UMconnect 02-24-10

The Rev. Dr. Jesse Foster, Nebraska Conference director of Christian leadership development, leads an exercise on trust-building during the Feb. 12 Nebraska-Kansas Episcopal Area Transition Team meeting, held in Lincoln, Neb.

Nebraska-Kansas Transition Team met Feb. 12-13 in Lincoln, focus was on "adaptive change"

Twenty-two team members representing all three conferences (Kansas East, Kansas West, Nebraska) met in Lincoln Feb. 12-13, to continue the work of planning for a combined Episcopal area beginning in 2012.

Consultant Gill Rendle, from the Alban Institute, reminded the group through a 30-minutes teleconference to not jump to quick technical solutions like naming where the Episcopal office should be located. Rather, ask what the role of the Episcopal office should be in this new configuration, which is an adaptive question.

Rendle encouraged the group to come up with good adaptive questions which will lead to solid technical answers.

Look for a complete summary of the two-day meeting in the March-April edition of the "Nebraska Messenger." To view the library of documents relating to the transition, including a timeline, frequently asked questions, and transition team member bios, visit the link below.

• Nebraska-Kansas Transition Team Web page

Conference treasurer expresses her thanks for Haiti donations, shares latest total

A note from Robin Kilgore, Conference treasurer/director of administrative services:
Thank you to everyone in Nebraska for the generosity expressed to the people of Haiti. The attached UMCOR note expresses the collective work that our denomination has done and continues to do to impact the people of Haiti.

As of Feb. 23, total giving to the Haiti Emergency Advance from the Nebraska Conference is $200,572.39. A total of $8,326.50 has been given for UMCOR health kit materials and an additional $7,493.64 for shipping costs related to those heath kits.

• UMCOR newsletter

Rev. Dan Flanagan

Rev. Dan Flanagan named superintendent of Missouri River District, effective July 1

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson announced Wednesday, Feb. 24 that the Rev. Dan Flanagan will be the new superintendent for the Missouri River District. He will succeed the Rev. Dr. Randall Sailors, who is retiring.

Flanagan currently serves St. Paul UMC in Papillion, Neb., where he has been since since 2002. Prior to his appointment to St. Paul UMC, he served churches in Norfolk, Milford, Lincoln and Tilden.

Rev. Pauletta Lehn

NWU Campus Minister Pauletta Lehn announces move to New York

The Rev. Pauletta Lehn, campus minister at Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU), will be taking a leave of absence this summer to move to New York City with her husband Matt McLaughlin and their daughter Suzannah. Matt has accepted a new position with his company. Lehn said she is excited for the opportunity to work with The United Methodist Church in a different capacity and to build on the many connections she has made in the New York City area after leading several NWU service trips there.

"I treasure the time I've served at NWU and look forward to returning to ministry in Nebraska sometime in the future," she said. "My family is here, my heart is here—this is my home."

Lehn will continue her appointment through the annual conference session in June.

NWU President Fred Ohles said, "When you see her, please extend a heartfelt thank you to Pauletta. She has served all of us well. We will miss her very much."

Senator Lowen Kruse

Senator Lowen Kruse on faith and politics

Note: Senator Lowen Kruse served in the Nebraska legislature from 2001 to 2009, and was an active pastor in the Nebraska United Methodist Conference for 43 years. He is in a unique position to describe the mix of faith and politics, and often writes and speaks on the subjects. He urges that people in the "broad middle" can give balance to the noise of extremists by speaking up and joining in dialogue on issues.

We have asked Kruse to provide a monthly column in "UMconnect" on how persons of faith can be effective in discussing issues, affecting legislation and influencing community decisions.

Faith and politics
"Politics" is the term for how we form our communities and decide policies that affect our people. If you have ever stated an opinion on what your school or community should do, or how the government should be run, you are a politician—whether you acknowledge that role or not.

Opinions about how much Christians should be involved in political decisions range from "not at all" to "only Christians should be elected." There are several fascinating strands of history that make us this way, but that is a topic for a future column.

We have Christian citizens who have given exceptional service as elected officials. I do not apologize for my support of the legislature as a group. The senators represent folks of Nebraska remarkably well. When they debate, it is Nebraskans making up their mind—forming the rules by which we are to "be community" locally and as a state.

Naturally, I disagree with some decisions, but I never doubt that the other votes represent real people. As each of us join in the debate we add balance to the discussion.

We senators never shout at each other, in public or private. There is no point to it. We each have strong feelings on a few subjects, but the way to make progress is to express ideas clearly and to listen intently.

I urge that model for all of us when there are points of tension. Putdowns or insults or questioning the commitment of another person always set us back. Always.

Currently, it is popular nationally to put a spin on what someone says, so that they look bad. When you spin another person's ideas you are also messing with your own thinking, with what may be true. The result is that you cannot hear as well.

Joining with others to make decisions is always a challenge. We can learn to do it better.

Editor's note:
The Nebraska United Methodist Conference promotes the use of Holy Conferencing. Attached below are the general guidelines for the Holy Conferencing model.

• Holy Conferencing model guidelines

Attendees of the November 2009 Rethink Church event discovered new tools and ideas to apply to their own local congregations. Rethink Church campaign materials are helping local churches see themselves as vital centers of ministry in their communities, not just a building on a street corner.

Register now for Rethink Church at Springfield First UMC, March 19-20

Rethink Church, a conference on welcoming and evangelism, will be held on March 19 and 20, at Springfield First United Methodist Church, in Springfield, Neb. Workshop leaders Kathryn Witte and Lisa Maupin will bring fresh materials they acquired from recent trainings with United Methodist Communications in Nashville. Special guest Barbara Nissen will also join the training team. This event is the spring Laity Convocation for the Nebraska Conference, but don't let the name fool you. This conference is for pastors and laity working together to create spiritual excitement in their congregations.

Friday, March 19, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will be a training day for individuals who plan to commit to presenting the Rethink Church program to congregations in their district. Each participant will be asked to sign a covenant agreeing to teach Rethink Church at least twice in 2010.

On Friday evening at 5 p.m. registration will begin for Rethink Church for congregations. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion and entertainment.

Saturday will begin with worship at 9 a.m., and include a full day of topics, such as Welcoming as a Lifestyle; Identity; Unique Characteristics of Seekers Ages 18-34; Discover/Design/Do; Children and Young People's Ministry, and more. The afternoon will include breakout sessions.

Registration is $40 for an individual, $125 for groups of four to seven attending from the same congregation and $200 for eight or more attending from the same congregation. Groups of 20 or more are asked to contact Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org to receive special pricing and to ensure that enough materials are available. Payment is due on the day of the event; make checks payable to "Conference Treasurer."

Register online via the link below, or fill out the attached registration form and mail it to the Nebraska UM Conference Center, attn: Rethink Church Registration, 3333 Landmark Cir., Lincoln, NE 68504. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 16.

View the attached PDF for more information and to read what past participants have to say about Rethink Church.

• Online registration
• Registration form
• More info and tentative schedule

Register now for Horizons of Faith 2010, taking place at Omaha First UMC on March 12-14

This year's Horizons of Faith event will be March 12-14 at Omaha First UMC, 7020 Cass St. Two prominent speakers will discuss the topic "Justice for the Common Good."

The Rev. Dr. Emilie M. Townes, a native of Durham, N.C., is an American Baptist clergywoman, editor, author, and is currently the first Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology at Yale University Divinity School. She is also a founding member of the Initiative on Religion and Politics at Yale. She has written "Womanist Ethics and the Cultural Production of Evil" and "Breading the Fine Rain of Death: African American Health Issues and a Womanist Ethic of Care," among others.

Tex Sample is a former Academic Dean at Saint Paul School of Theology who now lives in Phoenix, where he is active in The Valley Interfaith Project and Interfaith Worker Justice. A native of Brookhaven, Miss., he pastored churches for eight years and served as the director of Social Relations of the Massachusetts Council of Churches for three years. Sample works and teaches in the areas of U.S. culture and lifestyles, social theory and change, and theological ethics. He has authored many books, including "Earthy Mysticism: Spirituality for Unspiritual People," and "Blue Collar Resistance and the Politics of Jesus: Doing Ministry with Working Class Whites."

Full weekend registration includes lunch on Saturday and is $65. If you want to attend only the Friday evening lecture and reception, the cost is $20. All are welcome to attend Sunday events without cost.

Make checks payable to First UMC; the registration form is attached below. View the complete schedule and information on lodgings in the brochure attached below. For additional information call Sue Rood at 402-556-6262, or e-mail sue.rood@fumcomaha.org. The registration form can also be downloaded at www.horizonsoffaith.com.

This annual event is sponsored by Omaha First UMC and Soul Desires Bookstore.

• Horizons of Faith registration form
• Horizons of Faith brochure

Dr. Marcia McFee

Register now for Marcia McFee workshop at Lincoln Trinity UMC, April 16-17

Dr. Marcia McFee, author, professor, preacher, artist and worship designer and leader, will be presenting a workshop on creating dynamic worship for all churches, at Lincoln Trinity United Methodist Church, 7130 Kentwell Lane, on April 16 and 17.

The evening of Friday, April 16, will feature worship and discussion with McFee from 7-9 p.m. Saturday's events will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m.; there will be four sessions throughout the day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. Among the session topics are "Creating Worship with Deep Soul" and "The Rhythms of Liturgy and Life." The workshop will conclude at 3:30 p.m. The complete schedule is attached below.

The cost for an individual to attend is $45; for teams of three or more the cost is $30. Lunch will be served. Register online or call Lincoln Trinity UMC at 402-435-2946. Registration is limited.

McFee will also be leading worship at Trinity UMC on Sunday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m., the general public is invited to attend.

McFee is committed to teaching the nuts and bolts of worship in an interactive, fun and inspiring way that enables anyone to return home and create a spirit-filled encounter with God for their church service. She has provided worship design and leadership at numerous national and regional gatherings, and also specializes in designing and leading conference worship. Most recently, she designed and led 22 worship services over a 10-day period for the international quadrennial General Conference of The United Methodist Church. To learn more about her, visit her Web site attached below.

• Online registration
• Workshop schedule
• Marcia McFee's Web site

Basic and Advanced Lay Speaking courses being offered in Gateway District, April 30-May 1

The Arapahoe UMC will host a Basic Lay Speaking course and an Advanced Lay Speaking course on April 30 and May 1.

The Advanced course "Go Preach!" is designed for lay leaders, pastors and student pastors who have not completed formal preaching training, for people seeking further development of their witnessing and speaking skills and for anyone who has been or will be called upon to preach in a pastor's absence. This course is $30, which includes textbooks and meals, and will be held the evening of Friday, April 30, and all day Saturday, May 1, at Arapahoe UMC, Arapahoe, Neb. Please fill out and submit the April registration form (attached below) by April 20.

The Basic Course is the foundation for other texts in the Learning and Leading series for lay speakers. In this new course individuals are encouraged to recognize and employ personal spiritual gifts for the church in order to use them as God fully intended. It offers guidelines for best practices as a church leader and outlines a number of ministries in which lay speakers may assume roles. This course is also $30, which includes textbooks and meals, and will be held the evening of Friday, April 30, and all day Saturday, May 1, at Arapahoe UMC, Arapahoe, Neb. Please fill out and submit the April registration form (attached below) by April 20.

Be sure to check with your church, as you may be eligible for a scholarship to attend one of these courses.

Lay Speaking Ministries is a Nebraska United Methodist Conference leadership development program for lay persons seeking to increase their capacity to teach and lead in their local church. While preaching courses are included in the program, pulpit supply or preaching is not the primary goal of Lay Speaking Ministries. Call your district office for more information.

• Advanced Lay Speaking course registration form
• Basic Lay Speaking course registration form

	United Methodists responding to the massive earthquake that struck Haiti with aid, donations and prayers. Your giving to One Great Hour of Sharing will help respond to emergencies such as the one in Haiti.

One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday will be March 14—Free resources available

When the first tremors of the earthquake in Haiti rocked that island nation, UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) staff was already in the country, strategizing how United Methodists could help improve the lives of the people there. Their work is a direct result of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, which supports the operating expenses of those who bring healing and help in our name. It makes it possible, when we respond to an emergency like Haiti, to know that 100% of our gift goes directly to where the suffering is happening.

One Great Hour of Sharing is one of six churchwide Special Sundays scheduled for 2010, it will be observed on March 14. These "Special Sundays" are opportunities to share beyond our regular offerings. As stated on www.umcgiving.org, "When we give from the heart, we receive unexpected blessings--especially the joy of making a difference in someone's life."

Click on the link below to read more about One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday, to order offering materials, including bulletin inserts, DVDs and music, or to donate now. Or call (888) 346-3862 to order envelopes and other resources so your congregation can participate in this churchwide offering; they will be sent at no cost to your church!

• One Great Hour of Sharing

Deadline to order Eco-palms for Palm Sunday is March 9

A friendly reminder that the deadline to order Eco-palms for Palm Sunday is only three weeks away (March 9) for credit card orders and two weeks away (March 2) for check orders. To place your order, visit the Web site www.ecopalms.org. For more information, e-mail info@ecopalms.org or call 612-624-7418.

Pastor Alan Gager has used Eco-palms in the past, and said, " I have had MUCH success with this program. Even though the price is a just a little higher than local florists, the quality and justice component offset the price concern. The first year the Pawnee City church purchased these some were a little leery, but this proved to be an excellent teaching opportunity."

See the attached PDF for additional order details.

• Eco-palms information

Deadline to apply for Micah Corps summer internship extended to March 20

The Micah Corps summer internship application deadline has been extended to March 20. A project of the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team, this 10-week internship is geared toward Nebraska United Methodist young adults post-high school to 25 years of age who want to strengthen their relationship with God and act on their faith.

Click on the link below to apply online.

• Micah Corps internship application

Youth Service Fund grant applications being accepted through March 20

The Youth Service Fund is a unique ministry because it is completely by, with, and for youth. Youth contribute the money, they decide what projects receive the money and the projects supported are youth-designed, youth-led, and benefit youth. Youth Service Fund truly is youth in ministry.

Currently, only U.S. annual conferences fund the account. Money is raised at local youth events or by church youth groups. Seventy percent of the money raised is kept in the local community, while 30 percent is forwarded to the national portion of the Youth Service Fund. With that 30 percent, Young Peoples Ministries funds youth-designed and youth-led projects around the world. The youth of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference raise funds year-round through coin wars and other fund-raisers.

If you are interested in applying for a youth service Fund grant, please see the application form below or contact the Rev. Michael Patzloff at 402-553-3312.

• YSF Grant application form

United Methodists invited to "Change the World" weekend of April 24

What if...on one weekend all around the world, United Methodists came together to work with their local communities? What if...as we serve people locally, we unite globally to eliminate a preventable, treatable disease that kills one child every 30 seconds?

On April 24-25, United Methodists around the world are invited to participate in "Change the World," a weekend event that coincides with World Malaria Day on Sunday, April 25. Congregations are invited to schedule a community-based workday and to use World Malaria Day sermon starters on Sunday (see link below). A special offering is encouraged to support the fight against malaria.

The Rev. Mike Slaughter, senior pastor at Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, has written a book called "Change the World: Recovering the Mission and Message of Jesus." He emphasizes, "As The United Methodist Church, we have worried too much about getting numbers into our churches instead of getting the people in our churches out into the world in relative ways. Even our smallest churches can have incredible impact when they leave their four walls to serve the needs of their neighbors, alongside of their neighbors." To get involved, plan a work project in your community on April 24, or find a project near you by visiting www.rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld. If you already have an event planned, be sure to register your project on this site as well. There are also a plethora of resources available to help you promote your event.

• Sermon starters

United Methodist Ministries in Omaha hosting "Change the World" events on April 24

Your congregation is invited to "Change the World" on April 24. United Methodist Ministries (UMM) is hosting a day of service for youth and adults in the metro-Omaha area.

The day will begin at Hanscom Park United Methodist Church, 4444 Frances Street, with team check-in from 8:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by a short gathering time. Teams will be assigned to specific local service agencies for hands-on mission work. The day will conclude by 3 p.m., following a closing worship time.

Two participation options are available. The first is "Global Youth Service Day" projects for youth grades 6-12; adult leaders are required for every five participating youth. The second option is "Impact Community" projects for adults 18 and over.

Transportation to service sites will be provided. Housing is available for teams outside the metro-Omaha area. Cost for participation is $15 per person, which includes a commemorative t-shirt and lunch.

Pre-registration is required. Both registration forms are provided below; the form is due by April 1. For more information, contact Lisa Maupin at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.

• Change the World flyer
• Global Youth Service Day registration form
• Impact Community registration form

Save the Date—Omaha First United Methodist Church hosting "Box City" to raise awareness of the homeless, on April 30

Omaha First United Methodist Church will be hosting an event called "Box City: Why Does Anyone Have to Be Homeless?" This social action will bring awareness of the homeless by participants sleeping in cardboard boxes and writing letters to civic leaders.

This event will take place Friday, April 30, on the front lawn of Omaha First UMC, located at 7020 Cass St. Check-in will start at be 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at the "food kitchen." The cost to participate is $5 per person and five canned good items. All proceeds will benefit the Pearl Food Pantry and Youth Emergency Services. There will be guest speakers and live music. Each person should bring their own box and are asked to decorate them before arrival, as there will be an award for best decorated box, as well as for most canned food collected.

It is asked that there be one adult per every seven youth. This event will go on regardless of the weather. The registration deadline is April 21. For more information, or to register, contact Becky Jones, Omaha First UMC youth coordinator/membership development, at 402-556-6262, x1005 or becky.jones@fumcomaha.org. View the attached flyer for further details.

• Box City flyer

Special Olympics USA National Games coming to Lincoln this summer, volunteers needed

Lincoln, Neb. will be the site of the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games this summer; more than 3,000 athletes will participate in 13 sporting events over a six-day period, July 18-23. Approximately 8,000 volunteers are needed to make the games possible; volunteer positions include security, event logistics, welcome committee, delegations services, awards, receptions, ceremonies, information services, technology, cheering committee and more. The volunteer requirements include:

- 16 years of age and older
- Each volunteer must have separate e-mail accounts
- Participate in volunteer training
- All volunteers are subject to volunteer screening
- Optimal: Two days or more volunteer commitment (approx. two 8-hour shifts July 17-24)
- Minimum: One day volunteer commitment (approx. one 8-hour shift July 17-24)

Go to www.2010specialolympics.org for more information or to sign up!

An invitation from Cornerstone Campus Ministry to attend discussion on religious perspectives, on Feb. 25

The classics and religious studies department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is sponsoring a panel and discussion "Death and Beyond: Religious Perspectives East and West," that is open to the public. Dan Crawford will be one of the respondents to the main lecture given by UNL Professor of Asian Studies Yaroslav Komarovski. The panel and discussion will take place on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m., in the Bailey Library (225 Andrews Hall), on UNL's campus.

Komarovski will speak on Buddhist views and practices relating to death. The respondents from the perspective of Western religions will include Professors Jean Cahan (Judaism), Stephen Lahey (Christian theology) and Dan Crawford (philosophy of religion).

Interfaith forum on the environment to be held in Omaha on Feb. 27

Repower America and the College of St. Mary are co-sponsoring "Sustainable Faith: An Interfaith Forum on Climate Change and Clean Energy" on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 1-5 p.m., at the College of St. Mary's Gross Auditorium in Omaha, Neb. Clergy from around the state will address the scriptural and spiritual side of environmental stewardship; including the destruction of God's gifts, the health impacts on God's children and what people of faith can do to get involved. All are welcome to attend.

For more information or to RSVP, please e-mail sustainablefaith@yahoo.com.

• Sustainable Faith flyer

Lincoln Saint Paul UMC members starting with a clean slate this Lent

Saint Paul United Methodist Church is honoring Lent a little differently this year. The community is asked to write their fears, problems or anything else that is holding them back from God on a chalkboard outside of the church. Each morning the chalkboard will be erased, leaving a clean slate both physically and internally.

Saint Paul UMC, located at 1144 M St., in downtown Lincoln, will be focusing on "Clearing the Way" during the forty days of Lent. Each weekend worship sermon will highlight a space or area in our lives that needs to be cleared to allow God in. Thursday noon Lenten Luncheons in March will focus on different practices or habits that allow one to see and hear God more clearly.

Also available is a devotional journal that guides the participant through the 40 days, clearing a way for God. Community members are invited to participate in all activities.

Weekend worship services are Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Lenten Luncheons are the four Thursdays in March at noon. A meal is provided at the cost of $6 per plate. Please register for the luncheon in advance by calling the church at 402-477-6951.

During Holy week Saint Paul UMC will offer a Maundy Thursday service April 1 at 7 p.m. and a Good Friday service April 2 at noon and 7 p.m.

More information about these and other events can be found at www.saintpaulumc.org or by calling Saint Paul UMC at 402-477-6951.

Upcoming Marriage Encounter weekend dates

Want to improve your marriage? Please take a moment right now to put the Marriage Encounter dates listed below on your calendar. And then spend time in prayer to decide which one you will attend! Have you been desiring a closer, more intimate relationship with your spouse? Attending a Marriage Encounter weekend is an excellent way to make that happen.

The 2010 Spring weekends for Marriage Encounter United Methodist are March 12-14 in Omaha and April 16-18 in South Sioux City.

To register, contact Russell and Lanita Evans, Nebraska State registration couple, at 308-520-1491 or russellevans@internet-usa.net. You can also find more information, videos, brochures etc. at the Marriage Encounter Web site, www.encounter.org.

Encounter is a not-for-profit organization, it is a "faith ministry," and each couple will be asked to send a reservation fee to reserve their place. Couples will be given the opportunity to contribute to the cost of their weekend, plus an extra gift if possible. Costs include meals, room reservation and administrative expenses. We only ask that couples give what they can because we do not want any couple to miss the weekend or experience the benefits to their relationship.

Marriage Encounter is designed for married couples who want to live our their wedding vows to the best of their ability. It is the official marriage program of The United Methodist Church and is an affiliate of the General Board of Discipleship.

United Methodist Ministries seeking summer intern for its Blue Flamingo Thrift Store in Omaha

The Blue Flamingo Thrift Store is looking for a summer intern to assist with programing and day-to-day store operations. The internship will be a hands-on look at mission and economic justice in east Omaha.

Interested applicants should be creative, self-starting, and passionate about community building, food justice, and the world of thrift! This is a very diverse position, the work will range from monotonous to exhilarating. It is important that the intern be comfortable and willing to work with a diverse population of customers, volunteers, and community gardeners. Flexibility and a positive attitude are vital!

Day to day activities and responsibilities include:

- Assist in daily operation of thrift store
- Assist in daily maintenance of community garden and help maintain regular communication with gardeners
- Organize and lead one community activity/event per month (garden education events, music/creative events, community building events, etc.)

This is a paid internship; if you are interested in applying, fill out the attached application. The deadline to apply is March 26. See the application for further details.

• Blue Flamingo application

	The Rev. Gary Shockley

Rev. Gary Shockley to head New Church development in the U.S.

The Rev. Gary Shockley has been named executive officer for New Congregational Development in the U.S. for the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), where he will be leading the Path 1 Team. This will become effective on July 1, 2010.

Bishop Lindsey Davis, chair of the Path 1 Team; Bishop Charlene Kammerer, president of GBOD's board of directors; and the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, General Secretary of GBOD, made the announcement.

Shockley, currently New Church Systems Strategist for Path 1, will succeed the Rev. Tom Butcher, who is taking an appointment in the Desert Southwest Conference beginning July 1. Butcher, who was appointed the first executive officer in 2007, will continue in the role through the end of June.

Shockley will lead the Path 1 staff, based at GBOD headquarters in Nashville, and will continue to work with Path 1 steering committee and the Council of Bishops toward the goal of building and implementing the denomination's collaborative effort to train 1,000 new church planters who will start 650 new churches by 2013.

Shockley is an elder in the Florida Annual Conference, has a master's of divinity degree, has an M.A., and lacks only his dissertation toward his doctorate in spiritual formation. He is also a published author, a strong verbal communicator and has experience as a leader in the annual School of Congregational Development.

• Full article

Subscribe to the free online newsletter "Leading Ideas," for valuable leadership resources

"Leading Ideas" is a free online newsletter delivered by e-mail every two weeks to those who subscribe. The purpose of "Leading Ideas" is to provide thoughtful, relevant and succinct information for church leaders to ensure the best leadership resources are brought to the revitalization of churches.

Subscribers also receive monthly updates on programs and resources of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership of Wesley Theological Seminary. The mission of the Lewis Center is to help congregations and denominations increase their leadership capacity for service, vitality and growth.

To subscribe, as well as to view recent issues and archives, visit the Web site provided below.

• Subscribe
• Lewis Center for Church Leadership Web site

Volunteers in Mission experiences record growth in 2009

In 2009, Volunteers in Mission (VIM) experienced record growth with over 1,800 Nebraskans participating in VIM projects. That is nearly 700 more participants than in 2008.

Nebraska VIM teams traveled to eight countries and 13 states. Teams worked on projects including rebuilding homes damaged by Gulf Coast hurricanes, preparing UMCOR kits for shipping at the supply depots, establishing micro-enterprises in Kenya and local mission initiatives in Nebraska.

The goal for 2010 is to have 2,010 Nebraska VIM participants. Nebraska is well on the way to meeting this goal; during the first quarter of 2010 six teams will have traveled to VIM sites. Also, United Methodist Ministries, an accredited VIM site in Nebraska, hosted a youth day of service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which had nearly 100 participants.

There is still time to plan a VIM trip for 2010. There are numerous opportunities to serve through VIM across the United States and around the world. A complete listing of VIM sites can be found by following the link provided below.

As a reminder, all Nebraska VIM teams should register with the Nebraska VIM conference coordinator, Lisa Maupin. To register your VIM team, please submit the following information: location, trip dates, team leader and the anticipated number of team members. Lisa can be reached at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.

To keep up to date with information regarding Nebraska VIM and VIM opportunities, Facebook users can join the Nebraska UMC Volunteers in Mission page or subscribe to the VIM monthly e-newsletter, by contacting Lisa at the e-mail listed above.

• Opportunities for service

Attention pastors: Did you get your summer camp brochures?

Summer camp brochures were available at the special clergy session in January. The intention was that every church would pick up and receive their brochures at the event. In trying to have a more quality product and to cut costs, the decision was made to produce a smaller number and to not insert the brochures in the "Nebraska Messenger" this year. Due to the weather and the busy schedule of the clergy session, however, many people were unable to stop by the camping booth to pick up brochures for their churches.

Camping is one of the best ways for local churches to enhance the faith formation of children and youth. Please e-mail Trent Meyer, Camp Fontanelle director, if your church did not receive or pick up any brochures. In your e-mail, include how many brochures you need and to whose attention they should be sent.

Contact Meyer at 402-459-0686 or campfontanelle@huntel.net.

Hymnals available

Retired pastor Wes Ballard has a box of hymnals that he has collected over the years. If you are interested in inquiring about them, please contact Anne Ballard at aballard@neb.rr.com.

Joyce Solomon looking for carpoolers for UMW meeting in St. Louis

Joyce Solomon is the president of the Gateway District United Methodist Women and will be driving to the United Methodist Women's Assembly in St. Louis, Mo. However, she is in need of one more passenger who is interested in leaving her house in Merna, Neb., on Wednesday, April 28 at 5 p.m. A room is also available at the Nebraska block of rooms at the Crown Plaza.

If you are interested in carpooling with Solomon, call her at 308-643-9461 or e-mail her at Solomon.joyce@gmail.com.

Perkins School of Theology announces 2010 Seals Award recipient

Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, in Dallas, Texas, has announced the selection of Donna Dean Hutcherson of Hallsville, Texas, as the 2010 Woodrow B. Seals Laity Award recipient. The award will be presented at a luncheon on March 6, during the three-day Perkins Theological School for the Laity.

The Seals Award is presented annually to a layperson in the United States who embodies the Christian faith and commitment of service to Christ in the church, the community and the world as exemplified by Judge Woodrow B. Seals, a distinguished layperson whose interest and energy were instrumental in establishing the Perkins Theological School for the Laity. Selection for the award is made by a committee of the Perkins Lay Advisory Board.

Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Church Ministries and Doctor of Ministry, as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.

Wesley Ministry Network and BeADisciple.com offering online courses

Joining together in partnership to bring quality online educational opportunities to Christian leaders, BeADisciple.com and the Wesley Ministry Network (affiliated with Wesley Theological Seminary) provide quality online educational opportunities to Christian leaders. This new partnership will present three study choices beginning Feb. 22. They are:

- Simply Christian
- Devotion to Jesus: The Divinity of Christ in Early Christianity
- Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth

Bishop Richard Wilke, a co-author of DISCIPLE Bible Study, says, "I highly recommend Wesley Ministry Network courses as the perfect follow-up to DISCIPLE Bible study. The content is superb and the combination of print, video and Internet communication is dynamic."

For more information or to register online, please visit the Web site provided below.

• Register or find more information
• Wesley Ministry Network Web site

Online courses now available for Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries

Another course has been approved by the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) as an advanced course in Lay Speaking Ministries. BeADisciple.com is thrilled to be working with Sandy Jackson of the GBOD to bring the opportunity for an online option for advanced lay speaking certification courses for these Christian leaders.

The next available online course approved by the GBOD as an advanced course in Lay Speaking Ministries is Multimedia Technology in Worship for the Church Volunteer 101. This course will begin March 15 and will end March 26. The Rev. John Zimmerman brings his 20-plus years of pastoral ministry experience and his gift of implementing multi-media technology into worship to this seminar.

Students will be introduced to the hardware and software in worship technology and discover their ability to plan, create and implement technology in a worship setting. The workshop will also help the student learn about worship itself and the role of technology in design, appropriateness and excellence. Special consideration will be given to budget and a low-cost approach to technology implementation. This workshop is designed for the church volunteer or pastor who would classify themselves as "beginners" in multi-media experience.

Other upcoming Institute for Discipleship (IFD) courses:

- Writing (or Editing) Your Safe Sanctuary Policy; March 1-27
- Preparing Conference Journals; March 8-26
- How to Become a Disciple Online Facilitator; April 12-23

For more information on these courses, please visit the Web site provided below.

• BeADisciple.com Web site

Attend the Rethink Mission: Reflection and Action conference on Oct. 14, 2010

From Thursday evening, Oct. 14, 2010 to Sunday noon, Oct. 17, 2010, you have the opportunity to hear, reflect and discuss presentations of scholars, missionaries, and leaders in mission in our church at the Rethink Mission Conference at Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn. This conference is designed to discover anew what mission was, what mission is, and be engaged in planning what mission can be in our church.

Registration is based on a first come, first serve basis. If you are interested in attending the conference, more information and a registration form is provided in the attached flyer.

• Rethink Mission: Reflection & Action flyer

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