In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ride with Bishop Scott Jones in support of UM Open Door
Email “Reply All” etiquette
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Get real and get registered for camp
Still time for United Methodist camps
U.S. performance licensing
Newsletter links
Annual Conference Session attendees invited to golf outing
United Motoring Christians Ride scheduled for July 19
Rural Advocates to hold first Great Plains annual gathering
Laity Connection – ideas for action
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Micah Corps interns begin summer with enthusiasm
“We refuse to be enemies” – please take action
AIDS Ambassadors sought throughout Great Plains Conference
CLASSIFIED
First UMC in Lawrence, Kan., in need of organist and accompanist
Pianist/accompanist sought at Madison Avenue UMC in Derby, Kan.
Saint Paul's UMC in Joplin, Mo., seeks middle school youth pastor
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Ride with Bishop Scott Jones in support of United Methodist Open Door
The Bishop’s Bicycle Challenge is in its fifth year of raising support for Open Door which provides people in need with food, clothing and shelter. Come be a part of the excitement and enjoy a ride through the rural areas east of Wichita on June 21, 2014.
Invite some friends and choose your challenge: 20 mile, 50K or 100K ride. The registration fee is $50 of which $40 is a donation to Open Door and $10 is for the ride.
For more information and to register, visit: www.BishopsBicycleChallenge.org Registrations will be accepted until 7 a.m. on ride day, June 21, however those registered by May 30 will receive a commemorative t-shirt and water bottle.
Can't ride, but want to be involved? Go to the donations page to support through giving!
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Email “Reply All” etiquette
As we work collaboratively in ministry, many of those working in work groups, teams and committees are part of group email lists. Some are groups in Outlook, some are from a Listserv, etc.
Remember that unless the whole group needs to see your response, it is a best practice to send an all new email to the person who sent the email, or forward the email to just that person and respond. This practice helps to keep email boxes getting overloaded with people responding “congrats” or “Yes, I’ll be there,” and so on.
Again, there are times when the whole group needs to see everyone on the group email’s response. MOST times it is best just to respond to the initial sender.
Kathryn Ann (Landers) Witte
Great Plains communications director
(Yes, Ann is my middle name, and for those of you too young to know, Ann Landers is an advice columnist from yesteryear.)
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Get real and get registered for camp
Camp registration is in full swing out at Camp Fontanelle, near Nickerson, Neb. Record numbers have registered for the first camp of the season. Guardian Angel, has an increase of 43 percent and the Family Camp has a 50 percent increase from the 2013 season. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot of work to do to reach out to potential campers.
Jane Van Horn, Camp Fontanelle camp coordinator says, “We would love for every person to attend church camp. We believe strongly that church camp is a great place to take time out of busy lives to work on your faith walk. We have openings in all of our camps and are looking at having another great year of camping.” Van Horn says that while some camps are already showing an increase, there are many camps where there are only four or five registered.
Returning campers may take advantage of the bring-a-friend discount of 25 percent off when they get a new camper registered for camp. The new camper does not need to attend the same camp. To receive discount, the returning or new camper needs to indicate referral when mailing in the registration form or when registering online.
“Joyful Noise Camp is the perfect camp for a high schooler who has an interest in the arts, singing, acting, instrumentals and dancing. This camp will work on planning a worship service which will be taken out to a Sunday worship service. Last year, Blair First United Methodist Church had the pleasure of having worship led by the Joyful Noise Camp”, said Van Horn.
The Saddle Up and Giddy Up Camps have been combined this year and the new look is Cowpoke Camp. While planning is still in the works, the hope is that the campers will attend a local rodeo, meet and learn from a cowboy and go on a trail ride.
The programming for 2014 is “Get Real: Finding your true self in Jesus.” Check out campfontanelle.com and find the perfect camp for your child, grandchild or favorite youth. Help them experience the beauty of Camp Fontanelle while growing in their love of God by registering them for camp.
If you have questions about the perfect camp for your loved one or questions on how to register, contact Van Horn at 402-478-4296.
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Still time for United Methodist camps
What exciting things are your children doing this summer? Swim lessons, band camp, sports camp, just hanging out, maybe even summer school? Great, but don’t forget to feed your child’s spirit this summer as well. There is still time to enroll in one of the Great Plains United Methodist Camps this summer. There are six wonderful and amazing conference camps from which to choose – three in Nebraska and three in Kansas. Each camp is offering specific camps for specific ages. A list of all the camps broken into age groups is available so you can find the perfect camp for your camper.
For more information contact Sara Shaw, camping coordinator at sshaw@greatplainsumc.org or 800-745-2350.
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U.S. performance licensing
Did you know most churches in the U.S. need performance licensing to avoid infringement? When music is performed or played outside worship services, licensing is almost always required. Read Christian Copyright Solution’s most recent newsletter.
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Newsletter links
•Saint Paul School of Theology: President’s e-Update – May
•General Board of Church and Society: Faith in Action, May 22
•Update from Larry and Jane Kies at Africa University in Mutare (Zimbabwe): May 2014
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Great Plains Annual Conference Session attendees invited to golf outing
The following was submitted by Wayne Alloway, senior pastor at St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Neb.
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
You’re invited to join us for our 5th Annual Clergy Golf Outing on June 10, at 1 p.m. (the day before the Great Plains Annual Conference Session) at Woodland Hills Golf Course. This is a 4-person scramble with no prizes, no fuss and no muss. Just fun — almost free — golf with your UMC clergy colleagues. Recruit your clergy golf buddies to form your own 4-person team, or just sign up and we will assign you to a team.
Did I mention that it is almost free? There will only be a $5 registration fee as a gift from the St. Mark’s congregation. Sign up at the Woodland Hills website.
Woodland Hills Golf Course is located west of Lincoln, four miles south of Eagle, Neb., or 20 miles from Downtown Lincoln.
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United Motoring Christians Ride scheduled for July 19
All are invited on this ride that will tour various United Methodist churches. Participants are encouraged to ride their motorcycle or drive their classic cars, trucks or any hobby vehicle. The group will meet for rolls and coffee at 8:30 a.m., at Martell UMC in Martell, Neb. From there the group will stop at five area United Methodist churches. The ride will culminate at Round the Bend Steakhouse in South Bend, Neb., for food and fellowship.
If you are unable to meet at Martell, feel free to join the group at any of the locations at the stated times below. The group will be at each church for approximately 30 minutes for a tour, refreshments and prayer.
8:30 a.m. Meet at Martell UMC
9:15 a.m. Leave Martell UMC
9:45 a.m. Dorchester UMC
10:30 a.m. Friend UMC
11:30 a.m. Seward UMC
12:30 p.m. Raymond UMC
1:30 p.m. Waverly UMC
2:30 p.m. Round the Bend Steakhouse – South Bend, Neb.
Contact Heather Eads, pastor at Martell UMC, at 402-301-7948 or umcride@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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Rural Advocates to hold first Great Plains annual gathering
The Great Plains United Methodist Rural Advocates will hold its first annual gathering on Aug. 14-15, at First United Methodist Church, in Kearney, Neb.
See the flier for more information and to register. If you have questions, contact:
Ronald J. Williams
Hunter's Crossing
3839 Fox Ridge Drive
Manhattan, KS 66502-8934
Phone and FAX: 785-587-4122
Email: ronaldj7@cox.net
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Laity Connection – ideas for action
On Saturday morning, May 24, Wichita East and Wichita West District laity got together for breakfast, fellowship, and learning.
Nearly 30 people turned out for the 90-minute session that featured roundtable discussions about what is happening in local churches and what the laity are doing to help support their pastors. Several door prizes were given including gas money for those who drove the farthest (Caldwell/Corbin 60 miles).
The Laity Connection in the two districts started about a year ago with meetings of local church lay leaders and lay members to annual conference. Clergy have also been invited to attend as the group works on the hypothesis that “an effective working relationship between clergy and laity in the local church will better enable the local church to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
The Laity Connection, led by Wichita West District Superintendent Rev. Linda Louderback, will continue to meet to identify specific and concrete ways to make the hypothesis a reality. In the meantime, the enthusiastic response to the first breakfast meeting has led to scheduling another breakfast meeting on September 27 at Cheney UMC in Cheney, Kan.
For information on how to organize a laity connection in your district, contact the Rev. Linda Louderback at WichitaWestDS@greatplainsumc.org.
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Micah Corps interns begin summer with enthusiasm
The Micah Corps is a ten week internship which fosters a deeper walk with God, strengthens leadership skills and connects faith with social justice.
These photos show Rev. Kalaba Chali, Mercy & Justice Coordinator for the Great Plains Conference, with the team on their first day. Chali shared with them about biblical foundations of social justice. Chali reminded the interns that each person reads scripture through their own lens, their own life experience, and we should listen to others, especially those on the margins, to learn how they understand and apply biblical teachings. Listening to others is an important part of working for social justice.
"Where are you from?" The interns point out their home towns on maps of Nebraska and Kansas. They represent big and little, urban and rural, but all have a heart for God.
Keep up with the team this summer through social media:
•facebook.com/MicahCorps
•twitter.com/UMCMicahCorps
•MicahCorps.wordpress.com
For more information on this program, visit www.greatplainsumc.org/MicahCorps
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“We refuse to be enemies” – please take action
The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains peace with justice coordinator.
Located just a few miles away from Bethlehem is the peace and education center called Tent of Nations. This 100-acre farm, owned by Palestinian Christians, welcomes international visitors, including many Israelis, who come together in solidarity and shared goals in the pursuit of a just peace through non-violent activities. Under the Tent of Nations, visitors working alongside people from the local community plant trees, harvest olives and fruit, teach at a women’s education center and lead activities in youth summer camps.
“We refuse to be enemies” is the conviction of the owners of Tent of Nations. They cling to this belief even after Israeli bulldozers uprooted and destroyed 1,500 fruit trees on May 19.
Susan Henry-Crowe, the chief executive of the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS), has been to the Tent of Nations five times. “This is a heartbreaking situation,” she said upon hearing about the devastation. “Now at the United Methodist GBCS, I want to promise that we will do all that we can to state our abhorrence.”
GBCS invites us to prayerfully take action. Read more and sign a petition.
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AIDS Ambassadors sought throughout Great Plains Conference
The newly re-organized Great Plains Global AIDS Fund Task Force is seeking more AIDS Ambassadors. An AIDS Ambassador helps promote the special offering in December each year, encourages prayers for those who are suffering from HIV or AIDS and helps cast out the fear and stigma of HIV and AIDS in our local churches and communities. For more information about the fund go to www.umglobalaidsfund.com. Many of the Great Plains Conference leaders are AIDS Ambassadors. Learn more about the role of ambassadors.
If you would like to become an AIDS Ambassador, or if you know someone who would, contact Frances Moore, chair of the Great Plains Global AIDS Fund Task Force at fcmoore2@cox.net.
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First UMC in Lawrence, Kan., in need of organist and accompanist
First United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Kan., is seeking two part-time positions.
•Part-time organist (approximately 5 hrs/wk) four manual, 123 rank Reuter. Duties include playing during two identical Sunday morning traditional services, during weddings and during funerals (weddings and funerals provide additional compensation). Vacation is negotiable.
•Part-time choir accompanist (approximately 5 hrs/wk). Duties include playing during weekly Thursday evening choir rehearsals as well as one or two Sunday morning traditional services. Approximately 42 weeks per year.
If preferred, applicant may express a desire to fill both positions. Please indicate your position(s) preference in a cover letter. For more information or to request application materials, please contact Sara Wentz at 785-841-7500 or sara@fumclawrence.org by June 17, 2014.
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Pianist/accompanist sought at Madison Avenue UMC in Derby, Kan.
Madison Avenue UMC in Derby, Kan, is in need of a part-time church pianist/accompanist for Sunday worship services in a small church setting. Responsibilities may also include accompanist for choir, including a Wednesday evening practice. Skills required are past experience in accompanist and good interpersonal skills. Compensation is dependent on skill, training and experience. A live audition is required. If you are interested, please send resume or questions to the Rev. Ed Friesen, Madison Avenue United Methodist Church, 900 E Madison Ave, Derby, KS 67037. You can also email maumc@sbcglobal.net or call 316-788-1073.
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Saint Paul's UMC in Joplin, Mo., seeks middle school youth pastor
Saint Paul's UMC in Joplin, Mo., is looking for a full-time middle school youth pastor. This position that involves working with the youth of Saint Paul's UMC - in particular grades six through eight. The candidate will work with a director in maintaining current ministries, as well as developing new and growing ministries in the future. Salary is dependent on a candidate's experience and gifts. If you have any interest, or questions, please email a resume before June 10, to Pastor Chris Sams at csams@spwired.com.
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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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