In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Nominations are being accepted for Culture of the Call church award
Nebraska UM Foundation accepting scholarship applications
Nominate laity, clergy for leadership roles in the Great Plains
Register now for annual conference golf tournament
Order your Great Plains business cards today
EQUIP DISCIPLES
Baker University’s Junior Visit Day to be April 10
Congregational Care Ministry Seminar registration still open
Youth groups get opportunity to learn from Micah Corps interns
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
Podcast shares stories about ministries across the Great Plains
Five Boundary/Ethics Training dates scheduled
TiM blog shares associate pastor’s steps to building youth program
MERCY AND JUSTICE
New locations to host disaster response trainings
UM Ministries to host Global Youth Service Day at Camp Fontanelle
Updates from Epworth Village
JFON-NE helps 898 individuals in 2014
Can United Methodists do something to prevent gun violence?
OTHER NEWS
Newsletters
Nominations are being accepted for Culture of the Call church award
Deadline – April 2
The Foundation for Evangelism is seeking nominations for the 2015 Culture of the Call Church Award.
This award, given annually, recognizes one local United Methodist congregation that encourages the next generation of leaders with a passion for evangelism to enter full-time Christian service. The Foundation for Evangelism awards this honor to highlight the outstanding work being done in the local church where young persons, age 35 and under, are encouraged, supported and nurtured as part of the culture of that congregation.
Previous recipients of the Culture of the Call Church Award include:
Swartz Creek UMC, Swartz Creek, Michigan
Collegiate UMC, Ames, Iowa
University UMC /Las Naciones Iglesia/ First Filipino-American United Methodist Fellowship, Las Vegas, Nevada
First UMC, Winfield, Kansas
Denver UMC, Denver, North Carolina
For more information and to download nomination form visit the Foundation for Evangelism website. The deadline for applications isApril 2, 2015.
Mail or email the completed nomination form to:
Mary Burgin
The Foundation for Evangelism
P O Box 985
Lake Junaluska, NC 28745
MBurgin@FoundationforEvangelism.org
Nebraska UM Foundation accepting scholarship applications
Students may apply online at www.numf.org/scholarships. These financial aid awards are meant for individuals who are members of a Nebraska United Methodist Church and pursuing an advanced ministerial degree for service in the Great Plains Conference.
Applications are available online for the following scholarships:
The Albert R. Murdoch Ministerial Scholarship
The Alice Kruse Ministerial Scholarship
The Alice Kruse Seminary Scholarship
The Alva Clark Seminary Scholarship
The Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship
The Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship
The Cowles United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship
The Murdock Ebenezer UMC Professional Church Leader Scholarship
The Myrtle E. Williams Seminary Scholarship
The Verl & Sylvia Miller Memorial Scholarship
The Scahill Family Scholarship
The application deadline for these scholarships is June 30.
Those students applying for the scholarships listed above also will be considered for the following scholarships: The Cal Leeds Scholarship, The Rev. Albert W. Winseman Scholarship Endowment, The Atherton Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund, and The Andrew & Nevabelle Howe Scholarship. The Howe Scholarship is granted with assistance from the Gateway District Superintendent's Office, and preference is given to students from this district. An additional application submission will not be required for this particular group of scholarships.
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous gifts donors have made to make these scholarships possible. Thank you for being our partner in ministry. For more information, please visit www.numf.org/scholarships.
If you would like to talk to someone about how you can honor the memory of a loved one or help a seminary student, please call the foundation at 877-495-5545.
Nominate laity, clergy for leadership roles in the Great Plains
The Nominations Committee for the Great Plains Conference is now accepting nominations for leadership roles on a variety of committees.
Nominations are now open by submitting information on the conference’s website: www.greatplainsumc.org/serve.
Anyone can submit a nomination for either themselves or someone else – clergy or laity. A spiritual gifts survey will be emailed to the nominee, and upon completion, that person's name will be entered into a pool of candidates.
The Nominations Committee then will match the needs of each conference-level committee with the skills and gifts of the individuals who have been nominated.
The Nominations Committee reports that it has many openings on committees that need to be approved by the annual conference sessionJune 10-13 in Wichita, Kansas. So you are urged to nominate potential leaders now.
Register now for annual conference golf tournament
Registration is open for the 2015 Great Plains Annual Conference Benefit Golf Tournament. This event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, the day prior to the start of the conference session, with sign-in taking place at 7 a.m. that day prior to the 7:30 a.m. tournament start.
The registration fee for this “best ball scramble” format is $75 for golfers and $30 for people who don’t intend to play but who want to help with the fundraising effort while having fun. The fee includes the golf, cart, lunch, the opportunity for prizes, fun and laughter.
Money raised will go to the Great Plains Clergy Emergency Fund.
The event – sponsored by the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness and St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska – will take place at the Arthur B. Sims Golf Course, 2020 Murdock St., in Wichita, Kansas.
Register by May 20. Download the form by clicking here.
Order your Great Plains business cards today
If you need additional Great Plains United Methodists branded cards or if you are in need of updated cards, contact Roxie Delisi atrdelisi@greatplainsumc.org. Please provide the information you would like on your card, including church or agency affiliation, address, phone numbers, fax, email, website, etc.
The cost is approximately $35 or less for 500 cards, depending on the number of people who choose to purchase cards. Click here to see a sample card.
Baker University’s Junior Visit Day to be April 10
Experience the difference at Baker, the first university in Kansas. Learn about Baker’s academic excellence by attending a class and visit with a professor within your area of academic interest or explore your options. Baker University cherishes their United Methodist Heritage and looks forward to hosting United Methodist students from across Kansas and Nebraska.
View flier.
If you have any questions about this upcoming event or know a student that may be interested in attending Baker please contact the Rev. Kevin Hopkins, minister to the university, at 785-594-4562 orkevin.hopkins@bakeru.edu.
Congregational Care Ministry Seminar registration still open
Join Pastor Karen Lampe and the congregational care team for theCongregational Care Ministry (CCM) Seminar designed to equip lay leaders in working alongside pastors and staff to provide care to your congregation. Learn how to design a program to fit the needs of your church based on the best practices in place at Church of the Resurrection.
Additional information and a link to registration can be found atcor.org/ccm-seminar. Questions regarding the conference may be directed to Kathy Carter at kathy.carter@cor.org or 913-544-0272. Registration questions may be directed to Kari Burgess atkari.burgess@cor.org or 913-232-4139.
Youth groups get opportunity to learn from Micah Corps interns
This VIM experience is specially geared for single-digit youth groups who are often unable to assemble enough youth to make a mission trip viable. These groups will join together for a shared mission experience in Omaha, Nebraska. The mission experience is scheduled for June 22-26, and will include hands-on learning, simulation activities, team building and group discussions and reflection.
The experience is open to high school-age youth groups numbering six or fewer. Registration deadline is May 15. Cost is $150 per person and covers all food, dorm lodging and programming. Financial assistance is available through the Great Plains Mercy and Justice VIM grants. All adult chaperones must be certified through the Safe Gatherings process (online, $35). A minimum of two adults must accompany every group. Each group will be responsible for driving their own vehicle within Omaha.
Groups must purchase VIM insurance through the Great Plains Conference ($.50 per person per day).
Contact dkeeney@bigmuddyumc.org to register, or for more information.
Podcast shares stories about ministries across the Great Plains
Co-hosts Pastor Ben Hanne (provisional elder) and the Rev. Amy Lippoldt (elder) interview a different guest in each 45-minute episode, letting the unique experiences and passions of each guest shape the conversation.
The podcast name draws from an oft-repeated quote, attributed to John Wesley, that a Methodist preacher should always be ready to preach, pray or die at a moment’s notice. It celebrates the faith and bravery of those who have served Christ through the United Methodist Church both past and present.
An independent project of Hanne and Lippoldt, new episodes are posted every two weeks, with nine episodes available for download.
“Preach, Pray or Die” can be found on Twitter, Facebook, iTunes,Stitcher and Podbay.
Five Boundary/Ethics Training dates scheduled
All clergy serving churches in the Great Plains Conference are required to have two trainings: Safe Gatherings, which is completed online, and Boundary/Ethics Training, which is completed by attending a class. Boundary Training focuses on developing healthy boundaries in ministry and is specific to the role of a clergy person, whereas Safe Gatherings is for lay people as well as clergy and is focused on the church being a safe place for children and youth.
Boundary Training is to be renewed every four years. Currently there are five trainings scheduled. Those who have never had the training should attend if at all possible. There will be additional trainings scheduled this fall. Any clergy needing renewal of Boundary Training may also register.
All trainings begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. The cost for lunch and the participant book is $25, but the Board of Ordained Ministry (BoOM) is covering a portion of this so your cost is only $10.
Register online for any of these trainings.
May 4, Kearney First, 4500 Linden Dr., Heritage Room, Kearney, Nebraska
May 4, Aldersgate UMC, 7901 W 21st St N, Wichita, Kansas
May 5, First UMC, 2710 14th St., Columbus, Nebraska
May 21, First UMC, 740 W 11th St, Concordia, Kansas
June 30, First UMC, 823 Merchant St., Emporia, Kansas
TiM blog shares associate pastor’s steps to building youth 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 offer weekly blogs sharing their experiences.
This week, Bill Gepford, associate pastor at Colby (Kansas) UMC, shares how and why he started a youth program at Colby UMC. In this first of a two blog series, Gepford explains the why he started the program and what he did once the program was in place.
Read Gepford’s blog.Reviving a Youth Ministry
Transition into Ministry Program
Bill Gepford is currently serving as a TiM associate pastor at Colby United Methodist Church, Colby, Kansas (2013-2015).
Bill Gepford, TiM associate pastor at Colby (Kansas) UMC, shares how and why he started a youth program at Colby UMC. In this first of a two blog series, Gepford explains why he started the program and what he did once the program was in place.
My Story:
I serve as the Transition into Ministry associate at Colby United Methodist Church. Even before I arrived in Colby, I got the sense that one of the deepest desires of the church was the reviving of their youth ministry. After talking with Jim (my senior Pastor), that became a chief priority of mine once I arrived. This was fantastic for a ton of reasons - I got to experience launching and taking ultimate responsibility for a ministry, I was able to serve in a felt need, and I had the chance to do all this under a fantastic mentor.
I’m sure I’m not the first pastor to arrive in a church with a desire to launch a youth ministry - so I’ve written a brief summary and checklist of the things we did at Colby UMC in hopes that they may be of service to others. This is by no means complete, and I’m sure I’ve left things out - but hopefully it will give committed people a good idea of where to start.
The Why:
First off, a bit about why we did this (and why you might want to as well).
Colby: One of the things I heard again and again was the need to include young people especially youth in the life of our church. There seem to be a very heartfelt desire for youth ministry, but a desire for energy and organization to assist with that.
...But also every church: The church is for people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. If youth are missing, it gets noticed. There are a few things that youth are especially effective at contributing to a Church:
Energy: Youth bring energy (sometimes called noise) to a church. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Hope: Its no secret...people eventually pass away. Your church wants to know that it will continue to exist next generation. Youth bring hope.
Change Agents: Youth are excellent change agents - they are a great place to try out new things (because new is exciting for them). Some of the best preachers in the world started out as Youth Pastors. Some of the strongest ministries in churches evolved out of the youth department - because youth are still wide-eyed, optimistic, and risk-taking enough to try out just about anything (Some adults fit that description too….and you should thank God for them and then recruit them to help you lead the youth ministry. That mindset in a Godly person is much more valuable than ‘being young’ or ‘looking the part’. I’ll always take a 95 year old volunteer who loves Jesus and is bold enough to take risks over a 20 year old who seems fun but isn't mature in their discipleship or willing to step out on faith).
....And all youth pastors: A quick note for those who don't necessarily feel called to youth ministry and therefore don't do it:
If your church needs it, get over yourself. Seriously.
Kids need Jesus and churches thrive on hope that they will still be there in the next generation. If your church can't afford to hire a part time youth pastor and isn't fortunate to have that amazing person who is willing to commit 20+ hours a week as a volunteer, then its your responsibility.
Kickoff Time!
Alright - once you have laid the foundation, its time for kickoff. We can't spend forever just building the frame; eventually we have to take a leap and do the exciting work of doing youth ministry.
Plan your first event: This can be your first youth group, or a special launch event - but make it big. Do things above and beyond the call of mediocrity. The bounce house may be optional, but it shouldn't be off the menu either.
Communicate (too much): Make sure everyone knows exactly when this is happening, where they need to be, and why. Communicate so that people actually want to come - don't assume they will just because the church doors are open.
Big Event as a Launch for regular Programming: Big events exist for a purpose - they create momentum for your more intentional, discipleship-focused events. Make sure you have a way to capture kids contact information when they come, and follow up with them after.
Regular Programming: It can be helpful to have a dry-run of your event ahead of time; have a few committed youth test it out so you can make sure you have supplies, the slides match the music, etc. Always be improving.
How we did it: Heres a mistake we made you can learn from. I took a bunch of surveys over the summer to discover what (I thought) kids wanted to talk about. We ended up with a sermon series for our first few youth groups that absolutely tanked….so much that the word why still feels like an inside joke. It was bad, y’all. Be prepared to ask for ideas from kids - but also to completely go in a different direction if your instinct tells you differently.
Debrief with Adults: Make sure you keep training, resourcing, and empowering your leaders throughout this. Take them out to eat afterwards and debrief youth group. See what they thought worked, what didn't, and what they are hearing from the youth.
Momentum Builders: Ever play Mario Kart? (of course you did - you are still reading an article on starting a youth ministry). Remember those little multi-colored patches that accelerate you? Have a few events that do that for your ministry. These are continued big events, lockins (if you don't like sleep), parties, etc for kids that add momentum and give youth an opportunity to invite their friends.
Build to a Reward/Goal: We went with a mission trip - give kids a goal to build towards. We knew we couldn't realistically take a mission trip unless we hit a critical mass of 20 - but we were open about that. Kids invited their friends and we had an awesome mission trip.
OK - so thats a brief snapshot of one of the many things I learned at Colby thanks to the TiM program. I hope its helpful to you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn those lessons!
Be sure to read Gepford’s next blog where he explains all the steps he took in preparation of the youth ministry kick off.
Bill Gepford is currently serving as a TiM associate pastor at Colby United Methodist Church, Colby, Kansas (2013-2015).
Bill Gepford, TiM associate pastor at Colby (Kansas) UMC, shares how and why he started a youth program at Colby UMC. In this first of a two blog series, Gepford explains why he started the program and what he did once the program was in place.
My Story:
I serve as the Transition into Ministry associate at Colby United Methodist Church. Even before I arrived in Colby, I got the sense that one of the deepest desires of the church was the reviving of their youth ministry. After talking with Jim (my senior Pastor), that became a chief priority of mine once I arrived. This was fantastic for a ton of reasons - I got to experience launching and taking ultimate responsibility for a ministry, I was able to serve in a felt need, and I had the chance to do all this under a fantastic mentor.
I’m sure I’m not the first pastor to arrive in a church with a desire to launch a youth ministry - so I’ve written a brief summary and checklist of the things we did at Colby UMC in hopes that they may be of service to others. This is by no means complete, and I’m sure I’ve left things out - but hopefully it will give committed people a good idea of where to start.
The Why:
First off, a bit about why we did this (and why you might want to as well).
Colby: One of the things I heard again and again was the need to include young people especially youth in the life of our church. There seem to be a very heartfelt desire for youth ministry, but a desire for energy and organization to assist with that.
...But also every church: The church is for people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. If youth are missing, it gets noticed. There are a few things that youth are especially effective at contributing to a Church:
Energy: Youth bring energy (sometimes called noise) to a church. Enthusiasm is contagious.
Hope: Its no secret...people eventually pass away. Your church wants to know that it will continue to exist next generation. Youth bring hope.
Change Agents: Youth are excellent change agents - they are a great place to try out new things (because new is exciting for them). Some of the best preachers in the world started out as Youth Pastors. Some of the strongest ministries in churches evolved out of the youth department - because youth are still wide-eyed, optimistic, and risk-taking enough to try out just about anything (Some adults fit that description too….and you should thank God for them and then recruit them to help you lead the youth ministry. That mindset in a Godly person is much more valuable than ‘being young’ or ‘looking the part’. I’ll always take a 95 year old volunteer who loves Jesus and is bold enough to take risks over a 20 year old who seems fun but isn't mature in their discipleship or willing to step out on faith).
....And all youth pastors: A quick note for those who don't necessarily feel called to youth ministry and therefore don't do it:
If your church needs it, get over yourself. Seriously.
Kids need Jesus and churches thrive on hope that they will still be there in the next generation. If your church can't afford to hire a part time youth pastor and isn't fortunate to have that amazing person who is willing to commit 20+ hours a week as a volunteer, then its your responsibility.
Kickoff Time!
Alright - once you have laid the foundation, its time for kickoff. We can't spend forever just building the frame; eventually we have to take a leap and do the exciting work of doing youth ministry.
Plan your first event: This can be your first youth group, or a special launch event - but make it big. Do things above and beyond the call of mediocrity. The bounce house may be optional, but it shouldn't be off the menu either.
Communicate (too much): Make sure everyone knows exactly when this is happening, where they need to be, and why. Communicate so that people actually want to come - don't assume they will just because the church doors are open.
Big Event as a Launch for regular Programming: Big events exist for a purpose - they create momentum for your more intentional, discipleship-focused events. Make sure you have a way to capture kids contact information when they come, and follow up with them after.
Regular Programming: It can be helpful to have a dry-run of your event ahead of time; have a few committed youth test it out so you can make sure you have supplies, the slides match the music, etc. Always be improving.
How we did it: Heres a mistake we made you can learn from. I took a bunch of surveys over the summer to discover what (I thought) kids wanted to talk about. We ended up with a sermon series for our first few youth groups that absolutely tanked….so much that the word why still feels like an inside joke. It was bad, y’all. Be prepared to ask for ideas from kids - but also to completely go in a different direction if your instinct tells you differently.
Debrief with Adults: Make sure you keep training, resourcing, and empowering your leaders throughout this. Take them out to eat afterwards and debrief youth group. See what they thought worked, what didn't, and what they are hearing from the youth.
Momentum Builders: Ever play Mario Kart? (of course you did - you are still reading an article on starting a youth ministry). Remember those little multi-colored patches that accelerate you? Have a few events that do that for your ministry. These are continued big events, lockins (if you don't like sleep), parties, etc for kids that add momentum and give youth an opportunity to invite their friends.
Build to a Reward/Goal: We went with a mission trip - give kids a goal to build towards. We knew we couldn't realistically take a mission trip unless we hit a critical mass of 20 - but we were open about that. Kids invited their friends and we had an awesome mission trip.
OK - so thats a brief snapshot of one of the many things I learned at Colby thanks to the TiM program. I hope its helpful to you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn those lessons!
Be sure to read Gepford’s next blog where he explains all the steps he took in preparation of the youth ministry kick off.
Be sure to read Gepford’s next blog where he explains all the steps he took in preparation of the youth ministry kick off.
Past articles authored by TiM pastors can be viewed on the Great Plains website. Learn more about the TiM Program.
New locations to host disaster response trainings
Early Response Training (ERT)
Trainings on April 4 and June 6 has been added to a list of Early Response Training (ERT) events scheduled to take place in March and April. Lunch will be provided during the sessions and there will be a free will offering to help with cost.
Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Haysville UMC, 601 E Grand Ave, Haysville, KS 67060. For more information, contact, Keith Fink, Great Plains Disaster Response co-chair, at kfink@greatplainsumc.org. Cost is $25, register here.
Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Sterling UMC, 137 N. Broadway Ave. Sterling, KS 67579. Lunch will be provided and there will be a free will offering to help with cost. For more information, contact, Joshua Johnson, Hutchinson District coordinator, at joshua.johnson@greatplainsumc.org. Cost is $25, register here.
Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at a location TBD near Ogallala, Nebraska. For more information, contact Dave Baltzell at docdave69153@gmail.com. Cost is $25.
Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Humboldt UMC, 806 N 9th St, Humboldt, KS 66748. For more information, contact, Russell Anderson, Southeast Region coordinator atrev.russanderson@gmail.com. Cost is $25, register here.
Early Response Training (ERT) recertification class
Saturday, April 4 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Evangel UMC, 227 Pennsylvania Ave., Holton, KS 66436. For more information, contact Steve Burnett, Great Plains Disaster Response chair, atsrburn@madtel.net. Cost is $10, register here.
Connecting Neighbors training
A Connecting Neighbors Training event is schedule to take placeSunday, April 26 from 1-5 p.m., at Belleville UMC, 2013 M St. Belleville, KS 66935. For more information, contact Steve Burnett, Great Plains Disaster Response chair, at srburn@madtel.net. There is no cost to attend, register here.
Basic disaster training
Monday, April 13 from 6-9 p.m., at St. Mark’s UMC, 8550 Pioneer Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68520. There is no cost to attend. Please contact the Rev. Hollie Tapley athtapley@greatplainsumc.org if you will be attending or for more information.
Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Caldwell UMC, 100 West Central Ave, Caldwell, KS 67022. There is no cost to attend. Please contact Jeanine Bevan at 620-845-2513 orbtractor2003@yahoo.com if you will be attending or for more information.
UM Ministries to host Global Youth Service Day at Camp Fontanelle
Teams of youth and youth leaders are invited to join together Saturday, April 25 for a unique Global Youth Service Day experience with United Methodist Ministries (UMM). Global Youth Service Day will take place in more than 100 countries, making it the largest annual celebration of young volunteers. The aim of the day is to highlight the role that youth can play in service to their communities. This year, we will travel to Camp Fontanelle to prep the Big Garden for spring planting and to clean up the camp. Through this experience, participants will gain some understanding of food security issues and how community gardens can play a role in alleviating hunger.
This event is open to all youth groups, regardless of denomination or location.
On Saturday, April 25 attendees will meet at First UMC in Omaha (68th and Cass Street, Door #9). The group will leave the church promptly at 9 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. For liability purposes, all participants are required to travel via UMM buses. Attendees should bring garden gloves and a water bottle.
Cost per person is $10 and includes lunch and transportation. T-shirts will not be provided. Please remember that all chaperones must be Safe Gatherings certified.
Note: Unlike past years, all contextual debriefing will take place at Camp Fontanelle, rather than the church site.
Register your group by Monday, April 20.
If you have questions, please contact dkeeney@bigmuddyumc.org.
Updates from Epworth Village
Epworth Village cranes for hope and healing
Origami cranes hold deep meaning
An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. Some stories believe eternal good luck is granted, instead of just one wish, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical creatures, it is said to live for a thousand years. That’s is why 1,000 cranes are made ... one for each year.
This legend was brought to life by a Japanese girl named Sadako who, as a two year-old, was found alive by her mother following the dropping of the atomic bomb at Hiroshima. The child had been near the epicenter of the explosion.
Then, years after the atomic bomb had fallen, an increase in leukemia was observed in Japan, especially among children who had been exposed to radiation; Sadako was one of those children. Sadako had leukemia.
It is said, in August of 1955, Sadako's best friend paid her a visit in the hospital. Remembering the legend, she cut a piece of paper into a perfect square and folded it into a paper crane. After the visit Sadako began folding cranes in with the hope she would have her wish granted and be healed.
Unfortunately, Sadako passed away in October of 1955 at the age of 12. Following her death it was reported her friends finished folding the 1,000 cranes in her honor.
At Epworth Village it is our wish these cranes bring hope and healing to the children and families we serve. This project is the idea of Alex, a client here at Epworth, who loves folding origami cranes and had heard the legend.
Alex explains, “Austin (a fellow client) taught me how to fold the cranes and Terrill (also a fellow client) told me about the story of Sadako. I thought it would be a great idea to fold cranes for hope and healing and help CASA and give back to someone else who helps kids like us.”
And so, the folding has begun and Alex has been giving lessons. Clients in the cottage are folding cranes, staff members are taking paper home and are folding cranes, family members are folding cranes.
The first 1,000 cranes folded by Epworth Village staff, clients and supporters have been underwritten by Tom and Suzanne Vanous of the Chances’ R Restaurant in York at 50-cents apiece. Once completed, funds raised from the cranes will be donated to CASA for York County, Alex’s choice of a charity. The next 1,000 cranes folded will benefit the Epworth Village Music Program.
Epworth Village CEO and United Methodist Missionary Harrietta Reynolds hopes concerned citizens and youth will unite in our effort underwrite and then to fold these beautiful cranes. Folded cranes will benefit the Epworth Village mission to bring hope and healing in the name of Christ to those in need.
To join in the Epworth Village Cranes for Hope and Healing project contact Marcia Schleglemilch at 402-362-3353 ext. 1144 or atmschlegelmilch@epworthvillage.org.
Photos: Epworth Village client Alex demonstrated folding paper cranes during art class at Epworth Village Learning Center as part of the Cranes for Hope and Healing project. Epworth Village Administrative Assistant/Compliance Officer Marshall Paczosa (at left) and client Alex gave thumbs-up after Paczosa successfully folded his first paper crane.
Proud Moment – a diploma earned
When Anthony Clayton dropped by on Tuesday, March 24 to pay a visit to Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds he had news. Clayton, a former Epworth Village client, brought with him a diploma and his sincere gratitude. The diploma represented his successful completion of Custom Diesel Drivers Training, Inc. classes to become an over the road (OTR) truck driver; the gratitude was for confidence shown in him by Reynolds and for the Paulus Epworth Village Scholarship fund set up through the United Methodist Foundation in Lincoln which made his schooling possible.
Clayton has chosen to drive a flatbed transport truck for T.C.M. out of Des Moines, Iowa. So, on Monday, March 30, Clayton will begin a new chapter in his life. A chapter which will include a regular schedule, weekends at home, company health insurance and the opportunity to someday own a home.
Once Clayton has gotten into the groove of his new job, he has something else he wants to do.
“I want to come to Epworth Village and talk to the boys about what is possible,” Clayton said. And wouldn’t it be great if he could drive his big-rig into the parking lot when he does?
Photo: Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds congratulated former Epworth client Anthony Clayton on his successful completion of Custom Diesel Drivers Training coursework. Clayton received a Paulus Scholarship for his schooling earlier this year.
Ord UMYF pays a visit
Saturday, March 28, the Ord United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) paid their second visit to Epworth Village. Traveling the distance to York were 13 youth and four sponsors. Agenda for the mission day included a painting project and cleaning at Epworth Village Learning Center (EVLC), a pizza party and fun activities at Mills Dining Hall.
The cleaning and painting were greatly appreciated by staff and clients.
“My wall is so awesome, I love it! It matches the other wall now and it looks just gorgeous, I feel like I am being hugged,” EVLC teacher Tonia Nantkes said of her classroom after arriving to work Monday morning.
Jim Hurley, Epworth Village maintenance director, also commented on the cleaning by the volunteers, stating, the school looked “beautiful.”
Following the morning work session, pizza was delivered and Ord youth joined Epworth youth for lunch and several activities which included a mini-marshmallow toss, cracker eating and bubble gum blowing, balloon races, exercises and the great cookie challenge. Orilla Orent, UMYF sponsor, facilitated a sharing time as well.
After the visit Orent stated, “We are blessed that Epworth Village allows us to share ourselves with the mission and the young men it serves — bless you! Tell the boys thank you for being willing participants — if they really didn't want to you sure couldn't tell. Such potential lies within each and every one of them — I pray they will let you help them find it and put it to good use.”
The staff thanks the Ord UMYF for caring and sharing with Epworth Village.
Epworth youth getting a kick out of spring
Thanks to the Jim B. and Lillian F. Cooper Foundation, along with Midwest Bank, Epworth Village youth are taking up the game of soccer. The set of goals purchased with Cooper Foundation Grant dollars have been assembled and installed on the field west of the Central Administration Building. Bryce and Alex are pictured enjoying the warmer weather and making good use of the goals.
Stevens Cottage Behavior Interventionist, JB has been working with the boys on skills and the rules of the game. JB is an assistant coach for the York College soccer team as well as a 14 and under soccer coach.
Thank you Cooper Foundation for your investment in education, health and recreation!
Photo: Warmer weather means Epworth Village youth are able make good use of the new soccer goals purchased with a grant from the Cooper Foundation.
Epworth Village is a National Mission Institution of the United Methodist Church. 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.
JFON-NE helps 898 individuals in 2014
Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON-NE) is part of National Justice For Our Neighbors (NJFON), a United Methodist ministry supporting a network of immigration legal clinics at more than 40 United Methodist churches around the country. In the Great Plains Conference, JFON-NE holds regular legal clinics at First UMC in Lexington, Nebraska, Trinity UMC in Grand Island, Nebraska, and Grace UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, as well as having relationships with several other United Methodist churches across NebraskaIn 2014, JFON-NE helped 898 individuals with 1,664 cases. That is a 57 percent increase in the caseload from the previous year.
Rob Rob Rutland-Brown, Executive Director of NJFON shares about the importance of getting to know our newest neighbors and build relationships.
“At these clinics, staff attorneys and teams of volunteers provide in-depth immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and their families so that they can understand and navigate our nation’s complex immigration laws. The outcomes of the legal work often include keeping families together safely and permanently, enabling eligible immigrants to work lawfully, uniting families who have experienced long separation, and helping immigrants escape from domestic violence.”
“JFON volunteers have learned that when we take the time to truly listen to someone’s story about how they came here, what struggles they have endured, and what hope they hold for the future, we gain a connection with someone who at first appeared as a stranger to us. We realize that while our languages, skin color, history, and journeys may be very different, we share in common deeper traits such as a profound yearning for our kids to be safe and thrive, a desire to support one’s family through work, and a longing to be a part of a community without feeling like an outsider.”
“These intentional encounters, which our ministry strives to foster into meaningful relationships, create communities of welcome in our churches. Numerous immigrants have told us that the assistance they received through JFON helped them to see the church as a safe, welcoming place. Many of these immigrants also lived within a stone’s throw of the church but had never been inside.”
Read Rob’s whole article.
Supporting Immigrants, Building Relationships
National Justice for our Neighbors supports immigrants by offering legal resources at more than 40 clinics in United Methodist churches across the country.
This past fall, the Department of Education shared that, for the first time, more children in public schools in the United States were minority than white. Schools are now majority-minority and richly diverse, though our churches may not always be so. How do we, as Christians, respond to the growing diversity within our country?
NJFON supports a network of immigration legal clinics at more than 40 United Methodist churches around the country. At these clinics, staff attorneys and teams of volunteers provide in-depth immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and their families so that they can understand and navigate our nation’s complex immigration laws. The outcomes of the legal work often include keeping families together safely and permanently, enabling eligible immigrants to work lawfully, uniting families who have experienced long separation, and helping immigrants escape from domestic violence.
JFON volunteers have learned that when we take the time to truly listen to someone’s story about how they came here, what struggles they have endured, and what hope they hold for the future, we gain a connection with someone who at first appeared as a stranger to us. We realize that while our languages, skin color, history, and journeys may be very different, we share in common deeper traits such as a profound yearning for our kids to be safe and thrive, a desire to support one’s family through work, and a longing to be a part of a community without feeling like an outsider.
These intentional encounters, which our ministry strives to foster into meaningful relationships, create communities of welcome in our churches. Numerous immigrants have told us that the assistance they received through JFON helped them to see the church as a safe, welcoming place. Many of these immigrants also lived within a stone’s throw of the church but had never been inside.
Personally, I’m glad to say I’ve made some friends along the way.
Written by Rob Rutland-Brown; Cover photo by MIchael L. Dorn
Click here to learn more about JFON-NE, one of the Great Plains Conference mission agencies.
Photos: Collage shows JFON volunteers meeting with JFON staff at First UMC in Lexington to debrief after a legal clinic, a headshot of Rob Rutland-Brown, and the churches in Grand Island and Lexington.
Can United Methodists do something to prevent gun violence?
Yes!
Editor’s note: The following was submitted by Andrea Paret, peace with justice coordinator.
During National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath week, many United Methodist congregations in the Great Plains Conference engaged in learning more about the current situation regarding gun violence and what can be done. These are difficult but necessary conversations.
“People of faith can do great things to protect their community from gun violence,” says Bill Mefford, director of Civil and Human Rights at the General Board of Church and Society. He urges us to learn about what is happening in our states so we can do something about it. Both Kansas and Nebraska are discussing gun laws in their respective legislative sessions right now. As Christians we are called to work for a more peaceful world.
During Holy Week, as we reflect on the last days before the crucifixion of Jesus, we remember his words: “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen this way?” Matt. 26:52-54
The General Board of Church and Society shares ideas and resources.
Photo: Garden of Gethsemane
Newsletters
Christian Copyright Licensing International: March 2015
David Upp: Mission Link
Ministry Matters: March 31, 2015
United Methodist Development Center: Spiritual Giving
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.
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@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
___________________________________
New locations to host disaster response trainings
Early Response Training (ERT)
Trainings on April 4 and June 6 has been added to a list of Early Response Training (ERT) events scheduled to take place in March and April. Lunch will be provided during the sessions and there will be a free will offering to help with cost.
Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Haysville UMC, 601 E Grand Ave, Haysville, KS 67060. For more information, contact, Keith Fink, Great Plains Disaster Response co-chair, at kfink@greatplainsumc.org. Cost is $25, register here.
Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Sterling UMC, 137 N. Broadway Ave. Sterling, KS 67579. Lunch will be provided and there will be a free will offering to help with cost. For more information, contact, Joshua Johnson, Hutchinson District coordinator, at joshua.johnson@greatplainsumc.org. Cost is $25, register here.
Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at a location TBD near Ogallala, Nebraska. For more information, contact Dave Baltzell at docdave69153@gmail.com. Cost is $25.
Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Humboldt UMC, 806 N 9th St, Humboldt, KS 66748. For more information, contact, Russell Anderson, Southeast Region coordinator atrev.russanderson@gmail.com. Cost is $25, register here.
Early Response Training (ERT) recertification class
Saturday, April 4 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Evangel UMC, 227 Pennsylvania Ave., Holton, KS 66436. For more information, contact Steve Burnett, Great Plains Disaster Response chair, atsrburn@madtel.net. Cost is $10, register here.
Connecting Neighbors training
A Connecting Neighbors Training event is schedule to take placeSunday, April 26 from 1-5 p.m., at Belleville UMC, 2013 M St. Belleville, KS 66935. For more information, contact Steve Burnett, Great Plains Disaster Response chair, at srburn@madtel.net. There is no cost to attend, register here.
Basic disaster training
Monday, April 13 from 6-9 p.m., at St. Mark’s UMC, 8550 Pioneer Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68520. There is no cost to attend. Please contact the Rev. Hollie Tapley athtapley@greatplainsumc.org if you will be attending or for more information.
Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., at Caldwell UMC, 100 West Central Ave, Caldwell, KS 67022. There is no cost to attend. Please contact Jeanine Bevan at 620-845-2513 orbtractor2003@yahoo.com if you will be attending or for more information.
UM Ministries to host Global Youth Service Day at Camp Fontanelle
This event is open to all youth groups, regardless of denomination or location.
On Saturday, April 25 attendees will meet at First UMC in Omaha (68th and Cass Street, Door #9). The group will leave the church promptly at 9 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. For liability purposes, all participants are required to travel via UMM buses. Attendees should bring garden gloves and a water bottle.
Cost per person is $10 and includes lunch and transportation. T-shirts will not be provided. Please remember that all chaperones must be Safe Gatherings certified.
Note: Unlike past years, all contextual debriefing will take place at Camp Fontanelle, rather than the church site.
Register your group by Monday, April 20.
If you have questions, please contact dkeeney@bigmuddyumc.org.
Updates from Epworth Village
Epworth Village cranes for hope and healing
Origami cranes hold deep meaning
This legend was brought to life by a Japanese girl named Sadako who, as a two year-old, was found alive by her mother following the dropping of the atomic bomb at Hiroshima. The child had been near the epicenter of the explosion.
Then, years after the atomic bomb had fallen, an increase in leukemia was observed in Japan, especially among children who had been exposed to radiation; Sadako was one of those children. Sadako had leukemia.
It is said, in August of 1955, Sadako's best friend paid her a visit in the hospital. Remembering the legend, she cut a piece of paper into a perfect square and folded it into a paper crane. After the visit Sadako began folding cranes in with the hope she would have her wish granted and be healed.
Unfortunately, Sadako passed away in October of 1955 at the age of 12. Following her death it was reported her friends finished folding the 1,000 cranes in her honor.
At Epworth Village it is our wish these cranes bring hope and healing to the children and families we serve. This project is the idea of Alex, a client here at Epworth, who loves folding origami cranes and had heard the legend.
Alex explains, “Austin (a fellow client) taught me how to fold the cranes and Terrill (also a fellow client) told me about the story of Sadako. I thought it would be a great idea to fold cranes for hope and healing and help CASA and give back to someone else who helps kids like us.”
And so, the folding has begun and Alex has been giving lessons. Clients in the cottage are folding cranes, staff members are taking paper home and are folding cranes, family members are folding cranes.
The first 1,000 cranes folded by Epworth Village staff, clients and supporters have been underwritten by Tom and Suzanne Vanous of the Chances’ R Restaurant in York at 50-cents apiece. Once completed, funds raised from the cranes will be donated to CASA for York County, Alex’s choice of a charity. The next 1,000 cranes folded will benefit the Epworth Village Music Program.
Epworth Village CEO and United Methodist Missionary Harrietta Reynolds hopes concerned citizens and youth will unite in our effort underwrite and then to fold these beautiful cranes. Folded cranes will benefit the Epworth Village mission to bring hope and healing in the name of Christ to those in need.
To join in the Epworth Village Cranes for Hope and Healing project contact Marcia Schleglemilch at 402-362-3353 ext. 1144 or atmschlegelmilch@epworthvillage.org.
Photos: Epworth Village client Alex demonstrated folding paper cranes during art class at Epworth Village Learning Center as part of the Cranes for Hope and Healing project. Epworth Village Administrative Assistant/Compliance Officer Marshall Paczosa (at left) and client Alex gave thumbs-up after Paczosa successfully folded his first paper crane.
Proud Moment – a diploma earned
Clayton has chosen to drive a flatbed transport truck for T.C.M. out of Des Moines, Iowa. So, on Monday, March 30, Clayton will begin a new chapter in his life. A chapter which will include a regular schedule, weekends at home, company health insurance and the opportunity to someday own a home.
Once Clayton has gotten into the groove of his new job, he has something else he wants to do.
“I want to come to Epworth Village and talk to the boys about what is possible,” Clayton said. And wouldn’t it be great if he could drive his big-rig into the parking lot when he does?
Photo: Epworth Village CEO Harrietta Reynolds congratulated former Epworth client Anthony Clayton on his successful completion of Custom Diesel Drivers Training coursework. Clayton received a Paulus Scholarship for his schooling earlier this year.
Ord UMYF pays a visit
The cleaning and painting were greatly appreciated by staff and clients.
“My wall is so awesome, I love it! It matches the other wall now and it looks just gorgeous, I feel like I am being hugged,” EVLC teacher Tonia Nantkes said of her classroom after arriving to work Monday morning.
Jim Hurley, Epworth Village maintenance director, also commented on the cleaning by the volunteers, stating, the school looked “beautiful.”
Following the morning work session, pizza was delivered and Ord youth joined Epworth youth for lunch and several activities which included a mini-marshmallow toss, cracker eating and bubble gum blowing, balloon races, exercises and the great cookie challenge. Orilla Orent, UMYF sponsor, facilitated a sharing time as well.
After the visit Orent stated, “We are blessed that Epworth Village allows us to share ourselves with the mission and the young men it serves — bless you! Tell the boys thank you for being willing participants — if they really didn't want to you sure couldn't tell. Such potential lies within each and every one of them — I pray they will let you help them find it and put it to good use.”
The staff thanks the Ord UMYF for caring and sharing with Epworth Village.
Epworth youth getting a kick out of spring
Stevens Cottage Behavior Interventionist, JB has been working with the boys on skills and the rules of the game. JB is an assistant coach for the York College soccer team as well as a 14 and under soccer coach.
Thank you Cooper Foundation for your investment in education, health and recreation!
Photo: Warmer weather means Epworth Village youth are able make good use of the new soccer goals purchased with a grant from the Cooper Foundation.
Epworth Village is a National Mission Institution of the United Methodist Church. 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.
JFON-NE helps 898 individuals in 2014
Rob Rob Rutland-Brown, Executive Director of NJFON shares about the importance of getting to know our newest neighbors and build relationships.
“At these clinics, staff attorneys and teams of volunteers provide in-depth immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and their families so that they can understand and navigate our nation’s complex immigration laws. The outcomes of the legal work often include keeping families together safely and permanently, enabling eligible immigrants to work lawfully, uniting families who have experienced long separation, and helping immigrants escape from domestic violence.”
“JFON volunteers have learned that when we take the time to truly listen to someone’s story about how they came here, what struggles they have endured, and what hope they hold for the future, we gain a connection with someone who at first appeared as a stranger to us. We realize that while our languages, skin color, history, and journeys may be very different, we share in common deeper traits such as a profound yearning for our kids to be safe and thrive, a desire to support one’s family through work, and a longing to be a part of a community without feeling like an outsider.”
“These intentional encounters, which our ministry strives to foster into meaningful relationships, create communities of welcome in our churches. Numerous immigrants have told us that the assistance they received through JFON helped them to see the church as a safe, welcoming place. Many of these immigrants also lived within a stone’s throw of the church but had never been inside.”
Read Rob’s whole article.
National Justice for our Neighbors supports immigrants by offering legal resources at more than 40 clinics in United Methodist churches across the country.
This past fall, the Department of Education shared that, for the first time, more children in public schools in the United States were minority than white. Schools are now majority-minority and richly diverse, though our churches may not always be so. How do we, as Christians, respond to the growing diversity within our country?
Rob Rutland-Brown, Executive Director, National Justice for Our Neighbors
In my role as executive director of the United Methodist ministry National Justice for Our Neighbors (NJFON), I have come to see the powerful effects of actively seeking to know and welcome those who come from a different background than our own.NJFON supports a network of immigration legal clinics at more than 40 United Methodist churches around the country. At these clinics, staff attorneys and teams of volunteers provide in-depth immigration legal assistance to low-income immigrants and their families so that they can understand and navigate our nation’s complex immigration laws. The outcomes of the legal work often include keeping families together safely and permanently, enabling eligible immigrants to work lawfully, uniting families who have experienced long separation, and helping immigrants escape from domestic violence.
JFON volunteers help keep immigrant families united.
However, there are other results of this volunteer-driven model that positively affect both client and volunteer and that can serve to guide us as Christians in our diversifying communities.JFON volunteers have learned that when we take the time to truly listen to someone’s story about how they came here, what struggles they have endured, and what hope they hold for the future, we gain a connection with someone who at first appeared as a stranger to us. We realize that while our languages, skin color, history, and journeys may be very different, we share in common deeper traits such as a profound yearning for our kids to be safe and thrive, a desire to support one’s family through work, and a longing to be a part of a community without feeling like an outsider.
These intentional encounters, which our ministry strives to foster into meaningful relationships, create communities of welcome in our churches. Numerous immigrants have told us that the assistance they received through JFON helped them to see the church as a safe, welcoming place. Many of these immigrants also lived within a stone’s throw of the church but had never been inside.
Maytha, a former JFON client, plays with her young daughters.
In 2014, we had the opportunity to serve nearly 3,700 immigrants of all faiths, including Muslim, Hindu, and Christian. We hope that these immigrants experienced not just love and compassion at our JFON clinics, but also an eagerness by volunteers to know their stories. For we, as JFON staff and volunteers, have become enriched by these encounters and blessed to better know our immigrant neighbors.Personally, I’m glad to say I’ve made some friends along the way.
Written by Rob Rutland-Brown; Cover photo by MIchael L. Dorn
Click here to learn more about JFON-NE, one of the Great Plains Conference mission agencies.
Photos: Collage shows JFON volunteers meeting with JFON staff at First UMC in Lexington to debrief after a legal clinic, a headshot of Rob Rutland-Brown, and the churches in Grand Island and Lexington.
Can United Methodists do something to prevent gun violence?
Yes!
During National Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath week, many United Methodist congregations in the Great Plains Conference engaged in learning more about the current situation regarding gun violence and what can be done. These are difficult but necessary conversations.
“People of faith can do great things to protect their community from gun violence,” says Bill Mefford, director of Civil and Human Rights at the General Board of Church and Society. He urges us to learn about what is happening in our states so we can do something about it. Both Kansas and Nebraska are discussing gun laws in their respective legislative sessions right now. As Christians we are called to work for a more peaceful world.
During Holy Week, as we reflect on the last days before the crucifixion of Jesus, we remember his words: “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the scriptures be fulfilled, which say it must happen this way?” Matt. 26:52-54
The General Board of Church and Society shares ideas and resources.
Photo: Garden of Gethsemane
Newsletters
Christian Copyright Licensing International: March 2015
David Upp: Mission Link
Ministry Matters: March 31, 2015
United Methodist Development Center: Spiritual Giving
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.
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@greatplainsumc.org.
Want More?
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
___________________________________
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