UMconnect — 10/15/08

United Methodist Student Day—Sunday, Nov. 30

United Methodist Student Day is coming up on Nov. 30, 2008. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) administers more than 50 scholarship programs funded through Special Sunday offerings, wills, annuities and other designed gifts.

Scholarships are awarded on an academic-year basis. A student is eligible to receive only one United Methodist scholarship during any single academic year from GBHEM.

Scholarships are awarded to United Methodist students from various backgrounds, working toward higher education degrees. Applicants may be enrolled at any accredited institution within the United States. Most of the scholarships for graduate students are designated for persons pursuing a degree in theological studies (M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D), higher education administration or older adults changing their careers.

Scholarships for racial-ethnic undergraduate or graduate students are also available. Allocations are also given to the 122 United Methodist-related colleges and universities, seminaries and theological schools to be issued as scholarship by the institutions' financial aid offices. (See the Web site at http://www.gbhem.org/education for more information on the UM-related institutions.

Nebraska Wesleyan University annual awards scholarships are made possible through its relationship with the Nebraska United Methodist Conference and GBHEM.

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.

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.

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.

• Guide to getting your VIM teams ready for hurricane relief

Bread for the World Sunday—Oct. 19

On Oct. 19, and other Sundays in the fall, congregations and other faith communities will renew their commitment to ending hunger in God's world. An array of free resources is available to help churches observe Bread for the World Sunday—including worship bulletin inserts, offering envelopes and bread bags (which are ideal for bake sales). A Reflection Resource includes a scripture study of the parable of the prodigal son—written by the Rev. Heidi Neumark, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Manhattan and author of "Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx." This year, Bread for the World Sunday takes place in the midst of the hunger crisis raging in our own country and around the world. For more information about this crisis and what you can do, please visit http://www.bread.org.

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.

• Registration form

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.

• http://www.sheridanlutheran.org/
  Visit Sheridan Lutheran's Web site for more information on the event and a brochure.
• Registration form
• Featured speakers

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.

• Flyer

"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.

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.

• Laity Convocation flyer
• Registration

The Great Elkhorn Hills Pumpkin Patch

The Elkhorn Hills youth are once again sponsoring the pumpkin patch. Come and see the pumpkin mowed into the hill!

The patch is open Oct. 12 - 31, Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. There will be plenty of pumpkins and fun for the entire family! Plus, proceeds will be used for youth mission work.

On Oct. 19, from 12:30 - 3 p.m., there will be a harvest festival featuring a general store, games for kids, trick or treating and a costume parade. The general store will have canned goods, fleece blankets, fresh produce and baked goods for sale.

Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church is located on 20227 Veteran's Drive in Elkhorn.

• Flyer 1
• Flyer 2
• Flyer 3

Volunteers needed in November at Mount Sequoyah!

It's time to prepare the flower beds and winterize the Mountain. Due to a large group cancellation, we are making this last minute request for volunteers to assist the Mount Sequoyah Conference Center staff. The week will begin with dinner on Monday, Nov. 3 and continue through breakfast Friday, Nov. 7. Mount Sequoyah provides lodging at no charge in appreciation of your work. There is a per person charge for meals of $95.50. For more information call 800-760-8126 or e-mail programs@mountsequoyah.org.

Guilt free chocolate for Halloween

Equal Exchange, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) of the United Methodist Church have partnered to raise awareness about Fair Trade this Halloween.

Fairly traded products provide small-scale farmers a fair living wage and an opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty. The three organizations have created an educational resource to increase awareness of the UMCOR Coffee Project and the need to advocate with our wallets and voices for better working conditions and prices for cocoa farmers throughout the world.

Now, mini chocolates and trick-o-treat bags can be purchased at http://www.equalexchange.coop from the Equal Exchange Interfaith Store. Susan Burton, Director of the UM Seminar Program at the General Board of Church and Society, recalls, "After my 3-year-old and I went trick-or-treating, I sorted her candy. I found a post card in her bag encouraging me to buy fair trade chocolate. I realized that was another way that I could put my faith into action and I wanted to make this opportunity available to United Methodists." GBCS joined the partnership between UMCOR and Equal Exchange to encourage people of all ages to buy Fair Trade.

The continuing practice of forced child labor on cocoa farms in West Africa—where 70 percent of the world's chocolate is sourced- has been a well documented problem. As an alternative, Fair Trade Certified cocoa is monitored—from the farmers to the store shelf—by independent, non-profit, certifying organizations. FLO International and TransFair USA guarantee that: No child labor or forced labor was used in the production of cocoa; the cocoa was bought directly from a democratically controlled cooperative of small scale farmers; and, the farmers are paid enough money to support their families with food, education and other essentials.

Global Poverty is one of the four focus areas of the United Methodist Church. This initiative offers United Methodists an opportunity to increase awareness of systems contributing to global poverty in their churches and beyond by handing out fair trade chocolate and a post card with additional information and resources to support fair trade products. Many local United Methodist Churches already serve Equal Exchange's Fair Trade products because they recognize their ability to participate in ending the exploitation of child slave laborers on cocoa farms.

Support cocoa farmers, their families and children by purchasing fair trade chocolate for your church, family and friends through UMCOR's 100-Ton Challenge (www.umcorcoffee.org) currently underway. This 12-month campaign that began on World Fair Trade Sunday on May 10, 2007, encourages United Methodists to support purchase of fair trade products from Equal Exchange through the UMCOR Coffee Project partnership. We hope that United Methodists will seize this opportunity and order chocolate and bags today and put their faith into action.

Two days of potato gleaning prove to be a success!

O'Neill UMC hosted two days of potato gleaning on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, 2008. In the two days, nearly 11.5 Ton of potatoes were collected by 25 groups—a total of 119 people. Of the 119 people, 29 were youth or children with 12 of them from the Boy Scouts.

Nineteen towns were represented with the farthest east being Omaha and south Lincoln, and the farthest west being Cozad. Other Towns or communities that were represented were Allen, Dakota City, Chambers, O'Neill, Orchard, Foster, Verdigre, Pierce, Tilden, Madison, Decatur, South Sioux City, West Point, Creighton, Wisner and Osmond.

Special thanks go out to each and every one who helped in any way. Whether you prayed, bagged, picked, served or baked food, or just kept someone company on the long drive, it all helped to send 11.5 tons of potatoes to people who needed them. Many food pantries have more food available than before. Unfortunately, there were not enough potatoes picked to send to Food Net in Lincoln.

Also, a very special thank you goes to the O'Neill UMC who hosted the group. Last but not least, thank you to Nonpareil Potato Plant of Holt County. Without their cooperation, none of this would be possible.

Blessing of the Animals

The annual Blessing of the Animals was held at North Platte First United Methodist Church on Oct. 5, 2008, on a warm, but breezy fall day. In attendance were a large number of dogs, cats, birds and horses with their owners. A memorial table was also available to remember deceased pets.

Lay members of the church led the group in prayer, word and music. The Rev.
Greta Leach and the Rev. Charles Spence blessed each animal individually as guitar music filled the air.

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