UMconnect — 09/10/09

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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 VISION AND 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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    Video messages from Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer-Simpson begin this week

    Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer-Simpson speaks to all of us on the mission of The Common Table. This is the first in a series of videos titled "A Message From Bishop Sherer-Simpson. "
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    Boxes, boxes and more boxes

    An organization like the Nebraska United Methodist Conference aggregates a bit of history and many records over 40 years in the same building. The week of Aug. 31-Sept. 4 was filled with much chaos as the home office of the Nebraska church moved into its new location at 3333 Landmark Circle, in Lincoln.

    Chieftan was the contractor for the move. Eight and sometimes nine men took on the challenge of moving furniture, boxes and a great deal of history from the former location in University Place.

    Weitz Construction continues to finish up the renovation for the Episcopal office. Windstream and Kidwell Technologies have been on site throughout the week getting phones and the Internet connected along with training for the new phone system.

    By end of day Friday, most individual offices were in place. It will be several weeks before the common areas and many of the boxes discover their new fate.

    Several visitors have dropped by to admire the new digs. Members of the Conference Center staff are pleased, proud and thankful to have such a wonderful new facility to do their work on behalf of the conference. It is hoped that the people of the conference will view this building as a resource and a place to go for training, spiritual formation and leadership development. The training room, board room and common areas will afford greater opportunities for onsite educational sessions and a place to host many of the meetings that are held all over Lincoln.

    Don't forget to save the date for the Open House, scheduled for Oct. 11, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Tours and refreshments will be offered.
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    "This Is Not Your Parents' Offering Plate," featuring Clif Christopher

    "This Is Not Your Parents' Offering Plate" is a seminar for pastors and laity who are involved in church finances and stewardship.

    Seminar topics will include:

  • How your 2009 budget must be different than the 1970 model followed by most churches today.
  • 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.
    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.

    The seminar will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Omaha's First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

    For more information, please see the brochure below or contact Dr. Dan L. Flanagan at 402-339-3308.
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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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    Jalingo UMC Orphanage approved as an Advance

    The Rev. Lyle Schoen has delivered news from the general agency that the Jalingo UMC Orphanage has been approved by the general agency as an Advance (Nebraska Advance 851). Nebraska United Methodist Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services advises donations to the Nigeria/Nebraska Project be sent using the Nebraska Advance number. Churches will get credit for their donation toward the Global Advance, and ensures the money is received by the orphanage in a timely manner.

    The Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership established as a Global
    Advance means fund raising can now go beyond Nebraska borders with more meaning.

    Dottie Halvorsen showed great perseverance in getting this done. Marge Ambrosius has also been instrumental in seeing that many of the orphanage projects move forward.
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    Safe Sanctuary Basic Volunteer Training

    North Platte First United Methodist Church will host Safe Sanctuary Basic Volunteer Training on Saturday, Oct.3, at 10 a.m. North Platte First United Methodist Church is located on 1600 West E St.

    To register, contact Cheri Kneifel at 308-532-1478.
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    Safe Sanctuaries training—New curriculum

    This course is for individuals who were trained as trainers in 2005 through 2008. Individuals will need to currently be Safe Sanctuaries Certified in the basic course. Persons who are in need of renewal/recertification or want to become a trainer need to attend.

    All trainers must attend a course to continue to be Safe Sanctuaries trainers. All trainers whose certification expired prior to 2009 will no longer will able to train beyond Dec. 31, 2009.

    Upon completion of this course, trainers will be certified through Dec. 31, 2012.

    Safe Sanctuaries Basic Certification will not be available through this training.

    There is no cost for this course.
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    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.
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    Camp Comeca hiring for the position of Program Director

    Camp Comeca is now hiring for the position of a full-time, year-round Program Director. The Program Director will be responsible for the development and coordination of all Comeca programmed and sponsored events as well as all onsite and offsite recreational activities offered by Comeca to their guests.

    The ideal candidate must be grounded in the Christian faith, have the ability to uphold and support the principles of the United Methodist Church (including upholding the Six Signs of Discipleship), have proven experience in the camping industry, be highly organized, creative, and an enthusiastic self-starter. CPR, first aid, lifeguard, ACCT, ACA, ServSafe and Safe Sanctuaries certifications as well as proficiency in computer skills, music, audio/visual production, multimedia use and web design experience preferred.

    This position is accountable to Nebraska United Methodist Camps, Inc.

    Start date: Jan. 1, 2010

    To apply: Mail resume, references and cover letter by Oct. 9, 2009 to:

    Comeca
    c/o Aaron Stanley
    75670 Road 417
    Cozad, NE 69130


    A complete job description is available at www.campcomeca.com. Please direct any questions to aaron@campcomeca.com.
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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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    Ninety-six people took part in the "Fresh & Local" celebration on Aug. 31, at the River Inn Resort in Brownville, celebrating Auburn First UMC's community garden projects. Chef Jason Martin thanks the crowd following the meal and remarked that he had no idea when Pastor Richart asked him to cook some locally produced food on a boat for some friends that, "the boat was this big, the food this plentiful or that he had so many friends." Produce raised this summer went to individual growers, local farmers markets and to those in need in the area in the form of food vouchers issues by human service agencies.

    "Fresh & Local"—Auburn UMC's community garden celebration

    Professional Chef Jason Martin prepared an exquisite menu out of produce from the Auburn First UMC's community gardens and other locally grown and produced foodstuffs for a dinner held Monday, Aug. 31, at the River Inn Resort, in Brownville. Ninety-six people took part in the evening that started with hors de oeuvres on the upper deck of the River Inn. A light breeze and the Missouri River flowing by made for a pleasant evening of fellowship and fun.

    The dinner culminated a highly productive community garden project initiated by the Big Garden Project, United Methodist Ministries, Missouri River District. Big Garden Project Director Stephanie Ahlschwede complimented the effort saying it is the most successful first-year garden project she had ever witnessed. She added that what seems natural for folks to do in Auburn seems so much more difficult to do in urban areas.

    Once the Auburn UMC members began to explore the idea of a big garden, it was propelled forward quickly by folks coming forward with donated land. The garden located at 15th and M streets in Auburn, was created to serve local individuals who could plant and harvest produce for themselves. The public garden location and needed water were donated by Kathryn and Dr. Gary Ensz.

    A grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to United Methodist Ministries—Missouri River District helps communities build up garden plots by supplying needed soil, concrete blocks and other materials to help make garden plots successful.

    A second garden is located on more than an acre of land on Gina and Craig Long's property. What was a former horse pasture became the summer home of just about every vegetable imaginable. Twenty-seven rows of sweet corn and 250 asparagus plants give an indication of the size and scope of what became known as the "Lord's Acre." The town garden took on the name of Eden's Garden.

    The idea for the garden came from the church's Green Team. Members of the Green Team had volunteered at gardens in Omaha and decided Auburn would also benefit from such an effort.

    The Rev. Dr. Fred Richart embraced the idea and conversations continued. What began as a response to an ad for a church youth group's pumpkin patch, turned into what is now the community garden.

    The project achieved several things. Chief among them was supplying Auburn and area residents with access to more locally, fresh and health food choices. The garden projects also got people out of their homes and into conversations around their gardens. Folks that may never have known each other by any other means have become friends. Additionally, some of the produce was donated to those in need through local human service agencies. Local agencies issue food vouchers to clients that can be exchanged for fresh produce.

    The Auburn church members are already making adjustments to their garden plans and preparing for even more plantings come spring.
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    Fall is almost here and so is the September 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, 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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    Marriage Encounter weekend coming up Oct. 23-25 in North Platte

    Register now for the next Marriage Encounter weekend, Oct. 23-25 in North Platte. Learn how to enhance your marriage relationship.

    To register or for more information, contact Russell and Lanita Evans, Nebraska State Registration Couple, 2002 Cedarberry Road, North Platte, NE 69101. Call 308-520-1491, or e-mail russellevans@internet-usa.net. The deadline for registration is Oct. 1.
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    An Interfaith Response to Domestic Violence: A Journey to Safety

    Who will provide effective spiritual care to victims and survivors of domestic violence? Clergy and other faith community leaders are in a unique position to help care for victims and survivors.

    Conferences will take place in Atkinson and Norfolk at the end of October. Please see the brochure below for more information. This conference meets the requirements for six contact hours for Pastoral and Mental Health CEUs.
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    Ethics in Ministry: Establishing Boundaries, Preserving Connections and Restoring Hope

    Nov. 9-10, Camp Comeca will host this cooperative educational event to be led by the Rev. Michael Stein and Rev. Gwen Hurst-Anderson.

    Topics to be addressed from the new Faith Trust Institute Curriculum include:

  • Boundaries, power and vulnerability
  • Dating, friendships, dual relationships, gifts
  • The pulpit, transference, hugging and touch, intimacy
  • Personal needs and self-care, red flags, final reflections

    • Also
  • Ecumenical worship
  • Conversations in judicatory groups

    • For more information, please see the flyer below.

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    Blue River District pie booth to relocate to Lancaster County Fair in 2010

    Selling pie like hotcakes describes the scene at this year's Blue River District pie booth at the Nebraska State Fair. Tuesday, Sept. 1, was senior day and pie flew out of the cases causing a pie outage about mid-afternoon. The Waverly UMC (photo) members were in command when the booth went through about 80 pieces of pie in about two hours.

    Many will miss the tradition of the Nebraska State Fair United Methodist pie booth, but most were eager to know that it will be located at the Lancaster County Fair next year. Several Blue River District United Methodist Churches band together for the annual event.

    Anyone wishing to help store large pieces of the booth as they deconstruct it and ready it for its new location would be welcome. Contact the Blue River District office if you or someone you know would be willing to help store the "pie booth."
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    Camp Fontanelle Corn Maze yard signs available

    One hundred 18" x 24" corn maze, yellow and green yard signs are available. If you'd like to have one or two to display, please call Trent at 402-459-0686 or Derek at 402-203-0782. You may also send an e-mail to campfontanelle@huntel.net.

    If these signs were returned sometime after Nov. 1 but before August of 2010, it would be much appreciated and would save the camp about $3 each for 2010. Visit www.campfontanelle.com and click on the "corn maze" link.
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    Celebrate 50 years of camping at Camp Fontanelle

    On Sept. 20, come enjoy the day and catch of with faces from the past at the 40' x 80' memory tent. There will be many pictures and four TVs showing interviews with past camp directors, history of the camp as well as what's going on currently at Camp Fontanelle.

    Enjoy worship with Bishop Sherer at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Free will offering food will be served from 11:30 until 3 pm.

    Festivities of the day include live performances by the drum band "Sheltered Reality" as well as the bands "Apostles' Creed," "On Holy Ground," and "The September Project." An antique show, silent and live auction, pumpkin patch, corn maze, laser tag, pumpkin/face painting, scavenger hunts, 50s games, inflatables for kids, hayrides, archery, tree climbing on rope and an antique tractor show will keep you entertained.

    More information and downloads can be found at www.campfontanelle.com under the "BBQ" link. Pictures of auction items will be posted and you can submit a bid online too.
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    During the Chappell Alumni Reunion weekend, June 19-20, 2009, the Chappell United Methodist Church participated with an entry in the parade. A wooden cross and flame were held by Wanda Lee in the back of a pickup driven by David Lee while volunteers Janice Buss, Connie Carter, Barbara Kepler, Rosie Kerk and her granddaughter, Jana walked along beside the pickup passing out magnets advertising the Chappell United Methodist Church address and "Rethink Church" slogan.

    Chappell UMC rethinks church

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    Ground was broken on Sunday, Aug. 16 for Omaha’s Rockbrook United Methodist Church’s "Building on the Rock" remodel and renovation project. The remodeling and renovation project has been the culmination of several years of discerning and exploring how Rockbrook can improve on its mission and ministry in the greater Omaha area. Pictured from left to right are: Larry McChesney, Architectural Consultant; Claire Salem, youth of the church; Andrew Hopp, young adult; Kathryn and Jeff Hauswald, Capital Stewardship Campaign Co-Chairs; Tom Ashby, Lay Leader; Pastor William M. Williams, Jr.; Floyd Reynolds, Sage of the Church and participant in the original ground breaking of the current building; Jenny Stilwell; Phyllis Howard, Co-Chair, Team Corinthians; and Debbie Allard, Trustee Chair.

    Building on the rock

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    Heidi Joy to perform at St. Paul UMC in Papillion

    Well-known, local vocalist, Heidi Joy, will perform a free concert at St. Paul's United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.

    Heidi is a familiar presence at concert halls and churches throughout the region. This concert will feature such songs as "Wade in the Water" and "Gospel Medley."

    The Omaha native studied voice with nationally known vocalist Almeda Berkey of "Mannheim Steamroller" and majored in opera performance at the University of Iowa. She received the "Best Gospel" award at the 2006 Omaha Entertainment Awards, but she is touted for her versatility; performing not only gospel, but jazz, inspirational, spiritual, blues, rock and classical songs as well.

    She began her season-establishing Holiday Joy concerts in 2006 and has been performing to sold-out crowds ever since. She is a regular performer at the Holland Performing Arts Center, the Joslyn Art Museum's Jazz on the Green music series and brings chills to the fans at Creighton University basketball and College World Series games with her singing of the National Anthem. She has released five compact disks of her music since 1999.

    This performance by Heidi Joy is another in a series of free concerts of various styles of music hosted by St. Paul's in Papillion. The church is located at 324 South Jackson Street, just two blocks west of 84th Street in downtown Papillion.
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    18th annual Tri-City AIDS Walk

    The annual Nebraska AIDS Project AIDS Walk will be held Sunday, September 13, 2009 on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Kearney and the campus of Hastings College. To make a donation to support the AIDS Walk, to volunteer to assist with the event or for information to participate in the AIDS Walk, please contact the Nebraska AIDS Project Kearney office at 308-338-0546. Registration begins at 1 p.m. with the walk beginning at 2 p.m. The registration fee for the Tri-City AIDS Walk is $10.
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    VOTA to perform at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Lincoln

    Experience the amazing audio and video capacity of Lincoln St. Mark's new, 2,000-seat sanctuary on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m., when St. Mark's Creation praise band opens for a FREE concert with Christian rockers VOTA (formerly Casting Pearls). VOTA has been touring all summer and will be playing old favorites as well as tunes from their new CD.

    Visit www.votaband.com for more information, and don't miss this opportunity to rock the house for Jesus!
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    Soul of Sudan

    United Methodist Women are invited to experience the Soul of Sudan on Sept. 29, from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Soul Desires Bookstore, 1026 Jackson Street, Omaha. This unique UMW Mission Study will feature the viewing of the movie "God Grew Tired of Us" and discussion about the justice issues surrounding Sudan, both internationally and locally.

    Space is limited. To register, contact Ann Haverty at ahaverty@windstream.net, 402-873-6159 or 402-209-1242.
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    You're invited to Hanscom Park UMC's fall craft show and garage sale

    The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and feature lunch, gift baskets, a bake sale and a used book sale. Admission and parking are both free.

    To reserve a craft table, contact Louanne Gruidel at 402-551-1516. All proceeds go to support missions.

    Hanscom Park UMC is located on 4444 Frances Street, one block south of 45th and Center, in Omaha. Come for a fun day of shopping and lunch.
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    Missouri River District United Methodist Women Annual Fall Meeting

    On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Missouri River District United Methodist Women will hold their annual fall meeting at Camp Fontanelle.

    Please read the flyer below for more information.
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    What would John Wesley say about health care?

    by Bishop Sally Dyck

    What would John Wesley say (WWJWS) about our present debate about health care? Suffice it to say, John Wesley spent a good share of his time, personal finances and Christian commitment in providing health care for the poor in England.
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    Bishop Joel Martinez to serve as interim mission executive

    Bishop Joel N. Martinez will serve as interim general secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries while a search is conducted for a new chief executive of the mission agency.

    The retired bishop was president of Global Ministries' board of directors for two four-year terms, concluding in October 2008. He is stepping into a position left vacant by the resignation for health reasons of the Rev. Edward W. Paup, who held the position for one year.

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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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    • Designated Sunday for Global Aids Fund set for Dec. 6, 2009

    The Nebraska Council on Finance and Administration has approved Dec. 6, 2009, as the designated Sunday in the Nebraska United Methodist Conference for the Global AIDS Awareness Fund offering (Advance #982345).

    More promotional information will be available as the date draws nearer. Visit the United Methodist Committee on Relief Web site for more information on the Global Aids Fund.
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    Looking for those working in ministry with people who are deaf

    Karen Harrell, president of the South Central Jurisiction's conference for the deaf, is looking for people who work with deaf persons and as interpreters. A conference is scheduled for Sept. 24-27, in Cypress, Texas (Northwest of Houston). Please contact KIHARRELL76@aol.com for more information.
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    General Board of Church and Society (GBCS)

    See what's new. Go to the GBCS Web site and read a message from General Secretary Jim Winkler and review other topics of interest to those wanting to be involved or increase their involvement in Risk-taking Mission and Justice Work.

    Go to www.umc-gbcs.org and click on Faith in Action.
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