Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Great Plains Conference Communications - GP Connect for Wednesday, 28 January 29015

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In this edition of GPconnect:

Great Plains clergy honored by The Kansas African American Museum

The Rev. Dr. Kevass Harding (right) of Dellrose UMC and the Rev. Junius B. Dotson (middle) of Saint Mark UMC, both in Wichita, were honored by The Kansas African American Museum on Jan. 17 as part of a weekend of events celebrating the life and work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Also recognized was Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett (left). All three honorees worked hard this year to address justice issues with the goal of preventing civil rights issues similar to those in Ferguson, Missouri. On Jan. 19, The Greater Wichita Ministerial League recognized the Rev. Junius Dotson with the Spirit of Unity Award.
  • Read more: www.greatplainsumc.org/newsdetail/681928

    Celebrating the life and work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

    1/18/2015

    Great Plains clergy honored by The Kansas African American Museum

    Wichitans from throughout the community joined together at various venues this weekend to celebrate the life and work of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
    Christian Faith Centre started the celebration Saturday morning, Jan. 17, with a free pancake breakfast followed by a community-wide parade through downtown Wichita.
    The events provide an excellent opportunity to bring people together throughout the community, said the Rev. Wade Moore, senior pastor at Christian Faith Centre and president of The Greater Wichita Ministerial League which organized the weekend’s events.
    “These celebrations give us a sense of unity again,” Moore said. “Our focus here at Christian Faith Centre is to teach our children the civil rights issues of the past and to inform them about some of the things Dr. King stood for.”
    Joseph Elmore, a member of Saint Mark United Methodist Church, said that he hopes these celebrations taking place this weekend will galvanize the youth in Wichita and cause them to be activists in their community.
    “We need to remember our past so we can better understand where we are and where we are going,” Elmore said.
    Ellis Hardyway, former president of the United Methodist Men at Saint Mark UMC, said he came to the pancake breakfast and parade to remember the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and to help his wife Barbara reach out to homeless veterans.
    “The events taking place this weekend are beneficial to the community because it allows us to bring young people together to remind them of the struggles we have taken part of,” Hardyway said. “Teaching them something about how to help the community grow is always a positive thing. “
    After the parade, members of The Kansas African American Museum (TKAAM) offered community projects that will benefit children and families throughout the area. The celebration continued with a book drive at TKAAM where visitors donated their favorite books to be sent to children in Africa. Book donors were encouraged to write a personal message inside their books which will be shipped to the Village of Hope orphanage in Ghana.
    TKAAM hosted its 36th Annual MLK Celebration later that evening at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita. The event featured local performers and choirs.
    “This evening’s program caps a day of events that we were a part of, said Mark McCormick, executive director of The Kansas African American Museum. “One of the things that I really wanted to do is dispel the myth that this is an African-American holiday. People perceive it that way so we tried to be very purposeful and intentional – really like the United Methodist Church – to reach out to different communities,” McCormick said.
    This celebration was also a time for TKAAM to honor individuals for their civic duty in the community. The Rev. Dr. Kevass Harding of Dellrose UMC in Wichita and the Rev. Junius B. Dotson of Saint Mark UMC in Wichita along with Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett each received special recognition for their active roles in the community.
    “We had a difficult summer last year in Ferguson and then protests spread throughout the country,” McCormick said. He noted that Harding, Dotson and Bennett “worked very hard to prevent something like that from happening here.” Their efforts led to the Wichita Police Department agreeing to invest in body cameras, an initiative which will protect both law enforcement officers and citizens, McCormick said.
    TKAAM’s Education Director Christyn Breathett said that the awards are given to individuals who exemplify the mission and vision of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
    “Each of them – in their own unique way – are performing and living their lives as Martin would,” Breathett said.
    The celebration also provided an opportunity for Wichitans to discuss justice issues in the community in hopes of preventing civil rights issues similar to those in Ferguson, Missouri.
    “Our main reason for having the event is about coming together and recognizing social evils that are out there, and approaching our younger generation,” Breathett said. “It’s also about encouraging one another to be activists in our community.”
    The Martin Luther King Jr. celebration will conclude Monday at Wichita State University’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex, starting at noon. The event is sponsored by The Greater Wichita Ministerial League and WSU’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion. It features guest speaker Dr. Lance. D. Watson, pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia. The location is 5015 E. 29th Street N., approximately one mile north of WSU's main campus.
    Moore said that weekend is a chance to bring people together throughout the Wichita area no matter what denomination or affiliation. This is not only a celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., but also a time for community members to come together and talk about justice issues throughout our city, state and nation.
    “The atmosphere [at Monday’s celebration] will be more like a church service, just like it was in the civil rights days,” Moore said. “We are bringing it back to a church-like service to let the people know that the church is the seat of the movement and that there is work left to be done.”
  • https://www.flickr.com//photos/greatplainsumc/sets/72157649949848310/show/
  • See photos on Flickr.

New disaster response coordinator announced

The Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team is happy to announce the Rev. Hollie Tapley as the new disaster response coordinator for the Great Plains Conference. Tapley comes to from the Florida Conference where she served as the minister of discipleship at Memorial UMC and was the Florida Conference UMVIM Chair.
Tapley is a graduate of Auburn University, New Orleans Baptist Seminary and finished her Methodism studies for Ordination at Chandler School of Theology.
She has a deep love for serving others and serves with Christ’s compassion as she brings hope to those in very tender moments of their lives. She began going on mission trips and long term disaster recovery trips in the late 70s and continues to serve with the eyes, ears and touch of Christ.
Tapley and her 10-year-old hound/beagle mix, Kylie, are looking forward to making new friends and enjoying many years of service with The Great Plains Annual Conference.
“Hollie’s commitment and passion to accompany people who experience disaster in their lives reminds me of the “Summons” hymn,” said Kalaba Chali, Great Plains Mercy and Justice coordinator. “In this song we are called to go to places where we don’t know and have our lives changed. Hollie’s coming to Nebraska and Kansas illustrates the message of this hymn. Before accepting the position of disaster response coordinator, she had not been to Kansas and Nebraska. We are grateful that she has decided to leave the warm weather of Georgia and Florida to come experience the Midwest weather.”

New communications director announced

Great Plains Conference is pleased to announce the hiring of Todd Seifert as communications director. He will begin his duties Feb. 6.
A graduate of the University of Kansas, Seifert has served as the editor at Spectrum Media in St. George, Utah, since 2001. While editor, Seifert managed editorial content in several print publications as well as two websites.
In addition to his time as editor, and other volunteer roles, Seifert served as church council chairman at Shepard of the Hills UMC in St. George, where his wife, the Rev. Amy Seifert, also served as associate pastor.
"I'm very excited about this opportunity to work with a talented staff in an energetic conference,” said Seifert. “Service to the Lord has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I can't wait to get started in this new role telling the stories of the Great Plains Conference's congregations and helping foster communication among our United Methodist churches."
“Todd Seifert brings a wealth of experience in communication as well as long-time service to his United Methodist congregation,” said Great Plains Conference Bishop Scott Jones. “We welcome him and Amy back home to the Midwest and look forward to his leadership of our communications team.”

United Methodist Health Ministry Fund announces new VP

The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund is pleased to welcome Aaron Walker as the Fund’s new vice president for strategic development. Walker will in part continue the work of the recently retired vice president for programs, Virginia Elliott, but will primarily be responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the Fund as the health foundation seeks to broaden its work beyond traditional grantmaking to achieve a greater and more lasting impact on the health of Kansans.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work with the incredible staff at the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund and to aid in the execution of the Board’s strategic vision for the future of health philanthropy,” Walker said.
Walker’s work will include developing grant applications for submission to national private funders and government, development of projects for co-funding by Kansas and regional private funders, supporting nonprofits in their own development work, offering fiscal agent services for projects and startup organizations, and exploring financing strategies such as private venture capital and other new social entrepreneurial approaches.
“We believe that being an endowed philanthropy does not mean our only role is making grants to third parties, and we’re thrilled to have someone with Aaron’s capabilities and experience as we explore opportunities to improve the health of Kansans and engage in collaborative philanthropy in ways that transcend the traditional foundation model,” said Kim Moore, Health Fund president.
Walker was formerly director of business development at EmberHope in Wichita, Kansas, where he was employed since 2003. He graduated from Valley Center High School and Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Science in administration of justice. While in high school and college, Walker was very involved in theater, filmmaking and playwriting. He also received a diploma in guerilla filmmaking from the New York Film Academy. Walker is a Franklin Covey Certified Trainer in strategy execution and has completed an Advanced Analytics for Child Welfare Administration program at the University of Chicago.
Walker is married with two children and lives in Wichita. He began work at the Health Fund Jan. 20.
Founded in 1986, the Hutchinson-based United Methodist Health Ministry Fund has invested more than $62 million in health, healing and wholeness for Kansans. Additional information about its grant opportunities and initiatives may be found at www.healthfund.org.

Webinar tomorrow on Health Insurance Marketplace and resources

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Kansas City Regional Office invites members of the Great Plain Conference to an educational webinar/conference call on the Health Insurance Marketplace. The session will focus on the tools and resources available to faith-based and community leaders that can assist you in connecting those who are most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach to the health services they need.
The webinar/conference call is tomorrow, Jan. 29, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. CST. Please reserve your spot at https://eventbrite.com/event/15437265276/
If you are aware of any faith-based leaders, organizations, and networks that may benefit from attending this webinar, please forward this invitation to them.
If you have any questions or have difficulty registering, contact Lorelei Schieferdecker at Lorelei.Schieferdecker@cms.hhs.gov or call 816-426-6453.

Local church report deadline is Jan. 31, at 5 p.m.

  • All local church statistical reports must be submitted via the GCFA website (EZRA) http://ezra.gcfa.org.
  • Username is your GCFA church number. The initial password is 123456.
  • Instructions, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and video tutorials are available on the conference website at:greatplainsumc.org/churchcouncilandleaderresources.
  • Links to access a blank form and reports are available on the Ezra site.
If you do not have internet access, contact your district office.

CoOportunity Health company to close

Nebraska clergy who have insurance coverage through CoOportunity Health may have received notification that coverage would continue in spite of the company’s financial difficulties. Please note that a recent decision of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner will result in liquidation of the company. Anyone with an insurance policy from CoOportunity Health will need to switch to other coverage by March 1, 2015. After March 1st, CoOportunity will no longer be a qualified health plan and advanced premium tax credits and cost sharing subsidies to CoOportunity enrollees will stop.
In announcing this decision, Iowa Insurance Commissioner Gerhart strongly recommends that individuals obtain other coverage as soon as possible. Open enrollment continues until February 15, 2015. Employers with coverage in the group market need to work with their agent to obtain other coverage as soon as possible. Upon liquidation, groups will have 30-45 days to secure coverage.
See additional info below:

Total of funds raised for Ebola patient, Dr. Salia, announced

Niki Buesing, controller for the Great Plains, is pleased to announce that contributions totaled more than $20,416 for the fund to help pay the transportation expense to bring Dr. Martin Salia to the Medical Center in Omaha for Ebola treatment. Payment has been made to the State Department to help offset that obligation of the Salia family. Dr. Salia contracted the Ebola virus while treating patients in Sierra Leone where he served at Kissy United Methodist Hospital and other medical facilities in and near Freetown.
The photos were taken at the candlelight vigil held for Dr. Salia in Omaha at Hanscom Park UMC. Read more: www.greatplainsumc.org/newsdetail/drsalia-489355

Register now to attend a confirmation rally with Bishop Jones

Bishop Jones invites all confirmation classes to join him for one of three confirmation rallies.
All events will be held from noon to 5 p.m. CDT.
Confirmation students will have a chance to meet Bishop Jones as well as student leaders from the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM).
This will be a fast-moving, interactive event complete with food, music, and games. The opening session will focus on "What does it mean to be a Christian" and the closing session will focus on "What does it mean to be a United Methodist." Mini sessions include "Scripture and Tradition," "Reason and Experience," "Being a Leader," and a Q & A time with Bishop Jones.
The cost for each event is $10 per person and includes lunch. Register your group online. The registration deadline for each event is two weeks before the date of the event.
Download a flier. Questions? Contact Shane Hinderliter atshane@greatplainsumc.org.

Great Plains Conference internships: Micah Corps

Micah Corps is one of the paid internship opportunities for 2015 high school graduates, college students and young adults who want to grow in their leadership and experience a summer of a lifetime. Share information about these opportunities with a 2015 high school graduate, college student or young adult in your life.
Up to ten young adults will be selected to be part of the seventh season of the Micah Corps in 2015. The goals of the experience are to deepen a spiritual walk, sharpen leadership skills and work with God to transform the world through social justice. Interns will have an opportunity to advocate in the offices of congressional representatives while they spend a few days at the General Board of Church and Society in Washington, D.C.
Interns also have opportunities to visit offices of state leaders to speak on behalf of the "least, last and lost."
Read this testimony from a former Micah Corps intern:
Now that I learn more, I can show my community what I learned over the summer and the simple things they can do in order to make a difference in our community and this country. Also one thing and the most valuable thing that I learn is with the help of my pastors and my experience with Micah Corps, I decided to major in Christian Ministries. Just the fact that I grew up in a church my mind was closed and limited. After becoming a United Methodist member and joining Micah Corps, it is like my world just expanded, there is some much out there than just the Bible. So I want to thank Micah Corps, for being a great program and a life experience that is unforgettable.
Will you share this information with young adults you know who may be interested? Download this flier that also works well as a bulletin insert.
Find out more and apply online at www.greatplainsumc.org/internships. Application deadline is March 8. 

Tell the South Central Jurisdiction what you think

It's a new year and your South Central Jurisdiction (SCJ) planning team is working to create an awesome Mission Academy for you. This year we are expanding the range of topics to include missional conversations vital for all types of hands-on mission experiences. Whether you clean up after a flood, tutor youth or build homes these conversations will provide a deeper understanding of how God would have us answer our call to mission-service. Click here to rate your interest in potential topics and to share some of your own ideas.
And while you are at it, save the dates of Sep. 25-28, 2015, for this event and check out Camp Hoblitzelle, our site for this year's Mission Academy.

DivorceCare and Financial Peace University Classes beginning at Mount Sequoyah

Mount Sequoyah, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, currently has registration open for two classes.
DivorceCare is a weekly class, Feb. 8 - May 10, which will help you face the challenges of separation and/or divorce and move toward rebuilding your life. You'll gain access to valuable DivorceCare resources to help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life.
This 13-week program will be facilitated by Denni Palmer, Mount Sequoyah Christian Education and Spiritual Formation Coordinator. The class will meet from 5- 7 p.m., in the Martin Classrooms.
Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (FPU) is a life-changing class taught by Dave Ramsey and the FPU teaching team on video will help you achieve your financial goals by showing you how to eliminate debt, save for the future, and give like never before. You will be challenged and motivated to make a plan for your money and change your family tree forever.
This nine-week program (Feb. 8 - April 12) will be facilitated by Wendy Kane, The class will meet at 5 p.m., in the Martin Classrooms.
Learn more about programs at Mount Sequoyah. If you have any questions about Support Sundays, contact Christian education and spiritual formation coordinator, Denni Palmer at 479-443-4531 ordenni.palmer@mountsequoyah.org.

Participate in community conversations about education in Kansas


United Methodists are making a difference in public schools all over the Great Plains.  Take advantage of one of the opportunities presented by the new Commissioner of Education and the State School Board. See this flier with dates and locations of their “listening tour.” These meetings will be a good place for you to express your opinions and support. This is a time for people of faith to speak up. As a community, what is the future we want for our children and what role should education play in supporting that future?
Parents, educators, members of the business community, school board members, legislators and other interested parties are all encouraged to participate in these conversations that will help define the state’s strategic plan for Kansas education. These events are being held in 15 different locations across the state. Download a flier with a complete listing of dates, locations and times of these events which continue through February.

Rossville hosts "Resurrection Run"

Rossville (Kansas) UMC and Rossville Christian Churches are sponsoring “Resurrection Run,” a 5K walk/run, on March 28 (the Saturday before Holy Week), starting at 8 a.m. The route will begin at Rossville Grade School, 312 Pottawatomie Street. An alternate one mile route also will be posted. The entry fee is $5 per individual or $15 per family.
This is an untimed, non-competitive event. Participants will receive a free breakfast and a pocket cross. Breakfast will be served from 7-9 a.m. Non-participants are asked to make a $4 contribution for breakfast.
“Resurrection Run” is an opportunity for participants to walk or run while reflecting on Holy Week. The Seven Last Words of Christ will be posted along the route to encourage prayer and reflection.

Vital Ideas: Generous Geneva – What’s in store for shoppers this year?

How has your church thought of reaching the needs of people in your community? Jill Schmidt of Geneva United Methodist Church in Nebraska wanted to connect people who needed affordable gifts and necessities with people who could donate lightly used goods at this time of year. A Christmas garage sale originally held at her restaurant has grown into The Christmas Store, held at the Geneva UMC. Many churches and community volunteers donate their time, donations, and labor to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of families.
When asked what is the most rewarding part of this whole event for her, Schmidt said, “Seeing those kids grinning with packages as they head out the door, especially since it is the door of the church! We see families actually come back who were in line the year before. They feel the excitement, the love, the service and the joy! Kids brag about the things they bought to friends at school. Everyone deserves to be loved, and we all feel that love together on that day.”

Vital Ideas: Generous Geneva – What’s in store for shoppers this year?

The Advent and Christmas season is a time of preparation and celebration of the Christ child, and to be honest, to shop! I know, I know – the secular world is stealing the meaning of Christmas – BUT – what if a community could connect people to real meaning through the traditional act of shopping? Read on to see what started as a Christmas garage sale ten years ago.
Jill Schmidt, a restaurant owner and a United Methodist in Geneva, Nebraska, wanted to connect people who needed affordable gifts and necessities with people who could donate lightly used goods at this time of year. Originally, the Christmas garage sale was held at her restaurant. It was such a hit that it kept growing. That wasn’t the only thing that grew.
Jill’s imagination kept growing too as she asked herself and the planning team what God might want to do with this. “All of us are in need,” Jill said, “whether for basic needs – or the need to know Christ – we are all in need.” So Jill began to dream how these needs could be enhanced by the love of God and community. She knew that they needed more space, needed to reach more people and needed more community support.
The space issue was answered by asking the Geneva United Methodist Church to host the event. Jill knew that the many children and families didn’t even get a chance to shop for gifts due to low incomes, with many years going by with nothing under the tree. So the garage sale adapted into The Christmas Store. Along with the move, many churches and community volunteers donated their time, donations, and labor because this thing was the “real deal” when it came to the Christmas Spirit.
And that leads us to what happened on Dec. 13, 2014, for this year’s Christmas Store (open on the second Saturday of every December).
A line of families with children waited outside Geneva United Methodist Church, stretching all the way down the block. Families greeted many of the volunteers arriving to meet in the sanctuary for a devotion lead by Jill before opening the store. This year’s theme for Jill’s devotion was “Don’t grow weary,” which was a helpful reminder with such a large crowd of shoppers.
Then the doors opened!
As families entered the church, volunteers greeted them and “checked in” the children with identification stickers. Once assigned a shopping volunteer, each child entered the store where baskets upon baskets of donated items were neatly packaged, ready for them to “buy” for their families.
After they picked out their items, the children took them to the wrapping room where young women from the pre-release work center greeted them with smiles! The teens were glad to be there helping young shoppers wrap their gifts. Assisted by adults, it was beautiful as the teens helped young children make their treasures look extra-special.
While their children shopped and wrapped their gifts, parents went next door to the Congregational church to shop for necessities like toothbrushes, household goods and some clothing items. They met up with their children in the sanctuary to get their photo taken by a professional photographer with Sanctuary Santa. For many, this was the first professional photo they had ever had taken.
By the time the store closed at 1 p.m., 200 children and their families shopped from 18 counties, from Nebraska and Kansas. Not a single gift was left. Every child went to school the next week, grinning ear to ear and sharing shopping stories with schoolmates as they got all got ready for Christmas break.
You would think that Jill would have taken a break. But no, she’s already thinking of ways to improve the experience for next year. She’s not alone as many volunteers start shopping the bargains this year for next year’s store.
I asked Jill what is the most rewarding part of this whole event for her. She said, “Seeing those kids grinning with packages as they head out the door, especially since it is the door of the church! We see families actually come back who were in line the year before. They feel the excitement, the love, the service and the joy! Kids brag about the things they bought to friends at school. Everyone deserves to be loved, and we all feel that love together on that day.”
I had a grin cross my face as I heard this. I pictured the children and families opening the gifts on Christmas, remembering the buildings they were in, the people they met and the sanctuary that housed the coming together of families. I know they may not all understand the real meaning of Christmas: the Christ Child coming to the earth. But I can’t help believe that they have a better chance.
Jill said, “Getting them into the church, to the shop, to see Santa, is a means of getting them into the church to know Christ, the free gift that we all need.”
Questions to Ponder:
  • How has your church thought of reaching the needs of people in your community?
  • What resources do you have in your church such as business owners, politicians, agency directors, etc.? Could they help you connect the needs of people in your community?
To learn more about the Christmas Store and how you might help or start one in your own community – please contact Jill Schmidt at jschmidtl01@windstream.net

Orders and Fellowship focus on leadership development

The 2015 Orders and Fellowship gathering for Great Plains clergy was held Jan. 21-22 at St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Nebraska. 
Our featured speakers were the Rev. Jay Hanson, senior pastor, and Anne Bosarge, director of discipleship, from The Chapel, a United Methodist congregation in Brunswick, Georgia. Their messages focused on growing church leaders with a theme of "High Def Leadership Development".
The sermon during closing worship was given by the Rev. Karyn Wiseman, associate professor of Homiletics and director of United Methodist Studies at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. 
A detailed recap as well as videos of the sermons and presentations will be posted next week. Hundreds of photos are available both onFacebook and Flickr.

Center for Pastoral Effectiveness offers clergy and spouse retreat

As a minister you have three major interlocking emotional family systems to address, the family of the Church, the families in the church and your own family. When any one of those families gets anxious, they all can get anxious. Sometimes it is very difficult to know where one family ends and another begins. It is an emotional enmeshing system that naturally strains marriages and families. Your spouse subsidizes your ministry, emotionally. It is a natural strain on any marriage.
The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness is hosting this clergy/spouse retreat in the Denver area, April 21-23. This was created to help clergy and spouse gain an understanding of how those emotional systems work, how they can sabotage one another and undermine the couple and family. This experience is scheduled after Easter 2015, one of the more intense times for clergy and their spouse.
This program is almost three years in the making. Julia Munson, the daughter of a United Methodist minister, the wife of an Episcopal priest, a psychotherapist/coach and who attended the Center with the idea of creating this retreat together with Bill Selby, creator of the Center.
Attendees will reflect on the emotional enmeshment of the church and the pastoral family and consider some healthy or healthier ways to address it. Yes, this is some Family Systems but, no, it won’t go deep into Systems. The necessary understandings about how clearer self-definition, both within your relationship and with your church, can enhance any relationship, any family will be touched. At the same time, from your understandings of systems you also know systemically how clearer self-definition with people in the church will get sabotaged. So time will be taken reflect on that and on ways that it can be addressed. Whether new to the ministry or close to retirement, both of you will gain from this experience.
To register, or for more information, email Bill Selby at integrity4u@comcast.net.

Taking the pulse of seminaries: GBHEM Consultation on Theological Education

Editor’s note: the following is written by Marcie Smeck, interim director, office of communications, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
If conversations shape organizations, what are the key conversations that we should be engaging in now? What are the most important questions that will shape the next evolution of theological education and formation?
These were the guiding questions around which a Consultation on Theological Education was convened by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Fifty participants representing an array of constituencies inside and outside United Methodism — bishops, faculty, GBHEM staff, deans and presidents of seminaries as well as divinity schools, and leaders from other denominations — met over three days. Topics of discussion included seminary presidential leadership, use of technology in theological education, student demographics and course offerings. The discussions were led by facilitators who used a “living systems” approach to dialogue, a method which shares some attributes with holy conferencing of the Wesleyan tradition.

Taking the Pulse of Seminaries: GBHEM Consultation on Theological Education

Marcie Smeck 
Consultation on Theological Education
If conversations shape organizations, what are the key conversations that we should be engaging in now? What are the most important questions that will shape the next evolution of theological education and formation? 
These were the guiding questions around which a Consultation on Theological Education was convened by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Fifty participants representing an array of constituencies inside and outside United Methodism—bishops, faculty, GBHEM staff, deans and presidents of seminaries as well as divinity schools, and leaders from other denominations—met over three days. Topics of discussion included seminary presidential leadership, use of technology in theological education, student demographics and course offerings. The discussions were led by facilitators who used a “living systems” approach to dialogue, a method which shares some attributes with holy conferencing of the Wesleyan tradition.
Consultation on Theological Education
“We hosted conversations and cultivated relationships and ideas that can impact the present and future of theological education and formation for ministry. Ideas, experiments and new possibilities were born in the creative space that opened up as we engaged one another in dialogue, and we look forward to the conversations that will continue and develop here,” said the Rev. Myron Wingfield, associate general secretary of the Division of Ordained Ministry, GBHEM.
“The need for a deep conversation has been building for a long time. The tension between church and academy is caused by the triangulation of many kinds of issues…. How can we hold the tension without losing the relationship?” asked Dr. Tom Wolfe, president of Iliff School of Theology and president of the University Senate.
Dr. Robert Martin, dean at Wesley Theological Seminary, put it this way: “Seminaries are the R&D [research and development] to the denomination. We need to develop ways of ministry into the future.” Martin said this is done at Wesley by “cultivating new ways of being truly church.” In response to what church is today for many people, Martin said, “Spreading the gospel is not like scattering seeds. It is more like sending out shoots of bamboo. The shoots sprout up from a vigorous root system. New missional churches and urban ministries benefit the denomination as a whole. At Wesley, we are incubators of those offshoot ministries.”
Consultation on Theological Education
Other participants dreamed of ways seminaries can help heal divisions in the church over the issues of human sexuality, cultural competency, and how to enhance the relationship between local churches and seminaries especially with a multicultural reality. The Rev. Stephen Lewis, president of the Forum of Theological Exploration, opined that churches are not always doing a good job of the “formational process” of their youths and development of new leaders from within the church. Dr. Anjulet Tucker, assistant professor of Sociology of Religion at Boston University School of Theology, suggested finding ways to “allow people in the pews a peek of seminary.”
Dr. Mary Elizabeth Moore, dean at Boston University School of Theology stated, however, “We need to identify the common mission of seminaries and churches instead of focusing on what is wrong. That is not very fruitful.” Wingfield added that the goal of seminaries is the “formation of holistic leaders, each with unique gifts and broad diversity who will be of great service to the whole church.”
“We need to make local church pastors who are theologically oriented practitioners. They need to be able to lay the framework for faithful embodiment of a theological basis—not just responding to the next need," said Dr. Jeffrey Kuan, president of Claremont School of Theology.
At the end of the two days, Wingfield said he found the consultation to be gratifying because the group determined doable next steps. “Excitement emerged from this group,” he said. Among the immediate outcomes from the consultation are: recommendations/ideas for a variety of experiments in theological education, plans for a symposium on online theological education, and the pursuit of new conversations between seminary leadership and annual conference leadership.
Consultation on Theological Education
In the days after the meeting, Dr. Lallene Rector, president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, summarized her thoughts in a blog post. “Dialogue requires courage and perseverance,” she writes, “but perhaps it is the best hope we have for dealing with differences and for finding ways to truly collaborate toward a common good bigger than any of our personal and institutional agendas.”
GBHEM prepares and supports leaders for the worldwide church by increasing access to education, training, technical assistance and resources.
Smeck is interim director, Office of Communications, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Apply now to join the Global Mission Fellows program

The Global Mission Fellow US-2 Track is a mission program for Americans ages 20-30 to be part of God's mission in their home country for two years. Global Mission Fellows work with global organizations that address human trafficking, worker’s rights, collegiate ministry, youth and children, women’s rights, and many other issues. Applications submitted between now and March 31 will be eligible for the Global Mission Fellows Class 2015-2017. Placement matching will be on a first come first serve basis.

Domestic and foreign mission grants

Going on a mission trip in the states and need money for a ministry start-up? Want to invest in local businesses in the place where you are serving internationally? The Great Plains Conference Mercy and Justice Ministry, which oversees mission opportunities, training and mobilization, announces that in the coming weeks it will launch an online mission grants application. Priorities for these grants are for teams that explore projects and solutions that can be sustained by local resources. The announcement of the availability of the online application will be in a future issue of GPconnect.
If you have any questions, contact the Rev. Kalaba Chali atkchali@greatplainsumc.org

Immigration webcast now available on website

Emiliano Lerda, Esq. executive director at Justice For Our Neighbors – Nebraska (JFON-NE) and the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team offered an immigration webcast on Jan. 6. In the webcast Lerda, Kalaba Chali, Great Plains Mercy and Justice coordinator, and Virginia Maynes, Esq., staff attorney for Justice for Our Neighbors, discussed resources available to help those in the immigration process.
“Who's In and Who's Out: A Conversation about Immigration” offered insight on how you can help keep our neighbor’s families together. It highlighted how many can be victimized by dishonest attorneys and others who can take advantage of their situation.
Check out immigration resources posted at greatplainsumc.org/immigrationresources.

Legislative events in Kansas and Nebraska in February

Legislative Event for Advocacy in Faith (LEAF) in Topeka – Feb. 9

Sponsored by the Great Plains United Methodist Women, this event on Monday, Feb. 9, is an opportunity to learn and advocate regarding policy being considered in the Kansas Legislature. Starting at 8:30 a.m. at First UMC in Topeka (6th and Topeka Blvd.), this interfaith gathering will provide information on issues including:
  • Capital Tour
  • Community Gardens
  • Budget and Education
  • Silver Haired Legislature and Kansas Senior Citizens
  • Future of Water in Kansas
  • Living Green
  • Promising Prisons:  A Better Approach to Offender Success
  • Death Penalty in Kansas
  • We Need to Change the Conversation to Student Success
  • Disaster Relief
  • Women for Kansas

Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day in Lincoln – Feb. 14

Learn about the Affordable Care Act, children's issues and prison reform. All are encouraged to be an informed citizen and maybe an activist for issues important to Nebraska and its future. Legislative Briefing Day, sponsored by the Great Plains United Methodist Women, will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., at Christ UMC in Lincoln (46th and A) near Bryan Hospital.

Envisioning a future without gun violence

Atwood coming to speak March 15-22

The following was submitted by the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team.
At the Great Plains Annual Conference Session in June, the resolution “Christians Respond to Gun Violence” was passed. It calls for churches to engage in this topic and work for the prevention of gun violence. The Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team, in collaboration with the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, the Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas in Wichita and Nebraskans for Peace in Lincoln, is hosting several events during the week leading up to the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath week-end in March. The Rev. James Atwood, who has been working with Heeding God’s Call and is the author of “America and Its Guns: A Theological Exposé,” will be traveling across our conference from March 15 - 22. Details are still being worked out but plans are for him to speak in Lawrence, Topeka and Wichita in Kansas and in Omaha, Lincoln and Grand Island in Nebraska – watch for future announcements coming soon.
The Rev. Atwood, a retired Presbyterian pastor, has been working to prevent gun violence for 40 years. A gun owner and deer hunter for more than 55 years, as well as a member of the National Rifle Association, he is convinced that Americans must address this public health crisis. Devoted gun owners will often say guns don’t kill; but 30,000 death certificates every year state otherwise.
Atwood believes there are profound spiritual implications that outweigh the political ones regarding the prevalence of guns and violence in our communities, and that the faith community has a responsibility to strategize and find ways to curb violence.
Note: Heeding God’s Call is part of Faiths United Against Gun Violence which is referred to in the resolution and which is supported by United Methodist Women.
Resolution: Christians Respond to Gun Violence 
Resolution: Christians Respond to Gun Violence Rationale: United Methodists across the Great Plains Conference are deeply concerned about the suffering and human loss caused by the reliance on violence to solve conflicts and the unrestricted availability of fire arms. As faithful Christians we take action. Whereas: “Violence and, more particularly, violence to children and youths is a primary concern for United Methodists. We recognize and deplore violence which kills and injures children and youths. In the name of Christ, who came "and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near" (Ephesians 2:17) and challenged all his disciples to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), we call upon the church to affirm its faith through vigorous efforts to curb and eliminate gun violence.” (Resolution #3426 Gun Violence, Adopted 2000, Revised and Readopted in 2008) Whereas: One in three people in the U.S. know someone who has been shot. On average, 32 Americans are murdered with guns every day and 140 are treated for a gun assault in an emergency room. Every day on average, 51 people kill themselves with a firearm, and 45 people are shot or killed in an accident with a gun. The U.S. firearm homicide rate is 20 times higher than the combined rates of 22 countries that are our peers in wealth and population. A gun in the home is 22 times more likely to be used to kill or injure in a domestic homicide, suicide, or unintentional shooting than to be used in self-defense. (Source: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence); Whereas: In the fourteen months since the mass shooting in Newtown, CT (2012), there have been at least 44 school shootings including fatal and nonfatal assaults, suicides, and unintentional shootings — an average of more than three a month. In the first six weeks of 2014 alone, there were 13 school shootings including one eight-day period in which there were four shootings in K-12 schools. (Source: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Mayors Against Illegal Guns); Whereas: Americans Support Universal Background Checks: Nine out of 10 Americans agree that we should have universal background checks, including three out of four NRA members; Since the Brady Law was initially passed, about 2 million attempts to purchase firearms have been blocked due to a background check. About half of these blocked attempts were by felons; Our current background check system only applies to about 60% of gun sales, leaving 40% (online sales, purchases at gun shows, etc.) without a background check. (Source: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence);
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, twentyone 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:Resolution: Christians 
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

Your impact on the world

Reflections from a Micah Corps intern

Our daily activities do not only affect ourselves, but they also affect others. “Others” does not just apply to our family, friends or other people in our town. Our daily activities affect people around the world.

Learn more about your impact. 

Updates from Epworth Village

A step closer to food service USDA Certification
Tammy Henry, Epworth Village food service coordinator, has taken an important step forward — earning her ServSafe certification from the UNL Extension Service. This accomplishment is an important one as Epworth Village works to attain USDA Certification for its food service program.
Tammy successfully completed the course work and testing prescribed by the program which recognizes Tammy’s understanding of safe food handling techniques and maintaining a clean and sanitized food preparation and kitchen environment.
Photo: Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds presented Tammy Henry, Epworth Village food service coordinator with her ServSafe Certificate, in the chapel on the campus of the historic mission.

Epworth Village there for former client

“My name is Anthony Clayton. I came to Epworth Village in early 1995 and left in mid-1996. I was here for what seemed like an eternity. Now, when I look back, time flew.
“While at Epworth Village, I learned about myself through group meetings, the friends I met at Epworth and the staff. I learned what I did to get me to Epworth was wrong and the reasons why I did it.
“Epworth Village was good for me in that it molded me into an individual person that can think on my own. For those of you currently here, who think life is horrible, I have news for you; you are young and life is just beginning for you.”
These words were penned by former Epworth Village client Anthony Clayton not that long ago. Clayton and others like him are the reason the light is always on at Epworth Village; providing a constant, serving as a beacon for individuals once served by the agency.
That’s why in December, when Clayton walked through the front door of the Central Administration Building at Epworth Village the reason for his visit wasn’t a total surprise. He had returned to a place where he knew the “light was always on,” a place he would always be welcomed.
Clayton asked at the front desk for former CEO Tom McBride. McBride was at the helm of Epworth when Clayton resided there. Instead, Clayton was greeted with a smile by current CEO Harrietta Reynolds.
The visit that ensued between client and CEO was heartfelt and sincere. Clayton was seeking information on a scholarship he knew existed set up for former Epworth Village clients by Frederick and Esther Paulus of Hastings, Nebraska … the Paulus Scholarship.
Clayton, who was working 90 hours a week as a driver for two fast food delivery services in Omaha, Nebraska, spoke of his dream of being a long-distance truck driver and the cost involved in receiving training. Four-thousand dollars would be required up front to enroll in Custom Diesel Driver’s Training. And the best part; once his training is complete a job will await driving a flat-bed truck.
After investigation, Reynolds made arrangements for funds to be made available. Paperwork was completed and scholarship check was on the way to Clayton. Classes begin on Feb. 23.
On Jan. 19, Anthony again walked through the front door of Epworth Village. This time he brought with him receipts and information about his training and the life-changing job on the horizon.
“It is absolutely amazing. This (opportunity) means the world to me. Thanks to Epworth Village, the Paulus family and to Mrs. Reynolds for helping me achieve my dream.
“When Mrs. Reynolds called me to tell me what was coming my way I was delivering food for Jimmy Johns. I cried. I went and told my boss and cried some more. It is good there is an Epworth to help people out when they need it. I am so grateful. I am super excited and ready to go,” Clayton declared.
The difference this training and job will make in Clayton’s life is measurable in so many ways; health insurance, a better income, not having to work 90 hours a week … perhaps purchasing a home.
Reynolds says, “It was such a joy to hear the excitement in his voice. It was such a wonderful thing the Frederick and Esther Paulus did setting this scholarship up. It speaks to the mission of Epworth Village and why we are here; to help people who are hurting and in need. It speaks to the fact this young man had a dream and we could have a part in making it come true.”
Clayton’s story is punctuated by his own words, written that many years ago, “… remember, someday the unthinkable may become real.”
Clayton is the recipient of a Paulus Scholarship, a grant program funded by the Paulus family to provide educational opportunities for former clients.
Epworth Village is a National Mission Institution of the United Methodist Church. Epworth Village, Inc., is non-profit agency based in York, Nebraska. From its beginning as an orphanage in the 1880's, the mission of Epworth Village has been to bring hope and healing to children and families in the name of Christ.

Newsletters

Classifieds

View these and other classifieds at greatplainsumc.org/classifieds.

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.____________________________
Episcopal Office:9440 E Boston Suite 160 Wichita, KS 67207 316-686-0600
Topeka Office:4201 SW 15th Street PO Box 4187 Topeka, KS 66604 785-272-9111
Wichita Office:9440 E Boston Suite 110 Wichita, KS 67207 316-684-0266
Lincoln Office:3333 Landmark Circle Lincoln, NE 68504-4760 402-464-5994

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