UMconnect — 10/09/08

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Calendar of events
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.

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?
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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 a staff meeting. The conference office will be closed when Lincoln Public Schools are closed.

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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 Oct. 19. The event will take place from 2-6 p.m. and includes 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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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.
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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.

All contributions from churches in Nebraska can be marked #791-Hurricane Relief/Texas Annual Conference and sent to the Nebraska Conference office at 2641 North 49th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504.
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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. Pick up locations will be in Ogallala, Kearney, Grand Island, Lincoln and Omaha. Precise locations for drop off will be added as they become available. Call your district office or the local drop off point for times or 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.

    • Great West District drop off point:

  • Great West District Office, 2 N. Spruce, Ogallala. Phone: 308-284-8922.

    • Blue River District drop off points:

  • Beatrice Centenary, 608 Elk St., Beatrice. Phone: 402-223-3424.
  • St. Luke (will accept beginning Oct. 13), 1621 Superior St., Lincoln. Phone: 402-477-3032.
  • Elmwood UMC, 400 W. G, Elmwood. Phone: 402-994-6735.

    • Elkhorn Valley District drop off point:

  • First United Methodist Church, 406 Philip St., Norfolk. Phone: 402-371-1313.

    • Prairie Rivers District Drop off point:

  • Prairie Rivers District Office, 207 N. Pine, #102, Grand Island. Phone: 308-384-0603.

    • 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.
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    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.
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    Memorial UMC in McCook to host prayer seminar featuring Dr. Terry Teykl

    On Saturday, Oct. 18, Memorial UMC in McCook is excited to host a prayer seminar featuring the teaching of Dr. Terry Teykl. Terry has actively taught on one topic—mobilizing the local church to pray to win the lost. He uses a warm, humorous style as he teaches on prayer.

    During this seminar, Dr. Teykl will teach from his new book, "Divine Strongholds," where participants will learn to resolve control issues with patterns of His presence.

    The event is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and the cost of the event (which includes light breakfast, catered lunch, snacks, Dr. Teykl's book, "DivineStrongholds," and seminar materials) is $35 per person or $40 per couple (receive one book). Memorial UMC is located on 105 East E in McCook. Please e-mail Shanon Williams at befriender@swnebr.net to register for this wonderful opportunity to learn more about prayer.
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    Apostles' Creed to perform at Vala's Pumpkin Patch

    Wednesday, Oct. 15, Apostles' Creed will perform at Vala's Pumpkin Patch at 7 p.m. Vala's Pumpkin Patch is located at 12102 South 180th Street, Gretna, NE.

    Apostles' Creed is the praise band at St. Paul's UMC in Papillion, Neb. Come enjoy great music at this fun and safe event for the entire family!
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    October 2008 ARMS newsletter

    Below you will find the October 2008 Association of Retired Ministers and Spouses newsletter.
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    Dr. Albert Hernandez to speak on "Rediscovering the Story of Pentecost"

    The Iliff School of Theology Alumni Association invites Iliff alumni, clergy, lay leaders and prospective graduate students to a lecture and conversation with Dr. Albert Hernandez. Dr. Hernandez will be speaking on "Rediscovering the Story of Pentecost."

    Dr. Hernandez is Iliff's Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor of the History of Christianity.

    Although the meaning of Pentecost in earlier periods of Christianity is generally unknown today, the story of the first Pentecost in the New Testament exerted a profound influence on Christian history and tradition until fairly recent times.

    What is it about Pentecost and the religious imagination that allows Pentecost to show up in a variety of ways throughout the long span of Christian history? What is the relationship of religious tradition and authority to historic movements of the Holy Spirit across different denominations?

    On Tuesday, May 20, of Pentecost week 1521, while recovering in a hospital bed from a canon ball wound that nearly tore his legs off in battle, the Spanish knight Ignatius of Loyola received a vision of the person and piety of Jesus Christ that became the basis for the founding of the Jesuit Order. John Wesley's famous Aldersgate experience occurred three days after Pentecost Sunday on Wednesday, May 24, 1738. Examples of such visions and conversions abound throughout the archives of Christian history yet modern scholarship has paid little attention to this rich legacy of foundational and transformative experiences. What might pastors and lay readers among the mainline denominations learn from recovering this historical and spiritual legacy?

    Dr. Hernandez will speak on Monday, Oct. 27, from 6:30-8 p.m., at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Omaha. St. Luke United Methodist Church is located at 11810 Burke Street. Please part on the upper west level of the parking structure at 120th and Davenport. Dinner for the lecture will be $12 per person.

    Dr. Hernandez will also speak on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln. First United Methodist Church is located on 2723 North 50th Streeet, and lunch will be served for $10 per person.

    Prospective graduate students are free of charge but are asked to make a reservation. For reservations, contact Katelynn Bendzsel at 1-800-678-3360, ext. 111.
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    Organist needed at Warren United Methodist Church

    Warren United Methodist Church in Lincoln is looking for an organist. Salary for the position is negotiable. For more information, please call 402-466-5238 or 402-326-9940 or e-mail warrenumc@windstream.net.

    Also, the church has approximately 30 children's chairs that need a good home. For more information, please use the contact information above.
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    Coordinator of young adult ministries position open at Rockbrook UMC

    Rockbrook United Methodist Church is seeking a coordinator of young adult ministries. This is a new position on our on Rockbrook's ministry team. The candidate should be a creative, enthusiastic and dynamic, a self-starter to develop and direct Rockbrook's young adult ministries. The coordinator of
    young adult ministries will be responsible for developing implementing activities that promote and enhance the growth of Christian faith, as related to our ministry plan.

    The person hired for this position will have a strong love of Christ, excellent team building skills and have a working knowledge of The United Methodist Church and work in cooperation with the director of faith development and pastor. Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume and references no later than Oct. 27, to Pastor William M. Williams, Jr., at 9855 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE 68124 or wwilliams@rockbrookumc.com.

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    Dr. Julia Christoffersen and Ronald Welch join Samaritan Counseling Center staff

    Dr. Julia Christoffersen and Ronald Welch have joined the Samaritan Counseling Center of Lincoln staff. The center is a nationally accredited, non-profit organization that provides professional counseling programs which integrate an individual's values and beliefs in the process of emotional, spiritual and physical healing. Open to all, the center serves individuals, couples, children, youth and families in Lincoln and surrounding communities.

    Ronald Welch is a licensed mental health practitioner and professional counselor. Ron received his bachelor's degree at Kearney State College, and Master in Counseling Psychology degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He specializes in adolescent and family therapy, juvenile problems with law and court involvement, marriage relationship issues, child abuse and neglect and reunifying families. Ron worked 15 years at Pioneer Mental Health Center and 20 years in private practice, specializing in children and family issues. Primarily, the focus of his last 20 years has been on adoption, parenting, abuse, neglect, school problems and building self-esteem.

    Dr. Julia Christoffersen graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a B.A. degree in psychology and English. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. Julia has been a Licensed Psychologist in Nebraska for more than 20 years. Treating depression, behavioral and emotional problems in children, divorce, adoption and blended families are some of Julia's areas of strength as a therapist. Her personal style emphasizes her clients' world view, taking into consideration their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. Providing an emotionally safe environment with encouragement and support is always her goal.

    The Samaritan Counseling Center counseling staff also includes Dr. James Cole (clinical psychologist and clinical director), Tina Fardella (licensed clinical social worker and licensed mental health practitioner), Dr. Genevieve Hogg (licensed psychologist) and Heidi Widner (provisionally licensed mental health practitioner).

    For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 402-483-5117. All types of insurance are accepted. To learn more, visit the center's Web site at http://www.samaritancenter.com.
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    "Search for Treats" at Camp Fontanelle's Corn Maze

    Oct. 26, from 2-5 p.m., all area churches are invited to send a representative or two to share treats and information about their church within Camp Fontanelle's Corn Maze. Last year over 3,000 people visited the Corn Maze at Camp Fontanelle, and this year may prove to be even larger. This is a great opportunity for your church to be involved with the wonderful Christian community at Camp Fontanelle. It is also a safe way for children to go trick or treating. A representative from the Marines will also be at Camp Fontanelle on this day collecting items for their Toys for Tots program.

    Please contact Derek Bergman, assistant site director, at Derek@huntel.net or 402-203-0782 if your church plans to attend. Please arrive between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m.

    What to bring:
  • Treats and/or toys to give
  • Chair to sit in
  • Church sign/banner and information to share
  • Friend and a noise maker so the kids can find you


    • Please invite the youth, children and members of your church to come to the Corn Maze on this day to find your churches representative. They can bring a bag to search for goodies and see just how many different churches they can find in the Maze. Children 3-11 are FREE and must be accompanied by adults.

    More information about this event and other events happening at Camp Fontanelle can be found by visiting http://www.campfontanelle.com.
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    Laity Convocation presenting United Methodist 101, set for Nov. 14-15 in Lincoln

    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. Please see the flyer and form below for more information.
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    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.
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    • Doctor of Ministry cohort in Wesleyan Spirituality, Leadership and Congregational Renewal at Saint Paul School of Theology

    Further your Wesleyan vision for the church and your ministry by joining with others in a Doctor of Ministry degree with a Wesleyan Spirituality, Leadership, and Congregational Renewal track at Saint Paul School of Theology.

    Beginning January 2009, the cohort group will focus on spiritual growth and vibrant community, the insights of John and Charles Wesley as historical and contemporary Wesleyan practitioners, and congregational social outreach and evangelism. Lead faculty will include Dr. Henry H. Knight III, Donald and Pearl Wright Professor of Wesleyan Studies and Dr. Robert Martin, Lovett H. Weems, Jr. Associate Professor of Church Leadership and Practical Theology.

    Learn more about this opportunity by visiting http://www.spst.edu, calling 800-825-0378 or sending an e-mail to admiss@spst.edu. The application deadline has been extended to Nov. 1.
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