UMconnect — 07/09/09

Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer to marry Wayne E. Simpson

On Saturday, July 25, Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer and Wayne Eldon Simpson will be married in a small family wedding ceremony. Wayne, a resident of Lincoln, Neb., is a retired industrial engineer. Later that day, a public reception will be held from 1-4 p.m., at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd., in Lincoln. The couple will live in the Nebraska Conference parsonage.

"I would like the extraordinary clergy and laity of Nebraska to meet Wayne, our children and our grandchildren," said Bishop Sherer, looking forward to the reception.

They ask for your prayers and blessings as they begin their life together, noting that together they already have too much stuff from combining two households. "Your good wishes, presence and prayers mean so much to us," concluded Sherer.

They request that gifts in their honor be made to the Nigeria/Nebraska Project, Nothing But Nets or any other Nebraska Conference Advance to which individuals want to contribute.

Ebb and Lucy Munden honored with Holy Communion and reception, July 12

First Church and Nebraska Wesleyan and longtime friends will celebrate Ebb and Lucy Munden's ministry this Sunday, July 12, in Holy Communion services at the church at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. A reception will follow the latter service.

"Church-Campus-Community, Heart-Mind-Strength" is the focus for the celebration.

For 43 years, Ebb and Lucy Munden have been spiritual leaders in Nebraska. Ebb served as senior pastor of Lincoln's First United Methodist Church from 1966-1991. Since 1991, he has been special assistant to the president of Nebraska Wesleyan University for church relations.

Lucy has been a leader of meditation groups and authored the book The Face of the Redeemer, which tells the story of Ebb's role in the civil rights struggle in New Orleans in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Ebb and Lucy are moving to Plano, Texas, to live closer to their son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

"Throughout his ministry Ebb has linked the church, higher education and community, in the vision that strength builds strength," said Larry Moffet, current senior pastor at First Church.

"My friends, First Church, situated as it is on the campus of a great university and in a community which includes a broad spectrum of economic and class distinctions present in our society, has a great mission to serve," said Dr. Munden in his sermon at the start of the academic year on August 29, 1971.

To celebrate the Mundens' remarkable legacy, Nebraska Wesleyan University President Fred Ohles will speak Sunday, representing the campus. Tim Shaw will represent the congregation. Lynne Schroeder will represent the community. Lois Bowmaster will speak as a neighbor. Terry Uland will serve as master of ceremonies at the reception. Members of the Munden family will join leaders of the congregation in serving Holy Communion.

A free performance of the musical "Godspell" will be presented in the First Church sanctuary on Monday, July 13, at 7 p.m. The performance will be dedicated in honor of Ebb and Lucy Munden. The cast includes their granddaughter Caroline. No tickets are necessary.

Wall of Honor established for new Conference Center

A Wall of Honor has been established to recognize contributors to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center Building Campaign. Individuals and churches giving $500 or more will be recognized on a permanent wall located in the reception area of the new center.

A consecration service for the new building and reception will be held on Sunday, October 11, at 2:30 p.m. The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center is located at 3333 Landmark Circle, in Lincoln.

For more information regarding the campaign, please contact Jim Heller at 402-323-8842.

The Rev. Bill Anderson's memorial service set for July 17 at 1 p.m.

The Rev. Bill Anderson's memorial service will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church at 2003 A St. South Sioux City, Neb., on July 17, at 1 p.m.

Need business cards? Deadline Friday, July 17!

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, July 17.

Deb Keeney returns to Nebraska, shares mission work

Deb Keeney, formerly of First United Methodist Church Omaha and Justice For Our Neighbors, is coming back to Nebraska share her mission work done in Roanoke, Va. Deb is a church and community worker through the General Board of Global Ministries. She is available to speak to churches and groups from June 30 to July 12.

For the past year, Deb has been working with the Community Outreach Program in Roanoke, an inner-city, after-school program serving children living in poverty. They have four programs operating in four downtown United Methodist Churches. The program is generously supported by the Virginia Conference and the Roanoke District. It's 20-year anniversary is this fall.

Don't forget youth groups and Sunday School classes—this would be a great way for young adults to learn about one of the many options for lay ministry in the UMC. Another option would be to host a special event, such as a morning coffee or evening get-together and invite people to come meet Deb and learn more about her work.

If you would like to schedule Deb to speak to your church or group, she can be contacted directly at domaha@cox.net.

Camp Fontanelle Annual Fall BBQ — 50th Anniversary Celebration

Save the Date!

Family fun for all! Dinner will be served at the opening of the 3rd Annual Corn Maze from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Worship will be presided over by Bishop Sherer. The event is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 20, 2009. Entry is free — donations will be graciously accepted — but there is a fee for the corn maze.

A meal will be served following the opening worship service until 3 p.m. Take part in the quilt auction, hayrack rides, pumpkins, puppet shows, drum band, live entertainment, archery, petting zoo, inflatable bouncer, tree climbing* and much more! Open to the public. No reservations required. Help support your camp!

*All tree climbers will need health/risk forms signed before climbing. Minors need signatures of guardians. Forms are available at the BBQ or at our Web site under the "Register for Camp" link.

Aldersgate UMC receives hospitality award—Correction

Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Bellevue, Neb., has been recognized by United Methodist Communications (UMCom) as an official "Welcoming Congregation."

"Welcoming Congregations" are a select group of United Methodist congregations nationwide that meets criteria including embracing newcomers and providing opportunities in discipleship. The recognition program is part of a larger effort launched in late 2000 by UMCom, the denomination's communications agency, to use modern technology and the common language of television to spread the Good News of Christ to a world in need.

"Our members really love having people visit our church," said Pastor Jim Corson. "They reach out to welcome guests with Spirit-filled hospitality. Our Outreach Team has done a tremendous job and I am pleased that they are being recognized for their efforts."

Please join us in congratulating the entire congregation of Aldersgate UMC, as excelling at welcoming involves a huge group effort.

Please note: Last week we made an error, confusing Lincoln Aldersgate with Bellevue Aldersgate and Pastor Nancy Flader with Jim Corson. Nancy is the Pastor at Aldersgate UMC in Lincoln. Our apologies for the mistake.

Camp deans pose with FROG Camp "graduates" and their gift frogs. Pictured include Camp Dean Rev. Cindi Stewart, Zachary Brandquist, Ellee Poore, Jane Rock, Christina Dean, Emily Lively and Camp Dean and Fontanelle staff person Amy Bergman.

10th FROG Camp at Camp Fontanelle

The 10th Fully Rely on God (FROG) Camp was held at Camp Fontanelle on June 22-26 for fifth through ninth graders. Camp Deans Rev. Cindi Stewart and Amy (Rahfeldt) Bergman report that there were 25 campers ready to Fully Rely On God and "ribbit" through Bible study, swimming, campfires and games like human foosball and water balloon volleyball.

For the past five years, FROG Camp has celebrated the "graduation" of those ninth grade youth who have attended FROG Camp for numerous years. On the final evening of the camp, those youth had the opportunity to share what the camp has meant to them and to receive a gift frog.

Another FROG tradition is for campers to collect funds for the Youth Service Fund during the week. This year, FROG campers collected $50.36 for the fund, with the girls collecting more than the boys.

Rev. Cindi Stewart, who has been dean for the camp for all 10 years, noted that this was her final year, and she will turn over leadership to Amy Bergman. Stewart said, "FROG Camp has been a special part of my life. It has been exciting to see so many youth make a commitment to Christ and to respond to God's call in their lives! I will now direct my attention toward being a member of the Nebraska United Methodist Camping, Inc. board"

Rethink children's ministry in your church

A thriving children's ministry is essential when working to build a strong congregation and increase membership. Here in the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, Pastor Jeri Soens of Hemingford UMC has dramatically increased membership at her church by focusing on children.

Come to one of three Rethink Children's Ministry Workshops where she and Children and Young People's Curriculum Advisor Cheri Kneifel will share the successful children's programs that they have developed. Discover how something as simple as a hand puppet can be a catalyst for church growth.

The workshops are sponsored by the Leadership Development Team of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference. For more information and to register, please see the brochure below.

• See how you can Rethink Children's Ministry

RETHINK CHURCH Conference in November

Join the Nebraska United Methodist Conference for a two-day Rethink Church Conference to hone your leadership skills and develop a Rethink Church strategy for your local church. Formerly known as the Laity Convocation, the event will take place on Nov. 13 and 14 at Lexington First United Methodist Church, located on 201 E. 8th Street, Lexington, NE 68850. Clergy and laity are encouraged to attend.

Friday, November 13, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is a "train the trainer" session (an optional Leadership Development Day) where we will train folks to be trainers for Rethink Church. People who attend will be prepared to lead Rethink Church efforts for their own and other churches. While it's geared for training a trainer, we think all church leaders will benefit and be able to take key components back to their local churches.

Friday, November 13, 2009 at 6 p.m. is the traditional start of the conference. The night will include "best practices" and a keynote.

Saturday, November 14, 2009 is the full-day workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with several sections to equip local church teams to develop a Rethink Church strategy and plan. It will include MissionInsite and the Church Vitality Indicator to help each local church reinvigorate its ministry, identify target audience groups and begin doing old things in new ways and spark new ideas for new ministries.

NOTE: The University of Nebraska Cornhusker football team plays at Kansas on Saturday, November 14. Depending upon game time and the televised schedule, we will do everything possible to keep you close to the action and even use this opportunity in the Rethink Church workshop.

Cost:
$50 for the two-day training and workshop includes 3 meals and breaks, all materials, resources and sessions. First-time attendees for the Nebraska Conference Laity Convocation can enter the code (rethinkne09) to receive a $15 discount in the registration fee. Use of the discount code is on the honor system.

Register now through November 8, 2009

For more information, contact:
Kathryn Witte
Communications Director
Nebraska United Methodist Conference
402-464-5994
kwitte@umcneb.org

• Mail Registration Form

Celebrating 110 Years of worship in the town of Murdock

Christians have been worshipping God in the town of Murdock, Neb., for 110 years. In 1899, a church was begun in the city limits of Murdock. It was part of the United Evangelical denomination. At about the same time, a Methodist Episcopal Church was also started. Both of these were English speaking congregations. In 1905 the Ebenezer Church was started, which was a part of the Evangelical Association denomination. This church was primarily for German speaking people.

These were not the first churches started in the Murdock Community. The Emmanuel Church northeast of Murdock was started in 1872 and the Callahan Church west of Murdock was started in 1892. These two churches united with the Ebenezer United Methodist Church in 1969 and 1954.

The church held a celebration over this past weekend. There was a float, parade, sing-a-long on Saturday. During Sunday worship services, stories from the past came to life and those who had joined the church 75 years ago or 50 years ago were recognized. A 4th of July meal (hotdogs, hamburger, potato salad and more) was held after the services. Murdock is blessed to have a faithful congregation that has remained strong since 1899.

Free "Sit-in" movie nights at Camp Fontanelle

Camp Fontanelle is showing some great FREE movies every two weeks on Saturday nights at dusk. Enjoy watching family friendly movies on our big 12-foot screen outdoors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, bug spray and campfire fare and enjoy the outdoors at a "sit-in" movie every two weeks on Saturday nights from July 11 through Sept. 5.

Upcoming shows:

July 11 - Independence Day,
July 25 - Cast Away
August 8 - The Great Outdoors
August 22 - Seabiscuit
September 5 - Field of Dreams
October 24, 30 and 31 - Monsters Inc., Signs and Signs again for Halloween

Arrive early and enjoy lawn games, the petting barn and a sandbox. Bring your own food if you'd like to cook supper or s'mores over a campfire. A microwave is available to make popcorn. No movies will be shown if the weather is rainy.

For further information or directions contact:

Camp Fontanelle
Office: 402-478-4296
Trent Meyer -- Site Director cell: 402-459-0686
Derek Bergman -- Assistant Site Director cell: 402-203-0782
9677 County Road 3
Fontanelle, NE 68044
E-mail
www.campfontanelle.com

From left: Judy, Tim and Stu Wiley. The Wileys, residents of York, recently celebrated Tim's completion of the Epworth Village program and his graduation from high school. The family's journey is one of healing and hope.

They all deserve hope: local family partners with Epworth Village

by Kerry Hoffschneider

Every day at Epworth Village there are hundreds of real life stories unfolding. They are the stories of the children Epworth serves and also the stories of their family members.

Epworth children and their families are not carbon copies of each other. They are from all economic backgrounds, all races, religions and walks of life. Regardless of their past, Epworth believes they do have one common denominator among them... they all deserve a chance for a better future. They all deserve hope.

Stu and Judy Wiley are a local couple who have experienced the Epworth program and in a broader fashion, the "system" in Nebraska. The public has been made more aware of Nebraska's system for children and families due to the ongoing media coverage of the Safe Haven issue that unfolded when children were dropped off by family members at hospitals. Thirty-plus children shook up a state that could not believe families needed that much help.

• Read the Full Story

Take a break from summer with the July Mission of the Month!

The mission of the month series features local, conference and international missions along with recommended readings and needs from our agencies. The Mission of the Month series is intended as an educational opportunity to learn more about ways to get involved in the field of risk-taking mission and justice work.

Local congregations and church organizations have incorporated the series into their monthly newsletter, purchased books for their church libraries or started personal and group studies or used the resource as a way to educate the local church on what agencies the United Methodist Church supports locally and globally.

More resources about the featured missions and activities are available through the United Methodist Ministries office at 402-898-9862 or from Lisa Maupin.

• July Mission of the Month Flyer

ARMS July Newsletter

The Nebraska Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses has issued its July newsletter.

• Read it here

Hallum UMC Hog Roast

Come "Pig Out" at the Hog Roast and enjoy the music of the barbershop quartet "Ex Animo." We're located at Hallam UMC: 500 Main Street, Hallam, NE 68368. The event will be on July 26, 2009 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The menu: Pork sandwiches, beans, cole slaw, chips, dessert and drinks. Freewill offering.

For more information, you can e-mail Carla Gunn.

Minden UMC to broadcast Beth Moore simulcast

The Minden United Methodist Church will broadcast a live Beth Moore simulcast on Aug. 28 and 29, 2009. The simulcast will be broadcasted on Friday, Aug. 28 from 7-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 29 from 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Moore founded Living Proof Ministries in 1994 with the purpose of teaching women how to love and live on God's Word. She has written numerous books and Bible studies, including "Breaking Free," "Believing God," and "The Patriarchs," that have been read by women of all ages, races and denominations. For more information on Moore, visit the Living Proof Ministries Web site.

Tickets for the event are $25. Minden United Methodist Church is located at 340 N. Newell Street in Minden, Neb. For more information, contact Mary Schukar at 308-832-0764 or 308-830-2925.

Want to play in the dirt, but do not have time for a garden plot?

Join The Big Garden on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Omaha for our drop-in gardening opportunities. The time commitment is up to you!

Tuesdays at Pearl (22nd and Ogden) from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.
Thursdays at JC Wade (32nd and Ohio) from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

We supply garden expertise, tools and gloves. Wear closed toed shoes, please.

For More Information visit www.gardenbig.org or contact Jessica Mews at 402-898-9862.

Join the Volunteers in Mission family

In 2008, the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Volunteers in Mission (VIM) program sent teams to seven countries and 13 states. These volunteers contributed over 16,000 hours of service and nearly $250,000 in cash, in-kind donations and labor to VIM project sites.

The numbers are impressive, but what really stands out are the efforts of the VIM teams to practice not only hands-on mission work but acts of justice, create forums to pair cultural education with the mission experience and to provide opportunities for all to participate in the practice of mission and justice. You are invited to participate in this worldwide effort that is making an impact on the world through mission and justice.

For a complete listing of VIM projects, visit
http://gbgm-umc.org/vim/umvimmap.htm.

Intentional interim ministry training, Sept. 15-18

Mid Year appointment openings are a fact of life. Consider using a trained Intentional Interim Pastor.

The South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops, in conjunction with The Intentional Growth Center, is pleased to offer an Interim Ministry Training Seminar. It is a three-phase training program and will be held at Mount Sequoyah Conference Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Phase I will be September 15-18, 2009, Phase III will be scheduled in 2010 and Phase II is a five-month period of work in one's home parish under a Mentor's guidance. The training will be conducted by Dr. Jan Hill from the Intentional Growth Center. For program information e-mail Dr. Hill, or call 800-482-1442 or 910-382-2535. For meals and lodging contact Mount Sequoyah or call 800-760-8126.

UM course of study

The South Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops is offering a UM Course of Study September 8-15 at Mount Sequoyah. This event is planned for persons who need to fulfill their Doctrine, Polity or History requirement in the Course of Study. The 2009 course of study offerings will be United Methodist Doctrine and Polity or United Methodist History. These are each 30-hour courses with required reading prior to Sept. 8. For more information and registration call Susan Steuber at 316-686-0600 or e-mail her.

General Conference videos from Joan Frenzel

Joan Frenzel attended General Conference 2008 alongside her Saint Paul School of Theology classmates.There Joan recorded several sessions on the General Conference floor. In a reflection letter to her professor she wrote:

"My theme for my reflection letter is looking for what people that attended General Conference had in common. Attached to this letter is a copy of 'Family Circus' cartoon that appeared in the paper while we were gone (April 24, 2008) — Grandma says, 'Crayons can teach us a good lesson . . . they're different colors, have strange names, but all learn to live together in the same box.' I was in that box — called the Arena — Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. There were delegates from across the globe — African nations, Philippines, Latin America, European countries, Mexico, and from all 50 States — so many others countries I did not name. What I learned is that have great respect for all the delegates representing their region — they work from 7 a.m. to, on some days, 11 p.m. for 12 days, all working hard to make difference in the life of Church."

• We hope you enjoy scenes from Joan Frenzel's videos on UM-TUBE

Great Resources for Children's Ministry

Check out this web site for great children's sermons, object lessons, activity pages, games and more that go with the Common Lectionary Scriptures.
Look for great free material for youth from the National Council of Churches USA, called Sacred Food. Other downloadable resources for youth groups or youth Sunday school are available at www.nccecojustice.org. Also included are free materials for adult groups.

John Dominic Crossan to speak at The Bible and the American Future conference, Oct. 18-20

On Oct. 18-20, 2009, a one-of-a-kind, national theological conference will take place, where twelve well-known, world-class Bible scholars from a variety of religious traditions will discuss the Bible and the American future.

Representatives of various branches of Catholic, Protestant mainline and evangelical scholarship have been invited to speak on this topic at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln.

One of the scheduled speakers is John Dominic Crossan. Crossan is a member of the Roman Catholic Church and Professor of New Testament Emeritus at DePaul University. He is known for co-founding the controversial Jesus Seminar as well as being a major figure in the fields of biblical archaeology, anthropology and New Testament textual and higher criticism. He is especially vocal in the field of Historical Jesus studies.

For more information, please see the brochure below or visit www.stmarks.org.

• Learn More

"The Gospels in Rhyme" by William Simmer for sale

Why not sing Christ's words to a familiar tune? This book retains Christ's original message, but presents it in poetic form! This is a delightful way to re-read your favorite passages. Hear the Lord speak to you again, this time with a cadence you will love!

The proceeds from the more than 200-page book, which sells for $12.95 on Amazon.com, will benefit AIDS orphans.

Biker Sunday and Ride for Christ—Correction

On Aug. 30, 2009, the Seventh Annual Biker Sunday and Ride for Christ will kick-off with worship at 9 a.m. at Pilger United Methodist Church. It will be followed by breakfast and a bike blessing. The destination for the Ride for Christ is Stuhr Museum in Grand Island. Pilger UMC is located at 150 N. Cuming Street in northeast Nebraska.

For information or to participate, please contact the Rev. Cindi Stewart at 402-439-2533 or ckstewart@stanton.net. You may also contact Maury Spence at 402-439-2717.