ANNOUNCEMENTS
Awards nominations now open: Angie Newman and Harry Denman
Apply now for exhibit booth space at 2015 Annual Conference
VBS summer internship offers opportunities
GBHEM announces key leadership positions
Klemann named foundation board chair
Kansas Area UM Foundation offers Certificates of Participation
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Quayle Bible Collection offers new exhibit
Early-bird registration for Doing Good Well ends Feb. 9.
Save the date for the ABIDE preview
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Anxiety always ends up at the door of the clergy
Perkins offers certification in Spiritual Direction Program in Alabama
Orders and Fellowship videos now online
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Pastor seeks help freeing brother in Congo
Red Bird Mission executive director passes
ERT training to be held in Wichita on Feb. 21
"Ready Sabbath" challenge set for this spring
UMC featured in USA Today’s Black History Month edition
Lobby Day to be March 4 at the Nebraska Legislature
OTHER NEWS
Newsletters
Classifieds
Press Clips
Awards nominations now open: Angie Newman and Harry Denman
The Angie Newman and Harry Denman awards are now open for nominations for 2015. A Francis Asbury award recipient has already been selected for 2015. One difference from last year regarding award distribution 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. Photos above show awards recipients from 2014.
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 March 14, 2015.
"I'm so pleased that the great Nebraska tradition of honoring laywomen will be carried forward to the Great Plains Conference," said Conference Lay Leader Courtney Fowler. "Angie Newman played a significant role in our church history and I'm glad we can continue to honor women who advocate for a better world for our children in her name."
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.
Apply now for exhibit booth space at the 2015 Annual Conference Session
The 2015 Great Plains Annual Conference Session is coming up June 10-13, at the Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center (225 West Douglas Avenue, Wichita, Kansas). Exhibit space is available.
Booths serve an important role in helping inform laity and clergy about ministries connected to the Annual Conference. United Methodist agencies, ministries supported by the Annual Conference and those endorsed or sponsored by a board, commission or committee of the Annual Conference or the General Church are invited to apply and will be given priority. Others are also invited to apply.
The exhibit booth application form is now available and will include full details. Print the application form before submitting so you can save those details. The fee for each booth space is $50. The application deadline is March 13.
Help avoid duplicate applications by checking with your colleagues before applying to determine who is responsible for the application form.
Click here to apply for booth space now. For more details on the 2015 Annual Conference Session in general visit www.greatplainsumc.org/annualconference.
The Annual Conference Planning Committee thanks you for your time and involvement with the United Methodist Annual Conference Session. If you have any questions, please email Dana Reinhardt atdreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org.
VBS summer internship offers opportunities
Being a summer intern with vacation Bible school (VBS) is a fun way to help children encounter God and make great memories in the process. The theme this year is a Road Trip! Explore Zimbabwe, Haiti and Nigeria as you journey with friends and learn about Paul’s missionary journeys in the Bible.
Interns will also have the opportunity to help out in local communities through a variety of service projects each week.
As a VBS intern you will get to travel around the Great Plains Conference and meet hosts of cool United Methodists too.
Email, call or text Micki McCorkle for more info at 316-210-3996 andmmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org.
Apply for a summer internship.
Small Membership Congregations can apply to have interns come to their area also. Submit an application to have interns come to your church.
GBHEM announces key leadership positions in UMEA, Collegiate Ministry
Upon recommendation by the search teams and confirmation by Bishop Virginia Taylor, Holston Annual Conference, and Bishop Bill McAlilly, Tennessee Annual Conference, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry announces the appointment of Colonel Gerald “Scott” Henry, Jr., in the United Methodist Endorsing Agency and the Rev. Dr. Matthew Charlton and Sheila Bates in the Collegiate Ministry office.
Scott Henry will serve as director of Extension Ministry and Pastoral Care in the Division of Ordained Ministry, reporting to the Rev. Myron Wingfield, beginning April 1, 2015. As director of Extension Ministry and Pastoral Care, Henry will serve as the contact person for extension ministry policy and information and provide pastoral care to the endorsed community.
Beginning employment February 2, 2015, Matthew Charlton will lead the Collegiate Ministry office in the Division of higher education as assistant general secretary, reporting to the Rev. Dr. Gerald Lord.
Read full announcement. GBHEM announces key leadership positions in UMEA, Collegiate Ministry
Left to right: Colonel Gerald “Scott” Henry, Jr., the Rev. Dr. Matthew Charlton and the Rev. Sheila Bates.
Upon recommendation by the search teams and confirmation by Bishop Virginia Taylor, Holston Annual Conference, and Bishop Bill McAlilly, Tennessee Annual Conference, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry announces the appointment of Colonel Gerald “Scott” Henry, Jr., in the United Methodist Endorsing Agency and the Rev. Dr. Matthew Charlton and the Rev. Sheila Bates in the Collegiate Ministry office.
Scott Henry will serve as director of Extension Ministry and Pastoral Care in the Division of Ordained Ministry, reporting to the Rev. Myron Wingfield, beginning April 1, 2015. As director of Extension Ministry and Pastoral Care, Henry will serve as the contact person for extension ministry policy and information and provide pastoral care to the endorsed community.
After serving over 28 years in chaplaincy with the United States Air Force, Henry will retire from active service in February 2015, and he and his family will be relocating to Nashville, Tenn.
“We are excited to have Scott join our team and look forward to the many skills and experiences he brings to our work,” said the Rev. Dr. Kim Cape, general secretary of GBHEM. “Please keep Scott and his family in your prayers as they make this important transition.”
Henry will also represent the United Methodist Endorsing Agency to chaplains, military chaplain candidates and pastoral counselors certifying bodies and serve as a liaison for representation and support with government agencies and military branches that employ chaplains, as well as non-federal agencies that employ chaplains and pastoral care providers.
Prior to his military career, Henry attended Asbury Theological Seminary (MDiv, ’83) and served as a pastor in the Holston Annual Conference, where he is an ordained elder in full connection. During his career, he has served on the United Methodist Endorsing Group in the Southeastern Region, hosted the Endorsing Committee, and had relationships with the International Council of the United Methodist Church in Germany. He has experience with all branches of the military and multiple civilian organizations in a variety of multi-faceted capacities including curriculum development, establishment of joint bases, and leadership development and networking with leaders from the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
Beginning employment February 2, 2015, Matthew Charlton will lead the Collegiate Ministry office in the Division of higher education as assistant general secretary, reporting to the Rev. Dr. Gerald Lord.
In this role, Charlton will oversee and coordinate the work of the collegiate ministry office, relating collegiate ministers in the field to annual conferences and local churches with creative new programs. He has served on and chaired the Committee on Higher Education and Campus Ministry of the Tennessee Annual Conference, taught at several different institutions, and done church-based campus ministry.
Charlton is an ordained elder in the Tennessee Annual Conference and has served most recently as the senior pastor at Blakemore United Methodist Church in Nashville. Over his career, Charlton has gained a unique experience at campus, local church, and district and annual conference levels. He received a PhD from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, MA in Religion from Vanderbilt University, MDiv from Vanderbilt University Divinity School, and a BS from Middle Tennessee State University.
“I am excited about the enormous talent and vision that both Matt and Sheila will bring to our work in collegiate ministry,” said the Rev. Dr. Lord. “Matt will help us move collegiate ministries closer to local churches and annual conferences, while Sheila will bring dynamic creativity to various programs designed to bolster collegiate ministries throughout the connection. We look forward to both of them coming on board.”
The Rev. Sheila B. Bates will join Charlton in the Collegiate Ministry office as the Director of Faith and Leadership Formation on May 11, 2015. A certified candidate in the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference, Bates has served as a youth pastor in Alpharetta, Ga., and since 2010, has been director/campus minister at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Ala.
Entrepreneurial and innovative in spirit, Bates has revitalized United Methodist campus ministry at Tuskegee University, growing the Wesley Foundation in number, variety of programming, and overall vitality. Among many accomplishments at Tuskegee, Bates developed a board of directors, developed Merit and Academic book scholarships and a benevolence fund, and was awarded $20,500 in grants for various service initiatives. She also has been a board member for the AL-WFL Board of Higher Education and Ministry since 2012.
Bates is a graduate of UM-related Gammon Theological Seminary (MDiv, ’10) in Atlanta, Ga., and is certified in Clinical Pastoral Education. She has previously collaborated with the Collegiate Ministry office at GBHEM as a Conference Design Team member for Imagine What’s NEXT 2014 in Denver, Colo., and NEXT 2012 in St. Louis, Mo. Bates was a facilitator and Think Tank leader at GBHEM’s Prepare and Summer Institute, two events for collegiate ministry development, in 2014, as well.
“Matt has great experience in renewing conversations between campus ministry and annual conferences,” said Cape. “And Sheila brings excellent experience to our work in campus ministry. We are pleased these three new staff members are willing to share their gifts with the entire UMC.” - See more at: http://www.gbhem.org/article/gbhem-announces-key-leadership-positions-umea-collegiate-ministry#sthash.qFOykG7Q.dpuf
Klemann named foundation board chair
Larry P. Klemann of Pearland, Texas, formally assumed the position of board chair during The Foundation for Evangelism's annual Trustee Meeting. Klemann has been a Trustee since 2002 serving as board vice chair, chair of the grants committee, member of the executive committee and member of a number of task forces.A research scientist, Klemann worked with Exxon, Nabisco and Kraft prior to retirement in 2013. He holds 64 U. S. Patents and received Kraft's highest Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2002. Klemann has been active in the Stephen Ministries program through his local United Methodist Church.
The Foundation for Evangelism has a vision to raise up generations of leaders with a passion for evangelism by providing resources to partner seminaries, agencies, and program innovators. Founded in 1949 by the late Dr. Harry Denman, the Foundation provides resources to enable The United Methodist Church to bring persons into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Grants include the E. Stanley Jones Professors of Evangelism, REFRESH Campus Ministry Gathering, and the Culture of the Call Church Award. To learn more about The Foundation for Evangelism visit www.FoundationForEvangelism.org.
Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation offers Certificates of Participation
The Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation Church Development Loan Fund has provided loans to Kansas United Methodist Churches, agencies and institutions since 1996. These loans are provided at competitive terms so that the Foundation continues to support the United Methodist witness through New Church Starts, Capital Improvements, Debt Refinancing, Property and Construction Loans. The Church Development Loan Fund is financed primarily through investments in Certificates of Participation purchased by United Methodist Churches and members of these churches in the state of Kansas.
The Certificates of Participation are designed for Kansas United Methodist churches, agencies and institutions who value the concept of helping grow the United Methodist churches throughout the state while earning exceptional rates. The Certificates of Participation have maturities of 12 months or 24 months. A minimum of $1,000 is required to purchase a Certificate. This statement does not constitute an offer of sale.
If you are interested in investing in a Certificate of Participation, please contact the Foundation’s office at 888-453-8405 or online atwww.kaumf.org for the current interest rates, updated application and Offering Circular.
Quayle Bible Collection offers new exhibit
The Quayle Bible Collection at Baker University (518 Eighth Street, Baldwin City, KS), is pleased to announce its current exhibit which is open 1-4 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday afternoons through July 30, 2015.
The Books and Culture exhibit explores ways in which books reflect the cultures that produce them and, in turn, influence subsequent cultural development. Books on display include a beautifully illuminated scroll of the Book of Esther and two Korans as well as children’s Bibles, a Bible in Cherokee, the first protestant Bible in Spanish and a leaf from the Gutenberg Bible.
Church groups, confirmation classes and Sunday schools are especially welcomed. The Quayle Bible Collection is happy to work with group leaders to meet the needs of the group. To arrange a group visit or tour please contact the collection at 785-594-8414 or quayle@bakeru.edu.
Early-bird registration for Doing Good Well ends Feb. 9.
Register now and save $15.
Doing Good Well, is the theme for the 2015 Lewis Center for Church Leadership Service Your Neighbor conference. The conference will be held Saturday, March 7, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., in Washington, DC.
Vital congregations are increasingly committed to serving others through mission. And congregations are asking whether their good intentions always yield good results. Doing Good Well, this year’s Serve Your Neighbor conference, explores the fruitfulness of mission efforts and provides practical strategies to make sure your mission hits the mark.
Doing Good Well is ecumenical and designed for both laity and clergy. Presenters include Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, Dr. Asa Lee, Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, Jake McGlothin, Dr. Ann Michel, Kim Mitchel and Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr.
Presentations and Workshops
Doing Good Well through Mission
What is God Doing in Our Midst?
Best Practices for Mission Trips
Building Genuine and Effective Mission Partnerships
Identifying Real Community Needs
Maximizing the Impact of Your Church’s Donations of Goods
Measuring Success: A New Mission Scorecard
Spiritual Growth through Mission Participation
If interested in bringing conference presentations and workshops home to your church, resources are available. This includes videos, narrated presentations, outlines of key points and supplementary materials. Currently the price is marked down from $75, to $60 through March 7. Resources are available in DVD/CD and downloadable formats. Learn more.
Early-bird registration through Feb. 9 is $40; plus .5 Clergy CEU is $50. Regular registration is $55; plus .5 Clergy CEU is $65. Wesley Seminary student registration is $20.
Learn more and register here.
Save the date for the ABIDE preview
Abide is a process of learning and revitalization for small attendance congregations (about 50 and fewer in worship). Laity and pastor together form a covenant team of leaders who seek and follow God’s vision for their congregation and community.
A preview of this energizing and spirit-filled process for small church development will take place Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in both Lincoln, Nebraska and Wichita, Kansas.
For more information, contact Micki McCorkle atmmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org or 316-210-3996.
Anxiety always ends up at the door of the clergy
The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies will begin its’ 60 Retreat Series in the Great Plains area beginning July 13-15 at the Manna House in Concordia, Kansas.
Why consider the Center? Because there is a lot of anxiety across the country and this region is no exception. The elections, the war, economics, water, sexual issues, the changing face of the small town as well as the city, all add anxiety to the country. These anxieties always end up impacting the church and especially the life of clergyboth personally and professionally, as well as their families. It is absolutely imperative that clergy reflect on how they can deal with this anxiety because much of the time the anxiety gets focused, even fixated, on the clergy. How do we manage ourselves so that we can maintain leadership of self, for family, for the church?
The Center was created to Maintain Ministers in Ministry. Focusing Family Systems in the Church, The Center is a "pastoral" model. Everything we do together enables clergy to be healthier leaders of their church.
Find out what over 500 clergy from six denominations from seven states mean when they say the Center is "the most valuable continuing education experience” I have ever attended."
The Center was created to Maintain Ministers in Ministry utilizing Family Systems in the Church. The Center is a "pastoral" model. Everything we do together enables clergy to be healthier leaders of their personal and professional life.
Six three-day retreats over about 18 months costs $1980 with payments spread over that time period.
You can register. Just email the Rev. Bill Selby atintegrity4u@comcast.net. For more information go topastoraleffectiveness.org.
Perkins offers certification in Spiritual Direction Program in Alabama
Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, will offer its Certification in Spiritual Direction Program in the North Alabama Conference UMC beginning October 2015. To complete the two-year certification program, participants attend classes Friday evenings through Sunday mornings, three times a year in March, July and October.
Dr. Ruben L.F. Habito, director of Spiritual Formation and professor of world religions and spirituality at Perkins, is enthusiastic about expanding the availability of the Certification in Spiritual Direction (CSD) program. “The off-campus program that Perkins previously offered in Arkansas was well received,” Dr. Habito said. “Now this new location, sponsored jointly by the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church and Perkins School of Theology, will offer new horizons for the ministry of spiritual direction in the Southeastern region of the United States.”
Classes in Alabama will be held at the Sumatanga Camp and Conference Center. In addition to Perkins School of Theology requirements, enrollment in the program requires a letter of endorsement from North Alabama Conference Spiritual Director Coordinators Mike Densmore and Denise Mullaney.
Additional information about the Perkins School of Theology Certification in Spiritual Direction Program, including online registration can be found at www.smu.edu/Perkins/SpiritualDirection/.
For questions concerning the application process, contact: Geneva Hoffman, coordinator of Spiritual Formation at Perkins, 214-768-3644 orgenevah@smu.edu.
Orders and Fellowship videos now online
The 2015 Orders and Fellowship gathering for Great Plains clergy was held Jan. 21-22 at St. Mark’s UMC in Lincoln, Nebraska. Hundreds of photos are available on both Facebook and Flickr. We now have the videos posted online.
Opening Worship
Session 1 of 3
Session 2 of 3
Session 3 of 3
Closing Worship
Pastor seeks help freeing brother in Congo
A United Methodist pastor in Iowa is trying to save the life his brother, who is imprisoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And the pastor wants help from the church and the Obama administration.
The Rev. Kiboko I. Kiboko says his brother, Vano Kalembe Kiboko — a United Methodist evangelist and a former congressman in Congo — was arrested Dec. 29 by the country’s secret service. The arrest came after Vano Kiboko publicly denounced the Dec. 8 shooting of a woman engaged in a nonviolent protest.
Now, the pastor of Norwalk United Methodist Church in Iowa fears that without intervention, his brother’s life could be in danger.
Click here to sign the petition demanding Kiboko's release. For more information, read the detailed article on UMC.org.
Photo by the Rev. Arthur McClanahan, Iowa Conference
The Rev. Kiboko I. Kiboko, pastor of Norwalk United Methodist Church in Norwalk, Iowa, is working for the release of his brother from prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Pastor seeks help freeing brother in Congo by Heather Hahn and the Rev. Arthur McClanahan, UMNS
A United Methodist pastor in Iowa is trying to save the life his brother, who is imprisoned in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And the pastor wants help from the church and the Obama administration.
The Rev. Kiboko I. Kiboko says his brother, Vano Kalembe Kiboko — a United Methodist evangelist and a former congressman in Congo — was arrested Dec. 29 by the country’s secret service.
The arrest came after Vano Kiboko publicly denounced the Dec. 8 shooting of a woman engaged in a nonviolent protest.
Now, the pastor of Norwalk United Methodist Church in Iowa fears that without intervention, his brother’s life could be in danger.
Kiboko said his brother has been incarcerated for more than a month without a hearing. His brother also has malaria and likely is not receiving needed medical attention.
The pastor asks United Methodists and others to urge U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and President Obama to help secure his brother’s release. He also asks church members to pray to God for his brother and the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kiboko told United Methodist News Service that Americans should care about a non-American’s incarceration because, in the words of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
“Vano is imprisoned for living out his baptismal covenant ‘to resist injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves,’” the pastor wrote in a letter to his congregation.
United Methodist leaders around the globe are responding to the pastor’s pleas.
A tense situation
Vano Kalembe Kiboko, a United Methodist, has been in prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo since Dec. 29. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Kiboko I. Kiboko, his brother.
Violence has long bedeviled the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country roughly the size of Western Europe in mineral-rich central Africa.
In 2012, United Methodist leaders from Congo testified before a U.S. congressional subcommittee about the brutal assaults of the M23 militia, at the time widely believed to be supported by neighboring Rwanda’s army. Congolese troops and U.N. peacekeepers defeated the militia in 2013, though there have since been reports of insurgents regrouping.
The current crisis that has caught up the Kiboko family is largely a political one. In recent months, protests have erupted against proposals to change Congo’s constitution to allow President Joseph Kabila to run for a third term. Kabila took office in 2001 after the assassination of his father, Laurent Kabila.
Vano Kiboko spoke out about a demonstration against taking land from an indigenous Congolese group. During a press conference in December, he also said the country should not amend its constitution.
His brother pointed out that Kerry had told President Kabila the same thing last year.
Efforts to help
The pastor has started a petition on Change.org addressed to Kerry, Iowa’s U.S. senators and other U.S. leaders. Some 500 people have signed, and he said that family members in Europe are also appealing to their governments on his brother’s behalf.
The pastor plans to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo to do what he can for his brother. Their sister, the Rev. J. Kabamba Kiboko, also has traveled to the country to help. She is a pastor in Ohio and member of The United Methodist Church’s top court, the Judicial Council.
Other United Methodist leaders are also trying to help. Iowa Area Bishop Julius Calvin Trimble said he has already written President Obama, Kerry and Iowa’s U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, asking that they intercede.
United Methodists bishops in Congo as well as staff at the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the denomination’s mission agency, and the Board of Church and Society, the denomination’s social justice agency, are working to free Vano Kiboko.
Thomas Kemper, the mission agency’s top executive, sees hope in a recent vote by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Assembly. On Sunday, Jan. 25, the legislative body voted to strip from legislation a planned census that risked indefinitely delaying the 2016 national election. That provision had sparked days of protests in which dozens died, reports the Reuters wire service.
“We are thankful that a fragile peace has resumed in Kinshasa after the violent protests last week surrounding the electoral process,” Kemper said. “While tensions are still high, we are hopeful that the electoral legislation passed by the Parliament will support a peaceful democratic transition and will allow for an election that upholds the democratic process and safeguards human rights.”
Kemper added that mission agency staff are in prayer for Vano Kiboko and his family.
“We pray for a quick resolution,” Kemper said, “and have been working with his family, the bishops and the political authorities in the DRC to secure his release.”
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, said she and agency staff also hold the Kiboko family in prayer.
"We uphold the dignity of all human beings and their right to speak their conscience," she said. "We continue to hold the people in the Democratic Republic of Congo in our prayers as the country pursues a new electoral process. We pray for peace and reconciliation in the DRC so that true democracy may flourish."
She noted that in its Social Principles, the denomination says: “We hold governments responsible for the protection of the rights of the people to free and fair elections and to the freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, communications media, and petition for redress of grievances without fear of reprisal.”
Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service. McClanahan is the Iowa Conference director of communications. Contact Hahn at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Red Bird Mission executive director passes
The Board of Directors and Staff of Red Bird Mission announce, with sadness, the death of Executive Director, Dr. O. Taylor Collins. Dr. Collins grew up in the Red Bird Valley, attended and graduated from Red Bird Christian School, and following further education in Kentucky and Tennessee, and professional service to education in Kentucky and Texas, returned as the Executive Director of all ministry areas of Red Bird Mission, in 2010. Read the obituary for Dr. Collins.
Within God’s will for His work here, Dr. Collins’ forward-looking vision and total dedication to the work of Red Bird Mission, especially, Red Bird Christian School, will provide the pattern and plan for the days ahead.
Red Bird Mission is a non-profit organization in southeast Kentucky empowering families through spiritual, educational, health, and community outreach programs.
ERT training to be held in Wichita on Feb. 21
If you are willing to help in the early days following a disaster, this training event is for you. It only takes a day’s commitment to be prepared for service as an Early Response Team (ERT) member in the early days following a disaster. Early responders are trained and organized for leadership roles as the team leader and assistant leader, site safety, base camp food and shelter, equipment maintenance and listener. If you have a heart to get involved, this UMCOR one-day class will equip and prepare you to be an early responder.
A very good way to prepare for disasters is to become trained in early response activities. When media coverage shows how lives have been harmed, emotions run high and we find ourselves ready to jump up off the couch and offer help. Now is the time to become trained so you are ready to offer help and can be involved in the early disaster response ministry and service. This invitation is for you to attend a one-day UMCOR training for Early Response Teams.
Our first training for 2015 is on Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at First United Methodist Church in Wichita (330 N. Broadway). Register online.
The cost for the training is $25, which covers meal, training materials, t-shirt and ERT badge.
For more information on the Great Plains Disaster Response program, visit www.greatplainsumc.org/disasterresponse.
"Ready Sabbath" challenge set for this spring
Nebraska averages nearly 40 tornadoes annually, and the likelihood of tornadoes ramps up in spring and early summer. Are you and your family ready if a tornado or other disaster strikes your home or community? One way to be prepared is to have an emergency kit on hand. The contents are easy to assemble, and these basic supplies will help you stay safe while help is on its way. By going to the materials available link listed below, you will find the items to include in your safety kit. The first step in any disaster is to be prepared and ready.
Note that this challenge is open to Kansas congregations as well as churches in Nebraska.
Dear Congregational Leader:
As tornado season approaches, many Nebraskans are concerned about the impact of severe storms on themselves and their communities. To better prepare for these events, we would like to invite your congregation to participate in the Nebraska Ready Sabbath 2015 preparedness event this spring.
Ready Sabbath is an event sponsored by the Nebraska Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster. It helps congregation members prepare a family disaster kit and highlights preparedness and care for families and communities.
We are asking congregations across the state to designate one weekend or day in March or April 2015 as a Ready Sabbath. During this time, we would ask you to use our materials or materials of your choice to inform your members about preparedness.
Our materials are available online. These materials include: a list of materials for families to gather for a kit, a sample announcement for your congregational bulletin or newsletter, sample prayers, and other activities.
This is the first statewide event sponsored by the Nebraska VOAD, and the first Nebraska-wide congregational event of which we are aware. We would love to have your congregation take part in what we hope will become an annual statewide event!
If you plan to participate, would you kindly send an email to crisisdogs@gmail.com with your congregation’s name, location, and the date of your Ready Sabbath? We would like to send your congregation a certificate of participation and also support you in your activities. If you would like further information or suggestions for additional activities, please see our website or contact us atcrisisdogs@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Lisa Ashby, NEVOAD secretary
On behalf of the entire Nebraska VOAD
Download this letter.
UMC featured in USA Today’s Black History Month edition
United Methodist Church is featured in USA Today’s special edition for Black History Month, released on Feb. 2, 2015. Two separate ads will take a look at the critical role The United Methodist Church has played throughout groundbreaking moments in U.S. history.
One ad features The United Methodist Church’s Black College Fund, which supports the largest number of Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) of any church body in the United States. The ad includes a timeline of events, highlighting that the first Methodist HBCU was opened one year after the end of the U.S. Civil War.
Accompanying text reports that United Methodist HBCUs are still relevant and essential – pointing readers toa free e-book. Find additional information at www.gbhem.org/bcf. The names of all 11 United Methodist HBCUs are also listed.
Another ad urges readers to Rethink Church by “encouraging conversations that build understanding and inspire reconciliation.” This ad remembers the work of the church’s Television, Radio and Film Commission (TRAFCO) – an agency that would go on to become United Methodist Communications – for using cutting edge technologies in 1968 to ease racial tensions after the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The agency launched “Night Call,” the first call-in radio program in history. Broadcast on 117 stations across the U.S., Night Call created a place for cross-racial dialogue with influential guests such as Stokely Carmichael, Saul Alinsky, Muhammad Ali and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. With the help of the General Commission on Archives and History, Rethink Church has assembled a sampling of Night Call episodes.
“Whether on a call-in radio show in the 60s or on Rethink Church social media platforms today, United Methodists have always encouraged compassionate discussion to help us rethink our perceptions, break down walls and reach across divides,” reads text from the ad. “That’s putting beliefs into action. That’s Church.”
Rethink Church believes in carrying on the path that Night Call started by continuing to have groundbreaking conversations on race. For discussion starters, click here. Those who would like free social media banners with images from the Rethink Church Black History ad should email rethinkchurch@umcom.org.
Lobby Day to be March 4 at the Nebraska Legislature
All are invited to attend to support the end the death penalty
Editor’s note: the following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator.
United Methodists across Kansas and Nebraska are working to end the death penalty in our two states. At the LEAF event in Topeka on Feb. 8-9, the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty (KCADP) is offering a workshop.
Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NADP) is inviting United Methodists across Nebraska to join them on March 4, for Lobby Day in Lincoln or to take time to contact their senator in other ways and voice their support to repeal the death penalty. NADP staff say, “The Nebraska legislature recently convened a new session, and a bill to repeal the death penalty was introduced by Senator Chambers – LB # 268. Repeal of the death penalty has long been a priority for the United Methodist Church. Repeal had the votes to win in 2013, but was thwarted by a filibuster. We’re hoping the UMC can help ensure this year our Senators have a chance to vote on this important issue. We need your help.”
Let’s join NADP in a statewide effort to garner handwritten letters to send to our state senators encouraging them to support repeal. Hand written letters go a long way in encouraging senators to vote for repeal. Does your church have a social justice committee, or perhaps a volunteer who is passionate about social justice? NADP would love to organize a letter writing day with them. NADP has created letter writing kits that include stationery, envelopes, instructions and example letters to make it extremely easy to conduct letter writing. If this is something you would like help with, please contact Sarah Barrett atsarah@nadp.net or 402-432-9227.
More information about the Lobby Day NADP is hosting on March 4, can be found at www.nadp.net/lobby. Like NADP on Facebook for current information.
Read what Bishop Jones is saying about the death penalty including a letter to the Senators of the Nebraska Legislature and Representatives of the Kansas House of Representatives and Kansas Senators.
Legislative Advocacy
Bishop Scott Jones continues to work closely with the bishops of other denominations in the Great Plains Area on issues of common interest such as immigration, education and the death penalty.
During his tenure in the Kansas Area, Bishop Jones and his colleagues in the Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran Church of America have written letters and hosted forums on immigration and education.
Bishop Jones' 2012 testimony on immigration
Bishops' reflections on immigration 2012
Kansas United Methodist, ELCA and Episcopal bishops' letters
Immigration
Education
Kansas United Methodist, ELCA, Episcopal and Catholic bishops' letters
Death penalty
Immigration
Other death penalty resources
Death penalty letter
Media release
Bishop Jones' testimony on the death penalty
Newsletters
EmberHope: Faith Connections, Jan. 2015
David Upp’s Mission Link: February, 2015
Saint Paul School of Theology: Weekly President’s eUpdate
Christian Copyright Licensing International: January, 2015
Lewis Center for Church Leadership: Leading Ideas, Jan. 28
Stewardship Ministries (GBOD): Generous Living, Feb. 2015
The UMC Development Center: Spiritual Giving
General Board of Church and Society: Faith in Action
Ministry Matters: Feb. 3, 2015
Classifieds
Trinity UMC in Grand Island seeks interim director of children and family ministries
Noah’s Ark child care and preschool director needed at Trinity UMC in Grand Island
Great Plains retired clergy autobiography on sale now
Bonner Springs UMC looking for director of youth ministry
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.
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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
____________________________
DEATH NOTICES
Great Plains Conference
Rev. Merritt Max Wright, 94, a clergy member of the Great Plains Annual Conference, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2015, at Emporia, KS. He was born February 21, 1920 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the youngest of two sons born to Reverend Herbert Thomas and Eda Zeloa (Young) Wright.
Reverend Wright was a minister of the Evangelical United Brethren/United Methodist Church, and member of the Kansas East Conference, having served 44 years in the Ministry at the time of his retirement in June 1985. He had pastorates in Bern, Yates Center and Turkey Creek, Holton Evangel; served as District Superintendent for the Topeka District (EUB) and the Independence District (UM) for seven years, and pastorates at Highland Park Topeka and Shawnee (Johnson County).
Reverend Wright was privileged to represent his Conference as a member of the General Conference seven times, served on the General Commission on Religion and Race for four years, and the Curriculum Resources Committee for eight years.
His wife Marie Leta Ehlers preceded him in death in 2005. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert R. Wright MD. Survivors include: son, Dr. Kendall M. Wright and his wife Margaret of Emporia,: daughter, Kathleen M. Brittenham and her husband Steve of Wolcottville IN, and son, Dr. Keith A. Wright and his wife Sue Ann of Manhattan.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 Eveningside Drive, Topeka. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Private family inurnment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Dr. Topeka, KS 66614; Holiday Resort, 2700 W. 30th, Emporia, KS 66801 or Crestview United Methodist Church.
Rev. Lorena (Wygle) Hunt, 92, a clergy member of the Great Plains Conference, of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, January 22, 2015. She was born February 14, 1922, in Eureka, Kansas, the daughter of Ralph William and Roberta Elizabeth (Stillwell) Wygle.
Mrs. Hunt received her Bachelor of Arts degree from York College in York, Nebraska, before earning her Master’s Degree in Education from Oklahoma City University, and her PhD in Divinity from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. In 1947-48, Mrs. Hunt served as a missionary in Sierra Leone, Africa, and later pastored several Methodist churches many years in Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gordon Hunt; one brother, Ralph William “Bill” Wygle; and her parents. Mrs. Hunt is survived by two sons, Robert Allen Hunt of the Phillipines, and Dr. Randall Hunt and wife, Angie, of Weiner, Arkansas.
Graveside services will be held in Eureka, Kansas at a later date. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, #2 Neosho Street, Emporia, KS 66801. To light a memorial candle, leave a condolence, or view the guestbook, please visit our website atwww.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
Leona May Ricord Rogers, 82, the widow of a Great Plains Conference clergy member, of Johnson City, died Tuesday, December 16, 2014.
She was involved in the Methodist Church all her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Johnson City and spent many years singing in the choir and participating in the handbell choir. A lifelong learner, she received her Bachelor of Music Education from Southwestern College, then a Bachelors and a Masters of Education from ETSU. She began her career teaching music before transitioning to teaching kindergarten. She retired from Lamar School in Jonesborough after teaching for 30 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband the Rev. Wiley Rogers, August 10, 2010. Survivors include, two sons: Ross Allen Rogers and wife Connie Rogers (Virginia Beach, VA), David Michael Rogers and wife Truela Rogers (Albuquerque, NM), two daughters: Janine Rogers Pleasant and husband Carroll Pleasant (Johnson City) and Christina Rogers (Virginia Beach, VA).
In lieu of flowers, contributions of blankets and throws may be made to Life Care of Gray, 791 Old Gray Station Road, Gray, TN 37615
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
____________________________
EmberHope: Faith Connections, Jan. 2015
David Upp’s Mission Link: February, 2015
Saint Paul School of Theology: Weekly President’s eUpdate
Christian Copyright Licensing International: January, 2015
Lewis Center for Church Leadership: Leading Ideas, Jan. 28
Stewardship Ministries (GBOD): Generous Living, Feb. 2015
The UMC Development Center: Spiritual Giving
General Board of Church and Society: Faith in Action
Ministry Matters: Feb. 3, 2015
Classifieds
Trinity UMC in Grand Island seeks interim director of children and family ministries
Noah’s Ark child care and preschool director needed at Trinity UMC in Grand Island
Great Plains retired clergy autobiography on sale now
Bonner Springs UMC looking for director of youth ministry
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.
Forward this email View in browser
Want More?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
____________________________
DEATH NOTICES
Great Plains Conference
Rev. Merritt Max Wright, 94, a clergy member of the Great Plains Annual Conference, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2015, at Emporia, KS. He was born February 21, 1920 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the youngest of two sons born to Reverend Herbert Thomas and Eda Zeloa (Young) Wright.
Reverend Wright was a minister of the Evangelical United Brethren/United Methodist Church, and member of the Kansas East Conference, having served 44 years in the Ministry at the time of his retirement in June 1985. He had pastorates in Bern, Yates Center and Turkey Creek, Holton Evangel; served as District Superintendent for the Topeka District (EUB) and the Independence District (UM) for seven years, and pastorates at Highland Park Topeka and Shawnee (Johnson County).
Reverend Wright was privileged to represent his Conference as a member of the General Conference seven times, served on the General Commission on Religion and Race for four years, and the Curriculum Resources Committee for eight years.
His wife Marie Leta Ehlers preceded him in death in 2005. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert R. Wright MD. Survivors include: son, Dr. Kendall M. Wright and his wife Margaret of Emporia,: daughter, Kathleen M. Brittenham and her husband Steve of Wolcottville IN, and son, Dr. Keith A. Wright and his wife Sue Ann of Manhattan.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Crestview United Methodist Church, 2245 Eveningside Drive, Topeka. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Private family inurnment will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka.
Memorial contributions may be made to Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Dr. Topeka, KS 66614; Holiday Resort, 2700 W. 30th, Emporia, KS 66801 or Crestview United Methodist Church.
Rev. Lorena (Wygle) Hunt, 92, a clergy member of the Great Plains Conference, of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, January 22, 2015. She was born February 14, 1922, in Eureka, Kansas, the daughter of Ralph William and Roberta Elizabeth (Stillwell) Wygle.
Mrs. Hunt received her Bachelor of Arts degree from York College in York, Nebraska, before earning her Master’s Degree in Education from Oklahoma City University, and her PhD in Divinity from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma. In 1947-48, Mrs. Hunt served as a missionary in Sierra Leone, Africa, and later pastored several Methodist churches many years in Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gordon Hunt; one brother, Ralph William “Bill” Wygle; and her parents. Mrs. Hunt is survived by two sons, Robert Allen Hunt of the Phillipines, and Dr. Randall Hunt and wife, Angie, of Weiner, Arkansas.
Graveside services will be held in Eureka, Kansas at a later date. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, #2 Neosho Street, Emporia, KS 66801. To light a memorial candle, leave a condolence, or view the guestbook, please visit our website atwww.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
Leona May Ricord Rogers, 82, the widow of a Great Plains Conference clergy member, of Johnson City, died Tuesday, December 16, 2014.
She was involved in the Methodist Church all her life. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Johnson City and spent many years singing in the choir and participating in the handbell choir. A lifelong learner, she received her Bachelor of Music Education from Southwestern College, then a Bachelors and a Masters of Education from ETSU. She began her career teaching music before transitioning to teaching kindergarten. She retired from Lamar School in Jonesborough after teaching for 30 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband the Rev. Wiley Rogers, August 10, 2010. Survivors include, two sons: Ross Allen Rogers and wife Connie Rogers (Virginia Beach, VA), David Michael Rogers and wife Truela Rogers (Albuquerque, NM), two daughters: Janine Rogers Pleasant and husband Carroll Pleasant (Johnson City) and Christina Rogers (Virginia Beach, VA).
In lieu of flowers, contributions of blankets and throws may be made to Life Care of Gray, 791 Old Gray Station Road, Gray, TN 37615
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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