Missionary Renegade: The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 27 April 2016 "GPconnect"

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 27 April 2016 "GPconnect"

Download the printable version of the April 27, issue of GPconnect.In this edition:

CLERGY EXCELLENCE

Application deadlines set for UM Men, Fleming scholarships

EQUIPPING DISCIPLES

MERCY AND JUSTICE

ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION

GENERAL CONFERENCE

GCFA to host live tweet session in prep for General Conference

SOUTH CENTRAL JURISDICTION CONFERENCE

Participate in mass choir as part of jurisdictional conference in Wichita

OTHER NEWS

Application deadlines set for UM Men, Fleming scholarships
The United Methodist Men is celebrating its 27th year of awarding scholarships to students who are pursuing degrees in Christian leadership and related fields. Deadlines are set for May 1 for three of the scholarships to be awarded during the annual conference session in June in Topeka, Kansas.
Application forms can be downloaded for the following financial aid awards:

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K-State Wesley to host fundraiser in Wichita

Join the campus ministry, K-State Wesley, in Wichita, Kansas, for the Wesley Wa-BASH 5:30-7 p.m., Saturday, April 30 at Calvary UMC (2525 N Rock Road) in Wichita, Kansas.
This festive fundraiser will include an evening of fellowship, fun and free dinner to hear what God is doing on campus at K-State in Manhattan, Kansas. A free, catered buffet will be followed by stories and videos about the ministry at K-State Wesley – even the Wesley Band will be in attendance. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to support this vital ministry in Manhattan.
Register for the BASH online at kstatewesley.com, email kstatewesley@gmail.com, or call 785-776-9278.
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Lay Servants can help with media during worship
In the April 1 blog, Mary Feit closed her blog with this statement:
“Gone are the days when we believed clergy had to do it all!”
What is a unique, yet very needed way that Lay Servants can serve their congregations? They can serve their worship services with multi-media in mind. Pulpit supply is not the only way to enhance the worship service in your own congregation.
Jan Claasen shares a blog post this week that provides ideas for how to get involved in worship services.
Lay Servants can help with media during worship services

Lay Servant Ministries
In the April 1 blog, Mary Feit closed her blog with this statement:
“Gone are the days when we believed clergy had to do it all!”
What is a unique, yet needed way that Lay Servants can serve their congregations? They can serve their worship services with multi-media in mind. Pulpit supply is not the only way to enhance the worship service in your own congregation.
Todd Seifert, our conference communications director, shared ideas in a multimedia worship training the weekend of April 8 and 9. If you were not able to attend the training, perhaps you can visit with Todd about serving your district with a similar training.
Todd had great ideas on:
Content – if you don’t have content, all the bells and whistles of technology will not reach those you want to reach.
Making your altar area attractive and different to match the themes of your pastor’s sermons.
Proper location of camera and sound equipment.
Software that will give you a step up on professional looking slides.
Who should serve on a technology committee?How do these ideas (and others he shared) relate to Mary’s comment on clergy doing it all? In seeking to expand Lay Servants in your district, don’t overlook the need to liven up, brighten up and “tech up” the worship services of your congregation. There are lay people who have these skills or interests. Let’s show them how this falls within the definition of being a Lay Servant.
Contact Todd at tseifert@gpumc.org for more information and for a training.
Jan Claassen is the Lay Servant Ministry director for the Blue River district.
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Bouquet of Blessing Women’s Retreat

Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2
Are you longing to…
Relax in a rocker in one of the private retreat rooms
Pray as you stroll the banks of the Platte River
Meditate while walking the labyrinth
Join in a small group Bible study to explore the ways we are blessed and called to be a blessing
…then please join the women of Living Hope UMC as they host the Bouquet of Blessings Women’s Retreat May 21, 2016. The retreat will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Knowles Mercy Retreat Center, 2304 Campanile Rd, Waterloo, Nebraska.
A day long retreat program will guide our time. However women are invited to use this day to feed there soul in whatever way they need and are free to opt in and out of the retreat schedule as the Spirit leads.
A resource table will offer free reading material and a variety of prayer guide participants during private retreat time.
The $15 registration fee includes a Bouquet of Blessings tote bag, a prayer journal and pen, a gift table item, lunch, beverages and snack breaks. Grants for registration available.
As a final act of faithfulness, retreat participants will be invited to assemble Blessings Bags for Youth Emergency Service. Each bag will contain hygiene items that homeless and at risk youth can use. Donations of combs, brushes, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes and lotion are welcome.
Please invite friends and family to join Living Hope. Registration ends May 9.
Send registration and payment to:
Living Hope UMC
2919 State St.
Omaha, NE 68112
For more information call Pastor Charlotte at 402-453-9162 or 402-707-2480.
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Omaha First UMC sponsors family relocating from Myanmar

On Friday, April 22, First United Methodist Church in Omaha, together with Lutheran Family Services, welcomed a refugee family from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).
The parents of this Karen family of six had spent more than 20 years in a refugee camp. Their belongings on arrival consisted of little more than the clothes they were wearing. Members of First Church's Immigration Ministry Team have found the experience of preparing a home for the family, greeting them on arrival and introducing them to their new home to be deeply fulfilling.
Team members now look forward to working with and mentoring the family as they adapt to life in this country. The team has begun to plan for sponsorship of another family.
For more information on how to get involved, please contact The Rev. Hollie Tapley at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
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Disaster Response Team in need of space
Your Great Plains Disaster Response currently has some needs that you can help us with.
Warehouse Space: Needed is at least a 20-by-20 foot space to house disaster materials. Covered outside space to house generators. It would be great to have this near Wichita, yet other spaces will be considered.
Outside space (covered if possible): to house the shower trailer and support trailer, and a rebuild trailer. For more information on this you can contact Steve Burnett at srburnit@gmail.com.
Churches to Host: recertification classes for Early Response Training and Basic Disaster Training.
ERT Badge Update
New ERT Badges have been mailed. If you have completed the ERT training and have not received your badge it may be due to one of the following reasons:

No picture on file,
No or expired Safe Gatherings certification or
No mailing address.

We also have many incorrect email addresses, so if you are not receiving ERT emails, please check with the Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference disaster response coordinator, at htapley@greatplainsum.orgto update your email address.
Please contact Tapley at the email address above for more information or to assist with these needs.
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UMCOR truck in need of supplies

A truck for cleaning buckets, health kits and school kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, or UMCOR, will be set up to be filled outside the Great Plains Annual Conference.
The truck will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, June 1-2, outside the main box office of the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka. Kits and other items for UMCOR kits should be boxed and labeled with a list and number of items.
A list of items in the kits can be found online at www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies.
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Toolkit provides resources for upcoming Peace With Justice Sunday
“We cannot talk of Christ our peace as an alternative,” says the Rev. Levi Bautista. “We have become accustomed to phrases like ‘seeking an alternative to war’ as if peace is an alternative. We see Christ as fundamental to our being. Therefore, peace must be fundamental, the antidote to war, violence and extremism.”
We hear cries for justice. We search for peace. And every day, The United Methodist Church actively pursues Christ’s ministry of reconciliation. Peace with Justice Sunday, May 22, 2016, makes possible our ongoing ministries of peace and reconciliation.
A special toolkit has everything you need to lead your congregation to promote peace and justice. The ready-to-use resources will save you time and energy.

Access your Pastor and Leader's Kit.

Peace with Justice grant applicants must strive to achieve at least one of the following objectives:
Assist United Methodists in understanding and responding to violence and militarism;
Involve United Methodists in efforts to end global conflicts and violent aggression;
Promote just national and international policies and actions seeking to restore communities and respond to the disproportionate effect of injustices on racial and ethnic people; and
Support policies that promote systematic economic justice and the self-development of peoples.
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Peace with Justice Sunday provides possibilities for learning, empowerment

Editor's note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator.
Peace with Justice Sunday is May 22nd (or another Sunday that works for your congregation). Read here what last year’s offerings made possible:
Four from Great Plains Conference attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2016
Last week, the Great Plains Conference was represented by Emily DeVore, Orlando Gallardo, Andrea Paret and Michael Davis at Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD 2016). They, along with hundreds of other Christian and faith-based advocates, raised their voices for justice at the 14th Annual National Gathering of EAD for Global Peace with Justice in Washington, D.C. April 15-18, 2016. This year’s event was titled, “Lift Every Voice! Racism, Class and Power.”
The EAD 2016 National Gathering featured an array of speakers and preachers with a range of national and international experience discussing the theological, ethical, policy and advocacy dimensions of issues related to racism, class and power.
In the next few weeks, those that attended will be sharing some of the highlights of the events.
Throughout the weekend, all who attended were inspired by dynamic preachers of the Gospel, including the Rev. Dr. William Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP and convener of the “Forward Together Moral Movement,” who preached the opening message with Ezekiel 37:1-14 as the Biblical text on Friday evening.

View his powerful message.

2016 Friday Opening Celebration

Video
EAD 2016 began with a welcome and remarks from key leaders of EAD and the broader worldwide ecumenical movement followed by a rousing sermon by Rev. Dr. William Barber.

Opening Remarks

Rev. John McCullough, President & CEO, Church World Service
Sr. Marie Lucey, OSF, Director of Advocacy & Member Relations, Franciscan Action Network
Douglas G. Grace, M.Div., S.T.M., Director, Ecumenical Advocacy Days

Keynote Speaker
REV. DR. WILLIAM BARBER, PRESIDENT, NORTH CAROLINA NAACP & CONVENER, FORWARD TOGETHER MORAL MOVEMENT

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II serves as President of the North Carolina NAACP and convener of the Forward Together Moral Movement, an alliance of more than 200 progressive organizations in North Carolina. Rev. Dr. Barber and this coalition have been at the forefront of justice work in the state and have inspired organizing on a national level.
The Forward Together Moral Movement, better known as “Moral Monday,” is a multi-racial, multi-generational movement to battle immoral, extreme policies adopted by the governor and state legislature. These wrongs include draconian cuts to public education, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits. They also encompass attacks on labor rights, voting rights, women’s rights, the environment, and immigrants. Moral Monday rallies have engaged thousands of North Carolinians throughout the state. Since the first Moral Monday rally on April 29, 2013, over 1000 people have been arrested in non-violent civil disobedience.
On February 8, 2014, a crowd estimated by USA Today at 80,000 participated in the Mass Moral March on Raleigh, the largest march of its kind in the South since Selma 1965. The North Carolina NAACP and the Forward Together Moral Movement are now engaged in litigation to reverse the worst voter suppression laws in the country.
Rev. Dr. Barber is the 2015 recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus Chair’s Phoenix Award presented at the 45th Annual Legislative Conference. Rev. Barber also is the 2015 recipient of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR Freedom of Worship Award presented by Roosevelt Institute.
Barber graduated from North Carolina Central University and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University. He earned his doctoral degree from Drew University. Barber is a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors and serves as the National NAACP Chair of the Legislative Political Action Committee. Dr. Barber served as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Human Relations Commission and has taught at Duke Divinity School, North Carolina Central University, and North Carolina Wesleyan College. He is a Mel King Community Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has lectured at the Harvard School of Government, and recently completed a sabbatical fellowship at Union Theological Seminary.
Barber is the author of three books: Forward Together: A Moral Vision for the Nation, Preaching Through Unexpected Pain, and The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics and the Rise of a New Justice Movement, forthcoming in January 2016 with Beacon Press.
Rev. Dr. Barber lives in Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he has pastored Greenleaf Christian Church for 24 years. In 1995, his modest congregation invested $1.5 million into community development, which has since resulted in more than $12 million of development, with sixty homes for low to moderate income families, a 41-unit senior citizens’ home, and a 90-student pre-school academy.
Music Ministry
ELCA GLOCAL MUSICIANS
Music and worship leadership during this year’s EAD National Gathering is provided by the Glocal Musicians of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The musicians were formed by the Global Formation Team in ELCA Global Mission to provide musical leadership for the Glocal Gatherings hosted by congregations and other Christian communities throughout North America and the Caribbean. Through its intentional diversity—including representation from many countries, denominations, and several cultures—the group embodies ways to stand in mutual solidarity while amplifying marginalized voices.
In addition to offering musical worship that includes global voices, the musicians are committed to forming local leaders seeking to introduce global themes in their communities. The songs they teach are grounded in the community stories that raise awareness and inspire advocacy. The musicians embody what it means to be “Glocal”—simultaneously global and local—so we can accompany one another across cultures, even in our own neighborhoods.

I was encouraged and challenged to do more to promote peace and justice for all, remembering the difficulties and struggles that persons of color continue to encounter each and every day.
However, none of us who heard Dr. Barber’s challenging message knew that an even more powerful message would be shared later that evening and into the next day. This message would illustrate the need for continued effort to promote civil liberties, for on Saturday morning we learned from Douglas Grace, director of Ecumenical Advocacy, that Dr. Barber had been escorted from the American Airlines plane before it left the airport for North Carolina. The following day, Dr. Barber shared the sad details of the incident.

Read Dr. Barber’s statement.

Statement On Airline’s Decision to Remove Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II from Plane Last Night

Durham, April 16, 2016: Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President of North Carolina State Conference of NAACP Branches and the architect of the nationally acclaimed Moral Monday Movement, is fine. When short report was published this morning that he had been removed from a plane at the Washington, DC Airport last night, Rev. Barber’s friends have been rightly concerned. To ease their minds, he released this statement:

I was invited to be the keynote speaker at a national interfaith event that launched the 2016 Ecumenical Advocacy Days. Like Moral Mondays, the service was to encourage all people of faith to petition directly those who have the power to reverse the immoral policies against the poor, the marginalized and the racially oppressed people in our society. Protestant, Catholic and other faith leaders had worked for months for the Ecumenical Advocacy Days in D.C. this week. My job Friday evening was to remind us of the similar moral teachings of great religions--love your neighbor as yourself, do justice, and walk humbly with God.

I had preached a sermon, my colleague had led the multi-racial crowd in some spirited gospel and Movement singing and, after some wonderful time hanging out with old and new friends, I went to Reagan National Airport to board an American Airlines plane flying to Raleigh-Durham around 10 p.m. As I boarded the plane, I was overwhelmed with love and the possibilities of new cross-race friendships and moral witnesses. I was also bone tired. Because

of my bone-fusion arthritic disability that I have struggled with for years, I am forced to purchase two seats. The airport employees were more than gracious to me, as I boarded the small plane and painfully moved my body around to the most comfortable position I can find, looking forward to a good nap on the short flight home.

A passenger in a seat near me was talking loudly as the plane filled up. I asked the stewardess to request he bring it down a little bit, and she did. Because of my disability, I could not turn my head to see him, but as she left, I heard him saying distasteful and disparaging things about me. He had problems with "those people" and he spoke harshly about my need for "two seats," among other subjects. As I heard these things, I became more and more uncomfortable, especially since he was behind me. The attitude with which he spoke, and my experiences with others who have directed similar harsh, sometimes threatening words, emails, and calls at me,

came to my mind. Because he was behind me when he made the comments and because of my disability, the only way I could see him when I tried to speak to him as one human being to another was to stand and turn around. I asked him why he was saying such things, and I said he did not know me, my condition, and I added I would pray for him.

This took place before the plane’s crew gave safety instructions. I do not know who made the decision, but a plane official apparently called the police, who came to my seat and said, “Sir you need to leave the plane.” I left. The American Airlines team at the desk was very gracious.

Many said they were concerned and some said they did not agree with the decision. I told each of them that I was OK. They found room on a flight leaving on Saturday morning. I returned to the hotel where I keynoted the event earlier in the evening. This morning American staff graciously helped me re-board for the flight to Raleigh-Durham.

Virtually all the police officers and American employees were gracious to me. Some were openly troubled by the decision to force me to spend another night away from home. To those of you who were worried about me, I am fine, physically. Yes, I am not at all happy about what I believe were the real reasons I was the one asked to leave. My training and experiences with non-violent civil disobedience, and my deep faith, however, made my decision to peacefully comply with the order to get off the plane an easy one. I turned the matter over to my legal counselors, one here and one in Washington DC.

The Moral Fusion Movement must focus our attention on weightier matters. The struggle against the hatred and fear take priority over matters of my comfort and convenience. I merely want to be treated fairly.

I want to emphasize, virtually all who had to implement the decision to remove me from the plane were embarrassed and upset by it. I thank them, and thank all my friends for the words

of comfort and love, and your prayers. Now, let’s get back to work, changing attitudes, stereotypes, perceptions, policies and dealing with people’s fears and hatred.

Yours in faith,

Rev. William J. Barber II

As a person, who has at times mistakenly thought that racial prejudice and discrimination is a thing of the past, this event reminds me again of the need to advocate for and stand up and defend those persons who live in a world where not all are treated equally. We have come a long way, however I realize that we are a long ways from responding to others as Jesus would have responded.
I give thanks for the opportunity to attend this event and especially thank Great Plains Peace with Justice Ministries for making scholarships available so our delegation was able to attend Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2016. Now, I look forward to sharing the message of “Peace with Justice” with others in the conference. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Andrea Paret, Emily DeVore, Orlando Gallardo or myself in regard to what you can do to promote “Peace with Justice”.
In the weeks ahead others from our group will share other highlights. God Bless!
The Rev. Michael Davis, retired, is pastor at Elgin United Methodist Church in Nebraska. Contact him at mdavis@greatplainsumc.org or by calling 402-340-2086
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Social justice seed money goes toward Mental Health Summit

Last fall, Topeka JUMP received Social Justice Seed Money through the Mercy and Justice Team of the Great Plains Conference. The funds helped plan and implement a mental health summit with about 30 participants. Topeka JUMP is a coalition of 18 churches in Shawnee County, Kansas, with Tecumseh UMC and Lowman UMC among its members. Its mission is to have “people of faith from all walks of life come together to seek justice for the widow, the orphan and the poor. By bringing the faith community together and building the power of organized people, Topeka JUMP works to influence local decision-makers to make systemic impacts that address serious community problems in our community.”
Read how this mental health summit is a step forward on mental health recovery support through employment.
Mental Health Summit in Topeka, KS
In 2015, 20 congregations across Shawnee County answered their call to justice by challenging budget cuts to mental health services in Topeka. With more than 10,000 in need, Topeka JUMP asked County Commissioners to prioritize mental health services that move individuals to recovery rather than through a cycle of crisis. Shawnee County Commissioners responded by restoring 100,000 dollars to the mental health services. Topeka JUMP is now working with Valeo Behavioral Health Care to expand a current supported employment program because research shows gainful employment is cornerstone to recovery.

On March 28, 2016, persons with severe and persistent mental illness, Valeo Behavioral Health Care, Topeka JUMP, St. Francis Hospital, University of Kansas, National Alliance on Mental Illness Kansas and local employers gathered around supported employment in Topeka. The Mental Health Summit convened stakeholders around a national best practice, supported employment and strengthened relationships across the table. Through conversation and questions, participants sought out practical ways to strengthen the local supported program, given that “60 percent of individuals with mental illness desire employment,” according to national statistics. The Topeka Lodging Association, with 19 hospitability entities, is one example of an employer who developed a heightened awareness because of the Mental Health Summit. The executive director of Topeka Lodging Association remarked “this sounds like a program that is mutually beneficial to our companies and to the community. What can I do to bring this back to the Association?” Valeo Behavioral Health Care staff are currently in communication the Lodging Association, and are developing next steps in that partnership. Mr. Persinger, executive director of Valeo Behavioral Health Care was excited to have the Mental Health Summit, and though it was the first time of an event of its kind, Mr. Persinger assures it will not be the last.
Topeka JUMP will continue to engage community stakeholders on mental health recovery support through employment. The Mental Health was a pivotal step in this process, serving as a platform for the marginalized.
To read more about the work of Topeka JUMP, go to topekajump.weebly.com

Topeka JUMP

NEHEMIAH DEALS WITH OPPRESSION
Nehemiah 5:6-7 (NRSV)
"I was very angry when I heard their outcry and these complaints. After thinking it over, I brought charges against the nobles and the officials; I said to them, “You are all taking interest from your own people.” And I called a great assembly to deal with them,..."

Topeka JUMP is a coalition of 18 churches in Shawnee County, Kansas. The organization was incorporated on May 23, 2012 and achieved its non-profit status on November 4, 2012. Through Topeka JUMP people of faith from all walks of life come together to seek justice for the widow, the orphan, and the poor. By bringing the faith community together and building the power of organized people, Topeka JUMP works to influence local decision-makers to make systemic impacts that address serious community problems in our community.

Photos: Top photo: On the evening of November 11, 2014, an assembly of JUMP members filled El Shaddai Ministries Community Church to vote on the new area of focus for the group — mental health. Bottom photo, from right to left: Ally Mabry, Evidence Based Programs, KU; Valeo Behavioral Health Care supported employment specialist and Rick Cagan, Executive Director of NAMI Kansas were panel speakers.
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Childcare registration at annual conference session now open

Registration for childcare during the 2016 annual conference session is now open. Childcare will be provided for infants through finishing fifth graders (finishing eighth graders only if they are attending Camp Chippewa) at the Capitol Plaza Hotel (1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612). The Capitol Plaza Hotel is connected to the Kansas Expocentre, location for the annual conference session.
In addition to childcare registration, Camp Chippewa is partnering with the conference to offer an overnight camp for children going into third grade through eight grade entitled "Annual Conference Faith and Fun." The camp will be June 1-3. If you have children interested, you must sign them up on the conference registration form as well as the Camp Chippewa registration. Children in third through fifth grades who choose not to attend camp may attend child care provided by the conferenceJune 1-4. More information on this camp is can be found below.
Registration for childcare will end at midnight on April 29, 2016. No late registrations will be accepted.
Click here to register for childcare and Camp Chippewa.
There is a $50 fee for the first child, a $50 fee for the second child and an additional $25 fee for each additional child. This fee covers care for the entire conference. Lunch for children on Wednesday, June 1 through Friday, June 3 is available for purchase for $7.00 per lunch.
A lactation/parent's room will be provided on site at the Kansas Expocentre in the Star B room when conference is in session and during worship services. No registration is necessary to utilize the parent's room. The room is available for nursing/pumping mothers or anyone who needs a place to be with their child while onsite. Please note that the parent's room will not have view of the plenary session. Happenings on the conference floor will be live streamed to a television.
Camp Chippewa – 'Annual Conference Faith and Fun'

This overnight camp is offered at Camp Chippewa, 2577 Idaho Road, Ottawa, KS 66067, on June 1-3. Since Annual Conference is scheduled one day longer on Saturday June 4 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a movie day will be provided onsite at the Capitol Plaza hotel.
Camp Chippewa has horseback riding, archery, swimming, low ropes, paddleboats, worship, Bible study, crafts and much more.
The cost of the camp is $145 for those who will be dropped off and picked up from the camp and $165 for those needing transportation from the Capitol Plaza Hotel to camp and back. Payments for this camp will be taken on the Camp Chippewa registration form.
Children needing transportation to the camp need to be ready at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1. Those being dropped off should arrive at the camp by 10:00 a.m. The camp completes at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 3. Children using transportation should be back at the venue at around 4:00 p.m. Those not using transportation should be picked up promptly at3:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the Rev. Kim Dickerson-Oard at kim@ehumc.org or 316-682-6518.
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Free social media, website workshops offered day before annual conference in Topeka

The Great Plains Conference and United Methodist Communications are providing free workshops on creating a social media strategy for local churches and then how to bolster each church’s website presence.
The sessions begin with the social media workshop at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka Blvd., in Topeka, Kansas. The website workshop will follow in the same location at 3:30 p.m. Both workshops come at no cost to participants.
The workshops will be led by Craig Catlett, the training and development specialist at United Methodist Communications. He holds a bachelor’s degree in religion and a master’s degree in communication. Before coming to work for United Methodist Communications, Catlett taught interpersonal communication, public speaking and business and professional communication for Western Kentucky University. He has a background in ministry and teaching classes online and now combines his experiences to serve The United Methodist Church.
Please register for the workshops as you fill out the form for the annual conference session. Or send an email to Todd Seifert, communications director for the Great Plains Conference, at tseifert@greatplainsumc.org. Registration will help us plan for the best room and to ensure enough materials are prepared.
Here are descriptions of the two workshops:

Communicating Faith in the 21st Century
Communicating Faith in the 21st Century will teach how to effectively communicate in today’s society and to equip the faith community to share transforming stories. This workshop focuses on going beyond just having a church website to effectively implementing a broader online presence. We will cover the basics of launching a successful online strategy that helps people connect with your church in a new way. This workshop will also focus on implementing a broader online presence, using the social media tools of today. By engaging your audience online first, you extend your reach beyond Sunday services and expose your audience to your message before they visit your church.
Your Church Website: Rethinking Your New Front Door
Your Church Website focuses on going beyond just having a church website to effectively implementing a broader online presence. We will cover the tools to plan, build, and launch a successful online strategy that helps people connect with your church in a new way. This workshop looks at going beyond just having a church website focusing on how to effectively implement a broader online presence. By engaging your audience online first, you extend your reach beyond Sunday services and expose your audience to your message before they visit your church.

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GCFA to host live tweet session in prep for General Conference
The General Council on Finance and Administration will host a one-hour live tweet session starting at noon CDT April 28 to respond to questions delegates or others might have on the UMC budget. Moses Kumar will receive messages through Twitter (#UMCbudget) or through emails submitted to gcfa@gcfa.org.
This session provides an opportunity for people to be informed prior to General Conference in an effort to help decision makers be well informed.
Here are some facts about the live session:

Thursday, April 28, noon Central Time
Use #UMCbudget for questions or to follow the conversation
Web page for information: www.gcfa.org/umcbudget
Landing page to follow the live tweet online:www.gcfa.org/gcfa/umc-budget-join-the-conversation

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Participate in mass choir as part of jurisdictional conference in Wichita
Would you like to take part in a mass choir to celebrate the South Central Jurisdictional Conference in Wichita, Kansas? The planning team for the event’s area night at 6:30 p.m. July 15 invite you to raise your voices in praise for the “God’s Love is >” event. Besides a performance by Gospel artist William McDowell, the mass choir will perform three songs.
Rehearsals will be June 8, 15, 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the sanctuary of Saint Mark UMC, 1525 N. Loraine in Wichita. The dress rehearsal on July 14 will start at 7 p.m. in the Century II concert hall in Wichita.
For preparation, here are links to the songs and video and in the order in which they will be performed:

“Jesus Is” – Brooklyn Tabernacle
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
"Use Me" – Brooklyn Tabernacle

Contact the following people with any questions:
Event directors from the jurisdictional planning team

Martin Rude (Southwestern College) martin.rude@sckans.edu
Carla Williams (Saint Mark) Carla.Williams@wichita.edu
Mass choir directors
Carla Lawless (Saint Mark UMC)ckinglawless@saintmarkumc.com
Randy Doerksen (Hutchinson Trinity UMC)rdoerksen@usd313.org

Church choirs participating as of April 25 include:

Asbury
Augusta
Hutchinson Trinity
Winfield First
Newton Trinity
Aldersgate
Calvary
Chapel Hill
College Hill
Derby Woodlawn
East Heights
Eldorado
Wichita First
Winfield Grace
Mulvane
Pleasant Valley
Saint Mark
University

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Diaper Depot Diaper Drive a Great Success
The Diaper Depot, a joint ministry of Havelock and New Hope United Methodist Churches, in Lincoln, Nebraska, held a diaper drive during the Lenten season. The Depot provides diapers and wipes to parents who are struggling with the cost of these items for their babies and toddlers.
Churches within the Blue River District of the Great Plains Annual Conference were asked to provide diapers and wipes as part of the Lenten season activities. The churches responded by raising almost $600 and donating thousands of diapers.
Many thanks to all churches and individuals who helped make the 2016 Lenten Diaper Depot Drive such a success!
— The Diaper Depot Board
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Peabody group cleans up storm damage
The first Faith in Action Sunday at Peabody UMC in Kansas earlier this month had 50 participants – about three-fourths of the regular attendees – according to its pastor, the Rev. Angela DeFisher.
In February, the south-central Kansas town had a small ice storm that caused many downed limbs.
“Many residents either couldn't or simply hadn't cleaned up the mess in the weeks that followed,” DeFisher said. “Members of our church recognized the need and decided to do something about it.”
Church members worked with city officials and the city PRIDE group to identify people who needed help. Those unable to do physical labor worked at the church, assembling health kits and preparing lunch for the workers. About 40 (ranging in age from 11 years to mid-80s) worked throughout Peabody and 10 worked at the church, following a short worship service.
About a dozen pickups and trailers hauled 83 loads of debris to the local burn pit.
“Many of our members wore their Peabody UMC T-shirts,” DeFisher said. “It was quite a sight to see when my group arrived at the burn pit to see several of our groups all there at the same time unloading.
“I wasn't sure how well it would go, since they've never done anything like this before, but it sounds like we will be planning similar events in the years to come!”
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Newsletters

David Upp: Mission Link
General Board of Church and Society: Faith in Action
United Methodist Communications: Tools & Tips for Generous Living
Ministry Matters: April 25, 2016
UMC Development Center: Spiritual Giving
Lewis Center for Church Leadership: Leading Ideas
United Methodist Committee on Relief: Hotline

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Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Passing the Baton to Your Pastoral Successor by Jim Ozier

In a relay race, there is an “incoming” and an “outgoing” runner. At different times, and in different races, runners must play either part. So it is in pastoral transitions. At various times in a typical ministry career, any given pastor will either be handing off the baton or receiving the baton. Pastoral leadership requires competency in both roles.
In the relay race, the incoming sprinter carries the baton and hands it off to the outgoing runner in the changeover zone. Who carries the baton in the pastoral transition? The outgoing pastor! He or she must grasp it firmly, charge full speed into the changeover zone, set aside ego, and realize that if the baton is dropped or the transition is poorly executed, it hurts everyone. Exiting pastors must come into the changeover zone with a 100 percent commitment to success in passing the baton! They will enthusiastically put in the time, work, and effort to make it a smooth and seamless handoff.
The daunting reality is that, most of the time, pastors in the changeover zone are saying “goodbye” and “hello” simultaneously. Unless the outgoing pastor is retiring or otherwise leaving pastoral ministry, that pastor is at the same time preparing for a new church and learning about a new congregation, culture, and ministry setting. Time demands, attention, and focus are stretched during this pressure-filled juggling act. Fortunately, this relay race is a sprint, and not a marathon.
If you are an outgoing pastor entering into the changeover zone, these five specific behaviors can increase your chances for success:
Engage
Engage the congregation in both a personal and professional way. Personalize the transition and make it real. Own the situation, but never blame the transition on external forces. Be honest and positive about your approval of the change. People in the pews are used to job changes. Draw on that common experience in a positive way, saying things like: “What I’ll be doing next…,” “What I learned here that I’ll take with me…,” “What you folks taught me…”
Professionalize the transition the way anyone in the congregation would want to see in their career life. Like the runner charging into the changeover zone, charge into your concluding days with intentionality and gusto. Make sure loose ends are tied up and records and statistical data are in order. Attend to ministry projects so that things won’t drop through the cracks.
Enrich
This is a great teaching moment about how pastoral changes are made within your polity. It’s not a time to apologize for it, or blame it. Continue to cast vision for the church’s future under new leadership as you pass the baton. This enrichment function must be done publicly in your closing sermons, Bible studies, and meetings, as well as in personal conversations and other settings.
Endear
Endear the congregation to the new pastor. In your role as the exiting pastor, you can do this better than anyone else. Provide as many personal introductions of your successor as possible, in as many ways as possible. For instance, appear with your successor in introductory videos to be shown during worship and at church meetings and gatherings. Make them creative, funny, interesting, and compelling. Many churches use simple techniques like “Five Fun Facts” or “Two Truths and a Lie” in morning worship for three or four Sundays leading up to the new pastor’s arrival. As the master of ceremonies for this brief, fun, interactive time, you should take every opportunity to brag on your successor. Personally escort your successor on a tour of the community and to meet key leaders. Take “selfies” with the new pastor along the way to show on screens, post on YouTube, and include in written communications.
Encourage
Acknowledge that there will be some natural stress and anxiety as the church enters the changeover zone. Encourage people to love your successor in the same way they loved you. Encourage them to meet the challenges of the future, to continue vital ministries and to start new ones. Organize some especially hospitable folks to put together welcome baskets filled with coupons, movie tickets, and other small gestures of greeting to ease your successor’s arrival.
End
Bring to a close your relationships with parishioners. This can be painful for all, including you. But it must be done. Do this within the context of worship, and in all personal and public settings. Honor and respect the friendships you’ve made, but also be mindful of how you have to end the current dynamic of relationships to help your successor get off to a good running start!
Jim Ozier is the director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation for the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the author (with Jim Griffith) of The Changeover Zone: Successful Pastoral Transitions (Abingdon, 2016) from which this article is adapted. Used by permission. Cokesbury and Amazon.

In a relay race, the two runners exchanging the baton run in tandem in their changeover zone lane of 20 meters. For most runners, this distance is covered in about seven steps while the receiving runner grabs hold of the baton and sprints out on the next leg of the relay. If you are an arriving pastor entering into the changeover zone, these six specific behaviors will increase the odds of a smooth and successful transition.
Acquaint
Get to know the church, the community, and the people by every means possible. Conduct a listening tour in which the church, through a series of small group gatherings, has a chance to answer specific questions designed to help you get a deeper grasp of the church’s culture. This listening tour is not a “meet and greet,” nor is it a time to hear the pastor’s vision of the future. It is a time for the new pastor to listen and learn. Sprinkle bits of what you’ve heard throughout your first months of sermons. This lets the congregation really know you were listening! In addition, study church and community websites, and immerse yourself in the community by visiting important people, places, and events. And while you are there, take “selfies” to share!
Accentuate
Accentuate the positive. Never criticize or second guess your predecessor, or speak poorly of the church or previous pastors. Stay positive and appreciative. Show gratitude in every public setting, especially on Sunday morning. Express thanks effusively to someone or some group every Sunday in worship and at meetings or events during the week.
Analyze
Study the church, its context, community needs, and the impact of the church to date. Analyzing is not the same as judging. Be objective, clear, non-judgmental, and humble in analyzing your context. Find strategic ways to involve others in this analysis. The smartest and safest way is to quickly lead the church into some kind of well-structured process of learning together.
Anticipate
Be ready for the anxieties, concerns, fears, and worries of the church and individuals within the church as they receive you as their new pastor. Put yourself in their shoes. There will be grief, and, in some cases, jubilation. Keep your radar up. It is often helpful to mention in worship the stages of grief that people, and congregations, go through at times of change or loss. Realize that some people going through the stages of grief will “act out,” just as a child might do at the loss of a parent or sibling. Guard against internalizing such behaviors or taking it personally, as doing so will interfere with your ability to guide congregants through the stages.
Ask
The questions you ask are critical to understanding the culture of the church. At this point, asking the right questions is more important than giving the right answers. Ask, ask, ask. Show by the very nature of your curiosity and interest that you care about where the church has been, what it is about, and what the community needs. Inquiry can be a new pastor’s best friend.
Set aside daily self-reflection time to ask yourself honestly: “How am I coming across?” “Am I being genuine and authentic?” “Am I being sensitive, gracious, and courteous?” “Are my behaviors what I hope to see in others?” One of the most often voiced complaints heard in times of transition is, “Our new pastor just doesn’t seem very self-aware.”
Answer
Respond to the many questions that will come your way in a humble, but transparent way. Avoid answering from a position of authority. You have to earn authority, and that takes time. Instead, respond from a self-revelatory position that indicates: “It’s not my personal agenda, but the church’s agenda and the mission field’s agends, and I want to do everything possible to learn more about both.”
Jim Ozier is the director of New Church Development and Congregational Transformation for the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the author (with Jim Griffith) of The Changeover Zone: Successful Pastoral Transitions (Abingdon, 2016) from which this article is adapted. Used by permission. Cokesbury and Amazon.