UMconnect — 10/02/08

Interested in submitting an item for UMconnect? Click here.

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

Celebration to honor Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer's reassignment to the Nebraska Conference—Sunday, Oct. 5

All are invited to attend a special worship service and party to welcome Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer back to the Nebraska Conference. The event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5, from 4-5:30 p.m., at Lincoln's Saint Paul UMC, located at 1244 M Street. In July, Bishop Sherer was reassigned to the Nebraska Conference as part of the quadrennial proceedings of the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

In addition to the worship and Holy Communion, there will be a string quartet, rousing organ music, singing and fellowship.

A special gift will also be made in Bishop Sherer's name to the Nigeria/Nebraska Partnership. Special offerings may be taken at your church or made individually. Checks should be made payable to the Nebraska Conference Treasurer and sent to: Celebration for Bishop Sherer, 2641 N 49th St., Lincoln, NE 68504.

Please use the bulletin insert and/or ad linked below.
to top

"This Is Not Your Parents' Offering Plate," featuring Clif Christopher—Registration ends Friday!

Online registration for the event has closed, so those interested in participating must contact Nita Hinds-Park, director of congregational development, at nita@umcneb.org or 402-464-5994 ext. 110. Registration ends Friday, Oct. 3. All participants must pre-register for the event.

"This Is Not Your Parents' Offering Plate" is a seminar for pastors and laity who are involved in church finances and stewardship. To better serve the entire conference, two opportunities to participate in the seminar will be provided. The first will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at St. Mark's UMC in Lincoln, and the second will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23, at First UMC in Scottsbluff.

Seminar topics will include:

  • How your 2008 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.
    to top
    #

    Camp Fontanelle attracts more than 2,000 to annual barbecue, raises $23,046

    A live and silent auction, a craft boutique, corn maze, pumpkin sales and barbecue combined to raise $23,046 to support the ministry of Camp Fontanelle, located near Fremont, Neb. Great weather and a day full of activities made for a successful annual event.
    to top

    Conference office contacts

    When calling the conference office at 402-464-5994, please dial your intended party's extension from the list below. For office hours, dial 2, and dial 0 for assistance. Or e-mail us at info@umcneb.org

    Carole Otto 108 — Benefits — cotto@umcneb.org
    Roxie Delisi 107 — Messenger Circulation/Database — rdelisi@umcneb.org
    Barb Grenemeier 114 — Administrative Assistant, Move Coordinator, Office Manager — bgren@umcneb.org
    Tina Watteyne 118 — Accounts Payable/Receivable — twatteyne@umcneb.org
    Robin Kilgore 117 — Treasurer/Dir. of Admin. — rkilgore@umcneb.org
    Kathryn Witte 113 — Director of Communications — kwitte@umcneb.org
    Rev. Chad Anglemyer 111 — Director of Connectional Ministries — canglemyer@umcneb.org
    Rev. Nita Hinds-Park 110 — Congregational Development — nita@umcneb.org
    Lorie Lindenmuth 119 — Comptroller — llindenmuth@umcneb.org
    Diane Dunkerson 106 — Resource Center — ddunderson@umcneb.org
    Holly Woldt 104 — Information Technology — hwoldt@umcneb.org
    Sara Brockhoft 115 — Communications Coordinator — sbrockhoft@umcneb.org
    John Jones 105 or (cell) 402-450-4992 — Camping — jjones@umcneb.org
    Terri Raburn 402-465-2175 — Archives — traburn@umcneb.org

    For Bishop Sherer and Elaine Michaud — 102 or dial directly at 402-466-4955 — emichaud@umcneb.org

    To hear your options again, dial 9.

    OFFICE HOURS:
    Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you are calling on Tuesday between 9 and 10 a.m., we are in staff meeting. The conference office will be closed when Lincoln Public Schools are closed.

    to top

    Volunteers In Mission leader training important to relief efforts for United Methodist Committee on Relief, local training scheduled for Oct. 31, at Camp Fontanelle

    In addition to money donations and UMCOR kits, another significant way of helping with the relief efforts to take part in a Volunteers In Mission trip. Volunteers make donations of money and kits even more valued as they benefit from a qualified unit of volunteers helping with distribution and use.

    A Nebraska Conference VIM leader training is available for $25, beginning on Friday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m., and ending at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, at Camp Fontanelle.

    National trainer, and Jurisdictional VIM Coordinator Lorna Yost from the Northeast Jurisdiction will be the featured trainer. This in-depth training is for both first-time leaders and experienced leaders who would like to refresh their knowledge and share ideas and experiences with others. Specific information about sending teams to help with Hurricane Ike recovery will be included. To register, contact the Rev. Nan Kaye-Skinner, Conference VIM Coordinator at nanagram@trinityralston.org or call 402-331-4054.

    "Whether you're an experienced VIM leader or just getting started, I highly recommend this training as it will offer new information and offer updates on the most current relief techniques," said Kaye-Skinner.
    to top

    2008 Potato Gleaning sponsored by the Elkhorn Valley District of the UMC, sponsored by the O'Neill UMC

    It is that time of year once again to glean potatoes at NONPAREL Potato Company. The next date for the potato gleaning is Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008. Participants will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall of the O'Neill United Methodist Church, located at 404 West Cedar.

    All participants should bring a sack lunch and a drink. Water and a drink from McDonalds will be provided.

    Participants need old shoes or boots, jackets and gloves, plastic bags or pails. We will have some plastic bags and five gallon buckets, but if you have pails, please bring them with your name on them. If you plan to bag the potatoes, bring a lawn chair to sit in while bagging. We need people to do this as it takes a fair amount of time.

    You are invited and encouraged to take home potatoes for food pantries, elderly, shut-ins, and any others who might need a few spuds to make their life easier. These potatoes would be plowed under if they weren't picked up by us.

    After participants have taken home what they want and if there are any extra potatoes, FoodNet in Lincoln will take as many as we can deliver. If there is anyone who could take a load to Lincoln or Omaha, please let us know and if there are extra potatoes available, we will get in touch with you.

    If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Lance Clay at 402-336-1883, oneillumc@yahoo.com; Wendy Devall at 402-336-2837, devallint@morcomm.net; or Alice Tompkins at 402-394-5472, alicemyct@hotmail.com.
    to top
    #

    Loup City United Methodist Church celebrates 125 years

    The people of the Loup City United Methodist Church held their 125 year celebration of the construction of the first Methodist Church in Sherman County last Sunday, Sept. 28, 2008. A special church service by the Rev. Barbara Spangler included participation by District Superintendent the Rev. Secundo Morales and former pastors the Rev. Dwight Kemling, Rev. Earl Reed and Rev. Ralph Ertes. Music was provided by an alumni choir of past and current choir members. During the service the stained glass window mounted in the yard in front of the Church was dedicated and a short history of its original use in the Presbyterian Church built in 1906 was given by Virginia Phelps. The church service was well attended by current and former members and friends of the United Methodist Church in Loup City.

    After the church service, a pot luck lunch was provided by local church members and was followed by a presentation of the history of the United Methodist Church in Loup City by local church historian Dennis Welty. Afterwards, there was a sharing of past memories and fellowship. A special 125 year anniversary cake with ice cream was also provided.

    According to church and county records, the first church service in Loup City was conducted by the Rev. William Willard of Kearney in the fall of 1873 in the Rosseter Hotel. On May 28, 1881, the Loup City Charge West Nebraska Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church first elected a board of three trustees. On March 18, 1882, the Methodist Episcopal Church of Loup City, Neb. was officially organized with election of a new board of seven trustees. The land was purchased for a church building at the present location at 6th and L St. on June 30, 1883. The Rev. Asbury Collins laid the cornerstone dated Oct. 1883, for the first church building and the dedication occurred on June 8, 1884.

    The original church building was damaged in a storm and rebuilt in 1906 with a basement, east wing and large windows added. On Nov. 11, 1906, the church reopened with a special service which included Gov. John H. Mickey who helped organize a Methodist Church in Polk County. This church building was in continual use until 1996 when it was torn down and the present brick church building was constructed debt-free. A special plaque was presented to all trustees—past, present and future—who are responsible for maintaining the church building and facilities.

    The Loup City United Methodist Church wishes to thank all supporters of the church through these 125 years who have allowed the United Methodist Church to maintain a house of worship and to serve the community.
    to top

    Marriage Encounter Weekend dates

    A "Marriage Encounter" is a weekend away from home, family and responsibilities where in a comfortable, secluded environment a couple is guided in the discovery of new techniques of communicating and sharing with one another. It is not a retreat, but it is a program designed to give couples the opportunity to examine their lives together, their weaknesses and strong points, their attitudes toward each other and toward their families. Couples are given the opportunity to look at themselves, privately with their partner in an honest, face-to-face, heart-to-heart encounter.

    Upcoming dates:

    2008
  • Oct. 31-Nov.2, North Platte

    • 2009
  • Feb. 27-March 1, Lincoln
  • April 17-19, Omaha
  • Sept. 18-20, Hastings
  • Oct. 23-25, North Platte
  • Nov. 20-22, South Sioux City

    • For more information, contact Russell and Lanita Evans at 308-535-1833.

    to top

    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.

    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?
    to top

    Stanton United Methodist Church to celebrate 125 years

    Sunday, Oct. 19, Stanton UMC will be celebrating 125 Years of faith and history with gathering and fellowship time beginning at 10 a.m. Worship will follow at 11 a.m., featuring the Rev. Teyrl Otto as circuit rider.

    A free-will offering luncheon is scheduled to begin at 12:15 p.m. Please RSVP for the luncheon to ckstewart@stanton.net. Lunch will be followed by memories, fashion Show and games at 1:30 p.m.

    A closing worship service will be held at 3:30 p.m.

    Stanton UMC is located at 1001 10th St. in Stanton. For more information, please contact the Rev. Cindi Stewart at 402-439-2533 or Louise Boyd at 402-439-5064.
    to top

    A prayer for Domestic Violence Prevention Month—October

    The prayer and hymn that may be found by clicking on the link below may be used for Domestic Violence Prevention Month anytime during October.
    to top

    First United Methodist Church in North Bend celebrates 150 years of ministry

    First United Methodist Church, located on 8th and Willow streets in North Bend, celebrated its 150th anniversary at the 10:30 a.m. service on Sept. 28. Bishop Ann B. Sherer, the spiritual leader of the United Methodist Church in Nebraska, spoke at the service.

    Other participants included District Superintendent the Rev. Dr. Harold Backus and current pastor the Rev. Fred W. Andersen. Returning pastors joining the celebration include the Rev. Greg Hall, Rev. Gary Main, Rev. Charles Mitchell and Rev. Janis Soule. Family members of deceased pastors the Rev. Anderson Kwankin and Rev. Audrey Scott were also present.

    Special music included an alumni choir under the direction of the Rev. Gary Main. A music ministry from the children was presented by Elizabeth and Katrina Watts. The service included special trumpet music by Renee Campbell and Carol Clement. A mother/daughter duet was performed by Vernelle Werblow and Bev Thomsen. Church members were recognized with 25, 50 and 75 year membership pins in the morning worship service.

    The church celebrated a Service of Memories at 1:30 p.m. This service included a time for former pastors and their families to share memories about the North Bend congregation.

    A reception with refreshments followed the afternoon service. The public is cordially invited.
    to top

    Laity Sunday worship and music resources—October 19, 2008

    The third Sunday in October is designated as Laity Sunday in The United Methodist Church. In many congregations, the service will be planned and led, either in part or in whole, by the laity. To assist in your planning and worship for that day, please see the resources that may be found by visiting the link below.
    to top

    Nursery coordinator position at Horizons Community UMC

    Horizons Community UMC in Lincoln has re-opened applications for the nursery coordinator position. This 10-hour/week position will be a part of its Student Ministries Team and will coordinate the volunteers and programming for infants and toddlers.

    If you are interested in applying for the nursery position, please send a resume and cover letter to lisa@horizonschurch.org by Wednesday, October 8.
    to top

    Second mile giving requested, special Thanksgiving offering for hurricane and storm relief

    Congregations are encouraged to look at the many ways in which their lives are blessed and are reminded of all the great work Mission Share dollars (formerly called apportionments) contribute to in our conference. DVD resources are available for your church to feature this work during your worship service or other appropriate times. A new DVD will be coming in the next few weeks.

    Second mile giving is the giving asked of congregations over and above the conference, district and local church askings. In November, churches are asked to consider a "second mile" offering to help pastors and congregations in Texas. Hundreds of churches and pastors have been devastated in the Texas Conference. Photos are available on the Texas Conference Web site.

    A Thanksgiving offering, taken sometime during November, can be a tangible way for Nebraska churches to extend their help to local churches in Texas.
    to top

    United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) needs ongoing volunteers, donations

    The Nebraska United Methodist Conference will once again launch a statewide effort to gather United Methodist Committee on Relief Flood Buckets and Health kits. Locations for drop off will be located in Ogallala, Kearney, Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha. Precise locations for drop off will be added as they become available. Call your district office for more information on drop off points.

    Missouri River District drop off points:

  • St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 15050 W. Maple Road, Omaha. Office Hours: M-Thurs, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Please call Judy Hepner, 402-431-8560, prior to delivery.
  • Hanscom Park United Methodist Church, 4444 Frances Street, Omaha. Office Hours: M-Thurs, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Phone Number: 402-553-3312
  • Auburn First United Methodist Church, 1205 L Street, Auburn. Office Hours: M-F, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. Phone Number: 402-274-3329.

    • Gateway District drop off point:

  • Faith United Methodist Church, 1623 Central Ave., Kearney. Phone: 308-237-2550.

    • Conference Secretary of Global Ministries, the Rev. Lyle Schoen said, "This a time when the connectional system of the United Methodist Church shines." "Through UMCOR's many delivery systems, we are able to connect local donations efforts to the places that need it most," he continued.

    Hurricane Ike made its devastating landfall in Galveston, Texas, and along the Gulf Coast on Sept. 12, forcing many people into temporary shelters and leaving about 1.5 million people without power. Hurricane Ike caused severe damage to homes, businesses and communities—making it the largest recovery effort in the state's history.

    Help storm survivors by sending much-needed flood bucket supplies. Visit UMCOR's Relief Supplies Web page for more information. Download Hurricanes 2008 church bulletin for ways you can help serve affected communities or share this bulletin with your local church and collect a special offering. You can also give to Hurricanes 2008, UMCOR Advance #3019695. A complete list of what is to be included in Flood Buckets and Health Kits is also located on the UMCOR Web site. See links below.


    to top

    Women's Division head to Congress: "Act justly for families in U.S. financial crisis"

    by Yvette Moore*

    In a Sept. 19 letter to Congressional leaders, Women's Division Deputy General Secretary Harriett Jane Olson reminded legislators of their duty to represent families and children as they address the global financial crisis spurred by the collapse of several Wall Street giants. Ms. Olson wrote to Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), chair of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), chair of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, after reports of a government plan to rescue banks and other financial institutions failing under the home mortgage meltdown.

    "We call upon you to keep before you the faces of families and children whose future will be determined by the decisions you make," Ms. Olson wrote. "We pray that you will look out for the future of families and children even if it requires action that is not in the interest of the powerful corporations."

    Ms. Olson reminded the legislators of the financial crises faced by women and children in recent months as families lost homes, pensions and jobs. She called for bi-partisan short-term and long-term action that would aid families facing foreclosure and bankruptcy to retain ownership of their homes. Ms. Olson also called for:

  • Aid for workers hurt by the market collapse;
  • Increased consumer protection and disclosure of financial transactions; and
  • Enhanced regulation, cooperation and oversight of financial regulator agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    • "You are in our prayers," Ms. Olson wrote. "We do not believe that ensuring corporate survival at the expense of the families of the United States is adequate, nor do we believe it is necessary. By providing homeowners with time and options to restructure loans and avoid foreclosure, by rolling back unworkable bankruptcy provisions and by preventing speculative trading, excess profit taking and grotesque officer and director pay, you can ensure the well being of women and children across the United States."

    The Women's Division of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries is the national policy-making arm of the nearly 800,000-member United Methodist Women organization. Each year members raise nearly $20 million for programs to improve the lives of women, children and youth.

    *Yvette Moore is an executive secretary for communications with the Women's Division.
    to top

    Opportunities for basic and advanced lay speaking courses

    Opportunities for basic and advanced lay speaking courses are quickly approaching! See the flyers below for details.
    to top

    Beyond Survival IV—Beyond Your Four Walls, featuring the Rev. Adam Hamilton, Nov. 6-8

    Through service in the name of our Lord, multiple generations will come together at this three-day conference featuring speakers and workshops and "be" the church instead of just "doing" church.

    One of the featured speakers includes Adam Hamilton, founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. The church was listed as the most influential mainline church in America in a 2005 survey of American Pastors. He was named Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church by the Foundation for Evangelism and was named one of the "Ten People to Watch in America's Spiritual Landscape."

    Come and learn how to help your people reach out beyond the four walls of your church. For more information, call 402-423-4769 or e-mail Sheridan.info@sheridanlutheran.org.
    to top

    This event is sponsored by The General Board of Discipleship in conjunction with the 40th anniversary convocation of the Christian Educators Fellowship.

    There is still time to register. Speakers include: Ronald Allen, Marjorie Suchocki, Marjorie Thompson, Osvaldo Vena and environmentalist Bill McKibben.
    to top

    Subscription Tools

    Subscribe to UMconnect | Unsubscribe | Contact the Editor

    Editorial Policy: The content, news, events and announcement information distributed in UMconnect is not sponsored or endorsed by the Nebraska United Methodist Conference unless specifically stated.

    Useful Links: United Methodist News Service's Web site
    to top