UMconnect--05/15/08

Annual Conference materials now available

Important Annual Conference materials including the 2008 Annual Conference Resource Book, registration forms and more are now available by clicking here or by accessing the 2008 Nebraska Annual Conference Web page by clicking on the Annual Conference icon underneath the Quick Links at http://www.umcneb.org.

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. Click here for pre-conference briefing dates and locations.

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.

Nebraska United Methodist Conference Transition Team

This is an exciting time in the Nebraska United Methodist Conference. There is great zeal for the mission, vision, core values, strategic initiatives and flow of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference. We have taken seriously our mandate to equip local churches for ministry. Three years ago the DiscipleMakers group took data gathered from members from around the conference in face-to-face meetings and from survey information and met for a year to craft the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Discipleship Plan approved at the 2006 Annual Conference Session.

The next year saw the Transition Team develop recommendations on how the Discipleship Plan would be accomplished. Those recommendations were adopted at the 2007 Annual Conference Session. During 2007-08, the second phase of the Transition Team's work embarked on giving those original recommendations structure and a plan for implementation.

For more information on the work of the Transition Team, visit the Transition Team Web page.

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.

United Methodist Men's 19th annual scholarship dinner and auction

Join in the fun and fundraising on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at Saint Paul United Methodist Church, 1144 "M" Street, Lincoln. Please join us for dinner and recognition of 2008 scholarship recipients as well as a live auction. We hope you can attend. For more information, contact Randy Fleming, executive director of fund development, at auctioneer_32@msn.com.

• Fun auction form

Register now for the Foundation's Annual Conference Pre-Session Seminar

Pastors and laity who are, or will, be involved in a campaign to raise funds for a new building, major repairs or to reduce debt are strongly encouraged to attend the United Methodist Foundation's pre-session seminar, "Developing and Leading a Successful Capital Campaign," on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Sanford D. Coon, Executive Director of the New Mexico Conference Methodist Foundation, will be presenting on:

- Key factors that contribute to the success (or failure) of a Capital Campaign. (Hint: It's not having a list of the most affluent members of the congregation!)

- What is the Pastor's role? What do the Lay Leaders do?

- What decisions must be made? And by which committees or boards?

- How do we communicate with the congregation?

- Who is the District Board of Church Location and Building? Why do they have to be involved?

- Is it necessary to have a feasibility study?

- What is the value of having outside counsel? How do we know whom to select?

- Is the Campaign congruent with the stewardship program?

- What happens after the Campaign? What are the responsibilities and who takes care of them? What are the next steps and the timetable?

Plan to take advantage of this learning opportunity by registering yourself and other interested church members. The cost is $5 per registrant (dinner not included). If you have questions or desire additional information, please contact the Nebraska United Methodist Foundation at 402-323-8844, 877-495-5545, or info@numf.org.

• Registration form

Left to right: Aaron Allison, Kyle Zimbelman, Cole Lohoefener with the Rev. Charles L. Spence pictured in back.

Three North Platte Boy Scouts receive their "God and Me" pins

Three North Platte Boy Scouts recently received their "God and Me" pins at First United Methodist Church in North Platte, during services on Sunday, May 4, 2008. Kyle Zimbelman, Cole Lohoefener and Aaron Allison worked with the Rev. Dr. Charles Spence and their parents over several weeks in the completion of their tasks.

The God and Country programs encourage young men to examine what God means to them and to work and talk with their parents and their pastors. The award is not a required badge. The Scouts do this work in addition to any work given them in Scouting. There are several different age levels offered to Scouts as they advance. Congratulations for doing a great job.

Ensemble concert at St. Paul's UMC in Papillion—Tuesday, May 20

Tuesday, May 20, St. Paul's UMC in Papillion will host an ensemble concert featuring the Heartland Band of America at 7 p.m. This is the last concert of the series, and all are invited to attend. St. Paul's UMC is located on 324 S. Jackson St. in Papillion. For more information, contact the Rev. Dan Flanagan at flanagan@saintpaulsumc.net.

Richard Fountain on piano at St. Paul's UMC in Papillion—Sunday, May 18

Sunday, May 18, St. Paul's UMC in Papillion will host a concert featuring Richard Fountain, who holds a doctorate from UNL, on piano. The concert is at 3 p.m., and all are invited to attend. St. Paul's UMC is located on 324 S. Jackson St. in Papillion.

Do you like motorcycles? Do you like basking in the Word of God? Have you ever thought of combining the two?

If so, come join the Gordon/Clinton Parish of the United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 1, for Biker Sunday! Interested participants are welcome to meet at Gordon UMC for a day of fun-filled activities!

Bikers must please RSVP by May 23, so there are enough resources available for all. When you RSVP, please indicate if you would be willing to take a rider on the fun-ride, or if you would like to stay behind to give short rides to non-bikers. Regular attendees at worship service need not RSVP. You may call 308-282-0526 or e-mail umcoffice@gpcom.net to RSVP. The event will take place at Gordon First UMC which is located on 211 W. 2nd St. in Gordon.

There will be something for everyone, so come join the fun of Biker Sunday! What a great way to kick off a great summer of riding fun!

• Click here for more details

Nebraska United Methodist Conference Events Calendar

Keep members of your congregation up to date on upcoming events at your church by sending in your event to be added to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference events calendar. Click here to submit an event.

Or, if your event has conference-wide appeal, please submit your event information to UMconnect using our online submission form. 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.

Chaplain Ted Pearson from the Columbus Rescue Mission to speak in North Bend and Schuyler−Sunday, May 18

Chaplain Pearson will speak at First United Methodist Church in North Bend, located on 8th and Willow Streets, at 8:30 a.m. He will then speak at Christ United Methodist Church in Schuyler, located on 1922 Colfax Street, at 10:30 a.m. At both services he will describe how the mission helps people in need through the support of area churches and communities. The public is cordially invited to attend both services.

Columbus rescue mission exists to help people in need by living out the gospel of Jesus Christ by offering temporary shelter, food pantry assistance, clothing, household furnishings and furniture, chapel services and Christian counseling. They also support area churches by encouraging those enrolled in their programs to worship and participate in one of the churches of their choice.

For more information, contact the Rev. Fred Andersen at 402-352-3560 or e-mail SCHUYLERUMC@MSN.COM.

Panama VIM trip

The Panama VIM trip for the summer of 2008 will be from July 17-27. We will be going to the village of Bongo in the Chiriqui Province of Panama. On previous trips, a three-room annex to the church was built. A kitchen and dining room were added in June of 2007. The annex is being used for adult education (within a forty-mile radius there are no educational opportunities past the sixth grade).

The plan for 2008 is to make restrooms for the rural school in Bongo and do some painting. It is exciting to see the community's enthusiastic support for these projects! The Bongo United Methodist Church, established by missionaries in 1920, was the first Methodist church in Panama. The cost of this VIM trip is $1,500 which includes airfare, lodging and most meals. $100 is due with your registration by June 15, 2008. Please make your checks payable to the Gateway District office at: P.O. Box 995, Kearney, NE 68848-0995.

Please include your name, address, home congregation, home phone, work phone and e-mail address if available. You will need a passport and some immunization shots to go on this trip. If you have further questions, contact the Rev. Secundino Morales at 308-234-3098 or by e-mail at gateway@umcneb.org.

Parsonage Connection—Saturday, June 14

Saturday, June 14, from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Parsonage Connection will be meeting at Saint Paul United Methodist Church on 1144 "M" Street in Lincoln.

Parsonage Connection is an organization of people who are married to active and retired clergy in the conference. Our brunch meeting is open to all clergy spouses! To make a reservation, please contact Pat Andersen at fa53230@msn.com by June 5, 2008.

First UMC in Gering to celebrate 120 years

Sunday, July 13, First UMC will celebrate 120 years as an organized church in Gering. First UMC's District Superintendent, the Rev. Dr. Brian Kottas, will lead the service with lunch following worship on the lawn in front of the church. Those in attendance will share historical moments and celebrate the presend during Oregon Trail Days. All are welcome to join us in the celebration! First UMC is located on 900 "O" Street in Gering.

Nursery worker wanted at Southminster UMC

Southminster UMC is looking for a nursery worker to provide care for children from birth through age five during worship services, from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday mornings. Additional care may be needed during special events, meetings and small group ministries. Qualified person must have Safe Sanctuary training. The position is year round and salary is $10.00 per hour. Contact 402-423-8586 or e-mail southminster@windstream.net for more information or to apply.

United Methodist Committee on Relief pursues avenues of relief for China earthquake, Myanmar Disaster and U.S. Spring Storms

United Methodist Committee on Relief, the United Methodist denomination's disaster relief agency has set three Advance numbers so that United Methodists everywhere can participate in the relief effort.

Outreach dollars contributed to The Advance are outside the Nebraska Conference Mission Share support and are considered contributions above and beyond a church's regular responsibility.

Congregations may identify a special Sunday to take a collection for one or more of these UMCOR relief efforts. It's a way of demonstrating our gracious generosity in the face of catastrophic situations across the world.

Following are the current emergencies and their assigned Advance numbers.

China Earthquake—Advance 982450

Myanmar Disaster—Advance 3019674

U.S. Spring Storms—Advance 901670

For more information on The Advance, go to http://new.gbgm-umc.org/advance/.

Bread for the World calls 2008 Farm Bill "half a loaf"

Washington, DC, May 14, 2008—Bread for the World president Rev. David Beckmann issued the following statement concerning the 2008 Farm Bill that is expected to pass both houses of Congress this week and is also expected to be vetoed by President Bush:

"The 2008 Farm Bill represents half a loaf. Congress has increased funding for vital domestic nutrition programs but has failed to substantially reform the U.S. agricultural system.

"We rejoice that additional funding has been given to nutrition programs especially in light of the growing global hunger crisis that is hindering the efforts of struggling parents to feed their children. We celebrate the increases to the Food Stamp Program and funding for food banks. We are happy that the bill authorizes the Hunger Free Communities grant program, which will enable community-based organizations to work together to plan and implement local strategies to end hunger. We are also encouraged that it contains a pilot program that allows for the local purchase of food aid from sources closer to the countries in need."

• Read more
• Bread for the World Web site

New study to start at First United Methodist Church in North Platte

First United Methodist Church, 1600 West "E" Street, North Platte, will be offering a four-week study and sermon series called "Tex Mix," starting Sunday, June 8 at 5:00 p.m. This is a great series to compliment the community NebraskaLand Days Celebration.

The study will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a light "tex-mex" supper and DVD study featuring storyteller Tex Sample. This study will be facilitated by Phil Barkley. The sermon series will be a part of the contemporary worship service at 7:00 p.m., with the Rev. Dr. Charles Spence be offering the messages.

Please call to register for the study so enough food and materials will be made available. Child care will be made available upon request. Individuals can come to either or both opportunities. No registration is required to attend the contemporary service. For more information, please e-mail Cheri Kneifel at npfumccheri@inebraska.com.

• "Tex Mix" flyer

"Eclipsing Empire: Paul, Rome and the Kingdom of God" study starting at First United Methodist Church in North Platte

First United Methodist Church, 1600 West "E" Street, will be starting a new summer study called "Eclipsing Empire: Paul, Rome and the Kingdom of God." The study will begin Sunday, June 1 at 9:45 a.m. in the church parlor. This deeper level DVD study features theologian John Dominic Crossan and explores the life of Paul and the effects of the Pauline letters on the early church, as well as how we continue to struggle with these books as contemporary Christians. This study is open to the community. For more information, e-mail Cheri Kneifel at npfumccheri@inebraska.com.

South Central Jurisdiction Lay Speaking Ministries Conference, "Back to Basics with Wesley," July 11-13

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.

It 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.

• Brochure/registration

"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.

Seminary Scholarship applications now being accepted

The Nebraska United Methodist Foundation is currently 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. All applicants will be notified of the scholarship recipients by August 4, 2008.

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