Monday, February 22, 2016

"In Memoriam - The Rev. John James Goering II" Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas, United States for Monday, 22 February 2016

"In Memoriam - The Rev. John James Goering II" Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas, United States for Monday, 22 February 2016

The Rev. John James Goering II, 80, a retired clergy of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference passed away on Friday, Feb. 19, 2016. John was born on Jan. 18, 1936 in Kingman, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Beverly Ann Benson. John is survived by his four children, Anneliese (John) Homan of Sedalia, Missouri; Jay (Shawn) Goering of McKinney, Texas; Kyla (David) Gosset of Greenville, South Carolina; and Schuyler (Melody) Goering of Miltonvale, Kansas. On Dec. 28, 2014 John married Joan Boese, who survives of the home. Also surviving is a step-daughter Brenda (Kyle) Barger.
He touched the lives of many as a high school industrial arts teacher, driver’s education teacher, and football coach for 28 years in Ransom and Oberlin, Kansas. He retired as a teacher in 1985 to pursue a calling to the Methodist church where he served as a minister at School Longford-Mizpah, Longford-Mizpah-Industry, Lewis-Garfield, Marion Eastmoor-Youngtown, retired in 2006 then served Newton East Side.
A celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at East Side United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas. Graveside committal service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at Lonestar Cemetery in rural Pretty Prairie, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to East Side United Methodist Church in Care of Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main, Newton, Kansas 67114.
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"Immigration webinar clarification" Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States for Thursday, 18 February 2016

A short story about a webinar related to immigration issues in this week's GPconnect weekly email newsletter inadvertently left out pertinent information. The correct information is included below:
Webinar to address where we begin in welcoming refugees
A webinar is planned to introduce and invite churches in the Great Plains Annual Conference to become a “Welcome Place” for refugees who settle in our communities. Not sure where to begin or what to do? This webinar will get you started.
Join the webinar at 6 p.m. March 10. Access the webinar by going to the Great Plains Conference website at http://www.greatplainsumc.org/livestream.
Gather your missions and/or outreach ministry teams together to watch together!
Speakers include: Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator; a staff attorney with Justice for Our Neighbors-Nebraska; and the Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference Disaster Response coordinator.
Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON-NE) – a ministry that was started through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – welcomes immigrants into our communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. JFON-NE prioritizes services for low-income immigrants with the greatest need: battered women, abandoned children and refugees fleeing persecution. JFON-NE has strong connections with several United Methodist churches and their volunteers. Last year, JFON-NE worked on 2,011 cases for people from 42 different countries.
JFON-NE is one of our Great Plains Mission Agencies.
For more information on this webinar and/or how to get your church involved in becoming a Welcome Place for Refugees, contact Rev. Tapley at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
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GPconnect for Wednesday, 17 February 2016 of The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States

Download the printable version of the Feb. 17, issue of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
MERCY AND JUSTICE
OTHER NEWS
Great Plains churches asked to participate in March 1 prayer vigil

The Council of Bishops has invited each of the annual conferences to host a 24-hour prayer effort on a specific date, with the intent of creating a groundswell of prayer in the days leading up to the General Conference in May in Portland, Oregon. The Great Plains will conduct its prayer vigil March 1.
To successfully take part, we need your help. Download this spreadsheet,which his broken into 20-minute increments for March 1. Fill it out and send it to Roxie Delisi in our communications department at rdelisi@greatplainsumc.org by Feb. 22. The times are merely suggestions. Adapt the sheet to fit your church’s needs.
Our goal is to fill the entire 24 hours across the conference. We realize many churches may be able to fill the 24 hours all by themselves. That would be a great way to pray for our church as it enters into this once-every-four years meeting of the worldwide church.
Need help? Check out a page set up by Upper Room to assist you in this effort.
Call Delisi at 402-464-5994, ext. 107 with any questions.
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Criminal justice reform advocate to speak at Wichita St. Mark UMC

Kansans interested in learning more about alternatives to capital punishment have the opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s top criminal justice reform activists later this month.
Bryan Stevenson – a lawyer, a social justice activist, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and a professor at New York School of Law – has gained national acclaim for his work challenging bias against the poor and minorities in the criminal justice system. He has helped secure relief of many condemned prisoners and advocated for poor people.
He will present his thoughts at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at St. Mark United Methodist Church’s southeast campus, 856 S. Green St., in Wichita. This event is co-sponsored by the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty and the Mercy and Justice Ministry of the Great Plains Conference.
There is no cost to attend this event.
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Nebraskans offered chance to learn about death penalty

A workshop to help Nebraska United Methodists learn about the death penalty is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln.
In 2015, the Nebraska Legislature replaced the death penalty with life in prison without the possibility of parole. In November 2016, Nebraskans will vote whether to retain this action or bring back Nebraska’s death penalty. The workshop will provide information about capital punishment and the Nebraska ballot question. Participants will study what the Bible says, practice how to talk with people about issues, get tools and practical resources, and plan how to engage their congregations and communities. There is no cost. Lunch will be provided.
This event will be hosted by Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, with support from Great Plains Mercy and Justice Team.
For information, write Rev. Stephen Griffith, griffith@nadp.net.
Download the registration form.
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Church of the Resurrection to host Young Preachers Festival

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection has announced that registration is now open for the second-annual Young Preachers Festival and Conference (YPF), scheduled for July 21 and 22 at the Leawood, Kansas, campus. The Church of the Resurrection has partnered with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to encourage and equip the next generation of leaders for the United Methodist Church.
The gathering is designed specifically to engage and empower young people across the country to pursue their call to ministry and to help further inspire and develop preaching gifts in those who have already answered that call.
Attendees will experience:
Featured Preaching sessions led by the Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie, the Rev. Olu Brown, the Rev. Matt Miofsky, Bishop Scott Jones and the Rev. Adam Hamilton.
Inspiring and practical workshops led by seminary representatives and Methodist leaders.
Intentional time of networking and connection.
Fun and interactive “sermon slam.”
An optional opportunity to preach a sermon and receive feedback from a panel of ministry leaders.
The festival is designed for high school youth group students, college-aged ministry participants, seminary students, declared candidates, youth directors and young clergy already serving in churches.
Additional details and registration can be found atyoungpreachersfestival.org. Registration is limited, so register early. Questions may directed to sharechurchevents@cor.org or 913-232-4139.
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Mentoring pastors needed for pastoral leadership interns

As one plank in the strategy to help nurture great leaders for the Great Plains, the Call Team of the Board of Ordained Ministry, in conjunction with the Clergy Excellence office, supports a summer Pastoral Leadership internship program for young adults aged 18-22. This 10-week program will provide young leaders the opportunity to experience pastoral work in the most “hands-on” way possible while being supported by a mentoring pastor and a teaching congregation. We are currently inviting churches to apply to host a summer intern through this conference program.
Commitments of the local church:
  • Desire to assist the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a young adult who is discerning a call to full-time vocational ministry.
  • Willingness of the congregation to be a learning environment, where new ideas and exploration are welcomed and celebrated.
  • No change in senior pastoral leadership over the summer of the internship.
  • Ability to provide housing for the intern with a church family. Housing must be in a location convenient to the church and include a private room, the ability to come and go as needed and the opportunity but not the expectation to join in family meals or activities.
  • Budget of approximately $500 to cover transportation to Internship retreats, attending annual conference session, purchase of a book or other resource and other unanticipated expenses related to the internship.
  • Ability to provide own work space in the church including access to telephone, Internet and printing/copying with regular space available for private meetings. Intern can be expected to provide own computer.
  • Exposure to all facets of pastoral work over the course of the internship. Examples include making hospital visits, funeral preparation, preach and plan worship at least twice, attend committee meetings, meet with new members, teach a class or classes, shut-in visitation, VBS, youth group party, etc.
  • Flexibility in scheduling as ministry has irregular hour. The expectation is for a 40-hour work week with adequate and regular time off.
  • In a multi-staff environment the intern can be given the opportunity to shadow and learn from multiple staff people but the primary mentoring relationship will be with an ordained clergy person. Regular contact with the senior pastor is expected, at minimum a weekly meeting for reflection, questions and encouragement.
Deadline for churches to apply is March 15.
View more information at greatplainsumc.org/pastoralleadershipinternships.
Additionally, do you know a college student who would benefit from a summer internship experience? Encourage them to apply by March 5. They can learn more at greatplainsumc.org/internships.
For questions, please contact Ashlee Alley, aalley@greatplainsumc.orgor 402-464-5994, ext. 117.
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Youth invited to attend Community Transformation Leadership Camp

Camp on the Boulder is a United Methodist camp which offers a place apart for retreat, fun and fellowship in McLeod, Montana. The camp is hosting Community Transformation Leadership Camp. This camp, for youth in grades nine through 12, will be July 20-24, 2016, with an all-inclusive cost of $249.
This four-day event will equip youth not only with the tools, but with a thoughtful plan to make a meaningful difference in their community.
?Participants will gain experience discerning where God might be calling them to be a blessing in their home communities. Teams will work together to create actual plans developed by them to implement when they return from camp.
During the camp itself youth will take a leadership role in planning the activities for the week including recreation time, mission work and worship.
Read more about Community Transformation Leadership Camp and Camp on the Boulder.

Connect with us:
Community Transformation Leadership Camp
_Download Video
​Download Flyer | Bulletin Insert
Ministry Challenge
Develop youth in your community to become the leaders of tomorrow.
This 4 day event will equip you and your youth not only with the tools, but with a thoughtful plan to make a meaningful difference in your community.
Participants will gain experience discerning where God might be calling them to be a blessing in their home communities. Teams will work together to create actual plans developed by them to implement when they return from camp.
During the camp itself youth will take a leadership role in planning the activities for the week including recreation time, mission work and worship.
Date: July 20-24th, 2016
Topics

Community garden in Minneapolis
​(Creative Commons license)
Poverty Simulation. Explore the true causes of poverty and homelessness. Walk in the shoes of those who struggle everyday to just meet their most basic needs.
Mutual Invitation. Practice a new way to discuss difficult topics that provides space for all to be heard. This simple yet powerful technique helps those who often remain silent to find their voices.
​The Cross and Justice. Take the journey of the cross in a new way. Discover Christ's call for everyone to be part of bringing mercy and justice to the world.
Hands on Mission. Do hands on mission work that blesses the wide variety of groups and people that utilize Camp on the Boulder.
​And more...
About Julia

​Rev. Julia Nielsen will be the facilitator for our time together. She will share stories and inspiration along with hands-on activities to help teams craft potential projects.
Julia currently serves as the operations manager of the Northwest Housing Alternatives, the largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing in the state of Oregon.
Julia simultaneously serves the people of North Portland as lead minister of University Park, an inclusive urban United Methodist congregation leaning into the Spirit's calling to radically and prophetically love their neighbors by building affordable housing on their property.
She has previously served in the non-profit sector as a community organizer, advocate, and direct-service provider in the areas of comprehensive health care reform and family and sexual violence prevention. Rev. Nielsen believes deeply in God’s power to embrace, equip, and employ all of God’s children for the work of the Kingdom in whatever context they find themselves and that every person can transform their corner of the world alongside God (family, neighborhood, city, and nation) using their gifts of curiosity, compassion, and risk-taking creativity.
Who is this for?
All youth (9th-12th grade) in your surrounding communities. They are the future of the community - whether they are lifelong members of your church or they have never stepped across the threshold. This is an opportunity to reach out to them and gather them in community with each other to affect the future. ​
Why CotB?
Camp on the Boulder is uniquely situated to offer the best possible location for this type of work. We are free from the constant distraction of cell phones because cell service is not available. Participants are free to interact on a deeper level: face to face and eye to eye. Add in just enough internet to google important information or check e-mail and you have the exact recipe you need for the Holy Spirit to move in inspiring ways.
In your free time take advantage of the activities: Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer, Baseball, Horseshoes, Miniature Golf, 9 Hole PDGA Disk Golf Course, Hiking, and Fishing.
Groups of all ages have praised the quality of conversation and sharing that happens here thanks to the potent mix of incredible natural beauty and the distraction-free environment.​
Cost: $249 (All-Inclusive)
Registration coming soon. Contact Us for more information.
Nature nurtures the mind, body, and soul.

Camp on the Boulder
3916 Boulder Road
PO Box 47
McLeod, Montana 59052, United States
Phone: 406-932-6314​
Email: camp@campontheboulder.org
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Camp Fontanelle plans family activities with Easter theme

Camp Fontanelle will help you get into the Easter spirit with their annual Easter Family Fun Day. Scheduled for Palm Sunday, March 20th, the day will be filled with Easter Egg hunts, tree climbing and ziplining. Bring your already boiled eggs and spend some time decorating those eggs with supplies at the camp.
The day begins at 2 p.m. and will end with a worship service at 5 p.m.There will be all kinds of egg activities: tree climbing for eggs, egg hunts by age group and, for $10 you can see how accurate you are with our zipline egg drop.
Rain, snow or shine, it will be a fun day out at Camp Fontanelle. The camp is located at 9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, Nebraska. Go to the camp website for more information.
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Churches invited to Healthy Congregations Retreat

The 2016 Healthy Congregations Retreat, scheduled for April 22-23, is for all Great Plains United Methodists interested in ministries of health and wholeness.
The theme of the 2016 retreat is "Our Community, Our Parish" and features keynotes by the Rev. Jeff Gannon, Chapel Hill UMC in Wichita, Kansas. Gannon's keynotes will address why it is essential to engage the communities in which we live - and how to break barriers, partner for effectiveness, and to be involved without imposing our own culture and traditions.
The Rev. Zach Anderson, Hanscom Park UMC in Omaha, Nebraska, will lead opening worship each morning. In addition to the keynote presentations, the retreat features a variety of practical workshops covering the spiritual, mental, physical and social components of health with information you can take home and use right away in your church and community.
The retreat, hosted at scenic Rock Springs 4-H Center near Junction City, Kansas, is offered at no cost to participants through the sponsorship of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, but pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Register today at healthfund.org/retreat and enjoy two days of relaxation, interesting and fun workshops, and networking with friends and peers.
For current Healthy Congregations teams or those interested in learning more or getting started, the April 21 pre-retreat is a great opportunity to complete the three training courses required for certification. Healthy Congregations provides Great Plains churches with professional team training, supportive resources, annual grant funding of $1,000 for health ministry work, and access to special HC-only grant opportunities - currently, community garden and summer food program support.
More information and the registration form may be found at healthfund.org/retreat. Please share this invitation with other Great Plains United Methodists who might be interested in this special opportunity.
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More classes being offered
in Lay Servant Ministry

In the latest Lay Servant Ministry blog, Mary Feit, the Great Plains Conference LSM director, shares information about changes happening in the program.
Read Mary’s blog.
Also, check out new Lay Servant classes, including classes just added in the Blue River, Gateway, Hays and Hutchinson districts.
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Christian men’s gathering regarding character planned for Wichita

The 2016 Wichita area Christian men’s gathering will be April 16 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 1550 N Chapel Hill Road. Besides a wonderful day of blessings through music, speakers and small-group breakouts, the money raised through registrations provides for scholarships for young men and women seeking a Christian-based education and looking to serve in ministry somehow, somewhere.
The speakers this year are from Character that Counts ministry. Dan Meers has been KC Wolf, the mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs, for more than 25 years. In 2006, he was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Dan travels throughout the United States and the world entertaining thousands of people both in and out of costume. His enthusiasm, optimism and love for life are contagious and make Dan an inspiration to all those he meets.
Rod Handley is the founder and president of Character that Counts, a ministry established in 2000. Rod speaks all across the nation to men, women and teenagers about character, integrity and accountability issues. He has written more than 20 books including “Character Counts: Who’s Counting Yours?” From 1986 to 1999, he served on the staff of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has also been part of hundreds of chapel services for a variety of NFL, NBA and MLB teams.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and we will gather until 5 p.m. Lunch is included in the registration fee of only $35.
Find more information and register.
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Micah Corps interns create several youth activities

Creating change in the world — youth activities focus on poverty, environment, food security, peace/nonviolence and immigration.
The 2015 Micah Corps interns have created activities for youth groups that offer a series of discussions, videos and activities which will teach youth how the issues connect to their faith and challenge and inspire the youth to use their power to change the world. These activities are formatted under five four-part units where through the activities, Scripture and discussion students will learn concrete ways to be accepting, be aware and create change in their society.
Download the activities.
Throughout the next few months, we’ll highlight a different topic. This week, we focus on food security.
Food Security — “Feeding Body and Soul”
Food is a necessity for life, but many of our brothers and sisters in Christ struggle with food insecurity. These sessions on food insecurity will help students relate the issue of food insecurity to biblical text and inform them on what they can do to solve this issue. The lesson covers topics of food deserts, food waste, and free and reduced lunch programs. By the end of the sessions students will have an understanding on how to advocate for issues related to hunger.
Download poster for food security lesson. (PDF) (image)
Read more about the activities. You can learn more about the Micah Corps interns at greatplainsumc.org/micahcorps.
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Help provide relief with One Great Hour of Sharing

In less than one month, we will celebrate One Great Hour of Sharing. This is a crucial Sunday because it is the day we come together to empower our disaster relief arm of Global Ministries, United Methodist Committee on Relief, for an entire year. If you remember:
  • When tornadoes hit Mississippi, UMCOR was there.
  • When fire ravaged thousands fo homes, UMCOR was there.
  • Whey Syrian refugees needed help, UMCOR was there.
  • When a typhoon in the Philippines displaced tens of thousands of people, UMCOR was there.
  • When an earthquake and a tsunami decimated villages in Japan, UMCOR was there.
They were there because of One Great Hour of Sharing. This event covers the operating costs of UMCOR, which allows UMCOR to be where it needs to be, when it needs to be there, for as long as it needs to be there. And it allows UMCOR to funnel earmarked donations directly to the designated project.
Visit the One Great Hour of Sharing pastor's toolkit. Download the resources and share them with your congregation.
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Just $29 can help feed 100 people

Online donations (http://events.stophungernow.org/100KinKC) and volunteers who register to work together in Lenexa, Kansas, onSaturday, March 5 – choose 9-10:45 a.m. or 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. –will produce 100,000 meals for malnourished persons, a jumpstart to better health for an entire village half a globe away. Stop Hunger Now (www.stophungernow.org), a U.S. nonprofit organization, will distribute the meals through its vetted international partners in transformational programs around the world.
These programs are focused on education and training to surmount systemic poverty and to break the cycle of hunger. Greater Kansas City residents are invited to create a collective impact for minimal investment. Church groups, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, civic groups, companies, service clubs, corporations and schools – neighbors of all ages – are invited to make a profound difference in this goodwill initiative for developing countries, especially during Lent, a Christian season of self-denial and acts of mercy. When the Rev. Jennifer Bryan, who serves on the Kansas City Stop Hunger Now advisory board, invited Wathena United Methodist Church to be part of this greater Kansas City project, their pastor, Libby Oberdorf, agreed to dye her hair pink for the packaging event if her congregation donates $348 and a dozen persons help on March 5.
Lakeview Village is the community partner hosting this event, but volunteers must register at the referenced website so that two shifts of 200 persons are filled. Just $29 purchases ingredients (rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables and a flavor packet fortified with vitamins and minerals donated by the Heinz Corporation) for about 100 meals, which can be assembled in an hour by a team of five. Stop Hunger Now is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. Online donors will receive an email confirmation that can be used for income tax preparation.
View the flier.
Print out the poster.
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Webinar to address where we begin in welcoming refugees
A webinar is planned to introduce and invite churches in the Great Plains Annual Conference to become a “Welcome Place” for refugees who settle in our communities. Not sure where to begin or what to do? This webinar will get you started.
Gather your missions and/or outreach ministry teams together to watch together!
Speakers include: Andrea Paret, Great Plains Peace with Justice coordinator; a staff attorney with Justice for Our Neighbors-Nebraska; and the Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference Disaster Response coordinator.
Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON-NE) – a ministry that was started through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – welcomes immigrants into our communities by providing free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy. JFON-NE prioritizes services for low-income immigrants with the greatest need: battered women, abandoned children and refugees fleeing persecution. JFON-NE has strong connections with several United Methodist churches and their volunteers. Last year, JFON-NE worked on 2,011 cases for people from 42 different countries.
JFON-NE is one of our Great Plains Mission Agencies.
For more information on this webinar and/or how to get your church involved in becoming a Welcome Place for Refugees, contact Rev. Tapley at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
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Churches return from mission trip to Honduras
Newman Grove and Looking Glass UMCs (in Nebraska) and Jewell County UMC (in Kansas) parish recently returned from a two-week mission trip to Santa Cruz De Yojoa, Honduras.
During the two weeks, the construction team finished building the Sunday school classrooms that were started three years ago. The medical team was involved in a three-day eye and teeth clinic. The three-day event drew more than 1,000 patients. Trip nurses helped in the eye surgery department and the dental clinic. A five-day VBS was also conducted with more than 80 children attending.
The parish is scheduled to return next year, Jan. 23 through Feb. 3.
See more mission trip opportunities.
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Trainings available to prepare
for disasters
Spring is right around the corner. Are you prepared for storms? The preliminary forecast is calling for a very strong storm season for our conference area. Now is the time to plan.
Your conference disaster response ministry offers a variety of trainings:
  • Basic Disaster 101*
  • Early Response Training
  • Spiritual & Emotional Care
  • Active Shooter*
  • Connecting Neighbors*
  • Ready Congregant
  • Ready Church
  • Ready Response
  • Children & Youth After a Disaster*
  • Family Disaster Planning*
There have been some request about the possibility of doing a combination of these trainings. Combination trainings can take place only with these trainings.
The Early Response Training and Spiritual & Emotional Care trainings are both required eight-hour sessions.
For more information on each training offered and/or to schedule to have someone come a lead a training at your church, contact the Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference disaster response coordinator, at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
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Local pastor sends 40 wheelchairs to those in need for 40th birthday
Alison Rook, local pastor at Bartlett and Ericson UMCs in Nebraska, has made local headlines as she donates 40 wheelchairs to those in need on her 40th birthday.
Rook is using her 40th birthday to help disabled people around the world. Since she uses a wheelchair, it’s a cause she knows is important.
Alison Rook is also a world traveler who doesn't let anything stop her.
“Well, it's taken me from Alaska to Belize to Mexico to Costa Rica,” she said. “It's allowed me to lead and serve on different mission trips.”
Being in a wheelchair makes her life an adventure, Rook said.
“It's allowed me to live like everyone else and without that, life would be kind of boring,” she said.
Read full article and view a video on KETV’s website.
 by Amanda Crawford
BIO
Iowa woman sending 40 wheelchairs to those in need on 40th birthday
OMAHA, Neb. — An Iowa woman is using her 40th birthday to help disabled people around the world. Since she uses a wheelchair, it’s a cause she knows is important.
Alison Rook is also a world traveler who doesn't let anything stop her.
[Video: Iowa woman sending 40 wheelchairs to those in need on 40th birthday]
“Well, it's taken me from Alaska to Belize to Mexico to Costa Rica,” she said. “It's allowed me to lead and serve on different mission trips.”
Being in a wheelchair makes her life an adventure, Rook said.
“It's allowed me to live like everyone else and without that, life would be kind of boring,” she said.
Rook works with a group called Wheels for the World. For her 40th birthday, she wants to send 40 wheelchairs to people who need help.
“There's a child in El Salvador waiting for the opportunity to go to school and that can come in the gift of a wheelchair,” she said.
Rook said a wheelchair is a way to be independent.
“Open your door and think about the opportunities you have just because you're able to step outside your door,” she said.
Rook is grateful for the opportunities she's had in life and wants to share that kind of freedom with others around the world.
It costs about $150 to send each wheelchair, she said. Those interested can donate here: AlisonsWish.com.
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Hutchinson churches operate donation store
The United Methodist churches in the Hutchinson, Kansas, area have a store called The Fair Price Store.
The store is located at Fourth and Whiteside in Hutchinson, and is open9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Donations are received from across the area, and The Fair Price Store is the only donation store that will accept vouchers from First Call for Help. The First Call for Help voucher is good each month for clothing for the entire family (three pairs of pants, three tops, underwear, socks, etc.). Every six months those vouchers are be used for towels and sheets for each member of the family. All free of charge.
All shoppers are welcome as the prices are some of the best around.
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Editorial
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Newsletters
Ministry Matters: Feb. 11, 2016
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Classifieds
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Press Clips
Congregations across the Great Plains Conference are making the news in their local newspapers.
View our newspaper clipping reports to see if there are stories, ideas and ministry happenings you can learn from to use in your own congregation. Press clips can be found at greatplainsumc.org/inthenews. You can see education partnership ideas at greatplainsumc.org/education.
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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.
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GPconnect for Wednesday, 10 February 2016 of The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States

Download the printable version of the Feb. 10, issue of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
GENERAL CONFERENCE
MERCY AND JUSTICE
OTHER NEWS
Richard Allen stamp unveiled

Black History month started strong when the “Forever” commemorative stamp was unveiled and dedicated to the life and witness of Richard Allen (1760-1831), founder and first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME).
The stamp dedication was held at Mother Bethel AME Church, the very site where Allen transformed a blacksmith shop into the first church of an independent black religious denomination in the United States.
The AME Church today has 2.5 million members in more than 40 countries, spanning five continents. The AME Church is celebrating its bicentennial in 2016.
Read full story.
Richard Allen Stamp Unveiled
FEATURED RICHARD ALLEN STAMP UNVEILED

African Methodist Episcopal Church Founder Richard Allen Honored With USPS Stamp
Philadelphia, PA, February 2, 2016: Black History month started strong when the “Forever” commemorative stamp was unveiled and dedicated to the life and witness of Richard Allen (1760-1831), founder and first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME).
The stamp dedication was held at Mother Bethel AME Church, the very site where Allen transformed a blacksmith shop into the first church of an independent black religious denomination in the United States. The AME Church today has 2.5 million members in more than 40 countries, spanning five continents. 2016 is the bicentennial of the AME Church.
Vernon Jordan, advisor to former President Bill Clinton, a leading figure in the Civil Rights Movement and former President of the Negro College Fund presided over the event that drew more than 700 participants. The Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler, the 52nd pastor of Mother Bethel Church welcomed the packed house that included a dozen AME Bishops and various General Officers including AME Historiographer the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, and AME Church members from Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram’s First Episcopal District encompassing most of the northeastern United States and Bermuda. Mr. Richard Lawrence (a descendant of Richard Allen), dignitaries from The United States Postal Service (USPS) and The Honorable Jim Kenney, Mayor of Philadelphia, also spoke at the gathering.
Rev. Alfred Day, General Secretary of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) attended for the United Methodist Church’s history agency and also represented Philadelphia Area Bishop Peggy Johnson.
The unveiling of the stamp stirred great anticipation and enthusiasm from the gathering and gave occasion to remember and celebrate Allen’s accomplishments as a preacher, entrepreneur, community organizer and activist. Allen, a former slave, came to Christianity under the preaching of a Methodist circuit rider near Dover, Delaware.
After purchasing his freedom, Allen quickly made a name for himself as a traveling minister throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Settling in Philadelphia he was asked to preach to his fellow African Americans at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church. He quickly rose to prominence co-founding a self-help organization called The Free African Society to assist African Americans in need. He later rallied black Philadelphians to serve as aid workers in the city’s devastating yellow fever epidemic.
When racial tensions and hostilities stemming from increasing segregation boiled-over at St. George’s Church, it became apparent that the growing black membership Allen had gathered would be best served as an independent congregation. In America’s original civil rights movement, Allen led black congregants out of St. George’s. He purchased an old blacksmith shop and moved it to land he owned about a mile away. Bethel Chapel was dedicated in 1794 and soon attracted several hundred members.
Allen spent years in conflict with white Methodist Church supervisors. At one point they tried to sell the Bethel Chapel out from under him—but as a successful businessman, Allen was able to buy the building back at auction. After a campaign that included sit-ins and a judgement by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the congregation secured its independence. In 1816, Allen summoned other black leaders to Philadelphia where together they founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, electing and consecrating Richard Allen as its first bishop.
“During the ceremony, Richard Allen was hailed as America’s black founding father,” said the Rev. Alfred Day, General Secretary of the GCAH. “I take the strongest exception to that. Richard Allen is a not a black founding father—he is an original, authentic American founding father as much as Washington, Adams, Hamilton or Franklin. His legacy of shaping American independence and freedom is as significant as any of the shapers of this nation. It has taken us too long to recognize this.”
Day continued, “This Wesleyan progeny took the Methodist idea of experiencing “amazing grace” and God’s life-changing, difference-making love in Jesus Christ, and facing indignity, intimidation and injustice head on, Allen turned it into empowerment and social change.”
Allen commemorative “Forever” stamps are available at all USPS locations where a limited number of First Day of Issue covers may also be available.
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Dine at Granite City this week to help raise money for Youthville
Youthville in Kansas is once again excited to partner again with Granite City West. The “Dine with Youthville” event will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 10-12. Twenty percent of the total bill will be donated to Youthville.Simply download and show this Granite City ad or mention you are dining for Youthville to your server. To-go orders also are included.
The restaurant is at 2661 N. Maize Road in Wichita, Kansas.
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United Methodist Ministries celebrates 50 years

This year marks 50 years of United Methodist Ministries' radical, justice-seeking work in the Omaha community and beyond. Founded in 1966, UMM has had many identities over the years, but the commitment to social justice has always remained the same. This year, we are honoring the past and celebrating new growth.
On April 8 and 9, United Methodist Ministries will hold a two-day celebration. Friday evening will begin with a ribbon-cutting at our new campus site, followed by a locally-sourced gourmet banquet at First UMC. The keynote speaker for the dinner event will be Harriett Jane Olson, general secretary and CEO of the United Methodist Women, an international organization of women committed to tackling injustices worldwide. There will also be awards and recognitions and a choir at the dinner. Saturday will consist of a line-up of dynamic workshops on poverty and food security, spring canning, organic gardening techniques, a living history of United Methodist Ministries and a conversation with Harriett Jane Olson. The day will also include local music, tours of the new campus and a blessing of the seeds. All are encouraged to attend.
Pre-registration is required. Cost for the full weekend is $50, Friday only is $30 and Saturday only is $20.
Limited scholarships are available. Contact UMM if interested.
View registration information.
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Saint Paul School of Theology president announces retirement

Citing medical concerns, Saint Paul School of Theology President, the Rev. H. Sharon Howell, will step down from her leadership post, effective March 1, 2016. Although passionate about Saint Paul School of Theology’s mission and future, the Rev. Howell said she made her decision at the urging of her physician.
“This is a tough moment for me. There is no other institution that could have called me out of retirement, and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve with and among students, staff, and faculty at both locations,” Howell said. “I step back into retirement knowing that Saint Paul is positioned for future growth with the establishment of strong collaborations and programs designed to attract students who will serve faithfully and effectively all over the world.”
The Saint Paul Board of Trustees selected Howell to lead the seminary as president in July 2014, and the former pastor graciously agreed to emerge from retirement. Under her leadership, the seminary established the 3 plus 3 program in collaboration with Kansas Wesleyan University, as well as the Saint Paul Fellows program, which eliminates student loan debt for candidates called to full-time ministry through fully endowed scholarships.
Read full story.
NEWS
Saint Paul School of Theology President H. Sharon Howell Announces Retirement
Citing medical concerns, Saint Paul School of Theology President Rev. H. Sharon Howell will step down from her leadership post, effective March 1, 2016. Although passionate about Saint Paul School of Theology’s mission and future, Rev. Howell said she made her decision at the urging of her physician.
“This is a tough moment for me. There is no other institution that could have called me out of retirement, and I thank God for giving me the opportunity to serve with and among students, staff, and faculty at both locations,” Rev. Howell said. “I step back into retirement knowing that Saint Paul is positioned for future growth with the establishment of strong collaborations and programs designed to attract students who will serve faithfully and effectively all over the world.”
The Saint Paul Board of Trustees selected Rev. Howell to lead the seminary as president in July 2014, and the former pastor graciously agreed to emerge from retirement. Under her leadership, the seminary established the 3 plus 3 program in collaboration with Kansas Wesleyan University, as well as the Saint Paul Fellows program, which eliminates student loan debt for candidates called to full-time ministry through fully endowed scholarships.
“We will miss Rev. Howell’s steady presence and dedication,” said Saint Paul Vice President for Advancement David Sisney. “We have made great progress in raising funds under President Howell’s leadership.”
Saint Paul Board of Trustee Chair Twila Glenn expressed gratitude for Rev. Howell’s willingness to serve.
“I want to thank Sharon Howell for her dedication to this seminary, our students, faculty and staff. Her commitment to theological education sets us up for success long into the future,” Glenn said. “While I am deeply saddened, I fully respect and support Rev. Howell’s decision to focus on her health.”
The Saint Paul Board of Trustees will convene the week of Feb. 8 to prepare a transition plan for immediate and long-term leadership for the seminary.
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Noted author, theologian to speak at annual Smith-Willson lecture

D. Stephen Long, Cary M. Maguire University professor in ethics at Southern Methodist University, will be the featured speaker for Southwestern College’s 2016 Smith-Willson lecture at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, in Wroten Hall. There is no admission charge.
The title of the lecture is “Let's Get Speculative: The Importance of the Doctrine of God for Everyday Life.”
Long earned his Ph. D. in theological ethics at Duke University. He has previously taught at Marquette University, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and Duke Divinity School. He is the author of “Christian Ethics: A Very Short Introduction” (Oxford University Press), “Divine Economy: Theology and the Market” (Routledge), “The Goodness of God” (Brazos Press), “John Wesley’s Moral Theology” (Kingswood Books), “Living the Discipline: United Methodist Theological Reflections on War,” “Civilization, and Holiness” (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company), “Speaking of God” (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company), and “Tragedy, Tradition, Transformism: The Ethics of Paul Ramsey” (Wipf & Stock Publishers).
“He is one of the leading scholars in Christian ethics, and he has published original research concerning the role of philosophy within Methodist theology,” said Jacob Goodson, assistant professor of philosophy at Southwestern College.
The Smith-Willson lectureship was established by Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Willson to call attention to the important moral and religious aspects of education. National leaders on various related topics are asked to speak at the annual lecture.
Southwestern College is a private institution granting undergraduate and graduate degrees and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. About 1,700 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus, at six professional studies sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, or online around the world.
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Pulitzer winner to speak at SMU lecture, luncheon
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Taylor Branch will be the featured speaker for the 2016 Public Life | Personal Faith lecture and luncheon, scheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the Martha Mack Proctor Grand Ballroom at SMU in Dallas, Texas.
Immediately preceding the luncheon, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Branch will conduct a colloquium that is free and open to the public. This event – an informal question-and-answer session with the author for students, faculty and others – will take place in the Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Great Hall.
At both events, Branch will speak on “How Spiritual Faith Impacted the Civil Rights Movement in America.”
Branch is an American author and public speaker best known for his landmark narrative history of the civil rights era, America in the King Years. The trilogy’s first book, Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63, won the Pulitzer Prize and numerous other awards in 1989. Two successive volumes also gained critical and popular success: Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years, 1963-65, and At Canaan’s Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-1968. Decades later, all three books remain in demand. Some reviewers have compared the King-era trilogy, which required more than 24 years of intensive research, with epic histories such as Shelby Foote’s "The Civil War" and Robert Caro’s multi-volume biography of Lyndon Johnson.
Read full story.
Taylor Branch to Present Bolin Family Public Life | Personal Faith Luncheon on Feb. 12, 2016
Award-winning author, noted historian is an expert on Civil Rights-era in the United States
DALLAS (SMU) – Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Taylor Branch will be the featured speaker for the 2016 Public Life | Personal Faith lecture and luncheon, scheduled for noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the Martha Mack Proctor Grand Ballroom at SMU.
Immediately preceding the luncheon, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Branch will conduct a colloquium that is free and open to the public. This event – an informal question-and-answer session with the author for students, faculty and others – will take place in the Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Great Hall.
At both events, Branch will speak on “How Spiritual Faith Impacted the Civil Rights Movement in America.”
Branch is an American author and public speaker best known for his landmark narrative history of the civil rights era, America in the King Years. The trilogy’s first book, Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63, won the Pulitzer Prize and numerous other awards in 1989. Two successive volumes also gained critical and popular success: Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years, 1963-65, and At Canaan’s Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-1968. Decades later, all three books remain in demand. Some reviewers have compared the King-era trilogy, which required more than twenty-four years of intensive research, with epic histories such as Shelby Foote’s The Civil War and Robert Caro’s multi-volume biography of Lyndon Johnson.
Branch returned to civil rights history in his latest book, The King Years: Historic Moments in the Civil Rights Movement (2013). It presents 18 key episodes across the full span of the era, selected and knitted together in language from the trilogy, with new introductions for each of the chapters. The result is a compact, 190-page immersion for readers in this transformative period of American history.
The Public Life | Personal Faith events are sponsored by the family of Pat and Jane Bolin. Pat Bolin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at EagleCorp and Eagle Oil & Gas Co. in Dallas, is a graduate of Southern Methodist University (B.A. ’73) and 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the SMU Cox School of Business.
The PL|PF series, in its sixth year, is a fundraising and outreach event of Perkins School of Theology in service to the larger community. The lecture and colloquium provide an opportunity for participants to engage scholars on topics related to why and how personal faith shapes public life.
For more information and to register for the luncheon: https://www.smu.edu/Perkins/Give/plpf
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Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology ofThe United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music (June 2016) as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.
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Great Plains youth find fun, fellowship at The OneEvent

More than 1,200 young people from throughout the Great Plains Conference came together Jan. 30-31 for the youth event of the year, The OneEvent. The 2016 event, titled “Pyromaniac,” featured seminars, musical comedy, worship, messages and a concert. Youth who attended had the chance to learn more about campus ministries in the Great Plains and heard speakers such as Amanda Drury, assistant professor of practical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University, and Bishop Scott J. Jones. Musical guests included The City Harmonic and Zealand Worship.
Read more about what the kids did and see our photo gallery.
Helping UMCOR
Among the many activities the youth could participate in at The OneEvent was a booth to make health kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. In less than a day, the kids met their goal of gathering 500 kits.
Read more about their efforts.
Youth assemble 500 health kits for UMCORFor The OneEvent 2016, the Rev. Hollie Tapley, disaster response coordinator for the Great Plains Conference, needed to think of an idea that would help get the youth of the conference involved in a mission project. She also knew that the United Methodist Committee of Relief (UMCOR) was in need of health kits.

Youth who attended The OneEvent helped assemble 500 health kits for the United
Methodist Committee on Relief. Photo by Rachel Moser
The goal was to have the health kit “ingredients” ready so the youth could put together and send a lot to UMCOR – 500 to be exact.
“It’s important in my role to nurture youth so they know that even at their age, they can help,” said Tapley.
Health kits provide basic necessities to people who have been forced to leave their homes because of human conflict or natural disasters. Each kit includes one hand towel, one washcloth, one comb, one metal nail file or nail clippers, one bath-size soap, toothbrush, six adhesive bandages, one plastic bag and $1 to purchase toothpaste. All of the hand towels, washcloths and toothbrushes were donated by 4imprint, Via Christy Hospital and Southern Family Dentist, respectively. UMCOR also provided lanyards and pens for the youth.
At The OneEvent 2016, held in Grand Island, Nebraska, Jan. 30-31, Tapley was joined by the Rev. Brian Diggs, director at UMCOR West Office and Depot in Salt Lake City; David Grubbs, Diggs’ friend from Kansas City; and Kathy Monroe, Safe Gatherings coordinator for the Great Plains Conference. Together they set up and talked with the youth as they came to build kits.
“Getting kids involved here will hopefully inspire them to take it home and ask about missions to depots,” said Diggs. “The great thing about UMCOR Kit ministry is you can be 8 or 80 and work together. It’s an intergenerational ministry.”
Two of those kids involved put together more than 100 kits themselves. Alexis Arasenth from Beloit United Methodist Church in Kansas put together 55 kits.
“I just enjoy helping people,” Arasenth said.
Tapley’s goal of 500 kits was reached – halfway through the first day.
“We want them to know the simple act of putting together a health kit can make a difference,” Tapley said. “These kits that they put their hands on will go around the world to provide help.”
This story was written by Rachel Moser, communications coordinator for the Great Plains Conference. Reach her at rmoser@greatplainsumc.org.
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Wichita to host men's gathering

Have you heard about the new annual Christian men’s Gathering in Wichita? Did you know that proceeds from registrations is used to provide financial aid to young men and women seeking a Christian education so they may serve the Kingdom? Have you registered yet?
The 2016 Wichita area Christian men’s gathering will be April 16 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 1550 N. Chapel Hill Road in Wichita. Besides a wonderful day of blessings through music, speakers and small-group breakouts, the money raised through registrations provides for scholarships for young men and women seeking a Christian-based education and looking to serve in ministry somehow, somewhere.
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and we will gather until 5 p.m. Lunch is included in the registration fee of only $35. For more information and to register, please go to www.makethedifference.care.
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Camps Fontanelle, Comeca to offer Hope and Promise Scholarships

Have you never been to summer camp? Camp Fontanelle and, for the first time, Camp Comeca are giving pastors and United Methodist Women (UMW) groups the Hope and Promise Scholarship. This opportunity gives a pastor the ability to offer camp at half price for one first time camper. If a pastor has more than one congregation, the pastor has one scholarship per congregation. If there is more than one pastor at a church, each pastor receives a scholarship. For every congregation with a UMW, they will have an additional scholarship given by their UMW.
If you know someone who qualifies for the Hope and Promise Scholarship and would like to attend a camp session at Camp Fontanelle or Camp Comeca, contact your local pastor. An email was sent out earlier this year with the Hope and Promise Scholarship attached. If you are a pastor and did not receive the email, please contact Camp Fontanelle at fontanelle@greatplainsumc.org for information.
This scholarship only applies to camp sessions at Camp Fontanelle and Camp Comeca and can be used for any camp session. Have questions, go to the FAQ page, or contact Camp Fontanelle.
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Fontanelle announces work days, offers early registration discounts

Even in the middle of winter, Camp Fontanelle is dreaming of crackling fires, campers splashing in the pool and chirping crickets! To get ready for enthusiastic campers, camp staff have set the annual work day dates.
Plan to come out to camp on Saturdays, April 23 and/or May 14, for a day of cleaning, de-cluttering and general repair. There will plenty to do out at camp ranging from cleaning windows to chipping part of the five miles of trails, to maintenance and repair.
The day will begin at 9 a.m. at Riverview Lodge where you will find your job(s) for the morning. A tasty lunch will be served at noon. After enjoying fellowship with other workers, you may choose to continue working, or be on your way with other plans for your day.
If you have questions about the work day, please contact site director, Trent Meyer at 402-459-0686. If you plan to bring a large group, please email Jane Van Horn at fontanelle@greatplainsumc.org with estimated numbers. This will help in planning the noon meal.
50 percent off
You all know the saying, “the early bird gets the worm?” At Camp Fontanelle, those early birds might be registering for a Guardian Angel Camp or SonShine Camp at Camp Fontanelle and instead of a worm, they will receive 50 percent off their registration, if done by March 31.
Guardian Angel Camp, for preschool- through kindergarten-age children with an adult, is a 24-hour camp where campers will enjoy all of the opportunities at camp in that 24 hour period.
Enjoy a swim in the pool, hike on some of the five miles of trails, visit the petting barn and feel lighter than air when you jump on the jumping pillow. It gives campers quiet moments to learn about God, fun-filled moments while making new friends. It is an occasion to spend time away from the busy-ness of the world and spend time in nature.
To receive 50 percent off Guardian Angel or SonShine Camp, go tocampfontanelle.com and register online or download a registration form and get it to the camp office by March 31. That is all it takes to receive 50 percent off your Guardian Angel or SonShine Camp. What a great way to spend part of your summer with a loved pre-schooler/kindergartner.
For more information, contact camp coordinator, Jane Van Horn, at fontanelle@greatplainsumc.org.
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Great Plains churches asked to participate in March 1 prayer vigil

The Council of Bishops has invited each of the annual conferences to host a 24-hour prayer effort on a specific date, with the intent of creating a groundswell of prayer in the days leading up to the General Conference in May in Portland, Oregon. The Great Plains will conduct its prayer vigil March 1.
To successfully take part, we need your help. Download this spreadsheet,which his broken into 20-minute increments for March 1. Fill it out and send it to Roxie Delisi in our communications department at rdelisi@greatplainsumc.org by Feb. 22.
Our goal is to fill the entire 24 hours across the conference. We realize many churches may be able to fill the 24 hours all by themselves. That would be a great way to pray for our church as it enters into this once-every-four years meeting of the worldwide church.
Need help? Check out a page set up by Upper Room to assist you in this effort.
Call Delisi at 402-464-5994, ext. 107 with any questions.
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UM Rural Advocates plan webinar about General Conference issues
The United Methodist Rural Advocates have planned a webinar to provide information about issues pertinent to rural churches and parishioners that could be considered during General Conference, May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon.
The webinar is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CST Thursday, February 18. There is no cost to register.
Register for the event.
This entry is to provide information of possible interest to Great Plains laity and clergy only. It is not meant as an endorsement for this or any other group.
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Criminal justice reform advocate to speak at Wichita St. Mark UMC

Kansans interested in learning more about alternatives to capital punishment have the opportunity to hear from one of the nation’s top criminal justice reform activists later this month.
Bryan Stevenson – a lawyer, a social justice activist, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative and a professor at New York School of Law – has gained national acclaim for his work challenging bias against the poor and minorities in the criminal justice system. He has helped secure relief of many condemned prisoners and advocated for poor people.
He will present his thoughts at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at St. Mark United Methodist Church’s southeast campus, 856 S. Green St., in Wichita. This event is co-sponsored by the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty and the Mercy and Justice Ministry of the Great Plains Conference.
There is no cost to attend this event.
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JFON-NE works on 2,011 cases to assist immigrants from 42 nations

This past year, Justice For Our Neighbors-Nebraska (JFON-NE) expanded its legal immigration services, working on 2,011 cases for people from 42 countries in consultations, legal clinics and extended representation. In all its work, JFON-NE prioritizes services for low-income immigrants with the greatest need: battered women, abandoned children and refugees fleeing persecution.
One of the persons helped is Samara (not her real name) who came to the U.S. as a refugee from Sudan in 1998. In August 2014, she had an interview with immigration authorities regarding her application for lawful permanent residency — a green card. After the interview she lost her job, became homeless and began living in a homeless shelter. During this period she lost all of her immigration documents.
The JFON-NE staff attorney met Samara at the shelter in September 2014 to assist her in applying for replacement refugee documents so she could begin seeking work again. Samara also wanted to know the status of her residency application. The attorney helped her file for replacement refugee documents and inquired about her residency application. Several days after his inquiry, he learned that Samara’s application was denied because immigration authorities had lost contact with her.
Feeling that this decision was incorrect, the attorney helped Samara appeal the denial based on the fact that her residency application should have been approved in August 2014 after the interview. In May 2015, JFON-NE was delighted to learn that the appeal was won, and she was granted permanent resident status. With her new residency card, Samara was able to find a job and move out of the shelter. She is very thankful that JFON-NE was able help her get back to her normal life.
This story of Samara is just one of many. Immigration law is very complicated and the need for immigration services continues to outpace the resources of nonprofit legal services providers. JFON-NE is thankful for the support it received last year as one of the mission agencies of the Great Plains Conference. Research as shown that if clients have legal representation, they are five times more likely to resolve their cases successfully than if they appear before the Judge alone.
In all its work, JFON-NE follows the mandate in our United Methodist Social Principles calling all to “recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless of country of origin, as members of the family of God,” and “to recognize the gifts, contributions and struggles of those who are immigrants and to advocate for justice for all.” (¶ 162)
For more information about JFON-NE and/or to give a donation, please visit www.jfon-ne-org.
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Bishop's Round-Up Against Hunger shares details of success
The Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger Committee met recently to review the details of the 2015 event.
A total value of more than $348,000 was accounted for. This number represents work done by churches of the Great Plains Conference to meet the needs of the poor and hungry in their local communities. It represents both cash and in-kind gifts. The Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger Committee is aware that this does not represent all that the church is doing.
During the event on Nov. 21, there were 12 agencies who came to the event to receive items donated at the event. There were more than 100 youth in attendance to help unload and load the items donated that day.
The committee felt honored to have Bishop Scott J. Jones on hand to celebrate communion. The Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger Committee wants to say thank you to everyone who came to the event to help celebrate the church’s work to meet the needs of the poor and hungry in their community.
Part of the Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger event is a collection of cash donations. These cash donations are divided 40 percent for Haiti, 40 percent for Mexico and 20 percent for local grants. More than $4,000 was given to local agencies after the 2014 Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger event. Be looking for an announcement about applying for 2015 local grant funds.
For more information about the Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger, go to greatplainsumc.org/hungerministries.
The 2016 Bishop’s Round-Up Against Hunger event is scheduled forSaturday, Nov. 19. Complete details will be available at the annual conference session.
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Big Garden seeking interns
Each summer, thanks to funding from the Great Plains Conference, United Methodist Ministries hires five to eight young adult interns to staff its Big Garden program in Omaha. These interns receive intensive education in food security and gardening that they will use to teach children basic food and gardening skills in childcare and school settings. The goal is to reduce hunger among low-income families.
View flier.
Qualified applicants will be passionate about food security and/or gardening, local foods and working with children. The internship runs from May 18 through Aug. 10. If you, or someone you know, are interested, please contact ccaughey@biggarden.org for more information. Application deadline is March 15.
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Prayers, reflections and ideas for environmental practices during Lent
Check out this great resource which includes prayers, reflections, ecumenical and interfaith statements and action ideas for your Lenten journey. Although it was published in 2014, it's still applicable in every way as we walk with Jesus to the cross and resurrection.
Share in your church bulletins and newsletters and credit the source. From your Great Plains Creation Care Team
This resource encourages people of faith to:
Batch errands.
Use a water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
Brush your teeth without running the water the whole time.
Make/use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.
Skip the plastic coffee stirrer (put sugar and cream in first).
Use your own coffee cup/travel mug.
Use cruise control.
Buy local.
Stop your junk mail- call and be taken off the mailing list.
Use vinegar and water to clean instead of harsh/toxic chemicals.
Donate or recycle instead of throwing away.
Carpool.
Go for a walk instead of using a treadmill.
Research ways to go organic in your lawn/garden.
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Call to join the conference's new Creation Care team

If you are interested in linking your faith with the reality of climate change and would like to work with other Great Plains United Methodists to pray, study and act, contact Carol Windrum cwindrum@greatplainsumc.org.
This team will meet primarily by conference call so geography shouldn't be a factor in participation.
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Editorial
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Newsletters
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Classifieds
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Press Clips
Congregations across the Great Plains Conference are making the news in their local newspapers.
View our newspaper clipping reports to see if there are stories, ideas and ministry happenings you can learn from to use in your own congregation. Press clips can be found at greatplainsumc.org/inthenews. You can see education partnership ideas at greatplainsumc.org/education.
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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.
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"In Memoriam Willa Mae Borger" - The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 10 February 2016

Willa Mae Borger, 92, a surviving spouse of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference born Oct. 14, 1923 in Kiowa, Kansas, passed away on Feb. 4, 2016. Willa Mae graduated from Kiowa High School, where she excelled in music as both a singer and pianist. She was active at First United Methodist Church, Wichita where she met and married Rev. Clarence Borger, her husband for 66 years.
She is survived by her two sons, William Joseph of St. Louis, and James Thomas of Andover.
Services are Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 330 N Broadway St, Wichita, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clarence and Willa Mae Borger Scholarship Fund at Southwestern College, 100 College Ave., Winfield, KS 67156 or to The National Audubon Society at www.audubon.org.
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GPconnect for Wednesday 3 February 2016 The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States

Download the printable version of the Feb. 3, issue of GPconnect.
In this edition of GPconnect:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLERGY EXCELLENCE
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
GENERAL CONFERENCE
MERCY AND JUSTICE
OTHER NEWS
New items, easier process available for ordering Great Plains apparel

The Great Plains Conference has a new way for you to order apparel with the conference’s logo embroidered as a means of showing you belong to the United Methodist connection.
Gone are the forms to fill out and mail. Now, you place your order online, just as you would if you were ordering from Amazon or any other store. You’ll also find some new additions, such as several styles of jackets and more apparel specifically for women.
Visit the site.
When it asks for a password, type in “eclipse2016.”
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Great Plains churches benefit from Rethink Church grants

As we have announced previously in the weekly GPconnect email newsletter, churches can apply for Rethink Church grants, which provide matching funds, in many cases, for digital advertising during special times of year. These ads reach people as they use the Internet on their computers, tablets and smartphones.
The Great Plains Conference benefitted from these grants in 2015.
Here is a list of grant winners from the previous year.
  • Back to School 2015
  • Kingman UMC (Kingman, KS)
  • Pretty Prairie UMC (Pretty Prairie,KS)
  • Advent 2015
  • Abilene FUMC (Abilene, KS)
  • Berryton UMC (Berryton, KS)
  • Caldwell UMC (Caldwell, KS)
  • Furley UMC (Valley Center, KS)
  • Hutchinson FUMC (Hutchinson, KS)
  • Leaveanworth FUMC (Leavenworth, KS)
  • St. Mark's UMC (Lincoln, NE)
  • Saint Paul UMC (Omaha, NE)
  • St. Paul's UMC (Lenexa, KS)
  • St. Paul's UMC (Wichita, KS)
  • Tonganoxie UMC (Tonganoxie, KS)
  • Winfield FUMC (Winfield, KS)
These grants are geo-targeted in the churches area and click through to the churches website. United Methodist Communications staff provide key information such as impressions, clicks and click-through rates when flights have finished along with an evaluation.
The following churches in the conference have been awarded Easter Digital Advertising grants that will be running in online spaces Feb. 15-March 27.
  • Easter 2016
  • Grandview UMC (Winfield, KS)
  • Heritage UMC (Overland Park, KS)
Watch GPconnect for more grant opportunities. Learn more about Rethink Church grants. Also, check out Easter outreach resources and worship resources offered through Rethink Church.
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Fort Scott First UMC to celebrate 150th anniversary

First United Methodist Church in Fort Scott, Kansas, will celebrate its 150th anniversary on March 13, 2016. The worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m.at the church at 301 S. National, followed by a catered luncheon in the fellowship hall. Previous pastors of the church are invited to attend and will be recognized. The Rev. David Watson, Five Rivers District superintendent, will also be in attendance. An anniversary cookbook, a commemorative quilt and a 150th directory will be on hand at the service.
The congregation invites all current and former members, as well as the community, to come and join in their celebration. Please RSVP for the luncheon by March 1 to secretary@firstumcfsks.org or 620-223-1950.
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Is God calling you to serve beyond
the local church?
From disaster response to planning the annual conference session or working with pensions and health insurance (with many areas of ministry in between), the Great Plains Conference needs people to serve. People who are feeling called to go beyond the local church and discover what can happen when more than 1,000 churches and their pastors unite with a common mission to create great churches with great leaders, great disciples and a transformed world.
Are you feeling the call?
Check out the different ways to serve at greatplainsumc.org/serve. There, you can nominate yourself, a person in your church or even your pastor.
If you do not have online access, please contact TruDee Little at the conference office in Wichita, at 316-684-0266.
Download flier.
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Enjoy a good meal while helping raise money for Youthville
Youthville in Kansas is once again excited to partner again with Granite City West. The “Dine with Youthville” event will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 10-12. Twenty percent of the total bill will be donated to Youthville. Simply download and show this Granite City ad or mention you are dining for Youthville to your server. To-go orders also are included.
The restaurant is at 2661 N. Maize Road in Wichita, Kansas.
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Lilly Endowment grants help fund pastors’ renewal leaves

The Water’s Edge United Methodist Church has received a grant of $50,000 to enable its founding and senior pastor, Dr. Craig Finnestad, to participate in the 2016 National Clergy Renewal Program. The Water’s Edge Church is one of 144 congregations across the country selected to participate in this competitive grant program, which is funded by Lilly Endowment.
Minsters whose congregations are awarded the grants use their time away from the demands of daily ministry to engage in reflection and renewal. The approach respects the “Sabbath time” concept, offering ministers a carefully considered respite that includes travel, study, rest, cultural experiences, and prayer.
Finnestad’s renewal leave will be May 1-Aug. 15 and will focus on congregational and pastoral anxiety. The Water’s Edge recently completed its second capital campaign and is beginning its first building program. The congregation plans to proactively deal with anxiety related to finances, construction and moving from temporary facilities to permanent facilities.
Finnestad will have time away from anxiety. His family will travel to California, Table Rock Lake and 13 countries in Europe — including time with family in Norway. He will also prepare to lead The Water’s Edge through an anxious season of ministry as he will do post-doctoral research by studying and writing at the at the University of Copenhagen. The desired outcome is a book and a related small group video curriculum to help individuals, families, teams, and churches handle anxiety in helpful and constructive ways. The time of renewal will conclude at a boot-camp for comedians in New York City. Finnestad will perform at a comedy club and learn how to use humor to relieve anxiety.
Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis directs the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program for congregations across the United States through its Center for Pastoral Excellence.
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Apply for Paul F. Holmes Scholarship for sabbatical or renewal leave
The Paul F. Holmes Scholarship was established in 1994 to provide continuing education to clergy members. This scholarship can be used towards a sabbatical leave, a renewal leave or for a major continuing educational experience. Applications need to be sent to Destiny Kucera at the Great Plains office in Lincoln. Her address is listed on the bottom of the application form.
The application for the scholarship will then be brought to the Covenant Team of the Board of Ordained Ministry for approval. Please know that all scholarships are subject to the availability of funds and that consideration will be given to first time applicants. If you have any questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Karen Nyhart, vice chair for the Covenant Team.
View application.
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Lewis Center offers clergy compensation and taxes video
Clergy face some distinctive tax regulations and often need guidance from tax professionals with experience working with clergy. The Lewis Center has prepared an informational video to help seminary students and clergy understand better the issues to which they and their tax preparers need to give attention. We use it as part of our seminary class on Personal Finances for Religious Professionals.
Watch the 12-minute video, Clergy Compensation and Taxes.
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Great Plains pastors, laity learn more about Lydia Patterson Institute

The Great Plains Conference sent a delegation to the Lydia Patterson Institute in late January to learn more about the United Methodist-affiliated school in El Paso, Texas. The group of pastors and laity learned about the success of this school in providing hope to children who largely come from impoverished background. They also learned of the needs for renovation at the school. The Great Plains Conference is trying to raise $100,000 by the end of June’s annual conference session for each of three multicultural mission partners: Lydia Patterson Institute, the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference and the Zimbabwe East Annual Conference.
Learn more about the campaign.
Read the story about the Lydia Patterson visit.
LPI: ‘This place is about changing lives’
A chapel filled beyond capacity with high-schoolers greeted Raquel Resendiz like she was a rock star when she returned to the Lydia Patterson Institute in late January in El Paso, Texas.Resendiz, who graduated from the United Methodist Church-funded private academy last spring and is a freshman at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, came back to the school with a delegation of about a dozen clergy and parishioners from the Great Plains Conference, led by Bishop Scott J. Jones.
Raquel ResendizShe sees students who are like she was – some from the impoverished neighborhoods of El Paso, others from the even more desolate area of Juarez, Mexico, which is connected to America by a 400 yard-long bridge. Some walked into the doors of Lydia Patterson as Christians. Others had a relationship with Christ that was tentative at best. But all of whom eventually have career dreams of becoming engineers, doctors and United Methodist pastors.
“The thing I like most about this school is that we can think of it as a safe haven to get away from the problems we have at home,” Resendiz, who read the Scripture during the daily chapel service, said the night before. “I think it’s a privilege to be here because not everyone can be here.”
On the surface, it’s far from an ideal setting.
Nestled in the Segundo Barrio of El Paso, Texas – not many years ago, the second-poorest zip code in the country – Lydia Patterson has given an education, a spiritual foundation and hope to students on both sides of the border for 103 years.
“This is one of the beacons of hope for both American citizens and Mexican citizens,” said Richard Hearne, Lydia Patterson’s director of development.
Mission goals
Along with the Zimbabwe East Conference and the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, Lydia Patterson is one of three multicultural mission partnerships for the conference that is part of a challenge to the Great Plains churches for a fundraising goal of $100,000 each by the time of the end of the annual conference on June 4 in Topeka.

Bishop Scott J. Jones observes a junior high math class. Photo by David Burke,
Great Plains ConferenceOne-third of the funding for the Lydia Patterson Institute already comes from the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church, an eight-state region that includes the Great Plains Conference.
The drive for funds comes as Lydia Patterson is in the first stages of a four-phase, $15 million renovation project that includes a larger athletic center that also houses the music and fine arts departments, a larger chapel and improvements to the lunchroom, kitchen, high school classrooms and library.
Work already completed has come in the seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms, where state-of-the-art smart boards illustrate the lessons, and students use computer tablets to send their homework to “the cloud” rather than traditional textbooks. It’s an advancement the El Paso public schools are far from making, Hearne said.
Lydia Patterson students have the results to back up the need. Its graduation rate is 98 percent in the past decade, and 100 percent over the past three years. Ninety-five percent of those graduates go on to post-secondary education at a variety of public and private colleges and universities, including several United Methodist-based schools in the Great Plains.
Graduates are offered scholarships through churches as well as the colleges and universities.
“It’s a win-win situation,” said Dr. Socorro de Anda, in her 21st year as president of Lydia Patterson. “The church gets resources for Hispanic ministry, the college gets to connect with the local church, and the student gets to go to college.”
Earning education
Scholarships are also how many of the Lydia Patterson students are able to attend school. But thoughts of “scholarship students” as those coasting by with a little money on the side are dashed once the institute’s students are in view. Students on a full scholarship must work for two hours a day at the school, an hour for a half-scholarship. There are also “scholarship-plus” students, who receive not only a paid education but the cost of their student visas and funding that covers the bus ride from Juarez to the Stanton Street Bridge, which goes over the Rio Grande River.
Seventy percent of the 435 students at Lydia Patterson cross the border to get to the school.
When Ernesto Morales came to Lydia Patterson three years ago for a job interview as the principal, he said he assumed that the students he passed by scraping gum off the sidewalks were in some sort of trouble.
Instead, he was told, they were scholarship students.
“They’re learning to value their education,” said Morales, a former public school teacher and administrator.
Students crossing the border are leaving Juarez, which was once called the “murder capital of the world.” Decades ago, students told of hearing gunshots on the sidewalks in front of them, prompting them to just cross the street rather than get caught in the crossfire.
“I drive to work every day as if I was going to a mission field,” Morales said. “This is a safe haven.”
‘Give them the best’
The building that currently houses the Lydia Patterson Institute was built in the mid-1960s, and while the brick exterior is structurally sound, its age is showing inside, where ceilings are ready to buckle and where technology and enrollment are growing at a pace faster than can currently be handled.
Six new classrooms are part of the renovation plan, including a chemistry lab that has neither running water nor gas for Bunsen burners – experiments are done by observing video monitors. The computer system was part of the first renovation, where Hearne said technology was “laughable” three to four years ago.
“It’s not a matter of ‘It would be nice to do this,’” de Anda said. “We don’t have any choice.”
The improvements, de Anda said, would give an even greater launching pad for Lydia Patterson students to go on to careers that improve lives both in the United States and Mexico.
“We don’t just want to give them an education. We want to give them the best,” she said. “This place is all about changing lives.”
Learn what the Great Plains delegation on the Lydia Patterson Institute thought of the trip.
Story by David Burke, communications coordinator with the Great Plains Conference.
Read reactions from Great Plains guests at Lydia Patterson.
GP delegation impressed with Lydia Patterson InstituteThe delegation from the Great Plains Conference who visited the Lydia Patterson Institute on Jan. 26-27 included those who had seen the United Methodist-funded school before and others who were there for the first time.

Lydia Patterson students move between classes during a day of school in
January 2016. David Burke, Great Plains ConferenceAbout a dozen clergy and parishioners toured the school and had breakfast and lunch with the students. Most then traveled to Juarez, Mexico, to see what the home life was like for several of those attending Lydia Patterson. The day concluded with an authentic and abundant Mexican meal made by the mothers of the students, as well as a performance by the school’s mariachi band. The trip concluded with the Great Plains delegation attending a daily chapel service, with a sermon by Bishop Scott J. Jones.
Here are the impressions from members of the Great Plains delegation:
  • Gordon McClure, executive pastor, Asbury Church, Wichita: “When I was invited to travel to El Paso and experience Lydia Patterson Institute first hand I had the thought, ‘This will be three days out of my schedule,’ but after having visited there I came away with a new thought. That thought was ‘These three days have added to my life.’ What a tremendous work God is doing at LPI! The difference LPI is making in the lives of not only the students, but also the families of the students is worthy of our prayer support and financial support. Hearing the various stories from the students as we sat at meals, watching the passionate teachers do their work and ministry in the classroom, and the experience of meeting several staff members was a tremendous blessing. The success stories are endless. The student’s attitude of gratitude is refreshing. The miracles that Jesus is doing at LPI are obvious. The smiles on the faces of the students are contagious.”
  • Caren Loper, pastor, Horton-Netawaka-Whiting, Kansas, UMCs: “To see the reality of the extreme poverty that many of the students live in, and the extreme conditions and the sacrifices they take to get from Juarez to El Paso was just very touching to my heart. We waited for a while in line to get back into El Paso, and to think that they have to deal with that every day. … That (bridge is) 100 yards between poverty and hope. … Lydia Patterson Institute is making a huge difference in their lives. The deep spirituality of the students is touching. I don’t remember smiling that much (as they did) when I went to school.”
  • Warren Cico, St. Francis, Kansas, UMC: “I am really impressed with the students, with their desire to improve their life situation and their confidence that they are in the right place and God’s leading them to the right place. I’ve also been impressed with the way I’ve seen them working – they’re not here just to get a free ride. I’ve seen people sweeping and cleaning, washing windows and cleaning locker rooms. And just the friendliness and their willingness to smile. And I’ve enjoyed the stories of their internships and what their ambitions are.”
  • Carolyn Janzen, parishioner, Aldersgate UMC, Wichita: “I was very impressed with the quality of education the kids get and the hard work and dedication in what the students do every day. I was really impressed when we went into Juarez and saw where one family of students live. You see how early the kids have to get up and all they have to do just to get across the border and get into school every day and how trying and hard that must be. But there’s no complaints on their part, because they know the quality of the education they’re getting, and that’s giving them an opportunity to get themselves out of poverty and their whole family out of poverty.”
  • Rick Just, senior pastor, Asbury Church, Wichita: “As one who has visited LPI before, I was once again reminded of the incredible ministry that is taking place to offer hope and future to those who find themselves living in the midst of hardship and despair. Not only are children's lives being transformed because of the ministry of LPI, but the families of the children who graduate from LPI are also being transformed. For most who attend the school, this is their one and only opportunity to get out of poverty and a person can just see in the faces of the children how grateful they are to receive this blessing of Christian education. Over and over the students thanked us for the education they were receiving and the fact that if it weren't for the support given the school and to them, they would forever remain in poverty. LPI is one of the best kept secrets of mission and ministry within our jurisdiction and it would be my prayer that we will be more intentional about supporting the ministry of LPI and telling the incredible story of the transformation of lives of those living along the El Paso/Juarez border. This is truly what it means to live out the mission of the UMC – ‘Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.'"
Read more about the trip and learn more about the Lydia Patterson Institute.
Reactions compiled by David Burke, communications coordinator for the Great Plains Conference.
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Churches encouraged to learn more about Reaching New Neighbors
Reaching New Neighbors, an interactive experience designed for churches called to expand their multicultural outreach to reach new neighbors in their communities, is sponsoring a multicultural incubator beginning March 12. Facilitated by Corey Godbey, coordinator of Hispanic ministries in the Great Plains Conference, and the Rev. Anne Gatobu, the group will focus on learning how to build a team of spiritual leaders who can use the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) process to strengthen multicultural ministry.
Reaching New Neighbors will meet at Emporia Grace United Methodist Church on March 12, April 23, May 7, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. Teams from local churches are invited to participate. Through a generous grant from the General Commission on Religion and Race, all expenses except mileage will be paid. The pastor and at least three lay people (more are welcome) will have the opportunity to learn, worship and reflect in a multicultural setting. Each session will teach principles that the team will then go home and put into practice. The focus for each session is as follows:
  • March: Team building and overview of the appreciative inquiry process.
  • April: Covenants and accountability and conducting an AI interview.
  • May: Exploring your context and dreaming in your community.
  • September: Designing ministries in your community.
  • October: Destiny: communication, short and long-term initiatives, and resources.
  • November: Celebrating new possibilities and making adjustments.
Reaching New Neighbors is an in-depth experience, and teams are asked to commit to all six sessions. For more information, contact Corey Godbey at cgodbey@greatplainsumc.or or 316-684-0266. The group is limited to 10 teams.
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Churches asked to take part in General Conference prayer vigil

United Methodist Churches around the world are encouraged to take part in a prayer vigil that started Jan. 1 and continues up to the beginning of General Conference on May 10 in Portland, Oregon.
The Council of Bishops has invited each of the annual conferences to host a 24-hour prayer effort on a specific date, with the intent of creating a groundswell of prayer in the days leading up to the General Conference. It is up to each conference to choose an available date and then design their own format for the prayer effort. The Great Plains will conduct its prayer vigil on March 1.
To successfully take part, we need your help. Download this spreadsheet, which his broken into 20-minute increments for March 1. Fill it out and send it to Roxie Delisi in our communications department at rdelisi@greatplainsumc.org by Feb. 15.
Our goal is to fill the entire 24 hours across the conference. We realize many churches may be able to fill the 24 hours all by themselves. That would be a great way to pray for our church as it enters into this once-every-four years meeting of the worldwide church.
Call Delisi at 402-464-5994, ext. 107l, with any questions.
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Connectional Table addresses delegates about worldwide restructure

During the Pre-General Conference briefing Jan. 22 in Portland, Oregon, for delegates to the upcoming 2016 General Conference, panelists discussed multiple plans being offered to restructure The United Methodist Church. Panelist and Connectional Table (CT) member Fred Brewington explained the CT’s stance on such proposals by reading from a document issued by the Connectional Table that states:
"The Connectional Table neither adopts nor endorses any of the current restructuring proposals beyond the process proposals being submitted by the CT. However, as a part of its mandate, the CT recommends the following principles to assist the church as it discusses, approaches, engages and makes decisions on matters relating to our future structure, organization, relationships, and processes:
  • Do no harm, do all the good we can, and stay in love with God.
  • Not act in haste and allow God to order our steps.
  • Welcome the movement of the Holy Spirit and be open to new revelations.
  • Engage in meaningful discernment with active listening.
  • Respect our differences and embrace our unity in Christ.
  • Be intentionally inclusive of all God’s people.
  • Be mindful of the impact processes have on God’s people.
  • Be willing to reposition the prism through which we view the world.
  • Engage in radical openness to foster genuine dialogue and cooperation.”
To help United Methodists engage conversations about restructuring the denomination, the CT has submitted two non-disciplinary petitions to establish processes inviting jurisdictional and central conference members to: 1) consider how churches in the United States make decisions that only pertain to churches in the nation; and 2) discern the needed functions and structure of a council that would serve the worldwide church. These conversations are in continued response to the report of the Worldwide Nature Study committee to the 2012 General Conference and will supplement the work that the Standing Committee on Central Conference Matters is doing on the General Book of Discipline to clarify our identity as a worldwide connection. The Jurisdictional Process Proposal is Petition No. 60816 and the General Church Council Proposal is Petition number No. 60815. The English translation of the Advance Daily Christian Advocate, the guidebook for delegates and anyone seeking to follow the conference, is now available online.
The Executive Committee of The Connectional Table believes these processes will bring the best thinking to the table as we move toward more fully living into what it means to be a worldwide church.
General Conference will be May 10-20 in Portland, Oregon.
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Conference plans disaster early response training
The Great Plains Conference is sponsoring a series of early response team (ERT) trainings in February and March. The dates and locations are:
  • Saturday, February 13, Lakeview UMC, Lincoln, NE
  • Saturday, February 20, Haysville UMC, KS
  • Saturday, February 20, Holton Evangel UMC, KS
  • Saturday, March 5, Franklin UMC, NE
  • Saturday, March 5, Reading UMC, KS
  • Monday & Tuesday, March 7 & 8, St. Marks UMC, Lincoln, NE
  • Saturday, March 19, Meriden UMC, KS
To find out more information and to register go to: www.greatplainsumc.org Any questions, contact Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference disaster response coordinator, at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
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UMCOR in need of kits

We will once again be collecting kits for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) during the annual conference session June 1-4 in Topeka, Kansas. It is important that all donations be in boxes because the truck will only be there Friday to pick up and then transport the materials.
Currently, UMCOR depots are in need of health kits and school kits. Other individual items for UMCOR kits will also be accepted. Please box items and include an itemized listing and count on top of the box.
For more information contact, the Rev. Hollie Tapley, Conference Disaster Response coordinator at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
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Help the UMW raise awareness of dangers of human trafficking

You can help the United Methodist Women and the Great Plains Conference raise awareness about human trafficking. Take photos of you, your family and your friends raising umbrellas this week and post to your Facebook timeline or simply comment on ours throughout the week (and share your photo!). The Super Bowl is Sunday, marking one of the most active times of year for such activity.
Help protect young people who are targeted by raising awareness. Watch for more posts with umbrellas on the Great Plains Conference Facebook page throughout the week! Like and watch for photos on the Great Plains United Methodist Women Facebook page. Remember to use the hashtag #‎umwumbrellas.
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Reserve your group's mission experience with UMM in Omaha

Is your group looking for a mission experience that is more than just painting houses? Now is the time to register your church group for a summer Volunteers in Mission (VIM) experience with United Methodist Ministries/The Big Garden in Omaha!
Last summer, United Methodist Ministries (UMM) welcomed groups from all across Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. The usual length of stay in Omaha was two to five days, with groups working in a variety of Omaha’s pantries, shelters, community gardens and other social service agencies gaining valuable hands-on mission experience. Groups learn about issues such as food security, race & poverty, mutuality in mission and advocacy. UMM/The Big Garden is an accredited VIM site, placing teams with trusted community partner agencies. Each group’s experience is tailored to its specific needs, with lodging and worship in local United Methodist churches arranged if needed.
Contact Matthew Cronin at 402-906-2718 or mcronin@biggarden.org now to arrange your group’s mission experience. Space is filling up fast — don’t miss out! Learn more at biggarden.org/overview.
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Webinar Series: Welcoming refugees

There are a series of webinars in the works that will aid in the ministry for welcoming refugees in the Great Plains Conference. Dates, times and all the information that will be needed to join in these webinars will be advertised well in advance of each one of them.
Congregations are encouraged to meet together to watch these webinars. Plans are to offer them in the early evenings, so that individuals are off work and able to participate. Each webinar will build off each other, offering information that will aid your church in making the decision to join in this ministry opportunity. You will be provided with ways to volunteer your time, what is required to become actively involved, hear personal stories from individuals who have immigrated to our area, and much, much more!!
For more information now, feel free to contact the Rev. Kalaba Chali, Great Plains Conference Mercy and Justice coordinator, atkchail@greatplainsumc.org or the Rev. Hollie Tapley, Great Plains Conference Disaster Response coordinator, at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
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Newsletters
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Classifieds
To view these and other classifieds, go to greatplainsumc.org/classifieds.
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Press Clips
Congregations across the Great Plains Conference are making the news in their local newspapers.
View our newspaper clipping reports to see if there are stories, ideas and ministry happenings you can learn from to use in your own congregation. Press clips can be found atgreatplainsumc.org/inthenews. You can see education partnership ideas at greatplainsumc.org/education.
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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.
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"In Memoriam - The Rev. John A. Schmitt" The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, United States for Wednesday, 3 February 2016

The Rev. John A. Schmitt, 67, a clergy member of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference passed away Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016. He was born Dec. 18, 1948 in Wichita the son of Jake and Wara Paul Schmitt. He served as pastor at Kingman UMC from 1996-2008, having also served churches in Garden City, Conway Springs, Milton, Peabody and Ellinwood-Salem.
Survivors include his wife Susan, son Jake and daughter Mindy (Brendan) Rankin-Moore.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016 at Kingman United Methodist Church, 133 E. D Avenue, Kingman, Kansas. Burial will be in the Walnut Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Kingman United Methodist Church UMYF in care of Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman, Kansas 67068.
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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
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