Wednesday, October 15, 2014

The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church "GP connect News & Information" for Wednesday, 15 October 2014

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The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church "GP connect News & Information" for Wednesday, 15 October 2014
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In this edition of GPconnect:
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ABIDE preview are postponed until spring


The ABIDE preview scheduled for Oct. 25, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. has been postponed. Be watching for information on ABIDE programming in spring 2015.

Global AIDS Sunday, Dec. 7

Get your resources for UM Global AIDS Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, atwww.umglobalAIDSfund.com. The Advance number is 982345. This year’s focus is on healthy babies — preventing mother-to-child transmission. Every $10 gift saves a mother, the baby and the family.

If you're looking for a great Advent Bible study on HIV/AIDS, check out "Seasons of Change," now available from the General Board of Church and Society.

Please recruit AIDS Ambassadors at your church to work together on this important issue. Sign up online or email Frances Moore, Great Plains Aids Ambassadors at frances.moore.ne@gmail.com.

“Let's get out there and save lives!” said Moore.

Leadership changes at Camp Comeca, Cozad, Nebraska

Pat Walsh, camp director at Camp Comeca, near Cozad, Nebraska, resigned this weekend so he can return home to care for his mother. Sara Shaw, Great Plains Conference coordinator of camping ministry, thanks Pat for his great work on cleaning up camp and being such a great people person. “We wish you well and pray that your time with your mother is blessed,” said Shaw.

John Butler, program director at Camp Comeca, will also be leaving the camp to pursue a new job opportunity in North Platte. “I would like to personally thank John for all his valuable years of leadership and support at Camp Comeca,” said Shaw. “You will be greatly missed by many and we all wish you well on your exciting new journey.”

“May God bless and keep our camping ministry friends,” said Shaw.

Cheri Wilson, administrative assistant at Camp Comeca will expand her hours at the camp temporarily and will respond to phone calls and emails from camp users. Please let Camp Comeca know if the camp can serve you. You can contact Camp Comeca at 308-784-2808 orcomeca@greatplainsumc.org.

GPconnect wants to hear your stories

If you have a story you think would make a great GPconnect item, we want to hear them. Send all GPconnect submissions through the “Submit a Story” link on the top right of this email. If you have any issues with the link, you can also go directly to the form at greatplainsumc.org/submitanewsstory. Please attach photos, forms, fliers, links and other items that will add to your story.
Rachel Moser, communications coordinator in Lincoln, Nebraska, prepares all submissions that are received by noon the Tuesday before GPconnect is sent out. Cindy Kelly, communications coordinator in Wichita, Kansas, then builds the email. Please remember to submit all news stories by noon Tuesday.

Lincoln First UMC consecrates refurbished organ

Resurrection – could this have turned out any better?

The following is written by the by Rev. Larry Moffet, Lincoln First UMC.
The newly refurbished organ at Lincoln First UMC, was consecrated on Sunday, Oct. 12, at a powerful 45-minute worship service starting at 5 p.m., with nearly 500 people in attendance.
“Could this have turned out any better?” Bill Noble asked with a huge smile earlier this week. When you take a moment to think about it, it’s hard not to be overwhelmed. Carpenters, electricians, structural engineers, dry wallers, plasterers, painters, sound experts, structural engineers and architects coordinated all their skills with volunteers and with the organ builders, installers, and tonal finishers. Together the congregations collected enough money in one year to cover three-fourths of the cost of the whole project.
That’s part of the story. What is utterly overwhelming is the beauty of the sound of the finished instrument, voiced perfectly for our beautiful sanctuary. “I feel like I am in a great church in Europe,” said Kay Lutes after hearing and seeing the finished organ and chancel reconfiguration. “The organ helps me worship the majesty of God,” said Connie Geist in an information forum with one of the Schantz Organ tonal finishers. "Your acoustics are superb now, with great reverberation, but not a harsh 'bounce'," said Chris Chavanaugh our sound consultant.
Yes and more. What happened, from organ building engineers to volunteer painters in the upper organ chambers, was allow God use the congregation to show the power of resurrection.
Organ builders brought new life to 2000 pipes and a dozen wind chests. They completely cleaned, refinished, and re-voiced all the old pipes. Some are smaller than a pencil. Some are 16 feet long. Then they added new pipes, new connections, a new wind generator and a new console (where the organist plays the instrument). The result: new life. Now the tender beauty of the soft Flute pipes can be heard. Four different families of gentle, lush string sounds emanate from the organ. The powerful diapasons are voiced to not overpower the organ's tender sounds. Their role is to add a strong foundation for congregational singing. When there is need for “firepower,” you’ll hear brass pipes (called “reed pipes” by organ builders because the trumpet-sounding organ pipes contain a reed).
The 500 new pipes add depth and brightness to the instrument. First UMC now has festival trumpet pipes, a warm oboe sound and a rich English horn. There are two octaves of chimes. Each group of sounds has its place. Individually and together they help bring a deeper level of recognition of the creativity of God and God’s passion for diversity.
The finished project is a powerful example of how God works on all levels, from the mundane to the majestic, constantly bringing resurrection power. Resurrection did not happen just one time when Jesus left the tomb. God brings resurrection with every new day and every new breath. Take time to marvel at all the ways God brings new life out of old pain and struggles. God brings good out of even the most challenging circumstances. Please join in saying, "Thank you, God. Could this have turned out any better?"
Photos clockwise from left: More than 500 people attended the organconsecration. Dr. Masako Bacon, instructor of organ and harpsicord at Nebraska Wesleyan University, plays the prelude. Brent Shaw, music minister at First UMC, plays the organ selection.

Education Partnership grants awarded to Kansas churches

The first round of Great Plains Conference Public Education Partnership Grants have been awarded to the following churches:
  • Colby UMC: $1,000 for a comprehensive partnership which includes after school tutoring, support for a Kansas Day program, and teacher appreciation lunches.
  • Dighton UMC: $500 for a program to assist teachers in obtaining classroom supplies
  • Leon UMC: $1,000 for a backpack food program.
  • Lyons UMC: $1,000 for a Fifth Quarter program in the church education building.
  • Moran UMC: $1,000 to provide audio-visual equipment to enrich an existing Fifth Quarter program.
  • Ogden Friendship House: $1,000 for a program to provide grade appropriate books for reading with parents at home.        
Each of these churches is providing matching funds for their public education partnership. Other churches which wish to establish or strengthen a partnership with a public school in their community are eligible for matching grants up $1,000. Grant applications for the second round of funding are being accepted through Oct. 31. Apply at   https://gp-reg.brtapp.com/educationgrant.

If you have questions, contact the Rev. Evelyn Fisher, director of Congregational Excellence at efisher@greatplainsumc.org.

Bishop Scott Jones, Stephanie Caro preach at Small Wonders conference

The following was written by Sam Fisher, DSA, Olive Crest UMC, Omaha, Nebraska.

Small membership church development rose to the top of the conversation this past weekend as the first Great Plains Conference Small Wonders event was held in Salina, Kansas. In the Saturday morning worship service, Bishop Scott Jones urged clergy and laity from small membership churches to start looking at the whole picture. As he reflected on the story of the prodigal son, three words rang in Sam’s Chapel at Kansas Wesleyan University (KWU): awareness, action and trust.

We cannot be a church thinking “the 1950s will come back,” Jones said to the more than 125 in attendance as he began to address the ever-changing ministry settings. As he spoke on the necessity to have “alive and vital” congregations he also challenged churches to assess, “Who has God given us as a reachable population?” A question that once answered requires action. Churches are often stifled by the “We tried it once, and it didn’t work” failures. As we grow our conference and look at transforming our communities, doing something is better than do nothing. We have to start “learning from our mistakes, and encourage people to fail.” In what seemed to be a quiet resolution to a well-given message, Jones concluded with the word “trust.”  In some situations we have lied to ourselves and we have refused to “face the brutal facts.” We need to be a people willing to trust that “God will take our feeble offerings and make wonderful things happen!”

It was apparent throughout the remainder of the day that the message did not fall on deaf ears and that people were called to action by the energy and inspiration they received from the conference as a whole. Thirteen workshops were available on a variety of topics such as youth ministry, young adult ministry, conflict in the family-sized church, understanding diversity in the Hispanic community and advocacy for women.
Flint Hills District Superintendent Claudia Bakely said the event was helpful, with the workshops packed with good information. “Honestly, one of the best parts is connecting with folks. Flint Hills was well represented,” said Bakely. She said she was glad she encouraged her district folks to go.

Bakely said, “I will be even more prepared to do that again next year because I went, too.”

“A second Small Wonders event will take place in Nebraska,” said Micki McCorkle, coordinator of small membership church ministries. Small Wonders is targeted to congregations with average worship attendance of 75 or fewer. McCorkle expressed thanks to KWU for the use of their campus.

Photo: Karl, the technology assistant from Salina, works with Stephanie Caro on computer connections. Caro, a senior consultant for Ministry Architects, opened the Small Wonders event on Friday night with a message titled, #epicfail. She engaged the group by giving everyone a rock and asked them to hold the rock all night and ponder three questions about stumbling blocks in their lives. You can follow her blog, one of Ministry Architects consultants’ most-read blogs, athttp://morethandodgeball.com.

2015 Human Relations Day grants deadline

General Board of Church and Society awarded $63,020 to four ministries in 2014.
Jan. 10 is the deadline to apply for a Human Relations Day grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS). The grants are to support ministries that respond to non-violent young offenders through education, advocacy or leadership training and development.
Grant funds are raised through The United Methodist Church’s Human Relations Day Special Sunday each year. Special Sundays are an opportunity for United Methodist churches to celebrate the denomination’s connectional work. This day of social action and raising awareness supports the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
2015 Human Relations Day Grants deadline
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 08, 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jan. 10 is the deadline to apply for a Human Relations Day Grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). The grants are to support ministries that respond to non-violent young offenders through education, advocacy or leadership training and development.
Grant funds are raised through The United Methodist Church’s Human Relations Day Special Sunday each year. Special Sundays are an opportunity for United Methodist churches to celebrate the denomination’s connectional work. This day of social action and raising awareness supports the Youth Offender Rehabilitation Program.
Human Relations Day happens the Sunday immediately following the observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday: Jan. 18 next year. The United Methodist Book of Discipline describes Human Relations Day as a call to "the Church to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other."
GBCS, which receives 10% of Special Sunday offering, distributed $63,020 to four ministries this year.
To qualify for a Human Relations Day grant, the applicant must be either:
a United Methodist local church, district, annual conference or other affiliated group/organization; or
an ecumenical group/organization working with and through at least one United Methodist agency or organization, whose program affects at least one United Methodist local church.
2 funding cycles
Grants are awarded on two funding cycles. Jan. 10 is the deadline for spring funding; Aug. 10 for fall. Grant decisions are made by GBCS’s Board of Directors at the spring and fall meetings.
To be considered for funding, a project must be initiated by or developed in partnership with a United Methodist church. The project must focus on needs of non-violent juvenile youth offenders as they address one or more chronic social problems or concerns, such as housing, employment, health care, human rights, education, the environment and racism.
Applicants must have a supervisory board consisting of a majority of members of The United Methodist Church that shall make all policy decisions.
All funding from GBCS must be used for programmatic components and not for salaries, purchase of equipment, purely administrative costs, and direct delivery of services or building construction.
Start-up money
Intent of the grant is to provide start-up money.
Grant applications are available at Human Relations Day Grant, or by contacting Marvlyn Scott (mscott@umc-gbcs.org), in the office of Education & Leadership Formation, (202) 488-5643.
For more information, contact the Rev. Neal Christie (nchristie@umc-gbcs.org), assistant general secretary, Education & Leadership Formation, (202) 488-5611.
The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. Prime responsibility of the board is to seek implementation of the Social Principles and other policy statements on Christian social concerns of the General Conference, the denomination’s highest policy-making body. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education & Leadership Formation, United Nations & International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City.
Contact Info
Wayne Rhodes
Director of Communications
General Board of Church & Society
The United Methodist Church
(202) 488-5630 / wrhodes@umc-gbcs.org

Panel aims to spur conversation on sexuality

Bishops and other leaders of The United Methodist Church will hold the second of three live-streamed panel discussions on human sexuality from8-10 a.m. CT on Nov. 1. The Connectional Table, leaders of the global church, is inviting United Methodists to contribute. The discussion comes when, because of the U.S. Supreme Court, more states are seeing legalized same-gender civil marriage.

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Photos courtesy of the Council of Bishops; graphic designed by Kathleen Barry, UMNS
United Methodist leaders, including seven bishops, will join in a panel discussion on human sexuality on Saturday, Nov. 1. They are all contributors to the book “Finding Our Way.” Pictured clockwise from left are Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, Bishop J. Michael Lowry, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Neil M. Alexander and Bishop John K. Yambasu.

Panel aims to spur conversation on sexuality


By Heather Hahn, NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)
Resolving the denomination’s longtime debate about human sexuality requires more United Methodists to be part of the conversation, say denominational leaders. 
That’s why leaders are streaming online panel discussions on human sexuality and inviting other United Methodists to contribute, said Dakotas-Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce R. Ough.
The Connectional Table, which Ough chairs, plans to hold the second of three such public events from 8 to 10 a.m. CT, Nov. 1. The time of the event is in part because it would allow more members of the global denomination to participate.
“We need people across the globe to faithfully, respectfully and with a discerning heart be part of the conversation about a way forward,” Ough said. “This is really family business.”
Because of court actions this week, more than half of U.S. states likely will soon have legalized same-gender civil marriage. The U.S. Supreme Court on Oct. 6 declined to review appeals court rulingsallowing same-sex marriage in five states. That move effectively extends same-gender civil marriage to 30 states.
The following day, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals struck down same-sex marriage bans in Idaho and Nevada, though that ruling is on hold for now. 
TO PARTICIPATE
United Methodists who would like to participate in this discussion have two possibilities:
• They can create YouTube video explaining a personal story that pertains to unity and/or human sexuality and pose a question about “Finding Our Way” to one of the bishops or the editor. Videos must be no longer than 2-3 minutes. Tag the video using #cttalks and email a link to aboggan@umc.org before Oct.17. Three videos will be selected and shown at the event.
• Participants also can ask questions on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #cttalks during the livestream from 8 to 10 a.m. CT Nov. 1.
To watch live, go to http://umc.org/connectional-table-webcast on the day of the event. 

Follow streaming or social media

Next month’s conversation will feature seven bishops who contributed to a book on human sexuality and church unity, “Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church,”released by United Methodist Publishing House’s Abingdon Press.
The direction of the churchwide conversation is not a foregone conclusion, said Ough and other church leaders.United Methodists from around the world also will be able to ask the speakers questions through Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag#cttalks. Organizers also will select three video submissions from United Methodists to include in the discussion.
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, episcopal leader of the North Carolina Conference, is the chair of the Connectional Table’s Human Sexuality Task Force, which has been working on a process for facilitating discussion on the issue.
“Whenever we open space for people to speak to one another, the means of grace are at work among us,” she said. “When we listen and speak to one another, we can move to a better place — not to uniformity but the unity the Spirit gives.”

Developments in U.S.

Actions by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals have plenty of people buzzing across the United States. But they are unlikely to significantly alter the issues at stake for the church, said Ough and other church leaders.
“This is not just about the changing laws of the various states, but it’s really more about our ecclesiology, our internal culture, values and theology,” Ough said.
The Book of Discipline, the denomination’s law book, since 1972 has asserted all people are of sacred worth but the church considers the practice of homosexuality “incompatible with Christian teaching.”Church teachings define marriage between a man and a woman.
For just as long, United Methodists have debated that stance. United Methodist clergy, including one bishop, increasingly have been willing to publicly defy the denomination’s ban on officiating at same-sex unions.
General Conference has consistently voted to keep the language and over the years has expanded on restrictions against gay clergy and same-gender unions.

Conversation and legislation

The 59-member Connectional Table is a United Methodist body of clergy and lay people that coordinates the denomination’s mission, ministry and resources.
After the first panel discussion on April 29, the body approved a motion to draft legislation that could change church law “to fully include LGBTQ persons in the life and ministry of the church.” LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning.
But Ough said the body is not considering any specific legislation at this point. The Connectional Table’s Human Sexuality Task Force — which is organizing the panel discussions — is still looking at process for addressing the motion.
“We’re looking to maintain an openness to conversation,” he said. “At the same time on a parallel track, we’re looking at the implications of this particular action by the CT. We’re really pursuing parallel conversations, neither of which has come to a definite conclusion.”
Any legislation adopted by the Connectional Table would need the approval of General Conference, the denomination’s top lawmaking body, to take effect.
“There are a lot of people who still need to be invited to the conversation,” Ough said. “It’s not just a matter of representative leadership groups or groups that may be in a position to formulate legislation.”

Too much talking?

However, advocates on opposing sides of the church debate both expressed impatience with the continued conversations.
Leaders of Good News and Love Prevails attended April’s Connectional Table meeting.
Good News is an unofficial conservative-evangelical group that has been urging bishops to enforce and publicly support church law restrictions against same-sex marriage if the denomination is to hold together.
Love Prevails is an unofficial group that advocates the inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the life of the church. Group members disrupted the Connectional Table’s meeting in November 2013, a move that resulted in human sexuality being added to the body’s agenda.
The Rev. Rob Renfroe, president of Good News, said his group hopes the Connectional Table’s Task Force on Human Sexuality strongly promotes The United Methodist Church’s “healthy, gracious and biblical standards regarding human sexuality.”
But he added that the church’s debate has gone on far too long. “At this juncture further debate and dialogue only demonstrates the consistency with which the majority maintains its position, and the frustration and grief it causes to the minority,” he said.  
The Rev. Amy DeLong, a leader of Love Prevails, expressed her own concern about the upcoming panel. She said she worries that the bishops will “just model how you talk about people, not how you talk with them.”
She lives in Wisconsin, one of the states that began offering same-gender marriage licenses this week as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s action. She rejoices at that change but said she doesn’t expect the church to change anytime soon.
“This is real, tangible protection for gay and lesbian couples now — the kind of protection The United Methodist Church refuses to offer us,” she said. “It’s all tinged with sadness, too.”

Next month’s panel

Next month’s conversation will takes place in Oklahoma City, the day before the start of the Council of Bishops annual meeting. Because of limited space, observers will only be able to watch the proceedings online, Connectional Table leaders said.
Confirmed participants include: Bishops Ward, Kenneth H. Carter, J. Michael Lowry, Gregory V. Palmer, Melvin G. Talbert, Rosemarie Wenner and John K. Yambasu. Also participating is Neil Alexander, president and publisher of the United Methodist Publishing House, who helped edit the book.
Like the church members they lead, the bishops have differing perspectives on homosexuality and what the Bible says about it. Organizers of the panel say they hope the bishops can model the kind of “holy conversation” that is part of the denomination’s Wesleyan roots.
Ward expressed her hope that church conversations will lead not necessarily to uniformity but to unity within the denomination.
“Uniformity would be everybody having the same opinion,” she said. “Unity is love extended to people of differing opinion. Our founder John Wesley said Methodists love alike even though we may not think alike.”
Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org

Kansans to rally for education funding

All are invited to join the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice for Turnaround Tuesday at the Kansas State House on Oct. 28.

Modeled after Moral Mondays in North Carolina, Turnaround Tuesdays is a series of non-partisan educational events, gathering people and coalitions, on the south lawn of the State House, each Tuesday Sept. 2 to Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. — Oct. 28, focuses on funding for education.

The 20-minute event will feature expert speakers, music from a local folk artist, as well as opportunities to sign petitions and mingle with other concerned citizens and people of faith. Bring the children in your life and come along to support public education for all of the children of all of the people.

If you would like more information, contact Dr. Jim McCollough, executive director of Topeka Center for Peace and Justice at topekacpj@aol.com or785-232-4388. You can also contact the Rev. Joshua Longbottom senior pastor at Central Congregational Church atjoshuajameslongbottom@gmail.com or 785-409-2389.

Updates from Camp Fontanelle

Camp Fontanelle partners with Toys for Tots

The United States Marines will once again be collecting toys for their Toys for Tots Campaign on Oct. 19, at Camp Fontanelle. In partnership with the camp, any person bringing a new toy, valued at $5 or more, will receive free entrance to the Camp Fontanelle Corn Maze. Located two miles off of Highway 91, south of Fontanelle, Nebraska, Camp Fontanelle has been partnering with the US Marines for seven years in supporting their annual toy drive.
That day will also be Camp Fontanelle’s annual Search for Treats in the maze. Churches and businesses will be in the maze from 2-4 p.m., handing out treats to those who find them. It is an opportunity for businesses and churches to bring to light the opportunities they offer and support Camp Fontanelle. There is no additional charge for the Search for Treats. Participants pay the regular corn maze entrance fee or bring a new toy to donate. All regular activities will be available that day including hayrack rides, zipline, laser tag and lots of family fun. Visitcampfontanelle.com for more information. The camp is located at 9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, NE, 68044.
If you, or your church, would like to sit in the corn or donate treats for the event, please contact the camp at fontanelle@greatplainsumc.org.

Get wild in the woods at Camp Fontanelle

Register today for the 5th Annual Wilderness 5K Run and 1.25 mile walk. Dress as a creepy ghoul, your favorite cartoon character or a 5K runner in shorts and running shirt. However you run or walk, you want to get a participation shirt. You can only do that if you register today.
The 5th Annual Halloween Wilderness 5K Run and 1.25 mile walk is set for Saturday, Oct. 25 at Camp Fontanelle. Please note this year's start time is 11 a.m.
Beginning at the 7:24 Shelter, the 5K course will have you going up and down the hills/bluffs of the Elkhorn River, across Buttermilk Creek and on and off the Camp Fontanelle trails, a true wilderness run. The 1.25 mile walk will be on trails only.
Download a registration form or register online at CampFontanelle.com. Entry fee is $30 and includes a spaghetti dinner and medals for the top three male and female finishers. All walkers 14 years old and under will receive a medal. Medals will be awarded at the spaghetti dinner immediately following the run.
Costumes are encouraged and spectators may enjoy a spaghetti meal for $5. Those additional meals may be purchased at the time of registration.
For additional information, contact Trent Meyer at 402-459-0686 ortmeyer@greatplainsumc.org.
This is a fun event for all ages. A participants will be given a free pass to the corn maze opening at 1 p.m. Spectators will need to purchase their entrance to the corn maze.

How to use Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation  

Connect

The mission of the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation is to promote joyful financial stewardship for congregations and individuals through education, planning, resourcing and financial management for the benefit of the ministry The United Methodist Church in Kansas.

Services

Your Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation serves Kansas United Methodists, churches and institutions. The foundation assists visionary donors and church leadership to make a difference today and far into the future. Below are ways United Methodist individuals, churches and institutions may sustain the United Methodist witness through the Foundation.
  • Church/institution investments services
    • Short-term income fund
    • Fixed income fund
    • Equity fund
  • Planned giving programs
    • Wills and estate planning
  • Church loan services
  • Christian stewardship programs
  • Charitable life-income gifts
    • Charitable gift annuities
    • Charitable remainder trusts
    • Other charitable gift options
  • Donor designated funds
  • Donor advised funds

Coming soon

As we complete the registration process with the State of Kansas, our certificate of participation program, that funds the foundation’s church development loan fund, will once again be offered to United Methodists in Kansas. This program/fund makes loans to United Methodist churches and church agencies in the state of Kansas for the purchase of real estate, building new buildings, renovating existing buildings, large maintenance projects, operating needs and re-financing existing indebtedness. This is a great way for Kansas United Methodists to make a difference by expanding the Kingdom of God.

Contact

Your Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation offers free programs on topics such as estate planning and planned giving that are easy to schedule for your church or group. The foundation sponsors more in-depth seminars featuring nationally recognized authors and practitioners in the fields of stewardship and church fundraising.

Contact your Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation at www.kaumf.orgor 888-453-8405.

Music or dance ensembles sought for General Conference

United Methodist choirs and worship ensemble groups from around the world may now audition online for an invitation to perform at the 2016 General Conference, The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly which meets in Portland, Oregon, from May 10-20, 2016.
To apply for an invitation to General Conference, groups are asked to submit a letter of application that includes the following: 1) name of group; 2) name of primary contact person along with email address and phone number; 3) brief history/bio of the group including number of members, general age range, group’s location, and any unique characteristics; and 4) a link to a private YouTube video of the group performing. The application should be emailed to gc2016worshipdirector@gmail.com by Jan. 12, 2015.
“As a delegate, one of the best parts of my General Conference experience has always been the diversity of gifts and creativity shared by the visiting choirs and other artist groups,” said the Rev. Laura Jaquith Bartlett, worship and music director for the 2016 General Conference. “Now I have the amazing privilege of working directly with this huge pool of talent and commitment as the worship design team does its planning and preparation. I am enormously grateful to all the artists who bless the denomination with their worship leadership each week in settings all around the globe — and especially to those who will take on the hard work involved with coming to Portland in 2016.”
Performance opportunities for invited choirs and ensembles include morning worship and/or a lunchtime showcase venue. Groups are responsible for their own expenses.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.

Upcoming events

United Methodist Communications would like to remind everyone about some of the activities ahead for United Methodists across the connection.

Sunday, Oct. 12: Children's Sabbath

The United Methodist Board of Discipleship offers prayers and hymnscelebrating the sacredness of children. This year's theme is "Precious in God's Sight: Answering the Call to Cherish and Protect Every Child."

Tuesday, Oct. 14: Free webinar "What's Trending in Children's Ministries"

The session addresses questions that have appeared on the UMC Ministry with Children Facebook Group as they pertain to the formation of children.Details.
View events in the Great Plains Conference at greatplainsumc.org/events.

Education Partnership

Building bright futures

The following is by Said Ernesto Velazquez, communications intern.

St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, is making a difference in the lives of hundreds of high school students on the road to academic and personal success. The congregation’s partnership with Burke High School right down the street has a seven-year track record of student engagement. The students that apply to be part of the after-school support program, housed at St. Luke’s UMC and often called the teen center, are eager to take part in diverse study groups and activities ranging from tutoring to recreational activities. The following two components are the main core of the school partnership
  1. Power hour study time. Burke teachers and community volunteers are available for academic assistance. In addition, students have access to school supplies, schoolbooks, computers and printing. An incentive program is also in place to encourage good grades, complete homework and to achieve positive test scores.
  2. Seminars, recreation and peer time. After the students complete their homework they get to participate on several fun and educational activities — activities include senior seminar, sports science, curtain call, cooking matters, stand and deliver, louder than a bomb and channeling your career. These activities are intended for the discovery and pursue their potential while working towards self-sufficiency.
“The teen center has been a big part of my life, before and after graduating from high school,” said Sierra, a 2013 Burke graduate. “This place is my home away from home and I am a member of this big family.” Sierra is one of the several alumni volunteers that give their share on the program. Sierra is now attending college, with a full-ride scholarship for the criminal justice program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

“This is a place for them to focus on their studying and a safe space to get tutoring from many volunteers from local universities and Burke High School faculty,” said Abbey Jackson the teen center director. “Many of the youth that are part of this program come from low-income communities and/or are first generation immigrants.”

The teen center recently hosted a question and answer presentation by a representative of Heartland Family Service. The main topics that were discussed included domestic violence, healthy relationships and illegal substance abuse.

The partnership between Burk High School and St. Luke UMC has changed the life of hundreds of teenagers in the West Omaha area. Many seniors said they wanted to go to college and make genuine contributions to their community.
If you would like more information about the teen center, contact center director, Abbey Jackson, at abbey@stlukeumc.com or 402-333-6886 ext. 328.

Newsletter links

Great Plains clergy elected to GCFA Board of Directors

The board of directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) elected two new members for the remainder of the 2013 – 2016 quadrennium.

The Rev. Dustin Petz has been a pastor in the United Methodist Church since 2000, serving congregations and communities in Kansas, Pennsylvania and now Nebraska. He currently lives in Norfolk, Nebraska, serving with his clergy spouse, Shelly.  He has been a member of the Council of Finance and Administration in the three conferences in which he has been a pastor, and served on the Economic Advisory Committee for GCFA from 2008 to 2012.

View the full news release.
PRESS RELEASE
General Council on Finance and Administration
The United Methodist Church
Contact: Sharon Dean
615.369.2336
October 9, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GCFA Board of Directors Elect Two New Members
Nashville, TN – The board of directors of the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) elected two new members for the remainder of the 2013 – 2016 quadrennium. 
Bishop Michael McKee of the North Texas Annual Conference will join the board and be a member of the Committee on Legal Responsibility and Corporate Governance. In 2012, he was elected to the episcopacy and assigned to serve as the resident bishop of the Dallas Area.
The Rev. Dustin Petz has been a pastor in the United Methodist Church since 2000, serving congregations and communities in Kansas, Pennsylvania, and now Nebraska. He currently lives in Norfolk, Nebraska, serving with his clergy spouse, Shelly. He has been a member of the Council of Finance and Administration in the three conferences in which he has been a pastor, and served in the Economic Advisory Committee for GCFA from 2008 to 2012. 
The Committee on Legal Responsibility and Corporate Governance also elected a new committee member to fulfill its six person membership requirement. Lisa Carson is a 1991 honors graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law. Lisa practices law in Williamson County, Tennessee, and is the Chancellor for the Tennessee Conference of The United Methodist Church. 
# # # # #
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.
www.gcfa.org 
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.
www.gcfa.org

Wesleyan Live to feature “The sermon I never get to preach”

You are invited to participate in the great preaching class through Wesleyan Live, a partnership between the Conference and Nebraska Wesleyan University. Those participating  in the Great Preaching for the Great Plains series, are sure to benefit from additional exposure to preaching styles.
Wesleyan Live will feature retired and active conference clergy who are well-recognized for their preaching skills. After each sermon there will be a discussion about the message and about preaching in general. The class will meet in-person, at the Lincoln Conference Office, and will be webcast live as well as recorded for later viewing.  
The class begins on Monday evening, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. CDT, and will meet each Monday evening through Nov. 17, for a total of five sessions. Each class is one-hour long. Guest preachers include Jim Keyser, Charlotte Abram, Craig Finnestad, Nannette Roberts and Gabriel Marrero (preaching in Spanish with English interpretation). Individuals or groups participating on-line will be able to dialog with the preacher and class through real-time email contact with Mel Luetchens. 
A complete description of the class, with information about the preachers and a registration form, is available on the Great Plains Conference website:  greatplainsumc.org/wesleyanlive. Tuition is $40, $20 for students and retirees. 
The faith is communicated in a variety of ways. Over the centuries, preaching remains an essential means by which people are inspired to believe and moved to respond. How sermons are prepared and delivered and how hearers receive the message continues to be a fascinating subject for discussion and learning. Join us, beginning on Monday, Oct. 20. Please contact Mel Luetchens mluetche@nebrwesleyan.edu or 402-450-3924.

Rethink theological education

Ecotheology is now part of the curriculum at Methodist Theological School of Ohio.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) has produced a video celebrating and explaining the benefits of Seminary Hill Farm, founded on the campus of MTSO in December 2013.

The four-minute video is available via seminaryhillfarm.org or through a direct link at vimeo.com/107051228. It can also be downloaded to disc for later viewing from the Vimeo page.

The changing American household

(From Omaha marketing agency Bailey Lauerman’s enewsletter)

Editor’s note: While the article is primarily about demographics as they relate to product marketing, church evangelists and program leaders may benefit from the information for developing strategies for discipling in their communities. 

An analysis by of U.S. Census Data by The Futures Company has illuminated increasing diversity in the composition of American households. Most notably, the analysis revealed that the percentage of "traditional households" (married couples with at least one child) is at an all-time low — 20 percent in 2012 compared to 40 percent in 1970. In turn, the proportion of single-person households has nearly doubled from 17 percent in 1970 to 27 percent in 2012. Additionally, the population of individuals living in multi-generational households has almost doubled since 1980.

These findings coincide with a recent Pew Research report that has found the number of Americans who have never been married is at an all-time high with one in five adults in 2012 never having been married compared to one in 10 in 1960. This is happening at a time when there is an educational mismatch between unmarried women and unmarried men — never-married women over the age of 25 tend to be more educated than their never-married male counterparts, which is creating a documented and increasing shortage of marriageable men.

It's important for brands to understand the evolving American household because household composition has a dramatic effect on consumer purchase behaviors — how much consumers spend and the products they buy are often linked closely to the type of household they live in.

Multiply your gift on Dec. 2!

For one day only, on Dec. 2, 2014 as part of UMC #GivingTuesday, gifts made to  project and mission work through Advancewww.umcmission.org/give will be matched up to 1 million. Lists of local mission agencies and our international mission agencies are linlked below to help you see the projects you, your family members and your friends would like to support come Dec. 2.
Local mission agency ministries will be matched. In addition to
Remember that when you give through The Advance, 100 percent of your gift directly supports the ministry of your choice. Advance’s overhead costs are covered through other channels. As the holiday season approaches, UMC #GivingTuesday is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of cheerful Christian giving by making a donation to organizations through The Advance. When you make an online donation on Dec. 2, you will unite with others to maximize impact.
It shows the world the transformational power that happens in one day when United Methodists and friends around the world stand as one body.
Last year, on UMC #GivingTuesday, United Methodists and friends collectively raised a record $6.5 million online through The Advance, thanks to your generosity and prayers that make the ministry and mission of God here at home and around the world possible.
Please be sure to engage your networks and build excitement for UMC #GivingTuesday on Dec. 2.
For more information contact the Rev. Kalaba Chali, coordinator for Great Plains Conference Mercy and Justice at kchali@greatplainsumc.org.

Global Mission Fellow blog

Maria Niechwiadowicz, a Global Mission Fellow, is blogging about her experiences. Be sure to check out her latest blog as she compares the changing seasons in China with those in the Great Plains Conference.
Follow along with Niechwiadowicz’s experience.

Harvest for Hunger yields bounty

Volunteers of all ages gathered to participate in United Methodist Ministries’ first Harvest for Hunger Day of Service on Saturday, Oct. 4. The day consisted of gleaning field crops at the Springfield United Methodist Big Garden, followed by delivery to a local food pantry.

Groups and individuals gathered at Hanscom Park UMC, in Omaha, Nebraska, before traveling together to the Big Garden site in Springfield, Nebraska. Kris and Mike Betts of the Springfield UMC worked alongside volunteers in the field, which is on land owned by church members Dwight and Bette Trumble.

Through the course of the morning, volunteers worked through cold winds to glean a full truckload of produce that included butternut squash, beets, chard, carrots, snap peas and tomatoes. The volunteers filled an additional truck with potatoes and watermelons that were harvested before threats of rain and frost.
Read more about Harvest for Hunger, including what a local youth group leader had to say about the experience.

United Methodist Ministries’ days of service for 2015 are as follows: Martin Luther King, Jan. 19; Global Youth Service Day, April 2h; and Harvest for Hunger, Sept. 20. All are welcomed and encouraged to participate.

United Methodist Ministries is funded in part through the United Methodist Advance, Missouri River District Askings, and Mission Share Dollars from the Great Plains United Methodist Conference.

Mission agency prepares for long-term integrated response to the Ebola virus

Since June 2014, the General Board of Global Ministries’ United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Global Health unit have been working in collaboration on a global scale to coordinate an integrated approach in response to the Ebola virus crisis in West Africa. 
Community education about the disease, health worker protection and psychosocial counseling for affected people and their families are the strategy’s three prongs, said Dr. Olusimbo Ige, of Global Health.
To date, UMCOR and Global Health have worked together to ensure that grants totaling $400,000 for educational programs, protective equipment and other Ebola-related supplies have been provided primarily to United Methodist health boards in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.
Please give to one or more of the following Advance projects:
Get the latest updates about the Ebola crisis and response from Global Ministries.

Game Changers Summit gives exposure to educational videos

Church agency uses animation to battle Ebola

“It was our biggest problem,” said Chocolate Moose Media founder Firdaus Kharas. “We had to get the exact age and accent because we were speaking directly to West Africans. The emotions would be the toughest because this was a life-and-death situation. I didn’t want something too flat or too emotional; the balance was crucial.” (Kharas is quoted in a recent United Methodist Communications announcement regarding a new Ebola educational video.)

“I was awed at the amount of educational content produced by Kharas and Chocolate Moose for the sole purpose of educating primarily Africans on a variety of social and medical topics, such as Malaria, HIV/AIDS and now Ebola,” said Kathryn Witte, communications director for the Great Plains Conference. Witte attended the Game Changers Summit in Nashville, in September, where many innovative technologies and products were introduced to United Methodist communicators and others engaged in global mission partnerships.

Read entire story
http://vimeo.com/108650573

Ebola: A Poem for the Living

THE CHURCH RESPONDS TO EBOLA

Latest coverage
United Methodist Communications, Chocolate Moose Media and iheed have collaborated to produce an animated video for use in West Africa that helps dispel myths about how Ebola is spread and promotes prevention of the disease. 
United Methodist Communications provided partial funding for Chocolate Moose Media to create the video, which will be produced in various languages, including English and French with West African voices and other West African languages. This is an international co-production, involving production in ten countries: Canada, Guinea, India, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, Sierra Leone Switzerland and the United States. The production team of over 20 persons was headed by Firdaus Kharas as Director.
CREDITS
Co-Creator, Director and Story Editor:
Firdaus Kharas
Co-Creator and Writer: Brent Quinn
Original Music and Sound Design:
Andrew Huggett
Executive Producers: Neelley Hicks, Kunal D. Patel, Firdaus Kharas, R. K. Chand
Artha Animation Creative Head: 
Gaurav Malhotra
Head of Operations: Akhil Verma
Designing Lead: Prashant Shikare
Animation Lead: Yogesh Kawale
Animation Team: Mahendra Kawale, Rahul Jain, Rohan Bhalerao, Suraj Kumar, Kishor Dabolker, Tushar Moleshwari
United Methodist Communications, the global communications agency of The United Methodist Church, is using a variety of approaches to help educate people in Ebola-affected areas about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the disease as part of the United Methodist response to the outbreak.
Chocolate Moose Media is a multi-award winning media production company, specializing in media for social change.
The executive producer of the video is iheed, a mobile-health-education innovator.
The video is being distributed under a Creative Commons license for free use, non-commercial, without derivatives and with attribution.

Let the sun shine in — quilt seconds message

Jan Hauser, of Raymond UMC in Nebraska, visited the Epworth Village on a mission trip earlier this year. While there, Hauser watched as her sister, JaNahn Bloyd, snapped photos of the historic grounds. Snapping photographs is not unheard of on the campus of the United Methodist mission. Families of former residents often stop by to see the place where a relative spent their youth — but this photo shoot was different.
This time the finished product of Bloyd’s work can’t be slipped into a 5x7 picture frame or a scrapbook … the bright and beautiful finished work of art is a quilt.
Inspired by the theme of the Epworth Village Heart of the Matter fundraiser “Let the Sun Shine In,” Bloyd’s quilt features the buildings and history of the mission formerly known as Mothers’ Jewels Home.
“My sister took pictures when we visited Epworth and we cleaned. She had the idea because she has made wall hangings for other organizations,” Hauser explains.
Bloyd will be at Heart of the Matter — a guest of the Raymond United Methodist Women. The finished quilt will be up for auction at the event onThursday, Oct. 23, at the First UMC in York, Nebraska. A work of art commemorating the fact that 125 Years later, the sun continues to shine on Epworth Village and its mission.
Photo: JaNahn Bloyd stitched this beautiful quilt honoring the 125 years of Epworth Village. The covering features photographs of the historic campus of the mission of the United Methodist Women.

People’s Climate March resonates with participant

The following is written by Tyler Jack Kaufmann, a Drew Theological Seminary student. Below is an excerpt regarding his views on being part of the People's Climate March in New York City, New York.

This past month, as part of an ecology and religion class I am taking at seminary with Laurel Kearns, we went to witness the March for Environmental Justice that took place in New York City. I decided to also participate in the march with the other 400,000-600,000 people. Four years ago my reasons for participating in the march would have been to be faithful to the greatest commandment to “love the Lord, your God” in part by heeding the Genesis commandment to “work and take care” of the earth (Matthew 22:37; Genesis 2:15 NIV). This reason still exists as I desire the protection of those gorgeous sanctuaries like Harlan County Dam, Mahoney State Park, Camp Fontanelle, Camp Comeca and my grandfather’s farm along the Republican River where I first encountered God’s presence. However, since moving to New Jersey and going to Drew Theological Seminary, my reasons for marching and showing my solidarity with the earth have deepened.

Read more from Kaufmann, including easy actions individuals and churches can do to make a difference.
People’s Climate March resonates with participant
I grew up in the suburbs of Nebraska, climbing trees to the tops of their bendy boughs and 
playing in the creeks that lead to the Elkhorn River. It was in these humble places that I 
found adventure and developed a sense of kinship with God’s gorgeous creation. During the 
summers and winters my parents would pack my brothers and I into our little car or 
minivan and we’d head out west to the gorgeous pinelands around Lake Dillon, Colorado,
or Yellowstone, Wyoming. But long before we ever arrived at these monumental 
testaments to divine mystery and beauty, my heart was enraptured by the brilliant green 
fields along I-80 and the gorgeous amber Sandhills we passed on our way to Ole’s 
Steakhouse in Paxton, Nebraska. The diversity of divine seductive allure from the majestic 
peaks to the rolling prairies cultivate in me a deep affinity for nature that ultimately led me 
to a seminary where I could study eco-theology, which examines the ways God’s grace is 
revealed by, within, around and amidst the natural world. 
This past month, as part of an ecology and religion class I am taking at seminary with 
Laurel Kearns, we went to witness the March for Environmental Justice that took place in 
New York City. I decided to also participate in the march with the other 400,000-600,000 
people. Four years ago my reasons for participating in the march would have been to be 
faithful to the greatest commandment to “love the Lord, your God” in part by heeding the 
Genesis commandment to “work and take care” of the earth (Matthew 22:37; Genesis 2:15 
NIV). This reason still exists as I desire the protection of those gorgeous sanctuaries like 
Harlan County Dam, Mahoney State Park, Camp Fontanelle, Camp Comeca and my 
grandfather’s farm along the Republican River where I first encountered God’s presence. 
However, since moving to New Jersey and going to Drew Theological Seminary, my reasons 
for marching and showing my solidarity with the earth have deepened. 
As part of my seminary experience I have worked in impoverished inner-city areas and 
seen the effects that massive over-consumption, as well as energy production by those half 
a country away, have on the lives of those in communities where the production of these 
things take place. Much of this happens in racial minority communities where people are 
already confronting a long list of oppressive forces. In these communities I came face to 
face with individuals who the church had taught me were my neighbors and I heard Jesus’ 
command resounding to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37). In these 
experiences, my reasons for marching matured to include solidarity with my friends and 
neighbors who are the bearers of societal ills like unchecked consumerism and highly 
pollutive energy industries. It is not enough to give charity to those who are oppressed by 
such systems, we need to work for change, for what Wesley called social holiness. Moving 
forward together …
United Methodism has been made strong by its commitment to personal piety, devoted 
humility to God and social holiness, working for the kingdom of God on Earth as it is in 
Heaven. There are concrete actions you can take to make a difference. Even the smallest of 
steps is still a step in the direction of God’s heart. The easiest actions for people to 
accomplish that also can be financially beneficial usually include:  Recycling/scrapping (1 common nail = 1 aluminum can) 
 Reducing/eliminating disposable dining ware waste (most Americans buy much 
more than they think) 
 Compost (free fertilizer from food you already buy), 
 Buying local and/or organic when possible (this reduces the dangerous 
manufacturing of pesticides, fossil fuel expenditure and keeps money in the local 
economy among other numerous benefits)
 Change bulbs (doing maintenance for a camp I know how much energy an exit light 
can waste, changing to energy efficient bulbs may seem expensive at first but the 
costs are quickly recouped)
 Finally consider reducing your own consumption (the latest fad quickly becomes 
yesterday’s sad waste of time and money)
There are many steps churches and those with the financial wellbeing can do in addition to 
those previously mentioned, too:
 Solar panels (There are LOTS of grants out there, especially for churches, 
connections AND they greatly save on energy costs)
 Get involved with a community garden (even if you don’t directly take the produce 
you are helping to create food security for those less financially fortune) 
 Pinterest, thrift and upcycle Advent and other holyday decorations (much money is 
wasted on brand new decorations each year)
The lists above are just a start, for more ideas on how you can live out your Christian call in 
regards to environmental care go to www.greenfaith.org OR www.umccreationcare.org
May the peace of God sing to your soul from the expanse of the earth!

“You are the seeds of peace”


The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator.

Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, disciples who actively pursue peace. Yet we are surrounded by conflict and war and peace seems a far off impossible dream. It is easy to want to give up as we rely on our own abilities. Let’s remember that our faith only has to be the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 13) to bring about change with God’s help. I want to share three issues today:

1. President Mahmoud Abbas

“You are the seeds of peace,” is how President Mahmoud Abbas from Palestine addressed the students at Cooper Union College in New York back in September. He reflected on the prayer meeting to which Pope Francis had invited him and President Peres from Israel.
“As the president of the Palestinian people I remain totally committed to the vision of a two-state solution, so we can live in peace with our neighbor — Israel. This is the reason I joined Pope Francis — together with President Peres — in our prayer for peace.”

President Abbas emphasized that the vast majority of Muslims is peace loving and reminded the audience that Jews, Christians, and Muslims have been living together peacefully for centuries in former Palestine. Lifting up the peace camps in Maine, he added: “There, in Maine every summer, young Palestinians, Israelis, Americans, Arabs, and others meet in a camp called Seeds of Peace, founded in 1993. They build the very world I am calling for in Palestine. It works. It's real. It's the future. To those who say peace between Israelis and Palestinians is impossible, I say, let them visit America. I say, let them visit Maine.”

Even though President Abbas addressed the students, we all can be seeds of peace, praying for peace and for guidance to know what we can do to contribute to peace, speaking out when whole groups of people are stereotyped in a negative way, reaching out and becoming friends with persons from other faith traditions, informing ourselves and standing up for human rights for all of God’s children without exceptions.

Read President Abbas’ whole speech.
http://gp-email.brtapp.com/files/gpconnect/10.15.14/mj_10.15.14_seedsofpeacepresidentmahmoudabbaslecture.pdf

2. International Day of Prayer for the persecuted church

All churches are invited to participate in the observance of this day on Nov. 9, 2014. Find worship resources from the General Board of Discipleship.

3. Invitation to sign a letter to prevent civilian deaths

We are currently engaged in extensive military actions against other countries and yet we don’t hear much about the individual drone strikes in the news and Congress is on recess. We have different convictions in regard to what going to war means but many of us can agree on the need to protect civilians. Two United Church of Christ clergy initiated a sign-on letter expressing moral outrage regarding the Obama Administration’s decision to exempt airstrikes in Iraq and Syria from strict protections to prevent civilian deaths. The United Methodist Peace with Justice Ministries invites you to sign on to this letter or to write your own. Read and sign the letter. You can also go to www.ucc.org/justice/just-peace to find out more.

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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 atkwitte@greatplainsumc.org.
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