UMconnect--05/07/08

Nebraska Annual Conference Session pre-conference briefing dates

The Rev. Chad Anglemyer and Robin Kilgore will be taking to the road in May to visit each district to share information about the Nebraska Annual Conference Session, June 10-14, in Lincoln.

District superintendents will host the meetings. All lay members and pastors are encouraged to attend. Dates and locations include:

Blue River District
May 20, 7 p.m., Aldersgate UMC

Elkhorn Valley District
May 15, 7 p.m., Norfolk UMC

Gateway District
May 18, 3 p.m., Kearney First UMC

Great West District
May 21, 7 p.m., Scottsbluff UMC
May 22, 7 p.m., North Platte UMC

Missouri River District
May 19, 7 p.m., Hanscom Park UMC

Prairie Rivers District
May 14, 7 p.m., Trinity UMC, Grand Island

Key among the topics will be the Transition Team recommendations for a new structure and way to do conference ministry. The 2009 Funding Plan will be reviewed as well as details surrounding the session themed "Food and Faith—Come to the Great Banquet." The theme focuses on Risk-taking Mission and Justice Work. As one of the Six Signs of Discipleship, the goal is to demonstrate how mission and justice work can be related to food and faith.

Chadron UMC mission and service fair—Sunday, May 11

The Mission Statement of the Chadron United Methodist Church is "A Church Family that Makes a Difference." Throughout the season of Easter, Chadron UMC's pastor, the Rev. Seth L. Leypoldt, has been leading his congregation in a sermon series on the core values based on this Mission Statement. This series concludes on May 11, 2008, with a sermon on the core value theme "We are Making a Difference through Mission to the Community." Information on each core value and access to previous sermons can be acquired through Chadron UMC Web site at http://www.chadronumc.org.

In recognition of this core value, Chadron UMC will be challenging its membership to volunteer for mission to the community. A mission and service fair will be held immediately following the 10:30 a.m. worship service on May 11. Several community organizations will be providing information and signing up volunteers to help make a difference in Chadron. More information on this mission and service fair and organizations that will be present can be found at http://www.chadronumc.org by clicking on the Difference Makers tab or by calling the church at 308-432-2866. Chadron UMC is located on 847 Shelton Street in Chadron.

FREE $100 VISA GIFT CARD FOR ACTIVE HEALTHFLEX PARTICIPANTS!

In an attempt to get more HealthFlex participants to complete the Health Quotient (HQ), the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits (GBOPHB) is offering a $100 VISA gift card free to all participants who complete the HQ by the end of June. This is a result of decreased participation in the HQ in 2007 from 2006 totals.

To redeem your gift card, simply go online to the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits' Web site at http://www.gbophb.org and complete the Health Quotient by June 30, 2008. Feel free to update as much of the information as possible, even if you have not had your yearly physical. You can update the HQ as often as you want, so you can always add new information later.

For more information contact Carole Otto, benefits administrator, at cotto@umcneb.org, phone 1-800-435-6107 or 402-464-5994 ext. 108.

• Read more

Deadline for submitting Angie Newman Award Nominations−May 15, 2008

The Angie Newman Award is to honor a laywoman of the Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church whose contribution to the church and the community is an example of the spirit of Angie Newman. The ministry of the recipient should demonstrate commitment, compassion and a sense of justice for all people, especially women, youth and children.

Background information on Angie Newman as well as the nomination form for the award can be found below. Again, the deadline for submitting nominations for the award is May 15, 2008.

For more information, contact Deanna Holland at HollandFarms@alltel.net.

• Angie Newman Award nomination form

Does your congregation/organization have an upcoming event?

Send in your event and it will get added to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference events calendar. Click here to submit an event.

First UMC in Norfolk is seeking persons for two positions

First UMC is seeking a full-time Director of Education and Youth Ministries to recruit, train and equip volunteer leaders in Christian Education and Youth Ministries. First UMC is also seeking a part-time Director of Choral Music to direct adult, youth and children's choirs.

For job descriptions or more information, contact the Rev. James S. Brewer at First United Methodist Church, 406 West Philip Ave., Norfolk, NE 68701, phone 402-371-2785 or e-mail jbrewer@norfolkumc.org.

Need business cards?

Nebraska United Methodist Conference Communications will be printing business cards in the coming month. If you would like a "Nebraska United Methodist Conference" branded business card, please contact Kathryn Witte at kwitte@umcneb.org and provide the information you would like on your card, including church or agency affiliation, address, phone numbers, fax, e-mail, Web site, etc. The cost is approximately $35 or less for 500 cards depending on the number of people who choose to purchase cards. Deadline for submitting information is Friday, May 16.

Peace with Justice Ministries Sunday is May 18.

Additional resources including a children's sermon, graphics and other materials are available at http://www.umcgiving.org.

UMconnect online submission form

When submitting items for UMconnect, please use our new online submission form which can be accessed by clicking here or at the top of the UMconnect Web page which can be accessed through the Quick Links on our Web site at http://www.umcneb.org.

Using the online submission form will help guarantee that we receive information in the most usable manner and that you are able to share your information with the conference.

Are your parents getting older and in need of any of these services?

Home Health Care
Assisted Living/Facilities
Elder Care Attorney

The Eldercare Referral Network helps families research and find the best provider based on the elder person's needs and coordination of care. Years of industry experience offers clients knowledgeable, caring advice. For more information, go to the Web site at http://www.eldercare-referralnetwork.com.

St. Andrew's UMC to host free concert Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 22, Caleb Rowden brings his "Lead Me to the Cross" tour to St. Andrew's UMC, located on 15050 W. Maple Road in Omaha. He has some amazing hits and an awesome CD. Check him out at http://calebrowden.com. The opening act will be a local band, "Benjamin." This will be a great night of music and fun. A free-will offering will be taken.

Save the date—Tuesday, June 3, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the UNL East Campus Union

This is a special invitation for your congregation from the Human Services Federation to attend "Do you really see me," an informal breakfast discussion on poverty in Lincoln and how faith-based and community organizations can work together to address it.

June 3, 2008
7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
UNL East Campus Union

The event will feature a community video presentation as well as a toolkit meant to educate, empower and engage participants in anti-poverty work in the community. Additional community resources and partnership opportunities will also be featured. Breakfast and parking are also to be provided at no cost.

Please RSVP (limit of two representatives per congregation) to Betsy Bergman at 402-441-4338 or e-mail to director@hsfed.org.

"Living the Sacred," a mission/study experience with Native Americans for young adults

"Living the Sacred" is an opportunity to learn about the values, culture and needs of Native Americans and to be in mission with them. This Volunteers In Mission (VIM) opportunity, which will take place in Oklahoma July 25-31, is $300 per person or $275 if registered by June. For more information and details on this VIM opportunity, see the flyer below or contact the Rev. Nan Kaye-Skinner at 402-331-4054 or nanagram@trinityralston.org.

• "Living the Sacred" flyer

Asbury UMC, Sioux Falls, S.D., is looking for a Director of Children's Ministry

Asbury United Methodist Church is looking for a Director of Children's Ministry to lead a team of dedicated volunteers and build on an established program. The position is part-time, with flexible hours (up to 30+ per week). The church has a weekly attendance of approximately 350 with a membership of 650. The Children's Ministry currently has approximately 60 children enrolled.

• Director of Children's Ministry job description

New worship schedule for St. Andrew's in Omaha

St. Andrew's UMC in Omaha has started a new worship schedule. Worship is now held on Saturdays at 5 p.m. and on Sundays at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m.

As part of their Disciple-Making Plan, a survey was distributed among the congregation last fall. After much prayer and discussion, a final decision was made. A Saturday evening service is being offered to accommodate those who have scheduling conflicts on Sunday mornings or simply want a Saturday option for worship. Two worship services are offered on Sunday at 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Sunday school for children through grade five will be offered at each of the three services while Sunday school for youth will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. It is the hope that this new worship schedule will aid members of St. Andrew's in reaching out to others as they "share the Gospel of Jesus Christ" in northwest Omaha.

Samaritan Counseling Center's 20th Anniversary Celebration scheduled at Lincoln Station's Great Hall in the Haymarket

The Samaritan Counseling Center will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Friday, May 16, at the Lincoln Station's Great Hall in the Haymarket. The evening will include a reception, silent and live auctions, dinner and "Spirit of the Samaritan" awards. May is designated as National Mental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of mental wellness for all.

For more information about the Samaritan Counseling Center and the 20th anniversary celebration, visit http://www.SamaritanCenter.com or call the center at 483-5117.

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St. Andrew's celebrates its third year of Upward Ministries!

Upward Ministries is a basketball and cheerleading program created not only for enhancing basketball and cheerleading skills but also enhancing skills to live more like Jesus. St. Andrew's started this ministry three years ago, starting with only kindergarten through third grades. The first year of the program, 97 kids were involved. The second year St. Andrew's more than doubled that number with about 220 kids, and the third year they finished with 347 children participating.

Upward Ministries says that the biggest growth is between the third and fourth year. This is because the "word is out." Adults and kids are telling their friends to come! What was found to be the most interesting was that many of the adults who volunteered their time to coach or referee where so touched by helping kids grow closer to Jesus that consequently they came back in the fall to teach in the Sunday School classrooms. St. Andrew's has gained new memberships on the church roles and Vacation Bible School enrollment has grown from the Upward Ministries program.

Saint Paul UMC of Lincoln is looking for a Director of Adult and Small Group Ministries

This person develops and coordinates ministries for adults in the areas of Christian education and discipleship, spiritual formation and life development. This person also works with developing and coordinating senior ministries and small groups.

To apply, send resume, personal contact information and reference contact information to the Rev. David Lux, Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 M Street, Lincoln, NE. 68508.

Holly Elliott and Laurel Glass Scholarship Endowment for Seminary Study by persons who are deaf, deafened, deaf-blind or hard of hearing

This scholarship is being offered by the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation's Scholarship Connection to any United Methodist Theological School for individuals who are culturally Deaf (persons who use American Sign Language as their primary language), orally deaf (persons who use speech reading or other non-manual methods of communication), deafened (persons who become deaf after speech was established at roughly four years of age), late deafened (persons who became deaf as adults, after age eighteen), deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. The grants are intended for seminary education for persons wishing to be prepared for specialized ministries in the church, including, but not restricted to those who wish to become ordained.

• Application information

Seminary Scholarship applications now being accepted

The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation is now accepting application materials for the seven seminary scholarships it administers for students planning to pursue careers in the ministry within Nebraska.

These scholarships are:

- The Alva Clark Seminary Scholarship
- The Cowles United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship
- The Alice Kruse Ministerial Scholarship
- The Alice Kruse Seminary Scholarship
- The Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship
- The Sylvia Miller Memorial Scholarship
- The Albert R. Murdoch Ministerial Scholarship

The deadline for application submissions is June 30, except for the Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship, which is May 31.

For more information and printable application materials, please visit the Foundation's Web site at http://www.numf.org/special_programs/scholarships.html.

2008 School of Christian Mission, July 25-30, in Grand Island

The Nebraska School of Christian Mission will be held July 25-30, 2008, at the Mid-Town Holiday Inn, in Grand Island, Neb., offering both a weekend and weekday school. The weekend school is July 25-27. It begins on Friday evening at 6 p.m. and concludes at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The weekend school is a compressed session and therefore fewer class sessions. This session is usually the most attended.

The weekday school is July 27-30. It begins on Sunday at 6 p.m. and ends on Wednesday at 1 p.m. This session has an extra day, so the classes are not as compressed and the schedule is a little more relaxed.

• Flyer
• Registration
• Adult health form

New research describes use of technology in churches

Our most recent tracking research among churches examines some of the technology relied upon by Protestant congregations. Comparing current technology applications to data from similar studies conducted in 2000 and 2005 reveals both the breadth and pace of technology adoption by churches. You can read this information in the new Barna Update, at no cost, by clicking here.

South Central Jurisdiction Lay Speaking Ministries Conference—July 11-13 at Mt. Sequoyah

Below you find the brochure/registration form for the South Central Jurisdiction Lay Speaking Ministries Conference, "Back to Basics with Wesley," July 11-13 at Mt. Sequoyah Retreat Center in Fayetteville, Ark. It will be a great weekend as we revisit our roots and examine some of the things that allowed the Methodist movement to be such a powerful influence in America. This experience will give Lay Speakers of the jurisdiction an opportunity to "experience the excitement," and hopefully be challenged, as Drs. Jim and Molly Davis Scott help us to look at our modern day United Methodist Church in light of our Wesleyan heritage.

As United Methodist Lay Speakers, we are supposed to know our Methodist heritage, "A United Methodist Lay Speaker is...well informed on and committed to the Scriptures and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of The United Methodist Church...."(The Book of Discipline). This weekend will help us fulfill that expectation.

• Registration/brochure

Resource center catalog back online

As of this week, our catalog is back online so be sure to drop by the resource center website for even more materials for your spring bible studies!
Let the Resource Center be your source of renewal this spring. Check the resource center Web page by clicking on the resource center link at http://www.umcneb.org or e-mail Diane Dunkerson, director, Resource Center for Churches, at ddunkerson@umcneb.org.

"For Everyone Born, Global Songs for Emerging Worship"

The Global Praise program, a ministry of The General Board of Global Ministries, presented the songbook "For Everyone Born, Global Songs for Emerging Worship" to General Conference 2008. Several of the songs were used during worship and were received with great excitement.

Many of the songs in the book can be taught quickly by rote making them perfect for use in Annual Conferences in worship, gathering times, as well as short energizers. The songs were chosen for their accessibility, immediacy and suitability for cross-cultural use. The CD will help you with possible accompaniment styles for several of the songs and also serve as a pronunciation guide.

Please feel free to contact the Global Praise office with questions about "For Everyone Born" or the Global Praise program. You can listen to clips of each song by going to http://www.globalpraise.org, music resources. Both the songbook and the CD are available from Cokesbury.