UMconnect — 08/27/08

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Calendar of events
North Platte First United Methodist Church is announcing several new small groups and studies for adults and youth. For more information about these new groups or about other ongoing studies, visit the events calendar or contact Cheri Kneifel at pfumccheri@inebraska.com.

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

Conference Funding Plan meetings scheduled in all districts

Please mark your calendars for the fall district meetings to discuss the 2009 Conference Funding Plan. Financial stewardship resources and suggestions will be shared as well as ideas on how to overcome the challenges faced by many churches and congregations.

Robin Kilgore, conference treasurer/director of administrative services; Chad Anglemyer, director of connectional ministries; and Bill Hasemeyer, director of stewardship will be available to present and address questions as well as assist local church finance committees, pastors and laypersons. Please plan to send a few people from your congregation.

Meeting Dates:

September 14—Elkhorn Valley District Funding Plan Meeting, 3 p.m., Norfolk Westridge UMC

September 21—Prairie Rivers District Funding Plan Meeting, 4 p.m., Central City UMC

September 22—Great West District Funding Plan Meeting, 7 p.m. CDT, North Platte UMC

September 23—Great West District Funding Plan Meeting, 7 p.m. MDT, Scottsbluff UMC

September 28—Gateway District Funding Plan Meeting, 3 p.m., Kearney First UMC

September 29—Blue River District Funding Plan Meeting, 7 p.m., St. Marks UMC, Lincoln

October 12—Missouri River District Funding Plan Meeting, 3 p.m., Springfield UMC
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Making disciples to transform the world is first in a series of banners created to help churches promote the mission, vision and core values of the United Methodist Church.

Banners and banner art are still available

Pastors received one banner per church they serve during the 2008 Annual Conference Session. The "Making disciples to transform the world" banner is the first in a series of four banners available to churches. The banners are still available for order by completing and sending in the order form found below.

All four banners are available in different sizes. In addition, pastors received a CD with the banners that includes the same PDF files included below, so that churches can use the same art for posters, bulletin covers, door hangers or whatever use a congregation can imagine.

Indesign files are also available on the CD for those using Adobe Indesign as their graphics software.

Banner order form
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Wesleyan Live announces courses for Nebraska clergy, laity and community members

This program offers continuing education courses for clergy, laity and community members. Courses are taught by Nebraska Wesleyan faculty in Lincoln and televised live across the state. The participants and professors are able to interact with each other throughout each telecast.

Course Location
The sessions are televised live from the Nebraska Education Telecommunications Building in Lincoln. The possible transmittal sites, which will be determined according to registrations, include Ainsworth, Beatrice, Grand Island, Kearney, Lincoln, Norfolk, North Platte, Omaha and Scottsbluff. A minimum of six registrants is needed at each location.

Registration & Credit
The enrollment cost is $40 per person or $20 for retired clergy and retired clergy spouses.

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

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

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

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

It's time for a revival! After decades of decline in America, the United Methodist Church stands on the brink of a period of opportunity for revival and renewal. How can we use the best of our heritage as a catalyst for our movement into our faithful, fruitful future? How can John Wesley's insights on servant leadership reignite and inspire the way we grow together? What practical, effective solutions can we implement to contribute to thriving ministry?
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Laity Convocation presenting United Methodist 101, set for Nov. 14-15 in Lincoln—Save the date!

The Nebraska Conference Laity Convocation is scheduled for Nov. 14-15, 2008, at Horizons Community United Methodist Church in Lincoln.

The Rev. Cole Fowler will teach United Methodist 101. In addition there will be a number of workshops. Topics include stewardship, church resources, Safe Sancturaries and more.

It will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and end at 6 p.m. Saturday. Registration information will coming soon.
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State health conference

September 5-6, the Nebraska Health Ministries Association presents "Partners in Health Ministries: Bridging Urban and Rural Health Care 2008."

For churches, this is an opportunity to learn about health ministries in local congregations. For parish nurses and other health professionals, this is an opportunity for personal retreat and education to learn more about parish nursing/ministry. For clergy, this can serve as an opportunity for personal retreat and to learn about parish nursing/health ministry and sharing stories about self-care. Featured guests include T. Marni Voss, comedian and motivational speaker, and David Young, rural health ministry specialist.

The event will take place at North Platte's First United Methodist Church. For more information, please see the brochure below.
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Come to the Hill—Walk humbly with God, love kindness,
and seek justice

Do you want to connect your inner spiritual journey with outward actions to transform the world to the glory of God?

Do you want to learn ways in which your congregation can have a more faithful witness on behalf of children and the poor?

October 16-18, join Nebraska United Methodist Conference Bishop Sherer and Jim Winkler, general secretary for the General Board of Church and Society, for a gathering to reconnect ancient spiritual practices while working for God's justice to transform the world!

The event, sponsored by the Rural Response Committee, Board of Christian Social Witness, Children and the Poor Committee and Peace with Justice Ministries, will demonstrate how to put faith into action.

See the attached flyer and registration or contact Bonnie McCord, 308-772-4494, 210 E Avenue H, Oshkosh, NE 69154, or contact Peace with Justice Ministries, 402-455-4281, cawindrum@yahoo.com for more information.

The registration deadline is September 10, 2008. Join other United Methodists from across the conference for a three-day, two-night gathering beginning at 1 p.m. Oct.16, and concluding at 1 p.m. on Oct, 18 at Camp Comeca.

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Aug. 31, Dec. 15 and May 15 deadlines set for application for Ministerial Education Fund scholarships

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference provides seminary scholarships from the Ministerial Education Fund (MEF) for completing basic theological education in preparation for ordination. For 2008, the Board of Ordained Ministry has approved $75 per credit hour for persons attending United Methodist seminaries and $37.50 per credit hour for those attending a seminary approved by the University Senate.

Application forms can be found at the Nebraska Conference Web site http://www.umcneb.org. The funds are sent directly to the seminary after the school has provided the Board of Ordained Ministry treasurer with a letter of verification of the number of hours the student is taking.

Application due dates:

Aug. 31 for fall semester 2008
Dec. 15 for spring semester 2009
May 15 for summer session 2009
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Potato gleaning

Persons ages 5-95 are invited to the Nonpareil RDO LLC Potato Company in Inman, Neb., on Saturday, Sept. 27, and Oct. 4, for potato gleaning. Bring your friends, pack a picnic lunch and have fun all while helping others!

If you are interested, please send the following information by e-mail or postal service: name of group, contact person, e-mail address, telephone number, approximate number coming, and whether you are interested in a tour of the potato plant.

Please send information to one of the following:
Alice Tompkins; 49434 865th Rd., O'Neill, NE 68763; 402-394-5472; alicemyct@hotmail.com

Wendy Devall; 1410 N. 7th St., O'Neill, NE 68763; 402-336-2837; devallint@morcomm.net

O'Neill UMC; P.O. Box 377; O'Neill, NE 68763; 402-339-1883; oneillumc@yahoo.com

This event is sponsored by the Elkhorn Valley District of the United Methodist Church and was coordinated by the United Methodist Church of O'Neill.
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2009 church conference forms available on Web

The 2009 church charge conference forms are now available on the Nebraska United Conference Web site. The forms may be accessed by visiting http://www.umcneb.org and clicking on the "2009 Church Conference Forms" quick link or by accessing the forms section of the Web site by clicking on the "administration" tab at the top left of the page.

Hard copies of packets will be distributed to pastors by their respective district superintendents. For more information, please contact the Elkhorn Valley District office at 402-371-1313 or elkhornvalley@umcneb.org.
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Media Center offers array of material for small group, Bible study and more

Diane Dunkerson, director of the Resource Center for Churches, located in the Nebraska United Methodist Conference office announces new resources for the fall. See the attached PDF for titles and content overviews. Dunkerson can be reached at 402-464-5995 ext. 106, or ddunkerson@umcneb.org.
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Missouri River District 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 lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.
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Hallam UMC posts new sign

Gordon Sovereign and Larry Likens built and put up the new sign at the Hallam UMC. Kathy Likens drew the letters for them. The sign is an outward example of the congregation's welcoming spirit. The Hallam UMC rebuilt after the Hallam tornado, and the sign can be considered the "finishing touch" for the project.
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Judith Siaba just completed a term as vice president of the section of Christian Social Responsibility, Women's Division, GBGM. She lives in Chicago and works for the Northern Illinois Conference UMC. Siaba is married and has three daughters.

Nebraska United Methodist Women Annual Meeting

The "Turn the World Upside Down" themed Nebraska Conference United Methodist Women's annual meeting will be held October 10 and 11, 2008, at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln. The meeting will feature Judith Siaba as the speaker for the event.

The registration deadline is October 2. Please see the flyer below for more information.
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2008 Stand Up Against Poverty youth event—Oct. 19

Your youth are invited to stand up, be noticed and take action at the 2008 Stand Up Against Poverty youth event on October 19. The event will take place from 2-6 p.m. and include service projects around the metro-Omaha area that take a stand against poverty. A celebratory cookout will follow the service projects.

This event is for junior and senior high youth and will begin at Dietz Memorial UMC, 1423 S. 10th Street, in Omaha. Registration is $10 per youth which includes the cookout, souvenir garden art and a donation to agencies that take a stand against poverty.

For more information or to register your group, please contact Lisa Maupin at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.

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Theology of the Land tour—Sept. 20

The Rural Response Committee of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference invites you to the Theology of the Land farm tour on Sept. 20, 2008. The tour will be located at Grain Place Foods Inc., located south of Marquette, Neb., on Highway 14.

Please see the flyer below for more information.
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Operation Lifeline

Are you drowning in life's troubles?

Aldersgate Renewal Ministries has developed a two-day seminar on prayer entitled, "Lord, Teach Us to Pray." Rockbrook UMC in Omaha will host this seminar on Sept. 26-27, 2008.

The seminar challenges and encourages each person to take another step toward maturity in prayer. The curriculum covers lessons from the prayer life of Jesus, tools for personal prayer, and the promise of intimacy with God in prayer.

Members from area churches are invited, and the program begins with dinner at 6 p.m., on Friday, Sept. 26, followed by praise and worship from 7-9 p.m. Saturday's program runs from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with appropriate breaks for lunch and dinner.

The cost for the event is $20 per person or $25 per married couple. This cost covers educational materials for the seminar plus the Friday evening and Saturday noon meals. Participants will be provided a suitable break to seek the Saturday evening meal on their own.

This will be a wonderful opportunity for anyone seeking a more vibrant prayer life and closer walk with Him. For additional information and registration materials, contact Donna Beal or Suzanne Mead at 402-393-1015, fax 402-955-1434, or visit the Web site at http://www.rockbrookumc.com.
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This Is Not Your Parents' Offering Plate featuring Clif Christopher—Oct. 7 and 23

"This Is Not Your Parents' Offering Plate" is a seminar for pastors and laity who are involved in church finances and stewardship. J. Clif Christopher founded the Horizons Stewardship Company in 1992. As a pastor, he led six major building and eight capital campaigns in churches ranging in size from 350 to 2,000 members. He has led consultations in more than 150 churches in all phases of building, finance and church growth.

Seminar topics will include:

  • Current congregation giving attitudes and how to bridge differences in generational perspectives.
  • How to do away with annual campaigns.
  • How capital campaigns succeed and why they fail.

    For more information, please see the the materials below or contact the Rev. Nita Hinds-Park at 402-464-5994 ext. 110 or nita@umcneb.org.
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    • PowerPoint, Microsoft Office training set for Sept. 20, Arcadia, Neb.

    So you've got a new projector in your sanctuary? Need some help using it?

    The good news is that many churches around the conference are installing or have installed new projection systems to aid with their worship and other congregational activities. The bad news is that many congregations struggle with developing meaningful content.

    On Sept. 20, 2008, Nebraska United Methodist Conference Communications will sponsor a workshop at the Arcadia Public School building in Arcadia, Neb., from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Workshop leaders will be Deb Dodson and Jodi Sell, both employees of the Arcadia Public Schools. The workshop will offer an overview of Microsoft Office 2007 in addition to PowerPoint. It will also address copyright laws, purchasing information and installing of equipment.

    Attendees will learn the basics of Microsoft's PowerPoint software application and share ideas on ways to use its feature to produce appropriate graphics for projection in your sanctuary. Topics will include how to manage text, graphics, insert photos and more.

    The workshop will be held in a computer center at the Arcadia Public School, 320 W. Owens, in Arcadia.

    Arcadia is located between Loup City and Broken Bow off highway 70. The workshop is limited to 25 people. Cost for the workshop is $15, make your check payable to the Conference Treasurer and send it to:

    Power Point Workshop
    c/o Kathryn Witte
    P.O. Box 4553
    Lincoln, NE 68504-0553

    For more information contact Kathryn Witte at 404-464-5994, ext. 113.
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    Great West District to offer Lay Speaking Ministries courses—Sept. 19-20

    The evening of Friday, Sept. 19, and all day Saturday, Sept. 20, the Great West District will offer two different Lay Speaking Ministries courses. The first is the Lay Speaking Ministries basic course which will be led by the Rev. Charles Alkula. The second course is Lay Speaking Ministries advanced training entitled, "Lay Speakers Preach." The second course will be led by the Rev. James B. Miller.

    For more information and to register, please see the flyer below. Questions may be directed to Gloria Louch, 308-623-1119, gjlouch@embarqmail.com or Bob Aderholt, bobmary@windstream.net, 402-752-3317.
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    Camps offer variety of fall events and barbecues

    All three campuses of Nebraska United Methodist Camps host annual end-of-camp-season barbecues. Camp Norwesca and Camp Comeca will host their barbecues on Sunday, Sept. 28, starting at 11:30 a.m. Camp Fonantelle hosts its barbecue on Sunday, September 21, starting at 11 a.m.

    All events include great food, fun, games and activities. See the attached flyers for complete listings of barbecue-day fun and entertainment.
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    Saint Paul's United Methodist Church in Papillion to offer Safe Sanctuaries Training

    Saint Paul's United Methodist Church, located at 324 S. Jackson St. in Papillion, is offering a Safe Sanctuary Basic Training Course on Sunday, September 14, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Childcare will be available during the course, but please notify the church office at 402-339-3308 by Tuesday, September 9, to make arrangements.

    Come to class with the names and contact information of two references—one being a clergy person and the other a personal reference. Also needed are your addresses of residence for the past twenty years. The cost for the training is $20 in order to cover the cost of background checks.
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    Messenger survey

    What do you and members of your congregation think about the Nebraska Messenger?

    The editor/publisher would like your feedback in order to better serve the members of the congregations of the United Methodist Church in Nebraska.

    Results will be shared through the conference communications department. Please go to the link below
    and complete the survey by Nov. 1.
    • Online survey
    • Ad
      Please place this ad in your congregation's bulletin so that we may gather information as to how the Messenger may better meet the needs of its readers.
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