- Download the printable version of the March 23, issue of GPconnect.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Grant available to help churches, ministries nurture culture of call
- Conference board, committee members wanted
- Chilean missionary eager to speak to churches in the Great Plains
- Conference offices to be closed on Good Friday
EQUIPPING DISCIPLES
- Spirituality Retreat in June to focus on spiritual practices
- Author, campus minister to lecture on how Jesus saved the world
- ‘Baby Boomers and Beyond’ theme of talk, workshop
- Youngest campers at Fontanelle get half-price offer
- Columbus congregation learns about Islamic faith
- Tickets on sale, donations sought for UMM 100 Club auction
- Help make our communities a 'welcome place' for refugees
- Disaster Response information
- Peace Conference attendee from Great Plains shares experience
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION
ADMINISTRATION
- Video provides helpful tax guidelines for clergy
- Did you lose something at the 2016 Orders & Fellowship Meeting?
- Message from Great Plains communications team
- Southwestern College to inaugurate president on Founders Weekend
- Public comments needed about Saint Paul School of Theology
Grant available to help churches, ministries nurture culture of call
Grants will be awarded in the range of $500-$2,000 for churches, campus ministries and United Methodist organizations in the Great Plains UMC to fuel their imaginations in creating opportunities to cultivate a culture of call.
Creating a culture of call means that the behaviors, beliefs and attitudes of your congregation/community readily supports the members of the community to identify and explore a call by God to serve God as a lay, licensed, or ordained person. Not everyone who feels a call will work “in ministry” for a church, but as everyone seeks to live out his or her faith more deeply, we pray that everyone will consider their work in the world, and even their interactions with other people will be an opportunity to live out God’s call.
The early deadline to apply is April 15, 2016. A second deadline is Sept. 15, 2016. Learn more including FAQs and information on applying atgreatplainsumc.org/cocgrant.
Conference board, committee members wanted
The Great Plains Nominations Committee encourages clergy and lay persons who are members of the annual conference and local congregations to submit names of individuals whose gifts and passions will support the work of our conference boards and committees. We receive nominations throughout the year to fill board and committee positions for approval of the annual conference session, which will meet in June.
We are looking for uniquely qualified individuals with the necessary gifts to serve in two open associate conference lay leader positions. These persons help to give voice to the lay membership of the annual conference as leaders serving on various boards and committees. Associate conference lay leaders serve as part of the conference laity team, the Connecting Council and various other committees in support of the conference lay leader. Previous lay leadership experience is helpful in order to understand how to build effective lay leadership in the conference. Knowledge of the structure and function of the various conference boards and committees is also helpful in order to help connect laity to areas where they can serve conference ministries. As leaders, associate conference lay leaders will set the tone for involvement of other laity through their active participation in various ministries, so interested persons should expect a greater than average time commitment when serving in this capacity.
We are also in need of several persons who have a passion for campus ministry to serve on the Conference Campus Ministry Board. We have a variety of other ministry opportunities requiring a variety of gifts for you if you are interested in serving on Archives & History, Camping, Council on Finance and Administration, Disaster Response, Episcopacy, Mercy & Justice, Nominations, Pension and Health Benefits, Sessions, Trustees and Vital Congregations.
We would encourage you to consider and prayerfully discern how you might help to support our annual conference by serving in one of these ministry areas. You can nominate yourself or someone else to serve the conference by going to https://gp-reg.brtapp.com/leadershipnominationand completing the form. Once the nomination is received a profile form will be sent to you to complete and return so you can be considered for the open positions.
Chilean missionary eager to speak to churches in the Great Plains
John Elmore, a United Methodist missionary to Chile, will be in the Great Plains Conference from April 12 to 17 to tell the missionary story of how the church is connected around the world. He will not be asking for money.
The Richmond, Virginia, native and his family are mission volunteer coordinators. Read Elmore’s profile.
John Elmore
Serving At: The Methodist Church of Chile
Location: Chile, Latin America and the Caribbean
Home Country: United States of America, North America
John H Elmore is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church assigned to the Methodist Church of Chile as mission volunteer coordinator.
He and his wife, Maria Cristina Hurtado, are based in Angol in southern Chile, where he is affiliated with the Methodist Agricultural School for Mapuche Indians. John spent a dozen years in Iquique in northern Chile, two of those as an individual volunteer in mission and 10 as a commissioned missionary. In Angol, John and Cristina teach Sunday school and are deeply involved in the music ministry of the Villa Emmaus Methodist Church.
The school was established in 1920. It has more than 200 students enrolled in courses that provide basic high school education and training in various aspects of agriculture and animal husbandry. John welcomes and organizes the activities of mission volunteer teams from outside Chile that come to work along with students, often in construction projects.
John was a self-employed carpenter prior to his entry into missionary work in 1995. He first served for two years as an individual volunteer in the Dominican Republic, where he was instrumental in constructing a hospital/clinic.
“When I felt God calling me to serve, it was definitely the most exciting time in my spiritual life,” John says. “I could hardly catch my breath. The things I imagined that God had in store for me, I could not conceive, but knew at that moment, more so than at any time in my life, that God loved me and wanted the best for me. He loved me so much, he knew that I was seeking him; he knew I was ready. So when he called, I heard him and I obeyed…. My sole purpose in life is to serve and obey God.”
A native of Richmond Virginia, John and his family lived for seven years in Panama. Elmore graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax in 1971. He is a member of Forest Lake United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Contact Information:
Email Me!
Blog: http://jelmore56.wordpress.comSupporting Conferences: California/Pacific Annual Conference, Great Plains Annual Conference, North Alabama Annual Conference, Virginia Annual Conference
Additional Information:
Make an online donation to: John Elmore #13109Z.
Missionary Support Code: 13109Z
Track Gifts for Current Year. For previous years, please use Online Gift Tracking and enter 13109Z for "Project Number.”
Last profile update: 10 Feb 2016
Beware of internet property rental scams and other similar scams using missionary names.- See more at:
He and his wife, Maria Cristina Hurtado, are based in Angol in southern Chile, where he is affiliated with the Methodist Agricultural School for Mapuche Indians. John spent a dozen years in Iquique in northern Chile, two of those as an individual volunteer in mission and 10 as a commissioned missionary. In Angol, John and Cristina teach Sunday school and are deeply involved in the music ministry of the Villa Emmaus Methodist Church.
The school was established in 1920. It has more than 200 students enrolled in courses that provide basic high school education and training in various aspects of agriculture and animal husbandry. John welcomes and organizes the activities of mission volunteer teams from outside Chile that come to work along with students, often in construction projects.
John was a self-employed carpenter prior to his entry into missionary work in 1995. He first served for two years as an individual volunteer in the Dominican Republic, where he was instrumental in constructing a hospital/clinic.
“When I felt God calling me to serve, it was definitely the most exciting time in my spiritual life,” John says. “I could hardly catch my breath. The things I imagined that God had in store for me, I could not conceive, but knew at that moment, more so than at any time in my life, that God loved me and wanted the best for me. He loved me so much, he knew that I was seeking him; he knew I was ready. So when he called, I heard him and I obeyed…. My sole purpose in life is to serve and obey God.”
A native of Richmond Virginia, John and his family lived for seven years in Panama. Elmore graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax in 1971. He is a member of Forest Lake United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Contact Information:
Email Me!
Blog: http://jelmore56.wordpress.comSupporting Conferences: California/Pacific Annual Conference, Great Plains Annual Conference, North Alabama Annual Conference, Virginia Annual Conference
Additional Information:
Make an online donation to: John Elmore #13109Z.
Missionary Support Code: 13109Z
Track Gifts for Current Year. For previous years, please use Online Gift Tracking and enter 13109Z for "Project Number.”
Last profile update: 10 Feb 2016
Beware of internet property rental scams and other similar scams using missionary names.- See more at:
Churches or church groups interested in hosting Elmore can contact the Rev. Alan Gager at agager@greatplainsumc.org with preferred and alternate speaking times, information on the group receiving the presentation and church contact information.
Conference offices to be closed on Good Friday
The Great Plains Conference offices in Lincoln, Topeka and Wichita will be closed March 25 in observance of Good Friday. We hope you all have a happy and blessed Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
Church leaders learn to ease anxieties
More than 50 laity and clergy from the Elkhorn Valley District came together recently for a workshop with the Rev. Bill Selby from the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies.
The morning started off with some group exercises.
“I encourage you to go to places where you might be uncomfortable – like greeting new people,” Selby explained. There is a lot of anxiety in our churches. We can be anxious about survival of our congregation or about growth, which always means change.
“Go for growth,” he told the gathering, “It is a lot more fun!”
Persons with healthy leadership skills focus on themselves, not others; strength, not weakness; process, not content; and integrity, not unity.
“Jesus was comfortable with losing 10 percent of his followers at the end. He didn’t give power to the most anxious person in the group,” Selby said.
Participants had many “a-ha” moments throughout the day.
We need to be aware of not becoming host cells for the anxiety of others, Selby said. We need to stay connected to the anxious members in our congregations without getting enmeshed in their anxiety. That can mean listening and asking for more information but letting them own their anxiety.
And of course, we ourselves have every right to be anxious too. But if we are able to reflect on this, we are able to use our thinking brain (the cortex) and not the “react and survival” or Reptilian brain in our actions.
After a full day of valuable learning, church leaders went back to their local churches with new tools to deal with change and hopefully growth.
Spirituality Retreat in June to focus on spiritual practices
Flowing Streams, a three-day spiritual experience retreat, will be conducted June 24-26 at Manna House of Prayer in Concordia, Kansas.
Leader for Flowing Streams 2016 is the Rev. Jane Vennard, a noted retreat leader and spiritual formation teacher and author. Her latest book is “Fully Awake and Truly Alive” (Skylight Paths Publishing, 2014). In her book, she encourages the readers to develop spiritual practices as a living part of their whole nature.
Participants can expect to be involved in presentations, spiritual practices, worship, silence for reflection and conversation in small groups.
The retreat is sponsored by the Nebraska Covenant Community and the Great Plains Conference Academy Council. It uses a format similar to that of the Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation. Lay persons and clergy of various religious affiliations are welcome.
Registration is now open for the retreat. You may register online atwww.gpspiritualformation.org, or for more information, contact Rev. James Brewer, jamesbrewer136@gmail.com, or call him at (402) 992-2729.
Author, campus minister to lecture on how Jesus saved the world
The Rev. Morgan Guyton is the featured speaker at the inaugural Don and Pat Loyd Memorial Lecture Series at First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, Kansas.
The lecture, “How Jesus Saves the World from Us,” will begin at 4 p.m.May 1 at the church.
Guyton is a United Methodist elder and campus minister who leads the NOLA Wesley Foundation at Tulane and Loyala in New Orleans.
He blogs and contributes articles to the Huffington Post, Red Letter Christians, Think Christian, Ministry Matters and United Methodist Reporter.
Contact the church office at fumc@carsoncomm.com for information about pre-ordering a copy of Guyton’s new book, which shares the same name as his lecture.
No registration is required prior to the event, which is free.
See the flier.
‘Baby Boomers and Beyond’ theme of talk, workshop
Our population is turning 65 at an unprecedented rate in the Baby Boomer generation, and this massive group of people is approaching the later years of life in a radically different way than previous generations.
The Tempero/Sandall Endowed Fellowship of Topeka First UMC United Methodist Church and Phase 2: The Community of Boomers of Topeka First UMC welcomes Amy Hanson on Sunday, April 10. Hanson, a speaker, writer and consultant has a passion to help older adults discover a life of Christ-centered meeting and purpose. The author of “Baby Boomers and Beyond,” Hanson will speak at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. She will then conduct a 2 p.m. workshop, “Breaking Down the Age Barriers: Understanding the Baby Boomers and Creating Intergenerational Connections.”
Discover in this workshop how the time, experience and resources of this generation are essential to the ministry of your church and community. Learn how to engage and unleash every generation to come together and make a significant impact for Christ. No registration is necessary for worship or the afternoon workshop. This event is free and open to everyone.
Youngest campers at Fontanelle get half-price offer
Looking at taking your pre-schooler or early grade schooler to camp this summer? It is not too late to take advantage of the Early Bird Special with the Guardian Angel and SonShine Camps at Camp Fontanelle, near Nickerson, Nebraska. Through March 31, register for a Guardian Angel or SonShine Camp and receive 50 percent off the camp fee.
These camps are meant to introduce young campers, with an adult, to church camp. Campers will have a chance to get a taste of the activities at Camp Fontanelle with a 24- or 48-hour camp. There will be swimming (weather permitting), crafts, a Petting Barn experience, worship, hiking and more. Sleep under the stars in treeboats, or in the woods in A-Frame cabins to experience true nature. There are a limited number of beds in the lodge for a different experience.
Go to campfontanelle.com and click on the “register for camp” tab. Take the time to spend some quality time with your child this summer. This is a great camp for grandparents or aunts and uncles to spend time with their young school-age relative.
Columbus congregation learns about Islamic faith
First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Nebraska, on March 13 hosted Abdul Raheem Yaseer to speak on “Understanding the Islamic Faith.” Yaseer is the assistant director and a senior adviser of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also a member of the Islamic community of Omaha and an adviser at the Afghan Islamic Community Center of Omaha.
The Christian Social Witness team from FUMC invited Yaseer to speak to the congregation about Islam as a way to become more educated on the subject. This came because of the bishop’s request to host Syrian refugee families. Yaseer informed those in attendance about the beliefs and actions of practicing Muslims. He took questions from the audience and finished by sharing how the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States affected him as a Muslim.
Tickets on sale, donations sought for UMM 100 Club auction
The 27th annual United Methodist Men’s 100 Club scholarship dinner and auction has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road in Topeka, Kansas.
This event uses more than 70 percent of the auction proceeds as well as part of the money raised from the dinner to go to scholarships for young men and women entering full-time Christian service. This year, the featured speakers will be Anita Crips, executive director of the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation, and Alan Herndon, executive of the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation.
Corporate sponsorships are available. And tickets to the dinner are on sale for $35 each. Donate today or purchase a meal ticket by calling402-210-4885 or sending an email to auctioneer_32@msn.com. Go togpsold.com for a listing and photos of auction items to be sold as the event draws nearer.
View the flier.
Help make our communities a 'welcome place' for refugees
Thank you to all who participated in the first livestream webinar on March 10. If you were unable to view live, watch the recording on the Conference website.
Your church can volunteer in many ways. Co-sponsors make a 90-day commitment to the refugees in one of the following ways.
As Guides: co-sponsors supply initial food, goods and clothing for refugees. They introduce refugees to the U.S. culture, acquainting them with important aspects of American life, culture and customs.
As Friends: co-sponsors offer friendship, emotional support and encouragement as refugees adjust to U.S. culture. Co-sponsors share in the cultural heritage of refugees and honor their customs and traditions.
As Advocates: to help ensure refugees are not exploited, discriminated against or taken advantage of, co-sponsors encourage refugees to connect with other refugees for mutual support, and to network with other groups to foster multi-cultural communication and understanding.
There are also 3 Levels to the co-sponsorships:
Level 1: collects a variety of household items and clothing. Purchase culturally-appropriate groceries for the new family.
Level 2: collects a variety of household items, clothing, meets the new family at the airport, and shares their first meal with them. Purchases culturally appropriate groceries for the new family.
Level 3: levels 1 and 2, plus commits to visiting the family at least once a week for three to six months.
The detailed list of items to be purchased can be obtained by emailing Rev. Hollie Tapley at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
Rev. Tapley is currently working with Church World Services and Lutheran Family Services on a procedure for connecting churches with families. The details will be announced as they are finalized.
Disaster Response information
As we continue to pray and support Hesston United Methodist Church and the community following the active shooter incident, there have been inquiries concerning how to handle these types of situations. Your Disaster Response Ministry offers an active shooter training, free to any church, business or other organization. Contact the Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference disaster response coordinator, athtapley@greatplainsumc.org to find out more information and to schedule a training.
Ellis United Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas is sponsoring a Connecting Neighbors Training on Saturday, April 30. All area churches and individuals are invited to be a part of this all day training as we discuss how to prepare our families, churches and how to respond after a disaster. Ellis UMC will be providing lunch, with a freewill donation. To RSVP for the class and meal please email Pastor Tricia North atellisumc@gbta.net .
Spring is here and so has disaster season! It’s not too late to schedule an ERT (early response team) training at your church to prepare individuals on how to respond in times of disaster. All ERT’s must be Safe Gatherings certified and have completed an eight-hour training session. Contact Rev. Tapley at htapley@greatplainsumc.org to volunteer to host a training in your area.
Peace Conference attendee from Great Plains shares experience
In November, three representatives from the Great Plains Conference attended the Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. The theme was “Longing for Peace/Exploring the Heart of God.” The conference focused on the spiritual roots and foundations that support the search for peace in the three Abrahamic faith traditions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Ana Marsella from Grace United Methodist Church in, Topeka shares her experience:
The Lake Junaluska Peace Conference is an event that those who love God and want to love more like God should join.
I really feel blessed I was able to attend because it opened my heart to other ways to see God. I love people and I believe that only God knows each individual’s heart. This conference helped me see things from different perspectives. It really woke me up to realizing that the whole world is full of different religions and people who in their own way and culture worship the same God.
I love to worship God with music (even though I don’t play any instruments) and one of the things that impacted me most was the music of Yuval Ron (www.yuvalronmusic.com). One of the songs we sang was “Shalom, Salaam, Hallelujah.” Besides having a different and distinctive sound and beat, which I loved, it brought all the people together at the opening of the conference. You could feel the unanimous desire to worship God and the willingness of everybody present to have no barriers between religions. We were Christians, Jews and Muslims singing together in one voice to one God.
It was a unique experience. We heard different perspectives from different faith traditions from speakers from all over the world who talked about issues we are facing in our world today. I felt the motivation to work and do my part to promote peace in the community I live in and anywhere I go. I feel that I have more knowledge now and I’m able to speak with others about not looking at the barrier “religion or denomination” but looking at the individual and believing in the only God who loves all the same.
The beauty and the peace of the place and the connection with the majesty of God’s creation added to this conference and made me look towards the future. I became more informed and aware of world conflicts and ways to build a place where people can live in peace. We need to work for a safe and healthy environment where instead of attacking and hurting people we can all come together and feel the love of God for all his creation.
Ana was one of three recipients of Peace with Justice scholarships to attend this Peace Conference. You will hear from the other two participants in the coming weeks.
Learn about General Conference during bishop's livestream event
Learn more about what exactly is General Conference and find out which subjects Bishop Scott Jones thinks will be discussed as he hosts a livestream event April 2.
Starting at 9 a.m. that day, the bishop will give a description of what General Conference is, how it functions and its links to the local church. He then will provide his insights into legislation that will be discussed, from issues related to human sexuality to the organization of the church to potential changes in the way bishops are elected.
Email questions you have for the bishop to David Burke, communications coordinator in the Wichita office, at dburke@greatplainsumc.org. Please type “General Conference” in the subject line. Questions can be sent ahead of the broadcast or during the event.
Watch the livestream starting at 9 a.m. April 2 on the conference’s website.
Annual Conference child care and camp registration now open
Registration for childcare during the 2016 Annual Conference Session is now open. Childcare will be provided for infants through finishing fifth graders (finishing eighth graders only if they are attending Camp Chippewa) at the Capitol Plaza Hotel (1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612). The Capitol Plaza Hotel is connected to the Kansas Expocentre, location for the Annual Conference Session.
In addition to childcare registration, Camp Chippewa is partnering with the Annual Conference to offer an overnight camp for children going into 3rd grade through 8th grade entitled "Annual Conference Faith and Fun." The camp will be June 1-3. If you have children interested, you must sign them up on the conference registration form as well as the Camp Chippewa registration. Children in third through fifth grades who choose not to attend camp may attend child care provided by the conferenceJune 1-4. More information on this camp is can be found below.
Registration for childcare will end at midnight on April 29, 2016. No late registrations will be accepted.
Click here to register for childcare and Camp Chippewa.
There is a $50 fee for the first child, a $50 fee for the second child and an additional $25 fee for each additional child. This fee covers care for the entire conference. Lunch for children on Wednesday, June 1 through Friday, June 3 is available for purchase for $7.00 per lunch.
A lactation/parent's room will be provided on site at the Kansas Expocentre in the Star B room when conference is in session and during worship services. No registration is necessary to utilize the parent's room. The room is available for nursing/pumping mothers or anyone who needs a place to be with their child while onsite. Please note that the parent's room will not have view of the plenary session. Happenings on the conference floor will be live streamed to a television.
Camp Chippewa – 'Annual Conference Faith and Fun'
This overnight camp is offered at Camp Chippewa, 2577 Idaho Road, Ottawa, KS 66067, on June 1-3. Since Annual Conference is scheduled one day longer on Saturday June 4 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a movie day will be provided onsite at the Capitol Plaza hotel.
Camp Chippewa has horseback riding, archery, swimming, low ropes, paddleboats, worship, Bible study, crafts and much more.
The cost of the camp is $145 for those who will be dropped off and picked up from the camp and $165 for those needing transportation from the Capitol Plaza Hotel to camp and back. Payments for this camp will be taken on the Camp Chippewa registration form.
Children needing transportation to the camp need to be ready at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1. Those being dropped off should arrive at the camp by 10:00 a.m. The camp completes at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 3. Children using transportation should be back at the venue at around 4:00 p.m. Those not using transportation should be picked up promptly at3:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Kim Dickerson-Oard at kim@ehumc.org or 316-682-6518.
Video provides helpful tax guidelines for clergy
Members of the Great Plains Conference clergy may have a few questions as they fill out their taxes as a result of the health care allowance and other factors.
The Rev. Gary Beach, conference treasurer and director of administrative services, provides some tips in a video produced to help clergy sort through such issues.
View the video.
Did you lose something at the 2016 Orders & Fellowship Meeting?
Here is a list of items that remained after the Orders and Fellowship meeting that have not been claimed. If any of these items belong to you, contact Dana Reinhardt at dreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org or call402-464-5994 ext. 105.
Grey Champion hooded, zip-up sweat shirt.
Beige Grand Canyon vest with fleece lining.
Three children’s books purchased from Ten Thousand Villages.
Bacon and egg card purchased from Ten Thousand Villages.
Black leather glasses case.
Orange Nalgene water bottle.
Small, green 5-star notebook.
Message from Great Plains communications team
Something has been missing on our website, and we know it’s been driving you crazy because it’s been driving us crazy. But now, we can excitedly say that the hair-pulling can stop — churches and clergy contact information are now listed on our website! Churches can be found at www.greatplainsumc.org/churches and clergy atwww.greatplainsumc.org/people. You can also go to a specific district and see all of the churches and clergy in that district (www.greatplainsumc.org/districts).
If you happen to come across an error, please let us know atinfo@greatplainsumc.org.
We are so excited about this feature, we wanted to wish you a very happy Easter in a very special way. Enjoy!
Southwestern College to inaugurate president on Founders Weekend
Southwestern College President Brad Andrews will be inaugurated during Founders Weekend at the Winfield, Kansas, school, Thursday-Sunday, April 14-17.
The inauguration ceremony will be at 4 p.m. April 14, in the Richardson Performing Arts Center. A reception will follow at 5:15 p.m. in Deets Library.
Inauguration day also will include a 10 a.m. dedication of presidential pavers and a tree planting at the Cole Mound Plaza, located at the bottom of the 77 Steps. First lady Trish Andrews will be honored at a reception at noon April 15 in Deets Library, and an exhibit of photographs by Trish Andrews will be available in the library thatTuesday through Sunday.
Read more about the details of the inauguration ceremonies.
Saint Paul School of Theology is seeking comments from the public about the institution in preparation for its comprehensive evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The institution will host a visit on Sept. 19-20, 2016 with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Saint Paul has been accredited by the Commission since 1976. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the school to:
Public Comment on Saint Paul School of Theology
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
The public may also submit comments to the Commission’s website atwww.ncahlc.org.
Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing.
All comments must be received by Aug. 19, 2016.
--------------------
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Call for camp counselors
Camps in the Great Plains Conference are still looking for camp counselors. If you or someone you know is interested in spending the summer outside, sharing your faith with children and maybe even playing a game or two of ga-ga ball, then reach out to a camp, they're spread all over the conference!
Camp Chippewa near Cozad, Nebraska:campchippewa@greatplainsumc.org
Camp Comeca near Cozad, Nebraska:comeca@greatplainsumc.org or apply here
Camp Fontanelle near Fremont, Nebraska:dbergman@greatplainsumc.org or apply here
Camp Horizon near Arkansas City, Kansas:office@horizoncenter.org
Camp Norwesca near Chadron, Nebraska:norwesca@greatplainsumc.org
Camp Lakeside near Scott City, Kansas:
andie@camplakeside.net
Many camps have an April 15 deadline, so act fast.
Bishop Jones receives honor from Nebraska governor
Who says the governor of an inland state can’t have a sense of humor while honoring his or her residents and partners? On March 15, while at an appointive cabinet meeting in Topeka, Kansas, Great Plains Conference Bishop Scott Jones was celebrated with an honor he received from Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.
That honor? Our bishop is now an admiral in the Nebraska Navy.
No word yet as to which lake or river the bishop will be assigned by the governor.
Family Fun Day at Camp Fontanelle
Camp Fontanelle will host its annual Family Fun Day on Palm Sunday, March 20.
This free event will begin at 2 p.m. and will include Easter Egg hunts, rope and harness tree climbing for hanging eggs and a Zipline Egg Drop. Bring hard-boiled eggs and decorate them at camp. The camp will have egg dye and some stickers to help provide an enjoyable day with family and friends. Animals will be at the Petting Barn and, weather permitting, the Jumping Pillows will be ready for “hopping.” A fee will be charged for the zipline.
During the Family Fun Day event, guests can register for summer camp and receive special discounts or a gift.
Camp Fontanelle is located north of Fremont and east of Blair, Nebraska, off of Highway 91. Drive 3 miles south, through the community of Fontanelle. Go to CampFontanelle.com or phone 402-478-4296 for information.
Learn about the Wesleys, others on tour of England
The Rev. Earl and Eunice Higgins are hosting a nine-day “spiritual journey” to England Nov. 6-16, 2016. This all-inclusive educational tour will showcase the beginnings of the Wesleyan movement. Participants will learn about John and Charles Wesley and the early spiritual leaders of what is now the United Methodist Church. They will visit places such as Birmingham and Coventry, Epworth, Stratford, Oxford, Bristol, Bath, Cotswolds, Gloucester and Wesley’s London. Each stop features an educational component.
Participants will have opportunities to share in special times of worship and fellowship. The costs of $3,148 per person includes the basic tour and guided sight-seeing, round-trip international airfare, administration fees, entrance fees, gratuities and program fees, daily breakfasts and dinners, deluxe motorcoaches and first-class hotels. An additional cost of $389 per person covers airfare from Lincoln, bringing the total cost to $3,546 per person.
There are two additional post-tour opportunities, including a four-day London post-tour and a five-day Ireland post-tour.
If you are interested in taking part, contact Earl and Eunice Higgins by phone at 402-438-6256 or via email at eehiggins@windstream.net. The brochure can be sent to 2634 Blaine Court, Lincoln, NE 68521.
Download the brochure.
Nebraska UM Foundation scholarships available
Beginning April 1, The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation will have scholarship applications available online for seminary students atwww.numf.org/scholarships. These scholarships are available to individuals who are members of a Nebraska United Methodist Church and pursuing an advanced ministerial degree for service in the Great Plains Conference.
Applications will be available online for the following scholarships:
Those students applying for the scholarships listed above also will be considered for the following scholarships: The Cal Leeds Scholarship, The Rev. Albert W. Winseman Scholarship Endowment, The Atherton Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund and The Andrew & Nevabelle Howe Scholarship. The Howe Scholarship is granted with assistance from the Gateway District Superintendent's Office, and preference is given to students from this district. An additional application submission will not be required for this particular group of scholarships.
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous gifts donors have made to make these scholarships possible.
If you would like to talk to someone about how you can honor the memory of a loved one or help a seminary student, please call the foundation at 877-495-5545.
Response team seeks clergy, laity
The Great Plains Conference is committed to having clergy who are people of integrity and trust. However, there are times when clergy trust is broken and there are allegations of misconduct. When misconduct happens, we take important steps to nurture healing in the local church and with all individuals involved.
One way this happens is through the presence of a response team, called upon by the bishop, whose members are present in the local church in order to listen and help people through the turmoil that results when misconduct has been suspected.
The conference is forming a Bishop’s Response Team and are recruiting both clergy and laity interested in serving in this way. Qualities that make excellent Response Team members are good listening skills, trustworthy, able to keep confidences, reliable and compassionate. People who have experience in counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution and law are especially important to have on the response team.
The initial training will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 8, through 4:30 p.m.Saturday, April 9 at either Kearney or North Platte, Nebraska. Complete information can be found at http://www.greatplainsumc.org/responseteam. Additionally, a letter of reference from a clergy person (if laity) or District Superintendent (if clergy) is necessary. Participation in the training is not a guarantee of selection by the bishop to serve on the Response Team.
This training includes an overnight and extra time in order to begin the group building that is important to a well-functioning Response Team. There is no cost for individuals to attend the training.
Learn about self-care at
Horizons of Faith event
First United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, invites you to refresh your life with the Horizons of Faith event April 22-24 at the church, 7020 Cass St.
The event features speaker Wayne Muller, author of “Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in our Busy Lives.” Muller will help participants explore self-care, how the human heart can contribute in a digital age, challenging technology and the status quo.
The overall theme for the Horizons of Faith event is “Why People Matter: How the Inefficient Human Story Brings Beauty, Truth and Sacred Wisdom to a Digital Age.”
Learn more by checking out the event’s website, where you also can register.
Registration open for Spring 201 Boundary/Ethics training
All clergy serving churches in the Great Plains Conference are required to have Safe Gatherings certification. A second training that conference policy requires is called “boundary and ethics training.” Boundary training focuses on developing healthy boundaries in ministry and is specific to the role of a clergy person. Of particular concern is the power difference between a person in a ministerial role and a member of his or her congregation or a person being counseled. Boundary training also includes conversation about personal and professional health and the use of social media. Boundary Training 101 classes were scheduled across the conference for those who have not previously had training, primarily for new clergy, DSA or CLM.
Boundary 201, the renewal course for those who have previously had Boundary/Ethics training, are now scheduled for spring 2016. Boundary training must be renewed every four years. Most likely, if you have been in ministry for more than four years, you need your training renewed if you did not take a course (either 101 or 201) in 2015 or early 2016. You can check your renewal date by calling or emailing your district office.
There are currently five Boundary 201 trainings scheduled across the conference in April. Each site has a limited number of attendees, so please register early.
All trainings begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. The cost for lunch and the participant book is $25, but the Board of Ordained Ministry is covering a portion of this, so your cost is only $10. You may register for any of these trainings. Refunds will be given only if cancellation is made at least weeks before the training.
Boundary 101 courses, for those needing their first Boundary training, will be scheduled this fall in various locations. If you would like to know those dates and locations, please check www.greatplainsumc.org/boundarytraining in July or August. Fall dates for Boundary 101 and 201 will not be scheduled until this summer. You may also contact your district office for information, the Rev. Nancy Lambert at nlambert@greatplainsumc.org or 402-464-5994, ext 126.
201 renewal trainings - register now.
This year, 2016, marks the 30th anniversary of DISCIPLE’s inception, and we’re making stops across the country to meet with people who love this study as much as we do!
These celebrations will be a time to meet people involved in the study, share memories, meet old friends and new, and celebrate the impact the study has had over the past 30 years. We’ll even have a commemorative lapel pin for you. We would love to see you at any one of the receptions! Want to be involved, but can’t attend a celebration? Take a picture of yourself with your manual and share it with us on Facebook or Twitter and follow along at #DISCIPLE30.
Visit www.beadisciple.com/DISCIPLE30 for more information and a printable poster for your church detailing the celebrations.
Early bird deadline is today for Congregational Care seminar
Today is the deadline for an early bird price discount for the Congregational Care Ministry Seminar at The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. The seminar will be conducted April 7-9 and is designed to equip volunteers to come alongside pastors and staff in caring for the congregation.
For details and registration, visit cor.org/ccm. Questions may be directed to Kathy Carter at kathy.carter@cor.org, phone 913-544-0272, or Kari Burgess at kari.burgess@cor.org, phone 913-232-4139.
Lay Servant Ministry launches informative newsletter
The Lay Servant Ministry participants in the Great Plains Conference have a new tool to stay informed about developments within the program with a newsletter that will be published seasonally.
The Spring edition was emailed out to participants last week, with a goal of informing more people about what this important ministry is doing in Kansas and Nebraska.
Read the newsletter.2016 GP Lay Servant Committee Members DAVID WASSERFALLEN, Five Rivers Dist. drw1490@hotmail.com MARVIN TISCHHAUSER, Flint Hills tseeds@tctelco.net JULIE SCHROPP, Kansas City Julie.schropp@gmail.com PAT MCREYNOLDS, Parsons District pemcreynolds@hotmail.com KIRK PEMBERTON, Topeka District kpembert1@gmail.com JAMES C. THOMPSON, Hays District jamiet@ruraltel.net DAN HUTTON, Dodge City District dthutton@sbcglobal.net PHYLLIS STOPPEL, Hutchinson District stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com JANICE GILLBERG & SUSAN HIGBEE Co-Chairs, Salina District jgillberg@wpmpath.com susan.higbee@cox.net DION LEFLER, Wichita East District lefler74@msn.com dlefler@wichitaeagle.com PAUL SAAS, Wichita West District paul@paulsaas.com JAN CLAASSEN, Blue River District jclaassen3@charter.net CAROL JEAN STAPLETON, Elkhorn Valley cstapleton@greatplainsumc.org ARDITH DAVENPORT, Gateway District a.r.davenport@gmail.com GLORIA LOUCH, Great West District gjlouch@gmail.com BRYAN HANKINS, Missouri Valley District heartlandhouse@cox.net JEANIE LEEPER, Prairie Rivers District leeps4christ@gmail.com MARY FEIT, Conference Director, Chair marykfeit@windstream.net CAROLYN MAY, Conf. Lay Leader Assoc. carolyncollinsmay@yahoo.com MICKI MCCORKLE, Conference Staff mmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org What is this thing we call Lay Servant Ministry? by David Wasserfallen When John Wesley was asked to assess a congregation, he responded with three questions: 1) Have they Faith? 2) Have they Fire? 3) Have they Fruit? A Lay Servant (or Lay Speaker) is a person then who, during the course of their life, has acquired faith, has encountered the fire of the Holy Spirit and who wants to bear fruit—that is, to respond to the call they feel from God. All three elements are necessary— without faith, we have no direction; without fire, we’ll never get anything done; and without the will to bear fruit, we could again very easily wind up doing nothing. Another, more concise, way of saying this is embodied in the mission statement of my home church—“To know Christ, and to make Christ known.” To approach the question from a slightly different angle, there was once a fairly popular saying to the effect that a Christian should be part of two groups—one in which they were fed (to know Christ) and one in which they fed others (to make Christ known). All of the above is a fair description of a Lay Servant—with one other factor added in. Everybody has spiritual gifts. Everyone’s spiritual gifts are different. Some have the gift of preaching (ie: Lay Speakers), some have the gift of teaching (ie: leading a Bible or other faith based study), some are helpers, some are organizers, and some have other gifts. The Lay Servant responds to God’s call by using the particular spiritual gifts they have been given to advance the kingdom of God in this world. In other words, a Lay Servant is also a leader. continued on page 2… LAY SERVANT NEWS LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES l GREAT PLAINS CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH l SPRING 2016 Welcome, Great Plains Lay Servants Welcome to the first edition of the Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Newsletter. I see this as a wonderful way to encourage networking among all lay servants in the conference as well as supporting the work of the District Lay Servant Ministries Directors. The theme for the newsletter is pulled from David Wasserfallen’s article included in this edition. David is the Five Rivers District LSM Director. Faith, Fire, and Fruit seems very appropriate for our role as lay servants in supporting the mission of the church. I also want to express my gratitude to Pam Savery, the Blue River District Administrative Assistant. As if she doesn’t have enough to do, Pam volunteered to publish the newsletter for us. Pam is also a Lay Servant and very supportive of our movement. I hope you enjoy the information and find it helpful in discerning your place in this important work. Articles for this newsletter would be very welcome. Mary Feit, CLS, Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Director marykfeit@windstream.net ____________ In This Issue What is Lay Servant Ministry? . . . . . . . . . P1-2 Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P2 Upcoming Training Opportunities . . . . . . . . . P3 GP Lay Servant Ministries Committee . . . . P4 GP LSM Committee Grandfathers Lay Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P5 Lay Speaker Certification Courses . . . . . . . P5 Dist.Committees Process Annual Reports . . P6 What is Lay Servant Ministry? …continued from page 1 This may mean taking the pulpit to deliver a sermon, or it may mean leading a study of some sort, or doing a music ministry, or working with the youth, or helping at the local Food Pantry or Clothes Closet—or it may mean something entirely different. Each Lay Servant choses their own path in their response to their call with the guidance and with the support of their local church, and the District and Conference Lay Servant Ministry committees. The two things that we can be sure of in this ministry is that there are needs out there in the world that are not being met, and that God has commanded us to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’. The Lay Servant is trying to respond to God’s call to use their talents to spread God’s kingdom in a hurt and broken world. There is plenty of opportunity. This may mean ‘stepping outside the box’— coming up with solutions to problems in your ministry area that are innovative and tailored to the specific problem you’re trying to address, instead of trying to apply ‘cookie-cutter’ approaches without serious thought about what you’re trying to accomplish. God deals with people, not with problems—and so must the Lay Servant. Any problem needs to be approached with careful thought and prayer, remembering that we must deal with people, but as a preacher said in one memorable sermon at Annual Conference a number of years ago—“Our founder was so far outside the box that he wouldn’t even stay in his own grave!” With appropriate care, ‘going outside the box’ can free us to work God’s will more effectively. Where are the needs in your area? How can you be a force to help meet those needs? What is the best way to approach this situation? What does God want me to do here? These are some of the practical questions that Lay Servants face. But we can never lose sight of the fact that we’re dealing with people. Or that we’re trying to do God’s will for this world. DATE DISTRICT LOCATION TOPICS/COURSES CONTACT Fr-St. Mar.11-12 Hutchinson Heartland Center Basic Course stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com Fr-St. Mar.11-12 Hutchinson Heartland Center Spiritual Gifts stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com Fr-St. Mar.11-12 Hutchinson Heartland Center Leading Worship stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Sat., Mar. 12 Elkhorn Valley Norfolk, Nebraska Leading in Prayer cjsjoy@nntc.net Sat., Mar. 12 Elkhorn Valley Norfolk, Nebraska Leading in Worship cjsjoy@nntc.net _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Th-St, Apr 7-9 Kansas City Kansas City, MO Pastoral Care http://www.cor.org/sharechurch, click on Leawood, then Congregational Care Ministry Seminar _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Fr-St, Apr 8-9 Blue River Lincoln, Nebraska Multimedia Worship blueriver@greatplainsumc.org _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Basic Course pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Discipleship pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Leading in Prayer pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Ministry & Aging pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org _______________________________________________________________________________________________ April 15-16 Hays & Dodge Camp Lakeside Basic Course plahey@pld.com April 15-16 Hays & Dodge Camp Lakeside Go Preach plahey@pld.com Fri-Saturday Camp Lakeside UM Center is near Scott City, KS Contact Patty Lahey, Registrar, with questions: 2711 Rd. Z, Moscow, KS 67952 H: 620-598-2290 / Cell: 620-544-9365 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Fr-St, July 8-9 Prairie Rivers Hastings, NE Leadership leeps4christ@gmail.com Lay Servant Ministries Upcoming Training Opportunities Great Plains Lay Servant Ministries Committee The first meeting of the Great Plains Lay Servant Ministries Committee (GPLSMC) occurred September 26, 2015. Many of us were able to gather in a central location (Kearney, Nebraska) and others joined us via teleconference. According to the Book of Discipline 2012, this committee is required as part of the organization and process for our ministry. Membership of the committee consists of the 17 Great Plains Conference District Directors. Ex Officio members include Carolyn May, representing the conference lay leaders, and Micki McCorkle of the conference staff. The conference committee’s responsibilities include: Provide guidance and support to the District LSM Committees. Review and approve alternative courses as well as standards for the role of lay servant. Organize and/or encourage district and/or conference wide events. Assist district directors in maintaining accurate records. Provide final approval of Lay Speakers based on recommendations from the district committees. The committee met again on Saturday, February 20, 2016. The central gathering place was Salina, Kansas with others joining via teleconference. The agenda included approval of Lay Speakers for 2016, review of the strategic and communication plans, and review of policies and procedures. Mary Feit Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Director Faith Fire Fruit Faith Fire Fruit Faith Fire Fruit Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Committee Grandfathers Lay Speakers On October 8, 2015 the Great Plains Lay Servant Ministries Committee agreed to grandfather Lay Speakers into the role if they were approved as Lay Speakers before January 1, 2013. The new requirements for Lay Speakers set forth by the 2012 General Conference did not address grandfathering. The Conference Committee developed this policy to address how to implement the Lay Speaker designation in the Great Plains Conference. All Lay Speakers are expected to comply with the new requirements. If a Lay Speaker certified before January 1, 2013 has not completed the required courses listed below, they will be counseled by their district committee to take those courses when reasonably possible. The following policy will apply to those grandfathered as well as all new applicants. Policy Lay Speaker status is not requested until the following courses are completed by Certified Lay Servants (unless grandfathered). The application will include the approval of the charge conference and the pastor’s recommendation as indicated by their signatures on the application form. You may request a copy of the complete policy at marykfeit@windstream.net. Specific courses approved for Lay Speaker designation are: 1. Leading Worship - current Discipleship Ministries or previous GBOD (General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church) course on Worship, or BeADisciple.com “Leading Worship 101” course. 2. Leading Prayer - current Discipleship Ministries or immediate past GBOD course focused on public prayer. 3. Discovering Spiritual Gifts – current Discipleship Ministries or past GBOD course with no policy on the specific spiritual gifts inventory used. 4. Preaching – either of the current Discipleship Ministries or one of the two GBOD courses “Go Preach” or “From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon.” Only courses in which sermons were prepared as part of the course work will be accepted (i.e., the Alyce MacKenzie courses such as “Five Alive” will not be accepted). This course must be taken face-to-face. 5. UM Heritage - “Living Our United Methodist Beliefs” Discipleship Ministries course or past GBOD UM Heritage course. 6. UM Polity –Current Discipleship Ministries or the GBOD course “Life Together in the United Methodist Connection.” 7. Basic Course – any previously approved LSM Basic course is acceptable. This course must be taken faceto-face. Advance Course credit for teaching the Basic Course is not acceptable. Credit can be given for taking an advanced course if an individual teaches an Advance Course. District LSM Committees Process Annual Reports Reviewing the Lay Servant/Lay Speaker Annual Reports is a responsibility of the District Lay Servant Ministries Committee according to the Book of Discipline. All Lay Servant Ministry (LSM) Annual Report forms, after processing through the individual’s clergy and charge conference, are forwarded to the District LSM Director/Committee. Each District LSM Committee is given some latitude for setting standards for approval for each LSM role. The committee may also counsel each applicant on courses or other activities they believe would strengthen the individual’s gifts and skills. Approval of each lay servant role must include the following: For approval as a Local Church Lay Servant, the requirement is to complete the Basic Course and retake the Basic Course, a Refresher Course, or an Advanced Course every three years. Also, the individual is expected to meet any other standards established by the district committee. For approval as a Certified Lay Servant, the requirement is to complete the Basic Course and at least one Advanced Course. To be renewed, the applicant must take an Advanced Course at least every three years. Also, the individual is expected to meet any other standards established by the district committee. For approval as a Lay Speaker, the educational requirement is to complete the Basic Course plus the six prescribed Advanced Courses (preaching, praying, planning worship, polity, spiritual gifts, and history). To be renewed, the applicant must take any Advanced Course at least every three years. Also, the individual is expected to meet any other standards established by the district committee. If a Lay Speaker certified before January 1, 2013 was grandfathered into the Lay Speaker role but has not completed the required courses listed above, they should be encouraged by their District Committee to take those courses when reasonably possible. This does not preclude them from taking other Advanced Courses. The Lay Speaker review must also include an interview process initially and every three years. The committee may decide to include other elements in this review such as a recording and/or evaluation of a sermon, evidence of mentoring, pulpit supply experience if applicable, description of devotional life, and other elements deemed appropriate by the district committee. Keep in mind the Lay Speaker role may or may not include pulpit supply. A letter of approval or disapproval is sent by the district to each Local Church Lay Servant or Certified Lay Servant. Lay Speaker Annual Reports are forwarded to the Conference LSM Committee for review. The conference will send letters to Lay Speakers.
Learn more about upcoming trainings, including some that have deadlines drawing near, by going to the LSM page on the conference website.Learn about General Conference during bishop’s livestream event
Learn more about what exactly is General Conference and find out which subjects Bishop Scott Jones thinks will be discussed as he hosts a livestream event April 2.
Starting at 9 a.m. that day, the bishop will give a description of what General Conference is, how it functions and its links to the local church. He then will provide his insights into legislation that will be discussed, from issues related to human sexuality to the organization of the church to potential changes in the way bishops are elected.
Email questions you have for the bishop to David Burke, communications coordinator in the Wichita office, at dburke@greatplainsumc.org. Please type “General Conference” in the subject line. Questions can be sent ahead of the broadcast or during the event.
Watch the livestream starting at 9 a.m. April 2 on the conference’s website.
Connectional Table begins series on human sexuality
Continuing the conversation around key topics related to General Conference 2016, The Connectional Table begins a new series of #CTTalks. #CTTalks is an online forum, a series of videos and social media conversations around key topics related to General Conference 2016. This month highlights the work done by The Connectional Table and the Council of Bishops over the last quadrennium related to matters of human sexuality.
This month’s videos will highlight the process that led to The Connectional Table’s decision to propose A Third Way legislation, and to the statement of core values made by the Council of Bishops Task Force on Human Sexuality, Gender and Race. This is a pressing issue for our life together as The United Methodist Church in the 21st century. Interviewees include Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, chair of The Connectional Table Legislative Writing Team and Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, chair of this Council of Bishops Task Force.
“We have tried to focus on what we do as bishops,” Wenner said of the COB Task Force. “We live, as the whole church does, with the strong conviction that God’s grace is for all… as those who are called to be leaders of the church, to guard the faith, and to work towards unity, and to be shepherds of the whole flock, how can we create space and openness for all people in our denomination so that we can fulfill our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?”
#CTTalks provides a way of engaging audiences with information about General Conference. The #CTTalks conversation is designed to be used by delegates and delegations of annual conferences as they study and discuss issues that will be addressed at General Conference 2016. Weekly video posts include interviews with United Methodist bishops, Connectional Table members, and other leaders from across the denomination. Delegates are invited to ask questions of the interviewees in advance via Twitter using the hashtag #CTTalks.
An accompanying one-page conversation starter is available for delegates to use to continue the dialogue. The videos and the handout will be available on the Connectional Table website at www.umc.org/cttalks-human-sexuality.
General Conference will be May 10-20, in Portland, Oregon.
The Connectional Table is where leaders of The United Methodist Church discern and articulate the vision for the church and where ministry and money are brought to the same table to coordinate the mission, ministries and resources of the church.
Symposium on extremist religions, violence engages faith groups
Recently the United Nations office of the General Board of Church and Society, along with the World Council of Churches and the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, partnered to organize the 2016 Symposium “Religion, Violence and Extremism” to engage faith-based organizations along with United Nations member countries and civil society organizations in addressing issues of violence and extremism and the role of religion.
In her opening remarks, the Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, Church and Society General Secretary, urged the 130 participants to “engender an understanding of the positive role that religion plays in the public sphere in promoting peace and security, sustainable development, human dignity and human rights.”
The Rev. Liberato Bautista, who leads the United Methodist Church’s ministry of presence at the United Nations, stated ”Our social principles as a church and our resolve that Christ is our peace, provides us with the blueprint to search for success in this struggle.”
Bautista referred to new language being submitted at the upcoming General Conference by the General Board of Church and Society, to update the United Methodist Church’s understanding of peace.
“We cannot talk of Christ our peace as an alternative,” Bautista said. “We have become accustomed to phrases like ‘seeking an alternative to war’ as if peace is an alternative. We see Christ as fundamental to our being. Therefore Peace must be fundamental, the antidote to war, violence and extremism."
Read the article.
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Women Trailblazers in Medicine
Learn about extraordinary women from the past and present
For International Women's Day (March 8) Church and Society compiled a quiz about women around the world who lifted up the health concerns of other women. read more»
March 10, 2016
Interfaith Coalition sends letter to House leadership on criminal justice
The Interfaith Criminal Justice Coalition organized almost 50 faith communities to address Congress
The letter calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass three bipartisan criminal justice reform bills. read more»
March 10, 2016
Symposium Work Proves Vital in Election Year
Church and Society's UN office co-hosts gathering on extremism
The second annual Symposium on the Role of Religion took place at the United Nations in February. read more»
by Jeneane Jones on March 10, 2016
Church and Society Joins Faith-based Leaders Committed to Genocide Prevention
Supporting legislation to prevent violent conflict
Senators Ben Cardin and Thom Tillis are proposing legislation to make the inter-agency Atrocities Prevention Board a mainstay. read more»
by Jeneane Jones on March 10, 2016
United Methodists addressing HIV and AIDS
The HIV-AIDS Pandemic is Not Over
The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund continues their work to address HIV and AIDS around the world. read more»
by Jeneane Jones on March 10, 2016
On religious extremism and violence
We cannot talk of Christ our peace as an alternative. We have become accustomed to phrases like ‘seeking an alternative to war’ as if peace is an alternative. We see Christ as fundamental to our being. Therefore Peace must be fundamental, the antidote to war, violence and extremism.
– Rev. Levi Bautista
learn more »
Faith in Action: Social Principles in Nigeria, religious extremism, criminal justice reform, water
MARCH 10, 2016
Church and Society’s Central America Project
Symposium Work Proves Vital in Election Year
Two Positions Open at Church and Society
Women Trailblazers in Medicine
Church and Society Joins Faith-based Leaders Committed to Genocide Prevention
Flint’s corrosive water sparks debate on US resource inequity
Interfaith Coalition sends letter to House leadership on criminal justice
An Advocacy Opportunity for United Methodists
United Methodists addressing HIV and AIDS
What happens when the Social Principles become a way of life in Northern Nigeria
Young Adults Answering God’s Call on the Hill
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Faith in Action: Social Principles in Nigeria, religious extremism, criminal justice reform, water
MARCH 10, 2016
Faith In Action: Job Openings at GBCS, Black History Month, Justice Scalia, Internships
FEBRUARY 25, 2016
Faith In Action: Advent, Islam, Refugees, Climate Change, Mary, Criminal Justice Reform, Malaria
DECEMBER 18, 2015
Thanksgiving Faith in Action
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Watch recording of Justice for Our Neighbors livestream event
The Great Plains Conference hosted a live webinar featuring Justice for Our Neighbors-Nebraska as a means of starting to help congregations understand what their duties would be if they decide to assist refugees coming to the United States.
The webinar started off with stories of people who already have settled in Nebraska after escaping harrowing situations. The second part of the webinar featured ideas for churches to consider as they try to help immigrants.
Watch the recorded broadcast.
A work team of eight sponsored by the Arapahoe UMC in Nebraska helped out at the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, from March 7-11.
Various jobs of painting and repairs occupied the group during the week. This was the sixth trip to Lydia Patterson for the group and it was an opportunity to renew old friendships as well as a time of service to the school, students and staff.
The group feels that they receive as much as they give at the school located in the Segundo Barrio area of El Paso. Group members were from the Arapahoe, Harvard and Aurora, Nebraska, and Maryville, Missouri, communities.
Caney church opens doors for community meals
The Caney United Methodist Church in Kansas welcomes the community to a fellowship meal every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Starting promptly at 5 p.m., food is served while it lasts, but the fellowship can continue until 6 pm. The free “community meal” is served buffet style in the basement level of the church. The community meals are
open to all in our community.
This past Wednesday, those attending feasted on a dozen varieties of homemade soups, relishes, cornbread, and desserts. About 40 people have been joining together and enjoying the home cooking, sharing stories and friendship. On any given night, someone may play tunes on the piano, show off their newest grandchild or tell jokes.
About two years ago a group in the church saw a need in the community for a meal that would provide fellowship, friendship and food. A twice-a-month meal was planned and started.
“The meal gives us an opportunity to reach out,” Jerod Rigdon, a member of the initial group, said. “We are practicing the tradition of ‘methods’ for which Methodists are named: a founding principle for getting out into the community and serving others. The opportunity to serve others by working together has greatly benefited us within our church as well as the community.”
Anyone can bring food as well as serve. The volunteers on Wednesdays include many people in the church who bring, serve or clean up, and still others have helped fund the community meal through food or cash donations. Those from the church benefit in the fellowship with others and in practicing their Christian faith.
New assistant
joins Missouri River
District staff
The Missouri River District has announced that Kristin Eschliman has joined the staff as the administrative assistant.
Kristin served in a career in information technology prior to transitioning to become a stay-at-home mom. She said her return to the workforce in her employment prior to joining the Missouri River District prepared her to learn and grow. She sees her new role as a calling to serve the Lord.
“I am excited to be working here and looking forward to getting to know and meet everyone in the conference,” she said.
She has been married for 21 years to Steve, and they have two sons, a high school senior and freshman. They are members of Faith Westwood United Methodist Church in Omaha and are very active as small group leaders, with the food pantry, praise choir and where ever they are called to serve. She recently enrolled in School of Lay Ministry in the Iowa Conference and will be a 2018 graduate of the program.
”We are extremely blessed to have such a highly qualified and committed person as our administrative assistant, said the Rev. Dr. Dan Flanagan, Missouri River District superintendent. “We had many applicants, but Kris stood out in her experience and her character. She is spiritually mature, a strong United Methodist. She will be a valuable asset to our district and the conference!”
Kristin can be reached via email at missouririver@greatplainsumc.org. Or call her at 402-898-9862.
KAUMF March Certificate of Participation rates
A Certificate of Participation is an investment in building the United Methodist witness through the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation’s loan program for Kansas United Methodist churches and agencies. A Certificate of Participation is a time investment. A Kansas individual, agency or church may invest a $1,000 minimum for one or two year participation so that you may strengthen the expansion of the United Methodist witness.
Certificate of Participation March rate:
One Year: 1.20 percent
Two Year: 1.50 percentTo learn more how you may increase your investments at the same time expanding the United Methodist witness, download promotional material for your church such as fliers, postcards or newsletters/bulletin ads, etc. atwww.kaumf.org or call 888-453-8405.
Discipleship Ministries to offer free webinar March 17
If there was a stack of money that had fallen behind the church refrigerator, you’d go looking for it, right? Well, there may be a nice sum of money that has left your church in the form of taxes you didn’t need to pay, or rebates to which your church may be entitled! Guest speaker is Monte Chamberlin, an expert in helping churches find this money. He can quickly help your church determine if it might be worth a look!
Finding Money That Went Missing: Recovering Funds That Can Be Used for Mission will be held Thursday, March 17, 6:30 p.m., CDT.
Register now.
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Editorials & Blogs:
Lay Equalization Petition May Have Opposite Effect
In Layman’s Terms: Holy Week is kind of like a roller coaster. We start on a high point with the celebration of Jesus entering Jerusalem, come rushing downward with the crucifixion of Christ and then end at a high point with the resurrection of Jesus and the gift of grace. Communications Director Todd Seifert shares some thoughts on holy week in his latest blog.Newsletters:
Global Ministries: connectNmission
Ministry Matters: March 17, 2016
Global Ministries: Global Health
UMC Development Center: Spiritual Giving
United Methodist Communications: MyCom
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.Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement information distributed in GPconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Great Plains Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@greatplainsumc.org.
Want More?
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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Conference offices to be closed on Good Friday
The Great Plains Conference offices in Lincoln, Topeka and Wichita will be closed March 25 in observance of Good Friday. We hope you all have a happy and blessed Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
Church leaders learn to ease anxieties
More than 50 laity and clergy from the Elkhorn Valley District came together recently for a workshop with the Rev. Bill Selby from the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies.
The morning started off with some group exercises.
“I encourage you to go to places where you might be uncomfortable – like greeting new people,” Selby explained. There is a lot of anxiety in our churches. We can be anxious about survival of our congregation or about growth, which always means change.
“Go for growth,” he told the gathering, “It is a lot more fun!”
Persons with healthy leadership skills focus on themselves, not others; strength, not weakness; process, not content; and integrity, not unity.
“Jesus was comfortable with losing 10 percent of his followers at the end. He didn’t give power to the most anxious person in the group,” Selby said.
Participants had many “a-ha” moments throughout the day.
We need to be aware of not becoming host cells for the anxiety of others, Selby said. We need to stay connected to the anxious members in our congregations without getting enmeshed in their anxiety. That can mean listening and asking for more information but letting them own their anxiety.
And of course, we ourselves have every right to be anxious too. But if we are able to reflect on this, we are able to use our thinking brain (the cortex) and not the “react and survival” or Reptilian brain in our actions.
After a full day of valuable learning, church leaders went back to their local churches with new tools to deal with change and hopefully growth.
Spirituality Retreat in June to focus on spiritual practices
Flowing Streams, a three-day spiritual experience retreat, will be conducted June 24-26 at Manna House of Prayer in Concordia, Kansas.
Leader for Flowing Streams 2016 is the Rev. Jane Vennard, a noted retreat leader and spiritual formation teacher and author. Her latest book is “Fully Awake and Truly Alive” (Skylight Paths Publishing, 2014). In her book, she encourages the readers to develop spiritual practices as a living part of their whole nature.
Participants can expect to be involved in presentations, spiritual practices, worship, silence for reflection and conversation in small groups.
The retreat is sponsored by the Nebraska Covenant Community and the Great Plains Conference Academy Council. It uses a format similar to that of the Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation. Lay persons and clergy of various religious affiliations are welcome.
Registration is now open for the retreat. You may register online atwww.gpspiritualformation.org, or for more information, contact Rev. James Brewer, jamesbrewer136@gmail.com, or call him at (402) 992-2729.
Author, campus minister to lecture on how Jesus saved the world
The Rev. Morgan Guyton is the featured speaker at the inaugural Don and Pat Loyd Memorial Lecture Series at First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha, Kansas.
The lecture, “How Jesus Saves the World from Us,” will begin at 4 p.m.May 1 at the church.
Guyton is a United Methodist elder and campus minister who leads the NOLA Wesley Foundation at Tulane and Loyala in New Orleans.
He blogs and contributes articles to the Huffington Post, Red Letter Christians, Think Christian, Ministry Matters and United Methodist Reporter.
Contact the church office at fumc@carsoncomm.com for information about pre-ordering a copy of Guyton’s new book, which shares the same name as his lecture.
No registration is required prior to the event, which is free.
See the flier.
‘Baby Boomers and Beyond’ theme of talk, workshop
Our population is turning 65 at an unprecedented rate in the Baby Boomer generation, and this massive group of people is approaching the later years of life in a radically different way than previous generations.
The Tempero/Sandall Endowed Fellowship of Topeka First UMC United Methodist Church and Phase 2: The Community of Boomers of Topeka First UMC welcomes Amy Hanson on Sunday, April 10. Hanson, a speaker, writer and consultant has a passion to help older adults discover a life of Christ-centered meeting and purpose. The author of “Baby Boomers and Beyond,” Hanson will speak at 8:15 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. She will then conduct a 2 p.m. workshop, “Breaking Down the Age Barriers: Understanding the Baby Boomers and Creating Intergenerational Connections.”
Discover in this workshop how the time, experience and resources of this generation are essential to the ministry of your church and community. Learn how to engage and unleash every generation to come together and make a significant impact for Christ. No registration is necessary for worship or the afternoon workshop. This event is free and open to everyone.
Youngest campers at Fontanelle get half-price offer
Looking at taking your pre-schooler or early grade schooler to camp this summer? It is not too late to take advantage of the Early Bird Special with the Guardian Angel and SonShine Camps at Camp Fontanelle, near Nickerson, Nebraska. Through March 31, register for a Guardian Angel or SonShine Camp and receive 50 percent off the camp fee.
These camps are meant to introduce young campers, with an adult, to church camp. Campers will have a chance to get a taste of the activities at Camp Fontanelle with a 24- or 48-hour camp. There will be swimming (weather permitting), crafts, a Petting Barn experience, worship, hiking and more. Sleep under the stars in treeboats, or in the woods in A-Frame cabins to experience true nature. There are a limited number of beds in the lodge for a different experience.
Go to campfontanelle.com and click on the “register for camp” tab. Take the time to spend some quality time with your child this summer. This is a great camp for grandparents or aunts and uncles to spend time with their young school-age relative.
Columbus congregation learns about Islamic faith
First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Nebraska, on March 13 hosted Abdul Raheem Yaseer to speak on “Understanding the Islamic Faith.” Yaseer is the assistant director and a senior adviser of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also a member of the Islamic community of Omaha and an adviser at the Afghan Islamic Community Center of Omaha.
The Christian Social Witness team from FUMC invited Yaseer to speak to the congregation about Islam as a way to become more educated on the subject. This came because of the bishop’s request to host Syrian refugee families. Yaseer informed those in attendance about the beliefs and actions of practicing Muslims. He took questions from the audience and finished by sharing how the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States affected him as a Muslim.
Tickets on sale, donations sought for UMM 100 Club auction
The 27th annual United Methodist Men’s 100 Club scholarship dinner and auction has been scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road in Topeka, Kansas.
This event uses more than 70 percent of the auction proceeds as well as part of the money raised from the dinner to go to scholarships for young men and women entering full-time Christian service. This year, the featured speakers will be Anita Crips, executive director of the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation, and Alan Herndon, executive of the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation.
Corporate sponsorships are available. And tickets to the dinner are on sale for $35 each. Donate today or purchase a meal ticket by calling402-210-4885 or sending an email to auctioneer_32@msn.com. Go togpsold.com for a listing and photos of auction items to be sold as the event draws nearer.
View the flier.
Help make our communities a 'welcome place' for refugees
Thank you to all who participated in the first livestream webinar on March 10. If you were unable to view live, watch the recording on the Conference website.
Your church can volunteer in many ways. Co-sponsors make a 90-day commitment to the refugees in one of the following ways.
As Guides: co-sponsors supply initial food, goods and clothing for refugees. They introduce refugees to the U.S. culture, acquainting them with important aspects of American life, culture and customs.
As Friends: co-sponsors offer friendship, emotional support and encouragement as refugees adjust to U.S. culture. Co-sponsors share in the cultural heritage of refugees and honor their customs and traditions.
As Advocates: to help ensure refugees are not exploited, discriminated against or taken advantage of, co-sponsors encourage refugees to connect with other refugees for mutual support, and to network with other groups to foster multi-cultural communication and understanding.
There are also 3 Levels to the co-sponsorships:
Level 1: collects a variety of household items and clothing. Purchase culturally-appropriate groceries for the new family.
Level 2: collects a variety of household items, clothing, meets the new family at the airport, and shares their first meal with them. Purchases culturally appropriate groceries for the new family.
Level 3: levels 1 and 2, plus commits to visiting the family at least once a week for three to six months.
The detailed list of items to be purchased can be obtained by emailing Rev. Hollie Tapley at htapley@greatplainsumc.org.
Rev. Tapley is currently working with Church World Services and Lutheran Family Services on a procedure for connecting churches with families. The details will be announced as they are finalized.
Disaster Response information
As we continue to pray and support Hesston United Methodist Church and the community following the active shooter incident, there have been inquiries concerning how to handle these types of situations. Your Disaster Response Ministry offers an active shooter training, free to any church, business or other organization. Contact the Rev. Hollie Tapley, conference disaster response coordinator, athtapley@greatplainsumc.org to find out more information and to schedule a training.
Ellis United Methodist Church in Ellis, Kansas is sponsoring a Connecting Neighbors Training on Saturday, April 30. All area churches and individuals are invited to be a part of this all day training as we discuss how to prepare our families, churches and how to respond after a disaster. Ellis UMC will be providing lunch, with a freewill donation. To RSVP for the class and meal please email Pastor Tricia North atellisumc@gbta.net .
Spring is here and so has disaster season! It’s not too late to schedule an ERT (early response team) training at your church to prepare individuals on how to respond in times of disaster. All ERT’s must be Safe Gatherings certified and have completed an eight-hour training session. Contact Rev. Tapley at htapley@greatplainsumc.org to volunteer to host a training in your area.
Peace Conference attendee from Great Plains shares experience
In November, three representatives from the Great Plains Conference attended the Peace Conference at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. The theme was “Longing for Peace/Exploring the Heart of God.” The conference focused on the spiritual roots and foundations that support the search for peace in the three Abrahamic faith traditions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Ana Marsella from Grace United Methodist Church in, Topeka shares her experience:
The Lake Junaluska Peace Conference is an event that those who love God and want to love more like God should join.
I really feel blessed I was able to attend because it opened my heart to other ways to see God. I love people and I believe that only God knows each individual’s heart. This conference helped me see things from different perspectives. It really woke me up to realizing that the whole world is full of different religions and people who in their own way and culture worship the same God.
I love to worship God with music (even though I don’t play any instruments) and one of the things that impacted me most was the music of Yuval Ron (www.yuvalronmusic.com). One of the songs we sang was “Shalom, Salaam, Hallelujah.” Besides having a different and distinctive sound and beat, which I loved, it brought all the people together at the opening of the conference. You could feel the unanimous desire to worship God and the willingness of everybody present to have no barriers between religions. We were Christians, Jews and Muslims singing together in one voice to one God.
It was a unique experience. We heard different perspectives from different faith traditions from speakers from all over the world who talked about issues we are facing in our world today. I felt the motivation to work and do my part to promote peace in the community I live in and anywhere I go. I feel that I have more knowledge now and I’m able to speak with others about not looking at the barrier “religion or denomination” but looking at the individual and believing in the only God who loves all the same.
The beauty and the peace of the place and the connection with the majesty of God’s creation added to this conference and made me look towards the future. I became more informed and aware of world conflicts and ways to build a place where people can live in peace. We need to work for a safe and healthy environment where instead of attacking and hurting people we can all come together and feel the love of God for all his creation.
Ana was one of three recipients of Peace with Justice scholarships to attend this Peace Conference. You will hear from the other two participants in the coming weeks.
Learn about General Conference during bishop's livestream event
Learn more about what exactly is General Conference and find out which subjects Bishop Scott Jones thinks will be discussed as he hosts a livestream event April 2.
Starting at 9 a.m. that day, the bishop will give a description of what General Conference is, how it functions and its links to the local church. He then will provide his insights into legislation that will be discussed, from issues related to human sexuality to the organization of the church to potential changes in the way bishops are elected.
Email questions you have for the bishop to David Burke, communications coordinator in the Wichita office, at dburke@greatplainsumc.org. Please type “General Conference” in the subject line. Questions can be sent ahead of the broadcast or during the event.
Watch the livestream starting at 9 a.m. April 2 on the conference’s website.
Annual Conference child care and camp registration now open
Registration for childcare during the 2016 Annual Conference Session is now open. Childcare will be provided for infants through finishing fifth graders (finishing eighth graders only if they are attending Camp Chippewa) at the Capitol Plaza Hotel (1717 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66612). The Capitol Plaza Hotel is connected to the Kansas Expocentre, location for the Annual Conference Session.
In addition to childcare registration, Camp Chippewa is partnering with the Annual Conference to offer an overnight camp for children going into 3rd grade through 8th grade entitled "Annual Conference Faith and Fun." The camp will be June 1-3. If you have children interested, you must sign them up on the conference registration form as well as the Camp Chippewa registration. Children in third through fifth grades who choose not to attend camp may attend child care provided by the conferenceJune 1-4. More information on this camp is can be found below.
Registration for childcare will end at midnight on April 29, 2016. No late registrations will be accepted.
Click here to register for childcare and Camp Chippewa.
There is a $50 fee for the first child, a $50 fee for the second child and an additional $25 fee for each additional child. This fee covers care for the entire conference. Lunch for children on Wednesday, June 1 through Friday, June 3 is available for purchase for $7.00 per lunch.
A lactation/parent's room will be provided on site at the Kansas Expocentre in the Star B room when conference is in session and during worship services. No registration is necessary to utilize the parent's room. The room is available for nursing/pumping mothers or anyone who needs a place to be with their child while onsite. Please note that the parent's room will not have view of the plenary session. Happenings on the conference floor will be live streamed to a television.
Camp Chippewa – 'Annual Conference Faith and Fun'
This overnight camp is offered at Camp Chippewa, 2577 Idaho Road, Ottawa, KS 66067, on June 1-3. Since Annual Conference is scheduled one day longer on Saturday June 4 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a movie day will be provided onsite at the Capitol Plaza hotel.
Camp Chippewa has horseback riding, archery, swimming, low ropes, paddleboats, worship, Bible study, crafts and much more.
The cost of the camp is $145 for those who will be dropped off and picked up from the camp and $165 for those needing transportation from the Capitol Plaza Hotel to camp and back. Payments for this camp will be taken on the Camp Chippewa registration form.
Children needing transportation to the camp need to be ready at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1. Those being dropped off should arrive at the camp by 10:00 a.m. The camp completes at 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 3. Children using transportation should be back at the venue at around 4:00 p.m. Those not using transportation should be picked up promptly at3:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Kim Dickerson-Oard at kim@ehumc.org or 316-682-6518.
Video provides helpful tax guidelines for clergy
Members of the Great Plains Conference clergy may have a few questions as they fill out their taxes as a result of the health care allowance and other factors.
The Rev. Gary Beach, conference treasurer and director of administrative services, provides some tips in a video produced to help clergy sort through such issues.
View the video.
Did you lose something at the 2016 Orders & Fellowship Meeting?
Here is a list of items that remained after the Orders and Fellowship meeting that have not been claimed. If any of these items belong to you, contact Dana Reinhardt at dreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org or call402-464-5994 ext. 105.
Grey Champion hooded, zip-up sweat shirt.
Beige Grand Canyon vest with fleece lining.
Three children’s books purchased from Ten Thousand Villages.
Bacon and egg card purchased from Ten Thousand Villages.
Black leather glasses case.
Orange Nalgene water bottle.
Small, green 5-star notebook.
Message from Great Plains communications team
Something has been missing on our website, and we know it’s been driving you crazy because it’s been driving us crazy. But now, we can excitedly say that the hair-pulling can stop — churches and clergy contact information are now listed on our website! Churches can be found at www.greatplainsumc.org/churches and clergy atwww.greatplainsumc.org/people. You can also go to a specific district and see all of the churches and clergy in that district (www.greatplainsumc.org/districts).
If you happen to come across an error, please let us know atinfo@greatplainsumc.org.
We are so excited about this feature, we wanted to wish you a very happy Easter in a very special way. Enjoy!
Southwestern College to inaugurate president on Founders Weekend
Southwestern College President Brad Andrews will be inaugurated during Founders Weekend at the Winfield, Kansas, school, Thursday-Sunday, April 14-17.
The inauguration ceremony will be at 4 p.m. April 14, in the Richardson Performing Arts Center. A reception will follow at 5:15 p.m. in Deets Library.
Inauguration day also will include a 10 a.m. dedication of presidential pavers and a tree planting at the Cole Mound Plaza, located at the bottom of the 77 Steps. First lady Trish Andrews will be honored at a reception at noon April 15 in Deets Library, and an exhibit of photographs by Trish Andrews will be available in the library thatTuesday through Sunday.
Read more about the details of the inauguration ceremonies.
Southwestern College to inaugurate president
during Founders Weekend
Southwestern College President Brad Andrews will be inaugurated during Founders Weekend at the
Winfield, Kansas, school, Thursday-Sunday, April 14-17.
The inauguration ceremony will be at 4 p.m. April 14, in the Richardson Performing Arts Center. A
reception will follow at 5:15 p.m. in Deets Library. Inauguration day also will include a 10 a.m. dedication
of presidential pavers and a tree planting at the Cole Mound Plaza, located at the bottom of the 77
Steps. First lady Trish Andrews will be honored at a reception at noon April 15 in Deets Library, and an
exhibit of photographs by Trish Andrews will be available in the library that Tuesday through Sunday.
Founders Weekend will also see four Southwestern College halls of fame open their doors to new
inductees. The celebration will include recognition of inductees entering the Leaders in Service Hall of
Fame for the Social Sciences, Fine Arts, Business and Educators halls of fame.
The festivities will begin April 11 when an art glass exhibit, “Where Glass Meets Science,” presented by
1997 graduate Scott Hartley, will be displayed in the Presidents Gallery in Darbeth Fine Arts
Building. The exhibit will be on display through April 21.
Hall of Fame festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, with the unveiling of plaques of those
entering the Leaders in Service Hall of Fame for the Social Sciences. At 6 p.m. there will be a dinner in
Deets Library with the induction ceremony to begin at approximately 6:45. The cost is $20. Limited
seating is available, and RSVP is necessary.
On April 16, the Fine Arts Hall of Fame brunch will begin on the Callison Stage in the Richardson
Performing Arts Center at 9 a.m. (cost is $15; seating is limited, and RSVP is necessary). The induction
ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in Richardson Performing Arts Center, and is open to the public with no
reservations needed.
A luncheon for the Business Hall of Fame in Deets Library will be at noon, with the induction ceremony
at approximately 12:45 p.m. The cost is $15, seating is limited, and RSVP is needed.
At 3:30 p.m. in Deets Library, there will be a reception for the Educators Hall of Fame inductees. At 4
p.m., the induction ceremony for the Educators Hall of Fame will begin. There is no charge but to ensure
adequate seating, RSVP is appreciated.
At 8 p.m. April 16, singer-songwriter John McCutcheon will perform with the South Kansas Symphony in
the Richardson Performing Arts Center. The concert is sponsored by the Walnut Valley Festival. Tickets
are $22.50 for adults, $15 for children, $20 for alumni, and $10 for children of alumni. For tickets, call
620-221-7720.
The weekend activities will conclude on Sunday, April 17, with the Southwestern College Spring Choral
Concert at 3 p.m., in the Richardson Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 and available at the door.
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.
Public comments needed about Saint Paul School of TheologySaint Paul School of Theology is seeking comments from the public about the institution in preparation for its comprehensive evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The institution will host a visit on Sept. 19-20, 2016 with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Saint Paul has been accredited by the Commission since 1976. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation.
The public is invited to submit comments regarding the school to:
Public Comment on Saint Paul School of Theology
The Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604-1411
The public may also submit comments to the Commission’s website atwww.ncahlc.org.
Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing.
All comments must be received by Aug. 19, 2016.
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Wednesday, 16 March 2016
Call for camp counselors
Camps in the Great Plains Conference are still looking for camp counselors. If you or someone you know is interested in spending the summer outside, sharing your faith with children and maybe even playing a game or two of ga-ga ball, then reach out to a camp, they're spread all over the conference!
Camp Chippewa near Cozad, Nebraska:campchippewa@greatplainsumc.org
Camp Comeca near Cozad, Nebraska:comeca@greatplainsumc.org or apply here
Camp Fontanelle near Fremont, Nebraska:dbergman@greatplainsumc.org or apply here
Camp Horizon near Arkansas City, Kansas:office@horizoncenter.org
Camp Norwesca near Chadron, Nebraska:norwesca@greatplainsumc.org
Camp Lakeside near Scott City, Kansas:
andie@camplakeside.net
Many camps have an April 15 deadline, so act fast.
Bishop Jones receives honor from Nebraska governor
Who says the governor of an inland state can’t have a sense of humor while honoring his or her residents and partners? On March 15, while at an appointive cabinet meeting in Topeka, Kansas, Great Plains Conference Bishop Scott Jones was celebrated with an honor he received from Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.
That honor? Our bishop is now an admiral in the Nebraska Navy.
No word yet as to which lake or river the bishop will be assigned by the governor.
Family Fun Day at Camp Fontanelle
Camp Fontanelle will host its annual Family Fun Day on Palm Sunday, March 20.
This free event will begin at 2 p.m. and will include Easter Egg hunts, rope and harness tree climbing for hanging eggs and a Zipline Egg Drop. Bring hard-boiled eggs and decorate them at camp. The camp will have egg dye and some stickers to help provide an enjoyable day with family and friends. Animals will be at the Petting Barn and, weather permitting, the Jumping Pillows will be ready for “hopping.” A fee will be charged for the zipline.
During the Family Fun Day event, guests can register for summer camp and receive special discounts or a gift.
Camp Fontanelle is located north of Fremont and east of Blair, Nebraska, off of Highway 91. Drive 3 miles south, through the community of Fontanelle. Go to CampFontanelle.com or phone 402-478-4296 for information.
Learn about the Wesleys, others on tour of England
The Rev. Earl and Eunice Higgins are hosting a nine-day “spiritual journey” to England Nov. 6-16, 2016. This all-inclusive educational tour will showcase the beginnings of the Wesleyan movement. Participants will learn about John and Charles Wesley and the early spiritual leaders of what is now the United Methodist Church. They will visit places such as Birmingham and Coventry, Epworth, Stratford, Oxford, Bristol, Bath, Cotswolds, Gloucester and Wesley’s London. Each stop features an educational component.
Participants will have opportunities to share in special times of worship and fellowship. The costs of $3,148 per person includes the basic tour and guided sight-seeing, round-trip international airfare, administration fees, entrance fees, gratuities and program fees, daily breakfasts and dinners, deluxe motorcoaches and first-class hotels. An additional cost of $389 per person covers airfare from Lincoln, bringing the total cost to $3,546 per person.
There are two additional post-tour opportunities, including a four-day London post-tour and a five-day Ireland post-tour.
If you are interested in taking part, contact Earl and Eunice Higgins by phone at 402-438-6256 or via email at eehiggins@windstream.net. The brochure can be sent to 2634 Blaine Court, Lincoln, NE 68521.
Download the brochure.
Nebraska UM Foundation scholarships available
Beginning April 1, The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation will have scholarship applications available online for seminary students atwww.numf.org/scholarships. These scholarships are available to individuals who are members of a Nebraska United Methodist Church and pursuing an advanced ministerial degree for service in the Great Plains Conference.
Applications will be available online for the following scholarships:
- The Alva Clark Seminary Scholarship
- The Cowles United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship
- The Alice Kruse Ministerial Scholarship
- The Alice Kruse Seminary Scholarship
- The Baldwin F. and Amy L. Kruse Scholarship
- The Verl and Sylvia Miller Memorial Scholarship
- The Albert R. Murdoch Ministerial Scholarship
- The Scahill Family Scholarship
- The Myrtle E. Williams Seminary Scholarship
- The Charles and Marilyn Humphrey Seminary Scholarship
- The Wilson's Tither Scholarship
- The Harlan and Mabelle Wyrick Memorial Scholarship
- The Rev. Richard and Lois Urbach Seminary Scholarship
- The Darrell and Joyce Pickett Scholarship
- The Murdock Ebenezer UMC Professional Church Leader Scholarship
- The Lincoln St. Mark's United Methodist Church Foundation Scholarship
Those students applying for the scholarships listed above also will be considered for the following scholarships: The Cal Leeds Scholarship, The Rev. Albert W. Winseman Scholarship Endowment, The Atherton Memorial Scholarship Fund, The Ben and Martha Simmons Scholarship Fund and The Andrew & Nevabelle Howe Scholarship. The Howe Scholarship is granted with assistance from the Gateway District Superintendent's Office, and preference is given to students from this district. An additional application submission will not be required for this particular group of scholarships.
The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous gifts donors have made to make these scholarships possible.
If you would like to talk to someone about how you can honor the memory of a loved one or help a seminary student, please call the foundation at 877-495-5545.
Response team seeks clergy, laity
The Great Plains Conference is committed to having clergy who are people of integrity and trust. However, there are times when clergy trust is broken and there are allegations of misconduct. When misconduct happens, we take important steps to nurture healing in the local church and with all individuals involved.
One way this happens is through the presence of a response team, called upon by the bishop, whose members are present in the local church in order to listen and help people through the turmoil that results when misconduct has been suspected.
The conference is forming a Bishop’s Response Team and are recruiting both clergy and laity interested in serving in this way. Qualities that make excellent Response Team members are good listening skills, trustworthy, able to keep confidences, reliable and compassionate. People who have experience in counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution and law are especially important to have on the response team.
The initial training will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 8, through 4:30 p.m.Saturday, April 9 at either Kearney or North Platte, Nebraska. Complete information can be found at http://www.greatplainsumc.org/responseteam. Additionally, a letter of reference from a clergy person (if laity) or District Superintendent (if clergy) is necessary. Participation in the training is not a guarantee of selection by the bishop to serve on the Response Team.
This training includes an overnight and extra time in order to begin the group building that is important to a well-functioning Response Team. There is no cost for individuals to attend the training.
Learn about self-care at
Horizons of Faith event
First United Methodist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, invites you to refresh your life with the Horizons of Faith event April 22-24 at the church, 7020 Cass St.
The event features speaker Wayne Muller, author of “Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal and Delight in our Busy Lives.” Muller will help participants explore self-care, how the human heart can contribute in a digital age, challenging technology and the status quo.
The overall theme for the Horizons of Faith event is “Why People Matter: How the Inefficient Human Story Brings Beauty, Truth and Sacred Wisdom to a Digital Age.”
Learn more by checking out the event’s website, where you also can register.
Registration open for Spring 201 Boundary/Ethics training
All clergy serving churches in the Great Plains Conference are required to have Safe Gatherings certification. A second training that conference policy requires is called “boundary and ethics training.” Boundary training focuses on developing healthy boundaries in ministry and is specific to the role of a clergy person. Of particular concern is the power difference between a person in a ministerial role and a member of his or her congregation or a person being counseled. Boundary training also includes conversation about personal and professional health and the use of social media. Boundary Training 101 classes were scheduled across the conference for those who have not previously had training, primarily for new clergy, DSA or CLM.
Boundary 201, the renewal course for those who have previously had Boundary/Ethics training, are now scheduled for spring 2016. Boundary training must be renewed every four years. Most likely, if you have been in ministry for more than four years, you need your training renewed if you did not take a course (either 101 or 201) in 2015 or early 2016. You can check your renewal date by calling or emailing your district office.
There are currently five Boundary 201 trainings scheduled across the conference in April. Each site has a limited number of attendees, so please register early.
All trainings begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. The cost for lunch and the participant book is $25, but the Board of Ordained Ministry is covering a portion of this, so your cost is only $10. You may register for any of these trainings. Refunds will be given only if cancellation is made at least weeks before the training.
Boundary 101 courses, for those needing their first Boundary training, will be scheduled this fall in various locations. If you would like to know those dates and locations, please check www.greatplainsumc.org/boundarytraining in July or August. Fall dates for Boundary 101 and 201 will not be scheduled until this summer. You may also contact your district office for information, the Rev. Nancy Lambert at nlambert@greatplainsumc.org or 402-464-5994, ext 126.
201 renewal trainings - register now.
- April 5, Trinity UMC, 901 E Neal, Salina, Kansas
- April 7, Grace UMC, 1832 W 9th St., Hastings, Nebraska
- April 8, First UMC, 422 Chestnut St., Leavenworth, Kansas
- April 11, West Heights UMC, 745 N Westlink Ave, Wichita, Kansas
- April 21, First UMC, 815 N Broad St., Fremont, Nebraska
This year, 2016, marks the 30th anniversary of DISCIPLE’s inception, and we’re making stops across the country to meet with people who love this study as much as we do!
These celebrations will be a time to meet people involved in the study, share memories, meet old friends and new, and celebrate the impact the study has had over the past 30 years. We’ll even have a commemorative lapel pin for you. We would love to see you at any one of the receptions! Want to be involved, but can’t attend a celebration? Take a picture of yourself with your manual and share it with us on Facebook or Twitter and follow along at #DISCIPLE30.
Visit www.beadisciple.com/DISCIPLE30 for more information and a printable poster for your church detailing the celebrations.
Early bird deadline is today for Congregational Care seminar
Today is the deadline for an early bird price discount for the Congregational Care Ministry Seminar at The Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. The seminar will be conducted April 7-9 and is designed to equip volunteers to come alongside pastors and staff in caring for the congregation.
For details and registration, visit cor.org/ccm. Questions may be directed to Kathy Carter at kathy.carter@cor.org, phone 913-544-0272, or Kari Burgess at kari.burgess@cor.org, phone 913-232-4139.
Lay Servant Ministry launches informative newsletter
The Lay Servant Ministry participants in the Great Plains Conference have a new tool to stay informed about developments within the program with a newsletter that will be published seasonally.
The Spring edition was emailed out to participants last week, with a goal of informing more people about what this important ministry is doing in Kansas and Nebraska.
Read the newsletter.2016 GP Lay Servant Committee Members DAVID WASSERFALLEN, Five Rivers Dist. drw1490@hotmail.com MARVIN TISCHHAUSER, Flint Hills tseeds@tctelco.net JULIE SCHROPP, Kansas City Julie.schropp@gmail.com PAT MCREYNOLDS, Parsons District pemcreynolds@hotmail.com KIRK PEMBERTON, Topeka District kpembert1@gmail.com JAMES C. THOMPSON, Hays District jamiet@ruraltel.net DAN HUTTON, Dodge City District dthutton@sbcglobal.net PHYLLIS STOPPEL, Hutchinson District stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com JANICE GILLBERG & SUSAN HIGBEE Co-Chairs, Salina District jgillberg@wpmpath.com susan.higbee@cox.net DION LEFLER, Wichita East District lefler74@msn.com dlefler@wichitaeagle.com PAUL SAAS, Wichita West District paul@paulsaas.com JAN CLAASSEN, Blue River District jclaassen3@charter.net CAROL JEAN STAPLETON, Elkhorn Valley cstapleton@greatplainsumc.org ARDITH DAVENPORT, Gateway District a.r.davenport@gmail.com GLORIA LOUCH, Great West District gjlouch@gmail.com BRYAN HANKINS, Missouri Valley District heartlandhouse@cox.net JEANIE LEEPER, Prairie Rivers District leeps4christ@gmail.com MARY FEIT, Conference Director, Chair marykfeit@windstream.net CAROLYN MAY, Conf. Lay Leader Assoc. carolyncollinsmay@yahoo.com MICKI MCCORKLE, Conference Staff mmccorkle@greatplainsumc.org What is this thing we call Lay Servant Ministry? by David Wasserfallen When John Wesley was asked to assess a congregation, he responded with three questions: 1) Have they Faith? 2) Have they Fire? 3) Have they Fruit? A Lay Servant (or Lay Speaker) is a person then who, during the course of their life, has acquired faith, has encountered the fire of the Holy Spirit and who wants to bear fruit—that is, to respond to the call they feel from God. All three elements are necessary— without faith, we have no direction; without fire, we’ll never get anything done; and without the will to bear fruit, we could again very easily wind up doing nothing. Another, more concise, way of saying this is embodied in the mission statement of my home church—“To know Christ, and to make Christ known.” To approach the question from a slightly different angle, there was once a fairly popular saying to the effect that a Christian should be part of two groups—one in which they were fed (to know Christ) and one in which they fed others (to make Christ known). All of the above is a fair description of a Lay Servant—with one other factor added in. Everybody has spiritual gifts. Everyone’s spiritual gifts are different. Some have the gift of preaching (ie: Lay Speakers), some have the gift of teaching (ie: leading a Bible or other faith based study), some are helpers, some are organizers, and some have other gifts. The Lay Servant responds to God’s call by using the particular spiritual gifts they have been given to advance the kingdom of God in this world. In other words, a Lay Servant is also a leader. continued on page 2… LAY SERVANT NEWS LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES l GREAT PLAINS CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH l SPRING 2016 Welcome, Great Plains Lay Servants Welcome to the first edition of the Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Newsletter. I see this as a wonderful way to encourage networking among all lay servants in the conference as well as supporting the work of the District Lay Servant Ministries Directors. The theme for the newsletter is pulled from David Wasserfallen’s article included in this edition. David is the Five Rivers District LSM Director. Faith, Fire, and Fruit seems very appropriate for our role as lay servants in supporting the mission of the church. I also want to express my gratitude to Pam Savery, the Blue River District Administrative Assistant. As if she doesn’t have enough to do, Pam volunteered to publish the newsletter for us. Pam is also a Lay Servant and very supportive of our movement. I hope you enjoy the information and find it helpful in discerning your place in this important work. Articles for this newsletter would be very welcome. Mary Feit, CLS, Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Director marykfeit@windstream.net ____________ In This Issue What is Lay Servant Ministry? . . . . . . . . . P1-2 Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P2 Upcoming Training Opportunities . . . . . . . . . P3 GP Lay Servant Ministries Committee . . . . P4 GP LSM Committee Grandfathers Lay Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P5 Lay Speaker Certification Courses . . . . . . . P5 Dist.Committees Process Annual Reports . . P6 What is Lay Servant Ministry? …continued from page 1 This may mean taking the pulpit to deliver a sermon, or it may mean leading a study of some sort, or doing a music ministry, or working with the youth, or helping at the local Food Pantry or Clothes Closet—or it may mean something entirely different. Each Lay Servant choses their own path in their response to their call with the guidance and with the support of their local church, and the District and Conference Lay Servant Ministry committees. The two things that we can be sure of in this ministry is that there are needs out there in the world that are not being met, and that God has commanded us to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’. The Lay Servant is trying to respond to God’s call to use their talents to spread God’s kingdom in a hurt and broken world. There is plenty of opportunity. This may mean ‘stepping outside the box’— coming up with solutions to problems in your ministry area that are innovative and tailored to the specific problem you’re trying to address, instead of trying to apply ‘cookie-cutter’ approaches without serious thought about what you’re trying to accomplish. God deals with people, not with problems—and so must the Lay Servant. Any problem needs to be approached with careful thought and prayer, remembering that we must deal with people, but as a preacher said in one memorable sermon at Annual Conference a number of years ago—“Our founder was so far outside the box that he wouldn’t even stay in his own grave!” With appropriate care, ‘going outside the box’ can free us to work God’s will more effectively. Where are the needs in your area? How can you be a force to help meet those needs? What is the best way to approach this situation? What does God want me to do here? These are some of the practical questions that Lay Servants face. But we can never lose sight of the fact that we’re dealing with people. Or that we’re trying to do God’s will for this world. DATE DISTRICT LOCATION TOPICS/COURSES CONTACT Fr-St. Mar.11-12 Hutchinson Heartland Center Basic Course stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com Fr-St. Mar.11-12 Hutchinson Heartland Center Spiritual Gifts stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com Fr-St. Mar.11-12 Hutchinson Heartland Center Leading Worship stoppelphyllis@hotmail.com _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Sat., Mar. 12 Elkhorn Valley Norfolk, Nebraska Leading in Prayer cjsjoy@nntc.net Sat., Mar. 12 Elkhorn Valley Norfolk, Nebraska Leading in Worship cjsjoy@nntc.net _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Th-St, Apr 7-9 Kansas City Kansas City, MO Pastoral Care http://www.cor.org/sharechurch, click on Leawood, then Congregational Care Ministry Seminar _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Fr-St, Apr 8-9 Blue River Lincoln, Nebraska Multimedia Worship blueriver@greatplainsumc.org _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Basic Course pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Discipleship pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Leading in Prayer pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org Sat., April 9 Gateway Dist Ord, Nebraska Ministry & Aging pmccollough@greatplainsumc.org _______________________________________________________________________________________________ April 15-16 Hays & Dodge Camp Lakeside Basic Course plahey@pld.com April 15-16 Hays & Dodge Camp Lakeside Go Preach plahey@pld.com Fri-Saturday Camp Lakeside UM Center is near Scott City, KS Contact Patty Lahey, Registrar, with questions: 2711 Rd. Z, Moscow, KS 67952 H: 620-598-2290 / Cell: 620-544-9365 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Fr-St, July 8-9 Prairie Rivers Hastings, NE Leadership leeps4christ@gmail.com Lay Servant Ministries Upcoming Training Opportunities Great Plains Lay Servant Ministries Committee The first meeting of the Great Plains Lay Servant Ministries Committee (GPLSMC) occurred September 26, 2015. Many of us were able to gather in a central location (Kearney, Nebraska) and others joined us via teleconference. According to the Book of Discipline 2012, this committee is required as part of the organization and process for our ministry. Membership of the committee consists of the 17 Great Plains Conference District Directors. Ex Officio members include Carolyn May, representing the conference lay leaders, and Micki McCorkle of the conference staff. The conference committee’s responsibilities include: Provide guidance and support to the District LSM Committees. Review and approve alternative courses as well as standards for the role of lay servant. Organize and/or encourage district and/or conference wide events. Assist district directors in maintaining accurate records. Provide final approval of Lay Speakers based on recommendations from the district committees. The committee met again on Saturday, February 20, 2016. The central gathering place was Salina, Kansas with others joining via teleconference. The agenda included approval of Lay Speakers for 2016, review of the strategic and communication plans, and review of policies and procedures. Mary Feit Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Director Faith Fire Fruit Faith Fire Fruit Faith Fire Fruit Great Plains Conference Lay Servant Ministries Committee Grandfathers Lay Speakers On October 8, 2015 the Great Plains Lay Servant Ministries Committee agreed to grandfather Lay Speakers into the role if they were approved as Lay Speakers before January 1, 2013. The new requirements for Lay Speakers set forth by the 2012 General Conference did not address grandfathering. The Conference Committee developed this policy to address how to implement the Lay Speaker designation in the Great Plains Conference. All Lay Speakers are expected to comply with the new requirements. If a Lay Speaker certified before January 1, 2013 has not completed the required courses listed below, they will be counseled by their district committee to take those courses when reasonably possible. The following policy will apply to those grandfathered as well as all new applicants. Policy Lay Speaker status is not requested until the following courses are completed by Certified Lay Servants (unless grandfathered). The application will include the approval of the charge conference and the pastor’s recommendation as indicated by their signatures on the application form. You may request a copy of the complete policy at marykfeit@windstream.net. Specific courses approved for Lay Speaker designation are: 1. Leading Worship - current Discipleship Ministries or previous GBOD (General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church) course on Worship, or BeADisciple.com “Leading Worship 101” course. 2. Leading Prayer - current Discipleship Ministries or immediate past GBOD course focused on public prayer. 3. Discovering Spiritual Gifts – current Discipleship Ministries or past GBOD course with no policy on the specific spiritual gifts inventory used. 4. Preaching – either of the current Discipleship Ministries or one of the two GBOD courses “Go Preach” or “From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon.” Only courses in which sermons were prepared as part of the course work will be accepted (i.e., the Alyce MacKenzie courses such as “Five Alive” will not be accepted). This course must be taken face-to-face. 5. UM Heritage - “Living Our United Methodist Beliefs” Discipleship Ministries course or past GBOD UM Heritage course. 6. UM Polity –Current Discipleship Ministries or the GBOD course “Life Together in the United Methodist Connection.” 7. Basic Course – any previously approved LSM Basic course is acceptable. This course must be taken faceto-face. Advance Course credit for teaching the Basic Course is not acceptable. Credit can be given for taking an advanced course if an individual teaches an Advance Course. District LSM Committees Process Annual Reports Reviewing the Lay Servant/Lay Speaker Annual Reports is a responsibility of the District Lay Servant Ministries Committee according to the Book of Discipline. All Lay Servant Ministry (LSM) Annual Report forms, after processing through the individual’s clergy and charge conference, are forwarded to the District LSM Director/Committee. Each District LSM Committee is given some latitude for setting standards for approval for each LSM role. The committee may also counsel each applicant on courses or other activities they believe would strengthen the individual’s gifts and skills. Approval of each lay servant role must include the following: For approval as a Local Church Lay Servant, the requirement is to complete the Basic Course and retake the Basic Course, a Refresher Course, or an Advanced Course every three years. Also, the individual is expected to meet any other standards established by the district committee. For approval as a Certified Lay Servant, the requirement is to complete the Basic Course and at least one Advanced Course. To be renewed, the applicant must take an Advanced Course at least every three years. Also, the individual is expected to meet any other standards established by the district committee. For approval as a Lay Speaker, the educational requirement is to complete the Basic Course plus the six prescribed Advanced Courses (preaching, praying, planning worship, polity, spiritual gifts, and history). To be renewed, the applicant must take any Advanced Course at least every three years. Also, the individual is expected to meet any other standards established by the district committee. If a Lay Speaker certified before January 1, 2013 was grandfathered into the Lay Speaker role but has not completed the required courses listed above, they should be encouraged by their District Committee to take those courses when reasonably possible. This does not preclude them from taking other Advanced Courses. The Lay Speaker review must also include an interview process initially and every three years. The committee may decide to include other elements in this review such as a recording and/or evaluation of a sermon, evidence of mentoring, pulpit supply experience if applicable, description of devotional life, and other elements deemed appropriate by the district committee. Keep in mind the Lay Speaker role may or may not include pulpit supply. A letter of approval or disapproval is sent by the district to each Local Church Lay Servant or Certified Lay Servant. Lay Speaker Annual Reports are forwarded to the Conference LSM Committee for review. The conference will send letters to Lay Speakers.
Learn more about upcoming trainings, including some that have deadlines drawing near, by going to the LSM page on the conference website.Learn about General Conference during bishop’s livestream event
Learn more about what exactly is General Conference and find out which subjects Bishop Scott Jones thinks will be discussed as he hosts a livestream event April 2.
Starting at 9 a.m. that day, the bishop will give a description of what General Conference is, how it functions and its links to the local church. He then will provide his insights into legislation that will be discussed, from issues related to human sexuality to the organization of the church to potential changes in the way bishops are elected.
Email questions you have for the bishop to David Burke, communications coordinator in the Wichita office, at dburke@greatplainsumc.org. Please type “General Conference” in the subject line. Questions can be sent ahead of the broadcast or during the event.
Watch the livestream starting at 9 a.m. April 2 on the conference’s website.
Connectional Table begins series on human sexuality
Continuing the conversation around key topics related to General Conference 2016, The Connectional Table begins a new series of #CTTalks. #CTTalks is an online forum, a series of videos and social media conversations around key topics related to General Conference 2016. This month highlights the work done by The Connectional Table and the Council of Bishops over the last quadrennium related to matters of human sexuality.
This month’s videos will highlight the process that led to The Connectional Table’s decision to propose A Third Way legislation, and to the statement of core values made by the Council of Bishops Task Force on Human Sexuality, Gender and Race. This is a pressing issue for our life together as The United Methodist Church in the 21st century. Interviewees include Kennetha Bigham-Tsai, chair of The Connectional Table Legislative Writing Team and Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, chair of this Council of Bishops Task Force.
“We have tried to focus on what we do as bishops,” Wenner said of the COB Task Force. “We live, as the whole church does, with the strong conviction that God’s grace is for all… as those who are called to be leaders of the church, to guard the faith, and to work towards unity, and to be shepherds of the whole flock, how can we create space and openness for all people in our denomination so that we can fulfill our call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world?”
#CTTalks provides a way of engaging audiences with information about General Conference. The #CTTalks conversation is designed to be used by delegates and delegations of annual conferences as they study and discuss issues that will be addressed at General Conference 2016. Weekly video posts include interviews with United Methodist bishops, Connectional Table members, and other leaders from across the denomination. Delegates are invited to ask questions of the interviewees in advance via Twitter using the hashtag #CTTalks.
An accompanying one-page conversation starter is available for delegates to use to continue the dialogue. The videos and the handout will be available on the Connectional Table website at www.umc.org/cttalks-human-sexuality.
General Conference will be May 10-20, in Portland, Oregon.
The Connectional Table is where leaders of The United Methodist Church discern and articulate the vision for the church and where ministry and money are brought to the same table to coordinate the mission, ministries and resources of the church.
Symposium on extremist religions, violence engages faith groups
Recently the United Nations office of the General Board of Church and Society, along with the World Council of Churches and the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, partnered to organize the 2016 Symposium “Religion, Violence and Extremism” to engage faith-based organizations along with United Nations member countries and civil society organizations in addressing issues of violence and extremism and the role of religion.
In her opening remarks, the Rev. Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, Church and Society General Secretary, urged the 130 participants to “engender an understanding of the positive role that religion plays in the public sphere in promoting peace and security, sustainable development, human dignity and human rights.”
The Rev. Liberato Bautista, who leads the United Methodist Church’s ministry of presence at the United Nations, stated ”Our social principles as a church and our resolve that Christ is our peace, provides us with the blueprint to search for success in this struggle.”
Bautista referred to new language being submitted at the upcoming General Conference by the General Board of Church and Society, to update the United Methodist Church’s understanding of peace.
“We cannot talk of Christ our peace as an alternative,” Bautista said. “We have become accustomed to phrases like ‘seeking an alternative to war’ as if peace is an alternative. We see Christ as fundamental to our being. Therefore Peace must be fundamental, the antidote to war, violence and extremism."
Read the article.
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Women Trailblazers in Medicine
Learn about extraordinary women from the past and present
For International Women's Day (March 8) Church and Society compiled a quiz about women around the world who lifted up the health concerns of other women. read more»
March 10, 2016
Interfaith Coalition sends letter to House leadership on criminal justice
The Interfaith Criminal Justice Coalition organized almost 50 faith communities to address Congress
The letter calls on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass three bipartisan criminal justice reform bills. read more»
March 10, 2016
Symposium Work Proves Vital in Election Year
Church and Society's UN office co-hosts gathering on extremism
The second annual Symposium on the Role of Religion took place at the United Nations in February. read more»
by Jeneane Jones on March 10, 2016
Church and Society Joins Faith-based Leaders Committed to Genocide Prevention
Supporting legislation to prevent violent conflict
Senators Ben Cardin and Thom Tillis are proposing legislation to make the inter-agency Atrocities Prevention Board a mainstay. read more»
by Jeneane Jones on March 10, 2016
United Methodists addressing HIV and AIDS
The HIV-AIDS Pandemic is Not Over
The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund continues their work to address HIV and AIDS around the world. read more»
by Jeneane Jones on March 10, 2016
On religious extremism and violence
We cannot talk of Christ our peace as an alternative. We have become accustomed to phrases like ‘seeking an alternative to war’ as if peace is an alternative. We see Christ as fundamental to our being. Therefore Peace must be fundamental, the antidote to war, violence and extremism.
– Rev. Levi Bautista
learn more »
Faith in Action: Social Principles in Nigeria, religious extremism, criminal justice reform, water
MARCH 10, 2016
Church and Society’s Central America Project
Symposium Work Proves Vital in Election Year
Two Positions Open at Church and Society
Women Trailblazers in Medicine
Church and Society Joins Faith-based Leaders Committed to Genocide Prevention
Flint’s corrosive water sparks debate on US resource inequity
Interfaith Coalition sends letter to House leadership on criminal justice
An Advocacy Opportunity for United Methodists
United Methodists addressing HIV and AIDS
What happens when the Social Principles become a way of life in Northern Nigeria
Young Adults Answering God’s Call on the Hill
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MARCH 10, 2016
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DECEMBER 18, 2015
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Watch recording of Justice for Our Neighbors livestream eventThe Great Plains Conference hosted a live webinar featuring Justice for Our Neighbors-Nebraska as a means of starting to help congregations understand what their duties would be if they decide to assist refugees coming to the United States.
The webinar started off with stories of people who already have settled in Nebraska after escaping harrowing situations. The second part of the webinar featured ideas for churches to consider as they try to help immigrants.
Watch the recorded broadcast.
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/159211592" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://vimeo.com/159211592">JFON SHOW WEBINAR</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/greatplainsumc">Great Plains UMC</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
Arapahoe UMC works at Lydia PattersonA work team of eight sponsored by the Arapahoe UMC in Nebraska helped out at the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, from March 7-11.
Various jobs of painting and repairs occupied the group during the week. This was the sixth trip to Lydia Patterson for the group and it was an opportunity to renew old friendships as well as a time of service to the school, students and staff.
The group feels that they receive as much as they give at the school located in the Segundo Barrio area of El Paso. Group members were from the Arapahoe, Harvard and Aurora, Nebraska, and Maryville, Missouri, communities.
Caney church opens doors for community meals
The Caney United Methodist Church in Kansas welcomes the community to a fellowship meal every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Starting promptly at 5 p.m., food is served while it lasts, but the fellowship can continue until 6 pm. The free “community meal” is served buffet style in the basement level of the church. The community meals are
open to all in our community.
This past Wednesday, those attending feasted on a dozen varieties of homemade soups, relishes, cornbread, and desserts. About 40 people have been joining together and enjoying the home cooking, sharing stories and friendship. On any given night, someone may play tunes on the piano, show off their newest grandchild or tell jokes.
About two years ago a group in the church saw a need in the community for a meal that would provide fellowship, friendship and food. A twice-a-month meal was planned and started.
“The meal gives us an opportunity to reach out,” Jerod Rigdon, a member of the initial group, said. “We are practicing the tradition of ‘methods’ for which Methodists are named: a founding principle for getting out into the community and serving others. The opportunity to serve others by working together has greatly benefited us within our church as well as the community.”
Anyone can bring food as well as serve. The volunteers on Wednesdays include many people in the church who bring, serve or clean up, and still others have helped fund the community meal through food or cash donations. Those from the church benefit in the fellowship with others and in practicing their Christian faith.
New assistant
joins Missouri River
District staff
The Missouri River District has announced that Kristin Eschliman has joined the staff as the administrative assistant.
Kristin served in a career in information technology prior to transitioning to become a stay-at-home mom. She said her return to the workforce in her employment prior to joining the Missouri River District prepared her to learn and grow. She sees her new role as a calling to serve the Lord.
“I am excited to be working here and looking forward to getting to know and meet everyone in the conference,” she said.
She has been married for 21 years to Steve, and they have two sons, a high school senior and freshman. They are members of Faith Westwood United Methodist Church in Omaha and are very active as small group leaders, with the food pantry, praise choir and where ever they are called to serve. She recently enrolled in School of Lay Ministry in the Iowa Conference and will be a 2018 graduate of the program.
”We are extremely blessed to have such a highly qualified and committed person as our administrative assistant, said the Rev. Dr. Dan Flanagan, Missouri River District superintendent. “We had many applicants, but Kris stood out in her experience and her character. She is spiritually mature, a strong United Methodist. She will be a valuable asset to our district and the conference!”
Kristin can be reached via email at missouririver@greatplainsumc.org. Or call her at 402-898-9862.
KAUMF March Certificate of Participation rates
A Certificate of Participation is an investment in building the United Methodist witness through the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation’s loan program for Kansas United Methodist churches and agencies. A Certificate of Participation is a time investment. A Kansas individual, agency or church may invest a $1,000 minimum for one or two year participation so that you may strengthen the expansion of the United Methodist witness.
Certificate of Participation March rate:
One Year: 1.20 percent
Two Year: 1.50 percentTo learn more how you may increase your investments at the same time expanding the United Methodist witness, download promotional material for your church such as fliers, postcards or newsletters/bulletin ads, etc. atwww.kaumf.org or call 888-453-8405.
Discipleship Ministries to offer free webinar March 17
If there was a stack of money that had fallen behind the church refrigerator, you’d go looking for it, right? Well, there may be a nice sum of money that has left your church in the form of taxes you didn’t need to pay, or rebates to which your church may be entitled! Guest speaker is Monte Chamberlin, an expert in helping churches find this money. He can quickly help your church determine if it might be worth a look!
Finding Money That Went Missing: Recovering Funds That Can Be Used for Mission will be held Thursday, March 17, 6:30 p.m., CDT.
Register now.
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Editorials & Blogs:
Lay Equalization Petition May Have Opposite Effect
In Layman’s Terms: Holy Week is kind of like a roller coaster. We start on a high point with the celebration of Jesus entering Jerusalem, come rushing downward with the crucifixion of Christ and then end at a high point with the resurrection of Jesus and the gift of grace. Communications Director Todd Seifert shares some thoughts on holy week in his latest blog.Newsletters:
Global Ministries: connectNmission
Ministry Matters: March 17, 2016
Global Ministries: Global Health
UMC Development Center: Spiritual Giving
United Methodist Communications: MyCom
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.Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement information distributed in GPconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Great Plains Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@greatplainsumc.org.
Want More?
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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