The Great Plains Conference of The United Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas, United States "GPconnect" for Wednesday, 02 November 2016-------
Download the printable version of the Nov. 2 issue of GPconnect.
In this edition:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Connecting Council discusses next steps for the Great Plains
- Council of Bishops to call for 2019 General Conference
- Saint Mark job fair helps those with criminal past
- Registration now open for 2017 Orders and Fellowship
- Asbury plans preaching, leadership workshop on Kentucky campus
MERCY AND JUSTICE
- Nebraskans reminded about death penalty ballot issue
- Come learn about the Sanctuary Movement Nov. 12 and 13
- UM Global AIDS Fund special offering set
OTHER
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Connecting Council discusses next steps for the Great Plains
The Connecting Council began laying the foundation for discussion about vision and next steps for the Great Plains Conference during the committee’s fall meeting Oct. 21 at First United Methodist Church in Hays, Kansas.
Fully identifying as one conference, looking beyond geographic boundaries and better living out the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world each were voiced as ongoing challenges facing the United Methodist Church within the conference’s boundaries of Kansas and Nebraska.
“We’re not at the end of the transition process,” Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. said. “We’re at the front end of it.”
Learn more about what the Connecting Council discussed.
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Council of Bishops to call for 2019 General Conference
Through an affirmative vote at their fall meeting this week, the United Methodist Council of Bishops expressed their intent to call for a special session of the General Conference in either February or March of 2019 and asked the business manager of the General Conference to move forward with exploring venues and a bid search.
The Constitution of The United Methodist Church provides that the Council of Bishops may call a special session of the General Conference possessing the authority and exercising all the powers of the General Conference. Business to be considered during such a session would be limited to the purpose defined within the call, which also would include the time and place.
More about the plans can be found here.Council of Bishops to call for 2019 General ConferenceSets forth actions to involve the whole church in prayer and conversation
Through an affirmative vote at their fall meeting this week, the United Methodist Council of Bishops expressed their intent to call for a special session of the General Conference in either February or March of 2019 and asked the business manager of the General Conference to move forward with exploring venues and a bid search.
The Constitution of The United Methodist Church provides that the Council of Bishops may call a special session of the General Conference possessing the authority and exercising all the powers of the General Conference. Business to be considered during such a session would be limited to the purpose defined within the call, which also would include the time and place.
The Council’s action stops short of making the actual call for a special session, which is expected to come at some point after the Commission on a Way Forward begins its work.
The Council’s Executive Committee brought the recommendation to the full Council for consideration and action after exploring the feasibility of meeting in either 2018 or 2019.
“A requirement that materials be in the hands of delegates at least 230 days before such a session makes it unlikely that the Commission could complete its work in time to meet that deadline for a 2018 meeting, so 2019 seemed to us to be the best option,” said Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the Council. “The purpose of broadening the timeframe to either February or March is to afford more flexibility in finding a suitable and available location.”
Such a special session would be composed of delegates to the preceding General Conference – or their lawful successors – unless a conference prefers to have a new election.
The Council received a report from the moderators of the Way Forward about composition of commission membership, a plan for the first meetings and a strategy for communication.
The Council also voted to approve a recommendation from the Executive Committee to initiate a conversational process among clergy and laity within annual and central conferences that would parallel the work of the Commission on a Way Forward. Each bishop would be free to structure the process and timeline according to the specific needs and context of their area, using some suggested questions as a starting point.
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and Bishop Al Gwinn, co-chairs of the Praying Our Way Forward Initiative, announced the second phase of the appeal, which involves each conference making a commitment to come together in prayer during a designated week. The effort would begin January 1, 2017 and continue into 2018. The first phase involved a commitment from bishops for daily prayer focused on the selection and initial efforts of the Commission.
“We want the church and the Commission on a Way Forward to be led by God. This prayer emphasis puts us in a posture where as a church we are asking and listening for God’s leadership,” said Bishop Wallace-Padgett. “Our prayer focus is twofold: We are praying that God will help us to more effectively fulfill the mission of the church. And we are praying to be one in Christ.”
She said they are inviting persons to:
pray daily for the church’s effectiveness in fulfilling our mission of making disciples and for the outcome of the work of the Commission on a Way Forward
participate in their conference’s week of prayer; fast weekly as they are able for The United Methodist Church and our futureBishop Gwinn said the Council is working in partnership The Upper Room, which has developed a website called UMCprays.org. “The website features many tools and resources to help you to plan your week of prayer,” said Bishop Gwinn. “Each week will feature information about what is happening in the conference that is praying that week, including a prayer-focused blog written by the bishop in that area.”
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Saint Mark job fair helps those with criminal past
The search for a job can sometimes be difficult. It’s even more so when the job seeker has a criminal background. Helping to bridge that gap is the prison ministry of Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita, which conducted its fourth biennial Job Fair Expo on Oct. 27.
About 150 people attended the October job fair, which offered nine booths by community partners – with instructions on continued learning opportunities and community efforts – and 15 employers, representing temp agencies and a variety of potential jobs.
The three-hour job fair included sessions on resume writing and interview skills.
Find out more.
-------
Clergy excellence
Registration now open for 2017 Orders and Fellowship
Registration is now open for the 2017 Orders and Fellowship meeting.
The event will take place Jan. 18-19, at the Bicentennial Center in Salina, Kansas, with a theme of “Transforming. Entrepreneurial. Discipling.” The gathering will focus on ministry with youth and young adults and will have guest speakers, workshops and worship to help focus on the church for the 21st century.
Childcare is offered onsite at the Bicentennial Center for children age six weeks to six years old. Parents must register in order to receive childcare by the strict deadline of Dec. 14. Childcare registrations will not be accepted after this date.
Register for Orders and Fellowship registration.
Fill out the childcare registration form.
View more information about the 2017 Orders and Fellowship meeting including lodging, speaker information and workshop descriptions at www.greatplainsumc.org/o&f.
Contact Dana Reinhardt at dreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org with any questions.
-------
Asbury plans preaching, leadership workshop on Kentucky campus
Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, is planning a “Preach It! Lead It!” event Feb. 21-23 on the campus. The event is designed for those who are seeking ways to transform preaching and leading for our current times. Whether or not you are in the pulpit, this event promises great learning for every aspect of leadership in a church, at your place of business or in the community.
The price to register for the event is $129 for Asbury alumni and for general admission. The cost is $99 for retired pastors and for spouses to attend. The price for students is $25.
Register for the event.
Registration from Nov. 9-30 allows for a 10-percent discount on registration.
-------
Equipping disciples
Use your imagination to discern your call into Lay Servant Ministries
So you took the leap. You completed the Lay Servant Ministries Basic course. Maybe you have completed an Advanced Course. Now what do you do?
First, welcome to Lay Servant Ministries. Your next step is to figure out how your ministry takes shape. Kirk Pemberton, director of Lay Servant Ministries in the Topeka District, urges you to use your imagination in discerning your call into service for God.
Read his blog.Be thoughtful, creative in discerning your calling in Lay Servant Ministries
The Connecting Council began laying the foundation for discussion about vision and next steps for the Great Plains Conference during the committee’s fall meeting Oct. 21 at First United Methodist Church in Hays, Kansas.
Fully identifying as one conference, looking beyond geographic boundaries and better living out the mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world each were voiced as ongoing challenges facing the United Methodist Church within the conference’s boundaries of Kansas and Nebraska.
“We’re not at the end of the transition process,” Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr. said. “We’re at the front end of it.”
Learn more about what the Connecting Council discussed.
-------
Council of Bishops to call for 2019 General Conference
Through an affirmative vote at their fall meeting this week, the United Methodist Council of Bishops expressed their intent to call for a special session of the General Conference in either February or March of 2019 and asked the business manager of the General Conference to move forward with exploring venues and a bid search.
The Constitution of The United Methodist Church provides that the Council of Bishops may call a special session of the General Conference possessing the authority and exercising all the powers of the General Conference. Business to be considered during such a session would be limited to the purpose defined within the call, which also would include the time and place.
More about the plans can be found here.Council of Bishops to call for 2019 General ConferenceSets forth actions to involve the whole church in prayer and conversation
Through an affirmative vote at their fall meeting this week, the United Methodist Council of Bishops expressed their intent to call for a special session of the General Conference in either February or March of 2019 and asked the business manager of the General Conference to move forward with exploring venues and a bid search.
The Constitution of The United Methodist Church provides that the Council of Bishops may call a special session of the General Conference possessing the authority and exercising all the powers of the General Conference. Business to be considered during such a session would be limited to the purpose defined within the call, which also would include the time and place.
The Council’s action stops short of making the actual call for a special session, which is expected to come at some point after the Commission on a Way Forward begins its work.
The Council’s Executive Committee brought the recommendation to the full Council for consideration and action after exploring the feasibility of meeting in either 2018 or 2019.
“A requirement that materials be in the hands of delegates at least 230 days before such a session makes it unlikely that the Commission could complete its work in time to meet that deadline for a 2018 meeting, so 2019 seemed to us to be the best option,” said Bishop Bruce R. Ough, president of the Council. “The purpose of broadening the timeframe to either February or March is to afford more flexibility in finding a suitable and available location.”
Such a special session would be composed of delegates to the preceding General Conference – or their lawful successors – unless a conference prefers to have a new election.
The Council received a report from the moderators of the Way Forward about composition of commission membership, a plan for the first meetings and a strategy for communication.
The Council also voted to approve a recommendation from the Executive Committee to initiate a conversational process among clergy and laity within annual and central conferences that would parallel the work of the Commission on a Way Forward. Each bishop would be free to structure the process and timeline according to the specific needs and context of their area, using some suggested questions as a starting point.
Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett and Bishop Al Gwinn, co-chairs of the Praying Our Way Forward Initiative, announced the second phase of the appeal, which involves each conference making a commitment to come together in prayer during a designated week. The effort would begin January 1, 2017 and continue into 2018. The first phase involved a commitment from bishops for daily prayer focused on the selection and initial efforts of the Commission.
“We want the church and the Commission on a Way Forward to be led by God. This prayer emphasis puts us in a posture where as a church we are asking and listening for God’s leadership,” said Bishop Wallace-Padgett. “Our prayer focus is twofold: We are praying that God will help us to more effectively fulfill the mission of the church. And we are praying to be one in Christ.”
She said they are inviting persons to:
pray daily for the church’s effectiveness in fulfilling our mission of making disciples and for the outcome of the work of the Commission on a Way Forward
participate in their conference’s week of prayer; fast weekly as they are able for The United Methodist Church and our futureBishop Gwinn said the Council is working in partnership The Upper Room, which has developed a website called UMCprays.org. “The website features many tools and resources to help you to plan your week of prayer,” said Bishop Gwinn. “Each week will feature information about what is happening in the conference that is praying that week, including a prayer-focused blog written by the bishop in that area.”
-------
Saint Mark job fair helps those with criminal past
The search for a job can sometimes be difficult. It’s even more so when the job seeker has a criminal background. Helping to bridge that gap is the prison ministry of Saint Mark United Methodist Church in Wichita, which conducted its fourth biennial Job Fair Expo on Oct. 27.
About 150 people attended the October job fair, which offered nine booths by community partners – with instructions on continued learning opportunities and community efforts – and 15 employers, representing temp agencies and a variety of potential jobs.
The three-hour job fair included sessions on resume writing and interview skills.
Find out more.
-------
Clergy excellence
Registration now open for 2017 Orders and Fellowship
Registration is now open for the 2017 Orders and Fellowship meeting.
The event will take place Jan. 18-19, at the Bicentennial Center in Salina, Kansas, with a theme of “Transforming. Entrepreneurial. Discipling.” The gathering will focus on ministry with youth and young adults and will have guest speakers, workshops and worship to help focus on the church for the 21st century.
Childcare is offered onsite at the Bicentennial Center for children age six weeks to six years old. Parents must register in order to receive childcare by the strict deadline of Dec. 14. Childcare registrations will not be accepted after this date.
Register for Orders and Fellowship registration.
Fill out the childcare registration form.
View more information about the 2017 Orders and Fellowship meeting including lodging, speaker information and workshop descriptions at www.greatplainsumc.org/o&f.
Contact Dana Reinhardt at dreinhardt@greatplainsumc.org with any questions.
-------
Asbury plans preaching, leadership workshop on Kentucky campus
Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, is planning a “Preach It! Lead It!” event Feb. 21-23 on the campus. The event is designed for those who are seeking ways to transform preaching and leading for our current times. Whether or not you are in the pulpit, this event promises great learning for every aspect of leadership in a church, at your place of business or in the community.
The price to register for the event is $129 for Asbury alumni and for general admission. The cost is $99 for retired pastors and for spouses to attend. The price for students is $25.
Register for the event.
Registration from Nov. 9-30 allows for a 10-percent discount on registration.
-------
Equipping disciples
Use your imagination to discern your call into Lay Servant Ministries
So you took the leap. You completed the Lay Servant Ministries Basic course. Maybe you have completed an Advanced Course. Now what do you do?
First, welcome to Lay Servant Ministries. Your next step is to figure out how your ministry takes shape. Kirk Pemberton, director of Lay Servant Ministries in the Topeka District, urges you to use your imagination in discerning your call into service for God.
Read his blog.Be thoughtful, creative in discerning your calling in Lay Servant Ministries
So you took the leap.
You completed the Lay Servant Ministries Basic course. Maybe you have completed an Advanced Course. Now what do you do?
First, welcome to Lay Servant Ministries. Your next step is to figure out how your ministry takes shape. This is as varied as the number of Lay Servants that have reached this same point. And ultimately it is up to you – with God’s guidance.
Be thoughtful. Be open. Be creative.
LSM underwent a major change four years ago to become Lay Servant Ministries instead of Lay Speaking Ministries. This reminds us that although preaching is important there are other forms of ministry that are just as vital. For those called to preach as a primary ministry, there exists the additional preparations noted in the Certified Lay Speaker role. If preaching is not your forte, there are still plenty of opportunities to continue as a Lay Servant. But in my conversations with other Lay Servants, the first comment is still often “I preached ‘X’ times.” The Basic Course references ministry in areas of leading, caring and communicating. This occurs in places other than the pulpit.
When I encounter the question of what next, my first response is to determine “Where are you now?” With or without the paper that indicates your status of Lay Servant, you may have been serving in that role for some time. Think about how you participate in your local congregation, for starters. Maybe you serve as a trustee. Or a Sunday school teacher. Or a custodian, which is a ministry of caring.
My preferred response to those asking about Lay Servant Ministries and what do I do next is direction to the Bible. We are reminded that the Body of Christ has many parts with many gifts (I Corinthians 12:12-31), so we need to determine which gift we possess and use that gift in our ministry. And to direct the gifts to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46) — serving others as we would serve Christ.
There are lots of ways to take a next step. One of my favorites is visiting with other Lay Servants to see how they have found to serve. This often serves as inspiration for things I can try in my own corner of the world: Take another LSM class, or participate (maybe lead) a Bible study group, serve at a meal site.
Use your imagination.
So I guess the short answer to the opening question is “Take another LSM Class to discover your spiritual gifts.” (That is one of the advanced courses — shameless plug!)
Whichever step you take next, remember there are folks like me praying for your success, and I courage you to pray the same for others.
Learn more about Lay Servant Ministries in the Great Plains Conference.
Kirk Pemberton is director of Lay Servant Ministries in the Topeka District.
-------
Mercy and justice
Nebraskans reminded about death penalty ballot issue
Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty provides a last-minute reminder about the death penalty issue on the ballot Nov. 8.
The United Methodist Church stands strongly against the death penalty. Why? Our faith in Jesus Christ leads us to see sacred worth in every person, and we believe that God is working to transform all human beings. The death penalty is biased against non-whites. It is biased against the poor. It carries the inherent risk of executing innocent people. It does nothing to deter violent crime. It costs taxpayers more than life imprisonment. In Nebraska we cannot obtain the drugs required to execute someone.
Last year our Nebraska legislators ended the death penalty and replaced it with life imprisonment. In Nebraska, that means no parole. Now, Referendum 426 seeks to repeal that decision and reinstate the death penalty. The United Methodist teaching is best represented by a vote to “retain” the Legislature’s action.
The language on the ballot has caused confusion, so Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty has ballot language cards available for you to print and distribute.
You can also find more information on their Facebook page and website.
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Come learn about the Sanctuary Movement Nov. 12 and 13
“You, who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”[Psalm 91:1-2]
In the 1980s, many churches and faith communities were involved in the sanctuary movement granting safety to Central American refugees fleeing civil wars. In the last few years, a growing number of faith communities have taken up this movement again to stand in solidarity with immigrants facing deportation.
The Rev. Noel Andersen, grassroots coordinator with Church World Service, explains the movement as a “higher calling” and a “prophetic witness to the nation that we need deferred action from deportation in its broadest form. The growth and momentum of sanctuary across the country is a result of congregations and immigrant communities working together to confront these broken human-made laws.”
“Opening the doors of a church or a synagogue or mosque and declaring sanctuary is a very serious matter. Faith leaders and their congregants do not enter into this decision lightly. But these immigrants and their families are friends and neighbors who have been a part of their communities for decades. These congregations are answering God’s call to love our neighbor as we love ourselves,” said Andersen.
You will have the opportunity to learn from persons directly involved in the Sanctuary Movement (those offering it and those living it):
If you are interested to come, there are some funds available to help with mileage and lodging. For more information and to register please contact Sandy Sypherd at ssypherd@windstream.net or Andrea Paret at amparet08@yahoo.com.
-------
UM Global AIDS Fund special offering set
The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, or UMGAF, is working to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the HIV virus. While globally the number of children with HIV continues to grow, better services to diagnose and treat expectant mothers has averted nearly 1.1 million new HIV infections among children between 2005 and 2013.
Dec. 4 has been designated as UM Global AIDS Fund Sunday. Please designate that Sunday, or a date convenient for your church, to take a special offering (Advance special #982345). More work lies ahead to reach each mother and child but we can make a difference.
Offerings sent to the UMGAF through the Great Plains Conference allow 25 percent to remain in our conference. These funds are available for grants to local churches for HIV AIDS ministries. Grand Island Trinity and Norfolk First UMCs have been awarded grants to help maintain emergency funds to assist clients of the Nebraska AIDS Project.
-------
Administration
Home Depot teams up with GCFA on loyalty program
During the past year, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church has been blessed to work with Home Depot in introducing The Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program.
The program provides United Methodist churches and affiliated organizations the opportunity to support the Strength for Service Program. Strength for Service honors active military personnel, veterans, first responders and law enforcement officers by providing them with a free inspirational daily devotional booklet. The Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program gives a percentage of each sale in the form of a rebate to the Strength for Service ministry.
Churches and affiliate organizations that have been impacted by natural disasters or under minor or major construction and renovation may be aided by Home Depot services and products. The Home Depot has a dedicated field team ready to meet the specialized needs of United Methodist churches across the country. The extensive retail network connects churches to an unbeatable supply chain — making purchasing faster, easier and more affordable. Any organization or general contractors affiliated with The United Methodist Church may register for the program.
Interested churches engaged in building projects or any type of renovations can learn more about the program by contacting Mike Daniels, the Home Depot Pro Accounts representative. His phone number is 817-825-0279. His email address is Michael_R_Daniel@homedepot.com.
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Look inside Kansas UM archives at Baker University
There have been some changes made at the Kansas United Methodist Archives, located on the campus of Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Take a look inside.
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Other
Southwestern ranked as ‘best bang for buck’
Washington Monthly magazine has recognized Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, as one of the nation’s top values in higher education in its 2016 college rankings issue. The magazine ranks SC fifth in the Midwest Region as a “Best Bang for the Buck College.”
According to Washington Monthly, the “Best Bang for the Buck” list includes schools that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.
“This is who we are at Southwestern and it’s what we have been doing for more than 130 years: helping deserving students attain meaningful degrees at affordable prices,” Southwestern College President Brad Andrews said.
Washington Monthly’s methodology for the rankings is rooted in three categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and doctorates) and service (encouraging students to give back to their country). Data reviewed in the ranking process includes graduation rates, first-generation student ratios, graduate earnings, net price of attendance, and a measure calculated for each institution’s dedication to community service. In total, 367 institutions of higher education were ranked in the Midwest category. The fifth place ranking put Southwestern ahead of all other schools in Kansas.
In addition to the Washington Monthly ranking, Southwestern has achieved other recent recognitions for offering outstanding value to students. A February study by Georgetown University Center for Education named SC best in the state for graduates beating mid-career salary expectations. U.S. News & World Report ranked SC a Top Tier Midwest Regional University in the newsmagazine’s annual ranking, which was published in September.
Southwestern College is a private institution granting undergraduate and graduate degrees and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. About 1,700 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus, at six professional studies sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, or online around the world.
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Across the Connection
Newsletters
Blogs and Opinion
In Layman's Terms: Todd Seifert, conference communications director, writes the he hopes Nebraskans choose justice over vengeance on an upcoming ballot issue.
Failure to love doesn’t explain schism prospect: Rick Stiles, a lifelong United Methodist, writes a response to a recent post by retired Bishop Kenneth Carder.
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Classifieds
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Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement information distributed in GPconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Great Plains Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.
To submit a letter to the editor, send it to info@greatplainsumc.org.
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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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You completed the Lay Servant Ministries Basic course. Maybe you have completed an Advanced Course. Now what do you do?
First, welcome to Lay Servant Ministries. Your next step is to figure out how your ministry takes shape. This is as varied as the number of Lay Servants that have reached this same point. And ultimately it is up to you – with God’s guidance.
Be thoughtful. Be open. Be creative.
LSM underwent a major change four years ago to become Lay Servant Ministries instead of Lay Speaking Ministries. This reminds us that although preaching is important there are other forms of ministry that are just as vital. For those called to preach as a primary ministry, there exists the additional preparations noted in the Certified Lay Speaker role. If preaching is not your forte, there are still plenty of opportunities to continue as a Lay Servant. But in my conversations with other Lay Servants, the first comment is still often “I preached ‘X’ times.” The Basic Course references ministry in areas of leading, caring and communicating. This occurs in places other than the pulpit.
When I encounter the question of what next, my first response is to determine “Where are you now?” With or without the paper that indicates your status of Lay Servant, you may have been serving in that role for some time. Think about how you participate in your local congregation, for starters. Maybe you serve as a trustee. Or a Sunday school teacher. Or a custodian, which is a ministry of caring.
My preferred response to those asking about Lay Servant Ministries and what do I do next is direction to the Bible. We are reminded that the Body of Christ has many parts with many gifts (I Corinthians 12:12-31), so we need to determine which gift we possess and use that gift in our ministry. And to direct the gifts to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46) — serving others as we would serve Christ.
There are lots of ways to take a next step. One of my favorites is visiting with other Lay Servants to see how they have found to serve. This often serves as inspiration for things I can try in my own corner of the world: Take another LSM class, or participate (maybe lead) a Bible study group, serve at a meal site.
Use your imagination.
So I guess the short answer to the opening question is “Take another LSM Class to discover your spiritual gifts.” (That is one of the advanced courses — shameless plug!)
Whichever step you take next, remember there are folks like me praying for your success, and I courage you to pray the same for others.
Learn more about Lay Servant Ministries in the Great Plains Conference.
Kirk Pemberton is director of Lay Servant Ministries in the Topeka District.
-------
Mercy and justice
Nebraskans reminded about death penalty ballot issue
Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty provides a last-minute reminder about the death penalty issue on the ballot Nov. 8.
The United Methodist Church stands strongly against the death penalty. Why? Our faith in Jesus Christ leads us to see sacred worth in every person, and we believe that God is working to transform all human beings. The death penalty is biased against non-whites. It is biased against the poor. It carries the inherent risk of executing innocent people. It does nothing to deter violent crime. It costs taxpayers more than life imprisonment. In Nebraska we cannot obtain the drugs required to execute someone.
Last year our Nebraska legislators ended the death penalty and replaced it with life imprisonment. In Nebraska, that means no parole. Now, Referendum 426 seeks to repeal that decision and reinstate the death penalty. The United Methodist teaching is best represented by a vote to “retain” the Legislature’s action.
The language on the ballot has caused confusion, so Nebraskans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty has ballot language cards available for you to print and distribute.
You can also find more information on their Facebook page and website.
-------
Come learn about the Sanctuary Movement Nov. 12 and 13
“You, who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”[Psalm 91:1-2]
In the 1980s, many churches and faith communities were involved in the sanctuary movement granting safety to Central American refugees fleeing civil wars. In the last few years, a growing number of faith communities have taken up this movement again to stand in solidarity with immigrants facing deportation.
The Rev. Noel Andersen, grassroots coordinator with Church World Service, explains the movement as a “higher calling” and a “prophetic witness to the nation that we need deferred action from deportation in its broadest form. The growth and momentum of sanctuary across the country is a result of congregations and immigrant communities working together to confront these broken human-made laws.”
“Opening the doors of a church or a synagogue or mosque and declaring sanctuary is a very serious matter. Faith leaders and their congregants do not enter into this decision lightly. But these immigrants and their families are friends and neighbors who have been a part of their communities for decades. These congregations are answering God’s call to love our neighbor as we love ourselves,” said Andersen.
You will have the opportunity to learn from persons directly involved in the Sanctuary Movement (those offering it and those living it):
- Saturday, Nov. 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Hastings, Nebraska.
- Sunday, Nov. 13 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Omaha (location to be announced).
If you are interested to come, there are some funds available to help with mileage and lodging. For more information and to register please contact Sandy Sypherd at ssypherd@windstream.net or Andrea Paret at amparet08@yahoo.com.
-------
UM Global AIDS Fund special offering set
The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, or UMGAF, is working to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the HIV virus. While globally the number of children with HIV continues to grow, better services to diagnose and treat expectant mothers has averted nearly 1.1 million new HIV infections among children between 2005 and 2013.
Dec. 4 has been designated as UM Global AIDS Fund Sunday. Please designate that Sunday, or a date convenient for your church, to take a special offering (Advance special #982345). More work lies ahead to reach each mother and child but we can make a difference.
Offerings sent to the UMGAF through the Great Plains Conference allow 25 percent to remain in our conference. These funds are available for grants to local churches for HIV AIDS ministries. Grand Island Trinity and Norfolk First UMCs have been awarded grants to help maintain emergency funds to assist clients of the Nebraska AIDS Project.
-------
Administration
Home Depot teams up with GCFA on loyalty program
During the past year, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church has been blessed to work with Home Depot in introducing The Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program.
The program provides United Methodist churches and affiliated organizations the opportunity to support the Strength for Service Program. Strength for Service honors active military personnel, veterans, first responders and law enforcement officers by providing them with a free inspirational daily devotional booklet. The Home Depot Pro Xtra Loyalty Program gives a percentage of each sale in the form of a rebate to the Strength for Service ministry.
Churches and affiliate organizations that have been impacted by natural disasters or under minor or major construction and renovation may be aided by Home Depot services and products. The Home Depot has a dedicated field team ready to meet the specialized needs of United Methodist churches across the country. The extensive retail network connects churches to an unbeatable supply chain — making purchasing faster, easier and more affordable. Any organization or general contractors affiliated with The United Methodist Church may register for the program.
Interested churches engaged in building projects or any type of renovations can learn more about the program by contacting Mike Daniels, the Home Depot Pro Accounts representative. His phone number is 817-825-0279. His email address is Michael_R_Daniel@homedepot.com.
-------
Look inside Kansas UM archives at Baker University
There have been some changes made at the Kansas United Methodist Archives, located on the campus of Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Take a look inside.
-------
Other
Southwestern ranked as ‘best bang for buck’
Washington Monthly magazine has recognized Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, as one of the nation’s top values in higher education in its 2016 college rankings issue. The magazine ranks SC fifth in the Midwest Region as a “Best Bang for the Buck College.”
According to Washington Monthly, the “Best Bang for the Buck” list includes schools that help non-wealthy students attain marketable degrees at affordable prices.
“This is who we are at Southwestern and it’s what we have been doing for more than 130 years: helping deserving students attain meaningful degrees at affordable prices,” Southwestern College President Brad Andrews said.
Washington Monthly’s methodology for the rankings is rooted in three categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarship and doctorates) and service (encouraging students to give back to their country). Data reviewed in the ranking process includes graduation rates, first-generation student ratios, graduate earnings, net price of attendance, and a measure calculated for each institution’s dedication to community service. In total, 367 institutions of higher education were ranked in the Midwest category. The fifth place ranking put Southwestern ahead of all other schools in Kansas.
In addition to the Washington Monthly ranking, Southwestern has achieved other recent recognitions for offering outstanding value to students. A February study by Georgetown University Center for Education named SC best in the state for graduates beating mid-career salary expectations. U.S. News & World Report ranked SC a Top Tier Midwest Regional University in the newsmagazine’s annual ranking, which was published in September.
Southwestern College is a private institution granting undergraduate and graduate degrees and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. About 1,700 students attend classes at the main Winfield campus, at six professional studies sites in Kansas and Oklahoma, or online around the world.
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