UMconnect — 12/17/08

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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.

Nebraska's Mid-winter School of Christian Mission, Jan. 30-Feb. 1, in Scottsbluff—Together at the Table

Schools of Christian Mission are an educational experience for those wishing to expand their concepts of mission in today's world. The intent is that attendees will broaden their context of mission and express it in their personal ministry. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to share new ideas and learnings with those in their congregations. The 2009 theme for Schools of Christian Mission around the globe is "Together at the Table." It is a theme that sees us seeing all God's people together in ministry to the world.

The school is open to all who would like to participate. Continuing education credits as well as Lay Speaking Ministries credits are available upon request. The Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission event complements the summer school in July and offers a more accessible educational opportunity for United Methodists living in western Nebraska.

The Nebraska Conference Mid-Winter School of Christian Mission will be held in Scottsbluff at First United Methodist Church with lodging at the Comfort Inn. Registration is from 3-6 p.m., Jan. 30, 2009, the first session begins at 6 p.m., and concludes at 11:30 a.m., Feb. 1, 2009.

The studies offered are "I Believe in Jesus" led by Rev. Joy Savage, and "Giving Our Hearts Away, Native American Survival" taught by Russell Masartis.

I Believe in Jesus
This study deals with four key components, namely (a) the gift of faith in Jesus Christ, (b) the meaning of faith in Jesus, (c) whose faith counts and (d) faith in Jesus in a post-modern world.

Jesus is the name above all names; the salvation of the world. Intentional efforts to come to know the experience of God from the perspective of persons from other faiths help affirm for us that God's mercy and God's mystery is beyond our understanding. The witness of Jesus, as someone who loved all persons, must be the model of our discipleship.

Giving Our Hearts Away: Native American Survival
The purposes of this study are to learn about the interrelatedness between the indigenous peoples and their land, to identify selected key issues affecting the Native Americans in the United States and to examine the root causes of these issues.

The study will help attendees understand and appreciate the "give away" culture of the Native Americans in the areas of spirituality, ecology, language, story-telling and food. Participants will learn to act as responsible U.S. citizens and Christians in accompaniment and solidarity with Native Americans.

Books are available from the Mission Resource Center or will be available for sale during the event.

For more information, contact Joyce Solomon, dean, at 308-643-23232 or e-mail msolomo@neb-sandhills.net. You may also contact Marianne Chapman, mid-winter registrar, at 308-635-3023.
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Holiday office closure

The conference office will be closed Dec. 25 and 26 as well as Jan. 1.
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Winter Youth Common Table

What: Winter Youth Common Table

When: Friday, Jan. 2 - Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009

Time: 6 p.m. Friday - 2 p.m. on Saturday

Where: Kearney First UMC

Cost: $15

Who: Anyone!

The lowdown:
  • The new Nebraska United Methodist Conference Youth Web site will be unveiled, and text messaging capabilities will be discussed.
  • An online Lenten Study/small groups will be planned.
  • We will further discuss a summer 2009 mission trip.
  • Everyone will begin Youth Annual Conference preliminary work and planning.

    • Registration information: Please go to the conference Web site (http://www.umcneb.org/Youth/index.htm) and download the health form. The form needs to be sent to:

    Rev. Michael Patzloff
    4444 Frances Street
    Omaha NE 68105

    For more information, contact Michael Patzloff at 402-553-3312 or michael@hanscomparkchurch.org.

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    Clergy Special Session set for Jan. 20-22 at Lincoln St. Marks

    The clergy of the Nebraska United Methodist Conference will be gathering in Lincoln for their annual session on Jan. 20-22, 2009, at St. Marks, in Lincoln.

    Just as with the annual conference session in June, a packet will be distributed at the time of registration. Ministries and programs wishing to have something placed in the packet should contact the conference office at 402-464-5994 and ask for Kathryn Witte (ext. 113) or Roxie Delisi (107) to arrange for receipt of an item to be included in the packet.
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    "Making a Difference"—a day of learning, worship and fellowship

    The Elkhorn Valley District will host its annual day of learning, worship and fellowship entitled "Making a Difference," on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009, at First United Methodist Church in Norfolk. All who wish to grow as disciples are invited. Certain workshops focus on the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee as well as the six signs of discipleship. Workshops are intended for leaders of education and youth, finance and stewardship, council chairs and Lay Leaders.

    All are invited to come to brush up on their skills to enhance the work of the local church. Bishop Ann Brookshire Sherer will be speaking on the topic "Through you...blessing," and participants will have the opportunity to attend two of the eight workshops.

    Early registration is encouraged (by Dec. 15), although late registrants will be welcomed. Early registration ensures the workshops of your choice. Please read the brochure below to learn about the variety of interesting and helpful workshops that are available.
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    SAVE THE DATE—Blue River District Youth Skate Night, Jan. 18

    Sunday, Jan. 18, youth in grades 7-12 are encouraged to join in the fun of the Blue River District's Annual Youth Skate at Mahoney State Park. The event is $5 per person and will take place from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

    In addition to ice skating, food and an indoor playground will also be available. This year's event also includes a challenge to all Blue River District United Methodist Youth Groups. For all of the details, please see the flyer below.
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    One Dietz member is pictured holding a wreath that spelled the word "Peace" in lights.

    Prayers for peace echoed around United Methodist Churches

    Prayers of peace and hope echoed from over 150 people who participated in 11 peace vigils hosted by United Methodist Churches on Dec. 7. Across the Nebraska United Methodist Conference, United Methodist Congregations gathered at their places of worship with songs, thoughts and prayers of peace for their communities, the nation and the world.

    This is the second year that United Methodist Ministries—Missouri River District has encouraged congregations to participate in a unified peace vigil. "We were struck last year by the number of congregations that wanted to participate and by the stories we heard of people for whom the peace vigil was a highlight of Advent," said the Rev. Stephanie Ahlschwede, Executive Director of United Methodist Ministries. "We had an even greater response this year and look forward to creating a tradition of peace vigils on the first Sunday December each year. I think people are yearning for peace in their neighborhoods, communities, nation and the world, and the peace vigils give us a way to act on the call for peace." Participating churches are asked to take a moment to send out messages of peace and hope. Many churches invite other congregations and community members to join them in the vigil.

    Dietz United Methodist Church hosted their vigil on the front steps of the church as participants prayed for peace and shared messages of hope with each other. Members of Dietz UMC and Hanscom Park UMC waved at passing cars as a reminder to the neighborhood that people care. One Dietz member held a wreath that spelled the word "Peace" in lights.

    Tri-Community Church located in North Omaha hosted youth and adults from Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church. Vigil participants wrote statements on the effect of violence in their lives and communities, shared stories and engaged in fellowship. The Rev. Charlotte Abram led the group in activities that helped them see the ripple effect of violent acts and how a peaceful life feels. She was pleased with the conversations between youth and adults about the driving need for peace in their lives.

    Thank you to the congregations that participated in the unified peace vigil: Clair Memorial United Methodist Church, Crawford United Methodist Church, Dietz Memorial United Methodist Church, Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church-Omaha, Fremont Calvary United Methodist Church, Hanscom Park United Methodist Church, Hooper Faith United Methodist Church, Imperial United Methodist Church, Rockbrook United Methodist Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church and Tri-Community United Methodist Church.
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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, 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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    Upcoming youth opportunities

    sponsored by
    United Methodist Ministries—Missouri River District and Missouri River District

    January 17, 2009—MLK Day of the Arts for youth

  • MLK Day of the Arts flyer
  • MLK Day of the Arts registration

    • January 19, 2009—MLK Day of Service
    Honor the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day "on" not "off." The day will include service work at local agencies in the metro-Omaha area, creation of a permanent "Seat of Justice" art display and education on justice issues of race and poverty in our communities.

  • MLK Day of Service flyer

    • March 13-14, 2009—Youth Leadership Summit
    This is an opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills as they learn more about their role in the local church. The summit will include a combination of workshops and hands-on participation. Upon completion of the summit, participating youth will have completed the Basic Lay Speaking for Youth Course.

    April 25, 2009—Global Youth Service Day
    Invite your youth to take part in an international movement of community change. The day will include service work at local agencies in the metro-Omaha area.

    Summer Mission Learning and Leading
    Youth groups are invited to take the lead in learning to be agents of community change through a mission experience with United Methodist Ministries—Missouri River District. Mission experiences will include hands-on work at mission sites and reinforcement educational activities. The length of mission experiences varies from 24-hours to 5 days.

    For more information, please see the flyer below or contact Lisa Maupin at 402-898-9862 or lmaupin@bigmuddyumc.org. Please note that the activities are not limited to Missouri River District youth. All Nebraska United Methodist Conference youth are invited to participate.
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    Making disciples who make a difference workshop

    The Gateway District Office would like to invite everyone to a workshop to learn more about the signs of discipleship. It will be on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009, at the Kearney Faith United Methodist Church located at 1623 Central Ave., from 2-5 p.m.

    Under the heading, "Gracious Generosity," the Rev. Greg Reed will share information on the Consecration Sunday stewardship program. The Shelton UMC has had success with this program in their church--come and find out how!

    The Rev. Evie Gulachi-Johnson will present "Connectional Joy." Planning can't begin too soon for Vacation Bible School. Come to preview materials, set dates for your church's program and begin plans to share materials with other UMC's so that all may have a great week with the kids!

    Sharing on "Faith Development," Pastors Valera Heydenberk and Michelle Reed will talk about what happens when persons are feeling called into ministry. What are the steps into ministry in the local church? Each pastor and church should know how to lead persons through the process of becoming a pastor. Information from the Board of Ordained Ministry will be shared.

    And covering "Radical Hospitality" are Laura Stubblefield and Neil Stubblefield. They will share how our youth are not the future of the church, they are the present! How can churches encourage, empower and equip youth for ministry and service in the United Methodist tradition? Hear what works best with Laura, United Campus Ministry director, and Neil, Gateway District youth coordinator.

    This event offers helpful insights to help you grow as a disciple. Please come free of charge. There will also be a Safe Sanctuary Training held from 2-5 p.m. The cost of Safe Sanctuaries training is $20, which covers the cost of the background check. Great refreshments will also be available. Sponsors of the event include the churches of Gateway Cluster 5, Amherst, Gibbon Bethel, Gibbon Faith, Kearney Faith, Kearney First, Pleasanton-Haven's Chapel, Ravenna-Hazard and Shelton UMC.

    Please share this information in your bulletins and newsletters so all may take advantage of these wonderful resources.

    For more information, contact the Gateway District Office at 308 -234-3098 or gateway@umcneb.org.
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    The Nebraska Five Day Academy For Spiritual Formation

    The Nebraska Five Day Academy For Spiritual Formation will be held Feb. 8-13, 2009, at the Saint Benedict Center in Schuyler, Neb.

    The Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation is:
  • A retreat for lay and clergy persons of all denominations who hunger for spiritual growth.
  • A time for celebrating holistic spirituality renewing body, mind and soul.
  • A time for learning new ways to deepen our relationship with God and to live as faithful servants of God's love in the world.
  • A time when morning and night prayers, evening eucharist and silence set the rhythm for the week.
  • A time to be informed, nurtured, sustained and empowered by God's Spirit for Christian Discipleship in the world.

    • For more information, please see the brochure below.

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    Youth Service Fund applications

    Every year a portion of the Youth Service Fund collected from the previous year is given out as grants for mission work here in Nebraska and throughout the world. Please take some time to download the application from the conference Web site and return the filled out form by the deadline of March 15, 2009.

    The final decision will be determined by the Youth Common Table during the spring meeting (March 27-28, 2009). If you have questions, please contact Michael Patzloff at 402-553-3312 or michael@hanscomparkchurch.org.
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    Worship Workshop Live! with Marcia McFee this March in Kansas City

    Energize your staff and congregation and enhance your worship with new ideas from Worship Workshop Live! On Saturday, March 7, 2009, Dr. Marcia McFee (MTS, '96) will lead a workshop on the Saint Paul School of Theology Kansas City campus from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

    Participants will get an overview of worship trends, understanding tradition and the politics of change, why sensory-rich experiences are needed, and how to get more congregants involved in seasonal design teams. 0.5 CEU Credit is available. To register, visit http://www.spst.edu or contact Leigh Precise at leighp@spst.edu or 816-245-4819.
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    United Methodist News Service is looking for inauguration stories

    United Methodist News Service plans to produce a series of stories related to the inauguration in January. We would like to know if you have someone in your conference with a unique perspective on the historic nature of Barack Obama's election or a specific message to send to the new administration about issues the UMC cares about most. United Methodist News Service also want to know if you have heard about people from your conference who might have special plans related to the inauguration like trips, watch parties, etc.

    Please let United Methodist News Service know if you have any leads, by contacting newsdesk@umcom.org. United Methodist News Service hopes to use as many comments, photos, video clips, and audio interviews as it can to create a comprehensive look at how the United Methodist Church is participating in this unprecedented event.

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    Fair Trade all the way, "Ho, Ho, Ho!"

    Fair Trade Holiday Caroling spreads awareness about entrepreneurial solutions to poverty

    This holiday season your annual carolers may catch you by surprise. The words of Jingle Bells may have the same ring, but the words will be packed with a different message. Through songs like "My Favorite Fair-traded Things," carolers throughout the United States will be calling on their neighbors to make "Peace on Earth!" and "Joy to the World!" a reality by taking the Fair Trade pledge.

    In this season of giving, the Fair Trade Campaign of international human rights group Global Exchange and General Board of Church and Society, in partnership with schools, youth groups, congregations, and community organizations, are calling on consumers to transform the life of farming and artisan families around the world by taking a Fair Trade pledge, such as buying all Fair Trade gifts this season or making a New Year's Resolution to buy a cup of Fair Trade coffee every month. "Fair Trade Certified" gifts and commodities ensure that farmers and artisan cooperatives are paid prices adequate to live in dignity, access health care and education, and work toward escaping poverty. Participants nationwide have submitted Fair Trade holiday carols, including secular carols, for this fun action that will spread the message to their neighborhoods, multiplying the difference they will make in bringing cheer this holiday season.

    "Which is a better way to give gifts that spread holiday cheer? A gift that will bring lasting pleasure to the recipient and also transform the life of the person who made it, helping them escape from poverty? Or a gift made in a factory or grown on a plantation where workers are paid dismal wages, work long hours and suffer indignities like being denied bathroom breaks?" asks Global Exchange Fair Trade Campaign Director Adrienne Fitch-Frankel. "Giving and receiving Fair Trade gifts is a completely joyful way to celebrate the holiday season."

    Fair Trade, denoted by the "Fair Trade Certified" label, is a monitoring and certification process that guarantees a minimum price for commodities such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. Fair Trade craft and clothing traders are members of the Fair Trade Federation, which screens companies. Both systems empower producers to escape poverty, while providing international labor protection to workers, and ensuring environmentally sustainable production practices.
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