UMconnect — 08/18/09

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For more information about events going on around the conference, visit the events calendar.

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

Move update and notes to remember—conference office closed Aug. 31-Sept. 7

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference office staff members are eagerly anticipating the move to new digs at 3333 Landmark Circle, in North Lincoln. The office will officially be closed from Aug. 31 through Labor Day weekend to accommodate the move.

Those who anticipate needing contact for a particular concern during that time should arrange to have the cell phone or make other arrangements for contact with the appropriate conference office staff person during that time. By the middle of that week, any issues regarding phone and internet service should be resolved, but just in case, it would be wise to plan for other means of contact for those you need to reach.

New address
Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center
3333 Landmark Circle
Lincoln, NE 68504

There will be no post office box for our new location. All mail will be delivered on site. Mail to our current post office box and address will be forwarded from our old location for at least six months.

Phone service
The main phone number, fax and 800 number for the Conference remain the same.
402-464-5994 (staff members' extension numbers will remain the same)
402-464-6203 (fax)
800-435-6107 (toll free)

The conference telephone system will cease operating at the current conference office location on Aug. 31. The goal is to have it immediately up and running at the new facility. Please be patient as we make this transition with the phones. Any necessary information for contacting conference staff, including any changes in phone extensions will be communicated through e-mail, UMconnect and the Web site.

Internet service
Time-Warner will be switching our internet connection sometime on Aug. 31 from our current facility to the new facility. Kidwell is scheduled to move the servers on Aug. 31. The most likely time frame for the Web site and e-mail to be down is between Aug. 31 and Sept. 2. The goal is for as brief of an interruption as possible. UMconnect will most likely be issued late that week.

Save the date—building consecration and open house set for Oct. 11 from 2:30-4 p.m.
Mark your calendar and join Bishop Ann B. Sherer and all the conference office staff members for a consecration worship service and open house for the new building. Tours of the facility and refreshments will be available.

Thank you for your patience during this time. The new building offers many new possibilities to members of the conference for training, resources and meetings. The goal is to continue to enhance the conference office's ability to work alongside the districts to help local churches do ministry.
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2010 Mission Share letters for church conferences

Local church offices will receive a letter at the end of August containing the 2010 Mission Share letter or Form 12 for church conferences. This important mailing shares our common ministry goals in the Nebraska United Methodist Church in support of our mission "Making Disciples for the Transformation of the World." Please watch for this mailing and keep the material, as it will be needed for your fall church conference.
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Young adult perspective on School of Christian Mission

Several young adults received funding from the Risk-taking Mission and Justice Team for the School of Christian Mission. As part of the scholarship requirements, participants were asked to reflect on their time at the school. Below you will find an introduction by the Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede with reflections attached from Lisa Maupin, both from United Methodist Ministries, Missouri River District, as well as the Rev. Rebecca Hjelle, Erin Outson and Jessica Mews.

Introduction/overview from the Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede

While I have long been intrigued by the concept of the UMW School of Christian Mission, and while I had noticed that this year's theme was Food and Faith, it took a call from Carol Windrum to get me out from behind my desk and off to school. Carol had a simple request—would I be able to recruit young adults to attend the School of Christian Mission, and would I be willing to go along? Thus my adventure began. After securing five intelligent, justice-seeking young adults (and a baby) to participate and the funds to provide scholarships for them, I set off for my first-ever School of Christian Mission.

While each of us had different parts of the event that were for us the most significant, I think we can agree on several basic learnings:

1) The School of Christian Mission is very well-written, well-researched and well-presented.
2) Joyce and her volunteer staff are excellent hosts with an amazing amount of energy.
3) Never assume that a UMW member is boring, and never rule out any topic as conversation during a meal.
4) UMW members are sincere in both their work for mission and justice and their ability to have fun together.
5) If you are concerned about breaking the ice at a UMW event, just bring along a baby or some dessert and people will flock around you.

My stint at Lincoln Trinity had already converted me to the wonders of UMW; School of Christian Mission won my heart forever when our guest speaker announced that she needed us to break into creative groups, and would some of us please write a puppet show depicting the Last Supper?

What follows are reflections from four of the five young adults who attended with me. The fifth can be seen on UMTube narrating the above-mentioned puppet show.

I speak for the group when I thank the Risk Taking Mission and Justice Team and UMW for providing funds for these five young leaders to attend; we at United Methodist Ministries are also thankful for the opportunity to participate in this leadership development venture.

- Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede
United Methodist Ministries, Exec. Director
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RTMJ funding request for 2011

The Risk-taking Mission and Justice (RTMJ) Team is accepting funding requests for 2011 for ministries in the area of risk-taking mission and justice work. For those interested in applying, the form can be accessed below. The deadline for applications is Aug. 21. Questions should be directed to Andrea Paret, Chair of the RTMJ Team at amparet08@yahoo.com.
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United Methodist Communications advertising campaign continues—September is open house month

As the matching grants program ends and United Methodist Communications turns its attention to the Rethink Church campaign, the fall advertising campaign is running nationally. The schedule is available for review on the Rethinkchurch.org Web site, under "Advertising Schedule."

In Nebraska we will be running radio underwriting placement on public radio—KIOS in Omaha and the statewide Nebraska Public Radio Network.

Both national and statewide advertising are intended to support fall back-to-school/church activities. Traditionally September has been a time of open houses in the United Methodist Church. In past years, the Nebraska Conference named a specific "Invite A Friend" Sunday. This year churches are encouraged to conduct their fall open houses and their invite newcomers' efforts according to their congregation's discipleship plan.

The Nebraska public radio schedule includes:

KIOS Omaha
24x Morning Edition, 7-9 a.m.
24x All Things Considered, 3-5:30 p.m.
12x Fresh Air, 6-7 p.m.
1x This American Life, Sat., 11 a.m.-noon
1x Studio 360, Sat., noon-1 p.m.

Run Dates: Aug. 18-Sept. 19.

Nebraska Public Radio Network
46x NPR News, Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, Prairie Home Companion
46x Speaking of Faith, classical music, Fresh Air

Run Dates: Aug. 17 to Sept. 19, 2009

Open house resources can be found on the general agency Web site.
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Fall camp barbecues coming up—Fontanelle to celebrate anniversary

Norwesca's fall barbecue will be held Sunday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact the camp at 308-432-3872 for more details.

The Comeca Fun Day will be held on Sept. 20, with worship beginning at 10 a.m. The picnic lunch will be from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. See the flyer below for more details.

Fonatanelle's is fall barbecue will be held Sunday, Sept. 20. It begins at 11 a.m. This will be the camp's 50th anniversary celebration. Festivities include worship presided over by Bishop Sherer, the opening of the third annual corn maze, hayrack rides and much more. Contact the camp at 402-478-4296 for more details.
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Social Justice seed money waiting to be sown

Does your local church or United Methodist group have a great idea to take on an issue of social justice? Could you use up to $1,000 to launch your plan into action? The Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team is prepared to help you! Applications are being received now to give out "Seed Money" to support projects in Nebraska that focus on social justice action, social justice education or social justice witness.

The project must address an issue relating to poverty, Fair Trade, hunger, access to education or peacemaking. If your local church or group is interested, complete a "Social Justice Seed Money" application and submit it before Oct. 1 to the Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Ministries Team. In keeping with its vision, the Nebraska United Methodist Conference provides the "Seed Money" to help equip local congregations to make disciples who will transform the world.
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Fall Vision and Funding Plan reference materials

Attached below you will find a series of reference materials that will help in your preparation for the Fall Vision and Funding Plan meetings.

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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    Go Preach!

    Go Preach! is an advanced leadership development course offered by Lay Speaking Ministries

    On Friday, Nov. 6, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the Advanced Lay Speaking Ministries course Go Preach! will be offered. The Trinity United Methodist Church in West Point will host the class. Trinity is located 900 E. Decatur, West Point, Neb.

    See the flyer for complete information and registration form.

    Lay Speaking Ministries is one of the primary tools being promoted in the Nebraska United Methodist Conference to help lay people develop their leadership skills. Long thought of as "pulpit supply," Lay Speaking Ministries courses offer an array of courses to help lay people become the leaders they want to be. Preaching is only one aspect of the Lay Speaking training.

    Director of Lay Speaking Ministries, Bob Aderholt, is eager for lay people in the Nebraska to embrace the many fine resources and courses offered through Lay Speaking Ministries. Classes cover all kinds of topics including how to teach adults, how to teach children, starting small groups and much more.

    For more information on Lay Speaking Ministries, contact Bob Aderholt at bobmary@windstream.net or call him at 402-752-3317. Information is also available on the Lay Speaking Web site at http://www.layspeakingministries.org/.
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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. Registration must be received no later than one week prior to the event. 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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    Nigeria United Methodist conferences to take special offering for orphanage on Aug. 23

    Head Teacher Magdiel Yaro reports that the Nigeria United Methodist Conferences have been called to take a special offering on Aug. 23 in support of the Jalingo, Nigeria, orphanage.

    This is an exciting development as it falls just a few months following the first Nebraska Conference special offering. Yaro reports the students are doing well and he is preparing to go to school for some additional teacher training. Anyone interested in sponsoring his continuing education should contact Dottie Halvorsen, chair of the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership, at halvorsen312@yahoo.com.
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    Palmyra United Methodist church is in need of some "touch up" painting

    Palmyra United Methodist church is in need of some "touch up" painting on its steeple and north and south facings. The people of Palmyra UMC are in hopes that there is a group out there available to help with "man/woman" power since the congregation is one of primarily older people. The people of Palmyra UMC will furnish the paint, scaffolding and cherry picker if need be if some group or congregation can help out. The church is an hour-and-a half travel time radius of Omaha and just a few miles from Lincoln.

    Contact Carole Lashley at 402-269-3429 or Gloria Hall at 402-780-5773 for details.
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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 and Credit
    The enrollment cost is $40 per person or $20 for retired clergy and retired clergy spouses.

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

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

    To read more details on these courses and for more information, please see the flyer below.
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    Marriage Encounter is for couples with good marriages who want to make them better

    A Marriage Encounter Weekend is your time to escape from your busy everyday life, put God at the center of your marriage, and rediscover the one you love.

    The Weekend begins on Friday evening and continues through Sunday afternoon. During that time, you will learn to rekindle your romance as trained, volunteer couples share their own life experiences. The goal is to help you restore and improve your communication skills while learning to understand your own feelings about various aspects of your marriage.

    Rest assured, your discussions as a couple will stay between the two of you, taking place in the privacy of your own room. At no point will you be required to share in a group setting.

    This is your chance to spend an entire weekend focusing on your spouse and your relationship, working toward God's ideal for marriage. It is your opportunity to get beyond the frustration, disappointments or loneliness that can be a part of everyday life.

    Whether you've celebrated your first anniversary or your 50th, you deserve a Marriage Encounter Weekend. While we are affiliated with the United Methodist church, couples from all denominations are welcome.

    2009 WEEKEND DATES
    September 18-20 in Grand Island
    October 23-25 in North Platte
    November 20-22 in South Sioux City

    ENGAGED ENCOUNTER WEEKEND DATE
    October 30-31 in Hastings

    To register, or for more information contact Russsell and Lanita Evans, Nebraska State Registration Couple, at 308-520-1491 or e-mail russellevans@internet-usa.net.

    Go to www.encounter.org to view more information including the newest Marriage Encounter tri-fold brochure, inviting videos and more.
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    Nebraska Conference Global AIDS Fund special offering set for Dec. 6

    The Risk-taking Mission and Justice Team has named an ad hoc task force to manage the Nebraska portion of the Global AIDS Fund. On Dec. 6 (or any designated Sunday), Nebraska United Methodist Churches are invited to take a special offering in support of the Global AIDS Fund (Advance 982345).

    United Methodists are stepping up to provide a tangible response to the HIV/AIDS crisis through the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. The fund was established at the 2004 General Conference to raise $8 million by 2008. This fund represents the commitment of every United Methodist to put a stop to HIV/AIDS in our world.

    The $8 million represents a $1 commitment of every United Methodist in the United States. It supports education, prevention, care and treatment programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund does not overlook the crisis in the United States. About one million people are infected in the United States, and more are added to that number each day. The plan specifies that 25 percent of what each annual conference raises should be used in that conference for AIDS work, either locally or in global projects.

    Six people have been named to serve on the Nebraska United Methodist Conference AIDS Task Force to advocate for the Global AIDS Fund.

    This task force will also call for proposals and distribute the local dollars in the form of grants to projects in the Nebraska Conference.

    The task force is comprised of the following individuals.

    Maureen Vetter, Grand Island, NE, Chair mvetter@charter.net

    Cathy Denman, Grand Island, NE danddenman@hotmail.com

    Carole Denton, Grand Island, NE carolelmhp@msn.com

    Marta Wheeler (Rev) Giltner and Phillips, NE martaw@hamilton.net

    Andrew Brackett, NAP kearney casemanager-2nap@charterinternet.com

    Liz Bady, Lincoln, NE Lizabethjoan@aol.com

    Susan Goodman, Grand Island, NE chcgoodman@hamilton.net

    The 25 percent that stays in the Nebraska will be offered as grants. An application form will be forthcoming in a future "UMconnect." The application for the International HIV/AIDS Fund is available on their Web site. Overseas programs fitting the mission of the Global AIDS Fund may apply to receive a grant.

    Free offering envelopes are available via Cokesbury. The only cost is shipping.

    You can find the image and ordering information at that link. Information about the Global AIDS Fund is here can be found at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/health/hivaids/aids-fund/.
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    Register by Sept. 30 for EXPLORATION 2009

    EXPLORATION 2009, scheduled for Nov. 13-15 in Dallas, offers youth and young adults who feel God's call to ordained ministry as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church a chance to explore that call.

    The event, sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, is open to high school seniors and young adults up to age 24. The registration fee of $150 includes a two-night stay at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, meals and program fees. To learn more, or register online now through Sept. 30, visit www.gbhem.org/exploration.

    "Now, more than ever, the UMC needs to nurture and encourage young adult leaders," said the Rev. Meg Lassiat, director of Student Ministries, Vocation and Enlistment at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. "Participants have a unique opportunity at EXPLORATION to talk with those from many different places and contexts who are considering ordained ministry. The encouragement and understanding they receive from those who are discerning a similar call can be a powerful reassurance for those who are considering how God wants them to serve."

    Lassiat said the team which is planning the event encourages campus ministries, annual conferences and local churches to identify young adults who exhibit the gifts and grace for ordained ministry as well as to invite and support their attendance at this event.
    The event will include speakers, worship, workshops and small group interaction to help students hear, discern and respond to their call to ordained ministry.

    The Rev. Tyrone D. Gordon, senior pastor of St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church in Dallas, is one of the event speakers. Since Gordon's appointment, St. Luke's membership has grown from 5,200 to 6,000. Other speakers include: Dr. William B. Lawrence, dean and professor of American Church History at Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology; Bishop Sally Dyck, episcopal leader of the Minnesota Area; and the Rev. Motoe Yamada, pastor at Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church in Sacramento, Calif.

    Event workshops include presentations on how to discern God's call; learning about your gifts for ministry; and what your options are for ministry in The United Methodist Church.

    Some workshops are practical, such as financial planning and scholarships for seminary, and a workshop on the candidacy process.
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    Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations topping 100,000 copies sold milestone

    NASHVILLE—Bishop Robert Schnase's book Five Practices for Fruitful Congregations is topping an important milestone in August— 100,000 copies sold by publisher Abingdon Press.

    More than the number books sold is the impact Five Practices is having on congregations around the globe: Now also published in German and Spanish, Five Practices has evolved into a multi-media leadership tool kit for all sizes of congregations.

    The Five Practices at the core of the book and other resources are:

  • Radical Hospitality
  • Passionate Worship
  • Intentional Faith Development
  • Risk-Taking Mission and Service
  • Extravagant Generosity

  • "I continue to wonder why these Five Practices have struck such a chord among congregational leaders. What makes these simple, edgy words so powerful for motivating and stimulating ministry," Schnase asked in a recent posting on his Five Practices blog.

    "The language resonates with twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings in a way that does not alienate older, more traditional leaders. Longer-term members feel stimulated by the language; instead of rejecting the language, they find themselves saying, ‘Yes, I need a little more passion and risk...' The book stretches leaders without threatening them," added Schnase, a Missouri-based United Methodist bishop.

    Neil Alexander, president and publisher of Abingdon Press, credits Schnase with finding a unique way to reach pastors and lay persons in churches of all sizes and varying theological perspectives.

    "Bishop Schnase doesn't push a rigid set of prescribed steps that all must follow," Alexander said. "Instead, engagement with ideas for vital ministries is dynamic and influenced by the strengths and circumstances of the congregation. The resulting action steps are custom made to fit each church.

    "It is impossible to read these materials and say ‘this is not for us—we're too big, small, urban, rural, rich or under-funded.' Bishop Schnase has crafted insights and illustrations that ring true and call leaders to adopt transformative behavior that is needed and can be adapted to nearly every church setting," Alexander added.

    In addition to the copies of the book that have been sold, Abingdon Press reports:

  • Nearly 5,000 congregations are using the program and support
    resources like the Five Practices Leader Manual and Media Kit and the planning workbooks on each practice.
  • 65,000 readers in congregations across the U.S. are engaging in Five
    Practices as daily devotional reading through Cultivating Fruitfulness.
  • The ministry message is expanding with summer publication of Five
    Practices of Fruitful Youth Ministry: A Youth Leader's Guide.
  • Another new resource, The Balancing Act: A Daily Rediscovery of
    Grace, is a collection of readings for individual and small group devotions based on material from the Five Practices blog.
    The book is used as the basis for sermon series, leadership discussions, small group readings, or strategic planning since it was first published two years ago.

    The Spanish edition, Cinco Practicas de Congregaciones Fructiferas, is available from Abingdon. The German edition was released in Europe a few months ago.

    Bishop Schnase says he's often asked what's next. He's working on a new Five Practices book, which moves from a focus on congregations to a discussion of the essential personal practices of discipleship in Christ. The book is planned for release in the summer of 2010.
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    • General Board of Discipleship invites participation in survey

    Greetings in the name of Christ:

    The General Board of Discipleship is conducting a research survey to discover how the current global economic crisis is affecting practices of worship across the United Methodist Church. In particular, we are trying to learn how this affects staffing, programming, and the purchase and use of resources by local congregations, annual conferences, campus ministries, and other faith communities within our denomination that gather for worship. The findings of this survey will be published and used by the Center for Worship Resourcing in the coming year as we plan how best to serve our churches in and through this difficult time.

    We are seeking your assistance to get the word out about our survey project to the pastors and leaders where you serve.

    The survey may be found online at www.surveygizmo.com/s/164615/4gv6b or by clicking on the link to the survey on the GBOD worship Web site at www.gbod.org/worship.

    Thanks for helping us learn about and improve our service to our church.

    Peace in Christ,

    The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards
    Director of Worship Resources
    GBOD | The United Methodist Church
    Nashville, TN | www.GBOD.org
    Toll-free: 877-899-2780, Ext. 7072
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    User-friendly handbook details church's mission, beliefs structure

    United Methodist Communications announces the publication of the 2009-12 edition of The United Methodist handbook, a 48-page, colorful publication filled with comprehensive information about The United Methodist Church and the ways it lives out its global mission. The handbook is available at no charge.
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    President Obama to take part in faith community
    conference call on health-care reform

    General Board of Church & Society among sponsors of historic Aug. 19 call-in event.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) is co-sponsor of an unprecedented nationwide faith-community call-in and audio webcast on health-care reform featuring President Obama on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The event, "40 Minutes for Health Reform," will be from 5 to 5:40 p.m. EST.
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    Introducing Wesley Ministry Network

    Is your church hungry for substantial adult education? For classes that engage the mind as well as the heart? If so, Wesley Ministry Network is for you.

    Wesley Ministry Network is an outreach of Wesley Theological Seminary, and our mission is to bring the best of Christian scholarship to local churches. We do so by engaging scholars from around the world to discuss important issues, such as the relationship between religion and science, or why Christianity makes sense for the 21st century.

    Bishop Richard B. Wilke, founder of the Disciple Bible study, calls Wesley Ministry Network, "the perfect follow-up to Disciple Bible Study. The content is superb and the combination of print, video and Internet communication in dynamic."

    For more information about courses and to order materials, visit http://www.wesleyministrynetwork.com/.
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    Volunteers needed for the fall season—with and without a heartbeat

    Camp Fontanelle is on the search for volunteers, spooks and props. In preparation for the pumpkin patch and corn maze, volunteers are needed to help with ticket sales, the concession stand, petting barn and helping the lost in the maze.

    The spooks are needed on Oct. 24, 30 and 31. We will haunt the corn maze from 7-10 p.m. on each of these nights. We would also like to build our supply of props. Masks, costumes, makeup, even some mannequins (complete is nice, but a limb or two would work just as well).

    Please contact Assisstant Site Director Derek Bergman at Camp Fontanelle if there is a way you can help out. Contact Derek at derek@huntel.net or 402-203-0782.
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    Church Security Course offered at Mt. Sequoyah

    Register now for the Church Security Course on Aug. 25-26 at Mount Sequoyah Conference Center, 150 NW Skyline Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701. Cost is $185 for day 1 and $295 for both days. To register online go to www.mountsequoyah.org. For complete details, call Marilyn at 800-760-8126, or e-mail programs@mountsequoyah.org.
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    Wesley Ministry Network releases new course, Religion and Science: Pathways to Truth, featuring 17 leading scientists and theologians.

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    Wesley Ministry Network helps meet the church's need for substantial adult education, for classes that engage the mind as well as the heart

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