Wednesday, July 8, 2015

The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church for Wednesday, 8 July 2015 -- GPconnect

The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church for Wednesday, 8 July 2015 -- GPconnect

  • Click here for the July 8 printable version of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EQUIP DISCIPLES
  1. National UM Young Preacher's Festival and Conference is next week
  2. Evangelism conference set for Aug. 1 in Sidney, Nebraska
  3. ABIDE preview to be in Lincoln and Wichita
  4. Education partnership webinar and other resources posted
  5. HYLA provides hands-on learning for youth and young adults
  6. Women can learn how to combat gender bias
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
MERCY AND JUSTICE
OTHER NEWS
Kansas Wesleyan elects 3 new trustees

The Kansas Wesleyan University Board of Trustees has elected three new board members to three-year terms, effective July 1, 2015.
KWU welcomes to the board Jeffrey H. Bieber, ’71, of Castle Rock, Colorado, stockholder and trustee on the board of directors for 21st Century Equipment, LLC; the Rev. Nathan Stanton, ’91, of Wichita, Kansas, New Church Development Coordinator for the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church; and Jeremiah P. Webb, ’03, of Los Angeles, attorney and partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP.
In addition, three current board members were elected to serve another three-year term, Marlene Loyd Lee, ’61, of Columbia, Missouri, and Steve Michel and Jon Starks, both of Salina. Two trustees, the Rev. Pat Ault-Duell and John Redding, ’91, both of Salina, completed their full-term of nine years on the KWU Board. The Rev. David Watson of Lawrence, KS, newly appointed district superintendent of the Five Rivers UMC District in eastern Kansas, resigned from the KWU Board of Trustees after serving for three years.
Bieber is a stockholder and Trustee on the Board of Directors of 21st Century Equipment, LLC, a John Deere dealership chain headquartered in Bridgeport, Nebraska. His parents, H.A. “Skip” and Edna Bieber, established Kay Jan, Inc., in 1952 as a single John Deere dealership in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Bieber purchased the company in 1974 and as president built it up to five locations. Kay Jan, Inc. merged with 21st Century Equipment in May 2011, with Bieber becoming chief operating officer. He is now retired from those duties but remains on the company’s board.
Stanton is coordinator of New Church Development for the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church, and is based in Wichita. Stanton, with 15 years of pastoral ministry experience, now works in the recruitment and training of new-church start pastors and assists parent congregations in identifying and prioritizing locations for new-church starts throughout the Great Plains Conference, which is comprised of Kansas and Nebraska. He is the son of former longtime KWU president the Rev. Marshall P. Stanton and Janice Stanton.
Webb earned dual degrees at Kansas Wesleyan, a bachelor’s of arts in both business administration and computer information systems along with a bachelor’s of science in computer science, with a minor in criminal justice. Webb earned his Juris juris doctorate in 2006 from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He is now a partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP, the largest law firm in Los Angeles and one of the largest in the nation, employing more than 900 attorneys in 34 offices across the United States. Webb was selected by his peers as a Rising Star Super Lawyer in Southern California 2012.
Kansas Wesleyan University, founded in 1886, is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and accepts students of all faiths. KWU provides a rigorous academic liberal arts education in its undergraduate and pre-professional majors and its MBA degree. Learn more at www.kwu.edu.
Retreat planned for leaders in campus ministries

Campus ministry leaders from across the Great Plains Conference are invited to participate in a retreat designed just for them Aug. 10-12 at the St. Benedict Retreat Center in Schuyler, Nebraska.
The Rev. Dr. Victor L. Hunter, minister of theology, preaching and pastoral care and counseling at New Martinsville First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in New Martinsville, West Virginia, will be the keynote speaker.
Attendees will talk about why campus ministry matters to the leaders, to the church and to the world. Topics also will include campus ministry in a post-Christian culture, providing advocacy, resources to prevent suicide and sustainable living.
The event begins with registration at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10, and concludes after a closing worship service, with departure scheduled for9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The registration fee is $25, with the only other expenses being travel to and from Schuyler.
Register at campusministrymatters.eventbrite.com or by downloading the flier and registration form here and then sending it to Interchurch Ministries in Nebraska, 2012 S. 13th St., Lincoln, NE 68502.
This event is sponsored by Interchurch Ministries of Nebraska and Cotner College Educational Ministries.
Revival service centers on stories about beloved hymns

Ephesians 5:19 Ministry is now offering a one-man quartet – Greg Litchfield –singing old hymns and telling the stories behind how those hymns were written.
The words in the hymns selected are an integral part of the message, which is designed to inspire people to want a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord. The worship service is modeled after an old-fashioned revival service but with a twist. At the end of the service, instead of the traditional, “sinner repent” altar call, the invitation will be for all people present to make a commitment to deepening their relationship with the Lord through starting a new spiritual practice.
In a “focus group” or “practice session,” when Ephesians 5:19 Ministry was experimenting with this worship service format, out of 40 to 50 people present, about half responded to the altar call. Ephesians 5:19Ministry also offers as a resource a booklet describing 17 spiritual practices that Christians have been using almost since the church began.
If you would like more information on this ministry, go to the website athttp://ephfive19.com.
To contact Litchfield, go to http://ephfive19.com/request-contact/.
National United Methodist Young Preacher's Festival and Conference is next week
Last week to register

Clergy - do you remember a challenge to be a “firestarter” at the annual conference session this year? This is an easy way to encourage someone you may see something special in.
Encourage any 16-34 year olds that you know to fan the flame of the gifts God has given them to preach.
Forward them this information about the first National United Methodist Young Preacher's Festival and Conference at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, in Leawood, Kansas, July 16 and 17. This national gathering is being held right here in the Great Plains Conference and there are some special opportunities, just for you.
You will experience:
Keynote preaching sessions led by the Rev. Jasmine Smothers, the Rev. Adam Weber, the Rev. Junius Dotson and the Rev. Adam Hamilton
Inspiring and practical workshops led by seminary faculty and denominational leaders
A Powerful Evening Concert featuring Glory Revival
Intentional Time of networking and connection
A free lunch on July 16 with other Great Plains UMC participants
This festival is perfect for high school youth, students, college aged ministry participants, youth directors/pastors, declared and certified candidates and young clergy already serving churches. There is something for everyone.
Because the Great Plains Conference believes in you and in this great opportunity, the conference will pay your entire registration to go to this event … free registration! Register for the event following the instructions below and send a note stating that you will be coming to nconard@greatplainsumc.org, so your way can be paid for. You will be responsible for housing, travel and others meals. If you register for the event and do not attend, you agree to reimburse the Great Plains Conference for the registration fee ($79 or $99). This does not apply if you cancel your registration by the event's June 18 cancellation deadline.
View more details and register for free.
Evangelism conference set forAug. 1 in Sidney, Nebraska

Are you seeking ways to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world? Do you want to learn more about how to spread the Gospel through invitation, hospitality, service and practice? Would you like to learn more about your congregation’s mission field?
The answers to those questions and more will be addressed at the “Therefore Go!” evangelism conference from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1 atSidney United Methodist Church in Sidney, Nebraska, in the Great West District. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Bishop Scott J. Jones is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. The day includes times for worship and workshops. Lunch is included in the fee, which is $25 per person for registration until July 25. The cost increases to $35 per person after July 25.
Hotel accommodations of $109 per night, plus tax, have been arranged with Hampton Inn in Sidney.
Download the flier and registration form.
For more information, contact the Rev. Mark Crist, Chadron United Methodist Church, at 308-432-2866 or via email at rev.mark.crist@gmail.com.
ABIDE preview to be in Lincoln and Wichita

Does your small church need a new breath of life from the Holy Spirit? Through the prayerful process of ABIDE, your congregation can grow deeper with Christ and be renewed for effective ministry in your community.
All are invited to attend a preview on Aug. 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Lincoln, Nebraska or Wichita, Kansas.
Register at greatplainsumc.org/abide.
Recording of education partnership webinar and other resources posted

Look for help with starting a school partnership, overcoming barriers or taking your partnership to the next level? Click here to watch a recorded webinar on school partnerships. This interactive event was hosted by the Kansas Leadership Center and the Great Plains Conference. Seth Bate, KLC coach, and the Rev. Evelyn Fisher, director of Congregational Excellence, led the event.
Wichita First UMC has permitted the sharing of the following information that could be helpful to congregations looking for ideas for their education partnership.
Commonly asked questions about school ministry at First Church
Ways to support your local school at little or no cost
Ways to support your local school with moderate cost or larger investment
Steps to forming a partnership
The Great Plains Conference, through a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation and coupled with funds from the Great Plains Conference earmarked for such initiatives, is offering matching mini-grants to churches to help with direct expenses for jump-starting a sustainable partnership in support of a local public school(s). United Methodist congregations in Nebraska and Kansas can apply online for up to $1,000 to match local contributions. Priority will be given to churches that are forming or have formed a partnership or collaboration with one or more local public schools.
The deadline for accepting applications from local churches is Sept. 11, 2015. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded based on project merit and likely sustainability. Go here to apply.
For more resources, visit greatplainsumc.org/education.
HYLA provides hands-on learning for youth and young adults

The Hispanic Youth Leadership Academy (HYLA) is a multicultural, bilingual, youth-led mentoring initiative that is offered to participants throughout the United States, not only the Great Plains Conference, but most specifically in the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. Youth and young adults from junior high through college discern their call to ministry through resources for higher education, awareness of social issues, aiding in spiritual and intellectual growth, and empowerment to be leaders in order to transform the world.
This year's theme was "Faith Factor" for the event which took place June 29-July 2 in Lincoln, Nebraska. HYLA participants enjoyed three days of classes on topics such as fellowship, service, worship, missions and United Methodism. Every night included a time of worship and and a challenging sermon. Participants closed their time together by sharing communion in a beautiful service.
"It was a privilege getting to know each of you who attended," wrote Great Plains Hispanic Ministry intern Elisa Castillo on the GPjovenes blog. "A huge thanks to all the leaders who gave their time and effort to help the young people grow! Thank you everyone for your support and prayers!"
See more photos in the Great Plains Hispanic Ministry photo album on Flickr and on the GPjovenes blog.
Women can learn how to combat gender bias
Women can face gender bias in many areas of society, including the church. A training course provided by VitalSmarts aims to help teach women how to combat gender bias, particularly in the professional areas of their lives.
Titled “Women in Business: Simple Skills to Beat Gender Bias,” this free online training session is scheduled for 1 to 1:45 p.m. Aug. 11. Presenters for this session include Joseph Grenny, New York Times best-selling author and co-founder of VitalSmarts, and Candace Bertotti, senior master trainer for VitalSmarts.
The training will share insights from research and will teach women hos to be assertive in a way that reduces bias and restores equality. Skills to be discussed include how to speak up persuasively, how to explain intent rather than content and how to frame remarks in ways that neutralize bias.
Register by clicking here.
Registration will allow access to a complementary e-book that contains research and the skills that will be discussed in more detail. The event will be recorded and sent to all who register, so it is recommended that people interested in the topic register so they can use the recording even if they can’t attend the Aug. 11 session.
Great Plains clergywomen invited to South Central Jurisdiction event

Clergywomen from across the Great Plains Conference are invited to attend the South Central Jurisdiction Clergywomen Consultation, scheduled for Sept. 28-30 in Houston, Texas.
This event will be hosted at the Royal Sonesta, in the Galleria area, in Houston and will feature speakers Dr. Alyce McKenzie from the Perkins school of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey of the Louisiana Conference and Bishop Janice Riggle Huie from the Texas Conference.
The theme centers on “telling our story” to impact, transform and provide hope to the world.
Registration starts at 11 a.m. Sept. 28, and the conference will close at11:30 a.m. Sept. 30.
Find more information by going to tellingourstoryclergywomen.com. Or send an email to Gail Ford Smith at gfsmith@txcumc.org or Nancy Slade at nslade@txcumc.org.
20-session forum provides pastoral care specialist training
Roger Kruger and Anna Terman-White will offer a Pastoral Care Specialist forum beginning Sept. 11.
The Pastoral Care Specialist forum is a 20-session program designed for pastors and religious professionals. The term is divided into two blocks of 10 three-hour sessions each, for a total of 60 hours. The first group of 10 will be offered in Omaha, meeting weekly from noon to 3 p.m. Fridays from Sept. 11 to Nov. 13. The second group will be offeredJan. 8 to March 11. By meeting regularly and touching on areas critical to effective pastoral care, support, encouragement and consultation on their work, participants can solidify what they already do well and integrate new knowledge and skills into their ministries.
To create optimal learning conditions, class size will be limited. The cost is $1,300 for the entire 20 sessions or $675 for each group of 10 sessions. Registration deadline is Aug. 28 and can be downloaded here. For additional information, contact either Roger Kruger by phone at 402-215-1833 or via email at DrRogerKruger@yahoo.com, or call Anna Terman-White by phone at 402-334-3044) or by email atatw@adleriancenter.com.
The Rev. Roger Kruger is a therapist and pastor, ordained with the Luthern Church-Missouri Synod, director of the Pastoral Care Specialist Forum, and fellow with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).
The Rev. Anna Terman-White is a therapist and pastor, ordained with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and member of the AAPC.
Register now for clergy retreat series
Triangles are like a sucking vortex for clergy
The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies will begin its 60-plus retreat series in the Great Plains area beginning July 13-15 at the Manna House in Concordia, Kansas.
Clergy are often pulled into "triangles" in the church. Triangles are like a vortex for clergy. Sometimes clergy are seen as the "savior" to assist the other two persons, group, etc., in the triangle to deal with the conflict. At other times they are the person the other two members of the triangle focus on so they don't have to deal with each other. Of course, getting two people to stop fixating on you is really tough. They will work hard to triangle in other people to bolster their story. This gets heavy for the clergy, their spouse, their children, their leadership team, etc. So how do we deal with this triangle stuff? This is what we address at The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies.
As you begin planning your continuing education for the coming year, you might want to consider The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies. Now in its 16th year, more than 500 clergy have attended The Center from six different denominations in one of the Center sites in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Kansas and Iowa. Most of those attendees declared the Center as "the most valuable continuing education experience” they have ever had.
The Center was created to maintain ministers in ministry utilizing family systems in the church. The Center is a "pastoral" model. Everything done together enables clergy to be healthier leaders of their personal and professional life.
Six three-day retreats over about 18 months costs $1,980 with payments spread over that time period.
You can register now. Just email the Rev. Bill Selby at integrity4u@comcast.net. For more information go to pastoraleffectiveness.org.
1,000 school kits assembled to help kids who experience tragedy

Children who have experienced tragedies will not have to go without school supplies thanks to the efforts of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Church World Service.
The two organizations worked together to compile 1,000 school kits, which were donated through the Great Plains Disaster Response Ministry to the Kansas/Nebraska/Iowa Red Cross Disaster Services. The kits – which include items such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, rulers and scissors – will be given to school-age children whose families experience fires.
UMC Global Ministries missionaries to travel through conference

Sandy Rasch will be traveling the entire Great Plains Conference Sept. 5 - 20. Emmanuel and Florence Mefor will be in the Hutchison and Wichita area Oct. 2 - 4.
If your church or church group is interested in hosting one of these missionaries, contact the Rev. Alan Gager at agager@greatplainsumc.org as soon as possible with the following information:
Preferred speaking date and time.
If the above date and time is not available, would an alternate be feasible for you?
To what group will they be speaking?
Who will be the direct contact person for your church/group?
Has your church/group hosted a missionary before?
If housing is needed would your church/group be able to financially pay for a hotel room or find a host bedroom? (Depending on the schedule this may be the night before or the night of the speaking engagement.)
Would your church/group be able to financially assist with transportation costs?
If needed (instead of the prior question) would your church/group be able to pick up and/or drop off the missionary from/to their next speaking location?
Once Gager receives this information, he will contact the person listed in question four.
GBGM missionaries share update from Africa University

Larry and Jane Kies, General Board of Global Ministries missionaries at Africa University have provided a PowerPoint presentation that gives an update on their work in Zimbabwe. Larry and Jane are covenant partners with several churches in the Great Plains Conference.
View PowerPoint presentation.
Download presentation as a PDF.
Middle school donates time to Epworth Village

First UMC Middle School in Mission in York, Nebraska, spent an afternoon pulling weeds and sprucing up landscaping around the Central Administration Building at Epworth Village Tuesday afternoon.
This itchy undertaking included pulling weeds from several rows in the Big Garden, giving green beans and tomatoes room to grow. Epworth Village thanks this great group of kids and their sponsor, Sally Bailey, for choosing Epworth Village as one of their mission stops.
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
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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