UMconnect — 03/19/09

Nebraska United Methodist Annual Conference Session briefings dates and locations—Great West to meet in Hemingford

Last week's edition of UMconnect announced the Great West District briefing would be in Alliance. They have "double booked," so the briefing will now be held in Hemingford. Please make the appropriate announcements in your congregation. Following is another reminder of those briefings.

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference will hold its Annual Session June 9-13, 2009, at the Cornhusker-Marriott Hotel in Lincoln. Children's Annual Conference will be held at Lincoln Saint Paul UMC as well as several of the Annual Conference Session worship services. Youth Annual Conference will be held on the campus of Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Complete information regarding the conference will arrive in mid-April to Local Church Lay Members of the Annual Conference and their pastor. Information will also be posted on the Web site at that time. A preliminary schedule is available online now at www.umcneb.org.

Briefings will cover the schedule of the session as well as information for first-time attendees. Consider it the who, what, when, where and why of the Annual Conference Session.

All Annual Conference Session attendees are encouraged to attend the closest briefing location. The briefings are open to anyone in the conference who is interested. For more information contact the Rev. Chad Anglemyer at canglemyer@umcneb.org.

Great West District
May 3, 2 p.m., Hemingford UMC, 619 Custer
May 3, 7 p.m., Sidney UMC, 2622 11th Ave.
May 4, 7 p.m., Wallace UMC, 118 S. Wallace Rd.

Gateway District
May 5, 7 p.m., Kearney First UMC, 4500 Linden St.

Missouri River District
May 17, 4 p.m., Gretna UMC, 11457 S. 204

Blue River District
May 17, 7 p.m., Lincoln South Gate UMC, 3500 Pioneers

Prairie Rivers District
May 21, 7 p.m., Central City UMC, 2601 18th

Elkhorn Valley District
May 26, 7 p.m., Norfolk Westridge UMC, 2000 Norfolk Ave.

	Bishop Charles N. Crutchfield

Last call for spring 2009 Laity Convocation scheduled for March 27-28, in Lincoln

Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln will host the Spring 2009 Laity Convocation, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday.

Attendees will gain new skills that can be applied to both personal spiritual growth and to leading the local church. Workshops will be offered twice so that all may attend each session. This event is intended for all Nebraska United Methodists who are interesting in bolstering their commitment to ministry and mission work.

Bishop Crutchfield will be the keynote speaker for the two-day leadership development session. The convocation begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and concludes at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Registration is $50 per person, $35 for first-time attendees.

Other featured presenters include the Rev. Nita Hinds-Park revealing the power of the church demographic tool MissionInsite. MissionInsite is a conference resource available to all United Methodist congregations to use to determine the demographic and psychographic make-up of their church's surrounding area. Hinds-Park will make the presentation during a plenary session.

Break-out sessions include Lisa Maupin from the Missouri River District presenting ideas for Risk-taking Mission and Justice Work; and the Rev. Sally Ruggia-Haden presenting "Unbinding the Gospel," a learning series on hospitality, growing the church and discipleship. Martha Grace Reece's book, "Unbinding the Gospel, Real Live Evangelism," is part of a three-part series that includes "Unbinding Your Heart" and "Unbinding your Church."

For more information, please see the flyer and registration form below or contact Deanna Holland at hollandfarms1@gmail.com.

• Flyer and registration

Annual Conference booth space available

If your United Methodist group or organization would like to have booth space at the Lincoln Cornhusker-Marriott Hotel during the Annual Conference Session, June 9-13, please contact Barb Grenemeier at bgren@umcneb.org or call 402-464-5994, ext. 114.

The registration form can be found below.

• Annual Conference booth space registration

Raising Naira ($) for Nigeria

Silent auction items from Jalingo, Nigeria available for bid at the Nigeria Luncheon during the Annual Conference Session

The Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership will have items from Nigeria available for silent auction during its lunch at the Nebraska United Methodist Annual Conference Session. Funds from this auction will support the 48 students cared for by the United Methodist Orphanage in Jalingo, Nigeria.

• Read more

New Special Offering—Nigeria Nebraska Partnership, May 10—Mother's Day—Advance #851

A Special Offering honoring the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership is a conference initiative to enhance the support of the orphanage built in Jalingo, Nigeria, in partnership with the United Methodist Church of Nigeria. Forty-eight students benefit from the generosity of the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership.

It takes about $2,000 annually to support one student's living and educational expense. Students on the orphanage compound number 43 with two students at the United Methodist Junior Seminary School and three located at a Nigerian government school, both in Jalingo. In addition to student expenses, water, consistent power and living accommodations for staff continue to be challenges for the orphanage. The Nebraska Conference Advance is No. 851, Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership: Hope for the Children of Africa.

Additional resources for the global church's designated Sundays can be found at www.umcgiving.org. Upcoming Special Sundays include:

- One Great Hour of Sharing: March 22, 2009
- Native American Ministries Sunday: April 26, 2009
- Peace with Justice Sunday: June 7, 2009
- World Communion Sunday: Oct. 4, 2009
- United Methodist Student Day: Nov. 29, 2009

• Bulletin inserts

Attention United Methodist Women

United Methodist Women (UMW) has begun a strategic planning process and is in need of your help. UMW wants to get its members' input via an online survey. Please pass this link along to all of your UMW contacts. Besides making the link available through e-mails, UMW has also posted a link on its Web site at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umw/.

• UMW online survey

Volunteers In Mission (VIM) trip set for June 2010—Kenya

Norfolk United Methodist parish is planning a Kenyan VIM trip in 2010 (June 17-July 2). The theme for our mission trip is "Your Love Hope for Kenya, Africa."

The purpose of this mission trip is to share God's love with the people of Kenya through mission projects with a hope of building bridges of friendships that will allow us to experience God in each other's culture.

The people of Norfolk United Methodist parish are inviting you to join them in this exciting trip where they hope to share the love of God with Kenyan people. Below you will find the brochure with more information.

Those under 18 years of age who are wishing to go need to be accompanied by a parent or another family member. Those who are planning to go on the mission trip meet every third Thursday at 6 p.m., at Norfolk First UMC.

For more information, contact Dr. Charles Kathurima M., associate pastor at Norfolk United Methodist Parish, 406 W. Philip Avenue, Norfolk, NE 68701. He may also be reached by phone at 402-371-2785.

• Flyer

Lay Speaking Ministries cornerstone training piece for laity wishing to grow leadership skills

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Leadership Team has recommended to The Common Table, an endorsement of the Lay Speaking Ministries program as a vital part of the leadership development of a lay person in Nebraska.

Sometimes misinterpreted as being a "pulpit supply" (only fill in for pastors at the pulpit on Sunday) ministry, the course offerings of Lay Speaking Ministries are as broad and diverse as the leadership topics addressed in the course work.

Nebraska Conference Lay Speaking Director Bob Aderholt from Kenesaw has identified several courses that he sees as being some of the "best picks" of courses offered. Those include:

- Justice in Every Day Life

- Leading in Prayer

- Teach Adults

- You Can Lead in Evangelism

- You Can Lead In Stewardship

- Interpret to Others Our United Methodist Heritage

- The Christian Small-Group Leader

These are just a few of the course topics available through Lay Speaking Ministries. For more information, contact your district Lay Speaking director. For a list of district directors go to the conference Web site at http://www.umcneb.org/ministries/layspeaking/index.htm. You may also contact Bob Aderholt at bobmary@windstream.net.

Gateway District to offer Basic Lay Speaking course

A Basic Lay Speaking course is being offered at Lexington First United Methodist Church at 201 E 8th, Lexington, NE, on Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9, 2009. The Rev. Todd Karges and Michelle Roggasch, CLS, will lead this course.

• Registration

Blue River District to offer Basic Lay Speaking course

The Rev. Lyn Seiser and Connie Hartman, CLS and Blue River District Lay Speaking Ministries Director, will be leading the Basic Lay Speaking Ministries course on two consecutive Saturdays, April 18 and April 25. The class will be held at Lincoln Faith UMC, 1333 N. 33rd St. The cost of the course is $25, which includes textbooks.

The registration deadline is April 10, 2009. Please see the attached registration form for further details.

• Registration

Missouri River District to offer Basic Lay Speaking course, June 5-6

The Weeping Water United Methodist Church will host a basic Lay Speaking Ministries course on June 5-6, beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

On Friday dinner is on your own, and on Saturday a snack and lunch are provided. See the attached registration form for more information.

Celebrate spring with the March and April Missions of the Month!

The Mission of the Month series features local, conference and international missions along with recommended readings and needs from our agencies. The Mission of the Month series is intended as an educational opportunity to learn more about ways to get involved in the field of risk-taking mission and justice work.

Local congregations and church organizations have incorporated the series into their monthly newsletter, purchased books for their church libraries, started personal and group studies, or used the resource as a way to educate the local church on what agencies the United Methodist Church supports locally and globally.

More resources about the featured missions and activities are available through the United Methodist Ministries office at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.

• March Mission of the Month
• April Mission of the Month

"Confronting the Controversies" study starting

North Platte First United Methodist Church is offering a DVD Bible study for adults starting Sunday, March 29, at 9:45 a.m. in room 206. The study is "Confronting the Controversies," by Adam Hamilton.

This study allows for open discussion and discernment about some of the "hot button" topics of the Christian faith including euthanasia, the death penalty, abortion, homosexuality, prayer in public schools, evolution and separation of church and state. Sunday school classes and nursery care for children are available at that time.

14th Annual Bedding Plant Sale starts March 23

The annual North Platte Kids First Preschool Scholarship Plant Sale will be taking orders for bedding plants starting March 23. Plant sale forms are available at Kids First Preschool or the First United Methodist Church, and the plants will arrive for pick up by May 8 or 9. Anyone from the community is welcome to order.

Proceeds from this plant sale provide tuition assistance for low income families who attend Kids First. This is the major fund-raiser to provide monies for the 2009-2010 school year.

Approximately 17-20 percent of the students attending Kids First are provided scholarships, so parents have the option of sending their children to an ecumenical Christian preschool. As the preschool begins its 17th year, it will have assisted 266 families.

Omaha's Soul Desires book store to host special author events on March 25 and 28

On Wednesday, March 25, from 5-6:30 p.m., meet Michael Lux, author of "The Progressive Revolution: How the Best in America Came to Be."

Lux begins by restoring Tom Paine to his rightful place as the inspiration for the American Revolution and reclaiming the Declaration of Independence as a clarion call for progressive democracy that has echoed around the world and through the ages. He goes on to recount the big change moments in American history, from the Bill of Rights through the ending of slavery to the great twentieth-century accomplishments of the Progressive Era, the New Deal and the civil rights movement. He also documents the conservative backlash that strove to prevent and then reverse each of these expansions of freedom.

On Saturday, March 28, at 5 p.m., meet the Rev. Dr. Phil Wogaman, author of "Moral Dilemmas: An Introduction to Christian Ethics."

How can we make decisions that are consistent with our basic values? We must first, Wogaman says, identify basic moral presumptions that can guide our thought as we face moral dilemmas. These basic moral presumptions include equality, grace, the value of human life, the unity of humankind, preferential claims for the poor and marginalized, and the goodness of creation.

Soul Desires is located at 1026 Jackson, in Omaha's Old Market. Call 402-898-7600 for more information.

"An Encounter"—presented by Terry Teykl, March 20 and 21

Do you struggle to maintain a healthy prayer and worship life? Whether you have been praying for decades or are just thinking about getting started, a day with Terry Teykl will energize and equip you to more effectively communicate with the Father.

Terry's passion is contagious as he communicates foundational principles and practical ideas. He'll make you laugh, but you will come away from the experience convinced that you can make a difference in your church, your life and the lives of those who are yet to find faith in Jesus.

Please see the materials below for more information.

• Flyer
• Registration and brochure

Lincoln Saint Paul readers raise money for Nigeria orphanage

The 48 orphans in Jalingo, Nigeria, will be the beneficiaries of $2,552.50, raised by 25 readers and their sponsors with additional contributions. A home, a good education and a promising future are provided for these young children and they are very grateful. The annual children's reading program is sponsored by the Saint Paul Church library.

Since the introduction of a new format for the reading program that was begun in 2007, $8,124.75 has been collected to feed the hungry and provide a better life for children and families around the world. Kay Kile, volunteer coordinator of the project says, "Thank you Saint Paul Church family!"

Prairie Rivers District United Methodist Men to meet in Sutton

All men in the Prairie Rivers District are invited to the Sutton Federated Church for a pancake and sausage dinner and program on Monday, March 30, starting at 6:45 p.m. Come hear Tom Schroeder of Dannebrog, a gifted singer and guitarist with original songs.

Please call Larry Ulmer for reservations by March 25 at 402-260-6391. You may also e-mail reservations to luent@mainstaycomm.net. The church address is 407 N Saunders, and pastors eat for free.

Hanscom Park United Methodist Church to hold its annual spring craft show and garage sale

Hanscom Park United Methodist Church will be holding its annual spring craft show and garage sale on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

The event will include lunch, a used book sale, a bake sale and gift baskets. Admission and parking are for the event are free. To reserve a craft table, please contact Louanne Gruidel at 551-1516.


Join the people of Omaha's Hanscom Park United Methodist Church, 4444 Frances Street, for a lovely day of shopping and lunch. Hancom Park United Methodist Church is located one block south of 45th and Center Streets.

Proceeds from the event go to missions.

• Flyer

Spanish Safe Sanctuaries training scheduled for April 25, in Schuyler

Schuyler's Christ United Methodist Church is hosting a Safe Sanctuaries training in Spanish on Saturday, April 25, 2009. The training will be led by the Rev. Patricia Gandarilla from 10:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. A lunch will be provided.

There is a $20 fee for the background check application. Make the check payable to the conference treasurer. A social security number is needed to complete the application.

The Safe Sanctuaries book in Spanish is available at www.discipleshipresources.org or Safe Sanctuaries, P.O. Box 340003, Nashville, TN 37203-0003.

Registration for preparation of education materials and lunch can be made by e-mail to schuylerumc@msn.com or by mail to Christ United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 515, Schuyler, NE 68661.

Palmyra, Cheney and Conestoga Parish confirmands attend weekend confirmation retreat

The weekend of March 6-8, a group of confirmands from Palmyra and Cheney UMCs as well as the Conestoga Parish (Pleasant Dale, Denton and Raymond) went to Kansas City for a confirmation retreat. The confirmands, their mentors and pastors embarked on their journey on Friday afternoon.

This weekend retreat provided an opportunity to experience Father, Son and Holy Spirit in a variety of worship settings as well as one-on-one time for confirmand/mentor faith relationships and time to make new friends.

Friday night, the group worshipped with Harmony Vineyard Church for their First Friday Worship service. There they experienced a praise band, healing prayer and a free spirit type of worship.

Saturday was a full day with worship in the morning at Temple B'nai Jehudah, a Jewish synagogue, which included a Bat Mitzvah ceremony. In the afternoon, the group took in part of Marcia McFee's worship workshop at Saint Paul School of Theology to experience how God's people have worshipped in spirit-led ways over the past 3,000 years. The group then worshipped at the Church of the Resurrection, the largest United Methodist church in the Midwest (used to be in the United States) to experience the mega-church feel. The group then was off to see "Beauty and the Beast" performed by a Christian youth theater.

Sunday morning, the group of confirmands worshiped at 8 a.m. with its host church, Woods Chapel UMC, and again at 10:30 a.m. with good friends at Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church before heading for home.

The confirmands and mentors returned from the retreat inspired by the experience and excited to share the faith stories of their weekend. They do have stories to tell!

Overcoming global poverty tops legislative priorities

Middle East peace, stopping nuclear weapons spread high on list

The General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) Peace with Justice and International Affairs work areas have set legislative priorities for 2009. They set priorities each year to maintain focus amidst the myriad of crisis situations that arise throughout any given year. The priorities also ensure that their efforts support the stands of The United Methodist Church as set forth in the "Social Principles" in the Book of Discipline and policy statements in the Book of Resolutions. As you are no doubt aware. both of these were updated by the 2008 General Conference, the denomination's highest policy-making body.

The legislative priority for Peace with Justice and International Affairs for 2009 is as follows:

Overcome global poverty

GBCS supports legislation that helps to end global poverty. Foreign aid reform, fair trade, debt cancellation, and major reform of international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, are instrumental ways the United States can lead to end poverty on God's world.

This year GBCS also established secondary priorities. GBCS has always had secondary priorities but decided it would help you in your own advocacy work if you became aware of where they are focused. GBCS's secondary priorities are as follows:

- End the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and promote a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.

- Promote a nuclear weapons-free world.

- Strengthen multilateral cooperation through reform of the United Nations.

All of GBCS's work areas set priorities each year to guide their advocacy efforts. You can see them on their Web site at Legislative Priorities, and read about previous years' efforts.

New United Methodist Hymnal online discussion group

You're invited to join this lively and informative discussion group on Facebook. The group discusses and debates issues related to the development of a new hymnal for The United Methodist Church in the USA, approved by General Conference in 2008. Go to www.facebook.com.