Thursday, November 26, 2015

The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church "GPconnect" for Wednesday, 25 November 2015

The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church "GPconnect" for Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Click here for the Nov. 25 printable version of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
EQUIP DISCIPLES
MERCY AND JUSTICE
OTHER NEWS
Bishop: Great Plains ready to answer call to help Syrian refugees

Bishop Scott J. Jones announced during a press conference Nov. 20 in Topeka, Kansas, that United Methodist Church congregations across Kansas and Nebraska stand ready to assist refugees from Syria once they are allowed to enter the United States.
In an address to members of the media and his cabinet of 17 district superintendents, at First United Methodist Church in Topeka, the bishop said he was pleased to announce that at least 35 United Methodist congregations in the conference have agreed to sponsor at least one Syrian refugee family each when their immigration to the United States becomes possible. Those commitments are contingent on approval by their church councils.
“We have sponsored refugee families in the past, and we are prepared to offer our hospitality for this group as well,” Jones said. “These are churches in Kansas and Nebraska who will help these people settle and find new lives in America.”
The bishop noted that scripture from Matthew 25:40 command Christians to care for people in need, noting that the people of Syria fleeing from the ravages of civil war and famine fit that criteria.
“The United Methodist Church has long played a role in welcoming immigrants to our country,” Jones said. “We believe that Christians are called to provide hospitality to strangers in line with Hebrews 13:2 – ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.’”
See a video and read more about the bishop’s press conference.
Read the bishop’s blog about the Syrian refugees issue.
Read the bishop’s statement.
Read a letter the bishop wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry.
Great Plains Conference offices closed Thursday and Friday

Please keep in mind that the offices of the Great Plains Conference will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26-27, in observance of Thanksgiving. We wish you all a very happy, safe and blessed holiday weekend.
Help show love, transform the world on #GivingTuesday

United Methodists will once again come together Dec. 1 to support the work of Advance projects and missionaries on UMC #GivingTuesday. And once again, every gift made online through The Advance atwww.umcmission.org/give on Dec. 1 will be matched up to $1 million.
This year, consider creating your own team to support a project that is working in a area you care about, such as hunger and poverty, education, or social justice. For a complete list of projects you and your team can support, visit The Advance.
Share the creative ways in which you are raising awareness and money for mission — especially what you are planning for UMC #GivingTuesday. Should you have any questions about UMC #GivingTuesday, please contact advance@umcmission.org.
Find UMC #Giving Tuesday Banners/Ads, FAQs, impact stories, and links to videos and other resources to help you participate in the campaign.
Register your team and access ideas on how to execute your campaign.
You also can make a donation Dec. 1. Please note that donations made between midnight and 11:59 p.m. Central Time (CT) could receive matching funds. Global Ministries will allocate matching funds dollar for dollar up to the first $1 million in gifts to Advance projects received online on Dec. 1 between those times. A maximum of $2,500 per individual gift to a project will be dispersed as matching funds. A project may receive a maximum of $25,000 in matching funds.
We want to hear about your camp experience

Attention campers young and old, past and present.
The Great Plains Conference wants to know what your United Methodist camp means or meant to you. Here comes the hard part. We want one word. Just one that sums up your thoughts, feelings, your experience at camp. One word. What is it?
Please send your one word to Rachel Moser, communications coordinator, at rmoser@greatplainsumc.org with "What camp means to me" in the subject line. You can also share and comment on the conference's Facebook post.
Connect with General Conference through redesigned app

General Conference, in the palm of your hand — a redesigned 2016 General Conference app — is now available. A helpful way to stay connected and learn more about all aspects of the conference, the app will feature news, photo and social media feeds, video and audio archives, live streaming of worship and plenary, the DCA and ADCA, and petition tracking.
For delegates and others at the conference on May 10-20, there are also some features to make the experience easier: legislative committee assignments, conference schedule with the option to build a personalized calendar, a delegate discussion board, a daily devotional and an interactive map of the convention center and Portland, Oregon.
“United Methodist Communications seeks to provide useful tools that connect the church and make it quick and easy to get information, whether it’s from your computer or your smartphone,” said Dan Krause, chief executive of the denomination’s communications agency.
The app is free to download and is available for Android and Apple devices. You can search for “United Methodist General Conference” in your app store or visit the general conference app website for a link.
“While we know not everyone has a smartphone or readily available Internet access, this app is one of many channels United Methodist Communications is developing for members to access information leading up to and during General Conference," said Krause.
Registration open for Orders and Fellowship clergy event

Clergy members of the Great Plains Annual Conference have responded to a “call to ministry.” Our annual clergy Orders and Fellowship meeting, scheduled for Feb. 17-18, will focus on “Following God’s Call” – both as a reaffirmation of their own “call” as well as learning how clergy can promote a “culture of call” in the churches and communities they serve.
What better way for clergy colleagues to extend their ministry heritage than to empower avenues by which Christian women and men can hear and respond to a call to ministry as clergy in our Great Plains Conference.
Orders and Fellowship will be conducted at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln, Nebraska. Register now!
View more information, including speaker information, theme, schedule, childcare and lodging.
For any questions contact Dana Reinhardt atdreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org or call 402-464-5994 ext. 105, or the Rev. Nancy Lambert at nlambert@greatplainsumc.org.
Paris to host climate talks
More than 190 nations are gathering in Paris, Nov. 30 – Dec. 11, to negotiate and hopefully achieve a new binding international agreement on the climate, applicable to all countries with the aim of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. The First UMC/Omaha Eco-Team encourages people of faith to pray that those attending will resolve to work together for the well-being of the planet. The resource below provides a prayer or meditation for each day of the conference and a link to daily updates on the negotiations and other resources for learning and acting.
Paris Climate Talks daily reflections.
Daily reflections and prayers during the Paris Climate
Talks — November 30-December 11, 2015
Introduction
 You are invited to tap into a deep spiritual energy (whether you call this energy God or the
healing energy of the cosmos) as negotiations take place with over 190 countries represented in
Paris, November 30-December 11, 2015
What are the Paris Climate Talks
 November 30 through December 11, France will host the 21st Session of the Conference of the
Parties to the United Nations Framework convention on climate Change (COP21/CMP11), otherwise
known as “Paris 2015.” Around 40,000 participants in total — delegates representing each
country, observers, and civil society members. COP21 will be a crucial conference, as it needs to
achieve a new binding international agreement on the climate, applicable to all countries, with
the aim of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Centigrade.
 The stakes are high: the aim is to reach, for the first time, a universal, legally binding agreement
that will enable us to combat climate change effectively and boost the transition towards resilient,
low-carbon societies and economies.
 To achieve this, the future agreement must focus equally on mitigation— that is, efforts to reduce
green house gas emissions in order to limit global warming to below 2 degrees C — and societies’
adaptation to existing climate changes. These efforts must take into account the needs and
capacities of each country. The agreement will enter into force in 2020 and will need to be sustainable
to enable long-term change.
_______________________________________________________
This meditation guide is provided by the Eco-Team of First UMC, Omaha, NE
Daily reflections and prayers during the Paris Climate
Talks — November 30-December 11, 2015
To accompany your prayers
and meditations, learn more
about what is happening
regarding our changing climate
and daily happenings at the
talks. Go to:
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Learn — Act— Follow
Monday, November 30, 2015
We join with the earth and
with each other
To bring new life to the land
To restore the water
To refresh the air
We join with the earth and
with each other
To renew the forests
To care for the plants
To protect the creatures
Gracious God of this sacred earth, today leaders from around the world
begin talks about how the global community can reduce carbon emissions
in significant ways. Through these words, I/we send the following intent
into the universe and pray that leaders may join this resolve:
We join with the earth and
with each other
To celebrate the seas
To rejoice in the sunlight
To sing the song of the stars
We join with the earth and
with each other.
To recreate the human community
To promote justice and peace
To remember our children
We join with the earth and
with each other.
We join together as many and
diverse expressions
Of one loving mystery: for the healing
of the earth and the renewal of all life.
U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Bless Thee, O Lord, for the living arc of the sky
over this morning.
Bless Thee, O Lord, for the companionship of night mist
far above the skyscraper peaks I saw when I woke
once during the night.
Bless Thee, O Lord, for the miracle of light to my eyes
and the mystery of it ever changing.
Bless Thee, O Lord, for the laws Thou hast ordained
holding fast these tall oblongs of stone and steel,
holding fast the planet Earth in its course and
farther beyond the cycle of the Sun.
Carl Sandburg
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Awakening
in a moment of peace
I give thanks
to the source of all peace
as I set forth
into the day
the birds sing
with new voices
and I listen with new ears
and give thanks
nearby
the flower called Angel’s Trumpet
blows
in the breeze
and I give thanks
my feet touch the grass
still wet with dew
and I give thanks
both to my mother earth
for sustaining my steps
and to the seas
cycling once again
to bring forth new life
the dewdrops
become jewelled
with the morning’s sun-fire
and I give thanks
you can see forever
when the vision is clear
In this moment
Each moment
I give thanks Harriet Kofalk
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Hail Mother, who are the earth,
hallowed be thy soil, rocks and flora
 that nourish and support all life.
Blessed be thy wind that gives us breath
 and thy waters that quench, bathe and refresh
 All living things.
Holy Earth — as one — we praise your majesty,
 grace and wonder. Bill Faherty
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Friday, December 4, 2015
Let us be united;
Let us speak in harmony;
Let our minds apprehend alike.
Common be our prayer;
Common be the end of our assembly;
Common be our resolution;
Common be our deliberations.
Alike be our feelings;
Unified by our hearts;
Common be our intentions;
Perfect be our unity.
 From the Rig Veda
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Imagine a place without a pipeline,
Without an oil well,
Without a rig.
Imagine a place without a coal pit,
Without a smoke stack,
Acid rain free.
Imagine a land of long white vistas,
Ice cold saviours,
Gleaming glaciers
Breaking into the sea.
Imagine the Earth without an oil slick,
Free of pollution,
No radioactivity.
Imagine a place on Earth so awesome
So vast so pure,
We can hardly breathe its air.
Imagine the Earth alive with morning
Shimmering white nights,
No end of sky,
No end of sea. Carole Forman, “Antarctica”
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Great Spirit, whose dry lands thirst, help
us to find the way to refresh your lands.
We pray for your power to refresh your
lands.
Great Spirit, whose waters are choked
with debris and pollution, help us to find
a way to cleanse your waters.
We pray for your knowledge to find the
way to cleanse your waters.
Great Spirit, whose beautiful earth
grows ugly with misuse, help us to find
the way to restore beauty to your
handiwork.
We pray for your strength to restore the
beauty of your handiwork.
Great Spirit, whose creatures are being
destroyed, help us to find a way to
replenish them.
We pray for your power to replenish the
earth.
Great Spirit, whose gifts to us are being
lost in selfishness and corruption, help
us to find the way to restore our
humanity.
We pray for your wisdom to find the
way to restore our humanity.
U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Monday, December 7, 2015
The earth dries up and withers,
The world languishes and withers,
The heavens languish together
with the earth
The earth lies polluted under
its inhabitants;
For they have transgressed laws,
violated the statutes,
Broken the everlasting covenant.
Isaiah 24:4-5
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Here we are, God — a planet at prayer. Attune our spirits that we may
hear your harmonies and bow before your creative power that we may
face our violent discords and join with your Energy to make heard
in every heart your hymn of peace.
Here we are God — a militarized planet. Transform our fears that we may
transform our war fields into wheat fields, arms into handshakes,
missiles into messengers of peace.
Here we are, God — a polluted planet. Purify our vision that we may
perceive ways to purify our beloved lands, cleanse our precious waters,
de-smog our life-giving air.
Here we are, God — an exploited planet. Heal our heart, that we may
respect our resources, hold priceless our people, and provide for our
starving children an abundance of daily bread. Joan Metzner
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
When the animals come to us,
asking for our help,
Will we know what they are saying?
When the plants speak to us in their delicate,
beautiful language,
Will we be able to answer them?
When the planet herself sings to us
in our dreams,
Will we be able to wake ourselves, and act?
 Gary Lawless
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Thursday, December 10, 2015
A prayer for our earth
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the
smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious
in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the
hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace. Pope Francis
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Gracious God of this sacred earth, today leaders from around the
world conclude their talks about how the global community can
reduce carbon emissions in significant ways. Through these words,
I/we send the following intent into the universe and pray that leaders
may join this resolve:
Friday, December 11, 2015
We join with the earth and with
each other
To bring new life to the land
To restore the water
To refresh the air
We join with the earth and with
each other
To renew the forests
To care for the plants
To protect the creatures
We join with the earth and with
each other
To celebrate the seas
To rejoice in the sunlight
To sing the song of the stars
We join with the earth and with
each other.
To recreate the human
community
To promote justice and peace
To remember our children
We join with the earth and with
each other
We join together as many and
diverse expressions
Of one loving mystery: for the
healing of the earth and the
renewal of all life.
U.N. Environmental Sabbath Program
www.cop21.gouv.fr/en/
Young adults urged to apply now for summer internships

Have you dreamed about how God might use you to change the world this summer? The Great Plains Conference may have some opportunities for you to make a difference, explore leadership, and spend a “summer of service” that you will remember for a lifetime!
Apply now for our internship program, which provides opportunities to lead Vacation Bible School at small churches across Kansas and Nebraska, participate in mercy and justice ministries as part of our Micah Corps, learn about church planting, youth ministry or Hispanic ministry, or you can gain skills in pastoral leadership. We also have lots of opportunities for you to have fun while gaining leadership skills at one of our Great Plains camps!
Fill out the online application.
Small churches could be
the next big thing

Julie Schropp, Kansas City District director of Lay Servant Ministries, shares in the latest LSM blog why she has come to value small churches. Once a staff member at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Schropp provides three key attributes that may make being part of a small church enticing for you.
Read the blog.
Small churches could be the next big thing
Lay Servant Ministries
My first experience as a member of the United Methodist Church was at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. A little overwhelmed by the size and unsure of Methodist theology, I joined the staff. While in ministry at Resurrection, God called me to “preach from the pulpit of small United Methodist churches,” and I left the staff to pursue Lay Speaking in 2011. 
Much to my surprise, I immediately fell in love with small churches. I have found many reasons to value small churches, three of the main reasons include these:
Small churches are personal -- People notice your presence and your absence.  People are known. Prayer requests are often out loud and in the moment. Faith grows in real, personal relationships.
Small churches are typically down-to-earth –Jesus was down-to-earth. Humble and simple are words that should describe a church. A small church, especially a struggling small church, seems to have a leg up when it comes to humility. Humility is foundational to faith.
In small churches, the hard work is done by the congregants – Mowing the grass.  Making coffee. Planting a garden. Opportunity for hands on ministry for a home church builds a sense of community and people become invested in their church. This is faith in action.
Maybe instead of joining small groups, some of the people in big churches should join a small church. What if the next big thing is … small?[
Julie Schropp is the Kansas City District director of Lay Servant Ministries.]
Vigil held to support refugees in Nebraska
On Monday, Nov. 23, roughly 400 participated in a candle-lit vigil showing support for allowing Syrian refugees into Nebraska. The vigil included several speakers including the Rev. Nancy Lambert, Great Plains Conference Clergy Excellence director and assistant to the bishop (view video of Lambert's speech). The 400 who gathered in Lincoln were also joined by around 300 who gathered in Omaha.
In addition to the vigil, a letter was presented to Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signed by 31 organizations – including the Great Plains Conference.
Several news outlets covered the events. See below to read more from them and view a photo album from Nebraska Applesee’s Facebook page.
KLIN Radio: Candlelight Vigil Supports Nebraska As Safe Home for Refugees
Omaha World-Herald: In candlelight vigils, hundreds unite to show that ‘Nebraskans will accept Syrian refugees’
Lincoln Journal Star: 'Like I'm home': Tower Square vigil welcomes Syrian refugees to Nebraska
KLKN-TV: Hundreds gather at candlelight vigil for refugees
Nebraska Appleseed Facebook: Photo album
The world will know us by our love

Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Peace with Justice coordinator, Great Plains Conference.
Longing for peace in this troubled world, let us prepare for the celebration of Christ, the Prince of Peace, who knows all about what it means to be a refugee.
“As a follower of Jesus, the world will know me by my love. Not by my security, or my comfort, or my fear, or my borders, or my refugee screening process.
But by my love. My God given, only possible by grace, love. For perfect love casts out fear...for whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 John 4:18” - Josie Gwin
Read the newest issue of The Mustard Seed.
Round-up Against Hunger reports due Dec. 30
Reports for the Bishop’s Round-up Against Hunger may be received from churches in any district in the Great Plains Conference. The report forms are available at greatplainsumc.org/hungerministries and may then be emailed to the statistician at rwilliams@greatplainsumc.orgbefore Dec. 30. If you are enclosing a check, send it to the conference office in Topeka, Kansas. For information call 785-587-4122.
Mission Christmas to be Dec. 5
FUMC’s event (formerly Holiday Happenings) will be open 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
First UMC's (Lincoln, Nebraska), Mission Christmas is a full day of activities including Santa from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., the sale of holiday cookies, craft and seasonal items made available by various vendors, along with offerings of coffee, cinnamon rolls, pie, homemade soups and sandwiches, musical entertainment and a children’s carnival.
First UMC, known for its justice and mission activities is hosting its annual Christmas craft fair and children’s carnival. Early shoppers will receive a green shopping bag, while supplies last. “This is my first year volunteer for the event and I’m looking forward to seeing the new children’s carnival unfold,” said Kathryn Witte, volunteer. Several University Place businesses are also engaged in the event.
Located at 2723 N. 50th St., in Lincoln, First UMC strives to be a growing, inclusive community of faith, working together, sharing Jesus’ love, and using our gifts to build and nurture a spiritual community. First UMC membership is inclusive of all persons regardless of education, ability, economic status, gender, race, ethnic group, age, or sexual orientation (or immigration status).
Newsletters
Classifieds
To view these and other classifieds, go
to 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
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