UMconnect — 04/01/09

The Peacemaking Workshop XXII and Nebraska Wesleyan University Mattingly Distinguished Visiting Scholar Lecture Fund present Anna Baltzer, April 3-4

Anna Baltzer, a Jewish American Columbia graduate, Fulbright scholar, granddaughter of Holocaust refugees and human rights worker with the International Women's Peace Service, is coming to Lincoln, Neb., with her acclaimed presentation and book, offering photographic documentation of the situation in the West Bank. Anna's presentation covers checkpoints, settlements, Israeli activism, the 1948 war and refugees, censorship, the Separation Wall, nonviolent demonstrations and more. Anna will also be selling and signing copies of her book " Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories."

"Conflict and Peacemaking in Israel/Palestine: A Historic Overview"
Friday, April 3 at 1 p.m.
Nebraska Wesleyan University (5000 St. Paul Ave.)

PLEASE NOTE: to accommodate an overflow crowd, the lecture has been moved from the chapel in Old Main to the Miller Lab Theater, just off Huntington Avenue between 51st and 52nd Street.

"Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories and Photos"
Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m.
First United Methodist Church (50th Street & St. Paul Ave.)

"The Next Step: Taking Action for Peace with Justice in Israel/Palestine"
Saturday, April 4 at 8:30 a.m.
First Mennonite Church (7300 Holdrege)

The Peacemaking Workshop is an annual ecumenical gathering to share perspectives and foster discussion and action on peacemaking, justice and conflict transformation.

For more information, go to www.fmclincoln.org/peacemaking_workshop/2009 or call 402-466-1906.

Sabrina Miller (far left) joins Nebraska United Methodist Women, Kathy Pierce and Marilyn Zehring, in lobbying Senator Nelson about environmental issues at the 2009 Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. in March.

A Fresh Look: Perspectives From Those Under 30

Sabrina Miller* joins Nebraska United Methodist Women in advocating for better care of God's creation.

*Sabrina Miller is a member of the Lewellen United Methodist Church and will be graduating from Hastings College in May. The following introduces you to Sabrina and some of her thoughts as well as a description of Ecumenical Advocacy Days co-sponsored by our General Board of Church & Society in March of 2009. At the conclusion, she challenges Nebraska United Methodists to care for God's creation through more active stewardship.

In my four years at Hastings College, I have attempted to lay the foundation for a life of service and justice to God through care for human beings and the environment. This has come about through many venues: classroom work, campus activities, stimulating friendships as well as many trips and conferences which have allowed me to learn about the diversity of God's creation.

I have been to Guatemala to learn about their culture and religion, Louisiana for hurricane relief, Illinois for social justice training, and San Francisco for permaculture training. I have also taken several trips to Washington, D.C. to learn about how my faith interacts with the policies of my government through lobbying, protesting, working with non-profits and learning. One of these trips was provided to me by the Peace with Justice Ministries of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference.

• Read more

Disaster recovery—early response team training offered by United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) on April 25, in Kearney

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference is recruiting individuals to serve on several early response teams. The mission of an early response team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. UMCOR has very specific guidelines that enable a team to be productive and caring while causing no further harm or being a burden to the affected community. Classes are taught by authorized UMCOR trainers, and team members are given identification badges as evidence of training.

Early Response Team training will be held April 25, 2009, at Kearney Faith UMC from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Lunch is provided.

To register, contact the Rev. Roger Gillming, at 308 241-1791 or gillming52@yahoo.com. Class size is limited, so please call soon.

Nebraska Wesleyan student wins one of the nation's highest academic honors

For the third time in four years, a Nebraska Wesleyan University student has been awarded one of the nation's highest academic honors.

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation has named Catherine "CJ" Koozer one of 60 recipients of the prestigious Truman Scholarship. Koozer, a junior biology major from Hastings, was selected from a pool of 600 national candidates. She is the only Nebraska student to receive the honor.

Scholars are selected based on leadership potential, intellectual ability and the likelihood of making a difference. The scholarship provides $30,000 toward graduate studies. Scholars receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at premier graduate institutions, leadership training and special internship opportunities within the federal government.

"Catherine Koozer is known to everyone on the Nebraska Wesleyan campus as CJ and has taken great advantage of the academic challenges and individual attention that we prize here," said Nebraska Wesleyan University President Fred Ohles. "I'm delighted she has won the Truman Fellowship, and I know she will excel with the opportunities it offers her."

• Read more

Weaving a Web of Connections, May 16

Using Internet Technology for Effective Ministry

Do you want to develop or expand a Web presence for your local church, district or conference organization? If so, join local church, district and conference volunteers, staff, webmasters/servants, communicators, editors and pastors for this exciting training event.

Through interactive presentations, hands-on demonstrations and detailed handouts, you will be able to explore a variety of options for creating a dynamic Web ministry as we weave a Web of connections and learn how to use Internet technology for effective ministry.

This training opportunity is hosted by the Nebraska United Methodist Conference and will be conducted by United Methodist Communications but is open to any and all persons interested in attending.

The May 16 event will take place in North Platte at Mid-Plains Community College from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more details, please see the brochure and flyer below.

• Brochure
• Flyer

Interested in a "carpool" to the Weaving a Web of Connections" workshop in North Platte?

Dean Bower is attending the Weaving a Web of Connections workshop in North Platte on May 16 and is interested in carpooling. If you are interested in attending and would prefer to ride with others, give Dean a call at 402-578-4889 or e-mail GoGodGo@hotmail.com.

Whether you're in Omaha or located along I-80 on the way to the North Platte, he is willing to make some stops. He can take three comfortably and four if someone does not mind a middle rear seat in a full-size Buick.

Special offering to support Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Orphanage set for Mother's Day, May 10

This is the third in a series of bulletin inserts intended to help you and your church promote the May 10 special offering to support the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership Orphanage.

Your contributions see that the children living in the orphanage receive an education, along with supporting their accommodations, food and general care. It takes about $2,000 to support one student for one year. Perhaps your congregation would like to join in the conference mission in Nigeria by supporting one student. Nickels for Nigeria is also a way to involve the entire congregation—even children and youth can get involved.

Each year an offering is taken at the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Session when all of the aggregated money generated by Nickels for Nigeria is offered up to the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership.

• Bulletin insert #1
• Bulletin insert #2
• Bulletin insert #3

Nominations sought for higher education award

Each year the Nebraska Conference and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry can honor an individual who has made a significant contribution to fostering the church's ministries in higher education at the local, district or annual conference level of the church. The award is named for Bishop Francis Asbury.

All persons, clergy or lay, employed or volunteer, are eligible. The individual must be:

1. A United Methodist;
2. Active in supporting, strengthening and promoting the church's work in higher education ministries (schools, colleges, campus ministries, scholarships, Black College Fund, Africa University) at the annual conference, district or local church level;
3. Offer outstanding leadership, above and beyond basic responsibilities, to help bring heightened awareness to the significance of the church's higher education ministries;
4. Involved in efforts in agreement with the concerns of the annual conference board of higher education and campus ministry and the Division of Higher Education of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Send nominations to the Rev. Stephen Griffith, SGriffith@SaintPaulUMC.org, P.O. Box 83068, Lincoln, NE 68508, no later than noon on April 27, with the following information:

- Name, address, phone and e-mail of nominee.
- Name, address, phone and e-mail of person submitting.
- Up to five contributions made to foster the church's ministries in higher education.

Easter Family Fun Day at Camp Fontanelle

Sunday, April 5, from 2-6 p.m., Camp Fontanelle will host its Easter Family Fun Day. This free event includes tree climbing on rope for eggs, egg hunts, egg dyeing and laser tag.

For more information about this event and other events at Camp Fontanelle, visit the camp Web site at www.campfontanelle.com.

The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation's Annual Conference Pre-Session Seminar—"Advancing God's Kingdom: The Next Generation"

Tuesday, June 9, please plan to attend this seminar in learning how the church can better prepare for the future and the importance of "leaving a legacy."

In these unprecedented times, it may seem necessary to focus on the Need of the Hour. However, in preparing for the future, the local and national church must be determined to advance the mission for generations to come.

Be prepared to be challenged in realizing how philanthropy plays a critical role in advancing your vision.

Plan to take advantage of this learning opportunity by registering yourself and other interested church members on the registration form below.

• Registration

Ainsworth United Methodist Church to host Dave Ramsey's Town Hall for Hope, a live broadcast on April 23, 2009, at 7 p.m. CDT

All are invited to this free event intended to connect you with families across the nation for a truly radical message: HOPE.

Tired of hearing the fear, doom and gloom that's filling the airwaves? Join Dave Ramsey for a nationwide town hall meeting and discover what's happening with the economy, how we got here, and where we're going.

Town Hall for Hope is your opportunity to sit down with people in your community for a nationwide town hall meeting led by Dave Ramsey. Thousands of venues across the country will host the event, broadcasting Dave's live presentation.

In the opening half hour, Dave will offer straight talk about the economy, recession, foreclosures and more. He'll carefully explain where we've come from, where we are now, and what we should be doing with our money during this time. Then, Dave will spend an hour answering your questions live! Questions will be taken by phone, e-mail, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more.

Additional information can be found at http://www.townhallforhope.com.

Reveal Yourself: A Women's Spiritual Walk and Retreat

The Labyrinth groups of the North Platte First Presbyterian and First United Methodist Churches are sponsoring a women's retreat to be held May 1-2, 2009. Women of all traditions are welcome to join in this celebration of women's spirituality and journey of self-discovery. The retreat will begin on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and end at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

For more information and reservation forms, you may stop by the First United Methodist Church at 1600 West E, or print off a form from the North Platte First United Methodist Church Web site at www.npfumc.org. Reservations are requested to be in by Friday, April 24.

• Brochure

United Methodist Women of the Missouri River District to hold spring retreat

The Missouri River District United Methodist Women will hold their annual spring retreat On April 18, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. The Omaha St. Paul United Methodist Church will host the one-day retreat led by the Rev. Susan Sanders

Please see the flyer below for the cost of the noon meal and registration information. Childcare will be provided by the church if needed. Please request childcare when you register and bring a sack lunch for your child/children.

Register for this event by April 15.

• Flyer

Calvary Echoes to perform at Chambers United Methodist Church

The southern gospel quartet Calvary Echoes will be performing at the Chambers United Methodist Church on April 18, at 7 p.m.

Chambers United Methodist Church is located at 102 East Juanita Street in Chambers. For more information, contact the Rev. Jim Bendorf at jimbendorf@yahoo.com.

Hanscom Park United Methodist Church to host community block party, May 9

On Saturday, May 9, Hanscom Park United Methodist Church will host a free community block party from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The block party will feature carnival food, games, prizes and entertainment.

The admission for the event is one can of food per person attending. All donated food will go to the food bank.

Hanscom Park United Methodist Church is located at 4444 Frances Street in Omaha. The church is between 44th and 45th Streets on Frances Street.

For more information, call 402-553-3312 or e-mail info@hanscomparkchurch.org.

• Flyer

Principal harpist with the San Diego Symphony to perform at Christ UMC in Lincoln

Julie Ann Smith, principal harpist with the San Diego Symphony, will present a concert of harp music on Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln. A reception will follow in the Family Life Center.

The concert is free to the public, and a free will offering for Ms. Smith will be taken. Christ United Methodist Church is located at 4530 A Street in Lincoln.

• Flyer

Missouri River and Gateway Districts to host Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries courses

Lay Speaking Ministries is the cornerstone training program for laity wishing to grow leadership skills.

The Springfield United Methodist Church of the Missouri River District is hosting an Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries course entitled "Lay Speakers Lead Small Groups." The course will take place Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16.

Kearney First United Methodist Church of the Gateway District is hosting an Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries course entitled "Go Preach!" The course will take place Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6.

Lay Speaking Ministries is endorsed by the Nebraska United Methodist Conference as the primary training vehicle for laity 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.

For more information regarding organizing a course or getting involved with the program, contact your Nebraska Conference 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, conference Lay Speaking Ministries director, at bobmary@windstream.net.

• Gateway Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries course registration
• Missouri River Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries course registration

Fremont Calvary UMC extends a grassroots challenge (pardon the pun)

Here is an opportunity to support a camp. With spring comes the need to mow the grass and keep the weeds down. Camp Fontanelle needs a new mower to do the job this year and many years to come. However, they are short of funds. We invite the churches of Nebraska to participate in a challenge.

The Fremont Calvary UMC, a 40-member church, is donating $300 toward a new mower and are asking Nebraska churches and youth groups to match it. The current mower is simply worn out and its replacement will be costly.

Let's hear it for happy campers! Let's hear it for each of us doing what we can to make it happen! Take the challenge! The challenge is extended by the people of the Fremont Calvary UMC.

Contact Camp Fontanelle Director Trent Meyer at trent.meyer@huntel.net or Pastor Susan Sanders at sanders5072@yahoo.com for more information.

Orchard UMC to celebrate 125th anniversary on Oct. 4—save the date

Circle Oct. 4, 2009, on your calendar to help the Orchard UMC celebrate its 125th anniversary.

Plans for the church's 125th anniversary are well on their way and include Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer present for worship. All former pastors have also been invited to attend the celebration.

A noon potluck will follow worship. The main dish will be provided by the church, and everyone is invited to bring a salad, vegetable or dessert. An afternoon program will be capped off with the sharing of an anniversary cake.

All former pastors have also been invited to visit the church on a Sunday during the summer. A schedule of the former pastor visits will be available soon. The Orchard UMC is eager to honor these pastors with hospitality and an opportunity to share stories and reminisce.

The Orchard United Methodist Women are planning to order a memento to be given to everyone that attends the celebration. In addition, Christmas ornaments will be for sale. The ornament will be a porcelain disk with the date and graphic photo or illustration to commemorate the 125th anniversary.

For more information, contact Jannelle Erb, Orchard United Methodist Church lay leader, at druffle@frontiernet.net.

Samaritan Counseling Center opens south central Lincoln office at Westminster Church

The Samaritan Counseling Center has opened a second office at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2110 Sheridan Boulevard. Two licensed counselors are providing counseling and educational opportunities at this location in order to be more accessible to individuals, couples and families in Lincoln's south central and core neighborhoods. Funds are available for counseling for those living in these neighborhoods who are unable to afford the center's standard minimum adjusted fee. The Samaritan Center's east Lincoln location and administrative office is located at 8650 Pioneers on the St. Mark's United Methodist Church campus.

"Westminster is excited to be able to support the Samaritan Counseling Center's mission to provide professional counseling programs to the students and families of Prescott School," said Bob Michaud, moderator of Westminster's Outreach Ministry. "The use of Westminster Church facilities to provide access to family services expands our focus on local mission projects, especially our partnership with Prescott School and the people in the core part of Lincoln."

People who would like to schedule an appointment at either Westminster Church or the east Lincoln location can call the main office at 402-483-5117. Michaud added that Westminster has a strong belief in growing through mission. "We appreciate Samaritan Counseling Center's efforts to begin this neighborhood outreach project," he said.

To celebrate this new neighborhood outreach and to help support the services of the Samaritan Counseling Center, a fund-raising event, "The Art of Healing," will be held on Friday, May 1. The event will start with a garden reception at the historic Woods/Hruza mansion on Sheridan Boulevard, followed by silent and live auctions and dinner at Westminster Church. The program will feature jazz singer and NET Radio host Annette Murrell, as well as the presentation of the 2009 Spirit of the Good Samaritan Awards in the recently restored sanctuary. This year's honorees are Kit Boesch, Lincoln/Lancaster Human Services Administrator; Samaritan Center's founding congregations, Westminster and St. Mark's; and Swanson Russell.

For more information about the Samaritan Counseling Center and the May 1 "The Art of Healing" celebration, visit www.SamaritanCenter.com.

The Samaritan Counseling Center in Lincoln is a nationally accredited, non-profit organization that provides professional counseling programs which integrate an individual's values and beliefs in the process of emotional, spiritual and physical healing. Open to all, the center is committed to improving the lives and relationships of individuals, couples and families in Lincoln and surrounding communities.