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In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming webcasts: Education, health benefits, healthy conversations
Register today for Oct. 25 ABIDE preview
Your business card is another United Methodist branding tool
Small churches are small wonders, Oct. 10-11
World Communion Sunday is Oct. 5
Upcoming webcasts: Education, health benefits, healthy conversations
Register today for Oct. 25 ABIDE preview
Your business card is another United Methodist branding tool
Small churches are small wonders, Oct. 10-11
World Communion Sunday is Oct. 5
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Another successful Camp Fontanelle barbecue
WesleyKU transitions to New Church Lawrence
New studies at the resource center
Great Plains Resource Center membership
Blue River lay servant courses to be held in November
The Connectional Table to host sexuality live stream event Nov. 1
Newsletter links
Another successful Camp Fontanelle barbecue
WesleyKU transitions to New Church Lawrence
New studies at the resource center
Great Plains Resource Center membership
Blue River lay servant courses to be held in November
The Connectional Table to host sexuality live stream event Nov. 1
Newsletter links
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
2015 Orders and Fellowship Meeting registration open
Wesley Pilgrimage to be in July
2015 Orders and Fellowship Meeting registration open
Wesley Pilgrimage to be in July
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Bishop’s Round Up Lock-in for Youth
Ladies Aid: Childhood memories include Mothers' Jewels Home
Sunny Days: Lincoln Aldersgate UMC lifts Epworth Village
Foster Care class underway at Epworth Village
Applications now available for Generation Transformation
Support United Methodist Global AIDS Fund
Invitation to participate in the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath weekend
The Lord’s response to the Shipibo prayer
The Holy Land
Bishop’s Round Up Lock-in for Youth
Ladies Aid: Childhood memories include Mothers' Jewels Home
Sunny Days: Lincoln Aldersgate UMC lifts Epworth Village
Foster Care class underway at Epworth Village
Applications now available for Generation Transformation
Support United Methodist Global AIDS Fund
Invitation to participate in the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath weekend
The Lord’s response to the Shipibo prayer
The Holy Land
Upcoming webcasts: Education, health benefits, healthy conversations
Education Caravan travels to Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 1
Learn the importance of supporting public education. Along the way, learn about some tactics that might help your congregation partner with your local school.
If you can’t attend the Big, Hairy, Audacious Education Caravan at Lincoln Saint Paul UMC, join in the webcast atGreatPlainsUMC.org/livestream beginning at 7 p.m. CDT/ 6 p.m. MDT.Check out the resources and the mini-grant application atGreatPlainsUMC.org/education.
Clergy health benefits
The Connecting Council will be making decisions regarding the clergy health benefits plan for 2015, on Oct. 3-4. A webcast on Oct. 9, at 7 p.m., will answer questions and unpack the Connecting Council process. Questions can be forwarded to info@GreatPlainsUMC.org.
Healthy conversations
The Rev. Evelyn Fisher is leading workshops on how to have difficult conversations around divisive issues. The Kansas City District event will be webcast on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. (until about noon) atGreatPlainsUMC.org/livestream.
The Great Plains United Methodist Conference is committed to offering communication channels to connect us across the wide Great Plains geography. Take advantage of these opportunities to grow our capacity to be United Methodist Christians.
Register today for Oct. 25 ABIDE preview
Are you part of a small membership church? Would like to increase your congregation's vitality and relevance in your community? Perhaps ABIDE is for you!
ABIDE is an 18-month process of spiritual formation and leadership development. A widespread movement for spiritual renewal of smaller churches, the ABIDE program helps churches refine their mission, renew their passion for service and live more deeply in Christ.
You can participate in a free preview that will help you discern if the ABIDE program is the way for you to go. The four-hour preview will take place on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can participate in either Wichita, Kansas, or one of two locations in Nebraska: Ogallala or Lincoln. Lunch is provided at no charge; donations will be accepted.
For more information, contact the Rev. Micki McCorkle atmmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org or visit GreatPlainsUMC.org/ABIDE
Your business card is another United Methodist branding tool
The Great Plains United Methodist icon on your business card signals you are part of the larger connection of the church both as the conference and the denomination. Just as secular franchises have a unified identify, United Methodists can benefit from this same strategy.
If you need additional Great Plains United Methodists branded cards or if you are in need of updated cards, contact Roxie Delisi atrdelisi@greatplainsumc.org. Please provide the information you would like on your card, including church or agency affiliation, address, phone numbers, fax, email, website, etc.
The Great Plains logo treatment retains the fonts from the Kansas Area and the watermark from the Nebraska logotypes and stationery treatments. The cost is approximately $35 or less for 500 cards, depending on the number of people who choose to purchase cards. Click here to see a sample card.
Small churches are small wonders, Oct. 10-11
All are invited to the Small Wonders conference focusing on small churches; including opportunities for networking and personal growth. It's October 10-11, 5 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina.
Join with others from small congregations to examine topics such as ministry with youth and young adults, managing finances and navigating conflict. Featured presenters include Bishop Scott Jones, Stephanie Caro and others.
For more info and to register visitwww.greatplainsumc.org/smallwonders or contact the Rev. Micki McCorkle at mmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org.
Don’t miss this dynamic opportunity for learning and networking.
Photo: Come to find out why Lydia Pirilli has become a proud professional pink pig painter.
World Communion Sunday is Oct. 5
The World Communion Sunday offering funds racial-ethnic World Communion scholarships, with at least one-half of the annual amount reserved for ministries beyond the United States. Donations also provide for U.S. ethnic scholarship and ethnic in-service training programs.
To learn more about World Communion Sunday – and to order your envelopes – click here. United Methodist Communications has also created a complete social media toolbox that you and your team can use on your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest accounts. Simply copy, paste and post.
Another successful Camp Fontanelle barbecue
Sunday, Sept. 21, was a great day to be at Camp Fontanelle. The sun was shining through wispy clouds in a bright blue sky. And the warmth of the sun warmed the souls of those celebrating the camping ministry at Camp Fontanelle’s annual barbecue and quilt auction.
The day started with an inspiring worship service. Blue River District Superintendent, the Rev. Bill Ritter offered worship music in preparation for the message given by Great Plains United Methodist Conference Bishop Scott Jones. The bishop’s words of encouragement, challenged the those in attendance to be faithful in worship, attendance, prayer and service. Jones spoke of the work that is being done at Camp Fontanelle, saying that the camp is just a place; it is what God does, through His people, that makes Camp Fontanelle what it is today. Through continued blessings and dedicated work, the camp will continue to grow and build disciples for Jesus Christ.
Lunch followed the worship service as activities began all across the camp grounds including face painting at the lodge area, the camp bounce house and a silent and live auction. Excitement was added to the annual quilt auction with the arrival of a helicopter. The owners, Kim and Jill Wolfe, brought the helicopter and offered four seats for a ride through the silent auction.
The annual GaGa Ball Tournament was held and the Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze opened for the season. Fall is known for being the second season at Camp Fontanelle.
Puppet shows added to the full set of day-long activities including laser tag in the maze, zipline rides, the petting barn and hayrack rides. Concession stand area provided a place for families to gather and enjoy time together. The day ended with music and worship led by Ritter.
An estimated 1,800 people took part in the day. The auctions brought in $20,817. Worship, designated donations and meals brought in an additional $19,109. The corn maze area added close to $6,000, for a total of almost $46,000 for the day. Trent Meyer, site director, said the day was successful on many levels and program director Derek Bergman said the corn maze was constantly busy.
The pumpkin patch and corn maze will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-7 p.m. through Nov. 2. All proceeds from the corn maze go towards supporting the summer camping ministry. More information can be found at campfontanelle.com or by going to Facebook and visiting the Camp Fontanelle page or the Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze at Camp Fontanelle page.
For more information contact Jane Van Horn at 402-478-4296 orFontanelle@GreatPlainsUMC.org.
WesleyKU transitions to New Church Lawrence
The following was submitted by Joey Hentzler, University of Kansas student.
When the student leadership was first notified of the upcoming changes to WesleyKU, the Methodist campus ministry at the University of Kansas, many of us felt confused and anxious. WesleyKU was a special place for us: it was home base for freshman still trying to find their niche on campus; it was a community in which to know God and to build lifelong relationships with friends; and it was a place to experience new, exciting things. While we were nervous about the transformation of our campus ministry, we were excited for what God would do through this new church.
As Methodists, and more importantly, people of God, we are called to change the world. Yet we often forget that we need change as individuals as well. At New Church Lawrence (NCL), we are already experiencing what it is to be a movement with purpose: to connect with God, grow in faith and change the world. Many of you are already embracing this change — more than half of NCL is students. We are leaders and volunteers. We are moving into the future. We are making a difference on campus and in our community.
Through this whirlwind summer of change, our greatest joy is that we have not lost what made WesleyKU so wonderful: an insistence on community and personal growth in our relationships with God. At the same time, we have put our hands to work seeking to make a difference in our neighborhood.
In his letter to the early Christians in Rome, Paul wrote:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NRSV)
In the spirit of renewal, we went from WesleyKU, a dedicated college group, to New Church Lawrence, a dynamic, growing community reflecting the composition of both the university and our town. We are on a mission to be the change that God wants in this world. Join as we live out our faith in Lawrence, Kansas.
One upcoming way to support New Church Lawrence is by participating in CatHawk Challenge whether online or in person. On Saturday, Oct. 18 from 5-7 p.m., we invite you to have dinner with us and compete in our longstanding rivalry with K-State Wesley. For more information, visitcathawkchallenge.net.
Connect with New Church Lawrence:
- facebook.com/NewChurchLawrence
- twitter.com/NewChrchLawrenc
- instagram.com/NewChurchLawrence
- www.NewChurchLawrence.org
New studies at the resource center
Are you hoping to bring your life closer to God, but just don’t know where to begin? This fall join Tom Berlin, a United Methodist pastor, author and teacher new to the resource center, as he gives us new perceptions of God and encourages us to begin making decisions in our lives that will bring us closer to God on our life’s journey. All three studies include a leader’s guide and participant workbook.
Six Decisions That Will Change Your Life
Our busy lives are filled with decisions, but are they the important decisions, the ones that help us decide to follow Christ? In this simple, yet inspiring study, pastor and author Tom Berlin helps us discern six key decisions in our walk with Christ that can change everything. The six lessons are
Our busy lives are filled with decisions, but are they the important decisions, the ones that help us decide to follow Christ? In this simple, yet inspiring study, pastor and author Tom Berlin helps us discern six key decisions in our walk with Christ that can change everything. The six lessons are
- The Decision To Follow
- The Decision For A New Life
- The Decision To Mature
- The Decision To Respond
- The Decision To Persevere
- The Decision To Surrender
Six Things We Should Know About God
God is reaching out to you – reach back! What are God’s qualities and what effect do they have on us? In this study, Tom Berlin introduces us to the living God and urges us to respond. The six sessions are
God is reaching out to you – reach back! What are God’s qualities and what effect do they have on us? In this study, Tom Berlin introduces us to the living God and urges us to respond. The six sessions are
- God Loves You
- God Understands You
- God Forgives You
- God Wants You To Be Free
- God Wants You To Change
- God Wants To Be With You Forever
Six Ways We Encounter God
Meet God and respond. When we live, when we worship, when we pray, do we really encounter God? And if we encounter God, do we change by that experience? In this study, Berlin introduces us to six basic characteristics of God linking each to the characteristics we should develop in response. The six characteristics are
Meet God and respond. When we live, when we worship, when we pray, do we really encounter God? And if we encounter God, do we change by that experience? In this study, Berlin introduces us to six basic characteristics of God linking each to the characteristics we should develop in response. The six characteristics are
- God’s Majesty and My Reverence
- God’s Fidelity and My Trust
- God’s Purity and My Humility
- God’s Authority and My Obedience
- God’s Righteousness and My Work For Justice
- God’s Graciousness and My Love of Others
To reserve one of these studies please email Diane Dunkerson atddunkerson@greatplainsumc.org or call 800-435-6107. To see a complete listing of our new studies and view the resource center catalog go to www.GPresourcecenter.org.
Great Plains Resource Center membership
As churches are beginning to put together their budgets for next year, consider adding a membership to the Great Plains Resource Center to your education budget. With a one year membership your church members have access to hundreds of video studies and curriculum for all small groups in your church. Whether you have a men’s group, women’s group, Sunday morning classes, young adult, teenagers or children — there are studies just right for them at the resource center. Membership amounts are based on average worship attendance and are classified as follows:
| 1-35 attendance: | $40.00 | |
| 6-70 attendance: | $80.00 | |
| 1-105 attendance: | $120.00 | |
| 106-140 attendance: | $160.00 | |
| 141-175 attendance: | $200.00 | |
| 176 attendance: | $240.00 |
As an added incentive for churches new to the resource center, with a paid 2015 membership, churches can check out any study between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, 2014 at no charge. You would only be responsible for return postage for the curriculum.
Please consider a membership today and give a gift of learning and growing as disciples of Jesus Christ to your church family.
To learn more about the Resource Center and if you have questions about memberships please email Diane Dunkerson atddunkerson@greatplainsumc.org or call her at 800-435-6107.
Blue River lay servant courses to be held in November
Basic and advanced lay servant courses will be held at Calvary UMC in Lincoln, Nebraska, Nov. 14-15. Classes will be held Friday, Nov. 14, from 6-9 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 15, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $35 and includes snacks and lunch on Saturday. Pre-registration is required and must be received by Nov. 7.
View the flier for course details, schedule and registration information.
The Connectional Table to host human sexuality live stream event Nov. 1
Seeking input and questions from United Methodists
The Connectional Table’s Human Sexuality Task Force is hosting the second of three live stream events on Saturday, Nov. 1 from 8 until 10 a.m. CST. The Connectional Table is a 59-member body which is responsible for guiding the vision, mission and ministries of The United Methodist Church.
The panelists participating in the live stream are members of the Council of Bishops who contributed to the book “Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church,” as well as the editor and president of United Methodist Publishing House.
Confirmed participants include Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, Bishop Kenneth H. Carter, Bishop Michael J. Lowry, Bishop John K. Yambasu, Bishop Rosemarie Wenner and Neil Alexander.
They will be discussing their perspectives on human sexuality based upon their chapter in the book. Viewers are encouraged to read the book prior to the live stream discussion. United Methodist leaders are also encouraged to gather church members for viewing and joining the discussion on Saturday morning. Find additional resources to support the discussion.
United Methodists who would like to participate in this discussion are encouraged to create a 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 three minutes. Tag the video using #cttalks and email a link toaboggan@umc.org prior to Friday, Oct. 17, 2014. Three videos will be selected and shown at the event.
Additionally, participants may ask questions about the book via Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #cttalks during the live stream on Nov. 1 from 8 until 10 a.m. CST. The panel will answer relevant questions from these platforms.
To view the live stream on Nov. 1, go to umc.org/connectional-table-webcast on the day of the event.
Members of the Connectional Table hope these events will foster ongoing dialogue to provide an opportunity for them to listen and consider varying theological perspectives, as well as to create an ongoing conversation in the wider church.
Newsletter links
- Society of St. Andrew’s: Advent Devotions Program for Home and Church
- Iowa Conference: World Communion Sunday
- Money and Ministry: September 201
2015 Orders and Fellowship Meeting registration open
The 2015 Orders and Fellowship meeting will take place Jan. 21-22, 2015. The Wednesday and Thursday meeting will take place at St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Nebraska and will have the theme of “High Def, Growing Church Leaders: Highly defined practice for church leaders.”
Registration is now available at greatplainsumc.org/OF2015. It is here that you will also find speaker information, a tentative schedule, lodging information, childcare registration and more. Please be sure to register for onsite childcare by Dec. 10, 2014. Early registration for the event will end on Jan. 7, 2015. For questions contact Dana Reinhardt atdreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org or 402-464-5994 ext. 105.
Wesley Pilgrimage to be in July
The next Wesley Pilgrimage in England takes place July 13-23, 2015. This is more than a tour — it is a spiritual pilgrimage, a leadership growth opportunity and a chance to broaden one’s Methodist relationships and connections. Registration is now open on the General Board of Discipleship website. Scholarships are available for provisional member deacons and elders.
The pilgrimage is a joint ministry of General Board of Discipleship and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
Bishop’s Round Up Lock-in for Youth
The Bishop’s Round Up Lock-in for Youth will be held Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. to Nov. 15, at 1 p.m., at First UMC in Lawrence, Kansas.
Last year the Bishop’s Round Up for Hunger served 21 agencies in Kansas. This is a great opportunity for youth sixth-12th grade to be in service and mission with other youth by participating in youth-led fellowship and worship the evening before and loading and unloading of donated items from area churches and giving back to agencies that serve our communities.
Please remember to bring the health form, $5 for pizza, a sleeping bag and pillow, clothes for working, friends and an awesome attitude.
For more information or questions, please contact Laura Ramsey atjusramsey@hotmail.com or 785-321-8880.
Ladies Aid: Childhood memories include Mothers' Jewels Home
The pride and love Betty Thiel feels when speaking of her mother is quite evident. Thiel, who is 91 years young, speaks fondly of the woman whose heart for mission work has inspired her throughout her life.
Thiel’s mother Gladys Schnell, was a life-long member of the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, now known as the United Methodist Women (UMW).
“As I remember, we moved to McCook [Nebraska] in 1925. My mother was in Ladies’ Aid, that’s what they called it in those days. She knew about Mothers’ Jewels Home clear out in McCook back then,” Thiel explains.
Mothers’ Jewels Home was an orphanage, established in 1899 by the Women’s Home Missionary Society. In 1959, as the mission changed so did the name and thus Epworth Village was born.
“In the summer, women in the ladies’ group would take their excess garden produce to the church and can the extra vegetables, carrots and that sort of thing. My father worked as a railway express agent, so he had access to lots of barrels and to carts. When the jars of food were full he would take them from the church to the train track. Dad did all of the packing of the canning jars,” Thiel recalls.
“We went to the canning. We kids would play in the Sunday school rooms and we had a good time,” Thiel says smiling.
Thiel paints a picture of a man, carefully packing each jar in a bed of excelsior to prevent breakage. Glass jars filled with bright orange carrots, green beans and yellow sweet corn. Layer after layer he would arrange them; filling barrels with precious commodities, before nailing down the tops and sending them down the track. As the story unfolds it is easy to imagine the excitement of those receiving the food and the hungry children it would feed.
“Dad would load the barrels onto the train with a cart. It was a Burlington route through McCook. Mom was concerned because the Burlington didn’t go through York. The first train took the barrels to Hastings and from Hastings they would be transferred to another train to York and Mothers’ Jewels Home,” Thiel states. “But it (the food) made it there.”
“In the back of my mind I remember a lot. This was such a big part of her life. My mom told me so much about her life and service. After we moved to Lincoln [Nebraska] I would drive her out to York just to see the place [Mothers’ Jewels Home],” tells Thiel. “When I talk about Epworth Village my kids know what I am talking about still.”
Thiel is a petite woman, “People have always said I looked like my mom,” the mother, grandmother and great-grandmother says. “I am a fourth generation member of Trinity UMC [in Lincoln]. My great-grandmother joined in 1914. I am happy to share this story because UMW has been such an important part of my life. My heart for mission was a special gift from my mother,” states Thiel.
Decades ago Women’s Society came to the aid of Mothers’ Jewels Home, making a difference in the lives of orphaned children; providing sustenance and a healthy dose of hope. It is good to know 125 years later the legacy continues as Thiel and UMW members continue to support the mission now called Epworth Village.
Photos: Betty Thiel, of Lincoln, Nebraska, holds a picture of her mother, Gladys Schnell. Schnell gifted her daughter with a heart for mission; leading by example. Glass jars, much like these, were carefully packed and sent with love to Mothers’ Jewels Home in the mid to late 1920s thanks to early UMW members. Also shown is Mothers’ Jewels Home as it was in the 1920s.
Sunny Days: Lincoln Aldersgate UMC lifts Epworth Village
It isn’t just any poster hanging in the fellowship hall at Aldersgate UMC in Lincoln, Nebraska. It’s a hand-drawn picture of a rather large house with rather a lot of windows; 14 to be exact.
“In July, August and September we encouraged everyone to give five dollars to Epworth Village,” said Jane Green. “We didn’t want to take away from other giving, so we asked people to cut out one luxury [like an expensive coffee] and put that money toward Epworth Village. We had a plan … for every $100 raised we would place a yellow paper on the window.” The yellow represents the sun shining in at Epworth. “We thought we would raise around $1000, but we came up over that,” said Green.
Yes, they exceeded their goal … on Saturday, Sept. 20 during an on-campus visit to Epworth Village a contingent from Aldersgate presented a check for $1,355 to Epworth Village Foundation president and Partners coordinator Abbi Kleinschmidt.
Kleinschmidt calls the group “very thoughtful, with a vested interest in the mission of Epworth Village. They asked great questions and wondered what else they could do.”
“I would like to recommend other churches do the same,” says, Green, who credits weekly updates during worship with boosting the total.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, Epworth Village will hold its annual fundraising event, “The Heart of the Matter.” This year’s theme “Let the Sun Shine In,” reflects the warmth and gratitude Epworth Village clients and staff feel thanks to the support they receive from the United Methodist Community and the greater community at large.
Photos: Stacey Lienemann, Aldersgate UMC administrative assistant, stands next the simple drawing of a house with the sun shining in its windows. Members of Aldersgate UMC in Lincoln, Nebraska, toured Epworth Village escorted by Abbi Kleinschmidt, Epworth Village Foundation Board president (center). The group presented a check to Kleinschmidt for $1,355.
Foster Care class underway at Epworth Village
Whitney Hall, Epworth Village foster care specialist, believes, “every child deserves to feel love and stability, whether from biological parents (and extended family) or others.” That’s why she is leading a 10-week PS-MAPP (Permanency and Safety: Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) training course for prospective foster and adoptive parents.
The class is for those who want to move forward in the process of becoming a foster or adoptive parent. PS-MAPP helps families decide whether or not foster care or adoption is right for them and prepares them for their role as resource parents. PS-MAPP is offered free of charge. Completion of PS-MAPP is required before children can be placed in your home.
At present, four families are enrolled in the training through Epworth Village.
One couple in attendance says they would like to “give a child a home and possibly adopt. We have been thinking about it for two years. If we can help a child that would be great; we can’t have any more children of our own and that is part of the reason.”
During this, the second session of their training, participants would “meet” eight children through case studies. The ages of the children would vary. Hall’s class would be charged with assessing safety, well-being and permanence needs and the foster parent’s role in the children’s lives.
The PS-MAPP class is a commitment; 10 weeks of classes, three hours each — 30 hours total. Simultaneous to the class, Epworth Village works on a licensing packet for each participant; officially starting the process after class is over.
Michelle Dramse, Epworth Village foster care coordinator, says once approved, foster families are supported in a multitude of ways which includes, but is not limited to initial and ongoing training opportunities; 24-hour on call support; knowledgeable, responsive and supportive staff; guidance on building positive relationships with birth families; assistance with respite; a quilt for each child; foster care community get-togethers; community connections to help meet the needs of the children in your care; and Christmas assistance.
Epworth Village has foster care training in the works. It is scheduled to be held in Grand Island, Nebraska, in January. Dramse invites persons interested in becoming a foster parent or family to give Epworth Village a call at 402-362-3353.
Photo: Epworth Village foster care specialist Whitney Hall, at right, leads prospective foster parents in a discussion of their strengths and needs assessment during the second week of the 10-week MAPP course.
Applications now available for Generation Transformation
Generation Transformation (GT) applications are now available for 2015 young adult mission opportunities. Generation Transformation (GT) is an initiative of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries offering service opportunities for young adults ages 18-30. With three different mission tracks to choose from, GT offers a program to fit the mission desires of all who wish to serve. “Generation Transformation is for all who are willing to go, and ready to respond to God’s call,” says Rachel deBos, a mission interpreter for Global Ministries.
Generation Transformation is a movement of young adults using their faith to address injustice and work for systemic change around the world. It is often said that United Methodist missionaries go “from everywhere to everywhere,” making GT truly a global initiative.
Support United Methodist Global AIDS Fund
Each fall AIDS Ambassadors across the Great Plains Conference promote the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund (UMGAF) special offering in December. One-fourth of all contributions from the churches in the Great Plains Conference stay in the conference. Offering grants to churches is one way these funds are used. UM4GI (United Methodists for Grand Island), a cooperative parish of Trinity and First-Faith UMCs, (in Grand Island, Nebraska), has been blessed to be a grant recipient through the Great Plains United Methodist Global Aids Fund for the past six years.
Recognizing a need of assistance to some clients of the regional Nebraska AIDS Project (NAP), UM4GI establish an Emergency HIV AIDS Fund to be used at the discretion of NAP caseworkers. The annual grant has been a major source of funding to meet these needs. Clients have been helped in areas such as food/necessities, rent, transportation and medical.
To augment the contribution to UMGAF and the Emergency HIV AIDS Fund, UM4GI AIDS Ambassadors sponsor a Baskets of Love silent auction during two weeks in December. Individual church members and church groups donate theme baskets which are open for bids on Sunday mornings and online. This event has grown each year and in 2013 70 creative baskets were auctioned.
AIDS ambassadors also sponsor a Spring HIV AIDS Benefit Concert with proceeds going to the emergency fund. Local musicians perform and informational booths are available during intermission. This past year, a relaxed “coffeehouse” atmosphere was chosen with attendees sitting at round tables. A variety of Equal Exchange coffees and teas were served with cookies.
Thirty-three million people are living with HIV or AIDS worldwide. More than half of new HIV infections are women and without medication — babies of HIV positive mothers may be born with the disease. UMGAF has chosen to concentrate its resources in promoting healthy babies in developing countries by testing pregnant women as early as possible and starting those with HIV on medication. This significantly reduces the likelihood the baby will be born HIV positive.
When you give to UMGAF, there is a triple benefit. A mother’s life is saved, a baby is born healthy, and a family is preserved. Churches will have a special offering on Dec. 7, 2014. You can also donate atumglobalaidsfund.com.
Invitation to participate in the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath weekend
The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator.
At the Great Plains Annual Conference Session in June, delegates voted on a variety of issues and resolutions. The resolution “Christians Respond to Gun Violence” was among those that were passed. As directed in the implementation plan, Diane Jensen, conference secretary, sent the resolution to our senators and representatives in Kansas and Nebraska. In the meantime, an answer was received from Representative Jeff Fortenberry, District #1 in Nebraska. Fortenberry writes about the tragic shootings: “We must be honest about the broader cultural context in which these tragedies have happened. Many of these shootings have happened against the backdrop of a culture that increasingly devalues and degrades human life.”
Recently I attended a training offered to teachers about intruder safety for schools. The presenter stated: “Our environment is getting more dangerous and there is nothing we can do about it.”
I agree that we are living in violent times where we as a society devalue certain lives here in our nation as well as in other parts of the world. But as a Christian I disagree that there is nothing we can do about this culture of violence. Isn’t Jesus calling us again and again to value each and every life? To care for the poor, to set the oppressed free, to change structures so the voiceless can have a voice? To love our neighbors? To love those who persecute us, to love our enemies? To work for the coming of God’s kin-dom “on earth as it is in heaven?”
For us humans this seems impossible to achieve. But Jesus promises us that for God all things are possible. How can we open ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit, to receive God’s love and grace to then be able to show this love to others?
The resolution calls for the Great Plains Conference to “join United Methodist Women and the General Board of Church and Society in supporting the efforts of Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence and share information from Faiths United with congregations for study and action.”
Faiths United Against Gun Violence just announced that the “National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath weekend is being rescheduled to complement Newtown Action's National Vigil for Gun Violence Victims, Dec. 11-14. If you have already started planning an event for March 19-22, 2015, please feel free to stay with that weekend.”
- View a resource guide.http://gp-email.brtapp.com/files/gpconnect/10.01.14/mj_10.01.14_gunviolenceresolutionresourceguide.pdf
- View resolution.
Whereas: 2013 was an unprecedented year for gun safety in America.
Despite the lack of motion in Congress, legislators in state houses across the
country introduced a record number of bills to strengthen gun laws. Even
states with historically weak gun laws, like Florida, Missouri, and Texas, took
action towards sensible gun legislation. In fact, at the end of 2013, twenty-one states enacted new laws to curb gun violence in their communities, with
eight of these states passing major reforms. (Source: Law Center to Prevent
Gun Violence)
Whereas: By word and example Jesus embraced nonviolence as a way of
life. He took up a cross rather than a sword. He embraced the practice of
hospitality and a creative love of one’s enemies. In his sermon to disciples
and followers he proclaimed “blessed are the peace-makers.” (Matthew 5:9).
Therefore be it resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the United
Methodist Church lift up a vision of “a more excellent way” by calling on
appropriate bodies within the church to:
Recall and adhere to Resolution #3426 from the Book of Resolutions
which states, "reflecting that the traditional role of The United
Methodist Church has been one of safety and sanctuary, every United
Methodist Church is officially declared a weapon-free zone." (see also
Paragraph 162, Social Principles)
Therefore be it further resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the
United Methodist Church:
Join United Methodist Women and the General Board of Church &
Society in supporting the efforts of Faiths United to Prevent Gun
Violence (www.faithsagainstgunviolence.org) and share information
from Faiths United with congregations for study and action. Faiths
United supports legislation to accomplish the following:
Every person who buys a gun should pass a criminal background check;
High capacity weapons and ammunition magazines should not be available to
civilians; and
Gun trafficking should be a federal crime;
Therefore be it further resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the
United Methodist Church:
Direct the Secretary of the Annual Conference to send this resolution to all
members of the Nebraska and Kansas congressional delegations.
Therefore be it further resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the
United Methodist Church:
Encourage all Great Plains Congregations to participate in the National Gun
Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend.
Implemented by: The Great Plains Conference Cabinet, the Mercy and
Justice Team, and the Communications Department.
Time Frame: Between July 2014 and June 2015
Date: March 15, 2014
Signatures:
Members of the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team:
Jamie Snyder
Andrea Paret
Nancy Brown
Rev. Cindy Karges
Rev. Jamie Norwich
McLennan
Rev. Sarah Marsh
Rev. Pat Longstroth
Louise Niemann
Rev. Loren Drummond
Rev. Kurt Cooper
Katie Lamb
Rev. Hyun-Jin Cho
Debora Cox
Kent Little
Jerry Feese
Sarah Godbey
Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede
Rev. Bonnie McCord
Signatures from laity and clergy across the Great Plains Conference:
Rev. Michelle Reed
Mary S. Vogt
Susan Perry
Rev. Karen Lamb
Sandy Sypherd
Loyal Park
Mary Alice Park
Rev. Carol Windrum
Dorothy Halvorsen
Melva Kube
Rev. Galen Wray
Rev. Bill Ritter
Rev. Mr. Lauren D. Ekdahl
LaRene Konopasek
Connie Hansen
David Hansen
Richard Snyder
Margery M. Ambrosius
Mary Wakeley
Gerald Wakeley
Karen Warner
Stephen Warner
Sharon Springer
Dottie Deines
Robert Boyce
Anne Kallesen
Doug Kallesen
Rev. David Lux
Noelle Barrick
Ruby Thelander
Deanna Holland
Rev. Norma Jean Andrews
Marilyn J. Fick
Joann J. Krohn
Nina Henry
Kim Whitehouse
Arlyne Weichel
Patsy Stein
Jan Gorman
Beverly Sadler
Connie Loveland
Maxine Citta
Donald Bredthauer
Iris Ebert
Ralph Dagenai
Submitted by:
Andrea Paret, First UMC Norfolk, Great Plains Peace with Justice Coordinator;
402-371-7227; amparet08@yahoo.com
The Lord’s response to the Shipibo prayer
Editor’s note: the following was submitted by Dylan Roth, Iowa State University student.
My name is Dylan Roth, and I am a sophomore at Iowa State University. I am majoring in journalism and mass communications, with an emphasis on print journalism. This article highlights my experiences from a recent mission trip to the jungles of Peru. I along with 19 others from St. Andrew’s UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, served in the Shipibo village of Palestina along the Ucayali River.
Dusk had settled in, and the air began to chill. Our riverboat, La Evangelista (The Evangelist), slowed and approached the riverbank. However, this riverbank was different. Instead of the dense foliage of the Amazon that we had grown used to amid the prior six hours, this riverbank was inhabited by a tribe native to the Peruvian rainforest. We had arrived at the Shipibo village of Palestina. We were suddenly immersed into an entirely new world. The Shipibo greeted us with song and dance. As we shuffled off the boat, we joined hands with the Shipibo and united in celebration of our arrival. I was shocked at how quickly our two distinct cultures fused into one. Little did I know, this was only the prelude to the incredible experiences that the coming week would have to offer.
The Lord’s response to the Shipibo prayer
My name is Dylan Roth, 
and I am a sophomore at Iowa State University. I am majoring in journalism and mass communications, with an emphasis on print journalism. This article highlights my experiences from a recent mission trip to the jungles of Peru. I along with 19 others from St. Andrew’s UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, served in the Shipibo village of Palestina along the Ucayali River.
and I am a sophomore at Iowa State University. I am majoring in journalism and mass communications, with an emphasis on print journalism. This article highlights my experiences from a recent mission trip to the jungles of Peru. I along with 19 others from St. Andrew’s UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, served in the Shipibo village of Palestina along the Ucayali River.
Dusk had settled in, and the air began to chill. Our riverboat, La Evangelista (The Evangelist), slowed and approached the riverbank. However, this riverbank was different. Instead of the dense foliage of the Amazon that we had grown used to amid the prior six hours, this riverbank was inhabited by a tribe native to the Peruvian rainforest. We had arrived at the Shipibo village of Palestina. We were suddenly immersed into an entirely new world. The Shipibo greeted us with song and dance. As we shuffled off the boat, we joined hands with the Shipibo and united in celebration of our arrival. I was shocked at how quickly our two distinct cultures fused into one. Little did I know, this was only the prelude to the incredible experiences that the coming week would have to offer.
The Shipibo live in numerous villages up and down the banks of the Ucayali River. The Ucayali is a major tributary of the Amazon River. In addition to their knowledge of their tropical environment, the Shipibo also maintain a strong understanding of God. Approximately 80 percent of Palestina is Christian. Our goal wasn’t to convert the other 20 percent into Methodists. Absolutely not. Our priority was to assume our positions as the hands and feet of Christ to serve the Shipibo. I like to think of Palestina as a village “under construction.” As missionaries, we were the “construction workers.” Having been sent by Jesus, our goal was to use our unique gifts in order to finish the work that needed to be done in the village. Jesus encourages us to express our individual talents in ministry.Romans 12: 5-6 says “In Christ we form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
These gifts were put to the test during our time in Palestina. Our primary project was to complete the construction of the frame of a religious training centernear the center of the village. Once completed, the training center will be used to train and educatefuture religious leaders in the Shipibo village. Initial construction of the training center was a slow process. Eventually, we developed an efficient system for both flooring and siding. Productivity began to accelerate after we each began to specialize in certain construction tasks. We completed the frame of the building on our final day in Palestina. In addition to the training center, a medical clinic in the village was nearing completion. We were giventhe opportunity to tour the future hospital. Quality medical care is virtually nonexistent in the village because of Palestina’s isolated location along the Ucayali. Licensed doctors are hours away. The availability of medicine, something that seems to be taken for granted in America, is an incredible blessing. In Palestina, medicine is nowhere to be found. The Shipibo are hoping to have doctors sent to the medical clinic once it is finished.
Construction of the training center wasn’t our lone objective. Connecting with and sharing the Gospel with the Shipibo demanded a whole different set of skills. Patience and confidence were essential, especially when conversing with the Shipibo. While speaking in their native tongue, it was near impossible to understand the Shipibo without the assistance of a translator. I quickly learned, however, that the language barrier can be conquered by a simple gesture. This simple act is a universal symbol. It’s a global sign of happiness. It’s a smile. This trip taught me just how powerful a smile can be. At no point was this more evident than when we took to the pitch. It was a soccer game that I will never forget. From the first kick to the final goal, it seemed as if we spoke the same as the Shipibo. Communication on the soccer field consisted of thumbs up signals, clapping hands, and smiles — a whole lot of smiles. A Shipibo’s smile always reminded of those first few words of Romans 12: 5. “In Christ we form one body.” Skin color, language barriers, and cultural differences are nonexistent in the body of Christ. A scripture perhaps best explains this idea.
Ephesians 2: 19, 21-22 explains “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
Jesus says here that God’s spirit is with those who gather in his name. He promises that those who believe in him, even foreigners and strangers, are all members of his household. We had the opportunity to live out this promise in Palestina.
The singing, dancing, construction of the training center, soccer and precious time spent with the Shipibo were each extraordinary in their own right. However, it was an evening inside the church in Palestina that impacted me most. Luz y Esperanza (meaning “Light and Hope”) was the name of the Shipibo church. Roger, a native Shipibo who worked with us throughout our time in Palestina, delivered the sermon. A short man, what Roger lacked in stature he made up for in faith. Roger was born into a culture in which unwanted newborns were oftentimes buried alive. The ninth of nine children, Roger was supposed to receive this terrible fate. In the process of their youngest child’s burial, Roger’s parents were stopped by the village leader. He explained to them that he would raise Roger and teach him to harvest crops for his family. Roger’s life had been spared. Once old enough, Roger began spreading the Gospel to a multitude of Shipibo villages. An infant life that was moments away from being lost had transformed into the life of an obedient servant of the Lord.
I will not soon forget Roger’s sermon that night. A portion of Roger’s message focused on prayer. He did not teach us how to pray, when to pray or why to pray. Instead, Roger discussed the Lord’s response to prayer and its impact on the Shipibo village. Roger, fighting back his emotions, explained that the Americans sitting in front of him were the answer to his prayers. Roger went on to say that the Shipibo recite a prayer similar to one found in the Gospel in which they ask, “the Lord of the Harvest to send workers to the field.”
Then the epiphany occurred. I was among the workers sent to the field. We had all been sent by the Lord of the Harvest. We were the answer to the prayers of many Shipibo that prayed to the Lord for the deliverance of missionaries.
I too often dismissed the prayers of others. I had been too caught up in praying to the Lord, hoping for my prayers to be answered. Roger helped me to realize that I can be the answer to the prayers of others. I can be the answer to the prayers of the Shipibo, the prayers of my family and the prayers of my church. Every believer is under the authority of Jesus. Jesus calls his disciples to action in amazing ways. All we have to do is listen.
In John 13: 16, Jesus says “I tell you no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” The Shipibo prayed, and Jesus responded. Jesus sent his servants and messengers to Palestina. We are the servants and messengers of Christ.
I prayed to Jesus the night before we left. I asked him to make this a life-changing experience for me. Jesus did much more than simply answer my prayer. He sent me to answer the prayers of the Shipibo. Jesus gave me the strength, stamina, and patience to serve in Palestina.
This trip did more than change my life. It changed my perspective. Prior to this experience, I sent myself on mission trips. That is not what the Gospel tells us. Jesus sends his disciples to answer the prayers of those who believe in him — the prayers of the Shipibo. Prayer occurs every day. And Jesus seeks to answer these prayers. Twenty members of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska heard Jesus’ call. We were sent to the village of Palestina in the Peruvian rainforest to answer the prayers of the Shipibo. When will Jesus call upon you?
View more pictures of St. Andrew’s UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, mission trip in the Shipibo village of Palestina along the Ucayali River.
Ephesians 2: 19, 21-22 explains “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
Jesus says here that God’s spirit is with those who gather in his name. He promises that those who believe in him, even foreigners and strangers, are all members of his household. We had the opportunity to live out this promise in Palestina.
The singing, dancing, construction of the training center, soccer and precious time spent with the Shipibo were each extraordinary in their own right. However, it was an evening inside the church in Palestina that impacted me most. Luz y Esperanza (meaning “Light and Hope”) was the name of the Shipibo church. Roger, a native Shipibo who worked with us throughout our time in Palestina, delivered the sermon. A short man, what Roger lacked in stature he made up for in faith. Roger was born into a culture in which unwanted newborns were oftentimes buried alive. The ninth of nine children, Roger was supposed to receive this terrible fate. In the process of their youngest child’s burial, Roger’s parents were stopped by the village leader. He explained to them that he would raise Roger and teach him to harvest crops for his family. Roger’s life had been spared. Once old enough, Roger began spreading the Gospel to a multitude of Shipibo villages. An infant life that was moments away from being lost had transformed into the life of an obedient servant of the Lord.
I will not soon forget Roger’s sermon that night. A portion of Roger’s message focused on prayer. He did not teach us how to pray, when to pray or why to pray. Instead, Roger discussed the Lord’s response to prayer and its impact on the Shipibo village. Roger, fighting back his emotions, explained that the Americans sitting in front of him were the answer to his prayers. Roger went on to say that the Shipibo recite a prayer similar to one found in the Gospel in which they ask, “the Lord of the Harvest to send workers to the field.”
Then the epiphany occurred. I was among the workers sent to the field. We had all been sent by the Lord of the Harvest. We were the answer to the prayers of many Shipibo that prayed to the Lord for the deliverance of missionaries.
I too often dismissed the prayers of others. I had been too caught up in praying to the Lord, hoping for my prayers to be answered. Roger helped me to realize that I can be the answer to the prayers of others. I can be the answer to the prayers of the Shipibo, the prayers of my family and the prayers of my church. Every believer is under the authority of Jesus. Jesus calls his disciples to action in amazing ways. All we have to do is listen.
In John 13: 16, Jesus says “I tell you no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” The Shipibo prayed, and Jesus responded. Jesus sent his servants and messengers to Palestina. We are the servants and messengers of Christ.
I prayed to Jesus the night before we left. I asked him to make this a life-changing experience for me. Jesus did much more than simply answer my prayer. He sent me to answer the prayers of the Shipibo. Jesus gave me the strength, stamina, and patience to serve in Palestina.
This trip did more than change my life. It changed my perspective. Prior to this experience, I sent myself on mission trips. That is not what the Gospel tells us. Jesus sends his disciples to answer the prayers of those who believe in him — the prayers of the Shipibo. Prayer occurs every day. And Jesus seeks to answer these prayers. Twenty members of St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska heard Jesus’ call. We were sent to the village of Palestina in the Peruvian rainforest to answer the prayers of the Shipibo. When will Jesus call upon you?
View more pictures of St. Andrew’s UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, mission trip in the Shipibo village of Palestina along the Ucayali River.
The Holy Land
The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Conference Peace with Justice coordinator.
Theology, interfaith politics and the role of the church in bringing peace to Israel and Palestine
Save the dates – Mark Braverman, the executive director of Kairos USA and author of several books will be speaking at Saint Paul UMC in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. and at First UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, on Nov. 5 at 7:30 p.m. (with a potluck at 6:30 p.m.).
Braverman is a Jewish-American with family roots in the Holy Land. Traveling to Israel/Palestine several years ago he was transformed by witnessing the occupation of Palestine and by encounters with peace activists and civil society leaders from the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities. Kairos USA is a movement to unify and mobilize American Christians to take a prophetic stance for a just peace in Israel and Palestine.
Experiencing the Holy Land the United Methodist way
Carol E. Garwood from St. Paul UMC in South Sioux City, Nebraska, has traveled to the Holy Land several times in the last few years through the Volunteer in Mission ministry (VIM). On Sunday she presented in front of a group of about 25 people at First UMC in Norfolk, Nebraska, about these trips. These VIM experiences were organized through United Methodist liaison Janet Lahr Lewis. In the presentation the audience was able to see and hear about several of the General Board of Global Ministries ADVANCE projects that the team was able to visit and work at. Garwood also shared about visits to holy sites as well as visits with families in the West Bank. The United Methodist Church has resolutions and guidelines in regard to our travels to the Holy Land. United Methodists are invited to experience the Holy Land of the past and the present by breaking bread and worshiping with the descendants of the original disciples of Christ who kept our faith alive through the ages. They also get to meet with representatives of the three Abrahamic faith communities.
If you are interested, Carol is leading another team on a study tour trip to the Holy Land Feb. 9-19, 2015. View the trip flier.
Photo: Carol Garwood presenting about her VIM trip to the Holy Land.
Have any copies of Journey Through the Bible Vol. 14 to lend?
University UMC in Salina, Kansas, needs a dozen copies of Cokesbury's Journey Through the Bible Vol. 14 for a lengthy study of the Epistles, led by Dr. Gordon Maxwell. If you have some copies of this classic that you can share, please contact Evelyn Maxwell atemmx@cox.net or 785-827-3304. The study begins Oct. 19, so they would like to receive the books before then if possible.
If you would like to use their study guides for your own class, download the Pathfinder Study sheets at uumcsalina.org/Education.
Other classifieds
- Folding chairs available in Anthony, Kansas
- First UMC in Belleville, Kansas, seeks director of Christian education
View these classifieds and more at greatplainsumc.org/classifieds.
Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement ____________________________
Date correctionEducation Caravan Oct. 2Education Caravan travels to Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 2Learn the importance of supporting public education. Along the way, learn about some tactics that might help your congregation partner with your local school. The date is Oct. 2.If you can’t attend the Big, Hairy, Audacious Education Caravan at Lincoln Saint Paul UMC, join in the webcast atGreatPlainsUMC.org/livestream beginning at 7 p.m. CDT/ 6 p.m. MDT. You can test your webcast capability from 2:30-3 p.m. CDT/1:30-2 p.m. MDT. Check out the resources and the mini-grant application atGreatPlainsUMC.org/education. 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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