UMconnect — 08/04/09

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Bishop Ann B. Sherer marries Wayne Simpson

Around 400 attended a reception held for the couple on July 25, from 1-4 p.m., at St. Mark's UMC in Lincoln. They were married in the Lincoln Saint Paul UMC's chapel earlier in the day.

Surrounded by family and friends, the new couple beamed with happiness as they greeted many clergy and laity of the Nebraska Conference. The couple enjoyed having their children, grandchildren and other family and friends in Nebraska. After a week-long honeymoon, the couple will reside in the Episcopal parsonage.
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Fall Vision and Funding Plan meetings set for districts

You are part of a 10 million person worldwide movement group known as United Methodists. Your local church adds to the 80,000+ right here in Nebraska to form a powerful connection of mission, risk-taking justice and ministry work. We gather together to help local churches do ministry. Support and equipping is the primary role of the district and conference.

Each district will host a meeting this fall where conference office staff members will discuss detailed information about the 2010 conference funding plan passed at the 2009 Annual Conference Session. At these meetings, attendees will have the opportunity to find out how conference apportioned ministry dollars are being used to further God's Kingdom. Most importantly, we want an opportunity to hear from our United Methodist members from all across the conference.

  • Director of Connectional Ministries, Chad Anglemyer and Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services, Robin Kilgore will present information on encouraging connectional giving.
  • Presenters will offer helpful ideas to promote stewardship in the local church.
  • A video presentation of two United Methodist Churches will highlight struggles, challenges, and successes to achieve their 100 percent goal.
  • Learn about the budget process, how priorities are established and how individual congregation's share of mission giving is calculated.

    • Holy conferencing is the way we continue to be in conversation with each other. There will be ample time for small group discussion and opportunities to ask questions. Everyone is welcome to attend and each church's lay member, clergy member, and Finance Chairperson is strongly encouraged to attend. Please plan to attend one of these meetings in your area.

    DATES FOR 2009 DISTRICT FUNDING PLAN MEETINGS

    Sept. 20—Great West District, 4 p.m. (MT), Scottsbluff First UMC
    Sept. 21—Great West District, 7 p.m. (CT), North Platte UMC
    Sept. 22—Gateway District, 7 p.m., Kearney First UMC
    Sept. 27—Missouri River District, 4 p.m., Springfield UMC
    Sept. 27—Blue River District, 7 p.m., Lincoln Saint Paul UMC
    Sept. 28—Elkhorn Valley District, 7 p.m., Norfolk Westridge UMC
    Oct. 1—Prairie River District, 7 p.m., Central City UMC
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    Dates set for fall district pastor conferencing meetings

    This pastors-only meeting is set in each district by the district superintendent. The purpose of the meeting is to review plans for fall 2009 and beyond and receive feedback from individual pastors regarding their discipleship plans and ministry. Specific questions should be directed to the district superintendent. Pastors will receive a personal invitation from their district superintendent.

    Aug. 29—Blue River District, 9-11 a.m., Hallam UMC
    Sept. 3—Elkhorn Valley District, 9:30 a.m., Valentino's in Norfolk
    Sept. 8—Gateway District, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Kearney First UMC
    Sept. 1—Great West District, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Ogallala
    Sept. 3—Missouri River District, 9 a.m., St. Paul Papillion
    Sept. 9—Prairie Rivers District, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Aurora
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    Administrative assistant position opening in the conference office

    The conference office is seeking an experienced administrative assistant to support the Director of Connectional Ministries. The qualified candidate will work in Lincoln, under the supervision of the director, to organize annual events, manage projects and communications.

    The candidate should possess strong interpersonal skills, be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and be technically proficient to produce reports, presentations, event records and notes. The candidate will affirm the ministry of the United Methodist Church.

    Candidates should send a cover letter and resume to: Personnel Committee, P.O. 4247 Lincoln, Nebraska, 68504 or e-mail to umassistant@yahoo.com.
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    Computer malfunction at Camp Comeca—please confirm reservations

    Due to a computer malfunction at Comeca, all calendar information from between March 11, 2009 and June 14, 2009 has been lost. If you have made any reservations during these dates, please contact the camp office as soon as possible to confirm details with camp staff. The camp staff apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused. You may call the camp at 308-784-2808.
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    Faith and Family Night with the Lincoln Saltdogs

    The Lincoln Saltdogs will take on the Sioux Falls Canaries on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 6:05 p.m. In the spirit of summer and baseball season, the Blue River District of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference is inviting youth to take advantage of a youth ticket promotion and join in on a pre-game tailgate party at 4 p.m., for free hotdogs and soda while they last.

    You may purchase a reserved ticket by calling the Saltdogs box office at 402-474-BALL. Youth and youth groups receive a free, general admission, berm ticket for every $5 general admission ticket purchased. These tickets must be purchased from the conference office.

    Purchase a general admission ticket by contacting Sara Brockhoft in the conference office at 402-464-5994, ext. 115 or sbrockhoft@umcneb.org.
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    Lincoln Saint Paul to host workshop on teaching adults—leadership development opportunity

    On Friday, Aug. 14, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Nebraska Lay Speaking Ministries will offer a workshop intended for teacher and leader development. Persons seeking advanced certification for lay speaking and teachers and other education volunteers in the local church are encouraged to attend.

    If you have a calling to educational ministry—the formation and transformation of people from the time of baptism to the maturity of faithful, committed disciples (whom we United Methodist believe desire to "go on to perfection,") this workshop will be helpful to you.

    You are the hands, eyes, minds and voices in the classroom or small group as you lead persons by faith, example, and your own learning to a fuller, deeper life in Christ.

    A Call To The Ministry of Teaching

    Most likely you are participating in the course because:

  • You are already teaching and want to gain greater competency and comfort in the class room.
  • You are considering teaching, but want to feel better about your abilities before accepting a class or group.
  • You are in a class or group and want to share leadership.
  • There is serious need for a teacher in a class that you consider important, so you have just taken deep breath and volunteered.
  • One of the members of the congregation has asked you to consider taking a class in which the current students asked for you by name.
  • You feel that God is tugging at you to be a leader in the ministry of Christian education and formation.

    • Saint Paul UMC is located at 1144 M Street, in Lincoln. Bob Aderholt, CLS, and Victoria Hatterman will be the course instructors.

    The class is designed to help church leaders with a basic understanding of the ways in which adults learn and grow. You need not be in the Lay Speaking Ministries program to participate in this class. All Lay Speakers who do complete the course will receive advanced course credit.

    ARRANGEMENTS: None included, please make your own. A light lunch will be provided on Saturday.

    REQUIREMENTS: Register by Aug. 7, and read the materials that will be sent to you. Register with the Blue River District Office at 402-323-8849 or blueriver@umcneb.org.

    COST: $30.00 per person. This includes materials and meal.
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    Kneifel ready for Rethink Children's Ministry in the fall

    Editor's note: Cheri Kneifel (North Platte UMC) is the Nebraska Conference curriculum advisor for Children and Young People's Ministries. She recently attended the general agency conference called "Focus 2009." Following are her reflections on attending the conference.

    Focus is held every four years and is specifically designed for leadership in children's ministry. It is sponsored by the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship. Focus 2009 was held in Indianapolis this year, from July 21-24.

    A pre-conference workshop on July 20, focused specifically on preschool ministries. The theme for the week was "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," taken from Psalm 139.

    I was thankful to represent the Nebraska Conference at this event and to bring back new ideas and fresh enthusiasm for children's ministry in Nebraska. I attended uplifting worship and workshops each day, along with hands-on activities. I also attended the booths for Upper Room, Discipleship Resources, Cokesbury, various boards and other resource areas.

    Since I represent children and young people's ministries on the Leadership Development Team of The Common Table, I took classes on New Trends in Children's Ministries, Children and the Means of Grace, Best Practices in Safe Sanctuaries, Feeding Teachers/Volunteers, Invitation to Volunteer Leaders, Developing Teams, Children are the Priority, Faith Begins at Birth and a session for conference leaders in children's ministries.

    As a curriculum adviser for the Nebraska Conference, I spend much of my free time examining all the new resources available and discovering their content and doctrine.

    It was a wonderful, fulfilling week. I will be sharing some of what I learned at the conference at the "Rethink Children's Ministry" workshops in September. I hope to see you there!

    See the link below to register for one of the fall workshops. If you have questions regarding Children's and Young Peoples Ministries please contact met at npfumccheri@inebraska.com.

    Cheri Kneifel
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    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. Register early to secure your spot!
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    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, Nov. 13, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 4 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, Nov. 13, 2009 at 6 p.m. is the traditional start of the conference. The night will include "best practices" and a keynote.

    Saturday, Nov. 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, Nov. 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 three 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 Nov. 8, 2009

    For more information, contact:
    Kathryn Witte
    Communications Director
    Nebraska United Methodist Conference
    402-464-5994
    kwitte@umcneb.org
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    The Rev. Mel Luetchens named Nebraska Wesleyan's assistant to the president for church relations

    The Rev. Mel Luetchens, has joined Nebraska Wesleyan as assistant to the president for church relations. As the title suggests, this part-time position reports to President Fred Ohles. Luetchens looks forward to meeting many people on campus over the next several months. Also reporting to the president now is the Rev. Pauletta Lehn, university minister (though she will continue to caucus with staff in the dean of students area).

    The Rev. Ebb Munden retired to Texas after 18 years of service as special assistant to the president for church relations. Over the past several weeks, President Ohles joined with First United Methodist Church and the Nebraska Conference of the United Methodist Church in a series of events bidding Ebb and Lucy Munden a fond farewell from Lincoln.
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    Mission Share giving going strong

    The receipts for the month of July are now in and the year-to-date collections total 39.14 percent of the 2009 Funding Plan. This compares with 40.48 percent through July 2008 and 42.41 percent through July 2007. Some districts are higher than the conference average and some are lower. Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services Robin Kilgore said, "Thanks for your efforts in collecting Mission Shares and I'm encouraging you to continue these efforts."

    Given the economy and market conditions the Nebraska Conference congregations should be very proud and pleased with this report.
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    Marie Fortune is special guest at called session of the Nebraska United Methodist clergy—Jan. 19-21

    Nebraska clergy should mark their calendars for the special called session Jan. 19-21. Location and details to be coming in September. This year's session will focus on ethics and will feature the FaithTrust Institute's Marie Fortune.
    "To the extent that any person is violated by sexual and domestic violence, the dignity and worth of all persons are diminished."

    FaithTrust Institute is an international, multifaith organization working to end sexual and domestic violence. We provide communities and advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse. FaithTrust Institute works with many communities, including Asian and Pacific Islander, Buddhist, Jewish, Latino/a, Muslim, Black, Anglo, Indigenous, Protestant and Roman Catholic.

    Founded in 1977 by the Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune, FaithTrust Institute offers a wide range of services and resources, including training, consultation and educational materials.

    Using a leadership development model, FaithTrust Institute provides in-person training, consultation and video, Internet and print resources. FaithTrust Institute provides in-depth analysis, sets the agenda and calls forth the best from religious and secular organizations to address and prevent sexual and domestic violence.

    Fortune will be in Nebraska to share her ethics program.
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    Lincoln yard sale

    Grace UMC of Lincoln is having a yard sale on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. There will be clothing, cookware, books, videos, small appliances, etc. Something for everyone! Tons of bargains and food galore!

    Grace UMC is located at the corner of 27th and R Streets.
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    59th Annual Ice Cream Social at Grace UMC in Lincoln

    After 59 years, the people of Grace UMC have perfected their ice cream to the best around! Come celebrate the last 59 years of fun, fellowship and Christian love. Hand-cranked ice cream (sugar free available) and homemade cakes will be served. This event is Friday, Aug. 21 from 5-8 p.m. at Grace UMC in Lincoln, located at the corner of 27th & R Streets.
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    Red Bird Mission craft fair, Oct. 10-11, at Lincoln Calvary UMC

    Calvary United Methodist Church, 11th and Garfield, in Lincoln, is hosting the Red Bird Mission's Appalachian Craft Fair Oct. 10-11, 2009. Handmade items for sale include:

  • Hand-rolled beeswax candles
  • Baskets
  • Christmas ornaments
  • Ceramics
  • Cornshuck angels
  • Pottery
  • Wooden kitchen items
  • Wooden toys

    • The Red Bird Mission Craft Program provides economic opportunity for Appalachian artisans and craftspeople in Southeastern Kentucky. The revenue of crafts sold is used to purchase more crafts from local people. Come see the beauty that comes from the mountains.

    The links below include PDFs of a bulletin insert, poster and small add for use in your congregation's newsletter or Sunday bulletin.

    Can't attend? Shop online at crafts.rbmission.org.

    Red Bird Mission is an institution of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church within the Red Bird Missionary Conference.


    For more information contact:

    Christine Stroud-Kutschkau - Craft Fair publicity
    lincolnsmiles@yahoo.com

    Miriam Miller - Craft Fair chair
    miriamem@neb.rr.com

    Suzanne Stroud - Craft Fair facilitator
    lerrysuestroud@inebraska.com
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    Free online leadership training for volunteers/staff

    Cokesbury has free webinars on many Sunday school and Bible study curriculum publications and subjects. Visit http://webinars.cokesbury.com to view all webinars available for training your volunteers and staff. More are added monthly.

    Did you know in your Cokesbury resources catalogs, many curriculum resources are marked at the bottom with "blue" "CRC" letters. This means that this particular curriculum has been reviewed by the Curriculum Resource Committee of the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship and has been approved to be used in the United Methodist Church. Other materials may be used, but should be previewed to make sure they don't promote a theology non-compatible with United Methodist Doctrine and teachings.
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    Missouri River District offers lay leadership development opportunity

    The Missouri River District will host an Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries training on Friday evening and all day Saturday, Sept. 25-26, at Living Faith UMC, in Omaha.

    The course entitled "Create Disciple-Making Faith Communities," will teach discipleship systems and how the theory of displacement impacts their congregations. They will consider the realities of call and leadership, 21st Century structures for ministry and new opportunities for ministry. (This is a new advanced course.)

    Living Faith UMC is located at 5310 S. 182 Ave., Omaha, Neb., and may be contacted at 402-393-2321. Leaders for this event are the Rev. Michael McInnis and Linda Zimmerman, CLS, of Living Faith United Methodist Church.

    Friday will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m., with a snack provided. Saturday's schedule begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 5 p.m., a morning snack and lunch will be provided.

    The cost is $35 and includes textbooks. Please check with your local church as you may be eligible for scholarship.

    Class size is limited so register as soon as possible. The registration deadline is Sept. 18, 2009. (We need a count to plan meals and order/mail the texts.)

    Mail your checks payable to "Missouri River District UMC" with the form below to Lay Speaker Training, c/o Missouri River District, 2665 Farnam St. #102, Omaha, NE 68131.

    If you have any questions, please contact: Catherine McGowan, missouririver@umcneb.org; Dick Webster, dswebster@windstream.net or Bob Aderholt, bobmary@windstream.net .
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    Missouri River District United Methodist Ministries to receive Points of Light Award

    Missouri River District's United Methodist Ministries is going to be a recipient of the 2009 Nebraska Governor's Points of Light Award. The award ceremony will be on Aug. 12, at 10:30 a.m., in the State Capital's Warner Chamber. For more information and to RSVP, contact List Maupin at lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org or 402-898-9862.
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    Epworth Village hosts annual banquet on Sept. 24, at Stone Creek Event Center, McCool Junction, Neb.

    Epworth Village announces its annual fund raising event to be held Sept. 24, at Stone Creek Event Center, in McCool Junction, Neb.

    Silent auction theme baskets are requested from all interested parties. Following are basket donation tips.

    —Baskets are welcomed from individuals, UMW Units, UM Churches and businesses

    —Baskets are requested to be at the Epworth Administrative Office in York by Sept. 11.

    —Suggested minimum value of each basket is $50.

    —Themes can be anything of interest to the donor. Some ideas are holidays, seasons, sports tickets and events, gift certificates, gardening, needlework, reading, canning, theatre tickets, scrap booking, art, community themes, tea, coffee, birthdays, Grandma's cupboard—the list is endless.

    —Donors are asked to: 1) Wrap the basket in cellophane. 2) Place a card or tag on the outside with theme of basket, who it is from, approximate value, and an itemized list of contents.

    Note: In lieu of theme baskets, donors may also contribute a single item, such as small appliances, grills, antiques or other useful items. Cash donations are also welcome.

    Questions? Call Harrietta Reynolds, 308-946-2305 or 308-940-0147.
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    Orchard UMC to celebrate 125th anniversary on Oct. 4—save the date

    Circle Oct. 4, 2009, on your calendar to help the Orchard UMC celebrate its 125th anniversary.

    Plans for the church's 125th anniversary are well on their way and include Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer preaching at the 10 a.m. worship service. All former pastors have also been invited to attend the celebration.

    A noon potluck will follow worship. The main dish will be provided by the church, and everyone is invited to bring a salad, vegetable or dessert. An afternoon program will be capped off with the sharing of an anniversary cake.

    All former pastors have also been invited to visit the church on a Sunday during the summer. A schedule of the former pastor visits will be available soon. The Orchard UMC is eager to honor these pastors with hospitality and an opportunity to share stories and reminisce.

    For more information, contact Jannelle Erb, Orchard United Methodist Church lay leader, at druffle@frontiernet.net.
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    Retired pastors host blog offering tips for senior clergy

    Dr. Jerry D. and Dr. Sharon Shaw Elrod, a former Nebraska clergy couple, have designed and maintain a blog— www.seniorcitizenjournal.com. It features daily helps and hints designed to address the issues and needs of the senior citizen.

    With over 300 articles under his belt, Jerry authors a daily column called "Senior Moments." The information and inspiration grows out of this couple's 40+ year career in caring and helping ministries. They served in Nebraska for more than 20 years before transferring to Arizona in 1985. They were the parsonage family at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Sun City West, Ariz., a Del Webb Retirement Community, for their last assignment. They retired in 1997. They currently reside in Palestine, Texas and Fountain Hills, Ariz.

    The Elrods invite visits to their Web site—comments and criticisms, suggestions and ideas are welcome.
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    Foundation awards four seminary scholarships

    The Foundation Board of Directors named the following applicants as the recipients of the Foundation-administered scholarships for 2009.

  • The Cowles United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship—Lindsey Hall
  • The Andrew & Nevabelle Howe Scholarship—Janice Farrell
  • The Alice Kruse Ministerial Scholarship—Dan Swanson
  • The Alice Kruse Seminary Scholarship—Zach Anderson
  • The Baldwin F. & Amy L. Kruse Scholarship—Lindsey Hall
  • The Verl & Sylvia Miller Memorial Scholarship—Zach Anderson
  • The Albert R. Murdoch Ministerial Scholarship—Janice Farrell

    • The scholarship winners range from first-year to final-year seminary students. The Foundation is pleased to be able to provide financial assistance to these current and future Nebraska United Methodist Conference pastors on behalf of the donors and their families.
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    Bread for the World Sunday, Oct. 18

    Encourage your church to renew their commitment to end hunger by taking part in Bread for the World Sunday. On Oct. 18 and other Sundays in the fall, recommit to helping end hunger in God's world.

    You can order free resources to help your church observe Bread for the World Sunday. This year's reflection, on Mark 10:35-45, is written by the Rev. John Buchanan, editor and publisher of the "Christian Century." A new song composed by Marty Haugen in honor of Bread for the World's 35th anniversary, a call to worship, a litany, worship bulletin inserts, and offering envelopes—all are available to make your celebration a success.

  • Order your free Bread for the World Sunday resources.
  • See the creative ways that churches are observing Bread for the World Sunday.

    • With the global economic crisis, more people are hungry here in our country and around the world. Participating in Bread for the World Sunday is one way your congregation can make a difference.
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    Bishop Palmer issues letter to United Methodists about amendments

    Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, president of the Council of Bishops, issued the following letter on July 30, to all United Methodists regarding proposed amendments to the denomination's constitution:

    Grace and peace to you in the name and spirit of Jesus the risen Christ.

    Recently it was prematurely reported that a number of the proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United Methodist Church had been defeated. As of this date, not all annual conferences have voted on these proposed changes. The voting will not be completed until the Winter/Spring of 2010.

    Amendments to the United Methodist Constitution require a two-thirds aggregate majority of all votes cast, unless the proposed amendment would alter the Restrictive Rules. At the present time, the amendments before the church do not affect the Restrictive Rules.

    As annual conferences vote on the proposed amendments those totals are reported directly to the Office of the Council of Bishops. There the votes are received and have not and will not be totaled until the voting is complete in all parts of the church. Once all annual conferences have turned in their vote results, the total will be canvassed by the Council of Bishops, according to paragraph 59 in the "2008 Book of Discipline." No one has access to these reports outside the Office of the Council.

    The results of the balloting on the Constitutional amendments will be announced during the May, 2010 meeting of the Council of Bishops. Some bishops have announced the voting on amendments in their annual conferences whereas others have not. Nevertheless it is the aggregate vote of all annual conferences together that determines the disposition of each amendment, not the percentage of annual conferences that vote one way or the other.

    In the meantime I urge you to remain steadfast in living the mission of "making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." However the amendments go our mission is unchanging.

    I remain,

    Yours for the sake of the gospel,
    Gregory Vaughn Palmer, President
    The Council of Bishops
    The United Methodist Church
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