Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States - Center for Action and Contemplation - Father Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation "Crossing Over To Life" for Thursday, 1 May 2014

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States - Center for Action and Contemplation - Father Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation "Crossing Over To Life" for Thursday, 1 May 2014

When you discharge your Loyal Soldier, it will feel like a loss of faith or loss of self. But it is only the death of the False Self. 
Richard Rohr's Daily Meditation
"Discharging Your Loyal Soldier"
"Crossing Over to Life"
Thursday, 1 May 2014
Normally we will not discharge our Loyal Soldier until our Loyal Soldier shows itself to be wanting, incapable, inadequate for the real issues of life—as when we confront love, death, suffering, subtlety, sin, mystery, and so on. It is another form of the falling and dying that we keep talking about. The world mythologies all point to places like Hades, Sheol, hell, purgatory, the realm of the dead. Even Jesus, if we are to believe the “Apostles’ Creed” of the church, “descended into hell” before he ascended into heaven. Maybe these are not so much alternatives to heaven as the necessary paths to heaven.
When you discharge your Loyal Soldier, it will feel like a loss of faith or loss of self. But it is only the death of the False Self, and is often the very birth of the soul. Instead of being ego-driven, you will begin to be soul-drawn.
The wisdom and guidance you will need to cross this chasm will be like Charon ferrying you across the river Styx, or Hermes guiding the soul across all scary boundaries, or Michael the Archangel slaying your demons. These are your authentic soul friends, and we sometimes call them spiritual directors or elders. Celtic Christianity called them anam chara.
Remember that Hercules, Orpheus, Aeneas, Psyche, Odysseus, and Jesus all traveled into realms of the dead—and returned! When the Apostles’ Creed says that Jesus “descended into hell,” this means that he destroyed hell. Once Christ is there, it is no longer hell but heaven! Even Pope Benedict said that in his commentary on the Creed.
Adapted from Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, page 49-50
Gateway to Silence: The war has ended. Go in peace.
-------
Center for Action and Contemplation
1705 Five Points Rd SW
Albuquerque, NM 87105 United States (physical) 
PO Box 12464
Albuquerque, NM 87195-2464 United States (mailing) 
(505) 242-9588
cac.org
-------

http://conta.cc/1rP8hDN

http://conta.cc/1rP8hDN

Daily Readings For Thursday, 1 May 2014

Daily Readings For Thursday, 1 May 2014
Acts 5:27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.”
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them.
Psalms 34:2 My soul shall boast in Yahweh.
    The humble shall hear of it, and be glad.
9 Oh fear Yahweh, you his saints,
    for there is no lack with those who fear him.
17 The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
    and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
    but Yahweh delivers him out of them all.
20 He protects all of his bones.
    Not one of them is broken.
John 3:31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys [a] the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Footnotes:
a. John 3:36 The same word can be translated “disobeys” or “disbelieves” in this context.
-------

Daily Gospel for Thursday, 1 May 2014

Daily Gospel for Thursday, 1 May 2014
"Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
Thursday of the Second week of Easter 
Saints of the day: St. Joseph the Worker

Saint Joseph the Worker

Every day St. Joseph had to provide for the family's needs with hard manual work. Thus the Church rightly points to him as the patron of workers.
Today's is also a wonderful occasion to reflect on the importance of work in the life of the human person, the family and the community.
The human being is the subject and the primary agent of work, and in the light of this truth, we can clearly perceive the fundamental connection between the person, work and society. Human activity - the Second Vatican Council recalls - proceeds from the human person and is ordered to the person. According to God's design and will, it must serve the true good of humanity and allow "man as an individual and as a member of society to cultivate and carry out his integral vocation" (cf. Gaudium et spes, n. 35).
In order to fulfil this mission, a "tested spirituality of human work" must be cultivated that is firmly rooted in the "Gospel of work" and believers are called to proclaim and to witness to the Christian meaning of work in their many activities and occupations (cf. Laborem exercens, n. 26).
May St. Joseph, such a great and humble saint be an example that inspires Christian workers, who should call on him in every circumstance. Today I wish to entrust to the provident guardian of the Holy Family of Nazareth the young people who are training for their future profession, the unemployed, and those who are suffering from the hardship of the shortage of employment, families and the whole world of work, with the expectations and challenges, the problems and prospects that characterize it.
(John Paul II - General audience, Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Wednesday, 19 March 2003)
Thursday of the Second week of Easter
Acts of the Apostles 5:27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.”
29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them.
Psalms 34:2 My soul shall boast in Yahweh.
    The humble shall hear of it, and be glad.
9 Oh fear Yahweh, you his saints,
    for there is no lack with those who fear him.
17 The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears,
    and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart,
    and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
    but Yahweh delivers him out of them all.
20 He protects all of his bones.
    Not one of them is broken.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 3:31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What he has seen and heard, of that he testifies; and no one receives his witness. 33 He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. 36 One who believes in the Son has eternal life, but one who disobeys [a] the Son won’t see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
Footnotes:
a. John 3:36 The same word can be translated “disobeys” or “disbelieves” in this context.
Thursday of the Second week of Easter
Commentary of the day:

Saint Irenaeus of Lyons (c.130-c.208), Bishop, theologian and martyr 

Against the heresies, IV, 37 

"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life"

God made man a free agent... to obey the behests of God voluntarily, and not by God's compulsion. For there is no coercion with God, but a good will towards us that is present with him continually. In man, as well as in angels, he has placed the power of choice... And not merely in works, but also in faith, God has preserved the will of man free and under his own control, saying: “According to your faith be it done unto you” (Mt 9,29). Thus he shows that there is a faith specially belonging to man, since since it arises out of his personal decision. And again: “All things are possible to him that believes” (Mk 9,23), and, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so be it done unto you” (Mt 8,13). Now all such expressions demonstrate that man is in his own power with respect to faith. And for this reason: “He that believes in Him has eternal life while he who believes not the Son has not eternal life” (Jn 3,36)... 
But he should not, people say, have created angels of such a nature that they were capable of transgression, nor men who immediately proved ungrateful towards him; for they were made rational beings, endowed with the power of examining and judging, and were not formed as irrational things or of a merely animal nature... But upon this supposition, the good would have no attraction for them, nor communion with God be precious. What is good would not be very much be sought after since it would present itself without their own proper endeavor... The good would be implanted in them of its own accord and without their concern... If men were good by nature rather than by will, they would not understand this fact, that good is a comely thing, nor would they take pleasure in it. For how can those who are ignorant of good enjoy it? Or what credit is it to those who have not aimed at it? And what crown is it to those who have not followed in pursuit of it?... The harder we strive, so much the more valuable it is; while so much the more valuable it is, so much the more we will esteem it.
-------

Global Church of the Nazarene DAY 40 OF 40 - Better Together Through Prayer And The Word

Global Church of the Nazarene DAY 40 OF 40 - Better Together Through Prayer And The Word

Nehemiah 13:19-22

19 As soon as it began to grow dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut and gave orders that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. And I stationed some of my servants at the gates, that no load might be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice. 21 But I warned them and said to them, "Why do you lodge outside the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you." From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. 22 Then I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come and guard the gates, to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember this also in my favor, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your steadfast love.

DAY 40 – UPHOLDING GOD’S LAWS

We come to the last chapter of Nehemiah. It is time for Nehemiah to go back to his work for King Artaxerxes of Babylon. After a while he does ask for permission again to visit Jerusalem, and what he found was so sad. They had gone back to some of their old ways already. One of them was the way they treated the Sabbath (Saturday). They had made a covenant with God in chapter 10:31 that was not being kept. There was a lot of buying and selling happening on the Sabbath, so Nehemiah…

SCRIPTURE: Nehemiah 13:19 It came to pass that, when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut, and commanded that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. I set some of my servants over the gates, that no burden should be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares camped outside of Jerusalem once or twice. 21 Then I testified against them, and said to them, “Why do you stay around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on, they didn’t come on the Sabbath. 22 I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember to me, my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.

Why had they returned to their old ways? Had they really forgotten the covenant they made with God…an oath with a binding curse? Just because Nehemiah was gone and the work was done was no reason to forget God and His laws. But it happened. They took the easier approach. It is easier to be a follower then to be Nehemiah in these verses. If you notice in verse 22, Nehemiah commanded the Levites (temple workers) to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Nehemiah passed the charge on to those who would look at it as a holy task…doing the work of God.

LIFE APPLICATION: Living under the time of grace, we are not measured by keeping the laws of God; but Jesus did say, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). In another place Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…soul…mind. …Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-39). Loving God and loving others is our holy task…upholding God’s laws.

____________________________

Companion Weekly (30 April 2014) of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church

Companion Weekly (30 April 2014) of the California-Pacific Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church
"Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?"-Luke 24:32 (Lectionary) 

"United Methodist body considers change to sexuality stance" by Heather Hahn

CHICAGO (UMNS)

The Connectional Table, one of The United Methodist Church’s governing bodies, has decided to draft legislation that could change church law “to fully include LGBTQ persons in the life and ministry of the church.”
The draft would be brought back to the Connectional Table at a future meeting for consideration. The April 29 decision to draft the legislation came the same day the Connectional Table began a series of three public discussions on human sexuality.
The dialogue “is an exercise of our responsibility to be a common table for the church and to confer with one another as representatives of the church,” said Dakotas-Minnesota Area Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Connectional Table chair, the day before the event.
“The Connectional Table believes that we need some specific language to inform the discussion before we can seek effective feedback from the Connection and fully discern what our next steps will be," Ough said after the event, in a press release. “This decision has empowered the Table to begin developing such language, which would be open to debate, amendment, and improvement before any final decision is made on adoption.”
The 59-member Connectional Table is a United Methodist governing body of clergy and lay people that coordinates the denomination’s mission, ministry and resources. Any legislation adopted by the body would go to the denomination's top lawmaking assembly, General Conference, for action in 2016.
The April 29 dialogue was live-streamed on the denomination’s web site, UMC.org, and viewed by people in 11 countries. The group plans to host similar dialogues during its next two meetings, concluding at its February 2015 meeting in Liberia.
Raleigh (N.C.) Area Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, the chair of the Connectional Table’s Human Sexuality Task Force, served as moderator for the morning’s discussion.
She told those gathered in Chicago and online that the hope is these public discussions will lay the groundwork for any substantive change the Connectional Table proposes to General Conference.
The possibility of changing the church’s stance on homosexuality came up soon after the Connectional Table returned from lunch. The Book of Discipline, the global denomination's law book, states that all people are of sacred worth but "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching."
Los Angeles Area Bishop Minerva Carcaño proposed beginning the process for greater inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. She did so following the urging of the Rev. Julie Todd, a member of Love Prevails. Todd’s unofficial United Methodist group advocates the inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the life of the church.
Carcaño said she had not expected to make such a motion at this Connectional Table meeting but felt led by the Holy Spirit.
'Parallel paths' to change
What followed was a discussion that lasted nearly two hours and at times included motions to table Carcaño’s motion until the end of the public dialogue.
Other members expressed concern that, with the rapid approach of the 2016 General Conference, legislative wording needed to be worked on now. The body would need to approve such legislation before it could be submitted to General Conference. A number of members said they saw a need to eliminate “discriminatory language” in the Book of Discipline.
The deadline for petitions to General Conference is Oct. 13, 2015. General church agencies and the Connectional Table are urged to submit petitions by Sept. 1, 2015.
By a show of hands, a clear majority of Connectional Table members affirmed a motion from Ward that the body engage in “parallel paths through dialogue and emending (that is, changing from within) the Book of Discipline.”
The body narrowly voted – 17-15 – against a subsequent motion to reconsider that action. 
The dialogue
The question at the center of the Connectional Table’s first dialogue on human sexuality was: Can The United Methodist Church sustain deep disagreements regarding human sexuality and still remain in unity?
The church’s divisions on homosexuality have made headlines in recent months, and, not for the first time, some church members have mentioned the possibility of schism.
The April 29 discussion included clergy and scholars who approached the topic from various theological perspectives.
WHAT THE CHURCH TEACHES
In its Book of Discipline, The United Methodist Church states that all people are of sacred worth but "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching."
The book affirms "the sanctity of the marriage covenant that is expressed in love, mutual support, personal commitment, and shared fidelity between a man and a woman."
The Book of Discipline also says, "Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due to all persons" and commits the church to supporting "those rights and liberties for all persons regardless of sexual orientation."
Church law bans United Methodist clergy from performing, and churches from hosting, "ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions." It also bans “self-avowed practicing” gay individuals from serving as clergy.
For more detailed information, see www.umc.org/homosexuality. 
Ough called the panel discussion a historic conversation that attempted to engage the entire United Methodist Church through live-streaming and Twitter.
San Antonio Area Bishop James E. Dorff opened the discussion with a Bible study based on Jesus’ prayer for his disciples’ unity in John 17:20-26. Dorff told those in Chicago and online that Jesus prayed for unity so that Christians can be a witness to the rest of God’s people.
“What is our end game?” Dorff asked. “Will we be of one mind? I doubt it. Will we all be of one church? I sure hope so. Will we all be brothers and sisters in Christ? I hope so.”
The panelists included:
• Retired Bishop Bishop Daniel C. Arichea Jr., who served in the Philippines and has written multiple Bible commentaries.
• The Rev. Mark Teasdale, an ordained elder and E. Stanley Jones assistant professor of evangelism at United Methodist-related Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.
• The Rev. Pamela Lightsey, an ordained elder and associate dean for community life and lifelong learning at United Methodist-related Boston University School of Theology. She is also clinical assistant professor of contextual theology and practice.
Arichea said the topic of human sexuality has come up at every global denominational gathering he has attended. But for him, the topic ceased to be academic when his son, then a student at Duke University, told his parents he was gay.
Arichea said his son struggled to remain involved in a church he perceived as hostile to him. But today, his son is an active member of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington.
In many ways, Arichea said, the dispute comes down to different understandings of Scripture.
“Are passages on homosexuality in the Bible timeless or time bound?” he asked. “Put another way, are they gospel or are they culture?”
At the end of his presentation, he said he views human sexuality as “a gift from God” and that people’s ministries should be judged by their gifts, not their sexual orientation.
Teasdale noted that “there are people in pain on all sides of this conversation, including the conservative side.”
He offered a historical perspective based on the church’s tradition. He identified a tension between John Wesley’s emphasis on holiness and the U.S. secular tradition of increasingly promoting self-determination and equal rights for people from all walks of life. He noted that the road to rights now includes people, such as African Americans and women, whom the framers of the Declaration of Independence never considered in the phrase “all men are created equal.”
Within today’s United Methodist Church, he said, “One side says we risk being on the wrong side of history, and one said says we risk being on the wrong side of Scriptural holiness.”
Later, he said he too often hears United Methodists use the words “love and grace to mean license.”
Lightsey, who identifies as “queer,” offered a different take. A veteran of the U.S. civil rights movement, she urged United Methodists to take inspiration from the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and his call for direct action.
“Conversation without changing injustice is still wicked oppression,” she said.
She also said that the most successful way to think of church unity is to remember “the church is not a human instrument but a body with Christ at the head.”
Arichea said he hopes church members will heed the reminder he has often given students: “You will be judged not by how you treat your friends but how you treat those who disagree with you.”
*Hahn is a multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service. Contact her at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Photo Credit: United Methodist News Service

The Latest

Call to Prayer: Tornadoes and Deadly Weather (Bishop Carcaño)
Lay Equalization for Journey to Wholeness: AC2014 Ready! (AC2014)
Fiesta de Las Artes: An Extravaganza in Support of La Oportunidad! (West District)
Groundbreaking of "The Wesley" Building at San Diego State University (Campus Ministry)
May the Circle Be Unbroken: CEF 2014 (Christian Educators in Fellowship)
Latest Job Postings

Previously Mentioned

Bishop Khegay in Western Ukraine for Annual Conference
Justice & Compassion Grants Now Available (Justice and Compassion EMT)
146th Anniversary Celebration w/ Mayor Aja Brown (Compton First UMC)
Seminario Biblico with Dr. Samuel Pagan (El Centro de Recursos - CHREM)
Community March & Rally Against Child Sex Trafficking (Holman UMC)
UMW Assembly2014 will Livestream! (United Methodist Women)
-------
Our mailing address is:
The California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
110 S Euclid Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101 United States
-------

Drew University - New Drew Theological School Dean Announced for Wednesday, 30 August 2014

Drew University - New Drew Theological School Dean Announced for Wednesday, 30 August 2014

I am pleased to announce that the Rev. 
Dr. Javier A. Viera has been chosen to be the next dean of the Theological School.
He brings great experience in the church and in community outreach that will enrich the work of our colleagues in the Theological School, as well as in the whole university.
Viera's appointment was approved today by the Executive Committee of the Drew Board of Trustees. He will begin on July 1.
Viera will succeed the Rev. Dr. Virginia Samuel T'75, associate dean of contextual learning for the Theological School, who has served as the interim dean since the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kuan departed in 2013 to become the seventh president of Claremont School of Theology.
Currently, Viera is executive minister of Christ Church in New York City and holds advanced degrees from Duke, Yale and Columbia. In addition to his pastoral duties at Christ Church, Viera spearheaded efforts to form partnerships with the Methodist Church in Colombia, promoting economic development projects and cross-cultural efforts to build health clinics, churches and job training centers. Viera has also served on the governing boards of the divinity schools at Yale and Duke.
Viera earned his bachelor's degree from Florida Southern College, his Master of Divinity from Duke University and his Master of Sacred Theology from Yale University. In 2012, he completed his doctorate in adult learning and leadership at Columbia University. He was recognized as a Canon Scholar at Yale and a Dean’s Scholar at Duke. He currently advises and co-directs doctoral student dissertations at Teachers College at Columbia University. He has delivered sermons at both Harvard and Yale, and has done scholarly work on interreligious relations and comparative religions. Viera is also a Fellow at the Shalom-Hartman Institute's Christian Leadership Initiative in Jerusalem.
Before joining the staff of Christ Church, Viera served as senior minister at Mamaroneck United Methodist Church in New York. Viera is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, has two daughters and counts tennis and baseball among his hobbies.
Please join me in welcoming him to the Drew family.
Sincerely,
Vivian A. Bull
President
Drew University 
-------
Our mailing address is: 
Drew University
36 Madison Ave
Madison, New Jersey 07940 United States
-------

GP Connect - News & Announcement from The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church for Wednesday, 30 April 2014

GP Connect - News & Announcement from The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church for Wednesday, 30 April 2014

In this edition of GPconnect:

Want More?

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trained early responders needed for tornado clean-up
Connectional Table Seeks to Focus Sexuality Discussion
Need childcare for the Great Plains Annual Conference Session?
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Aldersgate Covenant seeks spiritual revival
Discover a time of fun-filled learning about you, God and your church
Small Wonders conference for laity and clergy in small membership churches
Great Plains UMW at #‎Assembly2014
Trinity UMC men reenact the Last Supper
Invitation to contemporary Christian benefit concert
Pastor named visiting summer scholar at St. Olaf College
Miller UMC’s Annual Family Night held April 27
Registration open for fine arts camp at Christ UMC in Lincoln, Neb.
UMCOM offers training
Women’s studies at the resource center
Newsletter links
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Ogallala disaster ERT training this Saturday
CLASSIFIEDS
Woodland UMC in Wichita looking for custodian
Organ available to church in need
Pew cushions available to church in need
Southwestern College seeks director for discipleship program
Director of adult spiritual formation needed in Wichita
________________________________________
Trained early responders needed for tornado clean-up in Baxter Springs

Trained early responders are needed for clean-up in the aftermath of the Sunday tornado that hit Baxter Springs, Kansas.
Those interested must have completed ERT training. Following is critical information needed for those planning to volunteer:
•Lodging is available at the Baxter Springs UMC, or in motels at nearby towns. If you plan to stay at the church, you will need to be totally self sufficient. 
oBring your own linens/sleeping bag for overnights.
oBring your own food, utensils, personal care items, cleaning and paper products (pretend you are on a primitive camping trip).
•Volunteer by contacting the Rev. Russell Anderson, regional disaster response coordinator, at 620-714-1499.
If volunteers would like to bring extra bottled water it would be greatly appreciated.
For more information on the tornado damage and the Great Plains United Methodist response, go to the Great Plains website where you can also make monetary donations.
________________________________________
Connectional Table Seeks to Focus Sexuality Discussion
Meeting in Chicago today, the Connectional Table affirmed the value of continuing in conversation about human sexuality, while also beginning to draft legislation for further consideration by the body.
The Connectional Table voted to begin developing language that would demonstrate what a change to the Book of Discipline might look like. The stated goal was to further the conversation, while allowing time for discernment, input, and opportunities to improve recommendations the Table might make to the General Conference.
“The Connectional Table believes that we need some specific language to inform the discussion before we can seek effective feedback from the Connection and fully discern what our next steps will be," said Bishop Bruce Ough, chair of the Connectional Table. “This decision has empowered the Table to begin developing such language, which would be open to debate, amendment, and improvement before any final decision is made on adoption.”
The action followed the first of three live-streamed events hosted by the Connectional Table over the next 12 months, designed to foster ongoing conversation about sexuality issues in the wider church, as well as among its 59 members.
“Today's conversation was a valuable one,” said Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, chair of the Human Sexuality Task Force. “As we continue this dialogue and begin working on specific language to help us discern how our Discipline can best reflect the spirit and witness of The United Methodist Church, we ask for prayers and input from others within the Connection."
________________________________________
Need childcare for the Great Plains Annual Conference Session?
The deadline for childcare is tomorrow, May 1. Register now.
Annual Conference is scheduled for June 11-14, 2014, in Lincoln, Neb. Information specific to childcare is posted at www.greatplainsumc.org/ac-childcare.
________________________________________
Aldersgate Covenant seeks spiritual revival
 
United Methodists are invited to attend a gathering of the Aldersgate Covenant on May 16-17 at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan. This is not a typical church meeting. In this commentary on UMC.org, Mary Brooke Casad, former executive secretary of the Connectional Table, and Arkansas Area Bishop Gary Mueller shared the background and purpose of this prayer gathering. The Aldersgate Covenant meeting 20 years ago helped lead to the mission statement for the United Methodist denomination.
As was true 20 years ago, we are a diverse group of laity and clergy seeking revival that will truly enable The United Methodist Church to carry out our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world in bold new ways. We are not associated with any interest group, caucus or organization in the United Methodist Church. …
The purpose is simple. We will engage in prayer, worship and watching for a revival of the Holy Spirit over 20 hours to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit for those present, and for the United Methodist connection as a whole. Additional information and registration forms can be accessed at www.aldersgatecovenant.org
We believe a sign of God’s grace has already been evidenced in the timing of this event. As our church continues to struggle with various viewpoints and interpretations of the issues of our day, anxiety runs deep throughout our connection. The opportunity to gather and pray for our church’s spiritual revival is indeed timely and — perhaps more than any other time in recent years — absolutely necessary.
While this event is not organized by the Great Plains conference, Bishop Scott Jones and the Rev. Amy Lippoldt were on the steering team that planned the event. All laity and clergy are welcome to join the gathering.
Photo: Mary Brooke Casad and Bishop Gary Mueller
________________________________________
Discover a time of fun-filled learning about you, God and your church
 
Spend one week with a diverse group of teens who share your interest in God and see yourself grow in the faith. If you’re not a teen read on to see how you can invest in a teen having this life changing experience.
Mini-youTheology is a time when young people together will worship, serve in the community, explore what it means to be United Methodist and how God might be calling them. They also experience what it means to love God and others through this community that is enhanced by doing spiritual disciplines.
If you are a high school sophomore, junior or senior, you should register for this amazing, life changing week.
If you are an adult interest in youth, encourage a youth to have this incredible experience that results in amazing growth.
Find out how to register and/or help a young person register at youtheology.net/belong.
It’s your time. Don’t delay. Go to youtheology.net/belong, for this amazing time. Registrations close on May 23. 
________________________________________
Small Wonders: a conference for laity and clergy in small membership churches

Laity and clergy from churches with 75 people or fewer in worship needing resources and ideas for vital ministry will want to attend the Small Wonders conference. If you have ever been to a workshop and thought, “This is great – but it’s not feasible in our congregation,” this is the conference for you! Organized by the Rev. Micki McCorkle, Small Membership Church Coordinator for the Great Plains Conference, the sessions are intended to create an experience that will help you in your ministry setting. The conference will be held Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m., through Saturday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m., on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kan. Save the date and go to www.GreatPlainsUMC.org/SmallWonders for more information including names of speakers and a list of workshop topics.
Download the event flier.
________________________________________
Great Plains UMW at #‎Assembly2014
 
More than 180 United Methodist Women from the Great Plains traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, April 25-27 to attend the National UMW Assembly. At this quadrennial event women from around the world gather to learn more about the scope of the work of UMW in the general church, local communities and on global initiatives that benefit women, children and youth. This was the first time the Great Plains UMW was represented at a national event.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in meaningful worship, listen to nationally recognized speakers, attend workshops and participate in local mission and justice activities. The event theme was “Make It Happen” with a scriptural focus on the feeding of the five thousand that challenged attendees to think beyond limited resources and do more in terms of mission, justice and practicing hospitality in the community. Hillary Rodham Clinton encourage attendees: “We need to wake up our world to what can and should be done,” she said. United Methodist women have a great tradition of “rolling up our sleeves and taking the social gospel into the world.”
A more detailed account of the event with photos will be posted next week.
________________________________________
Trinity UMC men reenact the Last Supper
 
The men of Trinity UMC, in Kimball Neb., completed a very successful run of Da Vinci's "Last Supper." The men did three amazing performances during Holy Week, Sunday evening (with a snowstorm raging), Tuesday night and Thursday night. People came from many different areas of the Nebraska Panhandle to enjoy the performance.
For those unfamiliar with this pageant, the men are made-up to look like the characters in the painting. They are posed exactly like their characters, sitting motionless until it's their turn to perform. Through the performance, each character "comes to life" and explains his involvement in the Last Supper, always staying in character. Each man does an impressive job of portraying his character. The finale is when Jesus "comes to life" and speaks. They performed before nearly 400 people through the week and amazed family, friends and neighbors.
________________________________________
Invitation to contemporary Christian benefit concert
The mission team from St. Paul's UMC in Lenexa, Kan., invites everyone to a benefit concert featuring Mitch McVicker on Wednesday, May 28 at 7 p.m. McVicker is a contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter, who attended Friends University in Wichita, Kan.
A freewill donations will go to reStart, a local nonprofit committed to providing housing and supportive services to homeless children, youth, families, men and women in Kansas City.
View the flier for more information.
________________________________________
Pastor named visiting summer scholar at St. Olaf College
The Rev. Dr. Craig Finnestad, pastor at The Water's Edge UMC, in Omaha, Neb., has been named a visiting summer scholar at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. St. Olaf is home to the Howard and Edna Hong Kierkegaard Library, which contains the largest collection of Kierkegaard* books, journals and documents in the English speaking world. Finnestad will be researching Kierkegaard's three primary interests — anxiety, boredom and despair — and writing about their implications for today's American culture.
*Søren Aabye Kierkegaard, (1813-1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher.
________________________________________
Miller UMC’s Annual Family Night held April 27
 
Miller UMC, in Miller, Neb., hosted its annual family night on April 27. During the family night Hannah Robbins, from Elm Creek, Neb., performed a medley of religious songs along with other well-known songs, on her accordion. More than 60 parishioners and visitors from surrounding communities attended the event. After the entertainment, all enjoyed food and fellowship — including refreshments made by the United Methodist Women.
________________________________________
Registration open for fine arts camp at Christ UMC in Lincoln, Neb.
Christ UMC in Lincoln, Neb., will hold their annual Fine Arts Camp for children currently in kindergarten through fifth grade, June 23-27. The camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, allows students to prepare musical performance which will be presented on Friday, June 27, at 7 p.m. This is a great activity for children who love to sing, dance and act. It is open to anyone from any church or community who would like to attend. View more information and registration forms. Auditions are May 7, so register today. 
________________________________________
UMCOM offers training
United Methodist Communications is offering training opportunities starting in May.
Are you a lifelong United Methodist? Are you new to United Methodism? United Methodism 101 is designed for new church members and anyone else wanting to know more about our history, structure, beliefs, ministries and challenges. You may be surprised at all there is to discover about our demonization. This course includes four web-based lessons, each with many interactive features. Lessons take about 30 minutes to complete and costs $9.99. Lessons dates are May 14-June 25 – registration ends May 13. Upon successful completion, learners are awarded 0.5 ALLLM CEU.
There are six additional lessons that will be held May 7-June 18. Those lessons include Communicating Faith in the 21st Century ($29), Connectional Giving (FREE), Moodle 100: Basic Training ($119), Moodle 300: Course Facilitation ($119), Web Ministry 100: What Is Web Ministry? ($49) and Welcoming Ministry 100 ($29). All six courses award 1 ALLLM CEU. Registration ends May 6.
________________________________________
Women’s studies at the resource center
During the month of May I would like to highlight many of the wonderful studies at the resource center that not only celebrate the lives of the women of the Bible, but also speak to the issues faced by women today and their walk in the life of faith.
In the six-week study, “The Christ-Centered Woman, Finding Balance in a World of Extremes” Kimberly Dunnam Reisman provides a guide for helping women find balance at every age and stage of life using the book of Ephesians Chapter 3. She challenges women to ask the question “How do I make choices that reflect my relationship with Christ and his direction for my life?” The leader and participant guides, as well as a pocket sized preview book, are included with the six lessons.
1.Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing “Good Enough”
2.Fighting Fragmentation with Temperance
3.Finding Your Identity Through Self Discovery and Authenticity
4.Valuing Your Calling
5.Recognizing Your Power and Purpose
6.Being Flexible
Whether you are a woman of biblical times or of the modern day, the demands and expectations of life can often feel overwhelming. In “Twelve Women of the Bible” we meet six Old Testament women and six New Testament women who encountered God and were changed. Lysa TerKeurst and five other women presenters provide not only insights into these biblical women’s lives but connect their lives with ours of today, challenging but also encouraging us to be open to God’s transforming power. A study guide is included with the twelve women featured.
1.Eve: finding lasting contentment in the truth
2.Rebekah: breaking free of feminine stereotypes
3.Leah: overcoming rejection and insecurity
4.Hannah: surrendering in waiting
5.Abigail: dealing with confrontation in relationships
6.Gomer: learning to accept unconditional love
7.Mary, Mother of Jesus: moving from comfort to courage
8.Mary Magdalene: transforming from outcast to follower
9.Mary of Bethany: putting faith into action
10.Martha: finding our identity in Jesus
11.The Woman at the Well: turning our messes into messages
12.The Syrophoenician Woman: approaching God with persistency and boldness
To view a complete listing of all our women’s studies go to our online catalog at www.gpresourcecenter.org or contact Diane Dunkerson at ddunkerson@greatplainsumc.org to reserve your study today.
________________________________________
Newsletter links
•General Board of Church & Society: Support Workers - Raise the Minimum Wage 
•United Methodist Communications: How does the UMC give witness to God’s call for peace and justice? 
•Money & Ministry – April 2014: Naming Opportunities 
•The Lewis Center for Church Leadership: Partner with the Lewis Center 
________________________________________
Ogallala disaster ERT training this Saturday
Emergency response training can bless a life following the chaos and destruction of a disaster.
One disaster victim recalls, “When my home was damaged first by a flood and then by a fire, it was difficult to feel God’s presence or to grasp the impact of the disaster on my life. I felt alone, bewildered, and confused. In the early days after the disaster early response volunteers who were total strangers to me arrived and offered to help sort through the debris. They treated me so kindly, respectfully touched my damaged possessions and listened as I expressed my grief.”
Would you like to be trained as an early responder and be equipped to offer this type of active compassion? You are invited to attend a one-day UMCOR training class.
The training in Ogallala, Neb., on May 3, will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ogallala First UMC (421 N. Spruce St.). Register here.
The training in Grand Island, Neb., on May 10, will also be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Grand Island Trinity UMC (511 N. Elm St.). Register here.
The cost for the disaster training is $25, which covers meal, training materials, t-shirt and ERT badge. Download a flier.
________________________________________
Woodland UMC in Wichita looking for custodian
Woodland UMC in Wichita, Kan., is looking for a part time custodian (25 hours per week). If you would like more information, including full job description and application, contact Michelle Reed, pastor at Woodland UMC, at 316-265-6669 or pastormichelle@woodlandumc.com.
________________________________________
Organ available to church in need
A free, two-tiered organ with foot pedals is available for free to a church in need. The organ, originally purchased in the mid-1950s, is in excellent condition and is currently located in Wilber, Neb. If you are interested, or would like more information, contact Susan or Mark Bigham at 402-488-8553.
________________________________________
Pew cushions available to church in need
The Lebo/Olivet UMC in Lebo, Kan., has replaced the pew cushions in the Lebo church and would like to donate their previous cushions. The previous cushions are still in good shape and if there is a church if needed, they would like to help them. The quantity and lengths of the 15 inch cushions are:
•24 - 10' 7"
•1 - 11' 2"
•1 - 9' 7"
•1 - 7' 7 1/2"
•1 - 3' 5 1/2"
Please contact Pastor Tony Hazen at 620-256-6485 or 620-256-6417 if you have any questions.
________________________________________
Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., seeks director for discipleship program
Southwestern College in Winfield, Kan., is looking for a director for discipleship program. The responsibilities for this position includes leadership of the Discipleship Southwestern service-learning team. This requires close work with students, faculty and staff relative to faith formation of emerging adults as well as service on the church relations committee and the service-learning council for the support and coordination of shared goals. The director of discipleship program will work closely with the college’s office of admission to market Discipleship Southwestern and meet student recruitment goals for the discipleship service-learning team and the Christian discipleship studies minor.
The director will build and sustain relationships with area youth ministers, camp directors, campus ministers as well as the Great Plains United Methodist Conference and other church organizations. The director will also support academic instruction on relevant subject matter in collaboration with faculty and academic departments to support the general curriculum and college vision. View the full job listing.
________________________________________
Director of adult spiritual formation and discipleship needed in Wichita
Chapel Hill UMC in Wichita, Kan., is looking for a full-time director of adult spiritual formation and discipleship. This position would involve discipleship through adult Sunday school, small groups and classes. It also includes the supervision of the children and youth ministry directors. Salary commensurate with years of experience and credentials.
For more information or to apply, contact, the Rev. Jeff Gannon, senior pastor of Chapel Hill at jgannon@chapelhillwichita.org or call 316-684-1117.
________________________________________
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.
-------
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
-------