UMconnect — 12/31/08

Nebraska Conference to be represented at UMCOR health meeting in Nigeria in February

Dottie Halvorsen, chair of the Nigeria/Nebraska Project, and Kathryn Witte, director of communications for the Nebraska Conference, will travel to Nigeria in February to take part in a United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) planning meeting with the Nigeria Rural Health Project medical board.

Nigeria is one of eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa where UMCOR focuses on health programs. The general agency on health and welfare was renamed as UMCOR Health at a recent board meeting, though officially the name will be changed only at the next General Conference in 2012.

UMCOR Health will focus on five areas of global health including HIV/AIDS, malaria, community-based health care, hospitals, clinics and training centers. Three strategic objects include developing a national United Methodist health plan, strengthening/establishing a medical board and appointing country coordinators for each of the eight targeted countries.

General Conference 2008 approved a funding plan to help with a global health initiative. UMCOR is positioning its work so that it is ready to roll when funding becomes available. The main focus will be on malaria but attention to the other health issues named above will be complementary and supplementary to the malaria issue.

Dr. Cherian Thomas, M.D. executive secretary, Health and Welfare, General Board of Global Ministries, is leading the delegation to a meeting set for Feb. 6-7 in Zing, Nigeria.

Zing is located about an hour east of Jalingo, where the partnership's orphanage is located. Through the United Methodist Global Health Initiative, a new quadrennial program of the UMC, the rural health program headquartered in Zing, Nigeria, has been chosen as one of the African locations to be upgraded and revitalized. The health and welfare program area under the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) in New York, asked the Iowa Conference, because of the Iowa-Nigeria Partnership (INP), to partner with them in this effort.

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Nebraska United Methodist Communications—who does what?

Submission for both UMconnect and the event calendar on the Web site can be done from links off of UMconnect. E-mailed UMconnect items should go to Sara Brockhoft (sbrockhoft@umcneb.org) and/or Kathryn Witte (kwitte@umcneb.org). Event calendar items are best submitted online, but can also be sent to Roxie Delisi (rdelisi@umcneb.org). Nebraska Messenger submissions should be sent to Kathryn Witte. Circulation (mailing list, e-mail list) changed should be forwarded to Roxie Delisi.

For help with strategic planning, promotional planning, advertising, welcoming ministry training or other marketing communications efforts, especially those connected with the conference vision and six signs of discipleship, contact Kathryn Witte (kwitte@umcneb.org) or 402-464-5994, ext. 113.

Help with demographic studies geared for supporting church revitalization, new churches and faith communities, is available from the Rev. Nita Hinds-Park, who is the conference expert on the demographic software MissionInsite.

• UMconnect Styleguide

The Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies to start 29th retreat series and ninth for the Nebraska United Methodist Conference

August 2009 will mark the beginning of the ninth Nebraska Conference retreat series using family systems thinking to assist clergy in being health leaders as they deal with the anxieties and reactive nature of their churches. More than 350 of clergy have discovered the value of the center's training. The retreat trains clergy to gain greater understanding of their own emotional processes, and seek health and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives.

The six-part retreat costs $1,800, the same price as when it began in Nebraska nine years ago. Payments can spread over the 18-month retreat period. Retreat leader, the Rev. Bill Selby says, "Bottom line, don't make money the deciding factor in regards to your health."

Here are only some of the most recent comments:

Dr. Carol Roettmer Brewer DS, NE —"The center learning process has been invaluable to me as a person and as a pastor. I highly recommend the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness for all pastors!"

Rev. John Blinn, CO—"The center is one of the most helpful ways for a person (pastor) to keep a healthy spiritual perspective. When I am in the midst of difficult and dysfunctional relationships, I gain an ability to maintain my own sense of authenticity and to build meaningful boundaries utilizing my center learnings. I strongly recommend the center."

Dr. Carolyn Waters, CO— "Bill Selby is a master at teaching others how to be healthy leaders."

Rev. Doug Wasinger, WY (Episcopal) —"The center experience has been life saving. I am able to utilize the material, the thinking and the process in every area of my life especially when the natural anxieties arise. The center has given me tools to be a healthy person, a healthy spouse and father, and a healthy minister."

Rev. Nathan Stanton, KS— "My ministry has been transformed into a more thoughtful and compassionate process that doesn't yield to anxiety but displays peace in the process of knowing who I am in the mist of others."

Pastor Jeffrey Louden, ELCA, UT—"To say that I have grown from my center experience is not enough. I have gained a greater understanding of myself, the reactive processes of the church and family, and how to relate to them as a healthy leader. This was probably the most important continuing education in my ministry career."

Rev. Brian Kottas DS, NE— "Bill's down to earth style and approach to systems theory complement Bowen and Friedman's work well. Darn! If I'd only known this stuff 20 years ago. I recommend the center without hesitation!"

For more information, talk to any of the clergy above, click on our Web site http://www.pastoraleffectiveness.org, or contact the Rev. Bill Selby at integrity4u@comcast.net or 303-521-3850.

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, with the first session beginning at 6 p.m., and concluding at 11:30 a.m., Feb. 1, 2009.

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

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.

• Information form
• Registration
• More information
  This link will provide you with more information on the purpose of Schools of Christian Mission and its 2009 theme, "Together at the Table."

Saint Paul School of Theology to host one-of-a kind inaugural event

"We Have a Dream: Celebrating a Historic Inauguration Together" is the theme of a special inauguration event sponsored by the Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City

10-11:30 a.m. Watch inaugural activities together
11:30-noon Worship
Noon-1 p.m. Lunch
1 p.m. Discussion: Race Relations
2:15 p.m. Discussion: Civil Religion
3:30 p.m. Discussion: International Relations
6-9 p.m. Formal Dinner and Saint Paul Ball

For more information, contact Bonnie Disbrow at bonnie.disbrow@spst.edu or 816-245-4824.

Go to the Saint Paul School of Theology Web site at http://www.spst.edu and click on the January 20 calendar item for complete descriptions of discussion groups and a list of featured panelists.

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2008 year-end statistical reports

The electronic data input system provided by the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is now available for churches in the Nebraska United Methodist Conference. Letters were mailed from the conference office on Dec. 1, to all churches containing the secure logon information for this year's process. All correspondence sent to pastors and church treasurers about the 2008 statistical process can be found on the conference Web site at http://www.umcneb.org by clicking on the administration tab.

Churches should report the information as of Dec. 31, 2008. The data entry window will be open from Jan. 1 to Jan. 16. After Jan. 16, data will no longer be accepted. Pastors should make sure that someone from the church is responsible for the data entry prior to the deadline. Additional information and assistance is also available from each district office.

Mark your calendars for a weekend honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Multiple activities honoring the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are scheduled for MLK weekend. Mark your calendars, and don't miss out on these exciting opportunities!

Saturday, January 17—We Have a Dream, A Day of Arts for Youth, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hanscom Park UMC.
We Have a Dream is an opportunity for middle school students to come together to express their hopes and dreams through visual and performing arts, to build new relationships, and to gain a better understanding and respect for all people. For more information, contact Keith Hart at 402-898-9862 or khart@bigmuddyumc.org.

We Have a Dream flyer

We Have a Dream registration

Saturday, January 17—Martin Luther King Jr. Worship Service, 4 p.m. at Clair Memorial United Methodist Church.
The service will feature Dr. Angela D. Sims, assistant professor of ethics and Black Church Studies at St. Paul School of Theology. For more information, contact the Rev. Michael Patzloff at 402-553-3312 or michael@hanscomparkumc.org.

Monday, January 19—MLK Day of Service, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Tri-Community UMC (Ogden Location).
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

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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.

• Flyer

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. If your organization would like to secure a booth, contact the Rev, Nita Hinds-Park at nita@umcneb.org

• Clergy Special Session brochure

"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.

• "Making a Difference" brochure

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?

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 Sanctuaries 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.

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.

• The Nebraska Five Day Academy For Spiritual Formation brochure

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.

• Youth Service Fund application