UMconnect — 06/18/09

Events calendar reflects life of the church

See what's going on in the church by checking out the Events Calendar.

For example, Lincoln Grace UMC/Lincoln will be having an Interdenominational Summer Revival July 16, 17 and 18, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. nightly. Participating churches will be from the AME, CME, Baptist, United Methodist, Pentecostal and other faiths. Come out and be inspired and spiritually uplifted. Contact Grace UMC Pastor Wayne Reynolds at pastorreynolds@notmail.com for more information.
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AC resources and news available on the Web site under AC quicklink banner

Several reports, PowerPoints, the "Daily Messenger" and other information such as the General Conference Amendments vote tabulation and the break down of the $ 27,210.43 given in offerings are available on the conference Web site at www.umcneb.org. Selected videos are also being posted on UM-TUBE. Give us a few days to get those uploaded.
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Who and what is Micah Corps?

You can check out what the Micah Corps interns have been up to their first week, just go to their blog. Already, Micah Corps has uploaded a video of them being consecrated and describing their internship at KZUM radio (from Annual Conference week). Just keep checking the blog for more MC adventures!
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Pastor Bill Anderson's memorial service is scheduled for July 17

The Rev. William (Bill) Anderson's memorial service is scheduled for Friday, July 17, at the South Sioux City UMC, at 1 p.m.
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The annual UMM bike ride/walk raised money for missions and provided a good outing for everyone who participated.

Teamwork raises more than $9,000 for UMMen missions


Thirty-seven people teamed up to ride, walk and help with the 8th annual UMMen Bike Ride/Walk for UMMen Missions. Many more were involved in raising $9,315 for missions in Nebraska and around the world.

Most participated on May 23 at the Cowboy Trail, beginnign in Norfolk and riding or walking toward Tilden and back. It was a beautiful day, and the Rocky Plettner family provided lots of hospitality and good food.

With riders from pros to beginners, this event is a family affair. Some walked, some rode, and some did both: riding 10 miles to Battle Creek before walking back. Exercise is good! Elizabeth Plettner has designed our cool t-shirts for several years now.

Participants came from Springfield (a big bunch), Norfolk, Columbus, West Point, Bellevue, Elkhorn, Kearney and Omaha.

Missions supported by this event include Nigeria-Nebraska Partnership, Wesley House, Upper Room Prayer Line, Heifer Project, Nebraska UM camps, 100 Club Scholarship program, Epworth Village, Hope of Hearing -- Haiti, Society of St. Andrew hunger relief and various other ethnic, youth, rural, urban, jail or other special need ministries of the Nebraska UMMen.
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Gateway District to offer Basic Lay Speaking Course July 24 and 25, in Lexington

The Gateway District is sponsoring a Basic Lay Speaking Course on Friday evening and all day Saturday, July 24 and 25, 2009. It will be held at Lexington First United Methodist Church, at 201 E. 8th St., in Lexington, Neb. The leadership for this course will be the Rev. Todd Karges and Michelle Roggasch, certified lay speakers.

This new basic course is the foundation for other courses in the Learning and Leading series for lay speakers. The Common Table Leadership Team endorses Lay Speaking Ministries as the main resource in the Nebraska Conference for lay leadership develoment. In this course, individuals are encouraged to recognize and employ their personal spiritual gifts for the Church in order to use them as God fully intended. Participants are invited to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, develop as future leaders, remain rooted in consistent spiritual practices and be part of a group that holds members as accountable disciples. It offers guidelines for the best practices as a church leader and outlines a number of ministries in which lay speakers may assume roles. The registration form is offered as a PDF below.

The cost is $25 and checks should be made payable to:
Gateway District
P.O. Box 995
Kearney, NE 68848-0995
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Children's Sabbath Manual, enough for every church

Children's Sabbath is usually celebrated during the month of October and is a great opportunity to learn more about issues that affect children, including: health, poverty, education, abuse, parenting, spiritual growth, self-esteem, and more. It is also a great way to get children and your congregation involved in worship, service activities and mission.

Included are ideas for worship, studies, bulletin inserts and policy changing--both in the church and government.

Participating in Children's Sabbath is a wonderful way to RETHINK Children's Ministry in your church!

The books will be available at the Summer School of Christian Mission, manuals are also available from Cheri Kneifel at npfumccheri@inebraska.com. The goal is for every church in Nebraska to celebrate a Children's Sabbath. A $5 donation per book helps offset the cost. The Leadership Development Team is sponsoring the Children's Sabbath effort as part of the emphasis on Children and Young People's Ministries.
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Need business cards? Deadline Friday, June 26

Nebraska United Methodist Conference Communications will once again be printing business cards. 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, June 26.
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School of Christian Mission registration deadline is June 20

"Together at the Table" is the 2009 theme of the Schools of Christian Mission. For generations the table has been an important symbol for the gathered community. As Christians, we are reminded of the significance of the table in Jesus' ministry. In Christ we are called to a higher standard of living and loving as together we work for peace and justice for all of creation.

We come together at Schools of Christian Mission to learn about issues and studies that we take back to our local churches and share what we have learned. This year's summer event is scheduled for July 10-15, at the Grand Island Holiday Inn Midtown.

The plenary session for the July School of Christian Mission is "Food and Faith," led by Sue C. Johnson, Women's Division staff person from Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville, Tenn. The rituals of feasting and fasting remind us of our need for God. This study is about how our faith is nurtured, strengthened, and enhanced by food and all the ways food touches our lives. When we take the time to explore the spiritual benefits of being full or empty, the food given to us by God for our well-being will satisfy more completely.

The geographical study for 2009-2010 is "The Beauty and Courage of Sudan: Why a Dream of Peace is Possible." This study explores an overview of history that began in Bible times and includes the country's main ethnicities, religions and languages; touch points and possible causes for wars; the way Sudanese women are contributing to the peace process and to the culture as a whole; a critique of the impact of colonialism and current challenges; and ways in which people of faith can embrace and affirm the Sudanese people.

The class leaders for Sudan will be the Rev. Heidi McGinness, a Presbyterian clergy woman now living in Denver. She is the outreach director for Christian Solidarity International (a worldwide Christian human rights organization) and has helped CSI teams free over 700 men, women and children from slavery, and has delivered tons of grain and basic supplies for living, medicine, spiritual support and hope.

Bobbie-Frances McDonald is a registered nurse from Lawrence, Kan., and an ordained deacon and teaching elder at First Presbyterian Church and a member of the Sudan Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church, USA. In this capacity she has been to Sudan several times both as a nurse and in a humanitarian capacity.

She founded the Sudan Advocacy Action Forum, a group of volunteers working to raise awareness of the issues not just in Darfur, but in all regions of the country where people are being marginalized.

This will be the second year for the mission study "Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival." This study's purpose is to learn about the inter-relatedness between the indigenous peoples and their land, to discuss key issues affecting the Native Americans in the United States, and to examine the root causes of the issues. This study will also help us to understand and appreciate the "Give Away" culture of the Native Americans in the areas of spirituality, ecology, language, story-telling and food.

The Rev. Sharee Johnson, a retired Nebraska Conference pastor from Custer, S.D., will lead the class for a second year. She has been active in ministry with Native Americans for many years. Contact Joyce Solomon at solomon.joyce@gmail.com, 308-643-2323 or Registrar Nancy Purintun at 308-987-2364, for more information.
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Lexington Hispanic ministries need help

Volunteers in Mission Teams needed to do some remodelations and painting at the building we will use for Hispanic outreach ministries. We need people, tools, funds, prayer and whatever other items you may donate for this ministry. "Casa de la Cultura," is located at 307 W. 12th St. in Lexington, Neb. Renovations will begin at 10 a.m. on June 29, 2009. To donate, contact Pator Jaime Farias at 308-325-3713 or send an e-mail.
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Children and Young People's Ministry workshop coming up

Are you wanting to start a children's ministry in your church and don't know where to start? Attend one of three September workshops and learn where to find resources, see demonstrations of a puppet ministry and so much more.

Cheri Kneifel (Nebraska Conference Volunteer Children and Young People's Ministry Curriculum Advisor) and Pastor Jeri Soens (Hemmingford UMC) have a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to help you shape your children's ministry.

September 12, Brady UMC

September 19, York First UMC

Spetmeber 26, Hemmingford UMC

The cost is $20 per person or $30 for a group from your church. Contact Kneifel for more information at npfumccheri@inebraska.com. She also works for the North Platte UMC as their director of Christian education.
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Two hundred ninety-one complete Pro-Check wellness screenings at Annual Conference

A record 291 persons took part in the Pro-Check wellness screenings during the Annual Conference Session this year. This is an increase over 140 last year and 134 the previous year.

The increase is very important because the number of active HealthFlex participants completing the screenings will be one of measures used to determine the amount of the rebate the Conference will receive next year. The rebate is used to provide discounts to clergy and churches on the HealthFlex billing.

The other measure is the percentage of active participants who complete the Health Quotient online on the General Board of Pension and Health Benefits Web site.
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Burnout and exhaustion are pervasive ailments of clergy

The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies will begin the Seventh Nebraska Retreat Series in Lincoln, August 17-19, 2009

Burnout and exhaustion are pervasive ailments of clergy. But burnout doesn't come from work hard, it comes from working hard to make others happy. Enter the Minister!

"Burnout and exhaustion are such pervasive ailments among clergy that the need for this work is great. The Center accomplished this journey toward pastoral and congregational health by offering an in-depth understanding of the role of the leader, creating healthy boundaries, avoiding triangles, and growing in self-differentiation. The work, however, is not simply theoretical; it is practical and applicable in a variety of settings: churches, institutions, families, and neighborhoods. I have been greatly helped by this work, and my church has grown stronger for it. I no longer shy away from conflict.

Tough issues and difficult people no longer paralyze me. I have learned how to successfully develop appropriate working boundaries. I am more energized and enthusiastic about ministry than I have been in years". Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter, Rawlins, Wyo.

This is one of the issues of leadership that you have an opportunity to work on while attending The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies The Center series begins August 17-19 meeting at Nebraska Wesleyan University. It includes six Three-Day retreats scheduled over eighteen months and costs only $1800 spread over that same time period. Don't let money be the deciding factor. The Center is designed to span three calendar years to make more Continuing Education funds available.
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A Boy Scouts of America representative presents Lincoln Saint Paul's Doug Finch with a plaque honoring the church's longevity in sponsoring a Boy Scout unit at the church.

Long-Time UM charter partners recognized by Boy Scouts

The Cornhusker Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA) recognized three United Methodist churches and one United Methodist Men's group on Wednesday, May 6, at Bryan LGH East, Lincoln, during its annual Recognition Dinner. Our churches and UMMen were honored for their more than 60 years of service in 16 counties of southeast Nebraska.

The founders of Scouting in America decided to make participation available to various worthy organizations that help with their youth and their families. Boy Scouts of America is one of four youth-serving organizations UMMen partners with; the others are Girl Scouts of the USA, Camp Fire USA and National 4-H Council.

Historically, chartered organizations have been the life blood of the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting provides the program technical help and specialized facilities. The chartered organization provides the leadership, meeting space and the continuing interest of a responsible supportive group.

As the 100th anniversary of Scouting in America approaches next year, the Cornhusker Council of BSA recognized several United Methodist partners for their long standing and continuous support:

—St. Paul United Methodist Church, Lincoln --Troop 12 (96 years)

—First United Methodist Church, Nebraska City --Troop 346 (81 years)

—Centenary United Methodist Church, Beatrice --Troop 223 (69 years)

—York United Methodist Men, York --Troop 172 (62 years)

If you would like more information, contact the Cornhusker Council Service Center at 402-488-6020. For more information about United Methodist's partnerships with the four youth-serving organizations supported by UMMen, contact Duane Daake, Nebraska UM Scouting-Youth Coordinator, at 402-534-3442.
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Elkhorn Valley vacation Bible school reaches out

On July 21 and 28, 2009, the Elkhorn Valley District will have vacation Bible schools. On July 21, we will have a school in the park and the nursing home in Battle Creek, Neb. Unfortunately, The United Methodist Church in Battle Creek closed this year, but the ministry perseveres through this program.

On July 28, we will do a vacation Bible school at Woodland Park, a housing development outside of Norfolk, Neb. There is no church in the Woodland Park development, and many people who may reach out for faith.

We will be using Cokesbury's Camp E.D.G.E.--Experience and Discover God's Love Everywhere--curriculum.

Contact Koni Purscell, church and community worker, Elkhorn Valley District at nrmpkoni@yahoo.com, if you have leftovers from your church's earlier Camp E.D.G.E. Bible schools.
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'Elation' youth group to perform on July 13 at Lincoln First UMC

On Monday, July 13, 2009, the 'Elation' youth group from St. Stephen UMC, Mesquite, Teas. Will perform Godspell, a musical based upon St. Matthew's Gospel. The show is at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln At 2723 N 50th St (across from Nebraska Wesleyan University) at 7 p.m. Admission is free. There is ample parking, and the church is handicap accessible. Call 402-466-1906 if you have any questions, or email Deanna Bahr
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Grace Methodist Movie Nights Throughout the Summer

On scheduled nights this summer, Grace United Methodist Church will be showing movies at 7 p.m. The dates and movie times are as follows:
June 26 "Facing the Giants"
July 10 "Pin Wheel"
July 17 "Not Easily Broken"
Augsut 7 "Left Behind Pt. 1"
August 21* "Left Behind Pt. 2"

*Movie starts after Ice Cream Social

Please contact Dr. Wayne M. Reynolds with questions.
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Haven's Chapel United Methodist Church to celebrate 125th anniversary

On Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, 2009 enjoy at celebration at 160th and Antelope Road in Kearney, Neb.

Schedule for Saturday's Community Potluck:
4:30 Gathering with 5:00 Supper
table service and drinks provided
6:30 Games and Visiting
Bring your baseball glove and a lawn chair

Schedule for Sunday's Celebration Service:
9:00 Fellowship and Donuts
10:30 Worship Service
12:00 Dinner
2:00 Commemorative Service
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North Platte UMC announces classes

"Enough"- A Financial Management Study

First United Methodist Church of North Platte will be starting a six-week DVD study called "Enough-Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity", on Wednesday, June 24th at 6:30 p.m. at 1600 West E Street. To register, call the church office at 308-532-1478 or visit the web site at www.npfumc.org.

Facilitated by Rev. Dr. Charles Spence, this DVD study, led by Rev. Adam Hamilton from the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, deals with finding faith in the midst of financial crisis, wisdom and finance, cultivating contentment and overcoming fear, becoming defined by generosity, plus offers a series of financial management assessment tools. Dave Ramsey is quoted as saying, "We Americans love our stuff. We're living in a fast-paced, me-first, instant-gratification world, and it's finally catching up to us...What the world needs today is the message of contentment and simplicity, and that's exactly what Pastor Adam Hamilton delivers in 'Enough'."

Announcing Vacation Bible School Dates

North Platte First United Methodist Church will have their Vacation Bible School, "Camp E.D.G.E" on August 3-7, 2009 from 6:30-9:00 P.M. Come "Experience + Discover God Everywhere!" Registration forms can be picked up at the church office or printed off the Web site at www.npfumc.org.
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Francis Schmidt wins Virgin HealthMiles Annual Conference Challenge

Congratulations to Francis Schmidt, retired clergyman residing in Kansas City, who won the VHM Annual Conference Challenge by taking 96,756 steps during Annual Conference! Craig Finnestad was second with 82,809 steps. Paul Blanchard was third with 81,711. Ron Harris was fourth with 73,272, and Chad Anglemyer was fifth with 69,257. Rounding out the top ten were Mike Aspegren, Karla Sheffy, Marta Wheeler, Galen Wray and Dorothy Aspegren.

The winning district team was Prairie Rivers with an individual average of 45,424 steps per person. Second place team was Blue River with a 43,612 step average. Elkhorn Valley was third with a 42,642 step average.

The total steps taken was 1,280,277, and the average steps taken was 40,009. The total distance walked was 640 miles, and the average distance walked was 20 miles. Thirty-two people participated in the challenge. "Thanks to everyone who took part in this fun, healthy, new dimension to Annual Conference," applauded Carole Otto, conference health plan and benefits manager.
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Comstock UMC bell finds new home at Camp Norwesca

Camp Norwesca is the new home for the Comstock UMC's bell. The church closed this past year. The transfer of the bell is a symbol of the everlasting ministry of the Comstock congregation.
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The Wilsonville United Methodist Church closes, celebrates ringing out the gospel for 123 years

The church's last service, the Deconsecration service, was held on May 24, 2009 with a potluck meal served after the service. They also had an informal time of sharing of memories following the dinner.

Jerry Colling made a special trip from California to sing, "The Holy City" at the beginning of the Deconsecration service. Colling sang the same song at the Wilsonville Church when he was 15 years old, more than 55 years ago.

In 1881, leaders of the community surrounding Wilsonville built a large church in the south part of town that was to be used by all church denominations in the area. In 1886, Rev. CC Crandall organized the Methodists as a separate body from other denominations. That church burned in 1890. Donations from church members poured in over the next few years and in 1899, the corner south of the Harris elevator was selected and purchased for a price of $62.50 for the site of the new church. This new church was built and dedicated in 1900.

The church's Golden Anniversary was celebrated on September 17, 1950. Seven months later, on April 1, 1951, only one week after Easter, the church burned because of electrical wiring. Once again, members pledged money to rebuild and the new church was built on the same site at a cost of $40,000. The church was dedicated, debt free, on March 22, 1953.

"Everyone remembers the church burning," said Mary Wilmot, one of three remaining active church members, all of which have been Wilsonville church members for more than 50 years. "We were all receiving telephone calls that the church was on fire."

The Wilsonville United Methodist Church then celebrated its 77th Anniversary on March 27, 1963, the Centennial Anniversary on June 29, 1986 and its 110th Anniversary in 1996.

Throughout the 123 years the church built its foundation on several ministers stood at the pulpit, and more than 75 people attended Sunday services at any given time and many memories were made.

Some of the most memorable to the many church members throughout the 123 years are revivals, banquets, suppers, Christmas programs, and Sunday School and youth parties. "I remember when Ruby and Ward Rice were Sunday School teachers," recalls Wilmot. "They had a Halloween Party where we had to crawl through big tractor tires just to get into the house."

Women's meetings, youth meetings, MYF, Kings Kids, funerals, weddings, anniversaries, floats for parades and the annual Lord's Acre Sale also top the list of most memorable moments that filled the church walls.

The Lord's Acre Sale began in the late 1940s and ran through to the late 1990s. Each year, the Wilsonville Church hosted a big dinner and auction with proceeds helping to pay for the expenses of the church. Local farmers would bring in acres of wheat, corn or whatever they farmed. Women would have their baked goods and fancy work auctioned all for the good of the church. "A lot of people from town and all over came in for dinner, " said Wilmot.

After a century of memories in its current location and 123 years in the area, the Wilsonville United Methodist Church has closed its doors because membership has grown smaller and death has claimed the last of the faithful church goers. The church and all of its contents will be auctioned on June 19th at 10:30 a.m.

"This has been church home to many through the years. It will always hold a special place in all our hearts," Wilmot emphasized.
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Retired Pastor Adrian George Edgar writes guest editorial in "Prairie Fire" magazine

Rev. Adrian George Edgar is a retired United Methodist hospital chaplain and lives in Lincoln, Neb. After an internship at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, he returned to Lincoln as the first full-time trained chaplain at Bryan Memorial Hospital (now BryanLGH-East). After five-and-a-half years, he became the first full-time trained chaplain at the Lincoln Regional Center, a state psychiatric hospital. Five years later, he began helping communities develop community mental health clinics in southeast Nebraska. He then spent 26 years in community mental health administration. The last six years before retiring, he started and managed an emergency psychiatric crisis program in Omaha.

As a guest columnist in "Sonny's Corner" he writes about, "What you believe does make a difference." "Sonny's Corner" is a regular column in "Prairie Fire," featuring commentary on civil rights and justice issues. Our friend and Omaha colleague, Joseph P. "Sonny" Foster, died suddenly at age 54 in August 2005. He left an uncompleted agenda, as did many of our civil rights and justice mentors and heroes. We shall attempt to move forward on that unfinished agenda through this column.

An excerpt from Sonny's corner....

It doesn't matter what religion you are. They are all the same." This is a quote found in our local paper a few years ago. I also heard it many times when I served as chaplain in a general hospital, as chaplain in a state psychiatric hospital and from others when they learned I was a minister. I also heard many tell me they didn't go to a church or a synagogue or a mosque, but they believed in God and that was enough. There was a time when I wasn't sure how to respond. I wasn't as confident as I am now.

Read more
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News from Iowa and Nebraska folks on VIM trip to Nigeria

The Calloway United Methodist Church has a relationship with the Bargami, Nigeria, village. He along with volunteers from Iowa spent time in the village. The PDF contains the newsletter they sent without edit. Ken Pitken from Calloway is the lone Nebraskan on the trip.
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Big Muddy District golf scramble

Mark your calendars for Monday, July 27. Golfers and teams from churches around the district will gather together at Stone Creek Golf Course for a four-person scramble tournament. The cost of $75.00 person ($300/team) includes, 18 holes of golf with cart, a sleeve of golf balls, tournament t-shirt and lunch, flag prizes and more. All proceeds will help students from the Missouri River District of the United Methodist Church participate in district-wide youth ministry events during the 2009-2010 school year. Get more information or register your team today at https://faithwestwood.wufoo.com/forms/missouri-river-district-golf-scramble or by contacting Rick Brendel / rick.brendel.75@gmail.com or Chad Schuchmann / chad.schuchmann@faithwestwood.com.
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Big Garden Project in Omaha part of summer arts festival

The Big Garden has once again been invited to participate in the children's craft tent at the Summer Arts Festival in Omaha, June 27-28. We have been asked to provide craft projects for kids that highlight the summer activities of The Big Garden.

About 3,000 kids are expected to visit the tent on the Saturday and Sunday of the festival. We are looking for volunteers to assist on those days, June 27-28. The hours of operation for the children's tent is 11 am-6 pm both days. Shifts are available in 2 1/2 hour increments. This would be a great opportunity for students needing volunteer hours or church groups wanting to participate in a local outreach project!

Unable to Volunteer?

We also need help with gathering enough supplies for the planned craft projects.

Items Needed

Markers-All Colors (water-based and permanent) Googlely Eyes Tempra and Acrylic Paints (all colors) Empty Soda Cans (uncrushed and rinsed) Egg Cartons

Items can be delivered to the Missouri River District Office, 2665 Farnam Street, Suite 102 by June 24. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, contact Lisa Maupin at 402.898.9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org
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