UMconnect 12/03/09

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This Week's UMconnect
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Nancy Erickson shares the litergy as about 70 people look on during the AIDS Day celebration at Lincoln Saint Paul UMC on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Lincoln Saint Paul hosts AIDS Day service of celebration and remembrance

About 70 people took part in the AIDS Day celebration at Lincoln Saint Paul, on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Following the service of celebration and remembrance of those who have died and those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS, screenings were offered as well as counseling.

The service included testimonials including one young man who took the pulpit and thanked everyone for being at the event and showing support. The interactive service also included dancing led by Maribel Cruz and Elizabeth Govaerts, a candle light vigil, singing, responsive prayer and silent meditation.
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Cutting costs and saving trees—read "The Messenger" online

In an effort to reduce printing costs and to be environmentally friendly, Nebraska United Methodist Communications has been offering "The Nebraska Messenger" online in a PDF form for a couple of years. We invite you to cancel your printed subscription and begin reading "The Nebraska Messenger" newspaper online via the PDF.

Please complete the e-mail subscription form and submit your request to stop receiving "The Nebraska Messenger" via U.S. Mail. In return you will begin receiving e-mails that notify you when the new edition has been posted on the Web site. "The Messenger" link is located under the Communication quick link on the upper left corner of the home page at www.umcneb.org.
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Mission Share update

Nebraska United Methodist congregations have supported mission share giving during the 2009 year at 63.96 percent as of Nov. 30. At the same time period in 2008, churches had contributed 65.69 percent and in 2007, 69.15 percent of the approved funding plan had been received. The 2009 figure represents a slight decrease over prior year amounts. During this advent season, please remember to express your appreciation for God's greatest gift to us, his son Jesus Christ.

Remember that 2009 contributions are due to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center by January 6, 2010, at 5 p.m. Thank you for your commitment and contributions during the 2009 and know that your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Conference Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services, Robin Kilgore
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Jody Henderson joins the Nebraska United Methodist Conference team

Jody Henderson begins her new career with Nebraska United Methodist Conference as the administrative assistant to the director of connectional ministries.

Jody Henderson recently joined the Nebraska United Methodist Conference staff as administrative assistant. In this position, Henderson works alongside the Rev. Chad Anglemyer, director of connectional ministries.

Henderson's primary role is to assist Anglemyer with organizing large annual events and managing project timelines. She will also be responsible for recruiting volunteers.

Currently, Anglemyer and Henderson are busy planning the 2010 Annual Conference Session scheduled for June 9-12, in Lincoln and the Special Clergy Session scheduled for Jan. 19-21, also in Lincoln.

"With Henderson's vast experience in managing people and projects as well as executing new ideas, she is an energetic addition to the staff of Nebraska United Methodist Conference," said Anglemyer.

Henderson offices in the newly relocated Nebraska United Methodist Conference Center, at 3333 Landmark Cir., in Lincoln. She can be reached at jhenderson@umcneb.org or call 402-464-5994, ext. 105.

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Safe Sanctuaries—important information

Safe Sanctuaries is a very important part of making sure church families and visitors are worshiping in a safe environment.

Recently, the Safe Sanctuaries program was relocated to the Conference Center. Please send all requests for certification and any questions you have to:

Barb Grenemeier
Safe Sanctuaries Certification
3333 Landmark Circle
Lincoln, NE 68504

402-464-5994, ext. 114
bgren@umcneb.org
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Route is set for NUMB Ride 2010

Hastings Grace UMC will host the first and last days of NUMB Ride 2010. The Nebraska United Methodist Bike Ride for Hunger (NUMB) will hold its 15th annual ride June 26-30, 2010. The previous 14 NUMBs raised more than $410,000 to support hunger projects around the world. NUMB Director Bill Ritter, pastor of First UMC in Columbus said, "NUMB 2010 will be a very special ride. After riding through York and Seward counties this summer, the NUMB ride will have been in all 93 counties of Nebraska." Besides Hastings Grace, other United Methodist host churches include Central City, Seward and Geneva. The host churches line up camping, showers and meals for the 150 riders and support staff. The riders will cover about 300 miles during NUMB 2010. Specific routes will be determined by NUMB Route Director Greg Bakewell, a member of Omaha Faith Westwood UMC.

The dates and host cities for NUMB 2010 are:

June 26—Hastings
June 27—Central City
June 28—Seward
June 29—Geneva
June 30—Hastings

Registration for NUMB Ride 2010 will be available in bike shops and on line at www.numbride.org in January. The ride is limited to 125 riders. NUMB is an ecumenical ride, persons do not have to be United Methodist to participate. For more information contact Bill Ritter at numbride@hotmail.com or NUMB Registrar Regina Bergman at 4113 N 213th Circle, Elkhorn, NE 68022, 402-289-4764 or 402-657-3983.

NUMB 2010 Staff:

Director—Bill Ritter of Columbus UMC
Registrar—Regina Bergman of Elkhorn Hills UMC
Route Director—Greg Bakewell of Faith Westwood UMC
SAG Directors—Wayne and Cathy Minikus of Omaha St. Paul UMC
Social Director—Nina Clark of Elkhorn Hills UMC
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Can we learn to celebrate giving?

I had the great joy of returning to one of my former pastorates recently. When the pastor said, "It's time for the offering," people started cheering. "Yea! Great! All right!" THAT was a surprise.

I leaned over to my neighbor and said, "Are they cheering for the offering? I don't think I have ever seen that. I'm SURE I never saw that when I was the pastor here." That is exactly what was happening!

I grew up in a traditional worship style where a shouted "Amen!" would have required performing CPR on a traditional soul. My first congregation taught me the joy of engaging in worship. However, never had I heard anyone cheer when the preacher said it was time for the offering.

I liked it. The offering is the true high point of worship—the time when we have the great privilege of showing our gratitude and dedication to God. While I am sure some people think it may be irreverent to cheer at the announcement of the offering, I believe it is the right response.

What would it be like if cheering for the offering spread across our denomination? If churches—even for just one Sunday—would let out a respectful cheer when the pastor said, "It's now time to share our tithes and offerings"? Somehow, we have to find a way to communicate to our people that, as beneficiaries of Christ's gifts, we must be grateful, generous and joyful givers. When it is time for the offering, let's find a way to celebrate.

One of our connectional giving opportunities—the General Administration Fund—may not have the catchiest name. However, it enables amazing things—financial accountability for our church, the quadrennial General Conference where key decisions are made and much, much more. Let's celebrate and give generously.

—Adapted from article by the Rev. Dr. Mary John Dye, Statesville district superintendent, Western North Carolina Conference, Oct. 21, 2009
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United Methodist Communications announces InfoServ change

NASHVILLE—InfoServ, the official information service of The United Methodist Church, will become exclusively an e-mail and online information service effective April 1, 2010. At that time, telephone support services will be discontinued.

InfoServ is a ministry of United Methodist Communications, which announced in August some program and staff reductions in response to a growing budget deficit and a restructuring plan.

"In these challenging economic times, we must find ways to continue providing high-quality service in a more cost effective manner," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. "Telephone calls to InfoServ have been decreasing over the past couple of years as more people take advantage of the Web or use e-mail to request information. We're committed to continuing to provide answers quickly and accurately, but technology allows us to do so more economically."

Customers will be able to submit questions via e-mail at infoserv@umcom.org. Answers to the most frequently asked questions are also available online at www.infoserv.umc.org. In addition, other customer-friendly options, such as live chat and leaving a callback number, will be explored during the transition period. Depending on the demand, some limited hours for telephone availability may be offered after April 1.
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The 2009 Micah Corps interns walking down the sidewalk near the Cornhusker Hotel during the June, 2009, Annual Conference Session.

Applications being accepted for summer 2010 Micah Corps internships

Up to six Nebraska United Methodist young adults will be selected for the Micah Corps 2010 summer internships. Persons post-high school age through age 25 are eligible.

The summer internships focus on helping young people deepen their walk with God and work for justice.
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Eight steps to transform your congregation

The following information was offered as a hand-out at the recent Rethink Church workshop held in Lexington, Neb. We offer it here as a thought starter and a possible tool to help in your congregations discipleship and strategic planning efforts.

No church today—large or small, local or global—is immune to change. To cope with new technological, competition, and demographic forces, leaders in every denomination have sought to fundamentally alter the way their congregations fulfill their mission.

These change efforts have paraded under many banners—total quality management, re-engineering, restructuring, mergers, turnarounds, consultations, refocus. Yet, despite all of this change, most church fail at managing change.

Yet, according to change management guru John Kotter, fewer than 15 of the 100 or more organizations studied have successfully transformed themselves. While the particulars of every case vary, Kotter has identified eight critical stages of successful change management. Mismanaging any one of these steps can undermine an otherwise well-conceived vision.

1. Establish a sense of urgency (reality orientation)
• Examine demographics, history and changing current realities
• Identify and discuss crises, potential crises, or major opportunities

2. Form a powerful guiding coalition (leadership team)
• Assemble a group with enough power to lead the change effort
• Encourage the group to work as a team

3. Create a vision
• Create a vision to help direct the change effort
• Develop strategies/prescription/action plans for achieving the vision

4. Communicate the vision
• Use every vehicle possible to communicate the new vision and strategies
• Teach new behaviors by the example of the guiding coalition

5. Empower others to act on the vision
• Get rid of obstacles to change
• Change systems or structures that seriously undermine the vision (create teams)
• Encourage risk-taking and non-traditional ideas, activities and actions

6. Plan for and create short-term wins
• Plan for visible Blockbuster Events
• Create multiple improvements

7. Consolidate improvements and produce still more change (resource focusing) • Use increased credibility to change systems, structures and policies that don't fit the vision
• Hire, promote, and develop staff/volunteers who can implement the vision
• Reinvigorate the process with new projects, themes and change agents

8. Institutionalize new approaches
• Articulate the connections between the new behaviors and organizational success
• Develop the means to ensure leadership development and succession (leadership culture)

Source: Kotter, John P. "Winning at Change" Leader to Leader. 10 (Fall 1998): 27-33
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About 70 people gathered at Saint Paul UMC in Lincoln on World AIDS Day to celebrate and remember those who have died and who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. A candle vigil provided a visual and interactive remembrance.

Support the Nebraska AIDS special offering on Dec. 6

Last year nearly 4 million people were infected with AIDS and more than 2.1 million died from the disease. Unfortunately, many people have become numb to these appalling statistics and choose to remain unattached to the victims of this disease. However, on Dec. 1, 2009, people will have a chance to observe and participate in the World AIDS Day. By becoming educated on how this disease affects so many individuals, hopefully more Christians will join the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund which raises money for grants that help support the education, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

If you are already interested in participating in the cause, then you can donate to the fund or become a United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Ambassador. If becoming an Ambassador for your local church is of interest, here are the specifics Ambassador's agree to:

—Provide a monetary gift to the UM Global AIDS Fund (This Special Offering is on Sunday, Dec. 6.)
—Promote the work of the UM Global AIDS Fund in his/her local church, district and conference.
—Pray daily for the work of the UM Global AIDS Fund
—Share inspiring stories
—Read a book on HIV/AIDS or read "52 Ways to Create an AIDS-Free World" by Don Messer, which is $10 to purchase.

If you are interested in becoming an AIDS Ambassador, please e-mail Maureen Vetter at mvetter@charter.net and she will send information to Linda Bales at the Board of Church and Society in Washington, DC. You will receive information from Linda through an AIDS newsletter.

Currently Nebraska only has six AIDS Ambassadors. The HIV/AIDS special offering goals are to increase the number of ambassadors and raise funding for AIDS programs. Remember that 25 percent of the offering's from Nebraska for the UM Global AIDS Fund goes to local Nebraska HIV/AIDS projects through the "Working to Create an AIDS-FREE World Grants." The applications are due annually by Nov. 1 and Nebraska's UMC HIV/Aids Task Force members select the grantees.

The Nebraska Conference HIV/AIDS Task Force is a part of the Risk Taking Mission and Justice Team. Grant forms are available online in recent UM Connects and will be on the Risk Taking Mission and Justice Team page of the Nebraska Conference Web site at www.umcneb.org.

Offering envelopes are free and available through Cokesbury. All offerings are sent to the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Treasurer (Nebraska Advance #578). To collaborate with more HIV/AIDS helping agencies in your area, such as the Nebraska AIDS Project visit www.nap.org. In addition, there is now a video called, "52 Ways to Create an AIDS Free World," on UM-TUBE on the Nebraska United Methodist Conference Web site.
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Winter youth event—B1...one being, being one...Jan. 29-31

The Nebraska United Methodist Conference Youth Ministry (along with the Nebraska-Nigeria Partnership and the Risk-Taking Mission and Justice Team of The Common Table) are hosting a youth event for all senior high youth starting Friday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. and ending on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010 at 12:30 p.m.

Camp Comeca will be the site for this event. The B1 Campaign is a program of the General Board of Global Ministries promoting the idea that each person should live with a sense of responsibility and connection to others. Participants will be encouraged to take part in voluntary food fasts, education and contributions to anti-poverty projects. Education will be centered on understanding how youth around the world struggle each day to survive. Participants will be empowered to make a difference in the lives of others and in turn the participants' own lives will be changed.

The weekend will also be infused with time for recreation, meeting new friends and enjoying the amenities of Camp Comeca.

Watch for more details to come in a mailing to all pastors as well as the "Messenger" and Web site at www.umcneb.org. For more information contact the Rev. Michael Patzloff, Hanscom Park UMC at 402-553-3312 or e-mail michael@hanscomparkchurch.org.

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Local mission opportunities for 2010

Looking for a local mission opportunity in 2010? United Methodist Ministries invites you to join us in Omaha, Neb., to learn about becoming agents of community change through local mission and justice work. Mission experiences combine hands-on work at mission sites and small group work focused on mission and justice issues.

Potential team activities can include working in a community garden and learning about food security; assisting at a shelter and learning about homelessness; working at food pantries and other emergency relief agencies that address systemic issues of poverty; sorting donations at a thrift store and learning about economic justice; and looking at methods of dismantling racism, access to arts and literacy activities, and issues surrounding immigration.

Length of mission experiences varies from 24-hours to five days. Cost is $10 per person per day (an extra $15 per person per night charge is assessed if lodging is required.) Groups are also asked to raise additional money/supplies as part of the experience to support the agencies they visit.

United Methodist Ministries is a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) accredited site. All visiting groups are considered VIM mission teams. For more information visit www.bigmuddyumc.org or contact Lisa Maupin at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org.
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