UMconnect — 04/15/09

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Calendar of events

For information about events going on around the conference, visit the events calendar.

Click here for a printable version of this week's UMconnect.

U.S. jurisdictions to draw new episcopal lines

A listening session on April 25, from 10 a.m.-12 noon, will gather input from the Nebraska Conference on the redrawing of the South Central Jurisdiction's episcopal areas. General Conference 2008 mandated that each jurisdiction reduce episcopal areas by one bishop. This does not mean that conference lines will be redrawn or that a conference will disappear. It means that 11 bishops caring for 15 conferences will be reduced to 10.

Please keep this process in your prayers, communicate the meaning to your congregations and please be present for the listening session. Bishop Earl Bledsoe of the North Texas Conference will be leading the session. A good turn out for this session will indicate that Nebraska cares deeply about its episcopal leadership.
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Nebraska United Methodist Annual Conference Session briefings dates and locations

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference will hold its Annual Session June 10-13, 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.

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. Attendees are also asked to bring a copy of the resource book with them to the briefing. 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.
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Native American Ministries Sunday, April 26

Whether it's providing shelter for victims of domestic violence, filling food pantries, starting new churches or educating Native American seminary students, the special offering is one way United Methodists honor Native Americans.

On Native American Ministries Sunday, United Methodist's cultivate and support urban missions with Native Americans and fund scholarships for Native American seminarians. Your annual conference may retain 50 percent of the offering to strengthen and develop Native American ministries. However, if no Native American ministries exist in the conference, the entire offering is remitted to the General Council on Finance and Administration for Native American ministries in other areas.

The remaining 50 percent of the offering expands mission work with the Native American Urban Initiative and provides scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist and other approved schools of theology.
Is it easier to learn Native American traditions from a Native American or an Irish American? This is why the Native American Ministries Sunday offering is critical--to continue the traditions and nurture the gifts of Native Americans.

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Common Table has identified Sacred Winds Indian church in Lincoln as one of its mission projects/new church starts for 2010 and placed it under the Congregation Transformation Team's responsibility for funding and pastoral leadership.

Robert Barrick, a retired UMC pastor/Cherokee Indian is currently providing Sunday morning worship services as they meet weekly in the Lincoln Indian Center.

The Native American Ministries Committee is working to keep 50 percent of this Special Sunday offering in Nebraska to support the Sacred Winds Indian Church.

For more information contact the Rev. Dick Turner, chair of the committee, at richluturn@windstream.net.
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The Nigeria/Nebraska special offering is coming soon—Mother's Day, May 10

Mother's Day is a fitting day for taking a special offering to support the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership. The partnership orphanage supports 48 students (43 on site, two at a United Methodist junior seminary school and two at a government school). All contributions go to the room, board and education of these young people. What began in 1999 as a response to the Council of Bishop's initiative "Hope for the Children of Africa" has blossomed into a truly hopeful place for orphaned Nigerian children to become nurtured and cared for in a United Methodist tradition.

Attached is a PDF slide show that can be used much like a PowerPoint presentation. To use it, all you need is Adobe Reader loaded on your computer. The Adobe Reader free download is available on the Internet.

If Mother's Day is not the best time for your church to take this special offering consider Father's Day or any Sunday that enables you to honor the work of the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership with this special offering.

For a more involved Nigerian experience, please consider attending the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership lunch and silent auction on Thursday, June 11, at noon at Saint Paul UMC in Lincoln. The event is part of the Annual Conference Session but is open to anyone who would like to register.

You can register for the lunch for $10, check made payable to the Conference Treasurer and marked "Nigeria Luncheon-Spicy" for the Nigerian meal or "Nigeria Luncheon-American" for an American lunch. Send your check to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, Nigeria Luncheon, 2641 N. 49th St., Lincoln, NE 68504.
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Important news for Healthflex participants and covered spouses

Healthflex members should watch their mail this week for a letter containing a new personal identification number (PIN) to access HealthFlex/WebMD on the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits Web site. The new PIN is designed to maintain security for your online health information. It is necessary as HealthFlex moves away from using Social Security numbers later this year.

DON'T DELAY. Enter your new PIN right away when you receive the letter to avoid any chance of misplacing it. Just follow the instructions contained in the letter. If the letter is misplaced, it will take three weeks or more for a new PIN to arrive by mail. In the meantime, you won't be able to enroll in Virgin HealthMiles or access the Health Quotient.

An e-mail with more details regarding the PIN reset will be sent to all HealthFlex participants this week. More information is available on the conference Web site at www.umcneb.org. Click on the "Administration" tab, then on "Benefits Corner. "
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Weaving a Web of Connections, May 16

Using Internet Technology for Effective Ministry

In today's world, the use of technology is essential for achieving effective communication. Additionally, the use of internet technology is becoming an increasingly important tool for communicating with younger audiences.

If you are interested in using internet technology to bolster your ministry and communications efforts, join United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn., and the Nebraska Conference Office of Communications for "Weaving a Web of Connections."

Saturday, May 16, United Methodist Communications and the Nebraska Conference Office of Communications are teaming up to bring you a one-day, hands-on, technology training event. This regional event covers the basics of starting a Web ministry in a local church and district or conference organization.

The training will be held from 8 a.m.-5p.m., at the Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte. Registration for the event is $75 and includes continental breakfast, lunch, training materials, presentations and snacks. There will be a limited number of computers available, but if you have a laptop computer with wireless connectivity, you are invited to bring it with you on the day of training.

And yes, we're aware that this date hits many of our communities' high school graduation day. This is the date United Methodist Communications made available to us, hopefully if your congregation is interested in this content, someone not participating in graduation might find it of interest.

For more information, please see the materials below or contact Kathryn Witte at 402-464-5994, ext. 113. The deadline for registration is May 10.
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Update on "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. He plans to drive out Friday evening and stay over, returning after the event on Saturday.
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The Rev. Loren Mullins celebrates 50 years of ordained ministry

The Rev. Loren Mullins will celebrate 50 years of ordained ministry on Sunday, May 17. Throughout Loren's ministry in Nebraska, he served congregations at Bushnell Calvary, Custer Parish (including Broken Bow, Anselmo, Merna, Ansley, Berwyn and Westerville), Warren (Lincoln), Hanscom Park (Omaha) and St. Paul's (Papillion). Loren served as District Superintendent on the Northwest District (now the Great West District) from 1987 to 1993. He has also served on numerous conference and district boards and committees. Since retirement, Loren and Iola have affiliated with First United Methodist Church in Omaha where he serves as part-time associate pastor.

First United Methodist Church of Omaha will host a reception honoring Loren on Sunday, May 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Following the reception, there will be a Fellowship Meal at noon. You are invited to join in the celebration as well as worship services at 8:30 or 10:50 a.m. If you are unable to attend, cards and notes can be sent to Loren at 7120 Ivy Lane Drive, La Vista, NE 68128.
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"Omaha World Herald" focuses on the Ohiowa UMC closing and their bucket list

The Easter Sunday edition of the "Omaha World Herald" featured a story on the Ohiowa UMC closing scheduled for June. Reporter Chris Burbach interviewed members who talked about their bucket list.
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Nehawka UMC is in need of your generosity and assistance

The United Methodist Church in Nehawka, a congregation of 80, needs not one, but two new furnaces. This is a huge financial undertaking for this small church. The congregation is actively fund raising and giving generously themselves but would like to ask any church who might be financially able to adopt them as a mission opportunity to do so.

If you are interested in this mission opportunity, please contact the Rev. Sandy Webster at 402-650-6950 or PO Box 387, Weeping Water, NE 68463.
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Omaha's Big Garden Project is looking for volunteers

Have you always wanted to learn how to start seedlings in a greenhouse? Or have you wondered what happens behind the scenes at Lauritzen Botanical Gardens? You can learn all about seedlings and Lauritzen Gardens while assisting the Big Garden this spring!

The Big Garden is currently looking for curious and eager volunteers to help with starting the seedlings for the 2009 growing season. Volunteers will work with the Big Garden staff in the greenhouses at Lauritzen Botanical Gardens. No previous growing experience is needed. It is preferred, however, that volunteers be 16 years or older. Some finger dexterity is helpful, as we will be separating seedlings for replanting.

Volunteer times are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m., April 13-May 15. Volunteers receive free admission into the gardens. Sign up for one time or multiple times.

Contact Lisa Maupin at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org to sign up.

Also, are you looking for loving homes for your overabundance of Iris, Day Lilies, Hostas or other perennials? The Big Garden would love to help them find homes in one of its many garden spaces. Plants can be delivered to the United Methodist Ministries office at 2665 Farnam Street, Omaha, Neb., or at the Blue Flamingo Thrift Store, 1716 S. 10th Street, in Omaha. In-kind donations are tax deductible; let United Methodist Ministries know if you would like a receipt.
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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. This is an ecumenical event, anyone interested in disaster recovery work is invited to attend.

To register, contact the Rev. Roger Gillming, at 308 241-1791 or gillming52@yahoo.com. Class size is limited, so please call soon.
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Early Response Teams needed in North Dakota

North Dakota has been hit with massive amounts of rain, and flooding has covered much of the state. United Methodists working the disaster have requested Early Response Teams. These are specially trained teams that help victims get their lives back.

If you want to help but are not trained, Nebraska United Methodist Disaster Response is offering a training April 25, in Kearney. If you are trained and want to respond, or if you want training, please contact Roger Gillming at gillming52@yahoo.com or 308-241-1791. In addition to training, volunteers must also have insurance.
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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 a.m. on Saturday.

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

Below you will find the 2009 Camp Fontanelle Spring Newsletter. The newsletter is also available by going to www.campfontanelle.com and clicking on the "News" link on the right hand side and the "Branching Out Newsletter" button.

Of particular importance is that Camp Fontanelle is celebrating its 50th anniversary. At the annual barbecue on Sunday, Sept. 20, we will celebrate our history as we look to the future. Many familiar faces (counselors, board members, directors and managers) from the past will be present. Save the date and plan to attend.

Check out the summer camping schedules while online. Great opportunities exist for all ages to grow in faith and community while enjoying the great outdoors and fun activities. Send your kids and grandchildren to summer camp for a God-centered experience close to home. Also check out the schedules for Norwesca at www.norwesca.com and for Comeca at www.campcomeca.com.
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Blue River Spring Event, Saturday, April 25, 2009, special guest—Center for People in Need Director Beatty Brasch

At the Center for People In Need, the mission is to enhance opportunities for families as they address socio-economic barriers limiting their paths to success. Its programs combine to encompass a cohesive network of services for low-income families.

Beatty Brash will share the challenges and opportunities available through the Center for People in Need. See the attached registration information or contact Vicki Leech, 5255 Goldenrod Circle, Lincoln, NE 68512-1301.
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Cornerstone presents "A Night with Tom Osborne"

Saturday, April 25, Dr. Tom Osborne will speak on "Building a Championship Team" at an event to support Cornerstone Campus Ministries. The event will take place at Saint Paul United Methodist Church in Lincoln and will include dinner, a silent and live auction, autographs and pictures with the Nebraska legend.

Please see the flyer below for more details.
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Kearney FUMC cookbook

The 2009 Kearney First United Methodist Church Cookbook is now available for purchase. It is 586 kitchen-tested recipes from the congregation and features photos of the church, its ministers and colored photos of the church's beautiful Lord's Prayer stained glass windows. There is also worship information and a short history of the church.

The cookbooks are being sold for $10 plus $5 postage for mailing. Requests for cookbooks may be sent via e-mail to gfrasier@charter.net. The cookbooks may also be purchased at the church office at 4500 Linden Ave. Kearney, NE 68847.
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NOMADS—Retirement with a purpose

NOMADS is a mission outreach ministry of United Methodists. The NOMADS program is specific to individuals and couples with RVs wishing to be involved in Christian service.

NOMADS are people who are usually retired or close to retirement, enjoy traveling in an RV, are looking for a purpose and personal mission, want to share their Christian faith, and enjoy using their skills in service to others.

For more information, please see the brochure below.
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Children's ministry event scheduled for July 21-24, in Indianapolis

The Week of the Young Child is celebrated April 19-26. For an array of resources to reach out to children and young people in your community and congregation, go to the General Board of Discipleship Web site. There you will find all kinds of ministry resources and ideas to put to work in your local congregation.

Also, consider attending Focus 2009. Focus 2009 is a global ministry event focusing on children and young people. The event is scheduled for July 21-24, in Indianapolis, Ind. Go to the Web site to learn more about this information-packed conference or to register.

Cheri Kneifel from North Platte will be representing the Leadership Team of The Common Table at this event. For more information, you can also contact Cheri at npfumccheri@inebraska.com.
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Mount Sequoyah news

Click here for the lastest news from Mount Sequoyah.
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