Wednesday, December 17, 2014

The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church GP Connect for Wednesday, 17 December 2014

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In this edition of GPconnect:

Kansas churches invited to participate in Summer Feeding Program Summit on Jan. 26

In Kansas, nearly one in four children live in poverty. During the school year, many children receive two square meals a day, but in the summertime, too many of our Kansas children go hungry. However, the Federal Summer Feeding Program provides funding for communities to host sites where kids can be guaranteed a meal during the summer months. Unfortunately, Kansas ranks 50th in the nation for the percentage of children served by the summer meal program.

Congregations in the Great Plains Conference can make a big difference.

Consider sending representatives to the Summer Meals Summit in Wichita on Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., hosted by the Kansas Department of Education. Civic leaders, parks, educators, faith-based organizations and more will share best practices as well as barriers to participation. The Summit will include speakers from Share Our Strength, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Kansas Dept. of Education (KSDE), and Kansas Appleseed. The Summit will address urban and rural communities in both Eastern and Western Kansas and will include breakout discussion groups for all four groups.
The Summit is free of charge for Kansas churches and includes lunch. Register online. The location for the Summer Feeding Program Summit is the Kansas Leadership Center and Kansas Health Foundationconference center, 325 East Douglas Ave., in Wichita. (See map.)
For those individuals who live more than 175 miles from Wichita, the Kansas Health Foundation will provide one night’s lodging on Jan. 25 at the Ambassador Hotel, adjacent to the Summit location. (Participants will be responsible for any hotel charges other than the room rate and taxes.) Hotel reservations must be received by Jan. 4. You will need to provide a credit card number in order to guarantee your reservation when you call 316-239-7100. Be sure to mention the Kansas Summer Meals Summit when making your reservation.

Your voice is needed to help solve this crisis.

Please consider sending representatives to learn about providing meals for children this summer and share what needs are particular to your community. If your congregation has an education partnership already or is looking to begin one, this program is a natural tie-in to engaging with schools. Read more about Great Plains education partnerships.
If you have questions about the Kansas Summer Meals Summit, contact Blythe Thomas with the Kansas Health Foundation atbthomas@khf.org or 316-262-7676.

Immigration webcast set for Jan. 16

Video invitation from Justice For Our Neighbors - Nebraska

Justice For Our Neighbors Executive Director Emiliano Lerda invites all Great Plains United Methodists to participate in a LIVE webcast about changes to immigration law. We will share details on the new program announced by President Obama which will affect many people in our communities.
Join us Friday, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m. for “Who's In and Who's Out: A Conversation about Immigration” at GreatPlainsUMC.org/livestream to hear how we can help our neighbors keep their families together. All laity and clergy across the Great Plains Conference are welcome.
You and your church can help people in your community avoid victimization by unscrupulous attorneys or others who will try to take advantage of this situation and spread misinformation.
  • Watch a 2-minute video that succinctly explains President Obama's executive action on immigration.
  • Download a 2-page flier in English or in Spanish which outlines the two programs, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA).
We are preparing more resources to be posted at GreatPlainsUMC.org/ImmigrationResources.

Workers compensation insurance premiums due Jan. 10

Schifman, Remley & Associates (SRA) has sent the renewal certificates and billings to all local churches on the Conference Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy. Please make sure and pay the premium no later than Jan. 10. Send premiums directly to: Schifman, Remley at P.O. Box 2726, Mission, KS 66201. If you have questions on the billing, contact Karen Hoskins at 913-236-3015.
For the former Kansas East churches, packets were mailed to all local churches for their property/casualty and Workers’ Compensation insurance. Again, have premiums paid no later than Jan. 10. Contact Schifman, Remley & Associates and ask for Karen Hoskins, Sue Courtney or Carol Stevens if you did not receive a packet. Their toll free number is 1-800-304-9852 or 913-831-1777. 

Apply now for a Great Plains summer internship

This summer there are several opportunities for young adults to spend a summer internships in hands-on ministry in the Great Plains Conference. If you are or know of a young adult (18 or older) who is interested about how God might use them to change the world this summer, would you share this information? If you are a young adult,check out these opportunities on how you can make a difference, explore leadership, and spend a "summer of service" that you will remember for a lifetime!
Micah Corps
Learn about connecting your faith with social justice and practice leadership skills by visiting, researching and presenting key social justice topics throughout the Great Plains.
Vacation Bible School
Lead Vacation Bible School, paint a house, visit the elderly in a new community every week, while experiencing life-changing, faith-deepening opportunities.
Youth Interns
Explore youth ministry in a local church by being mentored and assisting leadership of a youth ministry throughout the summer.
Hispanic Ministry
Explore leadership in the dynamic landscape of Hispanic Ministry. Work with local churches who are bridging cultural, linguistic and generational gaps. Come alongside other young leaders in Hispanic Ministry through "HYLA" (Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy).
Camp Counselors
Spend the summer guiding students in an intentional community and throughout camp creation. Students range from first grade through high school seniors. Choose to spend the summer at one of six camps.
All the details on our summer internships are available on our website. Download this bulletin insert to help spread the word. If you have questions, contact the Rev. Nicole Conard atnconard@greatplainsumc.org.

Awards nominations now open

The Angie Newman, Francis Asbury and Harry Denman awards are now open for nominations for 2015. A difference from last year is that the award recipients will receive awards at a location other than the Annual Conference Session. Footage will be taken of each person receiving the award so a video can be compiled and shown at the 2015 Great Plains Annual Conference Session.
For more details on each award and how to submit a nomination, click here.
Angie Newman
The Angie Newman Award is to honor a laywoman of the Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church whose contribution to the church and the community is an example of the spirit of Angie Newman. The ministry of the recipient should demonstrate commitment, compassion and a sense of justice for all people, especially women, youth and children. Award nominations are due Feb. 15, 2015.
Francis Asbury
A non-monetary award to recognize and encourage support of higher education and campus ministries within The United Methodist Church. The award will offer recognition to individuals who have made a significant contribution to fostering the church's ministries in higher education at the local, district, or annual conference level of the church. The award is named for Bishop Asbury and is based on his admonition to the people called Methodist to erect a school in the vicinity of every church. "We must," he said, "...give the key of knowledge to your children, and those of the poor in the vicinity of your small towns and villages." Award nominations are due Jan., 15, 2015.
Harry Denman Evangelism Awards
The Harry Denman Evangelism Awards honor a United Methodist clergy, youth, and lay person in each annual conference who has exhibited outstanding efforts in Wesleyan evangelism by faithfully carrying out the mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ.” Those eligible for this prestigious award practice the Great Commission. This can involve personal witnessing, speaking, and inspiring individual persons or the local church to be actively involved helping people to experience the transforming love of God through Jesus Christ. Award nominations must be postmarked by March 1, 2015.

Education Partnership grants awarded to Kansas churches

Great Plains Conference Public Education Partnership Grants have been awarded to the following churches:
  • Colby UMC (Kansas): $1,000 for a comprehensive partnership which includes after school tutoring, support for a Kansas Day program, and teacher appreciation lunches.
  • Dighton UMC (Kansas): $500 for a program to assist teachers in obtaining classroom supplies
  • Leon UMC (Kansas): $1,000 for a backpack food program.
  • Lyons UMC (Kansas): $1,000 for a Fifth Quarter program in the church education building.
  • Moran UMC (Kansas): $1,000 to provide audio-visual equipment to enrich an existing Fifth Quarter program.
  • Ogden Friendship House of Hope (Ogden, Kansas): $1,000 for a program to provide grade appropriate books for reading with parents at home.    
  • Burlington UMC (Kansas): $400 for a reading program.
  • Caldwell UMC (Kansas): $500 to help start a partnership with school to help make sure homework gets done.
  • Calvary UMC (Wichita, Kansas): $1,000: to help fine tune motor skills for preschoolers.
  • Corbin UMC (Kansas): $665 to help improve Continue Existing program and partnership with Wichita State FCA.
  • East Heights UMC (Wichita, Kansas): $1,000 to plant a community garden for third graders.
  • Edgerton UMC (Kansas): $800 to help with additional programs like Thursday Power Hour.
  • First UMC (Lincoln, Nebraska): $1,000 for a new cooking program.
  • First UMC (Norfolk, Nebraska): $1,000 for a partnership with elementary school.
  • Goddard UMC (Kansas): $750 for food assistance and mentors.
  • Halstead UMC (Kansas): $1,000 for a Fifth Quarter program in partnership with school
  • Kingman UMC (Kansas): $400 to enhance Fifth Quarter program.
  • St. Mark’s UMC (Lincoln, Nebraska): $500 for literacy backpack program
  • Valley View UMC (Overland Park, Kansas): $500 for BackSnack program and sneakers for gym class.
  • Wesley UMC (Parsons, Kansas): $500 for equipment during football and basketball seasons.
The above list includes the recipients from both the first and second waves of grants. 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. A total of $15,515 have been awarded total.
If you have questions, contact the Rev. Evelyn Fisher, director of Congregational Excellence, at efisher@greatplainsumc.org.

Gateway District lay servant meets revised requirements for CLS designation

Sheila Jobman of Gothenburg UMC was interviewed by the Gateway District Committee on Lay Servant Ministries on Dec. 9, 2014. Sheila is the first Gateway District lay servant who has met the requirements for certification as lay speaker under the 2012 revised description. Her application is being forwarded to the Conference committee.
Photos: (left) Gateway LSM committee members pictured with Sheila are Norma Asher, Jerry Schwarz and George Probasco. (right) Ardith Davenport, director of Lay Servant Ministries, with Sheila Jobman

Great Plains Hispanic Ministry celebrates 100 Partners

Submitted by Corey Daniel Godbey, coordinator of Hispanic ministry for the Great Plains United Methodist Conference
More than one hundred leaders have renewed their commitment as “Partners” for United Methodist ministry with Hispanic/Latinos in the Great Plains Conference. These leaders expressed their desire to become partners during Annual Conference and then again this fall during regional prayer breakfasts held in two cities in Nebraska (Madison and Lincoln), and three locations in Kansas (Topeka, Wichita and Garden City). (See photos.) The group shares a vision to become more intentional in connection and collaboration which will open doors, shorten paths and accelerate processes for Hispanic Ministry.
Partners are asked to make a written pledge which covers four areas:
  1. Pray regularly for the leaders of the Great Plains Hispanic Ministries
  2. Give their time, talent and treasure to the development of Hispanic Ministry
  3. Attend regional and conference gatherings of Partners for Hispanic Ministry
  4. Invite (at least) one other leader to this partnership journey
The work of Partners is timely for hundreds of churches across our conference. With nearly 500,000 Hispanics within our conference bounds (Kansas and Nebraska), we must come together with renewed energy and creativity in order to become more fruitful. From 1990 to 2010, the number of counties in the Great Plains Conference with more than 1,000 Hispanics grew from 25 to 44 (source). Combined, the projected Hispanic population of Kansas City, Omaha and Wichita by the year 2018 will be more than 215,000 (source).
While the Hispanic population has boomed, our ministry efforts have also grown (though admittedly not fast enough). Currently, there are 17 United Methodist Hispanic congregations (see the map) and more than a dozen Great Plains United Methodist churches doing intentional outreach with their Hispanic neighbors. The Partners program exists to support the work of these ministries and many more that will emerge over the coming years. We are letting Colossians.1:9-12 guide us in our prayers for one another. That each would; know God’s will, do God’s will, be productive, have a growing relationship with God, have power in their lives and have a right attitude.
Partners are Hispanic and non-Hispanic pastors, district superintendents, lay leaders, college students, youth, community leaders... and you? Are you called to join the growing Partners movement? If so, send us this completed response card. We would be glad to chat with you about any questions or ideas you have related to Partners or Hispanic Ministry in general.
In 2015 both regional and conference gatherings of Partners are being organized. We have some amazing workshops and presenters in the works. Watch for more information to be announced soon regarding these events.
“My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend.” – Job.16:20-21

Jan. 10 retreat in Wichita stimulates health and wholeness 

Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita has announced a day-long retreat at the church targeting Health and Wholeness. The retreat will be held at the church from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2015.
“Wholeness does not indicate that we are without ailment, illness, or disease,” said the Rev .Dr. Lisa Thompson, event organizer. “Rather it means balancing that reality within our whole selves in a way that allows the body-mind-spirit connection to nurture and support each part of the connection without ignoring any one part, and in turn allows greater connection of health and wholeness for our community.”
The retreat is comprised of workshops that will address myths, facts, truths, and assumptions about health-related topics. The participant will receive honest information from experts in 16 different areas that will educate, equip and empower each person to move forward in their journey of health and wholeness.
This one-day event is an unique opportunity to engage body, mind, and spirit with experts in areas of fitness, nutrition, and wellness. The leaders of each fifty-minute workshop are passionate about sharing the benefits of their practice and will provide hands-on experience to begin or continue the journey of seeking health and wholeness.
Attendees may choose from workshops covering topics such as parenting, community gardening, massage therapy, anxiety, eating disorders, organization, yoga, core conditioning, dance for cardio benefit, chiropractic care, and sense of bodily balance.
The fee for the event is $25 and includes a gift bag, materials, and lunch.
Chapel Hill United Methodist Church is located near the east Wichita intersection of 13th Street North and K-96, at 1550 N. Chapel Hill Drive.
Contact the church office at 316-684-1117 for more information.

Promote Human Relations Day with resources from UMC Giving

Human Relations Day is Jan. 18, 2015.  One of United Methodism’s six church-wide Special Sundays with offerings, Human Relations Day calls us to extend a helping hand to those in crisis so they can overcome formidable obstacles. The offering supports Community Developers, United Voluntary Services and Youth Offender Rehabilitation programs. 

A collection of resources is available for you to download and use in the local church for Human Relations Day promotion.
Human Relations Day Pastor and Leader’s Kit
The Pastor and Leader’s Kit contains a collection of items you can download and use in your church to promote Human Relations Day.
2015 Human Relations Day Podcast Interviews
In podcast interviews, Rich Birch talks with United Methodist Church leaders about this Special Sunday. Hear firsthand about the programs your Human Relations Day offering supports.
Human Relations Day Infographic
This infographic, “16 Amazing Ways Your Help Makes a Difference on Human Relations Day,” shows how United Methodist-supported programs help communities flourish in tangible ways.
Human Relations Day eBook
This eBook, 18 Ways to Promote Human Relations Day, can help you prepare!
Human Relations Day Print Resources
Order your free offering envelopes and poster to promote this Special Sunday.
Thank you for being a part of what God will do this year through our gifts on Human Relations Day.

Upcoming events from Aldersgate Renewal Ministries

Spring Women's Day Apart will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, with an optional evening of praise on Friday, Feb., 6. The event takes place at the Aldersgate Renewal Center, 121 East Ave., Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Register online. Download the flier with details on this event and the next two.
Healing Workshop
The Methodist School For Supernatural Ministry will hold a session Feb. 25-28. Topics include:
  • How to Heal a Church
  • Teaching Children to Heal
  • The Father Wound
  • Holy Spirit Guided Healing Prayer
  • Healing for Sexual Brokenness
  • Emotional Roots to Physical Sickness
  • When Healing Doesn’t Come
Marriage Retreat
A retreat for clergy and their spouses will be April 7-10. The time will be filled with worship, testimony, ministry, fun and a date night! Registration fee of $199 per couple includes 3 nights of lodging and all meals. Register online. 

Hays District to offer "Know Your Job" workshop

Sponsored by the Hays District Committee on Connectional Ministry, two identical workshops will include the opportunities for laity and clergy of the Hays District to learn about the work of the finance committee, trustees, and the S/PPRC. Each workshop is designed for all members of the committees and not just the chairpersons. It is the district office's sincere desire that each church will be well represented in this important event. If you have questions, call 785-628-8188.
The agenda for each two-hour workshop:
 Opening Worshipled by Jim Akins, district superintendent of the Hays District
 Finance Committeeled by Gary Beach, treasurer of the Great Plains Conference
 Trusteesled by Patrick McKaig, property manager for the Great Plains Conference
 S/PPRCled by Jim Akins

Super early bird rate now available for three-day Congregational Care seminar

Join Executive Pastor Karen Lampe and The Church of the Resurrection (COR) Congregational Care Team for a three-day seminar designed to prepare lay volunteers to work alongside pastors and staff to minister to and care for your congregation as Congregational Care Ministers.
Registration is open for this important training event being held at COR's Leawood campus on April 16th - 18th, 2015.
Several years ago at the Church of the Resurrection developed a program transforming the way that they provide care for our congregation. They equipped volunteers to be Congregational Care Ministers (CCMs) and deployed them to work alongside pastors and staff to minister to and holistically care for our congregation. This partnership between lay and clergy has enabled them to provide a more consistent and deeper level of care to their church family.
Topics to be covered in the training include: Prayer, Theology of Care, Boundaries, Listening, Visitation, Death and Grief and Organization. With this training, volunteers will be empowered to make hospital visits, telephone persons in need of contact, meet one-on-one with persons in need of a listening ear, offer support to grieving families and proactively seek to encourage and care for persons in need.
A "Super Early Bird" registration rate of $140 is being offered for those who register by midnight Jan. 15. Registration is limited, so register today for the best rate and availability.
Additional information about upcoming events is available on COR'sLeadership and Renewal webpage. For information regarding the Congregational Care Ministry Seminar, click here or contact Kathy Carter at kathy.carter@cor.org or 913-544-0272.

Save the date for Leadership Institute 2015

Mark your calendars for Leadership Institute 2015, being held at The Church of the Resurrection Wednesday, Sept. 30 - Friday, Oct. 2.  Additional details and registration will be available starting May 1 atli.cor.org. 

Moving your newsletter into the digital age

The cost of printing is rising and many people are used to receiving e-newsletters in their email inboxes. You don't have to sell the copier quite yet, but you should start growing into the digital age with email marketing.
Moving your newsletter into the digital age by Jeremy Steele
One staple of church communication is the monthly newsletter. Filled with information on everything from when the trustees will meet to an overview of the enlightened teaching by the guest speaker at last month’s UMW meeting, it has served us well. As with everything else, it represents an opportunity to grow into the digital age.  
Not only are the costs of printing and mailing rising; many in our congregations are growing accustomed to receiving these types of information in their email inboxes rather than their physical mailboxes. Don’t worry; you don’t have to sell the copier quite yet, but take a moment to think through the various steps you might take to bring this stalwart of communication into the digital age.
Step 1: Produce and host PDF.
This is the bare minimum any church should do. The PDF format has become the most universal standard for sharing formerly printed files in digital form. It is so ubiquitous that every layout program produced in the past several years has a function to export a PDF file. If you currently print a newsletter, you need only add about 15 minutes to export it to a PDF and upload it to your website.
After putting the file online, you can use a bulk-email service like the free Mailchimp to send a churchwide email with the link to the document where people can use their cellphones and other devices to browse the newsletter wherever they happen to be.
Step 2: Use a PDF service.
Though it is nice to offer people the link to download the PDF file, that can be cumbersome and take a lot of room on their device. That’s where PDF services like ISSUU.com (free for the basics) come in. These services perform the same sort of service YouTube does for video for your PDFs. Instead of having to download the entire file, your members can flip through the pages online and not tie up precious space on their cell phone or tablet.  
The other benefit of these services is the more polished user interface. When someone downloads your PDF off a website, you are never sure what kind of experience they have. Does opening the file cause them to open a Pandora’s box of Adobe update reminders or cause a font error message? Instead of relying on people having a good reader app installed, these PDF services make sure your publication is presented well and has no hang-ups being viewed on whatever device your members own.
Step 3: Try digital native publishing.
All of that is well and good, but publishing PDFs loses the power of the Internet by just making a digital copy of what was intended for a print medium. As good as that experience might be, it will always be secondary to a native format like a website or blog. At some point, your church will need to decide when enough people are desiring to interact with your newsletter in a digital form to add a bit more work. When that happens, it is time to consider publishing it in a digitally native format.
That means adding a section on your well-designed, attractive, easy-to-use website to your monthly newsletter tasks. Though you may release the same content as before, you will do it online. For the articles and updates, you can publish each as a blog entry. When you are doing a monthly release, it is important to make sure your website theme allows you to show a list of the most recent entries. In the case of the monthly calendar, you can use Google’s free calendar and simply embed that calendar on a page in your website.
Creating content in this digitally native format makes it much easier to read and removes any barrier of file size or screen size that might prevent someone from accessing it through a PDF. While you may still produce a paper version, all you need to do is copy and paste the articles from the layout program into your web provider.
Step 4: Send an email version of your newsletter.  
We have discussed church email marketing, but every type of digital distribution means you need a way to send mass emails to notify or deliver the content to your parishioners. Many online services will help you develop and distribute your newsletter through email. Most of them charge a fee, based on the unique number of emails you use with a free version below a certain number. However, even with the fee, it is far less expensive than printing and mailing each copy. Check out these email service providers: MailChimp, Constant Contact and Vertical Solutions. And, don’t forget to dig into our church email marketing overview.
Step 5: Go digital first.
This step takes the digitally native concept to its logical conclusion. Most churches choose to take this step when most of their people are consuming the newsletter online. Though you may choose to print something, your time and energy will be focused first and foremost on your website. Once this happens, you can live fully into the digital world and let go of several print conventions.
The primary convention that will free you from a lot of stress while increasing engagement is the idea of a “monthly” release. There is no reason to release things together at a specific time. In fact, publishing articles as soon as people turn them in will create a regular flow of traffic and provide more opportunities for people to see and share your content.
When you post articles to your website, make sure they are pushed immediately through your social media platforms by giving a short quote and link. At this point, your email strategy changes as well from a monthly link to a weekly or biweekly digest of all articles that were shared online.

Wesleyan Live to offer Lenten study for lay leaders and clergy

The Rev. Mel Luetchens of Nebraska Wesleyan University knows even as we celebrate Advent, clergy and lay leaders are thinking about the upcoming church calendar as well. In that vein, consider the Lenten study series to be offered through Wesleyan Live, an informal class especially for the lay leaders and clergy in our United Methodist churches. Hundreds of people have been involved over the years in stimulating lectures and discussion on a wide range of topics. In recent semesters the classes have been made available on-line. Participants may participate in real time or watch archived sessions.

In February 2015, Wesleyan Live will be offering a class that will fit well, both in timing and topic, in the Lenten Season. The theme is The Sermon on the Mount for the 21st Century. It will be taught by well-acclaimed biblical scholar and author Dr. Robert Jewett. It will be offered each Monday night during Lent, beginning February 23. Participants in close proximity to Lincoln, Nebraska, are welcome to be a part of the live class at the Great Plains Conference office. Others can participate through the webcast. The registration fee is $40, $20 for retirees, $75 for a group of any size.

Please consider using this class offering as one of your options for a very unique Lenten Study experience. Download the course outline andspeakers' bios for added information. An online registration form will be available in the coming weeks. If you have further questions, please contact The Rev. Mel Luetchens at mluetche@NebrWesleyan.edu or402-465-2570.

Perkins School of Theology-SMU announces streamlined M.Div. degree

Perkins School of Theology-Southern Methodist University announces the restructuring of its Master of Divinity degree, effective spring 2015. The redesigned program will enable full-time students to complete the program in three years and will reduce the overall cost of the degree.
Primarily for students who plan to pursue ordination as clergy, the M.Div. degree will now require 73 term hours of academic credit: 64 term hours of coursework and 9 term hours earned through the satisfactory completion of a supervised internship.
The streamlined degree was approved unanimously by Perkins faculty on Dec. 1, 2014, upon the recommendation of the school’s Committee on Academic Programs.
In addition to the time and cost savings for students, the revamped curriculum provides greater flexibility in areas of ministerial focus, according to Perkins Dean William B. Lawrence. “This change in the M.Div. degree reflects the continued commitment of Perkins School of Theology to prepare women and men for faithful leadership in Christian ministry for the 21st century,” he said. “Students in the M.Div. program will now be able to complete their theological education in a timely and efficient way, while being extremely well-prepared to pursue their vocations.”
The supervised nine-month internship, a hallmark of the Perkins School of Theology M.Div. degree, will continue to provide a context for practical ministerial experience engaged with critical theological reflection for students serving within a congregation or agency. 
Changes in the curriculum will include modifications to some courses, a redistribution of certain core requirements, opportunities to concentrate studies in elective areas, and permitting students who are on internships to complete their academic classes at the same time as they intern in places of ministry.
“The commitment of Perkins School of Theology to academic excellence and to world-class theological education is underscored in the way we have restructured this foundational professional degree for ministry,” Dean Lawrence said. “Our students will not only complete the M.Div. degree in a more timely way and reduce overall indebtedness, they will enter their full-time ministries with an even stronger foundation in the areas to which they have been called.”

Cooking up a happy Christmas at Epworth Village

Clients, staff and their families gathered for the annual Epworth Village Christmas Dinner at First United Methodist Church in York on Dec. 10.
Guest Chef, Kitchen Wizard and Epworth Village Board member Dr. Patrick Hotovy cooked up a delicious meal of roast pork loin, cheezy potatoes, green beans with almonds, dinner rolls and a kicked-up white chocolate brownie. The chef was assisted in the kitchen by his family and several volunteers.
Inspiration for the evening was provided in the form of a blessing by Rev. Cliff Reynolds, with a message from Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds, the story of the Nativity read by Epworth Village youth and music by the First United Methodist Church choir.
It was agreed by all in attendance the food and fellowship couldn’t be beat; especially when there were seconds of both to go around.
Photo: Guest Chef Dr. Patrick Hotovy and his family cooked up and provided a delicious dinner for Epworth Village staff and clients; demonstrating the fact he is a wizard in the kitchen. 

Donors brighten the Christmas season for Epworth Village 

Last week the Epworth Village Shining Lights Christmas Store was in full swing; welcoming ‘shoppers’ from three of the agency’s departments. All tolled the store furnished gifts for nearly 90 people as clients shopped for their family members, In-Home staff shopped for the families they serve and Foster Families shopped for their kiddos.
Generous donors provided funds to purchase gifts for the store as well as items to stock it. Toys, dolls, Hot Wheels, sports balls, lotion and cologne sets, picture frames, family-friendly movies, Christmas decorations, coffee mugs, hats and gloves for all ages were among the offerings. Gift wrapping services were available as well.
Members of the Community Relations Committee of the Epworth Village Board assisted with shopping and setting up the store. Epworth Village Public Relations Coordinator Marcia Schlegelmilch expressed appreciation to all of the volunteers and donors who allowed our youth and families to experience the gift of giving this Christmas season.
Photo: Epworth Village Board member Pastor Mary Scott assisted Epworth Village youth choosing and wrapping Christmas gifts for their family members Friday, Dec. 12. 

EAD 2015 – Breaking the Chains: Mass Incarceration & Systems of Exploitation

Come to Washington, DC, April 17-20, 2015, for the 13th Annual National Gathering of Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice titled, “Breaking the Chains: Mass Incarceration and Systems of Exploitation.”
Join more than 1,000 Christian advocates in building a movement to shake the foundations of systems of human exploitation (Acts 16:16-40), including a prison-industrial system that incarcerates millions of people in the U.S. and abroad. A world that incarcerates so many and allows some to profit from the exploitation of slave, trafficked and forced labor remains far from the “beloved community” which we are all called to seek.
The U.S. makes up only five percent of the world’s population yet holds nearly a quarter of the world’s prisoners. Still, “imprisonment” is a worldwide problem and takes various forms, as everywhere people around the world remain trapped in detention centers, prisons, factories and drug wars that bind and dehumanize individuals for political or economic profit.
Lamentations asks, “When all the prisoners of the land are crushed under foot, when human rights are perverted in the presence of the Most High, when one’s case is subverted – does the Lord not see it?” (Lam. 3:34-36) Do we?
As people of faith, we denounce the elements in our world that justify such systems of exploitation and mass incarceration. At EAD, we will confess our personal and corporate failure to break the chains of poverty, racism, and greed institutionalized in our laws, economy, and social behaviors that collude to perpetuate such human exploitation and strip civil and human rights.
As people of Hope, we are reminded that Jesus’ radical message was one of liberation for all and restoration of right relationships. Through prayer, worship, advocacy training, networking and mobilization with other Christians, we will face the reality of mass incarceration and corporate exploitation, and call for national policies that bring liberation both to the prisoner and to a world in need of restoration – all culminating with EAD’s Congressional Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.
Sponsors for EAD include United Methodist Women and the General Board of Church and Society.
If you are interested in going, contact the Great Plains Peace with Justice Coordinator Andrea Paret at amparet08@yahoo.com.

General Board of Global Ministries Calls for Prayer for the People of Peshawar, Pakistan

Our thoughts and prayers are again with the people of Peshawar, Pakistan, in the wake of a December 16 terrorist attack on a school, which has left more than 145 school children and teachers dead and many others injured. We join with the Church of Pakistan, our mission partner, in praying for all those who have been affected by this latest attack and for a future of peace and security in the region.
Call for Prayer for the People of Peshawar, Pakistan
Invitation from Thomas Kemper, General Secretary
General Board of Global Ministries
Our thoughts and prayers are again with the people of Peshawar, Pakistan, in the wake of a December 16 terrorist attack on a school, which has left more than 145 school children and teachers dead and many others injured.
We join with the Church of Pakistan, our mission partner, in praying for all those who have been affected by this latest attack and for a future of peace and security in the region.
It is not the first occurrence of this type. On September 22, 2013, some 90 people were killed and dozens injured in Peshawar when two suicide bombers attacked All Saints Church on a Sunday morning as worship concluded. Peshawar is located in the far northwest of Pakistan, near the border with Afghanistan.
Our friend Insar, who lost two children and other relatives in the church bombing, informs us by email that Peshawar is “very tense” after the attack on the school. Insar is the youth coordinator of the Diocese of Peshawar of the Church of Pakistan, a union of Protestants in the country. Pakistan and the Peshawar region are predominantly Muslim.
According to the preliminary international press reports, the attack on December 16 was carried out by the Taliban against the Army Public School and Degree College, a government institution with an enrollment of 2,500 boys and girls. The New York Times reported that the Taliban claimed responsibility for the bloodshed as retaliation for government offenses against militants in the tribal district of North Warziristan, west and southwest of Peshawar.
“The parents of the children are in deep grief, and the whole of the environment in Peshawar is under terror and under grief,” Insar writes. “Please pray for all [affected by] this situation, [for] protection of our city and for peace in our region.”
Nothing justifies the killing of children and we urge all to put the well-being of children first. Special prayers for Peshawar and the families impacted by the school bombing will be said at the weekly staff prayer meeting at Global Ministries on December 17. All United Methodists are invited to pause for prayer at 11 a.m. EST that day.
There is a deep spiritual bond between the Diocese of Peshawar and the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Insar and his wife Uzma recounted their experience of the 2013 bombing of All Saint’s Church to directors of the mission agency in April 2014. The couple was in the United States for a period of renewal following the harrowing incident. Global Ministries is an advocate for religious liberty and positive interfaith relations in the area, efforts in which Insar and Uzma actively engage.

GBCS top executive calls for respecting life as a gift from God

The chief executive of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) is among U.S. religious leaders who condemn torture practices of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The Rev Susan Henry-Crowe, GBCS’s top executive, said the torture outlined in a Senate Intelligence Committee report “shocks the conscience.” She called for actions that respect life as a gift from God in condemning any government-sanctioned practices that violate moral teachings.

Shock to conscience

U.S. religious leaders condemn CIA torture

Senate Intelligence Committee Report on CIA torture activities
Part of declassified section of the report on CIA interrogation and detention programs, released by Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Dec. 9. (Image: Senate Intelligence Committee)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chief executive of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) is among U.S. religious leaders who condemn torture practices of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The Rev Susan Henry-Crowe, GBCS’s top executive, said the torture outlined in a Senate Intelligence Committee report “shocks the conscience.” She called for actions that respect life as a gift from God in condemning any government-sanctioned practices that violate moral teachings.
The torture outlined in a Senate Intelligence Committee report “shocks the conscience.”
Henry-Crowe joined several religious leaders who condemned the use of torture by the CIA the Senate Intelligence Committee released Dec. 9 a 500-page executive summary of its findings. The full 6,000-page report remains classified.
The comments were provided by the Washington-based National Religious Campaign Against Torture after the report became public.

Condemns tactics

The intelligence committee began investigating the CIA’s treatment of detainees in the so-called war on terror almost six years ago. Committee members adopted the report in 2012 and agreed to release it in April, but Senate Democrats waited eight months to do so.
Some of the tactics were more brutal than first described.
The report condemned U.S. tactics, which critics have described as torture, used against detainees. It said some of the tactics were more brutal than first described, produced little information that prevented an attack and often resulted in “fabricated” information.
The chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on International Justice & Peace said acts of torture outlined in the report “violated the God-given human dignity inherent in all people and were unequivocally wrong.”
Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, N.M., also called on President Barack Obama to strengthen the legal prohibitions against torture “to ensure that this never happens again.”

Lack of moral integrity

Sister Patricia Chappell, executive director of Pax Christi USA, said she was appalled by the “lack of moral integrity of a nation and individuals who justify the use of torture in the name of national security.” She called the actions by the CIA a “travesty of justice and a flagrant violation of human rights, with no reverence for the dignity of human life.”
Gerry Lee, executive director of the Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns, said the report should drive Congress to enact new laws to permanently prevent the use of torture.
“Maryknoll missioners have very often served in communities alongside torture survivors, and some have experienced torture themselves,” Lee said. “As Christians, they know that it is horrific, dehumanizing behavior and its use must be stopped immediately.”
Scott Wright, director of the Columban Centre for Advocacy & Outreach, said torture is never justified. The report “makes very clear that crimes were committed, laws were broken and lies were told to the American people by our government,” he said. “We must never as a nation go down that path again.”

Brutal violation of basic values

The acts of torture described in the report “are not just horrific,” but also represent a “brutal violation of our country’s most basic values,” said Matt Hawthorne, policy director for the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.
With the report’s release, the United States can begin healing “from self-inflicted spiritual wounds,” Hawthorne said.
“The revelations about the use of torture have been a source of torture to many of us,” said Sayyid Syeed, national director of the Office of Interfaith & Community Alliances of the Islamic Society of North America. “We had taken pride in the fact that we have left behind many societies where it was a norm and that we had chosen to be part of a nation that prided itself on its belief in human dignity and human rights.”
The Rev. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches, said he was grieved that “in our name others were tortured.”
“May God give us the moral courage to never again betray the core principles that have guided our nation as a leader in the struggle for human rights,” Medley said.
Editor's note: This article by Catholic News Service was posted Dec. 10 in theCatholic Herald.

First UMC in Omaha serves during mission trip to Jamaica

Submitted by the Rev. Jane Florence, pastor at First UMC, in Omaha, Nebraska
For nearly 25 years, the Volunteer in Mission (VIM) group has been one of First UMC’s (Omaha, Nebraska) conduits for volunteers to reach out to support those in need in our local community, in other locations in and outside of the US. This fall brought a new and unique opportunity for volunteerism to our church family.
In October and November, we sent two teams of volunteers to Jamaica to help with a medical and non-medical project. When you think of Jamaica, the first thoughts are probably envisioning yourself in a nice lounge chair on a white sand beach with a warm breeze, dark blue Caribbean waters, and lots of sunshine. That is the vision many of us have of this island nation. However, once you move away from the resorts, sand beaches and cruise ship docks, the realities of this small island country becomes very apparent.
Many people struggle with daily life; poverty, substandard housing, limited public services, scarce employment opportunities (more than 40 percent unemployment), and limited basic personal health care, all add to aside of Jamaica most of us don't see. Our volunteer team from FUMC linked up with others from Nebraska City and Kansas City to form a medical and non-medical team. A total of 23 volunteers out of Omaha paid their travel and living expenses, and many took time off from their regular jobs to help others in need. Nearly 30 large boxes of medical and building supplies were transported with the groups out of Omaha.
Physicians and medical professionals from FUMC, along with our companion groups from Kansas City and Nebraska City, worked at a clinic serving the medical needs of the local citizenry when volunteers from the US are present. Patients started lining up at the clinic at 5 a.m. Approximately 80 people were scheduled for medical care each day. For most people in the community, this is the only chance to get the most basic medical care.
The non-medical team was busy also. Volunteer projects included visits to a nursing home, an orphanage, contacts with a state run facility (Safe House) that houses pre-teen and teenage girls, support for the medical clinic, Bible school for the youngsters, painting and home repair.
All of us were blessed to not only work with other volunteers who complimented our Omaha group, but to have the opportunity to get to know many of the wonderful people of Jamaica who were so appreciative of our efforts. At the end of each day we were exhausted, hot and ready for a shower. However, even though we were anxious to head back to our homes in the US, at the end our nine-day trip, leaving our new friends was hard. Each of us was touched by this experience.

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Gracewire app helps revitalize churches

Ministry Connections LLC proudly presents the Gracewire app — a ministry app that helps revitalize churches through mobile communications.
The Gracewire app was developed by two passionate United Methodists in order to improve their church’s communication abilities. They are now offering this same Megachurch technology at local church prices to all United Methodist churches in the Great Plains Conference and beyond.
More than 2/3 of all Americans use smart devices to stay connected and informed. With 1,000,000 mobile devices sold every day, that percentage continues to grow. The Gracewire app allows you to:
  • Share your message more effectively with mobile audio/video technology
  • Make available your shared calendar
  • Empower your stewardship through mobile giving
  • Keep your congregation informed of meetings and events
  • Provide an updatable mobile church directory
  • Post documents such as newsletters, bulletins, and sermon notes that can be viewed or downloaded
Save time, money, and headaches with the Gracewire app. The mission of Ministry Connections LLC is to empower local church ministry by providing affordable, effective mobile ministry solutions.
The Gracewire app is free to church members. The church pays a one-time installation fee of $200 and a maintenance fee starting at $14.99/month depending on church membership (a church with a membership of 200 or less is only $14.99/month). The Gracewire app is simple to implement and update. It is user friendly no matter your technical abilities.
If you would like more information, contact Dr. Dennis Jensen at 402-369-0374 or drjensen@ministryconnectionsllc.com.

Press Clips

Congregations across the Great Plains Conference are making the news in their local newspapers. View our newspaper clipping reports to see if there are stories, ideas and ministry happenings you can learn from to use in your own congregation. Press clips can be found at greatplainsumc.org/inthenews. You can see education partnership ideas at greatplainsumc.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.
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@greatplainsumc.org.
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