UMconnect--05/29/08

Interested in submitting an item for UMconnect? Click here to send your information including any pictures, flyers, contact information and a short introductory paragraph following the "UMconnect Styleguide."

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

Computer workshop to be offered by Cluster 3, Gateway District--June 7, 2008

Saturday, June 7, Cluster 3 of the Gateway District will offer a PowerPoint workshop at Arcadia High School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost of the workshop is $15 per person with a limit of 25 people for the workshop. Lunch will be provided, and a free will offering will be taken. To register, please contact Ester Adams at 308-496-3432.
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Annual Conference registration deadline has passed!

The deadline for Annual Conference registration has passed. If you still need to register, you may do so online by clicking here. Please register ASAP.
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John Pitney Concert and Dessert Gala still open

Delectable dessert made from local ingredients sprinkled with the songs of John Pitney will be the featured ingredients in the Annual Conference Session Dessert Gala scheduled for Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Saint Paul UMC.

Along with desserts and singing, we'll take part in honoring the Laity Award recipients, scholarship winners and special guests.

If you've registered already, simply complete another registration form (link below) or go online and register for just the Dessert Gala.

You won't want to miss this first annual gala full of food, fellowship and song.

The evening is sponsored by Nebraska United Methodist Communications, the Rural Response Committee and Peace with Justice Ministries.
  • John Pitney Concert/Dessert Gala Registration
    If you've already registered for the conference, go online and register for just the Dessert Gala, or send in the attached paper form with just the addition of the Dessert Gala. Extended deadline is June 2.
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Annual Conference volunteers

We need volunteers to help with some tasks in preparation for the Annual Conference Session, June 11-14, in Lincoln. Please put the word out to your congregation so that everyone may have the opportunity to help with the Annual Conference Session.

1) "Stuffers" for conference packets. We need 15 people to help with this project on Friday, June 6, at 9 a.m., at the Conference Office. The number of people stuffing will determine the length of the project...the more, the merrier. Contact the Blue River District Office if you are willing to help with this project.

2) Childcare. People are needed to help with caring for the little ones during the Annual Conference Session. If you are interested in helping in this area, please contact Cathy Link at Lincoln Saint Paul UMC, 402-477-6951 or clink@saintpaulumc.org. Volunteers can volunteer for more than one shift. Following is the breakdown of shifts:

Wednesday, June 11
8-10 a.m.
10a.m.-12 p.m.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
3:30-6 p.m.
7-9 p.m.

Thursday, June 12
8-10 a.m.
10a.m.-12 p.m.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
3:30-5:30 p.m.
7-9 p.m.

Friday, June 13
8-10 a.m.
10a.m.-12:15p.m.
2-5 p.m.
7-9 p.m.

Saturday, June 14
8-10:30 a.m.
10:30-1 p.m.
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The Cornhusker Marriott is no longer accepting Annual Conference room reservations

The Cornhusker Marriott is no longer accepting room reservations for Annual Conference as they are full. Below you can find options for alternative accommodations as well as contact information for those hotels.

The Villager
5200 O Street
Lincoln, NE 68510
Phone: 402-464-9111

Super 8
2545 Cornhusker Hwy
Lincoln, NE 68521
Phone: 402-467-4488

Holiday Inn Express
3939 N 26TH St
Lincoln, NE 68521
Phone: 402-477-1100
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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.
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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.
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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 & Credit
The enrollment cost is $40 per person or $20 for retired clergy and retired clergy spouses.

Wesleyan Live, Fall 2008
Christians Listening to Muslim Voices: Dialogue in the Midst of Conflict
Tuesdays, 12:00 -- 1:00 p.m.
October 14, 2008 -- November 18, 2008

"Interfaith Dialogue" - What is it? When do we engage in it? With whom can we be in dialogue? Does dialogue help us to avoid conflict(s)? If so, how do Christians and Muslims understand the role of religion in political processes? The course will feature guest speaker Shakil Ahmed, from the Muslim community in Omaha.

This course will be led by Dr. Paul Williams, Department of Religion, University of Nebraska at Omaha; and Dr. Fred Richart, UNO Campus Minister.

Save the date for Wesleyan Live, Spring 2009 Renewal the Wesleyan Way: How Our Unique Heritage Can Fuel a Modern-Day Revival
Tuesdays, 12:00 -- 1:00 p.m.
February 3, 2009 -- March 10, 2009

It's time for a revival! After decades of decline in America, the United Methodist Church stands on the brink of a period of opportunity for revival and renewal. How can we use the best of our heritage as a catalyst for our movement into our faithful, fruitful future? How can John Wesley's insights on servant leadership reignite and inspire the way we grow together? What practical, effective solutions can we implement to contribute to thriving ministry?
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United Methodist Men Summer Retreat

This year's Nebraska United Methodist Men Summer Retreat, at Camp Comeca, August 15 starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending August 17 at 10 a.m., will be extra special. In addition to our fellowship, prayer and service events; an opportunity will be presented to learn how to grow disciples and maybe even learn more about the spiritual needs of men like us. This will likely be a retreat that you'll long remember! For more information, please contact Craig Nordaker at cnordaker@cox.net.
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Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Luncheon scheduled for June 12, please RSVP


The Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members will hold a luncheon meeting on June 12, at 11:15 a.m., in the Yankee Hill 1,2 room at The Cornhusker Hotel-Marriott. All are invited to attend.

A report will be presented on General Conference legislation that affects our ministry as Local Pastors and Associate Members of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference. I have heard of the effective ministry you are doing. There will be time to share ideas that have contributed to that effectiveness.

Lunch will include a chicken salad croissant, chips and pickle for $6. Please RSVP to Ray Weinerman at 308-772-3537 or gcumparish@embarqmail.com if you plan to attend the meeting and whether you want us to order lunch for you. You can pay for your lunch at the meeting.

In Service to Christ,
Ray Weinerman
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