GP Connect – News & Announcements - Great Plains Annual
Conference Episcopal Area – Wednesday, 22 January 2014
Click here for a printable version of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Appointment season to begin
Call for business cards orders
Local church deadline for 2013 statistical reports is Jan. 31
Congregational Excellence adds to team
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries shares upcoming events
Center for Pastoral Effectiveness announces new centers
DNA update
General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) offers e-newsletter
Perkins School of Theology to host Ministers Week
Urban Fellows & Missional Fellows application deadline is
Feb. 1
CONGREGATIONAL EXCELLENCE
2014 Church Planters' Bootcamp special
Blue River District youth event
First UMC in Norfolk, Neb., celebrates reconsecration
Krusing the Capitol, January 2014
Leadership event to be Feb. 28-March 1
Seward UMC member dresses as mosquito
Next Steps Academy presentation available for viewing
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Holy Land pilgrimage registration deadline Feb. 14
Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day “Working for Justice”
Micah Corps is accepting applications for intern program
Diversity Mom’s Day Out
The Mustard Seed
Upp makes plans to serve in Guyana, see monthly newsletter
Appointment season to begin
The Great Plains United Methodist Conference cabinet members are
working to fill appointments for 2014-15. Announcements will be posted online
as appointments are made. Follow the changes on the “Appointment Changes” page
at www.greatplainsumc.org/appointments.
Call for business cards orders
The Great Plains United Methodist Conference will be printing
business cards. If you have yet to order your Great Plains United Methodists
branded business card, please contact Roxie Delisi at
rdelisi@greatplainsumc.org and provide the information you would like on your
card, including church or agency affiliation, address, phone numbers, fax,
email, website, etc.
The new Great Plains logo treatment retains the fonts from the
Kansas Area and the watermark from the Nebraska logotypes and stationery
treatments.
The cost is approximately $35 or less for 500 cards, depending
on the number of people who choose to purchase cards.
Click here to see a sample card.
Local church deadline for entering 2013 statistical reports is
Jan. 31
Website login information was emailed or mailed to pastors and
church treasurers in early December. Usernames and initial passwords were
provided by the three former conferences.
Statistical data must be submitted via the GCFA website.
Instructions, frequently-asked questions (FAQ) and a video tutorial are
available on the Great Plains Conference website. There are also helpful
resources on the Ezra website under the reports tab such as a blank input form,
church user’s guide and church table directions.
If you have questions or need help, contact Mary Conrad at the
Wichita office at 800-745-2350 or mconrad@greatplainsumc.org.
Congregational Excellence adds to team
Linda Stewart Photo
The Rev. Evelyn Fisher, director Congregational Excellence for
the Great Plains Conference, announces the addition of the Rev. Linda Stewart
and Sara Shaw to the Congregational Excellence team. Both will begin their
duties on Jan. 27, and both will office in Wichita. In addition to Stewart and
Shaw, James Rickner has been named site director for Camp Chippewa, in Ottawa,
Kan.
The Rev. Linda Stewart most recently was executive officer and
director for the Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Wichita and Springfield,
Mo. While with Habitat, she grew funding and program services in Wichita by 360
percent and in Springfield by 240 percent. Stewart’s resume includes
substantial disaster recovery and outreach experience as well as significant
experience in communications and information technology. Steward said in her
letter of application regarding disaster recovery work, “… because the lives of
those who get involved are transformed along with the lives of those who
receive help. Meeting people where they are, engaging others in service, and
demonstrating God’s love through gifts given in Christ/s name has been the core
of my service.”
Sara Shaw joins the Great Plains staff as the coordinator of
camping ministries. Prior camp experiences include director of White Memorial
Camp and Conference Center, Council Grove, Kan., and executive director of Camp
Alexander, Emporia, Kan. “I am so excited to join the Great Plains,” said Shaw.
“I have many fantastic ideas to build a strong team – I am thrilled.” Sara has
extensive experience in both secular and faith-based camps. “I’m looking
forward to meeting all the different people involved with outreach ministries,”
said Shaw. “I believe camps can be the key to building good spiritual and
Christian leaders in the United Methodist Church.
Fisher also announced James Rickner, as the official site
director for Camp Chippewa, in Ottowa, Kan. Rickner has been serving as the
interim site director. “We’re looking forward to his continued good leadership
there,” said Fisher.
Rickner began as a Camp Chippewa camper in 1996, came on staff
in 2006 as a part-time wrangler. In 2011 he became fulltime as head of
maintenance and the equine program. “I am really eager for the new thing
–progress at Chippewa and the Great Plains. I see really good things coming
from this merger and a bright future for all the camps in the new conference,”
said Rickner.
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries shares upcoming events
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries (ARM) is the working name of the
United Methodist Renewal Services Fellowship, Inc., located in Goodlettsville,
Tenn. ARM is a non-political and non-adversarial movement who is committed to
equipping the local church to minister to the world in the power of the Holy
Spirit. Upcoming events include Methodist School for Supernational Ministry
Session Six, Feb. 19-22; 2014 Women’s Day Apart: God’s Healing Power, March
7-8; and Aldersgate 2014 in Springfield, Ill., July 17-20.
Click here to read more about each event.
Center for Pastoral Effectiveness announces new centers
Clergy of the Great Plains still have time to register for the
new Centers for Pastoral Effectiveness beginning in April and May.
Track I begins the six, three-day retreat series April 3-May 2,
at the Manna House of Prayer, Concordia, Kan. There is only room for three more
registrants.
Track II begins two of the six, three-day retreat series in
Lawrence, Kan., the week of April 21-25. There is only room for two more
registrants.
Track III begins the six, three-day retreat series in Colorado
Springs, Colo., the week of May 7-9. There is only room for one more clergy to
register.
Each series is $1,980 payable in six installments of $330 during
the 18 month course. Please don’t make money the issue. The Center will work
out a payment process that fits your budget.
For more information contact Bill Selby at the Center for
Pastoral Effectiveness at 303-521-3850.
DNA update
Dr. Don Nations, a former pastor and church planter, is the founder
of DNA Coaching, which provides consulting and coaching to business and
churches.
Click here to read a recent online article he wrote about why
metrics don’t matter and a sample of why people are going to church.
General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) offers monthly
e-newsletter
GBGM Mission Map
You are invited to sign up to receive the monthly
“connectNmission” e-newsletter from The General Board of Global Ministries. The
January issue highlights young adult missionaries and new resources such as The
United Methodist Mission Map. This resource provides an at-a-glance world map
view of various ministries and projects of the General Board of Global
Ministries. The map was sent to every pastor in the last “UMC Leadership
Mailing Packet.” Copies can also be ordered through the on-line store or by
contacting Pastor Alan Gager, Conference Secretary of Global Ministries.
Sign up and read the current and back issues at
www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/Newsletters
Perkins School of Theology to host Ministers Week
Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University will
host Ministers Week Feb.3–5, 2014. Bible scholars from across the country join
Perkins faculty, clergy and church professionals for lectures and workshops on
Bible and ministry. The theme for the 2014 Ministers Week is Engaging the
Bible.
Following the opening worship service in Perkins Chapel on Feb.
3 at 2:30 p.m., the Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp, professor of Hebrew Scriptures at
Yale University, will present the first Jackson Lecture, Wrestling the Word:
Submission and Resistance as Holy Hermeneutical Acts. The second Jackson
Lecture, Be Strong and Resolute! – Reading Joshua in the Contemporary Church,
will be presented by Sharp on Feb. 4 at 4 p.m.
Click here to read more.
Application deadline for Urban Fellows and Missional Fellows is
Feb. 1
The deadline for applications to the fall 2014 Urban Fellows and
Missional Fellows programs at Wesley Theological Seminary is February 1. In
addition to eligibility for financial aid, Urban and Missional Fellows receive
a $10,000 stipend for educational and living expenses. Other masters-level
applicants wanting to be considered for competitive merit scholarship should
also apply by Feb. 1.
Click here to read more.
2014 Church Planters' Bootcamp special
Church Planters' Bootcamp graphic
All are invited by the Northern Illinois Conference to the 2014
Church Planters’ Bootcamp with Jim Griffith. The bootcamp will be held April
2-4, 2014 in the Chicago, Ill., area. Register now at www.umcnic.org/plant to
save $100.
If you support, lead or are thinking of launching a new church,
this bootcamp will teach you what you need to survive and succeed in the first
year of planting. New faith communities strengthen existing churches, expand
the work of the gospel and bring new life to new communities. This is event led
by Jim Griffith, a nationally known author and church-planting consultant.
The Church Planters’ Bootcamp is from Wednesday, April 2, to
Friday, April 4, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (2875 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook,
IL). The earlybird price is offered through Feb.7 at only $200 — regular price
is $300 (planters’ spouses only pay $60). Registration includes lunch and
materials but does not include hotel reservations. To register or receive
information about discounted hotel rates, visit www.umcnic.org/plant or contact
Judy Siaba at 312-346-9766 ext. 724 or jsiaba@umcnic.org.
Click here for a flier about this event.
Blue River District youth event
The Blue River district invites youth to an evening of skating
fun at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb. The event will be held
this Sunday, Jan. 26, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the ice skating rink and activity
center. Cost is $5 per person and includes ice skating, ice skates and
admission into the activity center.
Click here for a flier about this event.
First UMC in Norfolk, Neb., celebrates reconsecration
Bishop Scott J. Jones will preach and preside over a special
Service of Reconsecration at First UMC in Norfolk, Neb. this Sunday, Jan. 26.
The congregation has recently completed a $1.5 million
renovation and addition project that includes an elevator, improved sanctuary,
new roof and other improvements in electrical and mechanical systems. The
church building, was built and consecrated in the late 1950s, and now is being
reconsecrated to service and worship in the name of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Jones will be preaching at both the 8:30 and 11 a.m.
services. For more information, contact the church at 402-371-2785.
Krusing the Capitol, January 2014
Editor’s note: The following is a letter to the editor by Sen.
Lowen Kruse. Kruse served in the Nebraska Legislature from 2001-09 and is also
a retired United Methodist minister. We have asked him to share ideas on how
persons of faith can effectively discuss difficult issues and affect important
community decisions.
Recovering Our Democracy
Our nation’s Founders established a bold new venture in
democracy, in which every citizen’s vote counts in public decisions. Their
plan: citizens vote on representatives in a republic. A healthy democracy
depends on voting by a broad base of citizens. That voting base has been
weakened in our nearly 225 years. It is now under virtual attack by wealthy
interests which actively affect the ways by which we make decisions.
I have long grumbled about being ‘out-bid’ in voting in a
democracy/republic where we give more votes to those with money. It is more
complicated than that, but there are answers which academics find in our
national history. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that part of the answer
is from research by our son, Doug, and two of his colleagues in economic
research, published in their new book, “The Citizen’s Share.” I am clearly
biased on Doug, but I am greatly encouraged that national researchers in
economy have been working on inequity for years. I see the connection they make
to strengthening democracy.
Click here to read more.
Leadership event to be Feb. 28-March 1
“Dawn of the unDead: Return of the Living Church” is the name
for the Elkhorn Valley District fall leadership event.
What makes a congregation irresistible to adults under 40? How
do we build relationships and engage the Latino residents in our communities
with Christ?
These questions are being asked by congregations across the
Great Plains Conference. Join Pastor Rob Schmutz and Corey Godbey, our Hispanic
ministries director, as they give us a vision of what it might mean for us to
be alive, engaging congregations for those we are not currently reaching.
The invitation is open to everyone to attend. Online
registration is open. See the brochure and spread the word.
Brochure front (color)
Brochure front (B&W)
Brochure back (color)
Brochure back (B&W)
Seward UMC member dresses as mosquito
Mosquito Outfit Photo
On Dec. 15, Dr. J.B. Ketner dressed up as a mosquito at Seward
UMC in Seward, Neb., to keep up his end of a fundraising bargain. Seward set a
goal to raise $3,875 for Imagine No Malaria, if the church raised more than
that amount, Ketner agreed to dress up as a mosquito. The church raised
$3,878.88, resulting in Ketner taking the pulpit in the mosquito pictured
above.
Next Steps Academy presentation available for viewing
On Jan. 11, Ron Holt of Saint Mark UMC in Wichita, Kan. gave a
presentation titled, From Membership to Discipleship: Developing Spiritual
Leaders, as part of our Next Steps Academy. Groups from across the Great Plains
Conference gathered to watch and submit questions.
Click here to watch the recorded presentation and download the
materials.
The Next Steps Academy sessions will have a live audience and
more interaction with the speaker starting with session II on Feb. 8. All
presentations are livestreamed at www.greatplainsumc.org/nextstepsacademy.
Holy Land pilgrimage registration deadline Feb. 14
Saint Paul School of Theology’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land is
May 28-June 6, 2014. The registration deadline for this 10-day journey to
Israel is Feb. 14. Led by seminary faculty members Dr. Mike Graves (Saint Paul
School of Theology) and Dr. David May (Central Baptist Theological Seminary)
and staff, this life-changing journey will offer participants a deeper
understanding of their faith and a more thorough knowledge of the land of the
Bible.
Click here to read more.
Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day “Working for Justice”
On Saturday, Feb. 8, United Methodists are invited to join other
Christians for the Ecumenical Legislative Briefing Day “Working for Justice” at
Christ UMC in Lincoln, Neb. A wide variety of workshops will be offered
including environmental stewardship, children’s issues, human trafficking,
alternative sentencing, immigration, poverty and how best to advocate. Several
students will be part of the leadership again. The closing address will feature
Emiliano Lerda, executive director of Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska, who
will discuss “Sowing the Seeds of Justice.”
Please invite others. Register by Jan. 25, for $20 – tickets at
the door will be $25. For more information and to register, click here.
Micah Corps is accepting applications for intern program
Interns enjoy a beautiful summer day and pray while walking a
labyrinth.
Up to eight young adults will be selected for the 2014 Micah
Corps. Application deadline is March 7 and selections will be announced March
21. Preference is given to Great Plains United Methodist young adults, post
high school through 23 years of age.
Part of the summer activities is to explore different prayer
practices. Creating space to listen to God can be challenging in our society.
Interns learn about and practice the Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, spiritual
journaling and walking a labyrinth.
To apply for this internship, go to
www.greatplainsumc.org/micahcorps.
Diversity Mom’s Day Out
Mothers gather for Diversity Mom’s Day Out
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Sandy Sypherd,
Prairie Rivers District CLM.
The Hastings Multicultural Alliance, out of Hastings, Neb.,
launched its new program called Diversity Mom’s Day Out on Jan. 17, 2014. The
objectives of the program are to provide an opportunity for mothers to interact
with adults and to listen to speakers on a variety of topics while their
children are being cared for in a safe environment.
Click here to read more.
The Mustard Seed
Andrea Paret, Great Plains peace with justice coordinator
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret,
Great Plains peace with justice coordinator
“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took
and sowed in the field. It is the smallest of all the seeds but when it has
grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the
air come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31
I am Andrea Paret, a layperson from First UMC in Norfolk, Neb.,
and since Jan. 1, your Great Plains peace with justice coordinator. You might
wonder what responsibilities this volunteer position includes. Peace with
justice coordinators are assigned by every annual conference with the main task
of linking the local churches in the annual conference with the peace with
justice ministry of the General Board of Church and Society. Through this
ministry justice resources, interpretation and advocacy are made available.
One of the resources I am providing is The Mustard Seed, a
publication going out several times a year with ideas for peace advocacy. If
you are interested in receiving this resource, please email me at
amparet08@yahoo.com and put Mustard Seed in the subject line. Some of you have
been on the mailing list in the past. If you have not received the
January-February issue on Monday, Jan. 20, please also email me since I must
not have your current email address. I received quite a number of mail failure
notices.
I am looking forward to join with many of you as we United
Methodist peace advocates promise to pray, study and act for God’s shalom in
our homes, communities and the world.
Shalom – Salaam – Paz – Peace,
Andrea
Click here for the January/February 2014 issue of The Mustard
Seed
Upp makes plans to serve in Guyana, see monthly newsletter
Editor’s note: The following was provided by the Rev. Dr. David
Upp, Great Plains Conference Missionary, serving Whithersover God leads.
I hope to serve in Guyana this Spring, training local pastors
with Rev. David Rambarran (an India-Guyanese now serving as a Nazarene pastor
in Fort Lauder-dale, Fla.) whom I met in Quito, Ecuador, while on a Volunteers
in Mission project with him; you can read about some of his mission work at his
website: www.bagsofhope.org. East Indians (44 percent), Blacks (30 percent),
Amerindians (9 percent) and “mixed” (17 percent) are Guyana’s ethnicities.
Click here to read David Upp’s “Mission Link.”
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.
Want to submit a letter to the editor? Email Kathryn Witte at
kwitte@greatplainsumc.org
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Contact Information:
Episcopal Office: 9440 E Boston Suite 160 Wichita, KS 67207
United States (316)686-0600
Topeka Office: 4201 SW 15th Street PO Box 4187 Topeka, KS 66604
United States (785)272-9111
Wichita Office: 9440 E Boston Suite 110 Wichita, KS 67207 United
States (316)684-0266
Lincoln Office: 3333 Landmark Circle Lincoln, NE 68504-4760 United
States (402)464-5994
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