GP Connect of The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church - News & Information for Thursday, 26 June 2014

GP Connect of The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church - News & Information for Thursday, 26 June 2014
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Great Plains Conference welcomes Sarah Newcomer to the Wichita office
Blue River District to co-locate in Lincoln Conference Center
Lincoln office hosts open house during annual conference session
Conference offices will be closed Friday, July 4 for Independence Day
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Big Hairy Audacious Education Caravan
Spiritual disciplines: moving believers to disciples
#GetReal @ Camp Fontanelle
Youth basic lay servants course to be held Aug 8-9
Flint Hills District offers lay servant courses
Newsletter links
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Elisha Grant applications now being accepted
Great Preaching for the Great Plains
MERCY AND JUSTICE
Bishop's Bicycle Challenge raises more than $11,000 for Open Door
Epworth pays it forward with quilts
United Methodist Ministries’ Big Garden featured in UMCOR newsletter
Beaver Crossing, Neb., into another phase of recovery
Nebraska Disaster Response and Recovery Summit to be held in August
UMMen bike ride and walk raises $4,553 for missions
JFON-NE: a celebration of 10 years
Epworth Village youth ride down Middle Loup River
Mercy and Justice Team offers Social Justice Seed Money grants
Global Mission Fellow blogging about experience
General secretary of UMW, sends open letter to President Obama
CLASSIFIED
Administrative assistant needed at Junction City First UMC
Wamego UMC seeks communications director
Band leader sought for Wamego First UMC
Associate director needed at Haiti Solar Oven Partners
________________________________________
Great Plains Conference welcomes Sarah Newcomer to the Wichita office

The Great Plains Conference would like to welcome Sarah Newcomer. Newcomer is the new administrative assistant to Kara Lefto, Wichita East and Wichita West District administrative assistant, and Barb Campbell, administrative assistant to the bishop. She started June 19, and has already become an effective member of the team.
Newcomer was born and raised in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and is a graduate of Ohio State University. She followed her passion of working with animals to Kansas to become the primary zookeeper at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kan. She has most recently been employed by First United Methodist Church in downtown Wichita. Sarah is currently enrolled in the Friends University’s Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy program and just began her student therapist internships at both the Center for Family Living on the Friends campus and the Metropolitan Community Church. She is currently engaged to David Rose and they reside in Wichita. 
________________________________________
Blue River District to co-locate in Lincoln Conference Center
The Blue River District of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference is moving to a new location. The new address is 3333 Landmark Cir., Lincoln, NE 68504. The Blue River District is taking advantage of excess space in the Lincoln Conference Center. The phone number (402-323-8849) will stay the same. New District Superintendent Bill Ritter and Administrative Assistant Joyce Leif will be moved in and ready to go on July 1.
________________________________________
Great Plains UMC Lincoln office hosts open house during annual conference session

Members of the Great Plains Annual Conference Session had the chance to take a break from the downtown area and see a different side of Lincoln, Neb.
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Thursday, June 12, the Nebraska office of the Great Plains Conference offered an open house and refreshments. For many, this was their first time seeing any of the conference’s office buildings.
“I’m very impressed,” Fred Hahn of Edwardville, Kan., said. “When he (the tour guide) said they’ve been here for seven years – everything looks nice and new and pretty; like they just moved in.”
One of the main highlights of the tour was the view out the east windows, which looks out to a wetland and a branch of Salt Creek.
“The view out the conference room window is peaceful,” said Ray Salzwedel from Humboldt, Kan. He added that it would be a great place to meditate.
Salzwedel also said the Conference Resource Center located in the Lincoln office offered an important service.
According to Diane Dunkerson, the director of the Great Plains Resource Center, the center works like a lending library. They have resources from animated children’s bible stories, to bible studies for youth and adults, to literature about taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s. These resources are available to anyone in the conference.
Dunkerson also added that the catalog of  DVD’s and books is available on the Great Plains website.
“The media thing is big,” said Donna Salzwedel, also from Humboldt, Kan.
Photos: Steve Flader, chair of conference board of trustees, Donna Salzwedel of Humboldt, Kan., LueAnn Roepke and Pastor Debby Dick of Waterville Blue Rapids, Kan., are given a tour by Cathy Cole, pastor at Gibbon Faith, Neb.
________________________________________
Conference offices will be closed Friday, July 4 for Independence Day

The Great Plains Methodist Conference offices in Lincoln, Topeka and Wichita will be closed next Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. We wish everyone a happy, safe and blessed day.
________________________________________
Education initiative resolution passes
Big Hairy Audacious Education Caravan
Congregational teams are encouraged to attend
The dates are set for the Big Hairy Audacious Education Caravan events in Kansas and Nebraska. Kansas events are intended to heighten awareness for public education in Kansas as the primary season is at hand. Elections in Nebraska in the fall, drove the schedule for those to take place in September and October. The key to this initiative is church involvement with the community leaders and its schools.
Kansas
•Garden City First UMC, July 29, 1106 N Main St.
•Iola Wesley UMC, July 30, 310 E Madison Ave.
•Topeka First UMC, July 31, 600 SW Topeka Blvd.
Nebraska 
•Scottsbluff First UMC, Sept. 29, 2002 4th St.
•Kearney First UMC , Sept. 30, 4500 Linden Dr.
•Lincoln Saint Paul UMC, Oct. 2, 1144 M St.
In support of the Education Initiative Resolution passed at the Great Plains Annual Conference Session, each caravan event will start at 6:30 with gathering/displays/interaction time. There will be a presentation at 7 p.m., including a local education expert, Bishop Scott Jones and members of congregations in the area who have successful partnerships. Congregations will tell how their partnerships work. Small group discussion will follow with pie and ice cream at approximately 8 p.m. each night and will close with a next steps activity.
Area congregations are asked to bring a contingent from their congregation and register their group attendance for planning purposes on the online registration form. Our goal is to have every congregation bring 6-10 people or more to a caravan event.
For congregations who may not be able to participate in one of the scheduled locations, the Education Caravan events in Topeka and Lincoln will be webcast so that others may also have small group meetings and participate in the initiative.
________________________________________
Spiritual disciplines: moving believers to disciples
The Pine Creek Cluster of the Elkhorn Valley District will be offering a workshop on August 2, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., on spiritual disciplines. The workshop will be at Ainsworth UMC (310 Woodward, Ainsworth, NE). The cost of the workshop will be $10 to cover a noon meal. Pre-registration is encouraged as numbers can be limited. To register call 402-387-2782.
The workshop will be focusing on using spiritual disciplines to grow in our faith and to equip ourselves to go forth making disciples of Jesus Christ to transform the world and will feature Bishop Scott Jones as speaker. Using a Wesleyan approach to spiritual disciplines participants will be able to take home ideas for developing spiritual disciplines for their home churches that they can use to share and deepen their faith.
For those who may need overnight accommodations, there are two motels available a Super 8 Motel (402-387-0700) and Rodeway Inn (402-387-1050).
________________________________________
#GetReal @ Camp Fontanelle

By Jane Van Horn, Camp Fontanelle
Week four at Camp Fontanelle has F.R.O.G. and F.R.O.G.G.E.D. campers learning to Fully Rely On God (F.R.O.G.) through life’s challenges and understanding that God’s grace is available every day. Through ziplining and tie-dyeing, worship and prayer walks, these campers “get real” while growing in their faith and friendships.
That is what camp is about – learning that God is with us every day and wanting us to ask for help and guidance. It is learning that you can have fun and adventure and still be faithful.
At last week’s camps, God’s World of Science campers had an exciting time at Worlds of Fun and the Joyful Noise Camp led worship at Fremont (Neb.) First United Methodist Church, on Sunday. The campers shared with the congregation that you cannot put God in a box; you need to be faithful all of the time.
Through the sun and the rain, sunrise to sunset, church camp is relevant to Christian growth for children and youth. It is a great place to meet new friends, build a friendship with God through the zaniness of camp staff and the beauty of nature. It is through the loud noises of laughter and the silence of the night God speaks with every person who takes the time to attend camp and be open to God’s grace and power.
Send your child to camp. Send your grandchild to camp. It is an experience that can never be forgotten. Camps, working with the theme, “Get Real: Finding your True Self in Jesus,” are still available for pre-school through high school aged children. Learn about God through animals at Zoobilee Camp. At Splish Splash Camp campers will dive into the word of God and have a chance to “chill out” knowing they are saved through God’s grace.
Learn more by going to CampFontanelle.com and click on the Summer Camp tab.
________________________________________
Youth basic lay servants course to be held Aug 8-9
A youth basic lay servants course will be offered at the Wood River First UMC, in Wood River, Neb., on Aug. 8-9. The Friday and Saturday event, is for all youth who have completed confirmation and are members of a local United Methodist Church. Leading the class will be the Rev. Philip Sloat, pastor of the Wood River and Alda United Methodist Churches and Sally Berney, certified lay servant at Palmer UMC.
The cost for all materials and meals during the course is $25 – registration deadline is July 25. Youth will be "roughing it" and staying at the Wood River UMC on Friday night. If you have questions please contact Sloat at psloat@greatplainsumc.org or 308-383-2512.
•Flier
•Registration form
•Health history form
________________________________________
Flint Hills District offers lay servant courses
There will be a basic lay servant course and advanced courses held at College Avenue UMC, in Manhattan, Kan. on Friday, July 25, from 5-9 p.m., and on Saturday, July 26, from 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The basic course, will be led by Pastor Alice Purvis. The options for the advance course include Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts (Serving from the Heart), led by the Rev. Laurie Barnes; Caring for People without Losing your Mind, led by the Rev. Steve Sewell; and Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, led by the Rev. Diana Chapel.
Class size is limited to 20 – first come basis. Cost is $50. The fee covers, Saturday lunch, snacks, class materials – including the book for the basic course – and instructors. Registration deadline is July 11.
•Schedule
•Registration form & flier
________________________________________
Newsletter links
•EmberHope: Faith Connection
•Christian Copyright Solutions: Churches happy to stream Happy
•Saint Paul School of Theology: H. Sharon Howell to serve as interim president
•DNA Update: Mid-June 2014
•Ministry Matters: June 24, 2014
________________________________________

Elisha Grant applications now being accepted
The Rev. Nancy Lambert, director of Clergy Excellence/assistant to the bishop, has announced that applications are now being accepted for the Elisha Grant which were announced at the Great Plains Annual Conference Session earlier this month. This grant was established to provide a reimbursement to young clergy serving local churches in the Great Plains Conference for some of the costs incurred while attending seminary. Persons are eligible to apply if they:
•Are 45 years old or younger
•Have graduated from a seminary approved by the University Senate in the last five years
•Are appointed for full-time service at a local church in the Great Plains Conference and in their first five years of such service after graduating from seminary, and
•Are an approved candidate, provisional member or full member of the Great Plains Conference.
More information and a link to the application can be found at www.greatplainsumc.org/elishagrant.
________________________________________
Great Preaching for the Great Plains
Registration is now open for the second Great Preaching for the Great Plains Studio. This year the faculty will be Dr. Alyce McKenzie and Dr. Richard Ward. They will lead three sessions on site at College Hill United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan. Two additional sessions will be facilitated by a graduate of the first Great Preaching Studio and will be smaller gatherings that are geographically determined.
The Great Preaching Studio is limited to 50 participants. Registration fee is $100 and the purchase of required texts is the responsibility of the participant. The first session is September 8-9, 2014.  Complete information can be found at greatplainsumc.org/greatpreachingforthegreatplains. If you have questions, please contact the Rev. Nancy Lambert at nlambert@greatplainsumc.org or 402-464-5994, ext 126.
________________________________________
Bishop's Bicycle Challenge raises more than $11,000 for Open Door

On the morning of Saturday, June 21, 2014, 110 cyclists took off from Andover UMC in Andover, Kan., for the 5th Annual Bishop's Bicycle Challenge. Riders chose between three routes around Butler County, 100K (62 miles), 50K (35 miles) and 20 miles, all starting and ending at the church. The weather was perfect with little wind and no rain. Final numbers are not available yet, although current estimate is $11,000 for the amount of funds raised from the event to support the ministry of Open Door, a conference-supported mission agency in Wichita, Kan. In the five years of the challenge, this year had the most riders.
Sponsors for the 2014 ride were Bicycle Pedaler, Bicycle Exchange, Heartland Bicycle, Interstate Batteries, Johnson’s Garden Centers, Lee’s Bike Shop, Mead’s Corner and Signs and Designs, all businesses in Wichita, Kan.
Photos from the event are posted on Facebook and on Flickr.
________________________________________
Epworth pays it forward with quilts

The United Methodist Women have always been a huge supporter of Epworth Village. With that support has come thousands of handmade quilts donated to provide extra comfort to the youth and families that Epworth serves. Epworth Village board members decided to donated extra quilts on hand to the communities of Beaver Crossing and Pilger, after the recent tornadoes that has devastated both Nebraska towns. Quilts were also taken to the Annual Conference Session in Lincoln, and placed in the UMCOR truck.
In total, Epworth Village donated over 600 quilts to individuals in need of comfort and support that was able to be provided through the donations of the United Methodist Women.
________________________________________
United Methodist Ministries’ Big Garden featured in UMCOR newsletter
The Big Garden, a program of United Methodist Ministries, was recently featured in the June issue of UMCOR's online newsletter. The article highlighted garden ministries at St. James UMC in Bellevue, Neb., and St. Paul UMC in Omaha, Neb.
Based in Omaha, the Big Garden serves communities in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa. The Big Garden is funded in part through the Advance, Missouri River District Askings and Mission Share Dollars from the Great Plains United Methodist Conference. If your church would like to learn more about the Big Garden, please contact nmorgan@bigmuddyumc.org.
________________________________________
Beaver Crossing, Neb., into another phase of recovery
The Great Plains Disaster Response Team in Beaver Crossing, Neb., is beginning to move into the long-term recovery phase after the initial clean up. There are 10 trained case managers who have begun to meet with people to help determine their unmet needs and to advocate for them with other agencies who can provide resources.
By mid-July, and through August and September, groups of volunteers will be needed to help with rebuilding. Skilled and unskilled workers are needed. To schedule a group call Beaver Crossing disaster response line at 402-641-9698 or email umc.dr.beaver@greatplainsumc.org.
The office will be closed July 4-6, to observe Independence Day and to give the people Beaver Crossing a chance to rest. “A big thank you and God bless you, to all who have contributed in any way to help Beaver Crossing recover from this devastating Mother's Day tornado,” said Dorothy Aspegren, United Methodist site manager for Beaver Crossing/Seward County.
________________________________________
Nebraska Disaster Response and Recovery Summit to be held in August
Pastors and spiritual leaders are invited to the Nebraska Disaster Response and Recovery Summit. The summit, to be held, Friday, Aug. 15-16, will be held at the Country Inn and Suites in Lincoln, Neb. Early bird registration is $40 and ends July 15, after which the price is $50. (Price includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday.)
This disaster recovery and response summit will cover the basic concepts and types of spiritual care, long-term recovery, collaboration with mental and emotional health personnel, selfcare for providers, and community resiliency and preparedness training. Faith community leaders have an important role in disaster response and recovery. By preparing their congregations and themselves for disaster they contribute toward building resilient communities. Training is essential before disaster strikes. 
You can register at www.lancasterfaith.org. Please view the brochure for further information.
________________________________________
UMMen bike ride and walk raises $4,553 for missions
Twenty-three people teamed up to ride, walk and help with the 13th Annual Great Plains United Methodist Men’s (UMMen) Bike Ride/Walk for Missions. Many more were involved in giving to raise $4,553 for 10 UMMen missions locally and around the world. The missions include Society of St. Andrew (hunger relief in America), Stop Hunger Now (international hunger relief), the Great Plains Conference disaster response, six Great Plains Conference camps, Released and Restored (jail ministry in Lincoln, Neb.), the UMMen’s 100 Club scholarships for Christian service, Epworth Village (youth ministry), Mission Impact Tour for male youth, Imagine No Malaria (aid to Africa) and Upper Room Prayer Line.
The ride/walk was held May 24, 2014, on the Cowboy Trail. Starting at Norfolk, Neb., participants then went toward Tilden and back, or went part-way. Thanks to the Rocky Plettner family for their hospitality and organizational efforts. Participants came from Norfolk and Columbus, Neb., and most are shown in the group photo.
Please consider joining this cause in some form at the 2015 ride/walk to be held Saturday, May 23 (Memorial Day weekend), as it hopefully expands into some Kansas locations.
______________________________________
Justice for Our Neighbors – Columbus, Neb.
A celebration of 10 years

The following was submitted by Jamie Snyder, Columbus JFON Clinic coordinator.
Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) is a faith-driven ministry, welcoming immigrants into our communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. Columbus, Neb., has been a JFON clinic site since 2005. A decision was made this year to close the clinic due to low client numbers and the establishment of a JFON clinic in Grand Island. Justice For Our Neighbors does continue in Nebraska with clinics in Omaha, Lexington and Grand Island. The last clinic in Columbus was held in April.
Work to organize a JFON clinic in Columbus officially began in the summer of 2004 when Jamie Snyder and Traci Nelsen (Center for Survivors legal advocate) initially met with JFON Omaha staff members Deb Keeney and Alison Brown to talk about forming a Columbus clinic. In the fall of 2004, Jamie held a number of meetings with those in Columbus who were interested to generate support for a JFON project. Deb Keeney and Nancy Lanman (program manager for mission development at UMCOR-JFON) attended to offer support and encouragement. Snyder enlisted Kristiana Huitron (Center for Survivors) to assist with JFON. Snyder and Huitron met with the mission committee of First UMC in Columbus and received their support for the project.
The mission committee chairperson took the JFON information to the council on ministries for final approval. Snyder spoke during the church services to solicit volunteer support. There was a great outpouring from the congregation. In January 2005, a meeting of interested volunteers was held with Alison Brown to discuss the set up and to learn to use the intake forms. The first clinic met in February 2005, with 24 volunteers present. Twelve clients were served that evening.
The first year 10 clinics were held and 89 individuals served. Huitron and Snyder served as the clinic coordinators. On average eight to 12 volunteers helped at each clinic. Of those original 24 volunteers, five remained actively involved: Cathy Davis, Anne Kallesen, Andrea Paret, Jamie Snyder and Jean Supencheck. Over the 10 years of operation, 48 individuals have volunteered. Unfortunately there is no record of the youth who helped with child care so the actual number is greater.
Eighty-one clinics have been held since 2005. January 2008 saw the largest number of clients with 17 signed in. One clinic was held in Madison, Neb., at the Madison UMC. There have been two Know Your Rights workshops held with approximately 40 in attendance at each.
Approximately 624 clients have been seen. Most clients came with at least one family or friend, but those exact numbers are unknown. In 10 years, at least 1,000 additional individuals have come to First UMC accompanying their family or friend who was seeking legal assistance.
A number of attorneys have driven monthly from Omaha to serve the Columbus clinic. The most recent are Emiliano Lerda, Charles (Shane) Ellison and Gary Walters. JFON has grown from an office with one attorney to five.
Since the inception of the Columbus clinic we have been applying for and receiving monies from first the Nebraska United Methodist Conference through the Board of Mission Outreach, then through the Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Team Ministry and finally through the Great Plains Conference. Other funds have come from the generosity of the FUMC congregation, Peanuts Sunday, and a few clients.
A very large thank you goes out to all of you who have been so supportive of this ministry with your time, talents and gifts. Justice for Our Neighbors would not have survived without you.
JFON-NE is one of our Great Plains Conference Advances (#721).
To learn more about its ministry or to give a financial gift online, go to www.jfon-ne.org. 
Photos: Executive Director of JFON-NE Emiliano Lerda, Columbus JFON Clinic Coordinator Jamie Snyder and JFON Program Director Elisha Novak gathered with JFON volunteers to celebrate 10 years of this ministry to their community.
________________________________________
Epworth Village youth ride down Middle Loup River
On Sunday June 15, Epworth Village youth were given the opportunity to go on an airboat excursion on the Middle Loup River near St. Paul, Neb. Sargent Marcus Paczosa, of the St. Paul police department, and his wife Rhonda accompanied the youth and staff for this fun filled day. This was a great opportunity that everyone at Epworth is extremely thankful and appreciative of having.
________________________________________
Mercy and Justice Team offers Social Justice Seed Money grants

The following was submitted by the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team.
The Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team wants to encourage local churches or groups within churches to engage in outreach ministries focusing on transforming justice.  Small start-up grants are made available (up to $1,000). A flier was included in each Annual Conference Session packet and you can also find one below. Possible projects could be to advocate for hunger relieving legislation while strengthening local food pantries or offering English as a second language classes while advocating for immigration reform. 
For more information, please go to:
•Flier
•Story on Hispanic financial classes
Photo: Outreach ministry of United Methodist Comunidad Cristiana de Bellevue with day laborers in south Omaha received a social justice seed money grant.
________________________________________
Global Mission Fellow blogging about experience
 
Maria Niechwiadowicz is a new Global Mission Fellow who will begin service as a United Methodist young adult missionary in August 2014. She will serve two years in mission service sponsored and directed by the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church as part of its Generation Transformation programming.
Niechwiadowicz just received her placement and will be blogging about her mission service. Follow along with Niechwiadowicz’s experience.
________________________________________
Harriett Olson, general secretary of United Methodist Women, sends open letter to President Obama

Submitted by Andrea Paret, Great Plains peace with justice coordinator
At the first Great Plains Annual Conference Session several resolutions were adopted. One of them calls all United Methodists across our conference “to openly and devotedly advocate before the US Congress for changes that will reunify families; protect separated children, provide a path for citizenship, protect the rights of all workers including the undocumented and recognize the gifts and the contributions that immigrants are making to our nation.” What a great start for our conference to speak out for the vulnerable among us as Jesus commanded.
Across the United Methodist connection, many entities are and have been tirelessly working for compassionate immigration reform. A few days ago, Harriett Jane Olson, General Secretary of United Methodist Women (UMW), sent an open letter to President Obama. In it she writes, “As a national faith-based women’s organization of some 800,000 members, United Methodist Women is led by a biblical mandate to treat everyone as sisters and brothers, as God’s children with inherent worth. Detention and deportation undermine peoples’ rights and dignity. We act on our faith and on United Methodist Church policy, which urges members to ? call the United States government to immediately cease all arrests, detainment and deportations of undocumented immigrants, including children, solely based upon their immigration status until a fair and comprehensive immigration reform is passed (The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church 2012, #3281).”
If you need information, resources or a speaker to engage your congregation in this issue, please check out the links below or contact Sandy Sypherd at ssypherd@windstream.net or Andrea Paret at amparet08@yahoo.com.
•Letter from Harriett Olson
•Resolution (adopted - with amendment)
•Immigration resources 
Photo: Harriett Olson joins United Methodist leaders as well other faith leaders, labor leaders and immigrants in a Feb. 17, prayer vigil at the White House in support of progress on immigration reform and an end to deportations.
________________________________________
Administrative assistant needed at Junction City First UMC
Junction City First UMC, in Junction City, Kan., is looking for a part-time administrative assistant. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Computer skills, verbal and written communication skills, office manager skills and excellent interpersonal skills required. Please feel free to contact Pastor Laurie Barnes at 785-238-2156 or laurie.lowe.barnes@gmail.com for more information.
Read full job description.
Junction City First United Methodist Church Part-time Administrative Assistant
Work Schedule: 9am-3pm Tuesday-Friday Begins August 5 – 2 weeks of training
Excellent Computer Skills needed:

• Preparing weekly bulletin and monthly newsletter using Publisher
• Preparing weekly Powerpoint presentation for 2 worship services
• Preparing special tri-fold brochures, flyers and bulletin inserts as requested
• Creating and updating google documents to track attendance/file information with Conference

Excellent Verbal & Written Communication Skills:

• Updating the Church Facebook page and website on a regular basis
• Updating church prayer request board regularly
• Serve as the church receptionist by greeting all members and visitors in a friendly, professional way.
• Responding to all walk-in visitors requesting food or financial assistance according to established

procedures. Setting up appointments with Financial Assistance team. Communicating with Financial
Assistance team on a regular basis.

• Answering the phone and responding in a timely way to any requests and/or messages.
• Responding to church email messages in a timely manner.

Serve as Communications Liaison with the congregation by:

• Maintaining an accurate master church calendar
• Sending out meeting reminders to all team members
• Updating and posting monthly calendars and announcements on church bulletin boards
• Keeping accurate listings of worship liturgists, communion servers and ushers and communicating with them in a timely way as needed. Liturgists receive scripture readings and announcements as early as possible in the week.

Serve as Office Manager by:

• Organizing, maintaining and ordering office supplies as needed.
• Overseeing volunteer teams to prepare and mail newsletter
• Training volunteers to handle all front-desk duties and arranging for volunteers to fill in at the desk

when the need arises for the administrative assistant to be away.

• Maintaining the copy machines as needed.
• Overseeing the church keys check-out, the charge cards (Dillon’s and Wal-Mart) check out system,

distribution of mail and receiving/recording memorial fund donations.
The successful candidate will be a reliable team player who is both a self-starter and one who responds well to
direction/requests from the Senior Pastor and other staff members. Please submit resume and salary

expectations to Pastor Laurie Barnes at laurie.lowe.barnes@gmail.com
________________________________________
Wamego UMC seeks communications director
Wamego UMC, in Wamego, Kan., is looking for a part-time communications director. Experience and references required. This position would involve creating PowerPoint presentations for worship services, updating the church Facebook page, maintaining the electronic sign, the church newsletter and more. For more information, contact the Rev. Michael Tomson-DeGreef at 785-456-7495. Resumes should be submitted by Monday, July 7, to be considered.
Read the full job description.
Wamego UMC Communication Director
Wamego First United Methodist Church
600 Lincoln St, Wamego, Ks
umcwamego.org
785.456.7495
Approx. 25 hours a week: 9a-12p, and 1p-3p (with an hour for lunch)
Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
Create and Maintain communication for the church website, Face Book page, and emails.
Create weekly Power Point presentations for worship services.
Update and maintain videos and electronic signs.
Facilitate the church newsletter.
Update and maintain the church calendar.
Experience and References required.
Please submit resume and reference list by Monday, July 7th, 2014, to Rev Michael Tomson-DeGreef at

umcpastormichael@gmail.com
________________________________________
Band leader sought for Wamego First UMC
Wamego First UMC, in Wamego, Kan, is looking for a part-time praise band leader who can play guitar and lead worship. This is a paid position, and includes a weekly rehearsal with the band and Sunday services at 8:30 a.m. Experience and references required. Resumes should be submitted by Monday, July 14. Contact the Rev. Michael Tomson-DeGreef for more information at 785-456-7495
________________________________________
Associate director needed at Haiti Solar Oven Partners
Haiti Solar Oven Partners (HSOP) announces a job opening for a full-time associate director. HSOP is a United Methodist Volunteers-in-Mission (UMVIM) project that works to place solar ovens in the hands of the poor in Haiti’s deforested lands. Its mission is to empower people through self-help with solar cooking and water pasteurization.
Based in Brookings, S.D., the associate director will support the director with implementation of strategic initiatives for HSOP, with emphasis on fundraising, but also providing supervision and leadership in achieving administrative, mission and workshop objectives.
A full job description and list of qualifications is available by going to www.haitisolarovens.org. Applicants need to submit a resume by July 15, 2014. Resumes and/or inquiries can be directed to Karen Workman, chairperson, HSOP associate director task force, at karenworkman@centurylink.net.
________________________________________
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 316-686-0600 
Topeka Office: 4201 SW 15th Street PO Box 4187 Topeka, KS 66604 785-272-9111 
Wichita Office: 9440 E Boston Suite 110 Wichita, KS 67207 316-684-0266 
Lincoln Office: 3333 Landmark Circle Lincoln, NE 68504-4760 402-464-5994
-------