Thursday, November 13, 2014

The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church GP Connect for Wednesday, 12 November 2014

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The Great Plains Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church GP Connect for Wednesday, 12 November 2014
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In this edition of GPconnect:
IN THE NEWS
Newsletters

Additional tax liability information available

The General Board of Pension and Health has provided some additional information regarding tax liability for the Great Plains Conference health allowance. The information has been added as a next question in the Frequently Asked Questions document on the website. Those can be found at www.greatplainsumc.org/healthinsurance.
The information from the new item is placed below for your convenience. Questions should be directed to Carol Fusaro, pension and health benefits officer and human resources director, at cfusaro@greatplainsumc.org.

Health insurance open enrollment –Nov. 10-21, 2014

Enrollment packets have been mailed to clergy members of local churches as well as clergy appointed as staff of the Annual Conference. Please watch your mail in order to meet the deadlines.
Enrollment forms for group health insurance from clergy who are staff of the Annual Conference are due in the Topeka benefits office by 8 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24, 2014.
Enrollment forms for ancillary benefits (vision, dental, life, accident and/or critical illness) whether from clergy who are conference staff or clergy who serve local churches of any size are due in the Topeka benefits office by 8 a.m., Monday, Nov. 24, 2014. If you are already enrolled in life insurance, you do not have to complete the enrollment form. If you are wanting to increase or enroll for life insurance for the first time you would need to complete the medical part of the enrollment. All other benefits must be enrolled in each year.
Clergy serving local churches with 50 or fewer full time equivalent staff
You will receive from your church(es) a health care allowance in the amount of $14,232 per year. From that you will need to purchase health insurance for you and your family. For assistance in choosing the right coverage for you and your family we recommend contacting the Lockton Select Marketplace. This service is at no cost to you or the Annual Conference.
If you or your spouse are 65, or will be 65 by the first of year, you should select a Medicare supplement plan as well as a prescription plan. If CIGNA has been primary for you in 2014, you may have declined Medicare Part B in 2014. If you did you will need to contact Social Security and request Part B to begin January 1, 2015, as well.
Medicare plans are available through both Lockton Select Marketplace and One Exchange (an offering of the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits). However, people in Nebraska who are 65 or older should not use the Lockton service. Nebraska clergy members (three-quarter and full-time) active as of Dec. 31, 2013, and who plan to retire by Annual Conference 2019 will be eligible for a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) that can only be accessed if you purchase plans through One Exchange. Kansas members are not eligible for an HRA therefore are free to purchase through Lockton Select Marketplace or One Exchange.
Other categories of persons currently covered by group insurance
We will no longer provide group insurance coverage or optional coverages for the following:
  • Surviving spouses
  • Retired clergy members under 65
  • Retired clergy member spouses under 65
  • Local church/other UM entities staff members
They can access coverage through the Lockton Select Marketplace or One Exchange taking into account the notations above.
Deadlines to purchase health insurance
To ensure you have coverage by Jan. 1, 2015 you should be enrolled by:
  • Conference staff: Nov. 24, 2014
  • Other persons (under 65): Dec. 15, 2014
  • Medicare plans for other persons 65 and older: Dec. 7, 2014
  • Ancillary benefits (vision, dental, life, accident, critical illness for staff or others: Nov. 24, 2014
Completed forms should be returned to:
Great Plains Conference
PO Box 4187
Topeka, KS 66604-0187
Attn: Benefits Office
Also please make a copy and send to your district office so they can have confirmation of enrollments to make sure the 2015 Clergy Support Worksheet is properly completed as relates to benefits.

Event to honor Virginia Elliott

Virginia Elliott, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund vice-president for programs, will be retiring as of Dec. 31. A reception honoring Elliott and her 17 years of service with the Health Ministry Fund will be held onTuesday, Dec. 2, from 4-6 p.m., at the organization's office (100 E. Main St., Hutchinson, KS). A short presentation will occur at 5 p.m., during the reception.
Virginia was a member of sessions planning for the 2014 Great Plains Conference and served for many years on the communications committee of the former Kansas West Conference. She is currently chair of the Governor's Fitness Council in Kansas. Anyone who would like to share a memory of working with Virginia is encouraged to provide a short letter, photo or other memento to Kristine Dean at kdean@healthfund.org or call 620-662-8586.

Meriden, Kansas, recipient of grant for “Jefferson County Gray Wolves Empowerment Program”

UM Discipleship grants awarded to support aging in poverty ministries

Discipleship Ministries grants totaling $75,000 have been awarded to 31 churches around the world by the United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries (OAM) to support Aging in Poverty ministry programs.
The Aging in Poverty grants seek to address a core issue in the mission of The United Methodist Church concerning worldwide poverty, said William Randolph, director of the Office on Aging and Older Adult Ministries at Discipleship Ministries.
In the new Great Plains Conference of the South Central Jurisdiction, for example, Meriden UMC, a medium-sized rural church in Meriden, Kansas, created a new program to provide a weekly luncheon, Bible study and empowerment class to directly address poverty issues such as food security, nutrition, wellness and older adult addiction, including chemical and other addictions.
Meriden Pastor Richart O. Randolph said this is a very exciting opportunity for the Meriden UMC. The congregation is very mission-oriented and trying to make a real difference in its community.
Randolph pointed to the church’s long history of supporting God’s Store House, a local food pantry serving western Jefferson County. In collaboration with other Christians in the food pantry the church identified that there are many older adults in Jefferson County living in poverty and struggle in a variety of ways.
He noted that many older adults are making decisions about whether to pay for their prescriptions or pay the heat bill. Others are raising their grandchildren and have taken on the responsibility of getting them to school and ensuring they become successful adults.
The grant will help fund The Jefferson County Gray Wolves Empowerment Program and was submitted by Karolyn Conaway. Randolph said Gray Wolves gives the community a chance to focus time and resources in a way that empowers older adults so that they can take on more responsibility and be more self sufficient.
In addition to helping meet some of older adult physical needs, Gray Wolves intends to offer social interaction, fellowship and spiritual nurturing.
Randolph and Conaway view this as a pilot project that can be perfected and used as a model for other congregations. Randolph also believes the basic template could be used to develop ministry for other age groups.
If you have questions about the program or grant proposal contact Karolyn Conaway at 785-484-2224.
http://www.gbod.org/resources/grants-awarded-to-support-aging-in-poverty-ministries
The Jefferson County Gray Wolves Empowerment Program
Background
Historically, national attention has justifiably focused on urban poverty. However, our proposal offers an opportunity to develop a model program that addresses the unique challenges posed by rural and small town poverty for older adults. We have named our program after the gray wolf because wolves are fierce, assertive animals that take care of their families and community— attributes which we see in many of the older adults in our area.
Jefferson County, Kansas is a rural-suburban transitional county, located within easy commuting distance of two larger metropolitan areas: Topeka and Lawrence. In the 2000 census there were 19,426 people in the county. Of that population, 12.8% were 65 or older. Significantly, 7.7% of those over 65 lived below the poverty line.
In west Jefferson County, many of those in poverty are served by “God’s Storehouse,” a weekly food pantry. 
Although God’s Storehouse is an ecumenical outreach supported by many Jefferson congregations, the leadership and bulk of volunteer staff are affiliated with either Meriden UMC (MUM) or St. Aloysius Catholic Church. In addition, Meriden UMC has a financial aid program that provides assistance for county residents who need emergency help with their utilities, obtaining prescription medications, or other basic necessities. 
Thus, MUM already has an established record and experience meeting the needs of those in poverty in our county.
Many of those seeking assistance from God’s Storehouse and MUM’s emergency assistance program are older adults. For instance, we have worked with older adults who had only enough resources, either to pay their past due utility bill or purchase prescription medications. We also know that limited financial resources are not the only challenge facing many older adults in our community. Some older adults struggle with dependency issues, especially alcoholism or drug addiction. In other cases, older adults have become the principal care providers for grandchildren—due to dependency, incarceration, or other issues faced by the parents of these 
grandchildren. In still other cases, older adults struggle with loneliness and isolation. Our proposal seeks to provide a comprehensive educational and empowerment program that helps older adults who face poverty as well as these myriad of other challenges.
The Proposal
Base Program: We propose a once monthly gathering for older adults living in poverty, whom we will call the “gray wolves.” This monthly gathering would provide an opportunity for worship and spiritual development, a warm meal with fellowship and entertainment, and an educational opportunity tailored to address real-life challenges faced by older adults in poverty. For example, in the winter months the program could invite several tax specialists to help the gray wolves with tax issues. Another month, the program could focus on 
accessing healthcare under the new Affordable Healthcare Act. A third month, the program could involve a dietician demonstrating ways to creatively prepare delicious and nutritious meals from the canned foods and basic staples usually distributed by a food pantry. The typical schedule would be:
11:00-12:00 Bible Study and Worship
12:00- 1:00 Lunch, Fellowship, and Entertainment
 1:00- 2:00 Educational Program
Meals would be prepared by members of MUM or partner organizations. Entertainment during lunch would include various invited musical groups as well as other forms of entertainment, such as bingo and other games. 
After the first six months, an advisory committee comprised of gray wolves who have consistently attended the monthly meetings would be created. This advisory committee would help identify future program topics and suggest menus for the monthly meals. In the first year, monthly meals and programs would be held at MUM facilities.
Partnerships: Although MUM would serve as the lead organization, we would seek to develop partnerships with other area churches. The Steering Committee for the God’s Storehouse food pantry has already agreed to partner with MUM on this proposal. In addition, the Northeast Kansas Community Action Program, Inc. 
(NEK-CAP) has agreed to partner with us on this project, providing help with case-management, education and advocacy, as well as planning and strategies for future funding.
Year 1 Expansion Beyond the Base Program: During the first year, we would expect the program to expand beyond the base program in two ways:
1. We would seek to establish weekly or bi-weekly, optional Bible study groups. These small groups would be located in close proximity to its members. In addition to the church facilities in Meriden, we 
would also seek to establish a small group on the east side of Lake Perry, where there is a high concentration of older adults below the poverty line. 
2. For those gray wolves struggling with challenges of dependency, we would seek to establish recovery groups modeled on the “Celebrate Recovery” program developed at Saddleback Church. We see these 
potential recovery groups as a means for further strengthening MUM’s emerging “Celebrate Recovery” ministry.
Year 2 Expansion: We would seek to expand the program to other sites in the second year, using partnerships to leverage our effectiveness. Three possible sites for expansion would include:
 The immediate east side of Lake Perry, using the community center for the site lunches.
 East Jefferson County, potentially partnering with Oskaloosa UMC or other churches.
 North Jefferson County, potentially partnering with Valley Falls and Coal Creek UMCs.
(Of course, expansion of our program would probably require that we obtain access to additional start-up funding sources.)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS NOT DIRECTLY ADDRESSED ABOVE 
Issues/Needs Statement and Ministry Objectives
 What specific measurable outcomes do you expect? We expect there will be measurable outcomes both individually and programmatically. Individually, we expect that many persons will benefit by having more information and resources for coping with their challenges, while also becoming members of a new community of support. More significantly, we expect that some lives will be transformed as they gain control over dependencies through the recovery resources and/or as they reconnect with God and the church through the Bible studies. Programmatically, we expect that the base program will be generative, creating recovery groups, Bible studies, and additional sites, as outlined above. We also expect that launching and sustaining this program will enable the MUM congregation
to see new possibilities for ministry and mission that we cannot currently discern.
Description of the Ministry
 Where will it be done? The initial site will be MUM. As noted above, we hope to expand to multiple sites in the county in the second year of the grant.
 Is this a new or pilot ministry? Yes.
 Who is providing leadership for this ministry? And, describe how older adults are involved in the planning and implementation of this ministry. Initial leadership will be provided by a steering 
committee of volunteers from MUM as well as representatives from our partner organizations, “God’s Storehouse” and NEK-CAP. After six months, an Advisory Committee comprised of participants
regularly attending the monthly programs will be created. These advisors will be fully incorporated into the deliberations and decisions of the steering committee, moving forward. 
How do you see the Holy Spirit involved in this ministry? MUM’s support and leadership with the “God’s Storehouse” food pantry has been well established for over a decade. Over the past two years, 
we have begun to ask ourselves what more could we do to help and empower those who struggle with poverty and addictions in our community. At the same time, we have identified the eastern side of 
Lake Perry as a missional opportunity, perhaps beginning with a Bible study. We believe that the Holy Spirit has been leading us to this ministry initiative, which this grant can help us begin.
 Provide a detailed total budget for the ministry that includes all sources of funding including “in-kind” contributions
Budget
Grant from BOD
$ 100 Initial publicity to inform the community about this program
 1,200 Cost for 12 meetings for the first year, assuming a cost $100 per meal
$75 food
 25 transportation for those unable to travel independently, due to lack of a car
100 X 12 months
 1,200 Cost for 12 meetings for the second year
$2,500
In-Kind Contributions
 Use of kitchen and meeting facilities rent-free – Meriden UMC
 Paid staff time – Meriden UMC and NEK-CAP
 Volunteer time and labor – Meriden UMC, God’s Storehouse, and partner churches
 Provide a timeline for ministry. Our ideal timeline is the following: 
 October – December, 2014 Leadership team begins organizational process; sets dates; begins publicity; identifies & recruits potential gray wolves.
 January – June, 2015 First Six Months of monthly programs; also expansion to small groups, such as Bible study and recovery groups, as feasible 
 June 2015 Identification and creation of “Gray Wolves Advisory 
Committee”
 June – December, 2015 Second Six Months of monthly programs with input from Gray Wolves Advisory Committee; continued expansion of 
small groups as feasible
 January – December, 2016 Continuation of Base Program at MUM, with expansion as possible to other sites in Jeff. County
 Provide your plan for continuing financial support of the ministry. “God’s Storehouse” has broad, strong support from both churches and individuals in our county. For instance, over 200 families are “adopted” each Christmas by individuals, churches, schools, and civic groups. This “adoption program” helps parents and grandparents who are struggling with poverty to provide Christmas gifts for their children and themselves. Another example: Jeff West and Perry-Lecompton high schools hold an annual competition to see which school can collect the most food for God’s Storehouse, with 
the winning school announced at their December varsity basketball game. If we can demonstrate the effectiveness of the Gray Wolves’ program during the first two years of this grant, we believe that the program will become self-sufficient through financial and in-kind support from churches and individuals in Jefferson County. Additionally, NEK-CAP has offered to help us explore additional 
grant opportunities.

Bishops call United Methodists to prayer in human sexuality statement

The Council of Bishops issued a statement concerning human sexuality, addressing their diverse perspectives and calling the people of The United Methodist Church to be in prayer, both for their leaders and for one another.
The statement reads:
As bishops of The United Methodist Church, our hearts break because of the divisions that exist within the church. We have been in constant prayer and conversation and affirm our consecration vow “to guard the faith, to seek the unity and to exercise the discipline of the whole church.” We recognize that we are one church in a variety of contexts around the world and that bishops and the church are not of one mind about human sexuality. Despite our differences, we are united in our commitment to be in ministry for and with all people. We are also united in our resolve to lead the church together to fulfill its mandate — to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As we do so, we call on all United Methodists to pray for us and for one another.
The bishops worked together on the statement during several executive sessions during their weeklong meeting in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The statement came near the close of the Council's meeting, which opened on Monday with the bishops reaffirming the commitments they made when they were consecrated. During the president’s address, Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr. of the San Francisco Episcopal Area asked the bishops if they would stand with him to reaffirm their vows as he prayed.
Bishop Brown called for unity within the church and encouraged finding “places where we can agree to work together and find common ground.”
“Leading a church, such as ours, with a diversity of perspectives means we must let people know we hear them, and that we are listening both to those voices that are in the majority and those that are in the minority so that all know they’re heard,” said Bishop Brown.
In November 2013, the Council voted to form a task force which would lead conversations about human sexuality, race and gender with the goal of coming to a shared theological understanding amid differing perspectives and cultures. The task force will continue its work.
“The Council of Bishops is charged to lead the church in a time of prayer and discernment. The task force will seek to work for the council as the conversation continues,” said Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, who chairs the task force. "In a worldwide church serving in very diverse contexts and composed of faithful Christians who have different opinions, we, the bishops, are committed to pastoral care for all our people as we continue to find a way forward.”
The Council of Bishops provides leadership and helps set the direction of the 12 million-member church and its mission throughout the world. The bishops are the top clergy leaders of The United Methodist Church, the second largest Protestant denomination in the U.S.

Ralston UMC offers multi-use facility

Ralston Trinity United Methodist Church, in Omaha, Nebraska, offers its facilities for local church, district and conference use.
The facility includes a gym (with basketball goals and volleyball net) and commercial grade kitchen. It has sleeping accommodations in addition to separate male and female showers. There are three separately decorated teen rooms with a pool table, ping pong table and air hockey.
The brochure describes available room settings and capacity. Please contact John Lindhjem, facilities coordinator for more information or to book the facility. He can be reached at jon.l@trinityralston.org or 402-331-4054.

Course of Study update

The Saint Paul School of Theology Course of Study (COS) advisory council met Saturday, Nov. 8, at Platte Woods UMC. This group meets each spring and fall, following the time students have taken courses. It includes denominational representatives from Great Plains, Missouri and Iowa conferences, a student, and a COS faculty. At the recent meeting, it was affirmed to ask the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education Ministries (GBHEM) to approve a satellite location for COS in the west central or western areas of the Great Plains Conference.
The Rev Nancy Lambert, who is the Great Plains Conference representative to the advisory council, said, “The satellite location would make it easier for some part-time local pastors to attend COS in order to continue their progress in the program.”
A decision should be made at the March 2015 GBHEM meeting, and the first courses would be offered in fall 2015 at the approved satellite location.  

New Great Plains Conference clergy gather 

By Ashlee Alley, clergy recruitment and development coordinator
Four to six times a year, new clergy are gathering at Rock Springs, a retreat center in central Kansas, to spend time learning, sharing and being equipped for a long tenure in ministry. Starting in September each year, each person who was commissioned as a provisional deacon or elder or who graduated from Course of Study gathers for a retreat that is coordinated by members of the Call Team of the Board of Ordained Ministry. Residency, as it is known, is akin to the period of instruction and training that doctors receive in their first several years upon graduation from medical schools. The goals for residency in the Great Plains are to provide training in specific areas of ministry, an opportunity for collegiality with other residents and an orientation into ministry in the Great Plains UMC. First-year residents also meet in groups with a mentor.
Pastors who are in their first year in the Transition into Ministry (TiM) program, a program for promising young pastors in their first appointment, also participate in the first-year residency retreats. As the director of the TiM program, I have joined them as their mentor. The first year of residency is geared to teach more about how they can understand, motivate and communicate more effectively with others. By the end of the year, they have a number of practical tools to enhance their communication in their churches and communities.
The curriculum has been used for five years as a part of residency and clergy who have been trained have indicated that they are able to care for themselves in the midst of stressful circumstances and lead their congregations through conflict. In the few short months since residency began, I’ve seen pastors grow and engage with excitement about learning how to connect better with their congregations. The time is well spent for these new clergy as they have opportunity to find support, camaraderie and share ideas with others who are also just beginning in ministry.
I am excited as it points toward an exciting future as these new leaders begin their ministry as clergy in the Great Plains UMC.

Pulpit supply idea

United Methodists William Willimon and Grace Imathiu are among the outstanding preachers who have recorded lectionary-based sermons on video as part of a project called “A Sermon for Every Sunday,” intended as a resource for churches without pastors, churches in the interim, or churches that might simply need a supply preacher from time to time.
Any congregation with the capability of projecting video can see and hear America’s best preachers on any—or every—Sunday. There is a use fee.  Visit the website for full details at www.asermonforeverysunday.com/

Seminary scholarship application deadline Nov. 17

Centenary UMC in Beatrice, Nebraska, has a scholarship that is being distributed by the Clergy Excellence staff. The need-based scholarship is for any certified candidate in the ordination process in the Great Plains Conference who is currently enrolled in seminary. There are two scholarships in the amount of $1250 each for Fall 2014. The application is now available. Please be prepared to provide some financial information as well as answer three short questions.
The deadline for applying is Monday, Nov. 17, 2014. A disbursement of the funds will made by Dec. 1, 2014. If you have any questions, please contact Ashlee Alley, clergy recruitment and development coordinator, at aalley@greatplainsumc.org.

TiM blog offers associate pastor’s reflection on program

The Transition into Ministry (TiM) Program is designed to assist young pastors in making the transition from seminary to effective full-time pastoral leadership. The TiM associates will offer weekly blogs sharing their experiences.
This week, the Rev. Austin Rivera reflects on some of what he learned in serving two years as a Transition into Ministry (TiM) Associate Pastor at First UMC in Emporia, Kansas, from 2012-2014. He is currently in his first year as a Ph.D. student in the Ancient Christianity program of Yale’s Religious Studies Department. Read Rivera’s blog.
Past articles authored by TiM pastors can be viewed on the Great Plains website. Learn more about the TiM Program.

Bishop from Nigeria travels through Great Plains

Nigerian Bishop John Wesley Yohanna and his wife Asmau Yohanna spent time in Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas on their way to the Council of Bishop’s meeting in Oklahoma CIty. While in Lincoln they met with members of the Nigeria Partnership team and were dinner guests at the Lincoln home of Bishop Scott Jones and Mary Lou Reece. The Yohannas were also dinner guests at the episcopal home in Wichita where they were joined by members of the Mercy and Justice Team and other staff members.
Bishop Yohanna expressed gratitude for the support for the orphanage which recently promoted its first graduating class. Topics discussed with the teams included sustainability, new resources and programming possibilities.

New domestic violence resource

The following was submitted by the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team.
October was Domestic Violence Awareness month and churches and church groups engaged in a variety of awareness raising activities. The Center for American Progress launched ProtectAllWomen.org, a website that provides state-specific information about the intersection of gun violence and domestic violence. From 2001 to 2012, 6,410 women were murdered in the United States by an intimate partner using a gun — more than the total number of U.S. troops killed in action during the entirety of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
The Great Plains Conference passed a resolution “Christians Respond to Gun Violence.” This resolution asks congregations to engage with these difficult and challenging issues, learning, studying and taking action.
  • Read current information about Kansas and Nebraska laws protecting women and contact your legislators to improve them.
     
  • Read an article introducing protectallwomen.org in GBCS-Faith in Action.

    ProtectAllWomen.org

    New domestic violence resource

    November 04, 2014
    October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and the Center for American Progress launched ProtectAllWomen.org, a website that provides state-specific information about the intersection of gun violence and domestic violence.
    ProtectAllWomen
    From 2001 to 2012, 6,410 women were murdered in the United States by an intimate partner using a gun — more than the total number of U.S. troops killed in action during the entirety of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
    The website also highlights the work of partner organizations such as Americans for Responsible Solutions, the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Everytown for Gun Safety.
    The website supports the work of the Protect All Women Leadership Network, a national network of women leaders seeking solutions that protect women from gun violence and keep guns out of the hands of dangerous abusers and stalkers.
    Check out ProtectAllWomen.org and follow the conversation online at #ProtectAllWomen



  • . 
  • View the resolution passed at the Great Plains Annual Conference Session in 2014.
Resolution: Christians Respond to Gun Violence
Rationale: United Methodists across the Great Plains Conference are deeply concerned about the suffering and human loss caused by the reliance on violence to solve conflicts and the unrestricted availability of fire arms. As faithful Christians we take action.
Whereas: “Violence and, more particularly, violence to children and youths is a primary concern for United Methodists. We recognize and deplore violence which kills and injures children and youths. In the name of Christ, who came "and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near" (Ephesians 2:17) and challenged all his disciples to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), we call upon the church to affirm its faith through vigorous efforts to curb and eliminate gun violence.” (Resolution #3426 Gun Violence, Adopted 2000, Revised and Readopted in 2008)
Whereas: One in three people in the U.S. know someone who has been 
shot. On average, 32 Americans are murdered with guns every day and 140 are treated for a gun assault in an emergency room. Every day on average, 51 people kill themselves with a firearm, and 45 people are shot or killed in an accident with a gun. The U.S. firearm homicide rate is 20 times higher than the combined rates of 22 countries that are our peers in wealth and population. A gun in the home is 22 times more likely to be used to kill or injure in a domestic homicide, suicide, or unintentional shooting than to be used in self-defense. (Source: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence);
Whereas: In the fourteen months since the mass shooting in Newtown, CT (2012), there have been at least 44 school shootings including fatal and nonfatal assaults, suicides, and unintentional shootings — an average of more than three a month. In the first six weeks of 2014 alone, there were 13 school shootings including one eight-day period in which there were four shootings in K-12 schools. (Source: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Mayors Against Illegal Guns);
Whereas: Americans Support Universal Background Checks: Nine out of 10 Americans agree that we should have universal background checks, 
including three out of four NRA members; Since the Brady Law was initially passed, about 2 million attempts to purchase firearms have been blocked due to a background check. About half of these blocked attempts were by felons; Our current background check system only applies to about 60% of gun sales, leaving 40% (online sales, purchases at gun shows, etc.) without a background check. (Source: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence);
Whereas: 2013 was an unprecedented year for gun safety in America. 
Despite the lack of motion in Congress, legislators in state houses across the country introduced a record number of bills to strengthen gun laws. Even states with historically weak gun laws, like Florida, Missouri, and Texas, took action towards sensible gun legislation. In fact, at the end of 2013, twenty-one states enacted new laws to curb gun violence in their communities, with eight of these states passing major reforms. (Source: Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence)
Whereas: By word and example Jesus embraced nonviolence as a way of 
life. He took up a cross rather than a sword. He embraced the practice of hospitality and a creative love of one’s enemies. In his sermon to disciples and followers he proclaimed “blessed are the peace-makers.” (Matthew 5:9). 
Therefore be it resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church lift up a vision of “a more excellent way” by calling on appropriate bodies within the church to: 
Recall and adhere to Resolution #3426 from the Book of Resolutions 
which states, "reflecting that the traditional role of The United 
Methodist Church has been one of safety and sanctuary, every United 
Methodist Church is officially declared a weapon-free zone." (see also Paragraph 162, Social Principles)
Therefore be it further resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church:
Join United Methodist Women and the General Board of Church & 
Society in supporting the efforts of Faiths United to Prevent Gun 
Violence (www.faithsagainstgunviolence.org) and share information 
from Faiths United with congregations for study and action. Faiths 
United supports legislation to accomplish the following: 
 Every person who buys a gun should pass a criminal background check;
 High capacity weapons and ammunition magazines should not be available to civilians; and
 Gun trafficking should be a federal crime;
Therefore be it further resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church:
Direct the Secretary of the Annual Conference to send this resolution to all members of the Nebraska and Kansas congressional delegations.
Therefore be it further resolved that the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church:
Encourage all Great Plains Congregations to participate in the National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath Weekend.
Implemented by: The Great Plains Conference Cabinet, the Mercy and 
Justice Team, and the Communications Department.
Time Frame: Between July 2014 and June 2015
Date: March 15, 2014
Signatures:
Members of the Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team:
Jamie Snyder
Andrea Paret
Nancy Brown
Rev. Cindy Karges
Rev. Jamie Norwich  McLennan
Rev. Sarah Marsh
Rev. Pat Longstroth
Louise Niemann
Rev. Loren Drummond
Rev. Kurt Cooper
Katie Lamb
Rev. Hyun-Jin Cho
Debora Cox
Kent Little
Jerry Feese
Sarah Godbey
Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede
Rev. Bonnie McCord
Signatures from laity and clergy across the Great Plains Conference: 
Rev. Michelle Reed
Mary S. Vogt
Susan Perry
Rev. Karen Lamb
Sandy Sypherd
Loyal Park 
Mary Alice Park
Rev. Carol Windrum
Dorothy Halvorsen
Melva Kube
Rev. Galen Wray
Rev. Bill Ritter
Rev. Mr. Lauren D. Ekdahl
LaRene Konopasek
Connie Hansen
David Hansen
Richard Snyder
Margery M. Ambrosius
Mary Wakeley
Gerald Wakeley
Karen Warner
Stephen Warner
Sharon Springer
Dottie Deines 
Robert Boyce
Anne Kallesen
Doug Kallesen
Rev. David Lux
Noelle Barrick
Ruby Thelander
Deanna Holland
Rev. Norma Jean Andrews
Marilyn J. Fick
Joann J. Krohn
Nina Henry
Kim Whitehouse
Arlyne Weichel
Patsy Stein
Jan Gorman
Beverly Sadler
Connie Loveland
Maxine Citta
Donald Bredthauer
Iris Ebert
Ralph Dagenai
Submitted by: 
Andrea Paret, First UMC Norfolk, Great Plains Peace with Justice Coordinator;
402-371-7227; amparet08@yahoo.com

Kleinschmidt and Dob honored for service

Epworth Village presents Freddie awards

In the 1880’s, a young boy named Freddie Rawcliffe wrote a letter to the Women’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in New York. Included with the letter was a single dollar bill. The letter said to use the dollar he had earned from chores done the previous year to build a home for children. Little Freddie had realized a need and been moved to make a difference, no matter how small.
Freddie’s dollar, posted over 125 years ago, provided the inspiration for the mission which is now  Epworth Village. A mission which would bring hope and healing to children and families in the name of Jesus Christ.
Each year, Epworth Village honors an outstanding individual who, through hard work and dedication has made a significant difference in the lives of those served. Recently at the agency’s annual banquet and fundraiser, Andy Marquart, Epworth Village vice president of programming, had the pleasure of recognizing two worthy recipients.
Awarded a Freddie was Dr. Nancy Dob. Dob, was born and raised in Pawnee City, Nebraska, and attended UNL. She received her doctorate in optometry at Ohio State University. She is the owner/founder of Mid-America Vision Centers.
Marquart noted, “Nancy has served on numerous boards in York, including York Chamber of Commerce President and on the York County Development Corporation She is a Chamber Ambassador and serves on the Epworth Village Board, of which she is currently president. For the past 20 years she has been active with York Rotary Club including being named Vocational Rotarian of the Year in 2009. And … she is royalty, as she was elected Yorkfest Queen in 2011.”
Nancy, her husband Dan and son Matthew are very active in their hometown of Benedict, Nebraska, and in the Benedict UMC. She is also involved with the Lively Livestock 4-H Club and served on the Benedict Q-125 committee.
“Nancy’s biography is a testament to her heart for mission and dedication to youth, families and the community,” Marquart stated as he presented Dr. Nancy Dob with the Freddie Award for her devotion to Epworth Village and her invaluable guidance.
Also honored with a Freddie Award was Abbi Harrington Kleinschmidt, who was born and raised on a farm in York County in Nebraska. She is a graduate of UNL with a degree in elementary education and special education.
Abbi is married to Kurt Kleinschmidt. The family resides on a farm in Fillmore County near Sutton. She is the mother of four boys, and grandmother of two (also boys).
Marquart said, “Abbi’s family knows  her as someone who is always there to help people … especially when times get tough. Her three sisters say she is someone who isn’t afraid to dig into the trenches and someone who never backs away from a tough situation.”
Abbi is currently the Epworth Village Foundation Board president.
In presenting Abbi with the Freddie Marquart added, “Her caring and understanding of the mission of Epworth Village has roots in her Grandmother Harrington’s love of mission work, passed down through her mother Karen. Over the years Abbi has served as a substitute teacher for Epworth Village Learning Center. At this time she is serving as Coordinator of the very successful Partner’s program. It is because of Abbi’s understanding and dedication… Abbi’s ability to combine action with heart; that we present her with the Freddy Award.”
Photo: Pictured left to right are, Abbi Kleinschmidt, Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds and Dr. Nancy Dob. Kleinschmidt and Dob were honored at the Heart of the Matter with Freddie awards for their service to the agency.

Grain donations boost mission

The brochure says, “Grains for Hope & Healing;” and Connie and David Hansen of Anselmo, Nebraska, are providing just that.
Donating grain “is just like CROP did years ago. At that time we weren’t farmers and now we are. We have a sustenance farm; we grow enough for our own animals and maybe enough to save for next year for feed,” explains Connie. “We are both retired and this is one way we can help without writing a check, and the grain doesn’t count as income for us.”
“I wish it wasn’t so small,” Connie says of the couple’s recent gift. “The price was going down and I kept telling David we needed to get those soybeans to town, but he wanted to take a full wagon,” when he took them. The wagonload turned out to be just over 92 bushel of soybeans … 92.1 to be exact — just a little over an acre’s worth.
“Every small bit helps,” Connie states, “if we can do it we are happy to. You don’t have to write out a big check to make a difference.”
Epworth Village Foundation Board member Kristi Scheele was instrumental in getting the Grains for Hope and Healing program off to a good start. Kristi and her husband Fred, along with the Hansens have made contributions through the 18 month-old program.
It’s easy, “you sell your grain like any other time. It is a simple process, you can donate off of the truck or when you are selling. Giving grain offers another option for giving and it benefits the farmer and Epworth Village,” Kristi adds. “There are two accounts set up through Central Valley Ag, one for Epworth Village, Inc. and one for the Epworth Village Foundation,” and arrangements can be made through other elevators.
Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds expresses appreciation for the gifts of grain, none of which is considered “small” by any means. That’s because 92.1 bushels given with love to a mission filled with hope is a large gift indeed.
Epworth Village, Inc., is non-profit agency based in York, Nebraska. From its beginning as an orphanage in the 1880's, the mission of Epworth Village has been to bring hope and healing to children and families in the name of Christ.
Photo: David Hansen (pictured) and his wife Connie of Anselmo are two farmers taking advantage of the opportunity to give a portion of their harvest to Epworth Village.

Keeping families together

UMC in Tucson, Arizona, offers sanctuary

The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, Peace with Justice coordinator.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” - Psalm 91:1-2
The congregation of St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church, in Tucson, Arizona, started offering sanctuary for Francisco Córdoba on Sept. 25. The church has shown him this radical form of hospitality because the threat of deportation had been looming over his family's life for eight long months.
“He stepped out of the shadow of fear and into the light of the possibilities that you can help make true,” the Rev. Jim Wiltbank, senior pastor, explained. “It has been an honor for those of us here at St. Francis to receive the blessing of Francisco and his family and to offer them a place where they could begin to see a solution to the problem thrust upon them by our broken immigration system. It was even more important that we receive the amazing blessing that they bring to us.” Like so many others who live in fear of deportation, Francisco has no criminal history. He has been a valued member of the community and has worked in the same job for many years, regularly paying his taxes.
Comments posted after a newspaper article about the sanctuary offered by this church show the lack of information so many people have, believing that immigrants choose to not fill out papers and stay undocumented. The reality is that under our current broken immigration system a majority of immigrants do not have a line to stand in to apply for documents. Others file petitions and have to wait for many years with huge back logs in applications. And yet many U.S. companies want and need these workers. Families and communities are torn apart by the current broken system.

Keep families together

St. Frances in Foothills UMC offers sanctuary

by Jim Wiltbank on November 04, 2014
Francisco Córdoba entered into sanctuary at St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church in Tucson, Ariz., Sept. 25 because the threat of deportation had been looming over his family's life for eight long months. He stepped out of the shadow of fear and into the light of the possibilities that you can help make true.
Cordoba family
Francisco "Cordoba, who has taken sanctuary from deportation in a Tucson, Ariz., United Methodist church, is shown with his family. Read more at "Tucson church casts out fear." (Photo from Desert Southwest Conference.)
Families should be together and for that reason we stand with Francisco!
It has been an honor for those of us here at St. Francis to receive the blessing of Francisco and his family and to offer them a place where they could begin to see a solution to the problem thrust upon them by our broken immigration system. It was even more important that we receive the amazing blessing that they bring to us.
St. Francis, Francisco’s family and his community are stronger with him in their lives. In coming to sanctuary Francisco has temporarily left a vibrant daily life centered on family, co-workers, church and neighbors.

Toll of deportation

These relationships would be severed forever were he to be deported. The toll of potential deportation is all too clear since Francisco took sanctuary, leaving the daily task of running their family home solely in the hands of his wife, Sarai. She has risen to that task boldly, but the challenge of taking care of their five children is enormous. Getting the three older children, Emanuel, Daniel Caleb and Noemi, off to school every day would be difficult enough, but she must do that while continuing to care for her two babies, two-year-old Atlai and 10-month-old Rahel.
Loss of her husband's daily presence in their home life leaves Sarai without the support of her life partner.
The loss of her husband's daily presence in their home life leaves Sarai without the support of her life partner. While Francisco still sees his family almost every day, he has interrupted his usual life in an effort to stop a potential permanent separation from his wife and children.
For 30 days Francisco has been trapped on the campus of St. Francis although he is considered a low priority for deportation by Immigrations & Customers Enforcement (ICE).
Francisco has no criminal history and has proven himself to be a stable, valued member of our community. He has been employed at the same job for years, working full-time and paying his taxes faithfully.

Simple stay of deportation

This order of deportation stands in the way of Francisco being able to continue to nurture and love his family, and see his children grow into adulthood. A simple stay of deportation would open the doors of possibility for this wonderful family.
So I ask that you join St. Francis in asking Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to close Francisco's deportation order, and encourage President Obama to take action and expand deferred action for all 11 million undocumented people who are already part of our congregations and communities.
Editor's note: Jim Wiltbank is Senior Pastor at St. Francis in the Foothills United Methodist Church in Tucson, Ariz.

Toolkit on Sanctuary Movement

You can download a Toolkit on the 2014 Sanctuary Movement that addresses how to stop deportations. The toolkit offers information on subjects as the following:
  • Why now? Understanding this Moment for Movement
  • What is Sanctuary?
  • Goals and Strategy
  • Talking Points and Messaging
  • Who is Seeking Sanctuary?
  • How do we “Declare Sanctuary?”
  • Advocacy
  • Leadership of those in Sanctuary
  • What are the logistics of Sanctuary?
  • Communications, including a sample press advisory, sample op-ed and social media.
The General Board of Church and Society offers two ways for congregations to get involved:
  1. Becoming an Immigrant Welcoming Community
    Immigrant Welcoming Communities is an invitation to a journey into a reciprocal missional experience alongside and among immigrant communities. The journey is open to all that wish to develop deeper, incarnational relationships among immigrant communities and who wish to engage in both mercy and justice.
  2. Offering Sanctuary – An Ancient Tradition of Faith Communities
    Toolkit on Sanctuary Movement
For more information contact Sandy Sypherd, chair of the Great Plains Immigration Rapid Response Team at ssypherd@windstream.net or Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator at amparet08@yahoo.com.
Photo: The family of Francisco and Sarai (Photo credit Desert Southwest Conference.)

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