UMconnect — 05/26/09

Get the word out! Youth Annual Conference

If you know youth who want to come to Youth Annual Conference but missed the deadline, they may still register. Just contact Michael Patzloff at 402-657-3548. Bring your registration forms and payment to the YAC registration table at time of check-in.

Wendy (left) and Kasey experience prayer by walking a labyrinth.

Please observe Peace with Justice Sunday, June 7

Peace with Justice Sunday is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. Peace with Justice Sunday enables The United Methodist Church to have a voice in advocating for peace and justice through a broad spectrum of global programs.

Established by the 1988 General Conference, Peace with Justice Sunday supports programs that advocate peace and justice at home and around the world. Since half of the offerings collected by your annual conference are retained to fund local peace with justice programs, you can see a difference made locally. In addition, half of the offering is remitted to the General Board of Church and Society to help fund U.S. and global work in social action, public-policy education and advocacy.

So how is the offering used in Nebraska? Wendy Zook from Cozad First United Methodist Church and Kasey Farwell from Grace United Methodist Church in Lincoln were supported, in part, by the generous offerings from Nebraska churches on Peace with Justice Sunday in 2008. As young adult summer interns with Peace with Justice Ministries, they explored different prayer practices and linked them with actions for God's peace and justice.

If you're looking for support materials to help educate your congregation about Peace with Justice Sunday, click here. You will find a list of resources available online as well as a link to an online store where you can order additional FREE printed resources. If you would rather call and order resources, call toll free 1-888-346-3862.

	Douglas A. Dillon

Nebraska United Methodist Foundation to host Annual Conference pre-session workshop, June 9 at 7 p.m.

The funding of our church's ministry can be a struggle regardless of the state of the economy. Generational shifts in giving patterns are impacted by how our church's ministries are perceived by our members.

Does your church struggle to raise money in a troubled economy? Are you in search of meaningful ways to motivate members to become involved in supporting the church's ministry? Are you looking for more meaningful ways to encourage others while educating yourself in ways to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy in your church or community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this fast-paced, inspirational and motivational time with Douglas A. Dillon will be an hour that you won't want to miss.

Douglas A. Dillon, senior partner with Jerold Panas, Linzy and Partners, will be the featured presenter at a workshop presented June 9, at 7 p.m., at the Lincoln Cornhusker-Marriott Hotel, just prior to the beginning of the 2009 Annual Conference Session.

Dillon has been actively involved in the management of nonprofit institutions since 1988. He works as a fund-raising consultant for organizations throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. This includes a variety of institutions of all sizes—medical centers, hospitals, universities, colleges, YMCAs and a number of social service agencies.

He brings to his position remarkable experience in driving all aspects of fund-raising programs. His contributions include preliminary campaign design and direction, strategic planning and management. Doug has personally directed and now provides oversight to numerous capital campaigns for institutions in North America.

Jerold Panas, Linzy and Partners is one of the nation's most highly regarded firms in the field of campaign services and financial resource development. A major force in the industry, the firm has offices in Chicago and Boston. Since its founding in 1968, the firm has served over 1,600 client-institutions.

Jerold Panas, Linzy and Partners is made up of a partnership of experienced men and women engaged in all phases of financial development. This includes pre-campaign feasibility studies, development office audits, public relations and design communications, foundation research and grants, resident campaign services, and consultation for strategic, governance and leadership attainment.

All pastors and church members, even if not a delegate to Annual Conference, are invited to attend. There is no registration fee for this event.

• Registration

32 General Conference Amendments to be voted on during the Nebraska United Methodist Annual Conference Session

Resources for review, study and discernment of the 2008 General Conference Amendments to "The Discipline of the United Methodist Church" are available on the conference Web site.

If you have questions regarding the amendments, contact the Rev. Charlotte Abram at tricoumc@aol.com or Lavina Schwaninger at lschwaninger@huskeraccess.com.

• Click here to access these materials.

Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members to hold luncheon meeting, June 10

The Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members will hold a luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m., on June 10, at the Cornhusker-Marriott Hotel. The meal will be a chicken salad croissant, and the cost is $10. Payment can be made at the meeting, but you will have to order before June 3. To order a meal, contact Ray Weinerman at 308-772-3537 or gcumparish@embarqmail.com.

Wellness Journey

by Eldon Davis

Over the years one does not pay much attention to our physical bodies and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I remember that 35 years ago I went above 200 pounds and never looked back. By the time that I went to seminary in 2000, I was beginning to have some health concerns.

After graduating and becoming a full-time pastor, I took advantage of the annual physical through HealthFlex. The doctor suggested that I needed to become serious about weight loss. I took the Health Quotient and found that I did not rate well with my family history of cancer, heart disease and blood pressure problems. At that time I weighed 268 pounds.

When the conference offered the opportunity to join Weight Watchers, both my wife, Nancy, and I decided we would do this together. We joined last May 2008. Since that time, I have lost 73 pounds and now weigh 195. I have yet to reach my goal, but I continue to faithfully go meetings.

Recently I received my pedometer from Virgin HealthMiles. I try to make at least 7,000 steps a day. I track my progress and find that it is a motivator to keep me active.

I encourage all of us to take advantage of the opportunities that we have to become healthy. For if we believe that we are called to serve, we need to care for the body we have so that we can serve longer and be more fruitful.

Ladies, Can You Identify with This?
by Nancy W. Davis

Just a few days over a year ago, I began a new step toward a healthy lifestyle. All of my life I have struggled with pounds creeping on. I would diet—some crazy diet—loose a few pounds and then gain them back plus more. I made excuses that I was still carrying that "extra baby" weight from having our children even though they are now over 20 years old.

I tried numerous times to take the steps needed toward a healthier life and promised that I would stick to it this time. Of course, that did not happen—until a chance to join Weight Watchers with the help of the conference came into my life. I went "kicking and screaming," but I went. I was grumpy about how many "points" I could have, but something clicked. I discovered a water exercise program at the YMCA, and I liked it. I also walked a lot.

On December 11, 2008, I became a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. It has been five months now that I have maintained my weight loss. This is my lifestyle now, and I will not go back to the way it was before. I am forever grateful to my husband, the conference for their push and to Weight Watchers for helping me pave a new path for my life and yes even to myself for taking that first step—even if I did kick a bit!

Read more and see pictures of Eldon and Nancy Davis on the Conference Web site at www.umcneb.org. Click on Administration and then on Health and Pension Resources.

More help needed at the wellness screenings at Annual Conference

The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits needs people to help take blood pressure readings during the wellness screenings at Annual Conference. The screenings will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings (June 11, 12 and 13) from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., each day. We are looking for persons with expertise in this area—parish nurses, doctors, nursing students, EMTs, first responders, etc. Please bring your own blood pressure cuff.

We would also like to be able to take body mass index readings during the screenings to help Virgin HealthMiles participants comply with Virgin HealthMiles requirements. If you have a body mass reader and could help out, we can use you.

If you are able to help in either way or would like more information, please contact Carole Otto, conference benefits administrator, at 1-800-435-6107 or 402-464-5994, ext. 108 or e-mail at cotto@umcneb.org.

Attention Virgin Healthmiles participants...

Are you worried about getting enough steps during Annual Conference? As we all know, most of the time at Annual Conference is spent sitting in session all day long and is not very conducive to getting much activity on those days.

The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits has a solution for you. A Virgin HealthMiles Walk is scheduled for three mornings: Thursday, Friday and Saturday (June 11, 12 and 13). It's easy to participate. Just meet the Rev. Greg Reed at 6:30 a.m., in the Cornhusker-Marriott Hotel lobby. The walk will take place in the State Capitol area and will last about 30 minutes.

The walk will be held rain or shine. In the event of rain, the skywalk system will be used. So bring your walking shoes and get up and get moving each day by joining in the Virgin HealthMiles Walk. Don't be surprised if you receive a challenge for Annual Conference from your conference benefits administrator!

An opportunity to earn more $$$!

HealthFlex participants: The Health Quotient (HQ) Blitz is on. You probably remember the HQ Blitz from last year, because it was a chance to earn a $100 gift card. Well, the HQ Blitz is back again this year. This time you can earn $100 in HealthCash. This is in addition to the $300 you can earn by reaching goals in the Virgin HealthMiles program.

All you need to do is go to www.gbophb.org, log in to HealthFlex/WebMD and click on "Update Health Quotient Now."

The $100 HQ Blitz incentive applies only to participants and spouses who are enrolled in the HealthFlex active plan (not the Medicare companion plan). To earn $100, you must complete the HQ before June 30, and be enrolled in the Virgin HealthMiles program before June 30. For married couples both enrolled in HealthFlex, you both must take the HQ and you each will earn $100. If only one takes the HQ, neither will earn the incentive. (Log in under your own usernames and passwords and make sure you're both enrolled in HealthMiles.)

Any questions? Call the Health Team at 1-800-851-2201. At the prompt, select option 1, then 0.

To enroll in Virgin HealthMiles, go to www.gbophb.org, log in to HealthFlex/WebMD and click on "Join Now!"

Annual Conference Session reports due

It would really help the secretarial staff of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Annual Conference Session to have all reports early, before the session begins. An electronic version in Microsoft Word is the desired format. Please e-mail your report to the Rev. Roger Gilming at gillming52@yahoo.com.

One more registrant needed for Panama Volunteer in Mission trip

The Rev. Secundino Morales is looking for one more person to go to Panama for the Volunteer in Mission trip from July 2-12, 2009. If you are interested and have a valid U.S. passport, please contact the Gateway District office at 308-234-3098 or the Rev. Morales at 308-440-1213.

One more person is needed by May 29 to make up the 10 needed for the group. If 10 people do not register for the trip, the $100 deposit on the airline tickets will be lost. The ticket cost will be at the rate when the tickets are issued. Also, there may be a half-price scholarship for this one person which would make the trip $750.

• Flyer

Rodney E. Wilmoth: A Service of Remembrance, Sunday, May 31, 2 p.m., Lincoln Trinity UMC

All are invited to celebrate the life and ministry of the Rev. Rodney E. Wilmoth. He passed away on Feb. 11, 2009, in Tucson, Ariz.

Join pastors, friends and colleagues in the Lincoln Trinity United Methodist Church for a time of remembrance, stories, prayers and songs.

Wilmoth was pastor at Trinity from 1977 to 1983.

Parsonage Connection brunch

What: The Parsonage Connection Annual Meeting and Brunch.
When: Saturday, June 13, 2009, from 8:30-10 a.m.
Where: The Green Gateau Restaurant, 330 S. 10th St. #110, Lincoln
Menu: Gateau's traditional, wholegrain pancakes, scones or stuffed strawberry french toast. For more information, go to www.greengateau.com.

Attention all clergy spouses. You are invited to attend the Annual Parsonage Connection Brunch at the Green Gateau Restaurant. We are not mailing registrations out this year, but are asking that each person pay for their own meal at the time of the brunch. Dues can also be paid that day.

If you cannot attend the brunch, we ask that you mail your $5 annual dues to Pat Andersen, 401 West 20th Street, Schuyler, NE. If you have announcements you want shared in "The Happenings" newsletter (graduations, weddings, births, etc.), please e-mail them to fa53230@msn.com to be shared with the group. If you have questions, call 402-352-3400.

Play ping-pong, fight malaria

On Saturday, June 6, the Blue River District of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference is sponsoring its second annual Nothing But Nets Ping-Pong Tourney. The main event will be a full, bracket-style ping-pong tournament, and the entrance fee of $10 will be donated directly to the Nothing But Nets campaign. The tournament will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lincoln, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Nothing But Nets is a grassroots campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a disease that claims the life of a child every 30 seconds in Africa. Each $10 registration fee will cover the purchase, distribution and education on the proper use of one, anti-malaria net. Just one net can help keep a family of four safe for up to four years. For more information about the Nothing But Nets campaign, visit www.nothingbutnets.net.

Designed for those of all ages interested in playing or watching, the event will feature a lunch at noon and concessions all day. The brackets will be designed to foster competitive play at all skill levels and will include a losers bracket to ensure at least two games per player. The winner of the ping-pong tournament will receive a trophy, presented by a prominent member of the Lincoln community.

So you're interested? Point everyone you know to http://www.trinitylincoln.org/pingpong/ for more information and to register. If an internet connection is unavailable, call the district office at 402-323-8849 to register. Sign up today. Spots are limited!

Stamp out malaria, one match at a time. For more tournament information, contact andy@umcmneb.org.

	Gloria Dinsdale cuts the ribbon during a dedication ceremony for the new Dinsdale Residential Treatment Center at Epworth Village. Assisting her is Tom McBride, Epworth’s executive director. Holding the ribbon are Epworth residents, Jason and Jacob.

Room to Grow—Epworth's Dinsdale Residential Treatment Center dedicated in York on May 3

"What do you need in order to have enough room to grow?" This was the question poised to Epworth Village staff and the children they serve that led to a new structure, unduplicated within Nebraska, where life-changing growth will occur in the hearts and minds of boys 7 to 18. The Dinsdale Residential Treatment Center (RTC), named for generous supporters of the project, was dedicated Sunday, May 3 at 5 p.m. at Epworth's main campus on North Division in York, a public open house drawing more than 200 people preceded the ceremony from 3 to 5 p.m. The new RTC will serve boys and young men at the most acute level of behavioral health treatment the agency provides.

"Thanks to the generosity of Roy and Gloria Dinsdale, Tom and HuLaine Hawks, the Epworth Village Foundation, the Terpstra Foundation and unwavering support of United Methodist Women as well as a host of donors, we are seeing this dream become a reality," McBride said. "We also would be remiss not to thank the architect, Stan Meradith, for his talents on this one-of-a-kind facility and also for Sampson Construction for their building talents."

Epworth Village, an agency with a 120-year history, is not novice when it comes to knowing how to create opportunities for children and families to enjoy a better quality of life. Today, Epworth specializes in behavioral health treatment and education working to eliminate the negative impacts that untreated mental health issues can have on young people, their families and our communities.

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Two Nebraska Seminarians graduate from Saint Paul School of Theology

On Friday, May 15, 2009, two members of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, headquartered in Lincoln, Neb., received their Master of Divinity degrees from Saint Paul School of Theology during the seminary's forty-eighth commencement convocation. Graduates include (left to right) Pat Norris and Alan Gager.

Pat Norris served as Student Council President and representative to the Board of Trustees. She received the Raymond Kimbrell Award in honor of her demonstrated excellence in Biblical Studies. Norris is a resident of Denton, Neb., and serves as pastor of Cheney and Palmyra United Methodist Churches.

Alan Gager is a resident of Pawnee City and serves as pastor to Pawnee City First and Du Bois United Methodist Churches.

Wesleyan Live announces courses for Nebraska clergy, laity and community members

This program offers continuing education courses for clergy, laity and community members. Courses are taught by Nebraska Wesleyan faculty in Lincoln and televised live across the state. The participants and professors are able to interact with each other throughout each telecast.

Course Location
The sessions are televised live from the Nebraska Education Telecommunications building in Lincoln. The possible transmittal sites, which will be determined according to registrations, include Ainsworth, Beatrice, Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha and Scottsbluff. A minimum of six registrants is needed at each location.

Registration and Credit
The enrollment cost is $40 per person or $20 for retired clergy and retired clergy spouses.

Wesleyan Live, Fall 2009
"Theology, Ecology and the Great Plains Parish"
Tuesdays, 12 - 1 p.m.
Oct. 13, 2009 - Nov. 17, 2009

Wesleyan Live, Spring 2010
"Turning the Diamond: Religion from the Perspective of Research"
Tuesdays, 12 - 1 p.m.
Feb. 2, 2010 - March 9, 2010

To read more details on these courses and for more information, please see the flyer below.

• Flyer

Pastor Zach Anderson leads legislative prayer

Student Pastor Zach Anderson led the Nebraska Legislature in prayer on May 20. They start each day with a prayer before getting into the day's work.

Swap shop

Lincoln Newman UMC has three, five-foot dividers that it is ready to pass on to a church that may need them. They are approximately six feet long. They need to have these moved as soon as possible. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Jesse Foster at jfoster@numchurch.com.

The Milford UMC has about 200 of the Commemorative 200-year Celebration Hymnals to give away. If you know of a church or another home for some or all of the hymnals, please contact Chris at 402-761-2375.

El Paso school a haven along violent border

Lydia Patterson Institute located in El Paso, Texas, was recently featured on CNN online. Executive Director Socorro de Ande will be a featured guest at this year's Annual Conference Session in Lincoln, in June. The story focuses on the additional challenges the recent drug wars and fallen economy are having on the safety and attitude of students at Lydia Patterson.

Click here to read the article.

Joyce Sohl joins national Foundation board

Joyce D. Sohl of White Plains, N.Y., was welcomed as a new member of The Foundation for Evangelism Board of Trustees during its mid-year meeting held April 23-25, in Claremont, Calif. Ms. Sohl served on the staff of the Women's Division, General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church from 1976-2004, first as treasurer and then beginning in 1991 as Deputy General Secretary. She currently is serving as Laywoman in Residence at Scarritt Bennett Center, Nashville, Tenn. She is a member of Memorial United Methodist Church, White Plains, N.Y.

The Foundation for Evangelism, a United Methodist non-profit, awards grants for the development and training of leaders in The United Methodist Church. Recipients of such grants include 13 seminaries throughout the world including Claremont School of Theology. The Foundation for Evangelism's Board of Trustees is made up of United Methodist leaders from throughout the United States and oversaw the distribution of $3.4 million in grants awarded to partners in the United States, Africa, Germany and Russia in 2008.

The Foundation for Evangelism is an affiliate of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church. Founded in 1949 by the late Dr. Harry Denman, the Foundation provides venture capital to develop leaders with a passion for evangelism who will have a multiplying impact on The United Methodist Church.

Bishops share ideas for 100-percent apportionment support

By Barbara Dunlap-Berg*
May 19, 2009 | NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS)

"In hard economic times," asserted Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer, "the ministry of local congregations and of United Methodists connectedly is needed even more, not less." Expressing thanks for faithful support of apportioned funds in 2008, he praised the Illinois Great Rivers Conference for its "clarity of vision, mission focus, sense of connection and regular giving across the years. You have chosen to make sure that the ministry of the church remains strong and available to all."

Along with Illinois Great Rivers, 16 other conference led the denomination in paying 100 percent of their apportionments in 2008. They included Alaska Missionary, Baltimore-Washington, Central Pennsylvania, Central Texas, East Ohio, Eastern Pennsylvania, Greater New Jersey, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma Indian Missionary, Peninsula-Delaware, Red Bird Missionary, Rio Grande, West Michigan and Wisconsin annual conferences.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, noted Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, had "the services of the Rev. Vance Ross from the General Board of Discipleship. He worked with our high-potential churches and pastors and coached them for improved discipleship and ministry. The Peninsula-Delaware Conference benefited from having Patricia Magyar from the General Board of Global Ministries, who met with leaders involved with health ministries, disability outreach and HIV/AIDS. The general agencies' resourcing would not be possible without our connectional giving."

*Dunlap-Berg is the marketing associate with United Methodist Communications.

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Focus 2009, Christian educators conference

Are you still thinking of registering for FOCUS 2009? Register by midnight on May 31 and receive one of the following books when you arrive in Indianapolis:

"Children Worship!" by MaryJane Pierce Norton
This 13-session worship education resource helps congregations incorporate children (ages 5-8) into the worshiping community. Sessions focus on the six actions of worship: gathering, giving praise and thanks, praying, proclaiming, responding and sending. It includes a planning guide, individual session plans, bulletin inserts, parents' letters and reproducible student activity sheets.

"Your Child is Baptized" by Bishop William H. Willimon
A set of 10 pamphlets addressed especially to parents, this booklet celebrates the baptism of a child, with special emphasis on The Beginning of a Life-long Journey, A Family Name, God's Gift, and Our Response to God's Gift.

"Let There Be Peace in the Classroom" by Jenni Douglas Duncan
What do I do if a child throws a tantrum? How do I deal with cliques? What do I do when children say they are bored? What if the children constantly interrupt? How do I stop children from making fun of one another? Using a positive approach to discipline, this book tackles the hard issues teachers of children face and provides workable suggestions for dealing with those issues.

May 31 is also the last day to register before the registration fee increases! Click here to register and read more about FOCUS 2009.

Plans for UM Hymnal Revision halted for 2009-2012 Quadrennium

Nashville—May 19. Work on the revision of The United Methodist Hymnal, authorized by the 2008 General Conference, has been stopped, members of the Hymnal Revision Committee (HRC) learned today.

"The resources required to sustain a dedicated staff and pay for the planned activities are simply not available at this time and will not be available in time for completion of the assignment to deliver proposed content for a new compilation to the next General Conference," Bishop Ernest S. Lyght, chair of the HRC, told the members of the committee. "As a result, and with great regret, we acknowledge that the United Methodist hymnal revision project cannot continue this quadrennium due to unexpected and extraordinary financial constraints resulting from the world-wide economic crisis."

In January, The United Methodist Publishing House (UMPH) announced that the work on the revision had been slowed to allow time for a better sense of both the ability of the Publishing House to invest in the revision's development and the ability of congregations to purchase new hymnals. Today's announcement acknowledges that economic conditions have not improved to allow work to move ahead; thus the massive undertaking of developing a new hymnal cannot now be completed in time for the 2012 General Conference.

Both Karen Greenwaldt, General Secretary of the General Board of Discipleship, and Neil Alexander, President and Publisher of UMPH, told the committee that special projects in the development of resources for the church's liturgical life and music ministries will be pursued on other tracks. The two agencies will collaborate with each other and with worship leaders across the connection in the next months, they said. The Facebook New United Methodist Hymnal Group will continue as a valuable resource for new and emerging publishing projects in worship and music for the church.

UMPH, which is completely self-funding, would have to invest at least $2 million in the development of the new hymnal. While eventual sales of the revised hymnal would likely recover the investment and exceed it, at this time sufficient funding to continue the work is not available either from ongoing operations or from reserves.

"The news that the project cannot move forward for lack of funding is unwelcome for all involved," said Bishop Lyght. "But it is also understandable as we witness the rollbacks and financial constraints faced by many churches, annual conferences, and United Methodist organizations."