workers’ rights.
Tied strongly to the United Methodist tagline “Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors,” the new site also shows how the people of The United Methodist Church are active, offer hope and are a tangible presence of Christ in the world.
For more information, and to explore the site, go to RethinkChurch.org.
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Elkhorn Valley District welcomes Leigh Ann Kramer as administrative assistant
The Elkhorn Valley District is pleased to welcome Leigh Ann Kramer as the new district administrative assistant. Leigh Ann and her husband, Randy, live in Norfolk, Neb. Prior to her move, Leigh Ann was the executive assistant for the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. She will begin training with Sue on April 1.
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Need childcare for the Great Plains Annual Conference Session?
The deadline for childcare is May 1. Register now.
Annual Conference is scheduled for June 11-14, 2014, in Lincoln, Neb. Information specific to childcare is posted at www.greatplainsumc.org/ac-childcare.
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Correction
In last week’s GPconnect it should have been the Eudora, Kan., UMC identified with the “People Magazine” story.
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In the news
Editor’s note: The Omaha World-Herald, featured the Rev. Daniel Johnson, extension minister at Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, Neb., as he shot basketballs to raise money for the fight against malaria.
The Rev. Daniel Johnston isn't praying for a miracle. He's just praying to shoot it better than Shaq.
It's a sleepy Friday morning in early March, and the good reverend is wearing red sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt and a worried expression.
There's a basketball hoop set up in the cafeteria at Nebraska Methodist College, with a strip of tape exactly 13 feet from the front of the rim.
The charity stripe.
Johnston has agreed to shoot 1,000 free throws in two hours, making as many as he can to raise money to fight malaria in Africa. I have agreed to watch and rebound, because it isn't every day you get to watch a 58-year-old Methodist minister fire up 1,000 free throws in two hours.
Read The Omaha World-Herald’s full article.
Hansen: A hotshot for charity? Minister nets more than 700 of 1,000 free throws in 2 hours by Matthew Hansen / World-Herald columnist
The Rev. Daniel Johnston isn't praying for a miracle. He's just praying to shoot it better than Shaq.
It's a sleepy Friday morning in early March, and the good reverend is wearing red sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt and a worried expression.
There's a basketball hoop set up in the cafeteria at Nebraska Methodist College, with a strip of tape exactly 13 feet from the front of the rim.
The charity stripe.
Johnston has agreed to shoot 1,000 free throws in two hours, making as many as he can to raise money to fight malaria in Africa. I have agreed to watch and rebound, because it isn't every day you get to watch a 58-year-old Methodist minister fire up 1,000 free throws in two hours.
Johnston is no hoops slouch. He played in high school and a little college ball at a tiny Kansas college. He's played friendly pickup games against his friends and driveway games of HORSE against his kids.
But he hasn't played regularly in years, and he woke up at 5 a.m. this morning worried about bricking shot after shot.
Just before he steps to the line, we make our predictions.
“My goal is to make 650,” says Johnston, chaplain at the Omaha campus.
“I think you will make 570,” I say, helpfully pointing out that his shooting elbow will likely hurt halfway through.
“I'm guessing you will make four,” says Jeff Snow, who is also rebounding for the good reverend today and happens to be his son-in-law.
Jeff brought doughnuts, so Johnston lets that comment slide. He takes off his sweatshirt, grabs a well-worn basketball, steps to the free-throw line, takes a deep breath and ...
Swish.
The good reverend is off, and it's quickly clear he can shoot it way better than Shaq. He makes seven of his first 10. Then he reels off 15 makes in a row. And then, after a couple of misses, he goes into a free throw shooting trance. He flexes his knees. He bounces the ball once. He releases it with pretty backspin.
Splash. Splash. Splash. Splash. Ten in a row. Then fifteen. Then twenty-five.
He makes 28 in a row as a small crowd at the 950-student Methodist college cheers him on.
“Go, Rev!” “You got it!” “You're shooting it like Obama!”
He makes 124 of his first 150, a blistering 83 percent.
He's shooting it better than Shaq. He's shooting it better than Obama. He's shooting it like Kobe.
The plan is to shoot free throws 150 at a time, pausing after each round for a brief stretching break, a swig of water, a couple of bites off one of Jeff's doughnuts.
But the good reverend throws a wrench into that plan during the first break, when he announces that he'll challenge anyone in the crowd to a free-throw contest. Five dollars. Ten shots. Loser's money goes to a charity that works to combat malaria, a mission sponsored by the United Methodist Church.
I open my wallet and slam a five-dollar bill onto a cafeteria table. You're on, Rev. Just give me five warm-up shots.
I brick the first warm-up free throw. I airball the second. My face turns Husker scarlet.
And then, somehow, I make seven of my 10 shots in the free throw contest. Which is thrilling, until Johnston steps back to the line and starts draining more free throws like he's the Second Coming of John Stockton. He nails eight of 10.
So yes, I lost $5 to a Methodist minister in a free-throw shooting contest. I have now officially wagered and lost on everything imaginable.
“Doesn't the Methodist Church frown on gambling?” I ask after Johnston nails his eighth and winning free throw.
“This isn't gambling,” Johnston says. “It's fundraising.”
He makes 118 of his next 150 shots (79 percent). He crushes Dennis Joslin, president of Nebraska Methodist College, in a free-throw contest.
He makes 112 of his next 150 shots (75 percent). He wins another free-throw contest.
He's rolling, except “my thighs are starting to kill me.”
As Johnston passes the halfway mark, shots that had been dropping cleanly through the net begin to bang the front of the rim. The misses become more frequent, and even the makes tend to rattle home instead of swishing cleanly through.
The low point comes after 800 free throws, when he misses five in a row. This isn't carefree anymore. This is hard work.
He takes a longer than usual break before his final 100 free throws. His son Bryce shows up, which pleases Johnston despite the fact that Bryce promptly beats him in a free-throw contest by nailing 10 in a row. (Like father, like son, I guess.)
And then, just before noon, Johnston toes the charity stripe and attacks his final 50 shots. He finds a second wind. He hits 14 free throws in a row. He yells every time a shot rims out.
And pretty much precisely two hours after it began, it is almost over. The Rev. Daniel Johnston's thighs are on fire. His knees ache. His wrist and elbow will be sore tomorrow.
He has shot 999 free throws and made 768. He's shot it way better than Shaq and better than President Barack Obama, though not quite as good as Kobe or John Stockton.
He has raised a couple hundred dollars for charity.
“Take a picture of my last shot,” he tells his daughter, Kayla Snow. “I survived this.”
He flexes his knees and releases his 1,000th shot with pretty backspin.
Swish.
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United Methodist congregations in the news
The Great Plains United Methodist Conference communications office subscribes to a media service that follows United Methodists making their local newspaper. There are 73 daily newspapers in Kansas, 21 in Nebraska; with 115 weeklies in Kansas and 92 in Nebraska. The former Nebraska Conference subscribed to this service for many years. On January 1, we began tracking both Kansas and Nebraska press.
United Methodists are engaged in their communities all across the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. The newspaper clips represent church ministries that have found their way into the secular press. We invite you to read about what others are doing to help make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Great Plains Archives provides the final resting place for the news clips. Churches celebrating anniversaries or ministries are encouraged to contact the Archives office to secure access to historical material including press clippings. The clips are offered below by date, in half-month increments. They will be posted with regularity on the conference website under the “News” and “Media” tabs.
•Jan. 1-15, 2014
•Jan. 17-31, 2014
•Feb. 1-17, 2014
•Feb. 18-28, 2014
•March 1-17, 2014
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Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy announces session dates — May 28-31
The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA), is a bilingual, multicultural, youth-led, mentoring initiative. It began at Perkins School of Theology and expanded to various parts of the nation. HYLA came to Nebraska in 2009, and is currently held at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb.
HYLA continues to teach youth and young adults, junior high through college age, about The United Methodist Church. While the overall theme of HYLA is leadership; the summer academy enables participants to attend consecutive years, with each focusing on a different aspect of what it means to be a young leader at home, at the local church and in the community.
Please return the registration form by May 2 to participate in the event.
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METour deadline extended
The deadline for the 2014 Mission Education Tour (METour), has been extended to April 21. The tour, open to Great Plains young women ages 14-22, will take place June 6-15.
METour is a 10 day mission experience for young women sponsored by the Great Plains United Methodist Women. METour participants have the opportunity to engage in mission, learn about United Methodist Women and experience the United Methodist connection by visiting and working at national mission institutions, volunteer in mission sites and United Methodist-related agencies.
Application materials are available, click here for more information.
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2014 Great Plains UM Cowboy Trail Bike Ride/Walk to be May 24
This year marks the 13th Annual Ride or Walk for the Mission Projects of, and sponsored by, the United Methodist Men.
Many opportunities to support mission programs* of GP Men by riding, walking or donating. You can do this wherever you are and whenever, but a ride/walk is definitely set starting at Norfolk, Neb., going onto the Cowboy Trail. Adults and children can ride/walk any distance. Get ready to enjoy food, fun and fresh air.
Contact Rocky Plettner at 402-640-4590 or rgplett@nppd.com, if you have any questions. The registration form and more information are available here. Deadline is May 14, 2014.
*Missions are Society of St. Andrew (hunger relief in America), Stop Hunger Now (worldwide hunger relief), Imagine No Malaria (mosquito nets for Africa), GPUMM Mission Impact Tour (youth), Upper Room Prayer Line, disaster response, camping ministry, jail ministry, youth ministry and scholarships for Christian service.
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Advanced Lay Servant Class offered May 30-31 in Wayne, Neb.
“Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts” will be led by Pastor Carol Jean Stapleton and Carol Garwood, CLS, on Friday evening and all day Saturday, May 30 & 31, 2014, at the Wayne United Methodist Church. This course helps participants understand spiritual gifts and how the church can use them to fulfill its mission and ministry. Participants will also learn what it means to be a spiritual leader and will be equipped to lead others in exploring and using their spiritual gifts.
Participants will order their own materials online and pay for the cost of the meal at the class. Registrations must be received by May 23, 2014. Please send the registration form to Pastor Carol Jean Stapleton, P.O. Box 950, South Sioux City, NE 68776. If you should have questions, please direct them to Pastor Carol Jean Stapleton at 402-494-4138 or cstapleton@greatplainsumc.org.
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United Methodist Men host 23rd annual Family Night at the "K"
All are invited to attend the United Methodist Family Day at the "K" on Friday, May 16. The KC Royals will play the Baltimore Orioles starting at 7:10 p.m. Tickets are $12, plus handling fee. Deadline to order is May 2. View the flier for more information.
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How to worship in small membership congregation
This article, by Julia Wallace, The General Board of Discipleship (GOBD) consultant, Small Church and Shared Ministries, gives practical ideas and suggestions for celebrating the type of vital worship that is central to the life of the congregation. Worship in the small membership congregation is the gathering of the family of faith to praise God, simply and honestly. Worship is not performance; it is the presence and a shared experience of the risen Lord. With this understanding in mind, this article examines worship in the small membership congregation.
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Camp Fontanelle work days set for April 12 and May 10
Camp Fontanelle's annual work days have been set. Donate your time April 12 or May 10 and help the camp get ready for summer campers. Cleaning windows, mopping floors, chipping trails, painting, repairing and more are needed to take off that cold winter edge and bring out that crisp spring feel. Join many volunteers on these two days and help put a fresh look on the camp. Work will begin at 9 a.m. Lunch will be served. Come for the whole day or for just an hour. Any amount of your time will help. Contact Trent Meyer at 402-478-4296 or tmeyer@greatplainsumc.org if you have a specific skill to share.
Trent Meyer is celebrating his 10th Anniversary as site director at camp. There will be a celebration on May 10 for all of his valuable contributions to Camp Fontanelle. Donating your time would be one of the best gifts you could give Trent. Get out to camp and show your support to Trent and the camp.
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Marriage Encounter weekends to be held in Lincoln, Lexington and Omaha, Neb.
At Worldwide Marriage Encounter, you get away from the distractions of everyday life and focus on each other. The team couples set an atmosphere for open and loving communication. They model the method, and share their own life experiences, making it easier for spouses to talk with each other.
Although your conversations are private between you and your spouse, seeing other couples striving for a better relationship makes it easier for you also to be open to your spouse.
The 2014 weekends are:
•April 25-27, in Lincoln, Neb.
•Sept. 12-14, in Lexington, Neb.
•Oct. 17-19, in Omaha, Neb.
For more information, you can read the letter that is sent out to interested parties and view the brochure.
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Mission u: 3 opportunities, 3 sites, 3 dates
It's all about the threes at the 2014 Cooperative Mission u with three different ways to learn about how to work together for the transformation of the world.
•Weekday u: July 21-24, at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan.
•Weekend u: Aug. 1-3, at the Holiday Inn in Kearney, Neb.
•Mini u: Nov. 7-8, at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan.
The topics for this year are "The Roma of Europe", "How Is it with You Soul?" and "The Church and People with Disabilities." An amazing line-up of study leaders from across the conference and denomination will be at all of the sites to facilitate teaching participants on the ways that our faith intersects with the world and the ways that we as the church can take action.
Mission u is open to all. Men and women. Clergy and Laity. Youth and children studies will be available at certain locations. Download the flier for more information.
Check out the Great Plains UMW webpage at greatplainsumc.org/umw for more information on how to register and ways to promote Mission u in your local UMW organizations, congregations and communities.
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Newsletter links
Emporia State University’s United Methodist Campus Ministry
Into the Midst - Spring 2014
YouTheology Institute Newsletteer
March 2014
Camp Fontanelle
Branching Out – Spring 2014
The General Board of Discipleship
Five ways you can better equip Vital Congregations – March 2014
The General Board of Church and Society
Faith in Action – March 26, 2014
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Preparing for Disaster Response hands-on service
Over 35 people attended two different disaster response training classes held at First United Methodist Church, Wichita, Kan., on Saturday, March 22. The Rev. Keith Fink, who is vice-chair of the Great Plains United Methodist Disaster Response Team, the South Central Region Disaster Response coordinator and pastor at Kiowa United Methodist Church, taught both classes. Participants learned about how disaster recovery efforts are done in phases from the emergency phase, to relief phase, to the recovery phase. The Rev. Fink also offered some helpful suggestions about what to say and what not to say when visiting with disaster survivors. The afternoon class members learned about how to sort debris, how to clean and get rid of mold, and had a lab exercise on how to tarp a roof.
If you are interested in hosting disaster response courses in your church, please contact Linda Stewart, Conference Disaster Response coordinator at 316-978-9761 or by email at lstewart@greatplainsumc.org.
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Provide a Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster
Disasters often bring with them a heavy dose of trauma and emotional overload to survivors. As United Methodists we can receive training in how to offer a Christian presence of compassion and listening that will help ease their burdens. You are invited to attend a one-day UMCOR class that will equip and prepare you for this role. 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. Download a flier.
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Epworth Village welcomes new public relations and fundraising coordinator
Ashley Luethje has been hired as the new public relations and fundraising coordinator for Epworth Village in York, Neb. Ashley is originally from Michigan, but now lives with her husband and daughter in Bradshaw, Neb. She is a graduate of Concordia University and is currently working on earning her Master’s degree. Ashley is excited for this new opportunity and looking forward to doing her part in supporting the mission and goals of Epworth Village.
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Epworth Village volunteers
Several churches, have sent work groups to Epworth Village to help redecorate and repair the cottages. They, including groups from St. James UMC in Bellevue, Neb., and Grace UMC in Hastings, Neb., helped pay for the supplies and materials they used. In addition, two generous donors have made it possible to buy new mattresses, carpeting, window treatments and furniture.
Church groups who would like to work for a day may get in touch with the Rev. Cliff Reynolds, Work Day coordinator, at 308-940-1472 or cliffevpartner@yahoo.com; or Ashley Luethje, Epworth Village volunteer coordinator, at 402-362-3352 or aluethje@epworthvillage.org.
Located in York and Grand Island, Neb., Epworth Village, Inc. focuses on family-centered treatment for male children ages 7 to 18 and their families who are dealing with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. The agency serves more than 1,000 people a month. Epworth Village is a National Mission Institution of the United Methodist Church.
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Bishop Sherer-Simpson speaks on behalf of Epworth Village
Bishop Ann Sherer-Simpson, retired Nebraska United Methodist bishop, spoke to the Trinity UMC and First Faith UMC congregations of Grand Island, Neb., on Sunday March 31. Bishop Sherer-Simpson expressed the importance of the work of Hope and Healing that Epworth Village provides to children and families across the state of Nebraska. She stressed how vital it is for the entire United Methodist Church to become involved in helping support the mission and work of Epworth Village. She explained that the Epworth’s Partners program has been developed to raise awareness and invite members to pray for, keep updated on and offer assistance to Epworth Village. Bishop Sherer-Simpson’s passionate words about Epworth Village and the Epworth Partners program displayed her dedication to the program, their mission and the youth and families they assist.
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Tips for connecting your Hands on the Great Plains event with local schools
Hands-on mission projects or work days are planned across the Great Plains Conference between April 26 and May 18, 2014, as congregations organize to take part in in their communities. Does your church need ideas? You can work at a community garden or food pantry, you can clean up parks and highways. You can do these things and more while engaging with local schools. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership has made a list of 50 ways to engage local schools.
We want to hear about your event. Register it at www.handsonthegreatplains.org where you can view resources, ideas and other tools. Planning and implementation grants are available from United Methodist Communications www.umcom.org/rethinkchurch.
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Summer Micah Corps Interns selected
Nine young adults from Nebraska and Kansas have been selected to be part of the Micah Corps. Micah Corps is a ten-week summer internship to strengthen each intern's spiritual walk with God, expand knowledge about social justice issues facing our communities and the world, sharpen leadership skills and connect with United Methodists across the Great Plains Conference.
Those selected are: Hannah Bannister, Bision UMC in Bison, Kan.; Emily DeVore from Wyandotte UMC in Kansas City, Kan.; Navya Hopkins from First UMC in Leavenworth, Kan.; Gloria Kimbulu from St. Paul UMC in Lincoln, Neb.; Kaitlyn (Kaity) Klein from Silver Creek UMC in Silver Creek, Neb.; Rachel Nyhart from Old Mission UMC in Fairway, Kan.; Carter Oberheu from St. Paul UMC in Lenexa, Kan.; Ella Sherman from Rockbrook UMC in Omaha, Neb.; and Mary Rachel Stanton from Woodlawn UMC in Derby, Kan.
Please pray for these young adults as they start May 21, and look for news of their experiences throughout the summer at www.greatplainsumc.org/micahcorps.
The selected interns shared their thoughts about the internship.
“Being an informed citizen is very important to me, so I am very interested in learning more about how different social issues affect people in my home state and Nebraska and what role the church can play in addressing those issues to create positive change.” - Hannah Bannister
“I feel that as a Christian and a human being I should stand up for those who cannot, that is one of many reasons why I am passionate about social justice.” - Emily DeVore
“I was born in India. I was adopted by an American family when I was 13. I like helping people and love working with kids.” - Navya Hopkins
“I feel like the intern program will give me a chance to rekindle my relationship with God and be around other people my age that share the same faith in God that I do.” - Gloria Kimbulu
“I feel through the program I will attain many skills that will help me further the gospel on campus.” - Kaitlyn Klein
“I am interested in being part of the Micah Corps summer intern program because it will help strengthen various skills (such as leadership, communication, and analytical problem solving).” - Rachel Nyhart
“My hope is that this program will assist in the exploration of my faith, while also helping others expand theirs.” - Carter Oberheu
“I am proud of my Methodist background and I feel like this will be an excellent opportunity to utilize and practice the skills I have, learn more about the United Methodist Church and strengthen my faith in God.” - Ella Sherman
“I think the Micah Corps summer intern program is an excellent and exciting opportunity to grow and learn more about social issues while working to view the world through God's eyes.” - Mary Rachael Stanton
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Jesus weeps – resisting violence, building peace
Submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Conference peace with justice coordinator
This year’s Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington D.C., focused on the scripture from Luke 19:41-42: “As Jesus came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace!’” Close to 1,000 people joined together in prayer, worship and learning to discover a faith-based vision for national policies that nurture a culture of peace. The time culminated in Monday’s Congressional Lobby Day on Capitol Hill. Together, we called for policies that reduce acquisition and use of guns for purposes that cause harm and policies that rebalance funding priorities away from out-sized military spending to focus more resources on preventing violence and enhancing human security.
Several United Methodists from the Great Plains Conference attended the event. We will share more about this Conference in the coming weeks.
Read more
EAD 2014 Draws Hundreds Together in Calls to Prevent Gun Violence and Support Violence Prevention Policies
WASHINGTON – Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice drew nearly 1,000 people from as far away as Alaska and Sri Lanka to Washington, D.C. from March 21-24 for its 12th National Gathering. This year’s annual event focused on efforts to reduce acquisition and use of guns for purposes that cause harm, and to rebalance funding priorities toward preventing violence and enhancing human security.
Christians and other people of good will gathered for the four day gathering entitled “Jesus Weeps – Resisting Violence, Building Peace” which culminated in yesterday’s successful Lobby Day as advocates fanned out across Capitol Hill to meet with Members of Congress and Senators. These coordinated meetings included calls for elected leaders to do more to enact policies which will end the plague of gun violence in our nation and reduce out-sized military spending.
Dynamic plenary speakers, including Rev. John Dear, Dr. Maryann Cusimano Love, Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Bryan Miller, and many others were joined by over 50 workshop presenters and dozens of exhibitors to provide attendees with opportunities to learn, reflect, develop advocacy skills, network with others from their states and denominations, worship with global music, silence, and word, as well as participate in various artistic activities.
Rev Jim Wallis of Sojourners provided the advocates with a rousing call to action at the gathering’s concluding Sunday night banquet. Artistic efforts included a project which produced over 500 “peace cranes” that were then blessed by the gathered advocates and brought to lobby meetings as reminders of the Christian call for peace with justice.
Advocates also “left behind” information related to the 2014 Lobby Day Ask with legislators, providing specific guidance about policy priorities and returned home with a renewed commitment to the important work of peace building and advocacy to share with their communities of faith.
Social media played an integral role in the gathering and the Lobby Day as advocates posted and shared stories, quotations, pictures and more throughout the event, causing #ead2014 to trend on Washington, D.C. Twitter feeds on Friday night, raising the event’s profile in that important medium.
Photo galleries from Friday’s Opening Celebration, Saturday’s activities and Lunch Plenary on gun violence sponsored by Heeding God’s Call, Sunday’s banquet, and Monday’s Lobby Day are available on our website, and more will be added in the coming days.
Videos and additional resources from the plenary events will be added to the website during the coming week and will be available to all.
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Omaha UMs take part in rally directed at the Nebraska Legislature
Editor's note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Conference peace with justice coordinator.
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b)
Our United Methodist Social Principles affirm that health care is a basic human right. Recently several United Methodists from Omaha, Neb., took part in a Legislative rally in support of taking advantage of federal dollars available to support Medicare in Nebraska. Teri Drymalski from First UMC in Omaha said, “I feel passionately that basic medical care for all people is a necessity and a human right. In our country that means access to some kind of insurance. Going to Lincoln [Neb.,] was an opportunity to give my beliefs a face and a voice.” And Mary Spurgeon, also from First UMC in Omaha reflected, “I went to the legislature to encourage passage of the Wellness In Nebraska Act, because it was the right thing to do for the poorest of our neighbors. To know that one can find it affordable to seek medical care before one becomes too sick can substantially relieve stress that can negatively impact one's immune system. Also, I understand that prevention costs less that treatment after someone gets sick. (People who raise livestock understand this principle.) Having read the WIN Act, I was excited by the possibility that its provisions could have the effect of improving health care delivery for all Nebraskans. The empire is alive and well. It gives no consideration to the poor and the powerless. If there is to be distributive justice for all, we must put our efforts into it to make it so. That includes me.”
Sadly, LB 887, the Wellness in Nebraska Act, did not pass and more than 54,000 Nebraskans who currently do not have access to health care insurance continue to be unable to obtain coverage. But United Methodists together with many others will continue to work for health care for all.
Click here for a bulletin insert with the Social Principles about health care.
Click here for a statement from Becky Gould from Nebraska Appleseed. The former Nebraska Conference Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team worked over many years in collaboration with Nebraska Appleseed on issues of compassion and justice.
Photo: Omahans visit with Senator Ernie Chambers about the Wellness in Nebraska Act.
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Lenten prayer “For those in search of home”
Editor's note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Conference peace with justice coordinator.
This is how the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, general secretary of the General Board of Church and Society, starts her Lenten prayer. In this season, we particularly remember those deported, separating them from families and those whose lives are threatened. She ends her prayer with “May we welcome all who come to our doors and tables — knowing that you are the stranger in our midst.” We want to encourage local churches across the Great Plains Conference to pray this prayer during next Sunday’s worship.
United Methodists across the Great Plains Conference continue to join others in advocating for compassionate immigration reform. On March 27, Bishop Sally Dyck from the Northern Illinois Conference was arrested as she peacefully protested the 2 million deportations under the Obama administration. Many United Methodists in Nebraska, Kansas and across the nation, called the White House that day to show their support of Bishop Dyck. Read her letter to President Obama.
April 4 – 6, is a National Day of Action to stop deportations until compassionate immigration reform is passed. Too many families continue to be torn apart and immigrant communities live in fear not knowing how long they can be together. Read more about how to join this faithful witness.
For more information about the Great Plains Immigration Rapid Response Team please contact Sandy Sypherd at ssypherd@windstream.net or Andrea Paret at amparet08@yahoo.com.
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Women and Girls of Sacred Worth – May 3 in Kansas City
The public is invited to join United Methodist Women from the Kansas City Metro Area on May 3, 9:30 a.m.-Noon to learn more about maternal health on a local and global scale. Every two minutes a woman or girl somewhere in the world dies from complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Nearly all of these women live in places where poverty exists and healthcare is inaccessible. Learn how we can work together to help create a world where this moral tragedy is dealt with through education, empowerment and mobilization.
The May 3 program will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 5540 Wayne, Kansas City, Mo. The Difference Makers, United Methodist Women from St. James United Methodist Church and The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, are hosting this event for people of all faiths. The featured speaker is Katey Zeh, Executive Director of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society Healthy Families, Healthy Planet initiative. Katey was recently included among the top fourteen faith leaders to watch by the Faith & Progressive Policy Initiative of the Center for American Progress (CAP). According to CAP, Katey is an “emerging thinker and organizer around global maternal health and issues of reproductive justice in a faith-based context ... using her theological training and policy expertise to decry unfair policies that hurt women and to lift up the stories of those affected.”
Registration is not necessary but preferred.
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Youth director needed at Haysville UMC
Haysville UMC, in Haysville, Kan., is seeking a part-time youth director. While currently a 20 hour per week position, it could grow into a three-quarters or full-time position for the right person — especially one who was also skilled in media, marketing and tech work. Please send applications and resumés to office@haysvilleumc.org by Apr. 24. For further information, contact Dr. Phyllis Provost-Saas at 316-347-9677.
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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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